Photo by Koshu Kunii on Unsplash
We stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter protests that have been taking place across our country since the tragic murder of George Floyd almost two weeks ago. We also recognize our own responsibility to fight police brutality and racism in all forms. As parents, we know that it’s incredibly important to re-examine our own biases while also committing to the essential work of raising anti-racist children.
I have been talking to my five year-old son about racism for a while now, but to make sure that I am raising my son to be an ally – and being a true ally myself – I have been doing a lot of research on what we can do to support Black communities now and in the future. If you want to do your part to fight racism, the first step is to read and listen and try to understand how we got here. We have put together a list of some favorite anti-racist resources for families.
RESOURCE COLLECTIONS
Anti-Racism Resources for White People
Doing Good Together: Anti-Racist Resource Collection
American Museum of African American History and Culture: Talking About Race
Your Kids Aren’t Too Young to Talk About Race: Resource Roundup
The Conscious Kid: Critical Conversations
Raising Race Conscious Children
MORE ARTICLES, INTERVIEWS, AND PODCASTS
NPR Podcast: “Talking Race With Young Children”
HealthyChildren.org: “Talking to Children About Racial Bias”
Common Sense Media: How White Parents Can Use Media to Raise Anti-Racist Kids
Aha! Parenting: “Talking With Children About Racism and Police Brutality and Protests”
Black Girl Dangerous: “4 Things We Should All Teach Kids About Racism Right Now” by Mia McKenzie
Mother Magazine: “10 Ways to Be an Anti-Racist Parent, Starting Now”
New York Times: “Talking to Kids About Racism” by Marie Tae McDermott
BOOKS FOR KIDS
NY Times: These Books Can Help You Explain Racism and Protest to Your Kids
10 Children’s Books About Racism And Activism To Help Parents Educate Their Kids
Common Sense Media: Coretta Scott King Book Award Winners
Books for Littles: Anti-Racism For Kids 101
Embrace Race: 31 Children’s books to support conversations on race, racism and resistance
BOOKS FOR ADULTS
VIDEOS FOR KIDS
Read Aloud: “A Kids Book About Racism” by Jelani Memory
PBS Kids: “You Matter” Read Along with Christian Robinson
This list of resources is far from exhaustive and we welcome any suggestions as we do our best to understand and stand by Black communities during this challenging time. We’re listening. Please reach out with any questions, comments, or suggestions. Anti-racism is an ongoing process, so let’s keep the conversation going and make the world a better and safer place for all of our kids to grow up in.
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Margel Nusbaumer is a local writer and mom in Brooklyn. Thoughts? Reach out to margel@achildgrows.com.