Growing up I had relatively little exposure to racism and hate. Perhaps it was largely a function of geography and time, as my childhood friends have expressed similar sentiment. Despite my lack of direct exposure, my parents and teachers made sure that I understood the history of racism in America and the damage any future racism could cause for individuals, families, and communities.

One tool my teacher used was the book Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. The fictional work had such an impact on me as a child that I read the whole series. I can even still remember the diorama one of my friends made as a school project. It’s imperative that we teach our children about history so that we won’t repeat mistakes of the past. This book will get discussion flowing in your family and help you tackle an issue that is often difficult for kids to understand. While you’re at it,take the opportunity to celebrate equality and civil rights this coming weekend at the MLK Parade in downtown Mesa.

The Book

Title: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

Click here to buy the book and more in our Amazon store!

Author: Mildred D. Taylor

Recommended Age: 9-12

Book Brief: The year is 1933 in the heart of the Great Depression. Cassie Logan and her family live in rural Mississippi , where they own and farm 400 acres. Although Cassie and her brothers attend a school for black children, she is unaware of the intense racial hatred and prejudice that exists in the community. As the story unfolds, Cassie is surprised and angered to learn that many white people think she and other black people are inferior. She learns to fear the violence that often accompanies these ugly feelings. Cassie knows how much the Logans value their land and how determined they are not to lose it. Slowly, she becomes aware of how high a price she and her family must pay to fight injustice – and to hold on to not only their land but the independence that it represents.

About the Author: Mildred D. Taylor was born in Jackson, Mississippi in 1943. She grew up in Toledo, Ohio, however, and graduated from the University of Toledo. Taylor then joined the Peace Corps and spent two years in Ethiopia. After her return to the United States, she entered the School of Journalism at the University of Colorado, where she was instrumental in setting up a Black Studies program. Taylor’s first book about the Logan family, Song of the Trees, won a contest sponsored by the Council on Interracial Books for Children. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry won the Newbery Medal in 1977.

The Blast

MLK Parade

Date: Monday, January 19, 2009

Time: 11am – 12pm

Location: Downtown Mesa, AZ (along Center St.)

It’s a Blast! The debates over the years over whether Martin Luther King, Jr. should be singled out for the civil rights celebration have tainted this holiday for many. In the end, though, this weekend gives us a chance to talk with our children about some very important and real issues. So take some time out of your day to watch the parade or have a heart to heart conversation with your kids.

The parade will include the 8 school bands. There will also be scout troops, church groups, civic organizations, school clubs, pep and cheer squads as well as student councils with floats.

Visit http://www.mesamlk.org/Parade.html for more information.

Extra tips for a Good Time:

• Have a family discussion about how your ancestors may have been impacted by hate, discrimination, or racism. Nearly everyone will have a story in their family’s history, whether it is about slavery, religious persecution, or something as “trivial” as high school cliques. Talk about the need to be understanding of people who seem different than ourselves or don’t share all of our views and beliefs.
• Be careful to not let this be an issue of race only. That tends to cause greater racial divides. Instead, talk about the myriad ways that people are similar and different.
• Watch the “I Have a Dream” speech with your kids. (The link takes you to the video on YouTube.)