| IFC stands in solidarity with the Black community in the fight against systemic racism and injustice. Especially as a group of mostly white therapists, this painful moment must lead us to confront racism, not just to dislike it, but to actively work at anti-racism. As an IFC family, we commit to learning, listening, self-reflecting, understanding and deconstructing our own bias, and addressing our ignorance. We ask your family to join us. For many, it needs to start with talking to our children about racism. These will be undoubtedly difficult, heavy conversations. You may not know where to start, or what to say, but silence about race can reinforce racism by letting children draw their own conclusions. If you worry you do not know enough to teach them, now is the time to learn. Explore for yourself what makes you hesitant or uncomfortable in starting these conversations. As a team we will be going through Layla F. Saad’s workbook, Me and the White Supremacy. Join us. Of course, it is not enough to have one conversation or read one book about racism. If you haven’t yet talked about racism in your home, start an ongoing dialogue and provide your children with books on the topic. Ask your child what they know and give them space to explore how they feel. Here are some children’s book recommendations, with links to purchase directly from the author or through local small businesses: Anti-Racist Baby by Ibram X Kendi A Kids book About Racism By Jelani Memory We Are the Change: Words of Inspiration from Civil Rights Leaders by Harry Belafonte Something happened in our town by Marianne Celano, PhD, ABPP, Marietta Collins, PhD, and Ann Hazzard, PhD, ABPP As well as teen books: Dear Martin by Nic Stone Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You: A Remix of the National Book Award-Winning Stamped from the Beginning by Jason Reynolds & Ibram X Kendi A Good Kind of Trouble by Lisa Moore Ramée I’m Not Dying with You Tonight by Gilly Segal & Kimberly Jones Together we have a responsibility to ensure all children grow up in a safer, more just America. In the words of Nelson Mandela, “It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it”. |
