Vanessa from Families Embracing Diversity hosted a conference, and she sent out a newsletter about my session:

Today I want to share the recording/transcripts of one of the interviews from the conference with you. This session was about standing up to Racism in your community with author and activist Mia Wenjen.

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There is SO much insight in this interview but I think the piece that stuck with me the most is that when Mia found herself in the thick of a battle against her local high school and their decision to perform an anti-Asian play, she faced a lot of criticism.

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Many of the people she expected to support her didn’t. Yet, a Jewish woman she didn’t know came alongside her.

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Mia said having just one person stand by her was enough to help her keep fighting against her high school’s racist decision.

It just took one person.

I know for a fact that you can be that one person for someone.

Even if the issue doesn’t affect you directly, you can be that one person.

Whether you are white, BIPOC, or a combination of both, you can be that one person.

Whether you are shy or outgoing, you can be that one person.

Maybe you weren’t brave enough to step out and start the fight, but you can come alongside someone to help them continue.

Is there someone who is fighting against injustice in a way you deeply admire?
Tell them. Encourage them. Join them. Fund them.

Want to know a BIG secret?

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Those people who bravely lead organizations, write books, share their life on social media for millions to see, or show up every day for jobs you couldn’t stomach for a second, are all still people. People who laugh, cry, fear (and get tired and burn out) just like you.

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I’ve yet to meet a person who doesn’t appreciate support, encouragement, and a reminder that what they do matters.

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Who can you be that one person for today? Who can you come alongside? You never know what your encouragement might mean to them.

Vanessa

p.s. You also deserve someone to be that person for you. Although I may not know you personally, I know that you matter and you ARE making a difference.

You are walking down roads full of terrifying unknowns. You’re showing up to learn, grow and make space for healing.

You are bravely holding space for hard conversations with your kids, even the ones you aren’t 100% sure how to navigate.

You are amazing. The world is a better place because you’re in it. Believe it, accept it, and, most importantly, keep doing your thing.

If you need some extra motivation, listen to the interview. Mia’s bravery and resilience will pump you up to keep fighting for what you believe in, no matter what it takes.

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This is the description of my session:

Day 2 (April 28): Helping Multicultural Kids Approach the World with Confidence 

10 am EST Mia Wenjen, Live Interview 

Standing Up To Racism in Your Community and Schools

I will talk about how my high school did the anti-Asian racist musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and how I used my microblog to fight against it. This was 7 or 8 years ago. The high school changed their vetting policies but they have a BIPOC-only play and some people in the community complained. It also got a write-up in The Daily Mail in the UK. I will talk about the importance of speaking up and making change on a 1:1 level in your own community and how that will ripple.

Pragmatic Mom.

Questions:

Let’s talk about the time your local high school decided to put on an anti-Asian play. Can you tell us a little bit about the backstory and what you did about it?

What are some actions anyone can take, kids or adults, to speak out when they see racist things like this happening in their community?

Do you need to be a part of the people group being discriminated against to take action?

How can we prepare our kids to stand up for themselves and others if they notice racism at school?

What are ways we can combat racism in our everyday lives?

Where can people find out more about you and your work?

Have you ever noticed racism in your community? What advice would you give? Thanks for sharing!

p.s. Related posts:

I’m Thrilled to be on WGBH Basic Black!

Creating a Diverse & Inclusive Family Library at Tough Talk Tuesday

Multicultural Children’s Book Day NEW Classroom Kit on Structural Racism!

The Chinese Exclusion Act – What They Don’t Teach in History Books

Racism in Children’s Books: Asian Slant Eyes

Can A Book Do Real Harm? Anti-Asian Racism in Joey Pigza series by Jack Gantos

Rethinking & Examining Dr. Seuss’ Racism

Great Topics from A Kids Book About …

Picture Book Announcement: We Sing from the Heart: How the Slants® Took Their Fight for Free Speech to the Supreme Court (out Fall 2024 through Red Comet Press)

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Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World

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