The Talk: A Black Family's Conversation about Racism and Police Brutality
- ISBN-10
- ISBN-13
- 9798657028515
- Series
- The Talk
- Pages
- 50
- Language
- English
- Published
- 2020-06-25
- Author
- Ama Karikari-Yawson
Description
It is time for "the talk." As much as African American parents wish that they can shelter their kids from the harsh realities of prejudice, stereotyping, racism, and police brutality, it is not feasible. The horrifying deaths of children such as Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice, and Aiyana Stanley-Jones prove that children, no matter how young, can become victims of the horrid cancer of American racism, police brutality, and militarized police forces. There is no "talk" that can completely prevent such horrific incidents. However, parents must still attempt to awaken their children to life''s challenges, prepare them for potential police encounters, and assure them that despite the obstacles of African American life, there is an abundance of hope for a brighter future, and we must work to shape that better future. This fictional story depicts a family''s candid discussion of these pertinent issues in a way that is raw and powerful, yet still loving and uplifting. This book is by Ama Karikari Yawson, the Author of Sunns''s Gift: How Sunne Overcame Bullying to Reclaim the Gift, Earthe''s Gift: How Earthe Overcame Procrastination to Reclaim the Gift, and Freedom Day: A Juneteenth Activity Book for Kids. Readers who appreciate other children''s and young adult books that discuss police brutality and racial injustice such as Momma Did You Hear the News by Sanya Whittaker, Away Running by David Wright and Luc Bouchard, Dear Martin by Nic Stone, and Something Happened in Our Town: A Child''s Story about Racial Injustice by Marianne Celeno, Leslie Green, et al. will also appreciate The Talk: A Black Family''s Conversation about Racism and Police Brutality. The Talk: A Black Family''s Conversation about Racism and Police Brutality provides rich explanations of racism and stereotyping and therefore readers of A Kids Book About Racism by Jelani Memory and Raising White Kids: Bringing Up Children in a Racially Unjust America by Jennifer Harvey will find this book highly relevant. The Talk: A Black Family''s Conversation about Racism and Police Brutality is also about protest, power, resistance, and anti-racism in the vein of A is for Activist by Innosanto Nagara and Anti-Racist Baby by Ibram X. Kendi. Reviews "Ama Karikari Yawson''s The Talk is a must-read for any teacher, parent, or facilitator who seeks to understand and advance the difficult dialogue about police brutality and racism in American society. The Talk is a book of empowerment that can be useful for advocates, allies, or activists who wish to be a part of the solution and not part of the problem. Through the cogent language of poetry, the text can help move its readers from silence and inaction to discussion and engagement on issues of diversity and social justice... Truly, as we strive to facilitate tough conversations about race, and police brutality, in particular, The Talk should be in every person''s tool-kit of resources." -Dr. Sheilah Bobo, Educator "The Talk by Ama Karkari Yawson is a story in poetry form which can serve as a resource for parents, educators, librarians and community members to discuss police brutality, race and racial injustices with children. Ama has created a story focused on a family. A mom and dad talk to their two children about sensitive issues such as what to do if they are ever stopped by the police. The parents share history, current events, and examples of stereotyping with their children. Additionally, the parents encourage their children to be proud of their African heritage and to continue to strive for excellence. This book is a "must-read" and is suitable for students in the elementary and middle school grades." Aletta Seales, BS, MS, MLS NYC Principal (Retired) New York Librarians Association
