Clearly, there is a lot of thinking to be done right now. It is long overdue and honestly, I’m overwhelmed. But, I took to heart the recommendation that I saw on an Instagram post of one of the voices I have recently starting following on thoughts in anti-racism. (Sorry that I cannot give them credit right now – I will have a future post on people I am currently following on social media that provide some interesting food for thought.) It said to take Juneteenth as an opportunity to learn about something that will help in the work ahead.
So, in addition to taking some time later today to learn about the historical significance of Juneteenth and its origins, I took some time this morning to catch up on a webcast that I missed yesterday from the Commonwealth Club. I strongly recommend that you all watch “Parenting in Support of Black Lives: How to Build a Just Future for Kids (and How Media Can Help)”. This conversation between Dr. Ibram X. Kendi and Dr. Allison Briscoe-Smith, thoughtfully facilitated by Julie Lythcott-Haims, has some deep, foundational thinking in how to imbed anti-racism in our interactions with our families and the challenges faced by parents of children who identify in the umbrella of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color).
Once you have watched, let me know your thoughts. I will post some of my reactions in a future post.