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Kids understand so much more about racism than we realize.
I got to sit down with a group of 4th and 5th graders to talk about racism and what we should do about it.
We had a lively 90-minute conversation about how to define racism, how we’ve experienced racism, and how to fight racism.
I walked away thoroughly challenged and enlightened by my conversation with a group of ten and eleven year olds about this incredibly fraught topic .
Racism is a complicated, painful subject. And the sobering reality is that the youngest among us are already encountering its ugliness.
What will you, as adults who want to love and nurture the hearts and minds of children, do about it?
We have to teach our kids about racism, but we have to do so with care and sensitivity. It’s such a delicate conversation that we might shrink back from talking about it for fear of getting it wrong.
Even Black parents and other parents of color have to intentionally teach our kids about racism so they can be prepared for what they may face and understand their agency to resist it.
Not an easy prospect for anyone.
I understand your concern. And you don’t have to have this conversation on your own.
That’s why I produced this 6-episode podcast series—How to Fight Racism, Young LISTENERS Edition.
The content is based on the book How to Fight Racism Young Readers Edition but features significantly new content and explanations.
Each episode is short enough to listen with kids on your commute to and from school or the grocery store. They incorporate the voices of the students at Clarksdale Collegiate so kids listening can hear and learn from their peers. They are fantastic conversation starters that can create opportunities for deeper change.
Here’s a list and links to all the episodes including a guide for adults. Special thanks to our produce Beau York at Podastery Studios and the scholars of Clarksdale Collegiate!
Episode 0 - Introducing How to Fight Racism Young Listeners Edition
Episode 00 - Adults’ Guide
Episode 1 - What is Racism?
Episode 2 - How to Understand Who You REALLY Are
Episode 3 - Black History is about All of Us
Episode 4 - From Civil War to Civil Rights
Episode 5 - How to Make Friends
Episode 6 - How to Fight the Big Battles
I’m so excited for you to listen to this series. Please share with other parents and kids.
Have you listened? What did you and/or the kids in your life think? Let me know in the comments below!
How Do Kids Explain Racism and What to Do about It?