30 Social Justice Resources for Families

Families looking for ways to discuss identity, race, and taking action against racism with their children at home can turn to a number of books and activities to guide and support the conversation.

Below, Mansi Vasa, Corlears Assistant Head of School and Director of Equity and Inclusion, recommends several resources for working to raise self-aware, racially conscious children – including ways for adults to expand their own knowledge.

“We strongly encourage you to pause and reflect with your family,” Vasa says. “Make a commitment to having hard conversations with your children, with your friends and family, and to take action in one of the myriad of ways that are needed in the movement for social justice.”

At Corlears, social justice themes of identity, diversity, justice, and action are a significant piece of the educational experience. Learn more about equity and inclusion at Corlears.

Videos

• Watch a peaceful protest and talk with your kids

Books

We recommend families check out the website Social Justice Books, where you can find a broad variety of books by culture, theme, historical event, and more!

Activities

• Explore self portraits of people with diverse skin tones (Bonus: check out People Colors crayons for this activity and other coloring or drawing activities!)

• Draw a self portrait and talk about skin color

• Revisit Black Lives Matter at School Guiding Principles

• Print the BLM Coloring Book

Additional Resources for Adults

Say:

• How to Talk About Race, Identity & Inclusion with Toddlers (by Mansi Vasa / Corlears School)

• How to Talk About Race, Identity & Inclusion with Kindergarteners (by Mansi Vasa / Corlears School)

• How to Talk About Race with Older Children (by Mansi Vasa / Corlears School)

• 100 Race-Conscious Things You Can Say to Your Child to Advance Racial Justice

Watch:

• Racial Justice resources from Sesame Workshop

Listen: 

• NPR Parenting: Difficult Conversations

• Podcast with Brené Brown & Ibram X. Kendi

Read: 

• Racial Identity Information by Age Level (by Mansi Vasa / Corlears School)

• Social Identity Guide (by Mansi Vasa / Corlears School)

• Raising Race Conscious Children

• CRJE Resources for Talking About Race, Racism & Racialized Violence with Kids

• Antiracist Book Club Recommendations

• Teaching Tolerance: Beyond the Golden Rule

• Guide: Raising Antiracist Kids

Take Action:

• 26 Ways to Be in the Struggle Beyond the Streets

• A Guide to How You Can Support Marginalized Communities (CNN)

Updated: January 2022