As people of faith in the church, we are witnessing a critical moment, the collective growing awareness of the sin of racism that exists in our nation. It is vital for us to listen, to study, to pray and reflect, and to respond with words and action. These conversations are especially important for children, teens and families, so we are providing a list of resources for your family to explore together.
– Tricia Guerrero, Pastoral Associate to Family Ministries
Resources for Families:
- Something Happened in Our Town (video above) is a children’s book that follows two families — one White, one Black — as they discuss a police shooting of a Black man in their community. The story aims to answer children’s questions about such traumatic events, and to help children identify and counter racial injustice in their own lives. Appropriate for ages 4 years old and up. Read the tips by the three psychologist authors.
- PBS Articles: How to Use Children’s Books to Talk about Race and Racism and How to Teach Children about Cultural Awareness and Diversity
- Parenting Blog: Talking with Children about Racism, Police Brutality and Protests by Age Group
- Try reading IntersectionAllies: We Make Room for All to begin a conversation about standing up for friends and classmates with school-aged children.
- Book lists and resources for youth found here or through the Los Angeles Public Library to help your family have conversations about racism, embracing diversity and being more empathetic and understanding.
- Watch Ted Talk “How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Discussing Race