EmbraceRace

As caregivers, we have the power to connect children of color to their racial and ethnic backgrounds in ways that foster a positive sense of identity, belonging, and pride. Through the power of storytelling, we can help children celebrate and love who they are. We can also build deep wells of resilience and self-worth among children of color that they can draw from when facing challenges, including experiences of prejudice and discrimination. Ready to start? Here are some meaningful activities to try. To read the full action guide visit: https://lnkd.in/gBAiC7aY #EmbraceRace #SelfLove #Storytelling #ActivitiesForKids #StoriesOfResilience

"Who packaged me? When did I get put into this box?" This reflection speaks to the experiences of so many: navigating identity, resisting erasure, and reclaiming roots in the face of systems designed to divide and suppress. For Elaine Mollindo, understanding the history of colonial systems like blood quantum laws led to a powerful decision—to honor and preserve the Indigenous side of their identity that’s at risk of being erased. We invite you to reflect on the ways race and culture shape how we see ourselves and others. How do we break free from the boxes society puts us in? How do we support children in claiming all of who they are?

Through our collective efforts, we can create a racially just world—and kids are key to making it happen. Be intentional about helping kids see themselves as racial justice activists. Connect your conversations about race to the change you want to see and explore ways to bring it about together. Here are some simple, practical ideas to help kids discover what it means to be a change agent—and how they can take action! #RacialJustice #YoungActivists #ParentingForEquity #EmbraceRace #RacialJustice #StartEarly #Activism

Through our collective efforts, we can create a racially just world—and kids are key to making it happen. Be intentional about helping kids see themselves as racial justice activists. Connect your conversations about race to the change you want to see and explore ways to bring it about together. Here are some simple, practical ideas to help kids discover what it means to be a change agent—and how they can take action! #RacialJustice #YoungActivists #ParentingForEquity #EmbraceRace #RacialJustice #StartEarly #Activism

"Who packaged me? When did I get put into this box?" This reflection speaks to the experiences of so many: navigating identity, resisting erasure, and reclaiming roots in the face of systems designed to divide and suppress. For Elaine Mollindo, understanding the history of colonial systems like blood quantum laws led to a powerful decision—to honor and preserve the Indigenous side of their identity that’s at risk of being erased. We invite you to reflect on the ways race and culture shape how we see ourselves and others. How do we break free from the boxes society puts us in? How do we support children in claiming all of who they are?

Excerpts from Professor Ali Michael's original essay written in the wake of Trump's election in 2016. It's important to be steadfast guides for kids right now, to remind them they are not alone and to help them process complex feelings and topics again and again again. Thank you, Ali, for these words right now. This is an abridged version. Read the full essay at www.embracerace.org

We're thrilled to partner with the Mead Art Museum to invite you to the opening celebration of Re/Presenting: Art Beyond the Color Line! ?? Join us on November 16 for an afternoon of music, food, art activities, and fun for all ages as we kick off this inspiring exhibition. Re/Presenting proudly highlights the work of significant local artists including Sonya Clark, Anika Lopes, and Sandra Matthews, as well as historical antecedents like the portrait of Hepsibeth Hemingway (on loan from the Worcester Historical Museum) and the photography of Kwame Brathwaite. This exhibition grew out of our partnership with the Mead Art Museum and Jones Library, sparked by our Drawing Differences curriculum. Through this collaboration, we’ve worked to explore how children’s art can better reflect diverse identities, addressing the under-representation of characters from all backgrounds in their drawings. The event is free, public, and drop-in/drop-out, but if you plan to come, please help us plan by filling out a short registration form! https://lnkd.in/g32q4E3X

Research shows that as children get older, cross-race friendships become less common, especially between the ages of 8 and 13. Children start believing that people tend to be friends with those of the same race, and they are less likely to have friendships across racial lines. But it doesn’t have to be this way! Here’s how you can support your child in building meaningful, diverse friendships: 1?? Educate Yourself: Understanding the social and historical factors that make cross-race friendships difficult is key. Equip yourself with knowledge about racism, privilege, and the systems of inequality that exist. This will help you better support your child in navigating these relationships. For white parents, it’s especially important to avoid placing the burden of educating on children of color. Instead, take responsibility for providing developmentally appropriate conversations about race and racism. 2?? Diversify Your Own Friendships: Research shows that children model their parents’ behaviors more than their words. If your social circle is racially diverse, your child is more likely to have diverse friendships as well. Lead by example and build authentic, diverse connections. 3?? Create Opportunities for Cross-Race Contact: Be intentional about exposing your child to racially diverse environments, whether through after-school programs, community events, or diverse friend groups. While segregation may make this difficult, it’s important to be proactive in seeking these opportunities. 4?? Be Critical of Media and Books: Ensure that the media your child consumes includes positive representations of people of color. Books and shows that normalize diverse characters and experiences help children see both the differences and similarities among people, fostering empathy and understanding. By educating yourself, diversifying your circles, and being intentional, you can help your child build lasting, affirming friendships across racial lines. To watch this Talking Race and Kids episode visit: bit.ly/ERCrossRacial

Kids are always observing, even when we don't realize it. They’re noticing patterns, differences, and messages around them. As adults, it’s not enough to just provide representation—we have to actively engage with what they’re seeing and help guide their understanding. This is where radical listening comes in. We need to get on the floor with our kids, hear what they’re noticing, and help steer them away from harmful narratives they might pick up. Just like teaching them how to cross the road safely, we can’t leave these important lessons up to chance. With the upcoming election and all the messaging that comes with it, this practice is even more crucial. Let’s make sure we’re preparing our kids to understand and process what they’re seeing. Start the conversation. Be intentional. Don’t let others define the road your kids will walk.? Watch this episode of Talking Race and Kids: The Meaning of Kamala Harris - for Our Kids and Ourselves by visiting https://bit.ly/ERKAMALA?

Our Drawing Differences program is designed to tackle the underrepresentation of diverse characters in children's art. Representation teaches powerful lessons about beauty, normalcy, and worthiness. This program encourages kids and their adults to collaboratively create portraits featuring individuals with different skin colors, hair textures, and facial features. Curious about what the Drawing Differences lessons offer and how you can implement them? Here’s a glimpse of the resources included and tips on how to get started. To access our free Drawing Differences program, visit: https://lnkd.in/e7EVawmf