Actively Raising Anti-Racist Children

A Call to Act!

Each week as I prepare our 5+5 Activity Guides, I consider upcoming events and celebrations and things that are happening in the news. In these stressful times we are in, I try to include some suggestions that are fun and lighthearted, but that does not detract from my belief that education is a serious matter. It is imperative we give our children the best education possible. Sometimes that means confronting topics that are uncomfortable for us.

Whilst we want to protect children from hurt, harm and the harsh realities of life, we must also equip and empower them to deal with such things and resist them. To do so, we must talk to our children about some of the cruelty and wrongs that happen in the world.

We watched in horror this week as George Floyd was murdered by the police. It seems inconceivable an officer could kneel on a man’s neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds while he said he couldn’t breathe, while he called out for his mother, while he lost consciousness, while his pulse stopped, while accompanied by 3 other officers, while bystanders filmed a murder perpetrated by those charged with protecting them.

George was approached on suspicion of having used a counterfeit $20 bill.

Talking about racism can be a difficult conversation. Not talking about racism is not an option though.

We must reflect and consider how such hatred is learned, how it breeds and grows. Recent events in the US (for, sadly, George Floyd is but one of very many killed by hatred) may feel alien to us. We may feel too far away and too disconnected from them to believe we have a role to play.

What can I do to effect change in a country far away?

I am reminded of the words of Desmond Tutu.

And let’s face it, racism and prejudice are to be found in all countries. So what can we do to effect change?

Our power to effect change lies in acknowledging the violence (in so many forms) in our society and taking steps to combat it.
Our power to effect change is to recognise the power of privilege and use what privilege we have to empower others.
Our power to effect change is to stand in allyship with those who are oppressed.
Our power to effect change is to raise children who respect and care for everyone.
Our power to effect change rests in the active work we undertake as parents and teachers.

This work is often termed ‘Teaching Tolerance’ – a term I dislike. The standard feels too low.

Tolerance: the ability or willingness to tolerate the existence of opinions or behaviour that one dislikes or disagrees with.

Let’s aim higher. Let’s teach understanding. Let’s teach respect. Let’s teach kindness.

But, as I consider the starting point and the ongoing struggle black people endure, I can see the challenges and threats they encounter. I respect that tolerance might at least keep people alive, so let’s go with that to begin with.

Now, more than ever, the importance of education is clear.

Now, more than ever, the importance of parenting is clear.

Now, more than ever, the importance of allyship is clear.

I have collected some resources that can be used to begin (or continue) this important work. If you have other recommendations, please share them with me.

Black lives matter.

Starting the Anti-Racism Conversation

Images

I often screenshot things I see on social media that speak to me. This photograph is one such example. You may wish to use it as a starting point for a conversation about the treatment of black Americans.

In searching for the image source to credit it, I read that the image was actually photoshopped. (Source) Lebron James had worn a t-shirt with a different statement.

Chilling.

Lebron wore the t-shirt to honour Eric Garner. Eric died in 2014 after being choked by New York police officer Daniel Pantaleo. His last words were, “I can’t breathe.”

Eric was approached on suspicion of selling single cigarettes from packs without tax stamps.

Other than losing his job, Pantaleo faced few consequences. He was not indicted on criminal charges. No civil rights charges were laid against him. Remarkably, he is now suing to get his job back.

The consequences for Eric’s family and the black community continue to run deep. Imagine the horror Eric Garner’s family feel at hearing his words echoed and in witnessing another senseless death this week?

We must act. There are countless other provoking images you may wish to explore with your child/ren to raise their awareness of racism.

Song

Another way to begin a conversation on racism is to harness the power of song. Ask your child to think about the lyrics of songs and what the message is. Can they determine the messages particular songs convey?

In Black and Blue, Louis Armstrong speaks of his longing not to be judged by the colour of his skin.

How would it end…i ain’t got a friend
My only sin…is in my skin
What did I do…to be so black and blue?

The lyrics of Bruce Springsteen’s 41 Shots reflect the frightening reality black men and women face and the daily fear involved in parenting black children, for although the song refers to a son, we have seen too many women’s lives also lost to brutality and hatred.

41 shots, Lena gets her son ready for school
She says, “On these streets, Charles
You’ve got to understand the rules
If an officer stops you, promise me you’ll always be polite
And that you’ll never ever run away
Promise Mama you’ll keep your hands in sight

Explore other songs about race and racism.
As I write of songs, it is important we ensure that we avoid songs that perpetuate prejudice and stereotypes. This blog post on ‘Being Sensitive with Our Song Culture and History’ and this article ‘12 Childhood Nursery Rhymes You Didn’t Realize Were Racist’ are enlightening in this regard.

Poetry

Poetry is similarly powerful for starting a conversation and offering us insights into the lives and feelings of others.

In this post, you will find 10 poems on the theme of racism.
This post on Fighting Prejudice With Poetry speaks powerfully on the way racism dehumanises and reminds us “beneath the superficial features that distinguish us are common human foundations we share.”
Zimbabwe-born Takunda Muzondiwa moved to New Zealand when she was 7. Listen to her extraordinary performance of her experiences here.

Yesterday I was African, today I am lost. Maybe I was blinded by the neon sign of opportunity, failed to read the fine print that read: “Assimilate or go back where you came from.”

Hear her talk more widely about her poem here and discuss her comments on language in her TedTalk.
You can find some additional resources on Poets.org, Poetry Society and Rainy Day Poems.

Quotes

This quote has been posted quite often in the last few days. What do we learn from it?

Can your child find other quotes on the themes of racism, oppression, prejudice and activism? Discuss what they mean.

“At the heart of racism is the religious assertion that God made a creative mistake when He brought some people into being.” – Friedrich Otto Hertz

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Martin Luther King, Jr.

“If you think you’re too small to have an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito in the room.” – Anita Koddick

Find more quotes here.

Stories

I have written before of the need to ensure children are exposed to a wide range of reading materials with diverse characters. It is through reading of the lives and experiences of others, we develop empathy and understanding.

Commonsense Media have created this list of books promoting tolerance and diversity.
Find 30 Children’s Books About Diversity That Celebrate Our Differences on Bookriot. There is a description of each one.
Embrace Race provides 31 suggestions for books supporting conversations on race, racism and resistance. Again, a description of each is provided. They also have this fantastic page with lots of recommendations for more places to find books.
Education World’s Book Suggestions: Multicultural and Diversity runs to 14 pages and is very comprehensive.
A list of books for children from the BAME Ed Network.
Dr. Pragya Argwal has created this list of books that support talking to children about diversity.
Brittany @antisocialbritt shared this list on Twitter.
Miss Newton @MissNewton91 shared this book list in which she describes what each of her recommendations is about.
In this Reading Rockets resource list, find links to interviews with celebrated African American children’s book authors and illustrators.

Articles and Websites

The conversation in Bruce Springsteen’s song above is echoed in this post, The Conversation We Must Have with Our White Children, which makes suggestions as to how to raise white children with an awareness of racism.
Furthering this theme, this post, 100 Race-Conscious Things You Can Say To Your Child, models language you can use with your child in discussing race.
There are very many essays in On Being on racism and tolerance that prompt thinking and learning and that you may wish to read.
I found ‘The Conversation We Must Have with Our White Children’ article in this post by Kaitlin Smith. In it she shares many other useful articles and resources and I advise you to check it out. I have included some here.
The tracker and infographs on Mapping Police Violence are powerful indeed.

Police killed 1,099 people in 2019.

Black people were 24% of those killed despite being only 13% of the population.

How has this come to pass? Explore some of the history of prejudice with this Identity Star Activity. Although written as a class task, it can easily be adapted for home use by having your child create 4 coloured stars to represent each of the characters and then following the instructions. Follow this with a discussion on how they feel the stars are today.
Other Breaking the Prejudice activities may be found here.
An uplifting article is this Washington Post one – A 9-year-old girl got people to finally stop thinking of the peach-colored crayon as the ‘skin-color’ crayon. We may question, What can one person do? Bellen Woodward shows us precisely what one person can do! Similarly, this post reminds us of the changes brought about by the actions of Rosa Parks, Fannie Lou Hamer, Ruby Bridges and Martin Luther King Jr.
It is countered by Brianna’s Holt’s recollections of her upbringing, Now I Understand Why My Parents Were So Strict, a powerful article that is accessible for children to read and a good basis for a discussion on the changes needed in our society.
What can we do? 75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice
The following image has been shared widely today. It suggests other resources we may use to teach about race. Download the PDF with clickable links here.

See also the very many suggestions in How White Parents Can Use Media to Raise Anti-Racist Kids. This website also addresses the question of the online landscape that promotes white supremacy and shares the experiences of a mother who found her son involved with the Alt-Right and her son’s reflections on how his thinking was manipulated. Educate yourself by knowing Where Kids Find Hate Online.
The Center for Racial Justice in Education provide this comprehensive list of advice, resources and articles.

Acknowledging Difference

It is important that we talk to children about skin colour but don’t use it as an identifier according to Dr. Pragya Argwal. Here, she and Freddie Harrell provide advice for parents on talking to your children about race and racism.

Videos

An important lens through which to consider most matters is privilege. This Buzzfeed video offers a nice introduction to the concept of privilege and urges viewers to be advocates for those less-privileged than themselves.

On the theme of privilege, explore these images with your child. Are you in a position whereby you minimise racism? Do you listen to racists comments without challenging them? The second image is taken from this document Building a Multi-Ethnic, Inclusive & Antiracist Organization: Tools for Liberation Packet for Anti-Racist Activists, Allies, & Critical Thinkers (2005). I highly recommend downloading it as it is so clear in highlighting how insidious language can be and emphasises how we can be racist by omission – passive racism still being considered socially acceptable.
In addition, read White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack by Peggy McIntosh which is available to download for free and features which features 50 statements enabling the reader to examine the effects of white privilege. Peggy describes privilege as she sees it,

I have come to see white privilege as an invisible package of unearned assets that I can count on cashing in each day, but about which I was “meant” to remain oblivious.

It is useful to consider our implicit bias. Use this video, taken from this excellent NY Times article, First Encounters With Race and Racism: Teaching Ideas for Classroom Conversations, to kick-start the conversation. You may need to explain what a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is and their popularity!

Find a list of further useful videos here.

Examining Implicit Bias

Also known as implicit social cognition, implicit bias refers to the attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions in an unconscious manner.

This definition is from The Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity.
I found it in this detailed lesson plan, Talking About Race and Racism, from Teaching Tolerance. In it you will find a great exercise on considering the intent and impact of our words as well as ideas around unpacking stereotypes and the biases we hold. It poses some great scenarios to discuss, e.g.,
- A doctor doesn’t ask his Latina patient if she has any questions.
- A teacher assigns her only Asian student to tutor other students.
- An employer places the resumes of applicants with Arabic-sounding names at the bottom of the stack.
- A woman who clutches her purse when a black man enters the elevator.
The lesson also contains links to two great videos.
‘Why Your Name Matters’ is an interesting read on the implications our name holds for us. What do we think people think of when they hear our name?

We see a name, implicitly associate different characteristics with it, and use that association, however unknowingly, to make unrelated judgments about the competence and suitability of its bearer.

It is possible to take this theme further and examine your own implicit bias using this Harvard tool.
Alternatively, these questions are also designed to get you thinking about implicit bias.
Finally, this iceberg of diversity activity is interesting and I feel the image is a great one to explore.

Resource Packs

This is a bumper resource pack of diversity resources. It’s an American resource so some of the content may not be applicable in your context; however, there are some useful activity ideas in here to explore with older children and teens.
@misswaddoups has compiled these comprehensive lists of what KS3, KS4 and KS5 pupils could read, watch and listen to in order to develop their understanding of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Lesson Plans

Find five lessons for teaching about tolerance on Education World.
Access Black History Month resources on Education World (Obviously, the concept of a focus for one month is problematic. Curriculum planning and development must reflect the diversity of our world and ensure history is not rewritten or stories omitted, such that our schools actively work to dismantle the structures that currently uphold racism.)
Get Race and Racism lessons on Share my Lesson
Check out these Racism No Way resources
Here are Teaching Tolerance lessons and learning plans
Miss Newton @MissNewton91 also shared the following lesson plans she used successfully with her year 4 class (UK).

Other

In week 9 of our 5+5 Activity Guide series, I shared some resources on emigration/immigration for the World Day for Cultural Diversity and Development. You may find those useful to refer to also.

Educating Ourselves

In order to act as an ally, it is important we continue our own learning. The following resources may help.

‘Putting Racism on the Table’ provides several videos you may wish to use to further your own learning on issues surrounding racism.
Here is a list of people and organisations on Twitter that promote diversity and inclusion.
Find recommended reading lists on:
- Edgility Consulting
- Decolonise the Curriculum
Those searching for further guidance may find this article helpful – How to Talk to Kids about Race and Racism.
This article, Children, Race and Racism: How Race Awareness Develops, may also be of interest.
Embrace Race offers lots of articles, webinars, action guides, children’s books and stories. You may wish to begin with these podcasts if children have lots of questions right now – Supporting Kids Of Color in The Wake of Racialized Violence: Part One and Part Two.
The BAME Ed Network share reading and resources here, including this poster on allyship.
This document by Anna Stanborski, Nikki Zimmermann and Bailie Gregory contains a comprehensive list of resources.
Motherly published this article on raising antiracist kids on June 2nd.
Beyond the Golden Rule: A Parent’s Guide to Preventing and Responding to Prejudice teaches how to talks to kids about tolerance at various ages and stages.
This article has a similar theme – Anti-Racism for Kids: An Age-by-Age Guide to Fighting Hate.

Updates: Please note, I have updated this post since it was first published to add new resources I have found. If you have recommendations for other particular resources to share, please leave a comment. Thank you.

A Call to Act!

Whilst we want to protect children from hurt, harm and the harsh realities of life, we must also equip and empower them to deal with such things and resist them. To do so, we must talk to our children about some of the cruelty and wrongs that happen in the world.

George was approached on suspicion of having used a counterfeit $20 bill.

Talking about racism can be a difficult conversation. Not talking about racism is not an option though.

We must reflect and consider how such hatred is learned, how it breeds and grows. Recent events in the US (for, sadly, George Floyd is but one of very many killed by hatred) may feel alien to us. We may feel too far away and too disconnected from them to believe we have a role to play.

What can I do to effect change in a country far away?

I am reminded of the words of Desmond Tutu.

And let’s face it, racism and prejudice are to be found in all countries. So what can we do to effect change?

Our power to effect change lies in acknowledging the violence (in so many forms) in our society and taking steps to combat it.

Our power to effect change is to recognise the power of privilege and use what privilege we have to empower others.

Our power to effect change is to stand in allyship with those who are oppressed.

Our power to effect change is to raise children who respect and care for everyone.

Our power to effect change rests in the active work we undertake as parents and teachers.

This work is often termed ‘Teaching Tolerance’ – a term I dislike. The standard feels too low.

Tolerance: the ability or willingness to tolerate the existence of opinions or behaviour that one dislikes or disagrees with.

Let’s aim higher. Let’s teach understanding. Let’s teach respect. Let’s teach kindness.

But, as I consider the starting point and the ongoing struggle black people endure, I can see the challenges and threats they encounter. I respect that tolerance might at least keep people alive, so let’s go with that to begin with.

Now, more than ever, the importance of education is clear.

Now, more than ever, the importance of parenting is clear.

Now, more than ever, the importance of allyship is clear.

I have collected some resources that can be used to begin (or continue) this important work. If you have other recommendations, please share them with me.

Black lives matter.

Starting the Anti-Racism Conversation

Images

I often screenshot things I see on social media that speak to me. This photograph is one such example. You may wish to use it as a starting point for a conversation about the treatment of black Americans.

In searching for the image source to credit it, I read that the image was actually photoshopped. (Source) Lebron James had worn a t-shirt with a different statement.

Chilling.

Lebron wore the t-shirt to honour Eric Garner. Eric died in 2014 after being choked by New York police officer Daniel Pantaleo. His last words were, “I can’t breathe.”

Eric was approached on suspicion of selling single cigarettes from packs without tax stamps.

Other than losing his job, Pantaleo faced few consequences. He was not indicted on criminal charges. No civil rights charges were laid against him. Remarkably, he is now suing to get his job back.

The consequences for Eric’s family and the black community continue to run deep. Imagine the horror Eric Garner’s family feel at hearing his words echoed and in witnessing another senseless death this week?

We must act. There are countless other provoking images you may wish to explore with your child/ren to raise their awareness of racism.

Song

Another way to begin a conversation on racism is to harness the power of song. Ask your child to think about the lyrics of songs and what the message is. Can they determine the messages particular songs convey?

In Black and Blue, Louis Armstrong speaks of his longing not to be judged by the colour of his skin.

How would it end…i ain’t got a friendMy only sin…is in my skinWhat did I do…to be so black and blue?

The lyrics of Bruce Springsteen’s 41 Shots reflect the frightening reality black men and women face and the daily fear involved in parenting black children, for although the song refers to a son, we have seen too many women’s lives also lost to brutality and hatred.

41 shots, Lena gets her son ready for schoolShe says, “On these streets, CharlesYou’ve got to understand the rulesIf an officer stops you, promise me you’ll always be politeAnd that you’ll never ever run awayPromise Mama you’ll keep your hands in sight

Explore other songs about race and racism.

Poetry

Poetry is similarly powerful for starting a conversation and offering us insights into the lives and feelings of others.

In this post, you will find 10 poems on the theme of racism.

This post on Fighting Prejudice With Poetry speaks powerfully on the way racism dehumanises and reminds us “beneath the superficial features that distinguish us are common human foundations we share.”

Zimbabwe-born Takunda Muzondiwa moved to New Zealand when she was 7. Listen to her extraordinary performance of her experiences here.

Yesterday I was African, today I am lost. Maybe I was blinded by the neon sign of opportunity, failed to read the fine print that read: “Assimilate or go back where you came from.”

Hear her talk more widely about her poem here and discuss her comments on language in her TedTalk.

You can find some additional resources on Poets.org, Poetry Society and Rainy Day Poems.

Quotes

This quote has been posted quite often in the last few days. What do we learn from it?

Can your child find other quotes on the themes of racism, oppression, prejudice and activism? Discuss what they mean.

“At the heart of racism is the religious assertion that God made a creative mistake when He brought some people into being.” – Friedrich Otto Hertz

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Martin Luther King, Jr.

“If you think you’re too small to have an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito in the room.” – Anita Koddick

Find more quotes here.

Stories

I have written before of the need to ensure children are exposed to a wide range of reading materials with diverse characters. It is through reading of the lives and experiences of others, we develop empathy and understanding.

Commonsense Media have created this list of books promoting tolerance and diversity.

Find 30 Children’s Books About Diversity That Celebrate Our Differences on Bookriot. There is a description of each one.

Embrace Race provides 31 suggestions for books supporting conversations on race, racism and resistance. Again, a description of each is provided. They also have this fantastic page with lots of recommendations for more places to find books.

Education World’s Book Suggestions: Multicultural and Diversity runs to 14 pages and is very comprehensive.

A list of books for children from the BAME Ed Network.

Dr. Pragya Argwal has created this list of books that support talking to children about diversity.

Brittany @antisocialbritt shared this list on Twitter.

Miss Newton @MissNewton91 shared this book list in which she describes what each of her recommendations is about.

In this Reading Rockets resource list, find links to interviews with celebrated African American children’s book authors and illustrators.

Articles and Websites

The conversation in Bruce Springsteen’s song above is echoed in this post, The Conversation We Must Have with Our White Children, which makes suggestions as to how to raise white children with an awareness of racism.

Furthering this theme, this post, 100 Race-Conscious Things You Can Say To Your Child, models language you can use with your child in discussing race.

There are very many essays in On Being on racism and tolerance that prompt thinking and learning and that you may wish to read.

I found ‘The Conversation We Must Have with Our White Children’ article in this post by Kaitlin Smith. In it she shares many other useful articles and resources and I advise you to check it out. I have included some here.

The tracker and infographs on Mapping Police Violence are powerful indeed.

Police killed 1,099 people in 2019.

Black people were 24% of those killed despite being only 13% of the population.

Other Breaking the Prejudice activities may be found here.

It is countered by Brianna’s Holt’s recollections of her upbringing, Now I Understand Why My Parents Were So Strict, a powerful article that is accessible for children to read and a good basis for a discussion on the changes needed in our society.

What can we do? 75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice

The following image has been shared widely today. It suggests other resources we may use to teach about race. Download the PDF with clickable links here.

The Center for Racial Justice in Education provide this comprehensive list of advice, resources and articles.

Acknowledging Difference

It is important that we talk to children about skin colour but don’t use it as an identifier according to Dr. Pragya Argwal. Here, she and Freddie Harrell provide advice for parents on talking to your children about race and racism.

How would it end…i ain’t got a friend
My only sin…is in my skin
What did I do…to be so black and blue?

41 shots, Lena gets her son ready for school
She says, “On these streets, Charles
You’ve got to understand the rules
If an officer stops you, promise me you’ll always be polite
And that you’ll never ever run away
Promise Mama you’ll keep your hands in sight