In the wake of a national outcry over the unjust killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, parents are awakening to the need for conversations on race with their children. Here are a few thoughts on leading these discussions well.
Lead with humility
For families of color, conversations on race are not optional; preparing our children for life in a racialized society is a matter of life and death. We must affirm our children’s value in a world where black life does not always matter. If you are new to racial conversations, acknowledge how privilege has kept you silent, and posture yourself as a committed learner. God avails much grace to the humble (James 4:6).
Lead from a biblical foundation
Before any structure is built, a foundation must be laid. Genesis unequivocally teaches that every human was created in the image of God. His redemption plan includes every ethnic group, and the early church was a beautiful model of multiethnicity and equity. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your heart in reading Scripture with a kingdom lens, honoring the different parts of Christ’s diverse body.
Lead with the truth about history
American history was shaped by white supremacy—the belief that white people were superior to other races. This narrative of racial difference led to the forced removal of Indigenous people, the enslavement of millions of Africans, and injustice toward Asian Americans, Latinos, and other people of color. Utilize the growing capital of books, museums, and movies to teach a fuller story, beyond the struggles, including the many accomplishments people of color have made.
Lead with regular bias checks
In 1960 Ruby Bridges was the first black child to integrate an all-white elementary school in the South. Her six-year-old peers were kept out of school for a year because parents could not fathom their white children attending school with a black child. While we are sixty years past Ruby’s bravery, values are most certainly handed down. We must diligently discard and dismantle bias and prejudice in our hearts and in systems that perpetuate injustice.
Lead with regular discussions
Jesus often used questions to gauge the receptivity of his audience. As we raise critical thinkers, our children have begun forming opinions on race and skin color. Books are an excellent way to begin and build on more in-depth conversations.
Although color blindness may seem like an easier approach, teaching kids not to see color diminishes God’s handiwork and denies the lived experiences of inequality that come from our racial makeup. Teaching them to see and celebrate racial diversity means they see the whole person in their friends and neighbors.
Our children are listening and watching. Let’s do our part to see that justice rolls down for every human, one conversation at a time.
By Dorena Williamson
Dorena Williamson has a passion for diversity stems from growing up in a pastor’s home that welcomed people from around the world. Her parents lived a life of love towards people of every race, faith, and culture. This laid the foundation for the work God prepared her for. Check out her latest children’s books ColorFull and ThoughtFull.
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