Current Events
Resources for conversations with children about tragedy:
Discussion Ideas
Books to Read
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- Middle and High School Age
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- Elementary Age
- Elementary Age
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- Elementary Age
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- Middle and High School Age
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- Elementary Age
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- Elementary Age
- Middle School Age
- Middle School Age
- Middle and High School Age
- Middle and High School Age
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- Middle and High School Age
- Middle School Age
- Middle and High School Age
- Elementary Age
Videos to Watch
In this video from PBS Utah, parents Jami and Mohamed discuss teaching their children about race and racism.
In this video from PBS Utah, parents Kristi and Jake discuss teaching their children about race and racism.
Here is a conversation with the young people who had their talk with adult family members filmed three years ago. This is what they are thinking now.
Headlines across the country referred to Monday's [March 9, 2020] stock market plunge as "Black Monday," one of many ways racism has become entwined in American culture. CBS News contributor Ibram X. Kendi won a national book award for his book tackling America's long history with racism.
Artist Titus Kaphar makes paintings and sculptures that wrestle with the struggles of the past while speaking to the diversity and advances of the present.
Here is a video of Representative Lewis speaking about his graphic novel series and what his hopes are for those who read it.
For middle and high school students.
To watch with older children
To watch with younger children.
Hosted by Alicia Keys, Nick News talks with founders and leaders of the Black Lives Matter movement, offer tools for families to have constructive conversations about race, and highlights teen activists who are fighting racial injustice in Kids, Race and Unity: A Nick News Special.
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms takes questions along with CNN's Van Jones and Erica Hill about how to combat racism, and shares a message with kids about how to make a change.
Sesame Street's Abby Kadaby shares a story of how her fellow Sesame Street friend Big Bird was a victim of prejudice, and how she stood up for him. A college professor defines white privilege.
Two children from a heartwarming viral video catch up with each other over video. Former Philadelphia Police Chief Charles Ramsey shares a message to children of color.
More to Explore
This website has additional videos, articles, and book lists.
What does it mean to be anti-racist and how should adults talk to kids about race and racism?
Jim Crow of the North reveals the history and impact of racist real estate covenants.
Nic Stone, author of the best-selling young adult novel Dear Martin, explains why your anti-racist reading lists aren't enough.
This is an NPR interview with Chimamda Adichie. This webpage also includes the video of her TED Talk, The Danger of a Single Story
There have been many calls for conversations about race. Book lists and resource lists abound. For many Black parents and other parents of color, “conversations about race” are a natural and necessary part of the fabric of our lives. For a number of white families, this might be new; or might become another moment of talking about needing to talk about race — without ever taking the steps to honestly do so.
Look into local opportunities for learning and action.
Dig into the resources from the National Museum of African American History & Culture, Smithsonian.
PBS KIDS announced a new special, “PBS KIDS Talk About: Race and Racism,” premiering October 9.
Black History Month
This February and beyond, how might you engage with Black History as a family of lifelong learners?
We are providing resources for you and your family — books to read, videos to watch, discussion ideas, and more to explore. You decide what's right for you and your family.
Discussion Ideas
Reading lists from Hennepin County Library (HCL)
- Black history for preschoolers
- Black history for children
- Black history for teens
- All HCL curated lists for Black History Month
Virtual Events
- Association for the Study of African American Life and History Black History Month Virtual Festival
- Black History Month Virtual Concert
- Heritage and History Month Events - Smithsonian
- Black History Month Schedule | Multicultural Student Engagement, University of Minnesota
- February is Black History Month | Hennepin County Library