Raising Children In A Racially Unjust America & How To Help
When we first decided to move to the suburbs north of Pittsburgh, I researched school districts as any mom would, and I’ll never forget what I learned. The districts all received exemplary ratings in every area except that of Diversity. I mean, saying this area (Wexford/Cranberry/Mars/Gibsonia) is “predominantly white” is kind of a vast understatement. Consequently, I think we moms need to be more intentional about raising our children to not only be tolerant but to be accepting, of individuals who are different than they are. One day our children will be the policymakers, and we need to teach them to do better.
I know that for me personally, racial injustice is something that I care about and that I want to change, but I can also admit that as a white person, I am not educated enough. And if I am going to teach my children, I need to first teach myself. So I’ve started compiling resources: books for adults, books to read with your kids, and other resources relevant specifically to our community.
For anyone else struggling with wanting to support the BLM movement and not knowing where to start, I hope you find this small starting point helpful.
Pittsburgh Moms Seek Police Reform
As we observe the things happening in our country, members of Pittsburgh Moms Connect express our support for people protesting systematic racism in our country, in our county, and in our communities. We stand in solidarity with our fellow moms of color in hopes that these ongoing protests and prayer vigils will spark uncomfortable honesty, change, and healing here in Pittsburgh and across the country.
We believe that moms are the secret to solving what’s wrong with this country and stand together to build an equitable, safe, and just city.
Click the button below to learn more and to sign the petition.*
*These are not my words - they are pulled from the petition page.
Instagram Accounts to Follow
There are already people participating in and leading the conversations that you can follow on Instagram.
Raising White Kids: Bringing Up Children in a Racially Unjust America
Living in a racially unjust and deeply segregated nation creates unique conundrums for white children that begin early in life and impact development in powerful ways. Raising White Kids offers age-appropriate insights for teaching children how to address racism when they encounter it and tackles tough questions about how to help white kids be mindful of racial relations while understanding their own identity and the role they can play for justice.
Raising White Kids is a book for families, churches, educators, and communities who want to equip their children to be active and able allies in a society that is becoming one of the most racially diverse in the world while remaining full of racial tensions.