NPR

'I See These Conversations As Protective': Talking With Kids About Race

What does it mean to be anti-racist, and how should adults talk to kids about race and racism? Children's author Renée Watson and anti-racism scholar Ibram X. Kendi suggest starting with books.

At this point, given what's happening in our country, a lot of parents want to talk to their kids about racism.

Some admit: They don't know how.

For thoughts on where to start, I talked to anti-racism scholar Ibram Kendi and children's author Renée Watson. I started by asking Kendi about a distinction he makes: Should parents should teach kids to be "not racist" or to be "anti-racist"?

"My understanding, when parents desire for their kids to be not racist, they typically do not talk to their kids about race," Kendi says. "They avoid conversations about race or even

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR4 min read
We Asked, You Answered: Let's Make A Toast To The Ways You Keep Calm And Carry On
Our readers responded to our callout, sharing the strategies they use to lift their spirits in the face of setbacks and woes. And yes, one way is: A jam happy face on toast!
NPR6 min read
As Student Protesters Get Arrested, They Risk Being Banned From Campus Too
Students continue to protest at campuses across the country, despite the risk of arrest. Some schools now threaten demonstrators with disciplinary action, while others promise the opposite.
NPR2 min read
CDC Says 3 Women Diagnosed With HIV After Receiving 'Vampire Facial'
Although HIV transmission from contaminated blood through unsterile injection is a well-known risk, the CDC said this is the first documentation of probable infections involving cosmetic services.

Related Books & Audiobooks