I’ve been working hard on some posts about Black History Month and how to talk to kids about race, but I felt the need to pause and address what’s happening in the U.S. Senate.
As a proud Bay Stater, born and raised in Massachusetts, I’ve always admired how (most of) the senators who’ve represented our great Commonwealth have stood up for progressive values. No senator embodies those values more for me than Senator Elizabeth Warren. So, I was shocked and upset by what happened during Tuesday evening's Senate debate over the confirmation of Senator Jeff Sessions for Attorney General.
Senator Warren was silenced. She was silenced because she is powerful. She was silenced because she is a woman. She was silenced because she is a powerful woman. By silencing this woman from Massachusetts, they silenced all of us from Massachusetts. By interrupting and silencing her reading of Coretta Scott King's letter, they once again silenced the voices of Black women. And we cannot stand for it.
Fortunately, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell gave us all a rallying cry to carry forward. When speaking about Senator Warren's speech, he said, "She was warned. She was given an explanation. Nevertheless, she persisted." Thank you, Senator McConnell. We will persist!
Here are some ways to help your kids break the silence:
Encourage them to speak up when they see someone being treated unfairly. Remind them of Desmond Tutu’s powerful words: "If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor."
Read them a story about a strong female character who stands up for what she believes in. For elementary-aged children, I suggest Malala Yousafzai: Warrior With Words by Karen Leggett Abouraya. The ripped paper illustrations are stunning, and the story is powerful. Note that there is some violence in the story, so read it yourself first.
For preschoolers, try Harlem's Little Blackbird: The Story of Florence Mills by Renée Watson. After reading, ask, “What can your voice do?” to spark a conversation.
Write a letter to Senator Warren (or any of the other 20 female senators currently serving in the U.S. Senate). Let her know you’re proud of her for being brave and standing up for what she believes in. Thank her for representing you and your family. Tell her you want to be a senator too! Here’s some helpful info for contacting a senator.
Remember, 33 of the 100 Senate seats are up for re-election in November 2018. If you’re looking to donate to “empower candidates of integrity in key contests during the November 2018 midterm elections” AND want to pick up a super cute onesie or t-shirt for your little one (or yourself), check out the t-shirt that Momastery designed.
Let’s keep persisting!
This post is an edited version of an original blog post I previously published.
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