I’m going to start being more explicit about racial and social (in)justice with my kids. I’ve discussed it when it’s come up spontaneously, when my kids notice that different people have different skin color, or when I notice something here or there that’s pretty easy to address. I have taught the names Native American and First Nation People when my children have come home from school in pilgrim hats. I’ve discussed racism when my kids share their outrage when they learn about Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King. However, I haven’t made it part of our regular dialogue, prayers, or actions. And I’m going to change that.
As part of my practice as a Christian, a Yogi, a Human, I’m considering this question:
“What is mine to do?”
And then I’m taking concrete action. This doesn’t mean every action I take changes the world. But, it does mean that every action I take changes the world. Do you know what I mean?
Here’s one of the places I’m starting: Talking to White Kids About Race & Racism.
This and more helpful resources can be found at Safe Space Radio.
And here is an interview with writer, educator, and activist Jennifer Harvey by Michel Martin of NPR about How White Parents Can Talk To Their Kids About Race. Harvey is the author of Raising White Kids: Bringing Up Children in a Racially Unjust America.
Send me a note and share what you’re teaching your white kids about how to walk alongside our brothers and sisters of color and how to be forces for good in the world.
You don’t have to be perfect at this.
Just keep practicing!
Amy
The Catholic Yogi
Generous Wisdom | Spacious Heart 