Today we are raw. Although we live with the impact of racism through our own eyes and the eyes of our children every day, there are days we can compartmentalize this reality and continue to work, to play, to live.
Today we cannot compartmentalize. George Floyd's murder and the resulting expression of outrage shown by protests throughout the country have exploded us out from any place of safety in which we were living - or even hiding.
This past week, we have been collectively re-living the horrors of past killings and saying out loud the names of those who have retreated from our tongues as a result of being replaced by yet another... yet another... yet another... death from abuse of power.
FAPAC cherishes the diversity of the community we serve. This diversity, however, makes it most challenging to give one message that applies to us all. As we see it, the responsibility for change rests with those of us who hold more power and privilege.
For those of us who are white and parenting Black children, we have to fully acknowledge that our children face a very different world every day than we do. We have a mandate to dig deeply into our own privilege in order to fully be present for our children and to walk their journey alongside of them. We have a mandate to speak out against injustices that happen to them, to others they care for, and to the larger Black community. We have a mandate to become truly, actively anti-racist.
We know that no one can define what speaking out means to each of us, and we are struggling with our own words right now. Each of us has to find our own way, starting with listening. Truly listening. Opening up to conversations that are hard, and deep, and perhaps confrontive. Making sure in our busy lives that we make space for the work that has to be done and that we look around to see where we fit. Not resting into complacency.
Yesterday, Kim Perry, the Executive Director of DC Action for Children, sent these suggested reading lists. We would like to pass them onto you.
If you want to learn: How to become an anti-racist reading list. If you want to talk to your kids: Children's books to support conversations on race, racism and resistance.
We will continue to be a stalwart resource for our community, providing guidance and taking action for the love of our children. If you have other ideas, please reach out.
With gratitude for our community and in solidarity and love,
Team FAPAC
