Antiracist Baby by Ibram X. Kendi

 Ibram X. Kendi does not “dumb down” his language, even for this very young age group! The pictures are what will draw the kids in initially (they’re great! and Delia will elaborate further on the artwork). Parents will likely learn something from this Board Book as well. Kendi provides antiracist language for young children and parents and 9 steps anyone can take – even as a toddler! – for being an antiracist. Not too many babies/ toddlers will know what a “policy” is, or “cultural blocks” (Steps 3 and 6), but Kendi’s rhyme scheme is always fun, and parents will not be bored reading this board book. I can imagine little ones shouting “There’s nothing wrong with the people!” and engaging in their own mini-protests with friends in the backyard. It ends on a very hopeful note, resonant of the language of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the civil rights movement. (Here’s a link to Diana Ross’ majestic version of the anthem, “We Shall Overcome”).

This book will be especially educational for white parents, and a way to introduce them to the antiracist work being done by Ibram X. Kendi at the BU Center for Antiracist Research. Kendi’s books How To Be An Antiracist and Stamped From the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America are texts being utilized to teach antiracism, and top most of the antiracist literature lists. Jason Reynolds, a young adult author, co-wrote a version of Stamped for Middle School and High School readers called Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You: A Remix of the National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning. With this book for toddlers, Kendi is putting into action his philosophy that antiracist work cannot start too young, and that families must do the work together and support one another. 

All over social media people can be seen calling out (and hopefully also calling in when it is appropriate) friends and family members for antiracist behaviors. Perhaps if we start teaching about promoting equity from the very youngest ages, children will inherit a society truly founded in these principles, one that recognizes the value and uniqueness of each individual and the richness of diversity. I like the idea of babies chewing on this one!

See also: June 9, 2020, TED Conversation with Ibram X. Kendi