Image courtesy of: @sacree_frangine

Parents and Nannies: Let’s #dothework. 

As an agency and as individuals we believe unequivocally that Black Lives Matter. We also know that we have a lot of work and learning to do. While we are your resource for the best information about childcare, when it comes to information about systemic racism and injustice, it is not our voices or experiences that need to be heard. 

We have compiled a short list of resources (along with brief explanations of why we’ve found each to be helpful) to share with our families and nannies who are also committed to educating themselves in order to educate their children. 

This list is by no means comprehensive; there are lots of exhaustive lists of books and media out there and it can be difficult to know where to begin. We want to help get you started with this curated list. 

If you have additional resources or black voices you would recommend we amplify, please share them with us at [email protected]

People to Follow Right Now:

1. @themompsychologist – Currently posting thoughtful content to help keep parents accountable and aware of how they can #dothework. 
2. @theconsciouskid – 501c3 educational nonprofit that equips educators and parents with tools to support parenting and education through a critical race lens. 
3. @Rachel.Cargle – A public academic, writer, and lecturer. Her activism and academic work are rooted in providing intellectual discourse, tools, and resources that explore the intersection of race and womanhood.
4. @LaylaFSaad – Layla Saad is an author, speaker & teacher on the topics of race, identity, leadership, personal transformation & social change. She also hosts @goodancestorpodcast a podcast series with change-markers and culture-shapers. 
5. @hereweeread – Helping you find diverse books, educational products, and raise curious kids. 
6. @inclusivestorystime – “Raising readers who raise up others.” Sharing great book recommendations for kids as well as other resources for parents. 

Books to Purchase 

*Please consider ordering your books from a local DC-area Black-owned Bookshop such as MahoganyBooks, or Loyalty Bookstore.

For Yourself

Below are links to articles containing reading recommendations. The content of these articles also gives context to the recommendations.

1. NYMagazine’s The Strategist – This list of 12 Anti-Racist Books Recommended by Educators and Activists is a good place to start. Six of the books are specifically for adults. 
2. Time – Several Antiracist Books Are Selling Out. Here’s What Else Black Booksellers and Publishers Say You Should Read – this article touches on the most commonly recommended books to read but goes a step further, offering less well known titles across genres that help non-black readers understand the nuances of blackness. “U.K.-based publisher Sharmaine Lovegrove, says, `Why I’m Longer Talking to White People About Race is a great primer, and Me and White Supremacy is a great toolbook, but then what happens?’ she says, adding that buying diverse books from different genres is more effective than `one book that tells them what they’ve got to do and makes them think they’ve done the work.’”

For Your Children

Note: Below are links to direct you to lists of many books to help you address race and racism with your children at all different ages. Kidlit author Christine Taylor-Butler cautions parents to “provide 20 joyful books” featuring POC kids for everyone book on racism. It is important to show that “POC kids are like every other kid.”

1. This NYT article is a good place to start. It provides 9 books total, one or two suggestions per age group (0-3, 3-5, 5-8, 9-12, 12+)
2. @Theconsciouskid has compiled a list of 41 books that “showcase the many ways people of all ages and races have worked to disrupt racism…” The list can be accessed via their Patreon page at the $5 book club tier (or $1 if you are low-Income). “By joining, you are also making a larger statement about the necessity to center and compensate Black and Brown voices when discussing issues of race.”
3. We also recommend the “Own Voices” list by @theconsciouskid for children ages 0-3. There is a significant lack of representation for marginalized groups in board books in particular. #OwnVoices means that the books were written by members of the communities being represented. 

Toys

1. Kids Play Tricks – 10 toys that spark conversation about race and support raising compassionate children.  
2. Busy Toddler – This is a wonderful round-up of toys that can be either a “mirror or window” for your children.

Articles to Read

1. New York Times – These Books Can Help You Explain Racism and Protest to Your Kids. The conversation about race needs to start early and keep happening.
2. Common Sense Media – How White Parents Can Use Media to Raise Anti-Racist Kids –  10 ideas for how to use media to start and continue conversations about race and racism with your kids. 

Podcasts

1. NPR – Talking Race With Young Children – This 20 minute listen gives you tips to handle conversations about race, racism, diversity, and inclusion, even with very young children. “Even babies notice differences like skin color, eye shape, and hair texture

Roundups

1. Anti-Racism Resource Roundup – When you’re ready for more, this document, compiled by Sarah Sophie Flicker and Alyssa Klein covers all types of media and organizations to help white people and parents deepen their anti-racism work.