Race & Equity Resources

Something Happened In Our Town

Something Happened in Our Town follows two families — one white, one Black — as they discuss a police shooting of a Black man in their community. The story aims to answer children’s questions about such traumatic events, and to help children identify and counter racial injustice in their own lives. 

1. Prepare Yourself. Provide yourself time to understand the topic/situation and also time to understand your feelings and emotions. This will allow you to stay calm and not overly emotional when talking to your children.

2. Treat All Questions with Respect. If their questions make you uncomfortable, don't dismiss them or ignore them. Understand why it is making you feel this way so that you can best address their concerns. Keep your answers simple and age-appropriate.

3. Be Open to Talking about Why These Incidences Take Place. As adults, we assume that children don't understand what is happening, but they often have a simple understanding but need more context to understand the situation fully. Don't be afraid to say that you don't know an answer to their questions. Also remember to be careful when describing the situation so that you don't respond out fear, with stereotypes, assumptions, or scapegoating.

4. Be Alert for Signs of Distress in Your Child. Signs can include withdrawal, acting out, or anxiety of otherwise normal activities.

5. Focus on the Helpers. Having conversations about how others are helping people dealing with the situation and how you as a family might want to take action or show solidarity.