This month, Team Innermost have been spending a lot of time absorbing what's been going on in the world. Our theme for June was Representation, in celebration of the #BlackLivesMatter movement and LGBT Pride Month, and since championing diversity, inclusivity and tolerance is one of our key tenets, it was important to us to educate ourselves through reading, watching and more. We love sharing our finds with the Innermost community, so without further ado here’s what we got up to in June.
Reading...
Girl, Woman, Other by Bernadine Evaristo
“I read this Booker Prize-winning novel for a Zoom book club with friends. Evaristo has the most unique and captivating writing style, and here she gives her readers an incredibly detailed insight into what it’s like to be a black woman in Britain. Not to be missed.” - Robyn
Hood Feminism: Notes From The Women That A Movement Forgot by Mikki Kendall
“This book explores the intersections of race, class, sexual orientation and disability with gender, with stories of women too often marginalised by mainstream, largely ‘white’ feminist discourse.” - Caitlin
“I Will Not Be Erased”: Our stories about growing up as people of colour by gal-dem
“A great book of anecdotes from different authors talking about their personal experiences of growing up in the UK. Although it tackles difficult subjects like prejudice and racism, it does so in a joyous and inspiring way.” - Cassandra
How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
“Kendi explains the distinction between being 'not racist' and being 'anti-racist', and how the former assumes mere neutrality in a movement that we must all be active, rather than passive, in engaging with.” - Catherine
Biased: Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice That Shapes What We See, Think, and Do by Jennifer Eberhardt
“Eberhardt digs into areas of mindset, customs and attitudes to understand racial inequalities and inherent bias. The book encourages changing the conversation around race and embracing a degree of discomfort in order to understand how race works in reality.” - Shiv
Watching…
Queer Eye Season 5
“The latest season of the Netflix hit show came out just in time for the celebration of Pride Month. I love watching the Fab 5 forge genuine connections with the people they’re helping and it’s amazing to see how much they can transform someone’s life in the space of a few short days. It’s ultimate feel-good watching.” - Robyn
Dear White People
“A satire of race relations and black identity at a fictional, predominantly white, Ivy League school in the US. Funny, thought provoking, and provocative! Definitely worth a watch.” - Caitlin
Insecure
“One of my all time favourite shows due to it's rawness, relatability and humour. Despite having to wait two years for the latest season it's soooo worth it.” - Cassandra
Mubi
“I’ve fallen in love with this subscription service which features a dynamic, highly-curated database of independent and cult films which might otherwise have fallen under your radar. A great way to expand your horizons and find new gems.” - Catherine
13th
“This Netflix documentary explores the intersection between race, justice, and mass incarceration in the United States. It’s titled after the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, adopted in 1865, which abolished slavery throughout the United States and ended involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for conviction. Truly eye-opening.” Shiv
Doing...
Hiking
“Think more Beverly Hills than Bear Grylls. Then think north west England. Listening to podcasts whilst wandering across the rambling countryside has been a godsend in lockdown. Would recommend an evening stroll to every man and his dog for a bit of headspace.” - Caitlin
Online yoga classes
“I was supposed to be going to India this summer for a two-week yoga retreat, but it’s unfortunately been cancelled because of coronavirus. Instead, I’ve been doing daily classes at home - @bohobeautifullife has a huge range of amazing classes on YouTube, while @larugayoga on Instagram is my ultimate yogi inspiration.” - Robyn
Slacklining
“Learning a new hobby that has got me outdoors and away from screens has been so much fun, and a great way of staying active. Regarding the activity itself, slacklining is amazing not only for toning but also for keeping your mind in check (it’s often touted as ‘moving meditation’)!” - Catherine
Foraging
“I've recently discovered that foraging is one of the best things I can do to reduce anxiety. After all, it prompts us to not only get out in nature, but to pick, smell and taste it!” - Cassandra
