Must-Read Books on Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion for Equality Champions & Change Makers

Here are some essential book recommendations for Equality Champions & Change Makers that delve into various aspects of equality, diversity, & inclusion. These titles explore race, gender, disability, LGBTQ+ issues, & advancing EDI in your community.

Let's dive in!

1. Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado Perez.

?? Website: https://carolinecriadoperez.com/book/invisible-women/

Uncover the hidden gender data bias in our society with Criado Perez's eye-opening book. Through extensive research, Perez reveals how data gaps and male-centric design perpetuate gender inequality in areas ranging from healthcare to transportation. "Invisible Women" challenges the status quo, urging us to recognize and rectify these biases to create a more equitable world. Let's bridge the data gap and design inclusively for all.

2. Disability Visibility: First-Person Stories from the Twenty-First Century by Alice Wong.

?? Website: https://disabilityvisibilityproject.com/

This anthology amplifies the voices and experiences of disabled individuals, showcasing a diverse range of perspectives. Through personal essays, Wong highlights the need for disability rights, representation, and inclusion, offering a deeper understanding of ableism and the disabled community.

3. How to Be an Inclusive Leader: Your Role in Creating Cultures of Belonging Where Everyone Can Thrive by Jennifer Brown.

?? Website: https://jenniferbrownspeaks.com/jbs-book-inclusive

Discover your role in fostering cultures of belonging. This book empowers leaders to create inclusive environments where everyone can thrive. Learn practical strategies, actionable steps, and gain the tools needed to champion diversity and build stronger, more cohesive teams.

4. How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X X Kendi.

?? Website: https://www.ibramxkendi.com/how-to-be-an-antiracist

?? Challenge your perspectives and join the fight against racism with Dr Ibram's powerful book. Through personal experiences and rigorous research, Kendi guides readers on a transformative journey toward understanding and actively dismantling racist systems. Gain insights, learn from history, and become an agent of change in creating a more equitable world.

5. The Leader’s Guide to Unconscious Bias: How To Reframe Bias, Cultivate Connection, and Create High-Performing Teams by Pamela Fuller, Mark Murphy, and Anne Chow.

?? Website: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/54033845

Gain valuable insights into the impact of unconscious bias on teams and leadership with this essential book exploring practical strategies to reframe bias, foster connections, and build high-performing teams. Equip yourself with the tools to create inclusive environments where everyone can thrive.

6. Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People by Mahzarin R. Banaji and Anthony G. Greenwald

?? Website: https://www.randomhousebooks.com/books/8099/

?? Delve into the fascinating exploration of hidden biases with Mahzarin R. Banaji and Anthony G. Greenwald. In "Blindspot," uncover the unconscious prejudices that shape our perceptions and behaviours. Through scientific research and real-life examples, gain a deeper understanding of how biases operate and learn strategies to overcome them. Challenge your assumptions and work toward a more inclusive society.

7. The Book of Pride: LGBTQ Heroes Who Changed the World by Mason Funk.

?? Website: https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/the-book-of-pride-lgbtq-heroes-who-changed-the-world-mason-funk

Meet the leaders and activists on the front lines of the LGBTQ movement, from the 1960’s to the present, through stunning interviews and compelling photographs.

8. How to Argue with a Racist by Adam Rutherford.

?? Website: https://www.adamrutherford.com/race

?? Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to challenge racist arguments with Rutherford's thought-provoking book. Discover the scientific evidence debunking race as a biological concept, and explore strategies to dismantle racist narratives effectively. "How to Argue with a Racist" empowers readers to engage in constructive conversations and confront bigotry with facts and compassion

9. Inclusive Leadership: The definitive guide to Developing and Executing an impactful diversity and inclusion strategy by Charlotte Sweeney.

?? Website: https://www.diversityandinclusiveleadership.com/

Unlock the power of inclusive leadership with Charlotte Sweene's comprehensive guide. This book provides a roadmap to developing and executing a powerful diversity and inclusion strategy. Gain practical insights, tools, and best practices to create a culture of belonging, drive innovation, and maximize the potential of every individual. Become an agent of positive change and cultivate an inclusive organization where everyone can thrive.

Q. This is by no means an exhaustive list, are there any other books you would recommend? Leave a comment below!