Bringing Up Race

You can’t avoid it, because it’s everywhere. In the looks my kids get in certain spaces, the manner in which some people speak to them, the stuff that goes over their heads. Stuff that makes them cry even when they don’t know why. How do you bring up your kids to be kind and happy when there is so much out there trying to break them down?

Bringing Up Race is an important book, for all families whatever their race or ethnicity. Racism cuts across all sectors of society – even the Queen will have to grapple with these issues, as great grandmother to a child of mixed ethnicity. It’s for everyone who wants to instil a sense of open-minded inclusivity in their kids, and those who want to discuss difference instead of shying away from tough questions. Uju draws on often shocking personal stories of prejudice along with opinions of experts, influencers and fellow parents to give prescriptive advice making this an invaluable guide.

Bringing Up Race explores:
– When children start noticing ethnic differences (hint: much earlier than you think)
– What to do if your child says something racist (try not to freak out)
– How to have open, honest, age-appropriate conversations about race
– How children and parents can handle racial bullying
– How to recognise and challenge everyday racism, aka microaggressions

A call to arms for ALL parents, Bringing Up Race starts the conversation which will mean the next generation have zero tolerance to racial prejudice, and grow up understanding what kindness and happiness truly mean.

‘Uju Asika has written a necessary book for our times. She throws up huge questions (and responds to them intelligently and with heart). This isn’t just a book for talking to children – whatever race or colour they are – about racism and all the other intersecting isms that divide us, it is a book for everyone dedicated to creating a better, kinder world. This crucial book should be required reading!’
– Chika Unigwe, author of On Black Sisters’ Street, winner of the Nigeria Prize for Literature in 2012, the Bonderman professor for Creative Writing at Brown University and judge of the Man Booker International Prize in 2017.

‘This book could not be more timely. With so many scrabbling around for resources to help navigate our racialized times, Asika draws upon her own experience as a Black Nigerian mother of two boys to offer parents, teachers, carers, educators these stories for survival. As Asika notes, race can no longer be ignored – her own journey is instructive for all – from running the popular ‘Babes About Town’ (blogging on the immersive cultural education available for her kids in London and beyond) to now deliberately and necessarily making the explicit connections to raising happy Black boys in a prejudiced world. Written with engaging wit, candour, and verve, and containing heart-breaking and heart-warming anecdotes, Bringing Up Race is a needed call to action for all concerned with a future free from racial prejudice.’
– Sai Murray, writer/poet/graphic artist, creative director at Liquorice Fish and trustee of The Racial Justice Network