Antiracist Baby by Ibram X. Kendi. Illustrations by Ashley Lukashevsky. One way I love to learn is through the wisdom of children’s books. Ibram X. Kendi delivers a jewel of knowledge in his recently published book, Antiracist Baby, and how to make equality a reality. This delightful picture book carries a poignant message for parents to empower their children at an early age on how to overcome racism and advocate equality for everyone. Kendi mentions that children pick up racist messages from society at a very early age. He goes on to stress that infants can also learn to be antiracist.
The book highlights nine steps to make equality a reality. Here are a few insights I keep pondering from my reflection on these points.
Make Equality a Reality – Steps and Insights
1 Open your eyes to all skin colors. It is essential to acknowledge and learn from all people. Proclaiming to be color blind tends to discount rather than honor. I am guilty of using that analogy of being color blind to promote inclusivity. I was wrong. That is not the right approach. Be open, receptive with our eyes, heart, and mind to recognize, understand, and respect people of all colors.
2. Use your words to talk about race. Keep talking about race even when it is sometimes difficult to find the words. Continue to show up and step into the conversation.
3. Point at policies as the problem, not people. Policies that protect privilege and allow racist actions need to be changed. Fix policies. Empower people.
4. Shout, “There’s nothing wrong with the people!” I realize it is vital to be an active listener and an advocate, voicing support, and taking action as much as possible. Silence is no longer an option.
5. Celebrate all our differences. The difference is a holy experience. Honor, respect, and celebrate differences every day, every season, every holiday.
More Steps
6. Knock down the stack of cultural blocks. Again, work with others to get rid of the policies and obstacles that keep us from understanding and embracing culture and differences.
7. Confess when being racist. I recognize I still carry the baggage of racist ideas, bias, and privilege, and am working through the layers. Own your stuff and then work through it. Don’t deny it; own it. Don’t stay there; grow beyond it. Be transformed into someone new. Take another step toward becoming antiracist.
8. Grow to be antiracist. My growth mindset is to be always learning and growing while seeking understanding and taking action toward change.
9. Believe we shall overcome racism. I believe with each step of understanding, change, and action, we are taking another step toward overcoming racism. I agree with the author to keep working and teaching children at an early age that anti-racism is possible.
Make Equality a Reality – Work Continues
I appreciate this children’s book that teaches a profound message. Kendi makes the concepts of anti-racism understandable and consumable in rhyming verse along with beautiful illustrations. The point is that we can all learn to be antiracist no matter our age.
The book also has excellent discussion questions for parents and offers practical suggestions for talking with their children. One of the best takeaways in the book is to understand racist policies are the problem, not people.
The work to make equality a reality is ongoing. I continue to reflect on my own bias and privilege and how I can show up better as an ally. I commit to seeking understanding and learning with an approach of respectful curiosity, wonder, and a growth mindset.
Your Turn
What are your thoughts? What are you working on in your growth journey?
I welcome your insights.
Recent Comments