The Un-Learning And The Learning Go Hand In Hand

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

Adam and I took some time over the summer to do the very important and exciting work of shuttling our kids to and from various summer activities. We kept working with some of our long-term clients but didn't host any workshops or trainings for those hot months when all you want to do is sit outside while being under an air conditioning unit. 

So we're back in the Fall with some exciting offerings that I really hope to see you at because some of them will be in person! And some will even involve bringing your kids along. 

Read on to learn more but first I want to share a bit about this idea of unlearning and learning as a family. 

If you're familiar with antiracism work, you know that we live in a country that was built upon white supremacy. And when I talk about this type of white supremacy, I'm talking about white dominance. I'm talking about centering white feelings at the expense of the safety of people of color. I'm talking about systems that were built to protect white dominance and white complicity and inaction. We're swimming in it and have been for a long time. So in order to truly fight for an existence for us and our kids where everyone is really free, it takes a fair amount of digging into how you were raised to unpack and unlearn a bunch of it. This is especially true for white people. 

So what's the starting point for unlearning as a family? 

I know you probably are already responsible for the laundry and the cooking and the PTA meetings and everything else. But YES, this, too, begins with YOU.

If you as the parent are committing to your own unlearning of racism and white supremacy, then that'll start to show in everything you do. Once you understand how white supremacy permeates every system, everything, you can't unsee that stuff. Your eyes will be opened and you'll start learning more from around you. 

And committing to unlearning and learning starts with reading newsletters like this one. It also involves two of my favorite things: reading and workshops. And lucky for you, I'm coming at you with (free) opportunities for both. 

Adam and I are super excited to be in person at the Rutherford Public Library in New Jersey to host a workshop called How To Talk to Your Kids About Antiracism. If you live in Rutherford or West Orange or any of the surrounding towns, you don't want to miss this transformational workshop where you'll get to role play some of these convos and pick apart obstacles in real time. One super cool thing is that we gave the library a list of our favorite antiracist books for kids and adults and they're going to have as many of them as possible for you to borrow right after the workshop. So don't miss it! Register here. 

Adam and I are back at one of our favorite places, the Brooklyn Public Library, for a series of Antiracist Parenting workshops. This time, the first two will be virtual (for adults) and the last will be in-person (with kids!). The big thing that's different this time is that, as much as we want to see your gorgeous face for all three, you can pick one, two or three to attend. I've been stockpiling markers and other crafty things for us for the 3rd session so there will be fun and there will be lots of it! More info on what each covers and how to register here. 

What I'm Writing....

Yes, I'm still talking about Brittney Griner. Yes, she's still imprisoned in Russia. Yes, the way this case is being handled is because she is a Black gay woman. I received weeks of hate across all my digital platforms for this article, even my private Facebook account. But I won't stop. My article talks about how to talk to your little ones about Brittney and why it's necessary. Take a read here. 

That's it from me for today. The sun is peaking out from behind the clouds and I'm about to enjoy the rest of this beautiful day. Hope you find reason to smile today. 

xo

Tabitha