20 WAYS KIDS CAN GET INVOLVED IN THE BLACK LIVES MATTER MOVEMENT

There's a socially conscious worldwide movement happening, and it's called Black Lives Matter (BLM). People are fighting against systemic racism that has plagued the United States for years, and the death of George Floyd was the final tipping point. Even a global pandemic like COVID-19 couldn't stop people of all races from attending Black Lives Matter protests and voicing their concerns against unjust police brutality and treatment of black men and women. Many of the people attending these BLM protests are parents who are bringing their children to show them firsthand about the importance of equality and justice. But what if you're a parent and you can't attend a protest? There are still many fun and educational ways to get your kids involved in BLM.

1. COLOR THESE BLACK LIVES MATTER COLORING PACKS

Shopchowdesigns on Etsy

What kid doesn't love coloring? When you purchase these Black Lives Matter coloring books, you support the Etsy artist and the Black Feminist Project, a Bronx, NY non-profit that helps feed local communities and empowers black women. When you can eventually go to a BLM protest, you can hold up one of these cool signs.

2. LISTEN TO YOUNG GOSPEL SINGER KEEDRON SING ABOUT GEORGE FLOYD'S DEATH

instagram

You'll get goosebumps when you hear 12-year-old Keedron Bryant sing "I Just Want to Live." Show your kids this Instagram video to highlight how any young person's voice can be a vehicle for positive social change.

3. WEAR A BLACK LIVES MATTER FACE MASK

LoveUnityPeace on Etsy

We're still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since many states require everyone to wear a face mask while out in public, this is the perfect way for a kid to show BLM support. It's reusable and made of recycled material. Black Lives Matter….and so does the environment!

4. READ A BLM BOOK

Amazon

In the last few weeks, hundreds of Black Lives Matter book lists have circulated online. In The Hate You Give, author Angie Thomas writes a powerful young adult novel about systemic racism and police brutality that everyone should read, no matter how old.

5. WATCH KIDS, RACE AND UNITY: A NICE NEWS SPECIAL

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Nick News returns with this hour-long special hosted by Alicia Keys. Premiering Monday, June 29th at 7.m., the special features prominent Black Lives Matter leaders answering questions from parents and kids.

6. WEAR A BLACK LIVES MATTER SHIRT

LeftWingSwag on Etsy

Get your BLM swag on with one of these awesome shirts! In fact, they come in all sizes for the whole family, so put one on and show your pride. Just don't show up at a Trump rally.

7. TEACH YOUR KIDS WITH BLACK LIVES MATTER RESOURCES

rethinkingschools.org

In the midst of COVID-19, teachers and parents had to rethink ways to educate children from home. Although it's summertime, it's always time to learn. This handbook is an essential tool for teaching all kids about the BLM movement.

8. MAKE SURE THESE BLM STICKERS HANG AROUND

CatiesCreationsUS on etsy

You may be opposed to letting your little one play with stickers, but even if he or she does put a few of these on your new coffee table or window, you shouldn't feel so bad. These Black Lives Matter stickers make a statement without saying a word.

9. PRE-ORDER THESE DIVERSE CRAYONS

Crayola.com

Kids and parents alike went wild when Crayola announced a new Colors of the World pack. Using these crayons is a great BLM conversation starter and it's the perfect way to highlight the importance of diversity in artistic expression.

10. WATCH THE CNN/SESAME STREET TOWN HALL

cnn

On Saturday, June 6th at 10 a.m., CNN and Sesame Street debuted an hour-long special about racism, diversity and acceptance. Geared toward kids, the special featured BLM experts and Sesame Street favorites like Elmo asking and answering real questions from real parents and real kids.

11. READ A KIDS BOOK ABOUT RACISM

Akidsbookabout.com

This book is the perfect way to talk to young kids about racism and the importance of Black Lives Matter. One reviewer said: "We are a white family with very very young kids, we have used this book to introduce our young kids to racism. I have recommended it to everyone who thinks their kids are too young to talk about this. My kids asked so many good questions and I highly recommend this especially for young kids."

12. SHOW THIS IMAGE TO EXPLAIN BLACK LIVES MATTER

youareawesome_co on Instagram

So much can be said in such a simple graphic, right? This Instagram photo is the perfect vehicle to start a conversation about BLM with a child who may not fully understand the concept.

13. GET A BLACK LIVES MATTER PUZZLE

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I don't know about you, but my 5-year-old loves puzzles. Yes, 1-5 puzzle pieces might get lost, but if you manage to keep most of these, then you'll have a super cool BLM puzzle that you can work on with and discuss with the whole family.

14. READ THIS GRAPHIC NOVEL ABOUT RACISM

zuikerpress

This is a powerful graphic novel written by 15-year-old Johnathan Harris, who was able to capture his real-life experience with police brutality and racism in California. Because it's written by a teenager, it's a great way to show kids that they are never too young to share their story and be proud of who they are and where they come from.

15. EXPLAIN THIS GRAPHIC ABOUT BLACK LIVES MATTER

courtneyahndesign on Instagram

What's cool about this image is that it was created by Korean-American illustrator named Courtney Ahn. The image says a lot by itself, but parents can delve deeper into the subject matter of white privilege and systemic racism, something that Ahn is very passionate about.

16. TEACH YOUR KIDS ABOUT BOLD WOMEN IN BLACK HISTORY

pyramidbooks

Written for kids age 2-4, this book features 18 black women throughout American history who took did extraordinary things in life. These women paved the way for future African American women and are solid proof that Black Lives Matter.

17. PLAY WITH THESE AFRICAN AMERICAN TOYS

lakeshorelearning

Black families matter, and so does their representation in children's toys. This 8-piece African American family is perfect for kids of all ages to play with. You can even have serious discussions with your child about racism and Black Lives Matter, and talk about the role of each family member and how they can be a voice for change.

18. LEARN THE ALPHABET THROUGH BLACK HISTORY

BlackHistoryEdZone on Etsy

This is a great resource for parents and teachers who want a creative way to teach the alphabet, as well as a new way to discuss Black Lives Matter. Learn about black historical figures who faced racism and adversity in our country and inspired a movement more powerful than we've ever seen before.

19. PLAY WITH TOYS THAT REPRESENT BLM

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Kids are sponges when it comes to learning anything, so if you want them to learn about the Black Lives Matter movement, then immerse them fully in it. Gives kids black barbies and BLM toy cars and whatever else they play with, so they learn to embrace diversity and stand up against racism.

20. TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT BLACK LIVES MATTER

Talking is free. It's convenient. It's powerful. It's honest. And anyone can do it. There's no better tool to use than your own voice, heart and mind when it comes to BLM. Let your kids hear it from you and see you practice what you preach. Now is the time.