The recent protests and outrage that were sparked after the murder of George Floyd are the result of historical and current systematic oppression, violence, racism and discrimination. As faculty and staff of the Frances McClelland Institute (FMI) for Children, Youth, and Families, we remain dedicated to the pursuit of social justice and elimination of racism. Frances McClelland experienced and fought against sexism, ableism and the anti-immigrant discrimination of her era. We are more motivated than ever to realize her vision of creating opportunities for all children and youth to reach their full potential. We believe that #BlackLivesMatter and that to achieve Frances’s vision requires tackling centuries of anti-Black racism that embeds every context in our society.
We believe that building resilient families builds resilient communities, and that building resilient communities builds resilient families. This resilience-building includes the need to tackle and dismantle longstanding beliefs, practices, and policies, and to confront and acknowledge the everyday and the headline-grabbing experiences of discrimination, marginalization, violence and racism. We will continue to work with community organizations and professionals who share this goal. We will continue to support research aimed at identifying ways in which marginalized and oppressed individuals and families can thrive.
We will be sharing resources that foster anti-racism and elevate the voices and experiences of the oppressed. We will also share research that points to the effects of discrimination, racism and privilege, and provides suggestions for change. We will seek opportunities to partner and highlight the work of others who demonstrate a commitment to social justice that includes dismantling systems of oppression and empowering and enabling opportunities for marginalized children, youth, and families to thrive.
We hope you join us in this commitment.
Our work is aligned with the statement on social justice from our Family Studies & Human Development program.
Recources to Understand Racism
158 Resources To Understand Racism in America (Smithsonian Magazine)
Racial Equity Toolkit: An Opportuntity to Operationalize Equity (Government Alliance on Race & Equity)
Becoming an Antiracist Society: Setting A Developmental Research Agenda - Webinar Event on 6/30 (Society for Research in Child Development)
Resources for Parents
How White Parents Can Talk to Their Kids About Race (NPR)
Resources to Support Children’s Emotional Well-Being Amid Anti-Black Racism, Racial Violence, and Trauma (Child Trends)
How to Use Children's Books to Talk About Race and Racism (PBS)
How to Talk Honestly With Children About Racism (PBS)
Resources for Children
13 Children's Books About Race and Diversity (PBS for Parents)
CNN and 'Sesame Street' To Host a Town Hall Addressing Racism (PBS/CNN)
