Anti-Racism Resources You Can Use in Your Family

Anti-racism education generally begins with a dialogue, especially with children and teenagers. Many of the best discussion starters can be found in various media, including books, movies, and television shows. To start anti-racist dialogues, this article provides you with a list of helpful anti-racism resources that you can use in your family.

As a starting point, they also bring important light concerns of racial inequality and the difficulties faced by Black Americans in the United States. In order to start anti-racist dialogues with your young family members, here is a list of helpful materials.

Children’s Literature

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In order to teach children about anti-racism, reading novels that they can identify with is a great approach to do so. With these titles, children may learn about racism and social justice in a fun and educational way. Talk about the people and the things they’re going through as you read these novels as a family. Kids are curious, and you should encourage them to ask questions, even if you don’t know the answer. Together, you will gain a deeper appreciation for what it means to be Black in the United States and the world around you.

Black Is a Rainbow Color

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Black American history and culture are celebrated in this book, which links present social justice movements to those of previous generations of civil rights activists. It acts as a link between different generations and helps put things in perspective. An afterword is included that provides advice and ideas on how to communicate with youngsters about some of the book’s themes. Additionally, there is a playlist of music and a bibliography for adults to further your knowledge of the subject matter.

All Are Welcome

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By illustrating that all children may develop and learn from one another’s traditions, this picture book celebrates diversity in the classroom Children can learn to respect one another’s uniqueness from this book’s rhyming language and inclusive visuals.

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History

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This book is full of charming graphics and instructional information about 40 notable Black women in history. Readers get to see the world through the eyes of scientists, artists, and activists. Women who have made the world a better place for future generations of girls and women will inspire young people to follow in their footsteps.

Chocolate Me!

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A youngster is tormented and teased for his appearance in this book. He tells his mother that he wishes he could have lighter complexion and straighter hair like the other youngsters. On the other hand, she enables him to appreciate his beauty. It’s the perfect book to use to start a conversation about racial bullying.

Woke! A Young Poet’s Call to Justice

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Poems in this anthology range from social justice and activism to empathy and the significance of speaking out. Poets have long been at the vanguard of social movements. Young people will be inspired to write their own poems about the injustices they witness after reading this book.

Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History

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Some of history’s best-known figures, like Thurgood Marshall and Frederick Douglass, are included in this collection of fascinating biographies. Among the Black men featured in this book are some of the most influential figures in their respective fields, from music and activism to law, athletics, and medicine. This beautifully drawn book is a source of inspiration for young people.

Young Adult Literature

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You may wish to encourage your teens to read the following novels with you in order to foster discussions on racism. One of the books (or all of them) can serve as the basis for an informal book club discussion. Audible versions of these novels may be an option if your adolescent does not enjoy reading. All of the texts included in this collection are excellent examples of how racism affects African-Americans in the United States. Begin talks with your children by reading these books. There are many ways you may utilize these books to get your children interested in social justice initiatives.

I’m Not Dying With You Tonight

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After fights break out at their high school football game, followed by rioting and looting in the streets, two high school girls, one white and one black, must rely on their intellect and each other to make it home in this NAACP Image Award nominee book. Despite the ethnic division that sparked the violence, the girls don’t start out as friends and struggle to understand each other. Prejudice and racial tensions in the United States might be brought up in a meaningful way with the help of this book.

Out of Darkness

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This novel, set in 1930s Texas, was selected as a Michael L. Printz Award Honor Book for 2016. On one side of town, a Mexican teenager is allowed to attend an all-white high school, while a Black teenager lives in an all-Black neighborhood. While they are aware of the racial tensions in their Texas town, they opt to ignore them and go against the flow. As a result of the graphic sexual violence and frequent use of racial epithets, this novel is best left for older adolescents who can handle the content.

To Kill a Mockingbird

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This Pulitzer Prize-winning book examines racism through the eyes of two young children, Jem and Scout. The setting happens during the Great Depression in Alabama, and the youngsters narrate the tale of a Black man accused of rape. Many high school students have been forced to study and discuss this American classic.

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