How to Talk to Kids About Race

It is a difficult time in America right now. Following the killings of Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia, Breonna Taylor in Kentucky, and George Floyd in Minnesota, on top of the national stress we are all feeling from the COVID pandemic, protests and demonstrations are occurring across the nation and social media is awash in horror and conflict. All of this has direct impact on our young people. At Boys & Girls Clubs, we have a responsibility to use our positions as supportive adults in the lives of our members to help in whatever ways we can.

It can be difficult to know what to say or what questions to ask to kids about difficult and emotional topics.

However, youth need to process these events, hear from their peers and adults about experiences that may not mirror their own, and think about their roles in creating a more just and inclusive society.

At the Clubs we are working diligently to create and maintain a safe space that affirms the dignity and humanity of those involved. To be clear, we think this conversation is important for kids of all races, not just young people of color.

Here are some of the resources we are using to talk with kids about what’s happening in our country and in our community.

1. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture-Talking About Race
   This online portal provides digital tools, online exercises, video instructions, scholarly articles and more than 100 multi-media resources tailored for educators, parents and caregivers—and individuals committed to racial equality.  
   

2. 10 tips for teaching & talking to kids about race (en Español)
   

3. How to talk to kids about traumatic events