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Together on the Journey: Youth Engage in Anti-Racism Work

The Midland Area Community Foundation’s Youth Action Council (MCYAC) created an anti-racist guide.

The Midland Area Community Foundation’s (MACF) Midland County Youth Action Council (MCYAC) created an anti-racist guide, “How to Become an Anti-Racist Superhero,” to be used as an educational resource to empower their Midland County Youth Action Council (MCYAC) to address and respond to racism. 

Sara JacobsCarter, youth impact coordinator at MACF, shared that the guide was created for the Midland Youth Inclusivity Committee. 

According to JacobsCarter, the committee was created after several members of the MCYAC expressed a strong desire to take action in response to the murder of George Floyd.

“We decided to come together to put the killing of innocent Black folks at the hands of police into historical context and to learn how to make changes in our own spheres of influence. We have recruited members from our MCYAC and also from friendship circles,” JacobsCarter told CMF. 

JacobsCarter also reached out to teachers in the area who are engaging in racial equity efforts. 

The guide – filled with bold, colorful cartoon images – lifts up the voices and work of people of color as co-authors of the piece. 

It outlines why everyone should be an “anti-racist superhero,” addressing violence against Black communities, unpacking white privilege and providing tools for navigating conversations when confronted with racism.

“It gives people tools to combat racism in their own lives in at least a small way. Those feelings of helplessness lessen a little when you’re learning about the systematic racism that marginalized populations have to face,” JacobsCarter told CMF. 

The guide explains why we should all “put on our (superhero) cape” and address racism in conversations and beyond: “Know that you will get better at this - if you are consistent, thoughtful, and commit to a habit of interrupting bigotry in your life wherever you encounter it, including within yourself.”

Although made specifically for MCYAC, the guide is intended to be used by anyone and edited to fit their specific needs. The MCYAC plans to continue updating and utilizing the guide, along with amplifying it through their own networks to promote anti-racist work among their peers and the broader community.

Want more?

View a sample of the guide.

Connect with Sara JacobsCarter to learn more about the guide.

Learn more about the Midland County Youth Action Council. 

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