Dialogue about racism and the legacy of slavery can be challenging. Many caregivers opt out of these conversations due to fear of saying the wrong thing, or not knowing where to start. Our librarian recognized an opportunity to develop language and create a multifaceted framework for conversation within the program, as well as information and resources for use in future conversations at home. These tools are critically important in helping families process the pervasive ramifications of racism.

Families read Undefeated together in advance of the discussion designed for children and caregivers. After a gentle icebreaker, the librarian shared the book’s journey from a poem and how art is a powerful means for expressing things that are frightening or hard to understand, as well as things we are proud of. The group watched a multimedia spoken word poetry presentation, then created individual pieces of a group puzzle, showcasing personal ancestral journeys while talking about the experience and legacy of slavery.

Families talked about a painful topic in ways that were reflective, approachable and actionable. We rooted discussion in individual, family and community resilience, supporting families to ask themselves what they will create from painful legacies, both their own and others. As libraries work to understand our role serving communities impacted by painful, ongoing legacies like slavery, it is essential to give families tools to talk together and decide for themselves what role they want to play in the future.