Many in our community are just waking up to the reality of the systemic racism that prevails in our nation. Others have been painfully aware of its existence throughout their lives. I know that I’ve been changed by the events of the last few weeks, and I’m working hard to listen and grow as I more fully understand the challenges people of color face on a daily basis. In my personal and professional life, I’m examining who I am, and how I can more effectively support Black people and other minorities and confront prejudice. As we seek for meaningful ways to respond and enact change, one of the best steps we can take is to continue to educate ourselves.
And we want to find ways to talk to our children as well. For some of us, this won't be our first experience of talking with our kids about prejudice. For others, it might be the first time we’re addressing the uncomfortable topics of race and privilege. I know these conversations won’t always be easy, but they’re so important.
You’ll find below a few starting places we can all use to more fully inform ourselves and talk to our kids about race and how to fight racism. These sources can give you some tools to help your kids understand how to recognize and combat various forms of prejudice, know what to do when they see it, talk about the images and headlines they might be seeing on the news and social media, and foster self-love and promote a healthy cultural identity.
NY Times article on books to help parents explain racism and the current protests.