Get Help Talking About Race With This Tool From the Smithsonian Institution
Of course, by now we all see an urgent need to talk about race – with our children, with our parents, with our friends, even with ourselves. If the only thing holding you back is that you just don’t know where to start, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture has launched a new online portal to help you.
A digital portal containing tools, online exercises, video tutorials, articles and over 100 multimedia resources for teachers and parents was already in operation before protests erupted across the country after the death of George Floyd. Seeing the urgent need, the museum has extended the release date of Talking Race to provide resources that people can use right now:
Race Talk is based on decades of work by the museum’s faculty. It is the result of extensive research, research, consultation and educational resources in the following areas: history, education, psychology and human development. It includes published research by leading experts, activists, historians and opinion leaders on issues of race, justice and inclusion.
First, A Talk About Race encourages readers to personally reflect on their life path and experiences with race — an important first step. In addition, there is a wide array of articles, videos, and activities that can help educate users about racial inequality in the United States – and arm you to talk to your kids about it. I especially recommend:
- This is the explanation for “whiteness”
- This article is about the different types of racism (and how to be anti-racist )
- Video on this page about “power”
- This is a social identity exercise that you can do at home with your children.
- This “Glossary of Racial Justice Tools”
It can be difficult to talk to children about race, especially if you have never talked before, but this is also necessary; and these tools can equip you with the knowledge you need to get started.