Anti-Racism Resources for Parents & Kids

Hi Friends & Family -

These past few days I’ve spent time internalizing how many things I never fully understood as a South Asian growing up in US. I grew up in a predominantly white neighborhood and although I did face small bouts of racism in my life it was nothing compared to what we are seeing time and time again with the black race. I know I have so much more to learn about racism in our country and I vow to listen, learn and educate my kids and family about the beauty and importance of diversity. As I started gathering resources for myself and my family this week, I thought it would be nice to share them with the community to guide the conversations that may be happening in your home.

Image - @nehaassar - Instagram

Feel free to comment with additions. I hope you find this helpful.

Videos for Kids - My kids love watching videos and although I may not always enjoy the amount of screen time there is educational material that is great for them 

Watch the entire CNN/Sesame Street racism town hall (

Let’s Talk About Race (13:02)

A Kids Book About Racism by Jelani Memory (3:58)

Be Kind | A Children's Story about things that matter (7:06)

Systemic Racism Explained (4:23)

How to Talk to Kids About Race (2:56)

Discrimination Explained For Kids (4:40)

 

Movies for Kids and Teens - With #ShelterinPlace we are all getting extra screetime so why not watch some movies that can be a catalyst to deeper conversations.

 

  

15 Kids’ Black History Movies On NETFLIX

Here is a list of Great African American Movies for Kids and Teens

 

Videos for Parents - As parents we can also learn from videos to better understand and educate ourselves.

How to Speak to Kids about Race Relations in America (10:35)

Be Boldly Anti-Racist from a Teacher (6:32)

How I Teach Kids About Racism from a Teacher (15:50)

We Cannot Stay Silent About George Floyd | Patriot Act Digital Exclusive | Netflix | Hasan Minhaj (Video contains bad language and scenes of graphic violence. Do not watch with children around.)

 

Children’s Books - This list is nowhere near complete or comprehensive. These are just some books that can help diversify your bookshelf.

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats (Picture books: Ages 3-8)

Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Grew Up to Become Malcolm X by Ilyasah Shabazz, illustrated by AG Ford (Ages 6–10)

The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson (Ages 5-8)

A Poem for Peter by Andrea Davis Pinkney. Illustrated by Lou Fancher and Steve Johnson (Ages 3-8)

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña. Illustrated by Christian Robinson (Ages 4+)

Let It Shine: Stories of Black Women Freedom Fighters by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Stephen Alcorn (Ages 6-9)

Separate is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez & Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation by Duncan Tonatiuh (Ages 6-9)

The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael López (Ages 4-8)

My Hair is a Garden by Cozbi A. Cabrera (Ages 5–8)

This Is the Rope: A Story From the Great Migration by Jacqueline Woodson. Illustrated by James Ransome (Ages 3-8)

Freedom Over Me by Ashley Bryan (Ages 6+)

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson (Ages 8-12)

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison (Ages 8-12)

A Kids Book About Racism by Jelani Memory (Ages 5-9)

Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly

Shades of People by Shelley Retner and Sheila M. Kelly

Dream Big, Little One by Vashti Harrison

I’m Like You, You’re Like Me by Cindy Gainer

There are many other books...feel free to send me your top recommendations.

 

Articles for Parents - Since many of spend time on devices, these are some great articles for us to continue to learn and educate our families.

 

#BlackLivesMatter: a Guide to Supporting the Movement Through South Asian Allyship

How to Talk to Kids about Race and Racism There’s no question: talking about race can be sensitive, and yes, even a bit messy.

White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack by Peggy McIntosh "I was taught to see racism only in individual acts of meanness, not in invisible systems conferring dominance on my group" 

The POC Families’ Guide For Talking About Racism 

Indian-Americans, be Vocal in Standing in Solidarity With Black Americans

Confronting Anti-Blackness in the South Asian Community

Anti-Racism for Kids: An Age-by-Age Guide to Fighting Hate

14 Little Ways to Encourage Kindness

25 Resources for Teaching Kids about Diversity

Here's How To Raise Race-Conscious Children Teaching kids not to "see" race actually isn't the best approach for raising anti-racist children.

Talking to Kids About Racism, Early and Often

Talking to Kids About Racism A school counselor and a children’s book author offer advice for talking to children about racism and George Floyd.

I have created this list to aid in your effort to raise race-conscious children. As parents it is ultimately our responsibility to better understand the issue so we can incorporate it into our daily teachings.

Take care,

Kamini