Red Tails is making a huge box office impact telling the heroic tale of the esteemed Tuskeegee Airmen who simultaneously fought for the U.S. abroad while fighting the U.S. for equality and equity. As such, I’d like to share my thoughts about teaching your child about their history. I am writing this entry from both personal and professional experience.
Research shows that racial socialization has a positive effect on a person’s racial identity. So what are race socialization and racial identity? Racial socialization is the practice of marginalized parents teaching their children about their unique cultural and historical experiences in the hopes of helping the child develop a positive sense of self, despite some other agents of socialization transmitting negative messages to them. Racial identity is how one connects with and views himself from a racial perspective. Racial socialization is a key component of child-rearing for African Americans and the development of a positive racial identity is the goal of this process. So, with that said, here are some tips and activities that can be used to effectively discuss race with your child(ren):
1. Know your Roots: Start with your family history. Remember that big ol’ Bible grandma (or other family elder) has tucked away? Or that scrapbook one of your Aunts or Uncles has? Well, it’s time to take those items out and share with your child(ren) your unique family history. Emphasis your ancestors' triumphs and accomplishments; place them in historical context for your child(ren) and try to hear first hand accounts of some of the dynamic tales of the elders. For example, my Grandmother Emma migrated from Somesville, TN to Chicago around 1940 at the age of 16; this was at the height of the Great Migration. Some of the best moments of my early childhood were spent hearing stories of her childhood in the south.
2. Whos’ in the Village? You’ve heard the adage “it takes a village to raise a child”, I challenge to learn more about that village. Whether individuals are playing an active role in your child’s life or not, they may still serve as sources of inspiration or role models in your child’s life. You may look to your local genealogical society, research current elected officials, community leaders, or clergy members. What are their stories? How might they show your child that s/he can also achieve his/her goals?
3. Remember, it ain’t all roses. Be honest about the good and the bad. Don’t start with the subjugation many cultures in the U.S. have faced (or continue) to face. Acknowledge there is prejudice, discrimination and racism but that’s NOT the beginning. For example, West African Cultures had long, rich histories complete with governmental structures and viable economies. They also had vast knowledge of agriculture, holistic medicine, and traditional religions (just to name a few things). Beginning a discussion about African American history with Jamestown and ignoring the facts above may actually have more of a negative impact. This is sad because this is often where schools start the discussion about African American history.
4. Go Back to the Motherland. Travel around the world, virtually. Visit websites with current information about the richness of the countries that share your family’s cultural, ethnic, and racial background. The following link shows the routes of the Transatlantic slave trade http://www.slaveryinamerica.org/geography/slave_trade.htm. Research some of the cultures of Africa’s west coast and the impact those who survived the MAAFA had on the countries their descendants now live.
5. Believe none of what you hear and only half of what you see. Use movies and television sparingly in your discussion. Also, if and when you do, make sure your use books, articles, and family histories to make these entertaining and sometimes fictionalized accounts as real and as relevant as possible. The local library is your best resource for non-fictional material for all ages as well as special programs that may bring history to life. Remember, as my colleague Brandi Brown notes “movies are made to entertain” as such, they should not be your primary source for educating your child about his/her unique history. There are great documentaries (check your local library) and PBS specials that you can use to capture the imagination if live action is what you seek.
I hope you find these tips and the links helpful. Please leave your questions or comments below.
