Resources for Raising Race-Conscious Kids: July Edition
As an agency, Bridgetown Baby is deeply committed both to confronting bias within ourselves and dismantling the systemic racism that literally and figuratively stifles the potential of our BIPOC* community members. The work starts with us; it continues with our children - and we are their most important teachers. Each month, we'll be sharing resources for talking with kids about bias and celebrating differences.
Gyo Fujikawa’s books for children are loved around the globe. It Began with a Page: How Gyo Fujikawa Drew the Way is a gorgeous book by Kyo Maclear and Julie Morstad which tells the story of how Gyo - raised among strong women who guided and supported her in following her vision - broke ground as a woman, a Japanese American, an illustrator, and an activist fighting for representation of racial diversity in picture books.
Driven by the injustice of her family’s internment by the U.S. government during WW II, Gyo pushed forward in her determination to show all types of children in the pages of her books. While her book Babies, the first children's book to feature children of different races interacting together, was initially rejected by publishers, its eventual publication paved the way for children’s literature in which all children can see themselves represented.
This book is a visual and narrative treat to inspire anyone - big or small - to dream big.
Check out this and other great kids books at Portland’s own AAPI-owned Green Bean Books.
*Black, Indigenous, and People of Color