Raising Us: A Parenting Podcast

Racism Isn’t Too Big a Topic for Kids | W. Kamau Bell and Jelani Memory | A Kids Co.

Oct 21, 2025
Guest
Jelani Memory
Guest
W. Kamau Bell
W. Kamau Bell, a comedian and Emmy Award winner known for his work on race and social justice, talks about his personal experiences with racism and the importance of open conversations with children. Jelani Memory, founder of A Kids Co. and author of A Kids Book About Racism, emphasizes that kids are ready to engage with tough topics. They explore practical advice for parents, including the need for proactive discussions about race, fostering empathy, and encouraging diverse experiences to help children understand and navigate these complex issues.
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ANECDOTE

First Clear Experience Of Racism

  • At 15, W. Kamau Bell was falsely accused and searched in a record store, which he recognized as racism in action.
  • The incident shifted his understanding from racism as history to a present, personal reality.
INSIGHT

The Colorblind Generation Myth

  • Kamau describes growing up in the 'colorblind generation' taught that racism was a past problem.
  • That cultural myth masked ongoing harms and shaped how many Black families taught their kids about race.
ADVICE

Talk About Race With Every Child

  • Do have open, frank conversations about race with all children, not only children of color.
  • Listen first and affirm children's experiences instead of telling them what to think.
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