Black Lives Matter Resources

Our hearts are heavy during this painful time for so many individuals across our state, our country, and our world.

Arizona Opera unequivocally denounces racism. We stand with those that demand equality and social justice for black people and for all people of color. We affirm our commitment to the communities we serve today—and to those communities that we can and must serve more fully tomorrow.

Performing arts organizations have a unique ability and responsibility to create a space for inspiration, thought, and discussion. Arizona Opera will take the time to listen and learn how we can be a better, more inclusive organization. We will examine our organization and the practices of our industry to do our part in creating positive, enduring change in the days, weeks, and years to come.

We know how important an arts education is, and are here to help you continue to provide an arts education while your students are learning from home. Below, discover all the virtual ways to share opera and the arts with your students! 

An important part of this process will include engaging in ongoing dialogue with community members. If you have thoughts or suggestions on how Arizona Opera can better serve our community, please send an email to Kyle Homewood, Director of Community Engagement and Special Programs at khomewood@azopera.org.

Online

• Talking to Kids Authentically about Race and Racism - From PBS
• EDI Glossary - From Minnesota Opera
• Tools and Conversation Starters - From Race Forward
• Lift Every Voice: A Conversation Hosted by J'Nai Bridges - From LA Opera
• Creating Real Belonging: Panel Discussion - From Opera America

Books

• "So You Want to Talk About Race" by  Ijeoma Oluo
• “The Fire Next Time” by James Baldwin
• “The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America” by Richard Rothstein
• “White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism” by Robin DiAngelo, Michael Eric Dyson (Foreword)
• “Tears We Cannot Stop: A Sermon to White America” by Michael Eric Dyson

Podcasts

• Pod Save the People by Crooked Media