All Because You Matter
“It’s important for us to also understand that the phrase ‘Black Lives Matter’ simply refers to the notion that there’s a specific vulnerability for African Americans that needs to be addressed. It’s not meant to suggest that other lives don’t matter. It’s to suggest that other folks aren’t experiencing this particular vulnerability.”
“All Because You Matter,” was written by Tami Charles as a way to help families start a conversation about what we are seeing in the news and what children and adults are experiencing all over the United States. This is a story that lifts up and validates the lives of Black and Brown people in a beautiful sing-song style of prose.
We love this story as part of our focus on Black History Month, but of course, this story can be read at any time of year. There are specific concepts that touch on the Black Lives Matter movement that your child may or may not pick up on, and therefore ask questions about.
Talking to children about the BLM movement can be difficult for families who have never had to have “the talk.” We recommend listening to an interview with Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, author of “Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?” to get some insight as to where to start.
https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2020/06/10/how-to-talk-about-race-kids-protests
Some Things to Think About…
Why is it important to recognize that Black lives matter?
What does it mean when we say that Black Lives Matter?
What makes you feel like you are important?
illustrated by Patrice Barton
