Many of us are trying to learn more and figure out what we can do given the current state to support and help put an end to the injustice our black and brown brothers and sisters have experienced for way too long. There are many different resources out there but here is a comprehensive list all in one place to help get you started. Education…it is so important! YOU can help by raising loving, inclusive children that speak out and support all of God’s amazing children. Here are some resources that may help on your personal and family journey.
Reading Resources
Here is a list of inclusive book options our Children and Family Ministry team has shared through “Storytime with Chessey” as well as our MLK Day On! event. Also, to learn more and stay connected, we encourage you to join our Children and Family Ministry Facebook group!
- Everybody Bakes Bread by Norah Dooley
- Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio and illustrations by LeUyen Pham
- Happy in Our Skin by Fran Manushkin and Lauren Tobia
- Last Stop on Market Street by Matt De La Pena and illustrations by Christian Robinson
- Little Feminist Leaders text by Emily Kleinman and illustrations by Lydia Ortiz
- The Family Book & The Peace Book by Todd Parr
- My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero and illustrations by Zeke Peña
- Peter’s Chair & The Snowy Day by Jack Ezra Keats
- Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev and Taeeun Yoo
- The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad & S. K. Ali and illustrated by Hatem Aly
- The Tiny Truths Illustrated Bible created by Joanna Rivard & Tim Penner
- The World Needs More Purple People by Kristen Bell & Benjamin Hart and illustrations by Daniel Wiseman
- What If Zebras Lost Their Stripes by John Reitano and William Haines
Children’s Books Written by Black Authors
- God’s Dream by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Douglas Carlton Abrams
- Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry and illustrated by Vashti Harrison
- Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters by John Steptoe
- Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o and illustrated by Vashti Harrison
- The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by Rafael Lopez
- The Skin You Live In by Michael Tyler and illustrations by David Lee Csicsko
Here are some additional book lists on this topic:
- 20 children’s books to spark important discussions about race + tolerance
- Coretta Scott King Book Award Winners
Online Parent/Guardian Resources
- Parenting Forward podcast episode ‘Five Pandemic Parenting Lessons with Cindy Wang Brandt’
- National Museum of African American History and Culture Releases “Talking About Race” Web Portal
- We Stories – Raising Big-Hearted Kids (the entire website and their vision is amazing, but here is the link to the blog)
- Little People, BIG DREAMS series (books)
- The St. Louis American (newspaper)
- Finna poems by Nate Marshall (book)
- Them Goon Rules: Fugitive Essays on Radical Black Feminism by Marquis Bey (book)
Videos to watch (for parents and kids)
- PBS Let’s Talk: Seasons 1 – How to Talk to Kids About Race
- The Power of Vulnerability: Brené Brown –A very helpful TED talk that discusses the concept of vulnerability and relationship building.
- If you have access to Sesame Street, Episode 35 Season 47 called “The Snazzy Society” talks about the beauty of different skin colors – here is the main song: “Color of Me” from this episode.
Places/Ways to Support St. Louis
- EyeSeeMe – If you would like to purchase books for yourself and your children about race and loving all people, this is a local black-owned store in St. Louis to support with your business.
- Black-Owned Restaurants to Support in St. Louis Right Now
- 12 Ways You Can Be an Activist Without Going to a Protest
If you have any questions about the items posted above, please feel free to reach out to Chessey Brenton, Director of Children and Family Ministries.
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