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Resources

A curated collection of current events, articles, books, films, podcasts, videos, and organizations to help you educate yourself and your children about race, systemic racism, and structural inequity today.

What's new

Teaching Thanksgiving in a Socially Responsible Way

As Thanksgiving approaches, it's important to remember that some Indigenous communities observe the holiday as a day of mourning. The National Museum of the American Indian offers a comprehensive resource with activities for grades 4-8.
Discussing Congressional Investigations of January 6

Your children may have some questions as a congressional committee investigates the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. These resources can help you facilitate critical conversations and provide historical context.
How to Honor Indigenous Peoples with Your Kids, Today and Every Day

Teaching children about Indigenous heroes, artists, writers and musicians and to make connections to the land they live on and present-day Native nations should happen year-round. This article outlines four strategies to incorporate the authentic stories of Indigenous Peoples into our everyday lives and includes corresponding resources and prompting questions.

Articles

The 1619 Project by Various Authors

The 1619 Project is an ongoing initiative from The New York Times Magazine that began in August 2019, the 400th anniversary of the beginning of American slavery. It aims to reframe the country’s history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of black Americans at the very center of our national narrative.
The intersectionality wars by Jane Coaston

When Kimberlé Crenshaw coined the term 30 years ago, it was a relatively obscure legal concept. Then it went viral.
Tips for Creating Effective White Caucuses by Craig Elliott, PhD

White Caucuses are an important mechanism for people who identify as white and/or have white skin privilege to do our own work. It provides us an environment and intention to authentically and critically engage in whiteness, white privilege, and hold each other accountable for change. We explore how to recognize whiteness and white privilege, identify and interrupt our internalized dominance, and collectively develop strategies for liberation and change.
Who Gets to Be Afraid in America? by Ibram X. Kendi

Americans don’t see me, or Ahmaud Arbery, running down the road—they see their fear.
What white parents get wrong about raising antiracist kids — and how to get it right by Melina Menner Moyer

We and our children need to keep growing and understanding, even when the momentum of the moment dies down. Engage your kids with the issue of race even (if not especially) when diversity is absent. It’s crucial that we help our children see that black voices are absent from so many important conversations, that black faces are absent from so many spheres of society, to recognize the persistent injustice and demand lasting change.
How White Parents Can Talk To Their Kids About Race by Michel Martin

Most people have heard about "the talk" — the conversation many African American parents have with their kids about how to avoid altercations with police or what to do and say if they're stopped. The unrest sparked by anger over police brutality against African Americans has parents who aren't black thinking more about how they talk to their kids about race.
Turning the Lens (Seeing White, Part 1) by John Biewen, with special guest Chenjerai Kumanyika.

Events of the past few years have turned a challenging spotlight on White people, and Whiteness, in the United States. An introduction to our series exploring what it means to be White.
What is Owed by Nikole Hannah-Jones

If true justice and equality are ever to be achieved in the United States, the country must finally take seriously what it owes Black Americans (reparations).
Why celebrating Juneteenth is more important now than ever

Juneteenth is an important holiday in the African-American community commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, observed annually on June 19. This year Juneteenth will be celebrated on Saturday, June 19, 2021. This article informs readers of why Juneteenth is important to celebrate as America grapples with its legacy of slavery.

Books

Ages 3 and above

The Case for Loving: The Fight for Interracial Marriage by Selina Alko

This is the story of one brave family: Mildred and Richard Loving, and their three children. It is the story of how Mildred and Richard fell in love and got married in Washington, D.C. But when they moved back to their hometown in Virginia, they were arrested for violating that state's laws against interracial marriage. The Lovings refused to allow their children to get the message that their parents' love was wrong and so they fought the unfair law, taking their case all the way to the Supreme Court—and won!
The Skin You Live In

Themes associated with child development and social harmony, such as friendship, acceptance, self-esteem, and diversity are promoted in simple and straightforward prose. Illustrations of children's activities for all cultures, such as swimming in the ocean, hugging, catching butterflies, and eating birthday cake are also provided. This story delivers an important message of social acceptance to young readers.
Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race by Megan Madison and Jessica Ralli (Author), Illustrated by Isabel Roxas

A picture book that begins the conversation of race to help children understand what they see and recognize inequality, discrimination and prejudice.

Ages 6 and above

Gordon Parks: How the Photographer Captured Black and White America

Gordon Parks is most famous for being the first black director in Hollywood. But before he made movies and wrote books, he was a poor African American looking for work. When he bought a camera, his life changed forever. Told through lyrical verse and atmospheric art, this is the story of how, with a single photograph, a self-taught artist got America to take notice.
Something Happened in Our Town: A Child’s Story about Racial Injustice by Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins, Ann Hazard

The story follows two families—one White and one Black—as they discuss a police shooting of a Black man in their community. The story aims to answer children's questions about such traumatic events and to help children identify and counter racial injustice in their own lives. Includes extensive information for parents and families with guidelines for discussing race and racism with children, including sample dialogues.
Young, Gifted and Black: Meet 52 Black Heroes from Past and Present by Jamia Wilson Illustrated by: Andrea Pippins

Illustration book that recounts the accomplishments of 52 compelling figures in Black culture from the past and present.

Ages 9 and above

Not My Idea: A Book about Whiteness by Anastasia Higginbotham

A white child sees a TV news report of a white police officer shooting and killing a Black man. "In our family, we don't see color," his mother says, but he sees the colors plain enough. An afternoon in the library's history stacks uncover the truth of racism and white supremacy in the United States. Racism was not his idea and he refuses to defend it. Not My Idea: A Book About Whiteness is a picture book about racism and racial justice, inviting white children and parents to become curious about racism, accept that it's real, and cultivate justice.
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

Raised in South Carolina and New York, Woodson always felt halfway home in each place. In vivid poems, she shares what it was like to grow up as an African American in the 1960s and 1970s, living with the remnants of Jim Crow and her growing awareness of the Civil Rights movement. Touching and powerful, each poem is both accessible and emotionally charged, each line a glimpse into a child’s soul as she searches for her place in the world. Woodson’s eloquent poetry also reflects the joy of finding her voice through writing stories, despite the fact that she struggled with reading as a child. Her love of stories inspired her and stayed with her, creating the first sparks of the gifted writer she was to become.

Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes

A powerful story about a black boy who was killed by police officers, drawing on real historical events to highlight life in America for young black men.

Ages 12 and above

Blended by Sharon M. Draper

Eleven-year-old Isabella’s parents are divorced, so she has to switch lives every week. Because of this, Isabella has always felt pulled between two worlds. And she’s is beginning to realize that being split between Mom and Dad is more than switching houses, switching nicknames, switching backpacks: it’s also about switching identities. Her dad is black, her mom is white, and strangers are always commenting: “You’re so exotic!” “You look so unusual.” “But what are you really?” She wonders what it means to be half white or half black, to belong to half mom and half dad? And if you’re only seen as half of this and half of that, how can you ever feel whole? It seems like nothing can bring Isabella’s family together again—until the worst happens.
Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson

It all starts when six young people have to meet for a weekly chat--by themselves, with no adults to listen in. There, in the room they soon dub the ARTT Room (short for "A Room to Talk"), they discover it's safe to talk about what's bothering them--everything from Esteban's father's deportation and Haley's father's incarceration to Amari's fears of racial profiling and Ashton's adjustment to his changing family fortunes. When the six are together, they can express the feelings and fears they have to hide from the rest of the world. And together, they can grow braver and more ready for the rest of their lives.
Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre by Carole Boston Weatherford – Illustrated by: Floyd Cooper

The book traces the history of African Americans in Tulsa's Greenwood district and chronicles the devastation that occurred in 1921 when a white mob attacked the Black community.

For Parents

Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates

Between the World and Me is a letter to Ta-Nehisi Coates’s son, Samori. Drawing on personal anecdotes and historical context, Coates details what life is like as a black body in America.
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent by Isabel Wilkerson

Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents is an immersive, deeply researched narrative about how America today and throughout its history has been shaped by a hidden caste system, a rigid hierarchy of human rankings. The book reexamines what lies under the surface of ordinary lives and of American life today.
How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi

In How to Be an Antiracist, Kendi explores the concept of “antiracism” to help readers clearly identify racism, understand its devasting consequences and work to dismantle the oppressive system we live in.

Films

Ages 3 and above

Black is King (Not Rated) (Ages 3+)

A story of a young African prince who undergoes a journey of self-discovery after being exiled from his kingdom. This musical film by Beyonce represents the Black diaspora’s journey of discovering, reclaiming, and celebrating their culture and heritage.

Ages 6 and above

The Color of Friendship

This Disney Channel Original Movie is set in 1977 and tells the true story of two girls: Mahree, the black daughter of a congressman from Washington, D.C., and Piper, a white girl from apartheid South Africa. The two end up learning more about each other's countries than they could have ever imagined.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

The directorial debut of actor Chiwetel Ejiofor—who also stars in the film—follows a 13-year-old Malawian boy who teaches himself to build a windmill in order to save his village from starvation.
Cinderella (1997) (Rated G) (Ages 6+)

A classic fairytale with a multicultural cast starring Brandy Norwood and Whitney Houston. This film represents the importance of diversity and inclusion in children’s films.

Ages 9 and above

PBS The Latino

In a three-hour presentation of nonfiction and fiction short films, The Latino Experience explores a broad collection of experiences, perspectives, and points of view to highlight the diversity of the Latino/a/x community and to illuminate the vibrancy of the United States and Puerto Rico.
PBS Asian Americans

Asian Americans is a five-hour film series that delivers a bold, fresh perspective on a history that matters today, more than ever. As America becomes more diverse, and more divided while facing unimaginable challenges, how do we move forward together? Told through intimate personal stories, the series will cast a new lens on U.S. history and the ongoing role that Asian Americans have played.
Hidden Figures (Rated PG) (Ages 9+)

A true story of three Black women at NASA who played crucial roles during the historic “Space Race” in the early 1960s. This film informs viewers of three important Black women in American history who remained resilient despite the obstacles each one of them faced during the height of racial segregation.

Ages 12 and above

The Secret Life of Bees

Set in 1964 South Carolina, this drama follows 14-year-old Lily, who runs away from her angry father with her black housekeeper, Rosaleen, to start a new life in Tiburon, where Lily believes her mom came from. There they meet the Boatwright sisters, who help teach Lily all about beekeeping, as well as the many privileges of Lily's skin color. The film contains some violence, but it's still suitable for mature tweens.
I Am Not Your Negro (Not Rated) (Ages 13+)

A visual essay of James Baldwin’s unfinished book explores racism through the lives and assassinations of Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This timely film reminds viewers that racial inequality still exists today as it did when Baldwin wrote this essay 40 years ago and how social justice remains to be seen for Black people.
Just Mercy (Rated PG-13) (Ages 13+)

A story that follows the life of civil rights attorney, Bryan Stevenson, as he tries to free a wrongly convicted man on death row. This film highlights how capital punishment affects African-Americans disproportionately to other communities and why advocates like Stevenson are important to ensure our justice system remains fair and equitable for everyone.
Selma (Rated PG-13) (Ages 13+)

The story of how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led the march from Selma to Montgomery to secure equal voting rights. This film is based on a true story of an African-American hero who fought to advance rights for Black people.
The Hate U Give (Rated PG-13) (Ages 13+)

A story based on a 2017 novel about Starr Carter who witnesses her childhood best friend get shot by a police officer. After the shooting makes national headlines, Starr is under immense pressure while finding her voice and standing up for what’s right. This film covers issues such as police brutality and systemic racism through the eyes of a young teen during her formative years.
13TH (Not Rated) (Ages 13+)

Documentary that explores the history of criminalizing of African Americans. This film explores the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the United States

For Parents

When They See Us (TV-MA) (Rated R)

A true story of five Black and Latino teens who were falsely accused of assaulting and raping a jogger in Central Park. This film allows viewers to understand how deep injustice runs within American’s judicial system and police force.
If Beale Street Could Talk (Rated R)

A love story between Tish Rivers and Fonny Hunt, a young couple who future plans are derailed when Fonny is arrested for a crime he didn’t commit. This romance film focuses on Black love and the inequalities of the criminal justice system.
Fruitvale Station 2021 (Rated R)

The story of Oscar Grant who was shot by San Francisco transit police on New Year’s Day in 2009. This film provides important historical and educational context for the frequent police shootings of Black men in America.
Judas and the Black Messiah (Rated R)

An American biographical drama film about how an FBI informant infiltrates the Illinois Black Panther Party and is asked to keep tabs on leader, Fred Hampton. This powerful drama sheds light on the extreme measures taken by the American government to silence the voices of Black leaders advocating for equality.
Get Out (Rated R)

A young man meets his girlfriend’s parents for the weekend where he becomes uneasy about the family being overly accommodating.

Moonlight (Rated R)

A coming-of-age story about a young man who grows up in Miami trying to find his place in the world.

Organizations

Ad Council

The Ad Council is supporting this effort as part of their Racial Justice Series where they are spotlighting content that aims to spark more dialogue and action around racial justice.
We Are

We are, which stands for working to extend anti-racist education, is a non-profit organization that provides anti-racism training for children, families, and educators.

Anti-Defamation League (ADL)

ADL was founded in 1913 "to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all." Now the nation's premier civil rights/human relations agency, ADL fights anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry, defends democratic ideals and protects civil rights for all. ADL builds bridges of communication, understanding and respect among diverse groups, carrying out its mission through a network of 30 Regional and Satellite Offices in the United States and abroad. With an array of educational, legislative, diplomatic, and interfaith initiatives, our office acts as an important resource for the community at-large.