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National Museum of African American History and Culture

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National Museum of African American History and Culture

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Resources to help you learn more about Systemic Racism.

Race Forward

Race: The Power of an Illusion

What Discrimination Looks Like in America

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Creation stories have emerged from every culture, and in each instance, they have helped to define not only where a people came from - but how we got to where we are as a society. The American creation story is based on freedom, equality, and the pursuit of happiness. That story, like most creation stories, is part true and part myth. Since it's Black History Month, here are five truths that remain hidden from too many people today.

America was founded on white supremacy

The nation's founders believed in white supremacy, and they were not ashamed to say so.

The first slaves arrived here in 1619. Between 1619 and 1865, Virginia passed more than 130 slave statutes to regulate the ownership of Black people. A 1662 law made all children of enslaved mothers slaves, regardless of the father's race or status, so that rape by white slave-masters couldn't create a free child. A 1667 law codified that slaves who converted to Christianity were still slaves. A 1669 law allowed slaves to be killed for resisting authority.

The wording of the law regarding Christianity is revealing. The slave-masters would claim Christian piety in their acts of enslavement:

WHEREAS some doubts have risen whether children that are slaves by birth, and by the charity and piety of their owners made pertakers of the blessed sacrament of baptisme, should by vertue of their baptisme be made ffree... the conferring of baptisme doth not alter the condition of the person as to his bondage or ffreedome;

Virginia didn't have a monopoly on horrible slave laws. In 1740, South Carolina passed a comprehensive slave code with 57 provisions "so that the slave may be kept in due subjection and obedience." Provisions included making it a crime for slaves to grow or possess their own food, gather in groups, or learn to read.

In 1755, Georgia required all plantation owners and their white employees to serve in the state militia, which was responsible for enforcing slavery. Joseph Clay, a Savannah merchant, described the role of slavery in 1784, saying, "The Negro business is a great object with us. It is to the trade of this country as the soul is to the body, and without it no house can gain proper stability."

Forty of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence owned slaves. Under the Constitution, a slave was counted as three-fifths of a free person. Ten of the first 12 presidents owned slaves. This is who we were as the United States became a nation.

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Creation stories have emerged from every culture, and in each instance, they have helped to define not only where a people came from - but how we got to where we are as a society. The American creation story is based on freedom, equality, and the pursuit of happiness.

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Books and Resources to Help You Raise Anti-Racist Children | Brightly

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Kids as young as two years old can internalize racial bias, which means the time to start talking to kids about race is early and often.

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The conversation about race needs to start early and keep happening.

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Credit... Loris Lora

As protests over the killing of George Floyd (and Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor) spill into a second week, many parents are wondering how to talk about the deaths and unrest with their children. But just as important in the long run, especially for nonblack parents, is how to keep the conversation about race and racism going when we're not in a moment of national outrage, and to make sure all children see black people as heroes in a wide range of their own stories, and not just as victims of oppression.

In this moment, try to address the killings and protests honestly and in an age appropriate way, said Y. Joy Harris-Smith, Ph.D., a lecturer at Princeton Theological Seminary and the co-author of the forthcoming " The ABCs of Diversity: Helping Kids (and Ourselves!) Embrace Our Differences."

You can start having conversations about race in preschool, said Jacqueline Dougé, M.D., a pediatrician and child health advocate based in Maryland - children can internalize racial bias between the ages of 2 and 4, according to an American Academy of Pediatrics article that Dr. Dougé co-wrote.

Dr. Collins gave the example of a white child asking why another child had brown skin. A parent can take this opportunity to explain what melanin is, and to talk about how wonderful it is that the world has so many different kinds of people.

Older children will be much more aware of what's going on right now. So find out how much your child knows about the protests, Dr. Harris-Smith said, because kids may know more than we think they do from overhearing the news, their parents talking, or simply noticing what is going on outside in their neighborhoods.

Once you assess what they know, you can have a conversation about the violence against black people without being too explicit with elementary-age children.

Dr. Dougé suggested starting with something like: "There are things happening in the news that are upsetting us. Unfortunately there were police officers that made bad choices for the wrong reasons because of the color of our skin." Dr. Collins said that with children in elementary school, you should focus on how unfairly black and brown people have been treated throughout American history to the present day, because fairness is something all children can understand.

If you live someplace where people are actively protesting and your children have observed some destruction, "First and foremost, reassure them you're there to keep them safe," Dr. Dougé said. But also explain why people are protesting, and show them positive images of protesting now and from history, she suggested.

Make sure to create space for your child to feel however they need to feel about what you're discussing - they may be angry, sad or scared. "When we're not validated in how we feel, it makes it difficult for us to be active participants in our lives," Dr. Harris-Smith said. Dr. Collins suggested that parents can let a child know, "The important adults in her life are working really hard to make sure these injustices don't continue to happen in our city, country and world." Respect your children's feelings if talking about it is too upsetting, but make sure to leave the door open for future conversations, she continued.

In addition to keeping an open dialogue about racism, a way to raise children who are anti-racist is by making sure your home library has books with black people at the center of their stories. Christine Taylor-Butler, the prolific children's author and writer of The Lost Tribes Series, said that she got into children's literature because she wanted to see more stories of black joy. "I want stories about kids in a pumpkin patch, and kids in an art museum," she said. "Not only do we want our kids to read, but we want white kids to see - we're not the people you're afraid of."

"I see students clamoring for books that speak to heart, not oppression based on civil rights," Taylor-Butler added. And she is also a fan of books that tell stories of black triumph and invention, like " Whoosh! Lonnie Johnson's Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions, " by Chris Barton and illustrated by Don Tate, which is about the black engineer behind the Super Soaker water gun.

With that in mind, I asked several authors and Times editors to offer suggestions of books to read to children. Some are explicitly about racism, but others are stories with nonwhite protagonists. They are broken down roughly by age range; see our list below.

Ultimately, words and books should not be the end of your child's education about race and racism. "The best advice I can give parents is to be models for the attitudes, behavior and values that they wish to see in their children," said Nia Heard-Garris, M.D., an attending physician at the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.

"It is not enough to talk about racism, you must strive to be anti-racist and fight against racist policies and practices," Dr. Heard-Garris said. If you have the privilege, "make space, speak up or amplify issues of inequity and injustice." Children see everything.

Ezra Jack Keats's books about Peter ("The Snowy Day," "A Letter to Amy," "Hi, Cat!," "Whistle for Willie")

"I love all of Ezra Jack Keats's books about Peter, because they show a black boy in the city and the stories are just about his curiosity, his bravery and his being a kid. They are beautiful meditations on the interiority of black childhood without trauma while still feeling very black." - Kaitlyn Greenidge, NYT Parenting contributor and author of the novel " We Love You, Charlie Freeman "

" Saturday, " written and illustrated by Oge Mora

"This book is pure joy. A mom and her daughter, Ava, always look forward to Saturdays because it's the one day of the week they get to spend together without school or work. On this particular Saturday, though, they experience a series of disappointments. Nothing seems to be going as planned. Still, thanks to Ava they figure out a way to enjoy their time together. A quiet yet profound picture book."

- Matt de la Peña, a Newbery Medal-winning author of seven Young Adult novels and five picture books, including " Last Stop on Market Street "

" Hair Love," by Matthew A. Cherry. Illustrated by Vashti Harrison.

"Written by a former N.F.L. wide receiver and now an Oscar-winning short film, 'Hair Love' tells the story of a black father learning to do his daughter's hair for the first time and the special bond they share."

- Meena Harris, author of " Kamala and Maya's Big Idea "

" Each Kindness," by Jacqueline Woodson. Illustrated by E.B. Lewis.

"A new girl, Maya, shows up at school, and the whole class, including Chloe, our main character, shuns her because she's shabbily dressed and seems different. This goes on for a while, and then Maya is suddenly gone, and Chloe realizes she's missed her chance to be kind. This is a powerful picture book that bravely ends with regret."

- Matt de la Peña

" The Youngest Marcher, " by Cynthia Levinson. Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton.

"It's one of the more shocking and little-known stories of the civil rights movement: In 1963, the City of Birmingham jailed hundreds of kids for joining the Children's March. Among them was 9-year-old Audrey Faye Hendricks, taken from her family to spend a week behind bars, eating 'oily grits' and sleeping on a bare mattress. Levinson and Newton keep her story bright and snappy, emphasizing the girl's eagerness to make a difference and her proud place in her community."

- Maria Russo, former children's book editor at The New York Times

" Resist: 35 Profiles of Ordinary People Who Rose Up Against Tyranny and Injustice," by Veronica Chambers. Illustrated by Paul Ryding.

"Chambers, who is the senior editor of special projects here at The Times, has pulled together 35 inspiring stories from the past 500 years of history, each with a lesson for our kids about how to fight injustice in their own lives."

- Jessica Grose

" Not My Idea: A Book About Whiteness," written and illustrated by Anastasia Higginbotham

"An honest explanation about how power and privilege factor into the lives of white children, at the expense of other groups, and how they can help seek justice."

- Meena Harris

" All American Boys," by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely

"This is a brilliant look at the effects of police brutality from the perspective of two teen boys: one white and one black. We get inside both of their minds and watch them grapple with the weight of something that is way too familiar in our country. "

- Matt de la Peña

" Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You " by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi

"Reynolds and Kendi have created a book that slyly draws attention to the page itself. 'Uh-oh. The R-word,' they write. The word that 'for many of us still feels Rated R. Or can be matched only with the other R word - run. But don't. Let's all just take a deep breath. Inhale. Hold it. Exhale and breathe out' - and here, the text breaks apart to give us the dangerous word - 'race.'"

- Kaitlyn Greenidge: Read her full review here.
If you have other books you love on this theme, email us with a list of your favorites and we will run an article with your suggestions.

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These Books Can Help You Explain Racism and Protest to Your Kids (Published 2020)

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The conversation about race needs to start early and keep happening. As protests over the killing of George Floyd (and Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor) spill into a second week, many parents are wondering how to talk about the deaths and unrest with their children.

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Our mission at the Greater Good Science Center is to elevate the human potential for compassion. But that does not mean we deny or dismiss the human potential for violence, particularly toward marginalized or dehumanized groups.

© Tony Webster, Black Lives Matter Minneapolis

For centuries, African Americans and other communities of color have been subject to this physical and structural violence, denied their humanity and often their basic right to exist. That's why we are gathering Greater Good pieces that explore our potential to reduce bias and contribute to racial justice. The science we cover reveals the considerable psychological and structural challenges we are up against. But it also gives hope that another world is possible.

You can read our latest coverage on racism, diversity, and bridging differences-or start with the key articles below. We'll continue to update this page with resources for individuals, parents, and educators.

Click to jump to a section:
-The psychological roots of racism
-How to overcome bias in yourself
-Confronting racism
-Reducing bias in criminal justice
-Building bridges
-Resources for parents
-Resources for educators
-More anti-racism resources
The psychological roots of racism

How to overcome bias in yourself

Confronting racism

Reducing bias in criminal justice

Building bridges

Resources for parents

Resources for educators

Resources to Support Anti-Racist Learning: Read a message from the Greater Good Education team along with articles, books, practices for teachers and students, organizations to follow, and other resources to support anti-racist educators.

More anti-racism resources

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Our mission at the Greater Good Science Center is to elevate the human potential for compassion. But that does not mean we deny or dismiss the human potential for violence, particularly toward marginalized or dehumanized groups.

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This is enough.

The deep, gaping wounds in our country stemming from centuries of racist ideology and practices have resulted in the senseless murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and too many others from the Black community at the hands of law enforcement. The dehumanization that stems from "othering" one another has led us to this painful and pivotal moment in our history. Our Black family members, friends, neighbors, colleagues, fellow citizens are suffering and not safe, and treated as if they don't matter. For those of us outside this community, the time to act is now.

The GGSC Education Team stands by the Black community-seeing and supporting every member in their full humanity.

We are committed to doing our part in eradicating dehumanization in our society by promoting, practicing, and embracing research-informed anti-racist practices and beliefs. We start by acknowledging systemic barriers like poverty, inequitable opportunities, and racist institutional policies. These barriers exist not only in society broadly, but are deeply ingrained in our school system as well. Though such barriers may seem insurmountable, we must work toward dismantling them; we must also change the hearts of people-starting with ourselves by unearthing unconscious biases, stereotypes, and racist thinking.

To that end, the GGSC Education Team commits to:

Applying an anti-racist lens to our work in social-emotional learning, mindfulness, and ethical development.

Acknowledging the limits of our awareness as educators and researchers.

Engaging in continuous and lifelong learning in our field to address racism in our work as teachers and researchers.

Embracing a strengths-based, student- and healing-centered approach to learning and development that serves as a counter to deficit thinking and exclusionary discipline practices.

Incorporating trauma-sensitive practices and approaches in our work to foster safety and a sense of belonging in classrooms and schools.

Acknowledging implicit bias as a barrier in anti-racist education by engaging in and promoting practices that enhance self-awareness and social awareness.

Prioritizing teacher burnout as a potential barrier to anti-racist education by providing science-based practices for developing educators' social-emotional competence, well-being, and resilience.

Deepening empathy, compassion, and relationship skills by offering practices for staff and students designed to build trust and bridge differences.

We strive for intellectual humility-both personally and professionally. We also humbly stand next to educators around the country and the world who are taking action to undo the racism within themselves, encouraging their colleagues to do the same, and teaching and supporting their students in forming anti-racist identities.

We have compiled a list of resources to assist educators in this crucial work, and invite you to share your reflections and learning with us so that we may all become better human beings.

As UC Berkeley professor john a. powell wisely said at the GGSC's recent Bridging the Divides conference:
We are conflicted inside ourselves, which we almost never talk about, and we project that out. Part of the struggle is not just "getting along" or "fixing the other person," but getting along with different aspects of ourselves. So this becomes not just a political or psychological journey, but a profoundly spiritual journey.

We are committed to this journey.

(Photo by Allison Acosta is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0)

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Resources to Support Anti-Racist Learning | Greater Good In Education

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This is enough. The deep, gaping wounds in our country stemming from centuries of racist ideology and practices have resulted in the senseless murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and too many others from the Black community at the hands of law enforcement.

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Donate to our Anti-Racist Children's Books Education Fund
To counter racism and racial bias, experts recommend acknowledging and naming race and racism with children as early and as often as possible (Baron & Banaji; Derman-Sparks). Children's books are one of the most effective and practical tools for initiating these critical conversations with children, and can also be used to model what it means to resist and disrupt oppression.

All donations made here go to a dedicated fund for us to get children's books from our list of " 41 Children's Books to Support Conversations on Race, Racism, and Resistance" into classrooms across the country. All books by Indigenous authors were curated by critical Indigenous scholar Dr. Debbie Reese of American Indians in Children's Literature.

Beyond addressing issues of race and racism, these children's books focus on taking action. They highlight resistance, resilience, and activism, and seek to empower youth to participate in the ongoing movement for racial justice. Children not only need to know what individual, systemic, and internalized racism looks like, they need to know what they can do about it.

Thank you for your support in making these books accessible to educators and their students, and special thanks to Kendra Scott for donating $20,000 to launch this fund.

Please note we are a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit and our federal tax ID (EIN) is: 81-4204447

Donate to The Conscious Kid General Fund
As a nonprofit we rely on your generosity to make our work around racial justice, equity, and education sustainable. Donations made here go towards supporting our partnerships with Title I schools and other nonprofits, providing free education and content on our social media platforms, and continuing to advance our mission of disrupting racism at the earliest age possible.

Please note we are a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit and our federal tax ID (EIN) is: 81-4204447

Donate to The Conscious Kid's COVID-19 Rent Relief Fund for Families
Since April 1, 2020, we have sent out over $500,000 in COVID-19 rent relief to families across the country, including over $380,000 to Black families and $50,000 to the Black Trans community. Thank you to the 10,000+ donors who have made this possible, and to the individuals and companies who have made significant contributions, including Kristen Bell for donating $50,000, Mona Chalabi for donating $20,000, même for donating $20,000, and Clarins USA. We are honored to be partnered with GoFundMe on this mutual aid effort. Please visit our fundraising page to donate or apply.

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Donate to our Anti-Racist Children's Books Education Fund To counter racism and racial bias, experts recommend acknowledging and naming race and racism with children as early and as often as possible (Baron & Banaji; Derman-Sparks).

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We're seeking skilled volunteers in the areas listed below. If you want to contribute to the vital work of raising a race-brave generation of children, like our approach, and have some time and know-how to offer, please fill out the short form below and we'll be in touch.

RESEARCH: taking surveys, participating in focus groups, playing online games, and more, as needed (and depending on the project).

OUTREACH & COMMUNICATIONS: expanding our social media audiences and email list, publicizing and increasing use of new resources.

MEDIA RELATIONS: helping draw media attention to our work and finding good opportunities to publish our articles and op-eds.

INTERVIEWING & STORYTELLING: helping us ramp up our audio storytelling initiative, interviewing EmbraceRace community members and writing up their personal stories about race and kids.

COMMUNITY BUILDING: helping us design, organize, and/or support constructive online discussions about race, children, and raising children.

FUNDRAISING: helping us diversify and strengthen our revenue streams with respect to foundations, major donors, "small" donors, earned revenue and/or corporate funding.

Let us know if you would like to support us by volunteering a little bit of your time.

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We're seeking skilled volunteers in the areas listed below. If you want to contribute to the vital work of raising a race-brave generation of children, like our approach, and have some time and know-how to offer, please fill out the short form below and we'll be in touch.