Anti-racism is defined as “the active process of identifying and eliminating racism by changing systems, organizational structures, policies and practices and attitudes, so that power is redistributed and shared equitably.” Our diverse staff of childhood development and mental health professionals has created a list of anti-racism resources for children and adults.
Our hope is that these 25 anti-racism resources will help our Richmond community become more culturally sensitive and better informed. And offer encouragement to community members of color who may be experiencing racism as trauma.
Anti-Racism Resources for Children
What’s The Commotion in The Ocean?
Children’s Book by Nyasha Williams
“Nyasha Williams is a Kindergarten teacher and a children’s book author who is working towards creating meaningful stories for children to increase the gap in representation in children’s books. She quotes on her website ‘While 37% of our population are people of color only, 13% of children’s books over the past 24 years contain “multicultural content.’
I most enjoy her images of the alphabet with inspiring messages for hope, social justice, and representation for children.”
– Maria Kalevas, LCSW, RPT-S, CTP-C, Quality Assurance Supervisor
Anti-Racist Baby
Children’s book by Ibram X. Kendi
“As a first time Mom to a fifteen-month-old, I’m looking forward to having a practical, tangible resource to begin having critical conversations with my child. Dr. Kendi’s work has helped me understand how I (as a white person) am also a product of a racist system and what steps I can actively take to both acknowledge and (where possible) change my position to become a more effective ally.
I’m excited to have his words, in a developmentally appropriate resource, to help me share Dr. Kendi’s work, and impact, with my own child(ren).”
– Katy Reynolds, LPC, School-Based Therapist
Rights and Equality and Culture and Diversity
Children’s Books by Marie Murray and Hanane Kai
“Over the years that I have been teaching CDA I have recommended Free Spirit Publishing to my students (early child care providers) as wonderful books to use in their classrooms Free Spirit Publishing has books that deal with all ages, genders, and ethnicities.
They also offer free webinars, posters, a blog, and downloads for teachers to supplement their teaching.”
– Cindy Kern, CDA Manager
BLM Instructional Library
Read-Aloud Book Collection for Children
“This resource has a library of books and the option for “read out loud” on various topics.”
– Lisa Thompson, CDS Program Manager
The Sandwich Swap
Children’s book by Queen Rania of Jordan Al Abdullah, Kelly DiPucchio (Author), and Tricia Tusa
“This is a wonderful children’s story about celebrating differences. Two young girls are hesitant to accept something they don’t understand but learn that it’s the things that make us different that make us special.”
– Jess Templeman, M.Ed., CDS Project Manager
13 Children’s Books About Race and Diversity
Article by PBS
“I recommend the PBS.org website as a resource because it’s important to teach all children beginning at a young age about race, diversity, differences, inclusive practices, and cultures. And reading to children as a daily practice is a win-win for all because adults are learning too about these topics as they read.”
– Patricia Koon, Outreach and Recruitment Supervisor
Stamped from the Beginning
Book by Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds
“This is a teen-friendly history book about racism, but educational for adults too. We are doing a book study as a family with it, discussing chapters over dinner. It makes this powerful history accessible to younger readers.”
– John Richardson-Lauve, LCSW, Director of Mental Health and Lead Trauma & Resilience Educator
Anti-Racism Resources for Adults, Parents, and Educators
The Racial Healing Handbook
Workbook by Anneliese A. Singh Ph.D., LPC
“I recommend this handbook to anyone looking to do the following: better understand and challenge racism, address feelings related to experiencing racism (i.e. grief, shame, anxiety, etc.), work towards dismantling racism and making strides to become anti-racist, as well as heal from the traumatic impact of racism. I love this handbook due to its simplified text, relevant examples, and guided writing prompts/questions that are useful during self-reflection or while engaging in group discussions.
Whether you are new to becoming more race-conscious or experienced in this field, there is something in this handbook for everyone.”
– LaDesha Batten, MSW, Immediate Response Clinician
Anti-Racism Resources for Social Workers and Therapists
Article by socialwork.career
“This growing list of anti-racist resources for social workers and therapists is organized by time-sensitive upcoming events, webinars on-demand, and general resources, with a focus on racial equity in mental health. I think it’s the responsibility of other non-Black social workers to name, understand, and actively combat racism and anti-Blackness in a profession that is 70% white, in a field that predominantly serves Black and brown communities.”
– Kristin Lennox, LCSW, Immediate Response Supervisor
Project Implicit
Implicit bias tools and quizzes by Harvard
“Dr. Ibram X. Kendi describes racism as ‘Standing in the rain not realizing how wet you are.’ Harvard University’s free implicit bias tools, called IATs, represent a first step for anyone who wants to raise awareness of how “wet” they are.”
– Bob Nickles, LCSW, School-Based Supervisor
The New Jim Crow
Book by Michelle Alexander
“The author goes into great detail explaining the long-lasting effects of slavery and how racism has transformed through the years resulting in, most recently, mass incarceration. It’s certainly not an easy or fun read, but I’d argue very necessary so as to be better informed.”
– Thom Zahler, Case Coordination Specialist
Code Switch
Podcast by NPR
“My one resource is the Code Switch, a NPR podcast that is ‘Hosted by journalists of color, our podcast tackles the subject of race head-on. We explore how it impacts every part of society — from politics and pop culture to history, sports and everything in between. This podcast makes ALL OF US part of the conversation — because we’re all part of the story.'”
– Preston Martin-Lyon, Program Analyst
“Code Switch is a well-researched & well-produced podcast featuring inclusive and honest conversations about race. It is helping me develop a broader lens of racial justice & equity for every part of life. The episodes have a great flow and are around 30 minutes each, which is simple to incorporate into my day.”
– Holly Jones, MSW, Immediate Response Therapist
Dear White People…10 Ways You Can Show Up for your Black Friends and Colleagues
Article by Colorlines.com
“Though the title says White people, I think this is a good read for anyone. I appreciated this article as a person of color. I feel like this is a common theme where many people do not know how to approach their black friends and colleagues.”
– Stephanie Lizama, MSW, Supervisee of Social Work Therapist
Talking About Race
Website by the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
“This site has resources for both educators, parents/caregivers, and people committed to equity. There are a variety of topics to explore including whiteness, bias, self-Care, race and racial identity, historical foundations of race, and more.”
– Michelle Schmitt, CDS Child Development Specialist
“I received an email that talked about difficult work ahead of confronting our own biases and having honest conversations. This link was a resource of tools shared to help with those conversations. Resources are provided for educators, parents or caregivers, and for individuals on their own personal journey.”
– Emily Bullen, CDS Program Specialist
10 Tips for Reading Picture Books with Children through A Race-Conscious Lens
Article by Megan Dowd Lambert from EmbraceRace.com
“This a great guide to assist caregivers, teachers, etc., best guide children to and through picture books with positive racial representations.
When I think of positive racial representation, the inclusion of skin, hair texture, and style that is becoming or beautiful if you will, statement that highlights individuals of color in an inclusive, positive, and amazing way!”
– Eleane Young, LMFT, ChildSavers School-Based Therapist
Starting To Talk About Race With Kids
Article by booksforlittles.com
“I chose to share this resource because books are an easy way for children to connect with an adult over a focused subject. They can react to the pictures and ask their own questions. Books also provide a jumping-off point for adults who may not feel comfortable addressing issues on their own.”
– Koni Garofalo, CDS Program Specialist
Why I Teach My Two-Year-Old About Race
Article by The Washington Post
“Since having my son, I have found myself questioning when is it too early to talk about race? I don’t want to steal his innocence from him, but I would rather prepare him for a negative encounter than have him be blindsided. This article backed my feelings of providing his growing mind with information so that he can ask questions and eventually find his own voice.
Little ones are watching and listening to everything we say and do. I feel empowered to tackle this topic head-on.”
– Alisha Saunders-Wilson, CDS Workforce Development Coordinator
Addressing Race and Trauma in the Classroom
Article by The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
“This article provides a good social and emotional framework on how to approach a challenging topic for adults with children. This resource also includes checking in on the emotional reading from children, looking at behavior and response- and also recognizing all children are being impacted on so many levels from personal, home, community, and school space we should be the connector for expression, information, and change.”
– Jackie M. Burgeson, CDS Trauma and Resiliency Specialist
Talking Race With Young Children
Audio Segment by NPR
“As a mother of a bi-racial child and an aunt to a bi-racial child as well as a Caucasian child, conversations about race are difficult but necessary. This podcast breaks the conversation down into a few steps, which makes it feel more manageable. It’s short and a good way to start thinking about approaching this topic.”
– Stephanie Hammerk, LCSW, MHS Program Supervisor
Reflections Of A White Woman
Blog post by Susie Johnson of Not Your Average Mom
“Reading this post was hard. It called me out. It caused me to feel uncomfortable. I felt exposed.
But then I thought, if this white lady can be vulnerable and speak truth about herself, then why can’t I? What if more and more white women summoned the courage to be vulnerable, to self-examine, to name our biases and make changes. I want to keep reading, keep learning, keep examining my biases— claim them, name them, and work on changing them.”
– Terry Tusing, Infant Toddler Specialist
How to Talk About White Privilege
Article by Well + Good
“When I started my search I decided to type in “white privilege” because as a Caucasian it is something I must confront daily and continue to challenge and learn about. I guess you would call this resource a blog that talks about white privilege and how to talk to someone about white privilege. The blog uses 3 relevant examples to aid with a discussion on white privilege, how to understand it, and how to challenge it.
This article was meaningful to me because I realized that I have done some of the things in these 3 examples. Part of me feels embarrassed but part of me is content to admit that I am still learning….and trying!”
– Julia Patrick, LMFT-S, RPT, School-Based Therapist
13th
Documentary by Ava DuVernay
“This is a very powerful, yet digestible documentary about the evolution of slavery and racism in America. As a white woman who is not very well acquainted with the history of slavery or mass incarceration, this was a great starting place for me. I also watched it with friends and family members, so it was an organic way to start a discussion about racism and privilege with loved ones”
– Annie Evans, Marketing and Communications Officer
Can Mindfulness Help Us Dismantle Inequality?
Article by Mindful
“This connects to a podcast by a researcher who looks at Mindfulness and social justice and inclusivity. I like the points about mindfulness providing an opportunity to understand multiple points of view, and building the capacity for patience as the long term cultural change work will take a LONG time.”
– Katie Francis, LCSW, Program Manager of Mental Health Services
Stories from the National Museum of African American History and Culture
Articles by nmaahc.si.edu
“As a White person, much of the racism in this country can be hard for me to recognize as I am not directly impacted. Additionally, our educational system has centered White history and makes efforts to downplay the injustices that Black people have experienced since before the founding of the United States. One thing that I now do as an adult to correct this deficit is to make efforts to learn about the Black history of the places where I live and visit.
The more I seek out truthful and accurate representations of history, the better I am able to recognize the lasting impact of that history on current injustices. While many museums are not currently open you can visit their websites to immerse yourself inaccurate and in-depth look at Black history in America.”
– Lindsey Hershner, LCSW, Outpatient Therapist
The Revolution Will Not Be Televised
Podcast episode by Race Capitol
“I find this particular resource useful because it informs and educates and looks at the racial injustice and issues that we face specifically in Richmond. I think the journey to becoming an ally or anti-racist can bring feelings of overwhelm and confusion to many white people, and I have found that starting on a local, community level, and understanding the impacts in your own city can create more of a personal connection and can help people to find their voice or other ways they can act to support their own community.”
– Kelly Cramer, LCSW, School-Based Therapist
ChildSavers is a nearly 96-year-old non-profit in Richmond, Virginia offering trauma-informed children’s mental health and early childhood development services. We work to prevent trauma by equipping child care providers with the training and resources they need to provide quality care for infants and toddlers. When trauma occurs, our therapists are available via virtual therapy or face-to-face therapy for children ages 2 – 17 in the greater Richmond area. To learn more about quality early child care or our children’s mental health services, give us a call at 804-644-9590 or send us a message.
