The current events are a certain source of stress in our families. At CorExcellent Group we believe in the importance of diversity and inclusion, and we condemn racist practices of any kind. We believe that the conversation begins at home and in every family. There are many articles and resources that may support these conversations. Among them, the Anti-Defamation League published a good article with recommendations for family conversations about the current events. In the article, titled “George Floyd, Racism and Law Enforcement”, there is a list of questions to guide these conversations, recommended for ages 11 and older. The complete article can be found at the Anti-Defamation League website or downloaded here:
Questions to Start the Conversation
- What were your initial thoughts and feelings when you heard about what happened to George Floyd?
- In your opinion, what should happen next?
- Do you see people talking about this issue on the news, on social media or among your friends? What impact has that had on you?
- Why do you think the movement to stop police violence against African American people is called Black Lives Matter? What does it mean to you? What kind of change are activists and others calling for?
- In your own words, how would you describe the connection between the two incidents (the one in Central Park in NYC and the death of George Floyd)?
Questions to Dig Deeper
- What can we do to help? What actions might make a difference? Do you see people talking about this issue on the news, on social media or among your friends? What impact has that had on you?
- Why do you think the movement to stop police violence against African American people is called Black Lives Matter? What does it mean to you? What kind of change are activists and others calling for?
- In your own words, how would you describe the connection between the two incidents (the one in Central Park in NYC and the death of George Floyd)?
- Are you surprised to learn that police officers have used force that has killed people?
- Why do you think it is rare for police officers to get arrested, prosecuted and convicted in these cases? What should be done about that?
- What can each of us do as individuals to stop the escalation of bias and hate? What can we do on a societal level?
- What are other ways that racism (or other forms of injustice) show up in our institutions (education, government, business, media, etc.) and what can we do about that?
Take Action
Talk with others about what happened to George Floyd and the goals of the Black Lives Matter movement by sharing information on social media, having individual conversations or organizing an educational event in the school or community.
Learn more about bias and talk together about how our biases may show up, especially on the lower levels of the Pyramid of Hate (i.e., biased attitudes, acts of bias).
Write a letter to your school or community newspaper about your thoughts and feelings about George Floyd and the racial disparities in the criminal justice system. In the letter, explain what you think should be done about it.
Get involved in local activism on these or other issues of injustice that are important to you.
For more information contact the Anti-Defamation league.