How To Talk To Your Child About Race

As a country, we are not okay. As Covid-19 has threatened our communities (notably Black communities, at an alarming rate), we are also watching as a long overdue discussion about race, racism, and white supremacy is taking place. While parents of Black children have needed to have these discussions with their children from a young age, white parents are now navigating these complex topics with their own.

My voice is not the voice you need to hear right now.

The most meaningful thing I can - and must - communicate is that I stand in support of the Black and Brown communities. Simply stating that I am anti-racist and an ally is not enough. I am working to actively oppose white supremacy, racism, and injustice, and now, I am using my space to amplify those voices that need to be heard.

This is undoubtedly a challenging time, and a challenging topic to confront. But if this is a topic that you have not discussed with your child, consider it an example of your privilege. Use this as an opportunity to enter into this discussion, and into the work. It is time, it is important, and it is vital to the equity of minority children.

If you are looking to talk to your children and families about this essential work, please reference the resources below.

Videos:
- Ms. Vera Ahiyya explains racism to children
- Dr. Jazmine McCoy discusses how to talk to kids about race

Antiracist Books:
- Something Happened in Our Town by Marianna Celano, PhD, ABPP, Marietta Collins, PhD, and Ann Hazzard, PhD, ABPP
- We Rise We Resist We Raise Our Voices edited by Wade Hudson and Cheryl Willis Hudson
- Antiracist Baby by Ibram X Kendi (coming soon!)
- Let’s Talk About Race by Julius Lester
- A Kid's Book About Racism by Jelani Memory
- A is for Activist by Innosanto Nagara
- Racism and Intolerance by Louise Spilsbury
- Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family's Fight For Desegregation by Duncan Tonatiuh

*Note: As an additional way to support the Black and brown community, consider purchasing your books from a Black owned bookstore; in Chicago, these include:
- Kido
- Semicolon Bookstore
- National list of Black owned bookstores

Black Educators to Follow:
- First Name Basis
- The Conscious Kid
- The Tiny Activist
- Here Wee Read
- Little Black Book Nook