Racial Justice Resources for Families
Engaging with children about race and racism is one of the most important conversations families can have, especially in today’s world where systemic racism continues to shape our communities and institutions. At Second Presbyterian Church, we believe that these conversations must start early, fostering understanding, empathy, and action toward racial justice. Our Racial Justice Resources for Families page provides curated materials to guide parents, caregivers, and educators in discussing race with children of all ages.
This collection of books, activities, and guides offers age-appropriate tools to help families navigate the difficult but necessary conversations about race, privilege, and justice. Whether you are beginning to talk to young children about race or guiding older kids and teens through the complexities of racial injustice, these resources provide invaluable support for making these discussions both meaningful and productive.
We encourage families to explore these resources and use them as opportunities to teach compassion, promote understanding, and actively engage in the work of racial justice.
Racial Justice Resources for Families
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This resource roundup challenges the idea that young children aren't ready to discuss race. It offers guidance on how to start conversations with children of different ages, providing insight into how they understand race, racism, and identity at various developmental stages. The resources featured here aim to equip families with the tools to engage in these critical conversations early, helping to raise a generation of children who are thoughtful, empathetic, and committed to racial justice.
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This list of children’s books provides age-appropriate stories, both fiction and non-fiction, to help children of all ages understand race and racism in our society. These books cover themes of resistance, resilience, and justice, offering both historical context and contemporary relevance. Ideal for use at home or in classrooms, these books serve as conversation starters and help children develop a strong foundation in racial awareness and empathy.
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This resource offers practical, race-conscious phrases and responses for parents to use in everyday conversations with their children. By providing actionable language, this guide helps families model racial justice in their daily interactions, reinforcing concepts of fairness, inclusion, and respect. Whether addressing a comment at school, a question about race, or a situation involving inequality, this list empowers parents to have meaningful and impactful conversations about racism and justice.
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This one-session study, designed for preteens and teens, helps leaders and parents guide youth through discussions of racism and its impact on individuals and society. The study provides a structured way to approach the often complex subject of race, focusing on fostering empathy, awareness, and a commitment to racial justice. With downloadable handouts and a leader’s guide, this resource is an excellent tool for parents seeking to engage their teens in meaningful conversations about race and racism in a way that promotes reflection and action.
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Written by the Muhammad Ali Center, this discussion and activity guide offers practical advice for parents and teachers on how to talk to children about race and violence. It includes suggestions for creating safe spaces for conversations, as well as activities to help children process complex emotions surrounding racism and violence. This guide is inspired by the upcoming picture book For Beautiful Black Boys Who Believe in a Better World by Michael W. Walters, which tells the story of a young boy named Jeremiah and his family as they engage in hopeful activism in response to racism and violence in their community.
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This picture book is a valuable resource for talking with young children about bias, race, and language. Through the story of Brian, children learn how to recognize and respond to bias in a constructive and supportive way. With colorful illustrations and simple language, Brian the Brave is an accessible entry point for parents looking to start conversations with their little ones about fairness, respect, and understanding differences in a gentle, age-appropriate manner.