Antiracism for Kids

Our conscientiousness has been once more awakened to the reality of racism and inequality in our country. This past week has been one of much personal and public reflection and the emotions stirred by that process of anger, sadness and helplessness. I think often about how children feel about what they are seeing and hearing right now and how difficult it is for parents, teachers and other adults to talk to our children about racism and the active opposition to it that is antiracism. One of the things that gives me hope are the words of Nelson Mandela, 

“ No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin or his religion. People must learn to hate, and they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” 
---Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom

Think of the impact that a generation brought up with active antiracism, with the education and tools to change the way we see and treat each other could have in the world. There are so many beautiful and powerful voices in the authors of children’s and young adult books today that can be our resources to provide a path to opening hearts and minds to achieve a world of equality and love.

“If we understand how the tree works, how the trunk and roots are where the power lies, and how gravity is on our side, we can attack it, each of us with small axes, and change the face of the forest. So let’s learn all there is to know about the tree of racism. The root. The fruit. The sap and trunk. The nests built over time, the changing leaves. That way, your generation can finally, actively chop it down.” 
― Jason Reynolds, Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You: A Remix of the National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning

I am awed by the truth and beauty of this statement by author Jason Reynolds. This book is one of many that can and should be resources for all of us to help understand not just a history that may be different from the one we think we understand, but to look to a better future.  

We have collected a list of books that begin with our youngest children, and progresses to young adults, all of which contain the voices of those that can speak from their knowledge and experiences to hopefully help all of us to better understand and to inspire us to be agents of change. Here are just a few from that list.