Having open conversations about race, privilege, and injustice with children is crucial in order for children to develop empathy, compassion, and a sense of justice at an early age for kids to grow into adults who want to help make the world a better place. And for parents, guardians, and educators, we have to take the first step.
To build empathy and compassion, it takes more than one conversation. Teaching youth to be allies to people of color, not only their friends at school, means we must actively listen, care, and show up. Dana Canedy from the NY Times writes “Teaching your child that being colorblind is not the answer; rather appreciating our differences is what will lead us to better understand each other.” We all have different experiences in life, and for some race makes that harder.
This week we are offering resources and books to help start that conversation. As parks and playgrounds open, consider a neighborhood park you wouldn’t typically go to. Volunteer time and resources to organizations and talk to your children about the importance of those organizations. Listen to your children and students and ask questions on what they think.
For the classroom or the living room, these resources offer a step in having those conversations, but it is up to you to bring this into practice.
Talking About Race from the National Museum of African American History and Culture is a portal that helps both adults and youth understand and fight bias, privilege, and develop healthy views on identity and community.
Dialogue on Race Louisiana is dedicated to the elimination of racism through education, action, and transformation through a series of conversation.
Teaching Tolerance is dedicated to providing free resources and lesson plans for educators to help schools to educate youth in being active participants in a diverse democracy.
https://www.tolerance.org/classroom-resources/learning-plans
Suggested books for families and teens:
Not My Idea: A Book About Whiteness, Anastasia Higginbotham. Ages 8-12
A is for Activist, Innosanto Nagara. Ages 3-7
We are the Change, Harry Belafonte. Ages 10-14
I Am Enough, Grace Byers. Ages 3-8
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History, Vashti Harrison. Ages 0-10
All Are Welcome, Alexandra Penfold. Ages 4-8
Say Something!, Peter Reynolds. Ages 3-7
This Book is Anti-Racist : 20 Lessons on How to Wake Up, Take Action, and Do the Work, Tiffany Jewell. Ages, 10-17
Black Enough: Stories of Being Young and Black in America, Leah Henderson. Ages 13 and up.
Hair Like Mine, LaTashia M. Perry, Ages 1-12
