8.7: All Children Need "The Talk"

First Name Basis Podcast

Parents of Black children are all too familiar with “The Talk.”

“The Talk” where they teach their kids not to have their hands in their pockets at a store. “The Talk” where they teach their kids how to act around police in an attempt to keep themselves safe. “The Talk” where they teach their kids about the racism they’re already experiencing and will continue to experience.

But the truth is, “The Talk” isn’t something that only families with Black children should be having — it’s something white children and other Children of Color should be hearing about as well so they can be part of the solution.

And this week on the podcast, I have a powerful interview with author Alicia D. Williams to talk about “The Talk,” which is the subject and title of her new children’s book.

Alicia is an award-winning author of books that offer understanding, empathy, hope and inspiration, including “The Talk,” which received a Coretta Scott King Author Honor. She is a graduate of the MFA program at Hamline University and an oral storyteller in the African American tradition, and she lives in Charlotte, North Carolina.

In the interview, we talk about:

• The story behind her book “The Talk”

• Why white children and other Children of Color need to have the talk as well

• Tips for how to have the talk

• How to teach children about the police

• How to talk to kids about the dangers of racism while also helping them feel safe

Invite Jasmine to work with your school!

Are you a parent or teacher who wants to help your school turn good intentions into positive action by making anti-racist education a priority? First Name Basis is here to help!

Jasmine Bradshaw, the host and founder of the First Name Basis Podcast, is an anti-racist educator and former second-grade teacher who has a passion for helping schools make real change. Whether you’re looking for a keynote speaker at your next PTA event, want to implement our Ally Elementary curriculum at your school, or need someone to consult with your school and provide teacher trainings, Jasmine is your go-to resource.

Email [e-mail] or visit firstnamebasis.org/workwithme for more information!

Get your Little Allies Activity Book

If you’re looking for activities for your kids or students to do that are both fun and meaningful, we’ve got something for you!

Our Little Allies Activity Book is now available! It’s basically a coloring book that is focused on allyship, and all the activities are based around anti-racism.

The Little Allies Activity Book includes:

• Color by number

• Protest I Spy

• Dot to dot

• Anti-racist word search

• Black history unscramble

• And more!

Get your hands on it today by heading to firstnamebasis.org/store!

Articles, Studies, & Podcasts Referenced in the Episode

Alicia’s website

Alicia’s Instagram account @authoraliciadwilliams

“The Talk” by Alicia D. Williams

All of Alicia’s books on the First Name Basis Bookshop

“Watering flowers while Black: A pastor shares his story of wrongful arrest,” by Jonathan Franklin, NPR

Song Credit: “Clapping Music” by BrightestAvenue and “Sunshine” by lemonmusicstudio