The Black Lives Matter movement was founded in 2013, but the recent tragic death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the international protests that followed have placed renewed focus on the organisation and the ongoing fight against racism worldwide. Thousands of people have taken part in demonstrations demanding an end to police brutality against black people and raising awareness of systemic racism that continues in the UK, the US and around the world.
Children understandably have questions about this and we hope the resources below will support you to have some important conversations. BBC Newsround has produced some very useful reports that are helpful to watch.
BBC Newsround -Anti-racism: What does the phrase ‘Black Lives Matter’ mean?
BBC Newsround-What is systemic racism? Kids’ questions answered
At St.Vincent’s we try to ensure our curriculum is representative everyone in our school family and celebrates diversity. We regularly review this and always welcome any feedback. Please comment on our Blog here.
If we were all at school, we would all explore Black Lives Matters in class and assemblies. Some Bubbles participated in the Ten Ten Assembly: Love For All. This assembly resource is produced in response to the 2020 ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement following the killing of George Floyd in the USA on 25th May. It helps children to make sense of recent events and understand it within a Christian context. The underlying message of the assembly is that Jesus talked to, ate with and visited everyone regardless of their background or how society viewed them – and He wants us to offer that same love, kindness and respect to others. Sometimes however, people are treated differently because of the colour of their skin or the culture they come from: this is racism. This helps children to make sense of racism. It explores how, with Jesus’ help, we too can extend love, kindness and respect to everyone.
This Parents Guide to Black Lives Matter may also help support you to continue these conversations at home. It provides resources, activities and tips for families to empower children to work towards racial equality.
