Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: The Danger of a Single Story
“Our lives, our cultures, are composed of many overlapping stories. Novelist Chimamanda Adichie tells the story of how she found her authentic cultural voice – and warns that if we hear only a single story about another person or country, we risk a critical misunderstanding.“
Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices on Netflix
Celebrity readers share children's books by Black authors to spark kid-friendly conversations about empathy, equality, self-love and antiracism.
Verna Myers: How to overcome our biases? Walk boldly toward them
In this funny, wise Ted Talk, diversity advocate Verna Myers urges listeners to move courageously toward biases that make them uncomfortable.
Kindergarten Teacher Gently Explaining Racism to Her Students is a Must-See for All Kids
“Vera Ahiyya, who's known affectionately as the "TuTu Teacher," is a Kindergarten teacher in Brooklyn, New York, who created a great video explaining the issue of race in America for her students. Ahiyya ends her comments by empowering children to fight back against racism. She concludes the video reading ‘Let's Talk About Race’ by Julius Lester.”
Discover BLM Media
Want to know more about where to find media and resources about the Black Lives Matter movement? This guide offers a quick discussion about where to find media about the Black Lives Matter organization and movement, including news sources, blogs, music, and film.
16 ways to help children become thoughtful, informed, and BRAVE about race
“Our children receive messages about race all the time - from books, games, movies, television, teachers, family friends and family members, neighbors and neighborhoods, their peers, and from you. As adults in the lives of children, we play a crucial role in shaping how and what they learn about race. Here are some starting points for raising children who can be the thoughtful, informed, and race-brave community members our multiracial democracy needs to thrive.”
Moms Clean Air Force
Across the country, Mom’s Clean Air Force supports projects that help reduce air pollution, fight climate change, and improve the health of our children and families. They fight for Justice in Every Breath, recognizing the importance of equitable solutions in addressing air pollution and climate change.
Joanna Ho's Reading of EYES THAT KISS IN THE CORNERS
Breathtakingly illustrated by Dung Ho, Eyes that Kiss in the Corners is Joanna Ho’s love letter to not just Asian children, but all children. Her debut picture book gloriously celebrates individual beauty and confidence and highlights how precious a supportive family can be. A perfect book to read at any age and a piece of art that will be shared for years to come.
Public Health Resources for Understanding Environmental Racism
If you are interested in learning more about environmental racism, the following resources can help you become informed and learn how to take action.
Woke Read Alouds: Wings by Christopher Myers
“In this video, Ki reads the story, “WINGS” by author/illustrator Christopher Myers. They take readers on a fun, animated, and thoughtful journey through the book, leaving time for think alouds and responses from kids, while including reading strategies, resources, and tips for parents throughout. This resource serves as a full academic read aloud.”
Advocate for Change with Printable Templates
Speak up to your elected officials and adopt long-term habits to correct structural inequities with this unique, DGT printable.
DGT - Biased Babies? Start Early to Educate about Diversity
How do you discuss human variety, acknowledge discrimination and bias -- and celebrate our commonalities and our differences? Here are some important tips from Doing Good Together.
Ibram X. Kendi: How to Build an Anti-Racist World
“In this vital conversation, he defines the transformative concept of antiracism to help us more clearly recognize, take responsibility for and reject prejudices in our public policies, workplaces and personal beliefs. Learn how you can actively use this awareness to uproot injustice and inequality in the world -- and replace it with love. (This virtual interview, hosted by TED's current affairs curator Whitney Pennington Rodgers and speaker development curator Cloe Shasha, was recorded June 9, 2020.)”
Systemic Racism Explained
“Systemic racism affects every area of life in the US. From incarceration rates to predatory loans, and trying to solve these problems requires changes in major parts of our system. Here's a closer look at what systemic racism is, and how we can solve it.“ By Act.TV
Britt Hawthorne
This educator and anti-bias expert offer exceptional tools for parents and caregivers. Her social media accounts will keep you thinking deeply about addressing bias and injustice head-on.
Common Sense Media: How White Parents Can Use Media to Raise Anti-Racist Kids
“Movies, TV, and books can be powerful teaching tools when it comes to helping kids understand race, racism, and a history of racial oppression.”
The MSW@USC Diversity Toolkit: A Guide to Discussing Identity, Power and Privilege
“This toolkit is meant for anyone who feels there is a lack of productive discourse around issues of diversity and the role of identity in social relationships, both on a micro (individual) and macro (communal) level. Perhaps you are a teacher, youth group facilitator, student affairs personnel or manage a team that works with an undeserved population. Training of this kind can provide historical context about the politics of identity and the dynamics of power and privilege or help build greater self-awareness. “
The Tiny Activist
FOLLOW the social media channels and SHOP the must-read recommendations by this wonderful organization.
"How to Talk to Kids about Race and Racism" by Parent Toolkit
Drawing from the wisdom of a long list of experts, this simple guide will get you started.
Build New Relationships
It’s time to think of the world as our family and create as many connections to others as possible. After all, our communities are stronger, and the rifts between us are narrower, when we spend time with people of diverse backgrounds and diverse experiences.
Unlocking Us - Brené with Ibram X. Kendi on How to Be an Antiracist
“I’m talking with professor Ibram X. Kendi, New York Times bestselling author of How to Be an Antiracist and the Director of the Antiracist Research and Policy Center at American University. We talk about racial disparities, policy, and equality, but we really focus on How to Be an Antiracist, which is a groundbreaking approach to understanding uprooting racism and inequality in our society and in ourselves.”
Teaching Tolerance - Lessons on Race & Ethnicity
These free lessons are designed to help teachers and schools educate children and youth to be active participants in a diverse democracy, but they are useful for families as well. Find lessons for all school-aged levels.
Explore Books to Fuel a Movement
The fiction and nonfiction books in this list will raise awareness about the history of the United States and the movements that are pushing us closer to equality.
Try DGT's Free Compassion-Building Curriculum
DGT™ and Making Caring Common, a project at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, created this fun, three-part series designed to inspire and empower children to be ambassadors for good beyond their immediate friends and family.
Hold a Candlelight Vigil
One of our big-hearted famlies shared this photo of their window-centered candlelight vigil in memory of lives needlessly lost and in support of social justice. This lovely, simple ritual was suggested by their son and may help children everywhere honor this moment.
Talking About Race - from the National Museum of African American History and Culture
This brand new web portal offers specific tools for parents and caregivers looking to raise these important and challenging conversations with children.
Celebrate Diversity and Difference with Inspiring Picture Books
This collection sets the stage for big conversations about the differences and similarities between us all. Plus, they are outstanding stories your whole family will want to re-read!
Teach the Power of Speaking Up
Reach out to your elected leaders - especially local leaders - and let them know you expect them to support people who are experiencing homelessness or food insecurity at this time.
Create an Informative Newsletter
Research an issue your family is passionate about. Then create a newsletter to raise awareness about your cause.
Sign Petitions Together
Do your part to correct injustices and demand equity. Find Change.org’s petition for Justice for George Floyd here. And visit Overhaul of Advocacy for an expansive list of anti-racist petitions your family can sign.
Decorate a Giving Jar
Help your child participate in your family’s charitable giving. Identify a LOCAL social justice organization you’d like your family to support. Learn about it together. Click the image for DGT’s tips to fill your donation jar. Visit Overhaul of Advocacy’s extensive and growing list of organizations you may want to support financially.
NAACP Legal Defense Fund
“LDF seeks structural changes to expand democracy, eliminate disparities, and achieve racial justice in a society that fulfills the promise of equality for all Americans. LDF also defends the gains and protections won over the past 75 years of civil rights struggle and works to improve the quality and diversity of judicial and executive appointments.”
Color of Change
“As a national online force driven by 1.7 million members, Color of Change moves decision-makers in corporations and government to create a more human and less hostile world for Black people in America.”
Southern Poverty Law Center
“The Southern Poverty Law Center is dedicated to fighting hate and bigotry and to seeking justice for the most vulnerable members of our society. Using litigation, education, and other forms of advocacy, the SPLC works toward the day when the ideals of equal justice and equal opportunity will be a reality.”
Reading of "Something Happened in Our Town"
By Marianne Celano PhD , Marietta Collins PhD, and Ann Hazzard PhD. To promote literacy and literature, Story Time is a Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center program and Atlantis School For Gifted Youngsters produced series that highlights children's books that are inspiring, empowering, and educational. Order your copy here.
Reading of "A Kids Book About Racism" by Jelani Memory
Perfect for young kids and their families, this book offers a gentle starting point for a conversation about racism. Find the book here.
NPR - Talking Race With Young Children
“Even babies notice differences like skin color, eye shape and hair texture. Here's how to handle conversations about race, racism, diversity and inclusion, even with very young children.”
Learn about Solutions with Campaign Zero
LEARN about policy solutions that your family may want to ADVOCATE for in a letter to your legislators. Each solution is informed by data, research, and human rights principles. Your family may also want to DONATE to their efforts.
The Conscious Kid
This remarkable research and policy organization is dedicated to reducing bias and promoting positive identity development in youth. They offer remarkable resources on social media.
We Stories
This St. Louis-based nonprofit is engaging white families in conversations about racism and building momentum toward social justice.
The Atlantic - How to Talk to Kids About Race
“The worst conversation adults can have with kids about race is no conversation at all,” says author Jemar Tisby. “Talking to kids about race needs to happen early, often, and honestly.”
Here We Read
We love this resource! Charnaie social media feeds connect families with diverse and inclusive books, kid-friendly products, and family experiences they will love.
Child Mind Institute - Racism and Violence: How to Help Kids Handle the News
Clear, reserach-based advice. “How can parents, many of whom are struggling themselves, help children process what they’re seeing and manage their feelings? There’s no one right answer. That said, there are a few guidelines parents can keep in mind to help kids deal with troubling news about race and violence.”
Code Switch - The Very Best Code Switch Episodes For Kids
This wonderful NPR podcast has rounded up its very best episodes for kids, or as they call them “bright young minds with boundless energy, just waiting to learn how to fight the power and advance racial justice.”
Emily PG Erickson - I Live in Minneapolis. This Is What I Told My 4-Year-Old.
This widely-shared Medium article is a wonderful, honest look at the challenges for parents -- but how important these conversations are.
Expand Voter Access with ACLU
Support the American Civil Liberties Union as they work to expand voter access and safeguard civil rights. Your family can customize their language to reach out to your own legislative leaders.
Teen Vogue - Beyond the Hashtag: How to Take Anti-Racist Action in Your Life
“Anti-racist work isn’t easy, and amid the COVID-19 crisis, things look a bit different than they used to. But there are still powerful ways to show up.”
Coming Together: Standing Up to Racism, a Town Hall for Kids and Families
“CNN's Van Jones and Erica Hill partner with "Sesame Street" for Coming Together: Standing Up to Racism, a town hall for kids and families. Watch the town hall in its entirety below:”
NPR - 'Raising White Kids' Author On How White Parents Can Talk About Race
“NPR's Michel Martin talks to Jennifer Harvey, author of Raising White Kids: Bringing Up Children in a Racially Unjust America, about how to talk with white kids about racially-charged events.”
Start an Anti-Racist Book Club for Families
Connect with family friends to start a book club. Meet (via Zoom!) to read and discuss thought-provoking titles from DGT, or from this wonderful list from EmbraceRace.org.
Start or Join an Anti-Racist Book Club for Adults
This excellent New York Times booklist offers books chosen to become “a stepladder to antiracism, each step addressing a different stage of the journey toward destroying racism’s insidious hold on all of us.” Also, this list from Buzzfeed will round out your reading list.
New York Times - An Antiracist Reading List
This eclectic list for adults is full of books chosen to become “a stepladder to antiracism, each step addressing a different stage of the journey toward destroying racism’s insidious hold on all of us.”
Embrace Race - 31 Children's books to support conversations on race, racism and resistance
This list - curated by critical literacy organizations, The Conscious Kid and American Indians in Children’s Literature - focuses on taking action.
Read along with Sesame Street: We're Different, We're the Same
“Elmo and Abby want to learn about things that are different and the same. Gordon is reading a great book that might help Abby and Elmo called We're Different, We're the Same.”
Sign Up for DGT's Volunteer Listings
DGT does the research and compiles free monthly listings of creative family-friendly volunteer projects in several major U.S. cities. Each month, we offer at least five opportunities to make a difference in local communities. Be sure to subscribe to this free service to add these volunteer opportunities to your email inbox!
How To Be An Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
“Not being racist is not enough. We have to be antiracist. Ibram X. Kendi's incendiary polemic is stirring, provocative and impossible to ignore. Here he explains why it's not enough to simply say you're not racist. Discover the book here.”
Nick News Presents: Kids, Race, and Unity
“Join host Alicia Keys and leading experts for “Kids, Race and Unity: A Nick News Special”. Let’s talk about race and racial injustice as we listen, learn, help and heal.”
Viewers may also appreciate this excellent Discussion Guide and Resource Page that accompanies the special.
New York Times - These Books Can Help You Explain Racism and Protest to Your Kids
This offers an excellent reading guide as well as specific book suggestions. “‘It is not enough to talk about racism, you must strive to be anti-racist and fight against racist policies and practices,’ Dr. Heard-Garris said. If you have the privilege, ‘make space, speak up or amplify issues of inequity and injustice.’ Children see everything.”
We Stories - Tools for Families, Libraries, Schools, and More
This brilliant, research-based organization is based in St. Louis and was founded after Michael Brown’s death to “change the conversation and build momentum towards racial equity.” They are beginning to offer national programs for families as well.
Overhaul of Advocacy
Find more tools to learn together through this extensive database:
“This site is home to many anti-racism resources spanning from organizations, donations, and Black businesses to educational resources, media, arts, and culture. This database is for anyone who wants more knowledge on who to listen to, how to advocate, and how to keep fighting for racial justice!”
How to Protect Your Mental Health While Fighting Racial Injustice
The work of fighting oppression includes putting yourself in vulnerable positions to witness incidents and have experiences that can be upsetting, alarming and traumatic. Preserving your mental health and building mental resilience is necessary to continue the fight for justice.