BLOG

Friends,

The world feels heavy right now. Well, let’s face it. It has felt heavy for months and current events are making it feel much heavier, and rightfully so. Since there is a lot to be discussed in our homes and in our communities as we continue to navigate showing our love and support for the black community here in the United States, we thought that we would take a break from sharing the holidays we're celebrating and instead talk about how we're discussing racism in our homes.

In my home this is a topic that we do not shy away from. I am in a mixed-race marriage; my husband is Mexican. The topic of discrimination is one that comes up frequently in our home. My husband and children have been on the receiving end of various forms of racial discrimination, though thankfully nothing life threatening.

As we have been discussing George Floyd and what happened to him and countless others, and as we have been watching the news and seeing various forms of protests the lines of communication have been open with my boys. My husband and I have been answering their questions and trying to do our part in our little corner of the world to teach our children to love and accept all humans. Something we have always strived to do.

I love this quote by Nelson Mandela " It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it." In my home we are trying to do just that in whatever way we can. Because we know that there is always more to be done and taught, I wanted to share the books I am going to be reading aloud with my children over the coming weeks. I felt it was important to incorporate some fiction (based on real events or based on similar events) that would keep their interest as we read, while still teaching meaningful lessons and the history of racism. My boys are at great ages and we can have incredibly open and frank discussions and I'm looking forward to increasing their knowledge on these tough subjects. Here are a few of the books we are going to be reading.

The Underground Abductor by Nathan Hale. This is a story based on the life of Harriet Tubman and how she came to be Harriett Tubman on the underground railroad.

Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes. This is about a boy who was shot, and he watches after his death what happens with his family in the devastation of his loss.

Us in Progress by Lulu Delacre. This is a collection of short stories about young Latin Americans and their various life experiences immigrating from several South American countries. I felt this was an important addition for my children as their grandparents were immigrants from Mexico.

And lastly (for now) We are not yet equal by Tonya Bolden. This book examines five major events in history where the United States achieved milestones of progress towards the equal participation of black Americans in democracy, and the events surrounding those milestones.

I'm excited to read these with my boys and to further open lines of communication with them. I know these books address some heavy subjects, but I personally feel there is no greater time to embrace these topics and talk about them.

What are you doing in your homes and communities right now? How are you going to do your part in making the world a better place for all? I would love to hear from you.

Under Construction

It's In Our Hands

National Paper Airplane Day