
A mom posted on her Facebook page a question asked by her child, “Why do they hate us, mom?” It is a gut-wrenching question.
The uncomfortable truth is that systemic racism brutally murdered Mr. George Floyd, who was struggling to breathe as a police officer held him to the ground with his knee pressed against his neck while other officers looked on and did nothing to help him. That is not acceptable.
In a 1989 documentary, noted author and civil rights activist James Baldwin described the glacial pace of US racial progress over the last thirty years this way: “It’s taken my father’s time, my mother’s time, my uncle’s time, my brothers’ and my sisters’ time, my nieces and my nephew’s time. How much time do you want for your progress?”
We feel the pain and anguish of a whole community that is repeatedly discriminated against, oppressed, separated, and violated by the very people sworn to protect and serve all people. We shall not let these cowardly and shameful acts stand, be normalized, or allow ourselves to become numb and complacent to them.
Families In Schools stands resolutely in solidarity with our black communities and with any marginalized group that is willfully discriminated against and attacked.
We call out for justice for Mr. George Floyd, Ms. Breonna Taylor, and Mr. Ahmaud Arbery and all other victims of hate. And, we will continue to support and defend the movement for black lives and racial justice.
Now is the time to talk openly with our children about systemic racism and address that child’s question, “Why do they hate us?” We all cannot breathe until racial hatred is ended.
Please keep this conversation going, review the list of resources to engage in racial justice issues with your family, and consider contributing to any of the funds below or getting involved in other ways.
Resources
- Talking About Race With Young Children, by NPR
- Resources for Engaging in Anti-Racism Work, a comprehensive list of resources, books, films, to read, and resources for parents
- Scaffolded Anti-Racist Resources, the list includes articles, activities, podcasts, videos, books, and resources for youth
- Affirming Black Lives Without Inducing Trauma, by Teaching Tolerance
- Surviving & Resisting Hate: A Toolkit For People of Color, Dr. Hector Y. Adames & Dr. Nayeli Y. Chavez-Dueñas at, #ICRaceLab
- Self-Care Tips for Black People Who Are Struggling With This Very Painful Week by Rachel Miller at Vice Magazine
- Resources for Accountability and Actions for Black Lives, by Carlisa Johnson
- 5 Ways to Teach Kids to Be Active Advocates Against Racism, by Virginia Isaad at Remezcla
- Anti-Racism Learning for Kids, resources, and activities for various ages provided by BrainPOP
- 21 Anti-Racism Videos to Share with Kids, by We Are Teachers
- “Let’s Talk About Racism” Storytime
- Read-Aloud for Ages 4-8, “Something Happened In Our Town”
- Racial Justice and Art to continue the conversation.
Additional Reading
- I Am So Tired a message by Robert M. Sellers, University of Michigan, Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (May 29, 2020)
- We Are Living in a Racism Pandemic, High-profile racial incidents taking a heavy psychological toll, by the American Psychological Association (May 29, 2020)
- Your Black Colleagues May Look Like They’re Okay — Chances Are They’re Not by Danielle Cadet, at REFINERY29 (May 28, 2020)
- Children’s books to support conversations on race, racism, and resistance