As I write this column, it’s early June, and as a country — no, as a world — we’ve all already been through so much this year. From dealing with an ongoing global pandemic to witnessing countless protests aimed at bringing about racial justice and meaningful policy change, we are all struggling to make sense of everything.
2020 has been a doozy thus far. But nothing compares to what it must feel like being a Black or Brown person watching history unfold in this unparalleled time. Thankfully, Black Lives Matter is an incredibly important and powerful movement that is making many of us reflect and grapple with our own biases, and perhaps even racist tendencies.
Our children have been home from school since March. With a new school year bearing down on us, we all have more questions than answers about the way forward. As parents, we are feeling anxious and nervous about so many things, including how to talk to our kids about everything that is taking place in our world, including racism.
However, one thing is clear to me. Black lives matter. I admit, I’ve been naïve for many years, far too many years. As a college student in the early 2000s, I thought racism would certainly die out by 2020. Boy, was I wrong. As I try to foster and model acceptance of all people — no matter their race, religion, or background — for my children, I know that I have a lot of work to do. I am trying harder than ever to be anti-racist. I’m listening more, and learning more about slavery, mass incarceration, and how more than 400 years of oppression has fed into the systemic racism of today. It’s undeniable.
But how do you share this hunger for understanding with your children?
There are so many great resources, ideas, and books out there for both children and adults. Here are a few suggestions:
• Watch the CNN/Sesame Street special, “Coming Together: Standing Up to Racism,” a town hall for kids and families.
• Read books that feature people of color. We’ve been enjoying Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall.
• There are even books for babies. Check out Ibram X Kendi’s new board book Antiracist Baby.
• Listen to music about change, both from the past and the present. Start with Be Altitude: Respect Yourself by The Staple Singers.
• Visit the STAX Museum of American Soul Music, The National Civil Rights Museum, The Ernest Withers Museum, and Slavehaven in Memphis.
With an ever-changing and ongoing global pandemic taking place, it’s unclear what this school year will look like for our children, but there’s one thing we do know and can do for our children. Educate them about race and racism and teach them what they can do to be anti-racist.
Jeff Hulett is a freelance writer, musician, and PR consultant in Memphis. He lives in the Vollintine Evergreen neighborhood with his wife Annie, two girls Ella and Beatrice, and two dogs Chalupa and Princess Freckles.