Surely, by now, we all see the pressing need to talk about race—with our kids, with our parents, with our friends, even with ourselves. If the only thing holding you back is that you simply don’t know where to begin, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture has launched a new online portal that will help.
The digital portal, which contains tools, online exercises, video instructions, articles and more than 100 multimedia resources tailored for educators and parents, was already in the works before protests broke out across the country in the wake of George Floyd’s death. Seeing an immediate need, the museum bumped up the release date of “Talking About Race” to provide resources people can use right now:
Talking About Race builds upon decades of work by the museum’s educators. It is the result of extensive research, studies, consultations, and educational resources from these fields: history, education, psychology and human development. It includes published research from leading experts, activists, historians, and thought leaders on race, equity, and inclusion.
Talking About Race first prompts readers to personally reflect on their own lifelong journey and experiences surrounding race—an important first step. And then there are a wide range of articles, videos and activities that can help educate users about racial inequality in the United States—and arm you to talk to your kids about it. I particularly recommend:
- This explainer on “whiteness”
- This article about the different types of racism (and how to be an antiracist)
- The video on this page about “power”
- This activity about social identity that you can do at home with your kids
- This “Racial Equity Tools Glossary”
It can be difficult to talk with kids about race, particularly if you never have before, but it’s also necessary; and these tools can arm you with the knowledge you need to get started.
Meet the smartest parents on Earth! Join our parenting Facebook group.