A new online resource has been launched to help teachers and students discuss racism in a safe and comfortable manner. The guide, called “Pass the Mic: Let’s Talk About Racism”, is designed for students in grades 5-8 and was created by Sarah Adomako-Ansah, the educator-in-residence at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg.
According to Adomako-Ansah, it’s important for students to have a safe space to discuss racism and related topics, as they are already exposed to such issues on social media platforms. She hopes that classrooms can be a safe place for students to ask questions and learn about anti-racism.
The guide includes topics such as bias, microaggressions, intersectionality, and allyship. It also features activities and prompts for teachers to connect with their students. Additionally, the guide encourages students to reflect on their relationship with racism and learn how to be anti-racist.
Adomako-Ansah, who is also a co-founder of Alberta’s first Black Teachers’ Association, emphasized the importance of providing teachers with the tools to address racism in the classroom. She hopes the guide will encourage teachers to do their own research and reading before starting conversations about racism with their students.
The guide is available for download on the Canadian Museum for Human Rights website, and a tour has also been created at the museum for teachers to bring their students and participate in anti-racism learning. Manitoba Teachers’ Society president Nathan Martindale said the guide would be a fantastic resource for teachers.
Although the guide is specifically designed for students in grades 5-8, Adomako-Ansah believes it can be useful for all teachers, regardless of race. She acknowledges that the guide is not exhaustive and that there is always more to learn, but hopes it will encourage teachers to start important conversations about racism with their students.