We've been watching as pain and grief rise to the surface across the country in the wake of the deaths of George Floyd, Tony McDade, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and the many other black, brown, and indigenous folks who have recently been killed by racist violence, and in many of these cases, at the hands of the police. For the families and friends of those who have died, and for the larger community affected by the multi-generational legacy of systemic racism, violence, and
oppression, there is so much grief today and every day. We are thinking of the children and teens who are watching this unfold in real-time and via the media. These children and teens are often carrying their own grief -- grief that gets compounded by these additional losses and potential threats to their safety and security.
While we are not experts in talking with children and teens about racist violence and oppression, we recognize how it's impossible to disentangle grief from the racism that black, brown, and indigenous children and teens face in their day-to-day lives. We cannot talk about one without acknowledging the other.
We don't have answers, but we do know how to hold space for communities in grief. We share our resources to support every family that is grappling once again with these horrific events.
Here are a few links that might help you navigate conversations with your children, teens, and loved ones who are grieving:
If you have any questions or concerns, or want to connect in any way, I can be reached at b
[email protected].
Fondly,
Brennan C. Wood
Executive Director
