This effort wins our judges over by focusing on the smallest and most tender targets of bias: children of color, who need help as they learn to navigate a world full of prejudice, hostility and even violence.
Created in partnership with the National Black Child Development Institute, the project started with a budget of just $25,000. Working with Black parents, health experts, artists and even a racial-justice typeface, it draws on 50 years of mental-health research that shows how important it is to have “the talk,” pre-emptively preparing kids for what lies ahead.
Billed as “the book that should not exist,” it’s also a young activist’s toolbox, with tear-out posters and postcards to send to legislators. The idea came from parents who wanted advice on how to talk to kids about the death of people such as George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of police.
The Bloc then took the alphabet book and brought it to life on Instagram, releasing one letter (and its correponding lesson, such as A for being Aware of your surroundings) each day during Black History Month. It followed up the campaign by delivering hard copies of the book to key influencers, encouraging educators to incorporate the lessons into the curriculum.
Besides generating donations and awareness, our judges commend its simple call to action. They can’t wait to see more. “This effort needs to be expanded,” says one. “It is such an important tool for Black parents to have these difficult conversations. It is beautifully executed and rooted in relevant partnerships and real perspectives.”
