Let's talk about it...

Perspectives (From The Mom Of Your Child’s Black Friend) is a safe space I endeavor to create for important conversations. An extension of the dialogue the article prompted between me and many of my non-black friends, most of whom are parents. 

My goal is to offer a forum for parents to ask well-intentioned questions about race, culture and experiences that they have not lived but want to ally themselves with. A space to share concrete, tangible ways to engage with the topic of race with our children so that we are comfortable enough to embark on the conversation and resist the instinct to avoid it altogether. The goal is to generate open, honest and vulnerable dialogue that leads to empathy, unity and understanding.

• What if I were white and truly wanted perspective from a Black friend, but was afraid to ask? 
• How would it feel to want to learn about something, but fear asking the very question would lead to the perception of my own ignorance? 
• If I felt a need to apologize before I truly understood the extent of what I was seeking forgiveness for, would I even engage in the conversation?

I think about questions like this from my perspective and I believe we all have a role to play. We can't expect those who have not walked in our shoes, to understand our experiences.

The Golden Rule has been my North Star and it remains my guide as I approach discussions about race, culture and parenting. These conversations begin with us, but we must also equip ourselves to have them with our children in an age appropriate way. 

Honesty about our country’s racial history, normalization of the conversation around race and a commitment to work together to raise educated children who will have empathy and understanding for those who are different than them, is integral to the pursuit of racial equity and justice.

Let's engage in the how, and not just the why.