How can we support students in feeling secure in their racial identity? I enjoyed watching the video Is My Skin Brown Because I Drank Chocolate Mile by Beverly Tatum. I had seen this before but enjoyed watching it again. She really helped me to see that we can talk to young children about race and to listen to their questions and provide honest answers. When we silence children when they ask questions about race we are sending them the message that this is not a topic to be discussed.
How can we foster trust amongst the racial boundaries? It is so important for children (and adults) of all races to interact outside of school and outside of the work place. If we do not get to know one another, we can't trust one another.
How can we prepare students to engage in conversations about racism in ways that prevent further trauma to students? We need to listen, listen, listen. Children need a safe space to ask questions and to have age appropriate answers. We need to look at the resources we have in our classrooms (books, supplies, and resources ) to make sure that they are inclusive of everyone.
