Represent Black & Brown Joy

“Why does her teacher look angry?”

This was a question from a non-black student in my classroom, who was referring to a dark skin male teacher in a book about ADHD. (@mybusybusybrain by @nicolerussell)

I went back to the page to show him that the teacher was indeed smiling and showing his student support. When I asked why he thought he was angry, he simply shrugged his shoulders.. he didn't know.

Why do you think he assumed the teacher was angry?

How do you think he has seen someone who looked like this teacher represented?

Do you think he even HAS seen someone who looked like this teacher ever represented?

How does this 7th year old's assumption correlate with folks so easily justifying the murders of Ma'khia Bryant and Adam Toledo?

I say this often, I don’t have all the answers. But one thing I do know to be absolutely true is that representation MATTERS. So if you’re wondering where to start, if you care about your child’s awareness, tolerance, and love for all people, if you want to see change happen.. it starts with exposure at the very beginning stages of life. Take a look at your child toys and books, consider your movie and music selections, look at who always plays the hero or the villain. Be mindful and intentional about what and who your child sees, knows, looks up to, recognizes, spends time around. The earlier you start, the less they’ll have to unlearn in the future.

Read. Think. Reflect. Unpack. Unlearn. #representblackandbrownjoy

#blacklivesmatter

#representationmatters

#adamtoldeo #makhiabryant

#blackjoy #brownskin #love #joy #teach #reflect #iteach #iteachchi