Day 20 Theme: Talking About Race and Racism

Having conversations about race and racism can be uncomfortable but is essential, especially for kids. Children are not hard wired to be color blind. Even babies notice differences like skin color, eye shape and hair texture.

"As protests over the killing of George Floyd (and Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor) happened throughout the country, (many families and teachers) are wondering how to talk about the deaths and unrest with their children. But just as important in the long run, especially for nonblack parents, is how to keep the conversation about race and racism going when we’re not in a moment of national outrage, and to make sure all children see black people as heroes in a wide range of their own stories, and not just as victims of oppression." (from New York Times article linked below)

For practical tips:

- read the article, "The How to I talk to my kids about race and racism?"

- listen to the NPR piece about how to handle conversations about race, racism, diversity and inclusion, even with very young children, and

- try on some of the strategies from the list of 100 race conscious thing you can say to children to advance racial justice

Reflect and Respond:

What strategies do you think might be helpful in your home, work place, community or classroom? How might use these strategies to advance racial justice?