Over the past few weeks we’ve been sharing resources about the importance of diversity within schools, how to talk to young people about race and racism and showing our support of the Black Lives Matter movement. We acknowledge the important role education, both at home and school, plays in eradicating racism. To help teachers, parents and carers we’ve listed some key resources to help young people to speak out against racism. We recognise that this list is by no means exhaustive, if there’s a resource or article you’d like to share with us please do contact artsmark@artscouncil.org.uk.
If you’re not sure where to start, CBBC’s Newsround have shared black children’s thoughts on racism in the UK and the death of George Floyd in this short video. You could watch this with younger children as a starting point for conversations about the Black Lives Matter movement and why it’s important that we talk about racism.
Anti-racism book lists
- Author Tiffany Jewell discusses her book, This Book is Anti-Racist, with BookTrust, which aims to educate and empower children about racism and help them to feel confident to speak out against it. The article also offers a good starting point to introduce the idea of anti-racism to children and how this attitude can help us create actions in our own lives to become better allies.
- Booktrust put together a brilliant reading list for Black History Month 2019 highlighting stories of Black History. From non-fiction to fiction, picture books to young adult novels, there’s something here for everyone!
Anti-racism resources for teachers
- TES have shared several anti-racism resources for history teachers to use to help shape their lessons when discussing racism and reflect on their current teaching practice. The article includes several reports from The Runnymede Trust, the UK’s leading independent race equality think tank alongside book recommendations for history, politics and sociology students and film suggestions.
- TES also discuss the vital role staff diversity plays within our schools to ensure all young people receive an education that reflects the world they live in.
- Show Racism the Red Card is the UK’s leading anti-racism charity. Prior to school closures they delivered educational workshops for pupils and staff using high profile football players to amplify its message. Whilst not currently able to physically deliver workshops you can still receive online training for teachers and staff and download their multi-media resources including their Anti-Racism Resource Pack suitable for pupils aged 8+.
Support for young people
We understand the importance of young people of colour getting the support they need and having a safe, understanding space in which to express themselves and discuss their experiences of racism.
- Kids of Colour run national initiatives for young people of colour, aged 24 and under, to explore race, identity and culture and to support them to challenge the racism they face. Based in the North West, Kids of Colour run regular workshops for young people alongside national digital projects. They also host training and workshops for young and adult allies to reflect and challenge systematic racism.
- #YoungandBlack is a new campaign launched by several UK based charities, UK Youth, My Life My Say and The Diana Award. The campaign encourages young black people to share their experiences of growing up black in Britain. Find out more about the campaign and how young people can get involved by following UK Youth on social media.
