The Kidzu staff has compiled valuable resources to help families talk about racial equity and inclusion at home.
We will continually update these resources, so check back regularly.
As children develop their own identities, they become more conscious of differences among others. Purposeful and engaging activities help children learn how to recognize and talk about these differences openly and without judgement.
- Kidzu’s MLK Day Book List
- 19 Children’s Books to Read in Honor of Hispanic Heritage Month
- Social Justice Books: 60 Booklists of Multicultural and Social Justice Books for Kids, Young Adults, and Educators
- 31 Children’s Books to Support Conversations on Race, Racism, and Resistance
- 21 Children’s Books Every Black Kid Should Read
Caregivers are responsible for raising a new generation that embodies kindness, equity, and inclusion. These resources prepare adults to have uncomfortable, but necessary, conversations with children about race and racism, while also providing tools to grow alongside them.
- “Raising Race Conscious Children”: Resources for Talking to Children About Race with Young Children
NPR Podcast: Talking Race with Young Children (20 minutes) - Liberation Station, Black-owned bookstore in Durham, NC
- Becoming a Parent in the Age of Black Lives Matter
- Resources to Support Children’s Emotional Well-Being Amid Anti-Black Racism, Racial Violence, and Trauma
- How to Talk to Kids about Race: An Age by Age Guide
- Guide for Selecting Anti-Bias Children’s Books
- EmbraceRace.org
Educators have the critical role of not only teaching children about racial diversity, inclusivity, and how to endorse equity, but also creating curriculums and learning objectives that systemically affirm and promote diversity. Learning how to have constructive and respectful conversations requires self-reflection and educating oneself about best practices. Here are some resources that can help!
- Teaching Tolerance: A List of Resources for Educators to Help Facilitate Conversations in the Classroom
- Project READY: Free, Online Professional Development Modules for School Administrators
- “Let’s Talk! Facilitating Critical Conversations with Students”
- Sesame Workshop: Identity Matters Study
- National Museum of African American History and Culture: Talking About Race with Students
- Black Lives Matter at School Resources for Education and Inclusivity in the Outdoor Industry
- Why Diversity is Important in the Classroom
On behalf of the entire Kidzu team, we are listening. If you would like to give us feedback, tell us about the challenges you’ve faced as a parent/caregiver during these times, or simply share additional resources that could be helpful to other families, reach out to us by clicking here and sending us a direct message.
A Message from Kidzu's Previous Executive Director, Lisa Van Deman
The recent brutal and senseless murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery were horrifying and heartbreaking.The deep, systemic wounds of racism and injustice in our country have again resulted in violence and fear on a massive scale. We stand in solidarity with Black and Brown communities in the fight against racism and inequity. We must work together to defend human dignity and actively promote kindness, equity, and inclusion in our work and in our lives.Kidzu’s job, like children’s museums everywhere, is to provide safe and welcoming learning environments for children and their families to play, learn, and grow. But we can do more, and like the lifelong learning continuum we support, our museum continues to engage in the process of learning and growing. We will continue striving to actualize Kidzu’s values of equity and inclusion within the museum experience and through training and professional development of our team members. We will continue to be a trusted resource for caregivers, and provide materials and connections to experts to help children and families navigate difficult conversations about social injustice. And once it’s safe to do so, we will welcome you with open arms and open hearts back to Kidzu. Ruby Bridges, the first child to integrate an all-white school in the South, once commented, “Racism is a grown-up disease.” We must challenge ourselves and reaffirm our commitment to bringing about a better world for our children by actively speaking out and taking action against the “grown-up disease” that has existed in our country for centuries. We understand that this is not the work of some of us; it is the work of all of us. Together.
Lisa Van Deman
Previous Executive Director, Kidzu Children’s Museum
Thank you to Blue Cross Blue Shield North Carolina for supporting our Equity & Inclusion initiative.