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Bringing Up Race: How to Raise a Kind Child in a Prejudiced World

August 29, 2021 Black Woman, Diversity & Inclusion

In this week’s BWHR talk we had Uju Asika; a multi-award nominated blogger, screenwriter, consultant and author of Bringing Up Race: How to Raise a Kind Child in a Prejudiced World, published in September 2020 by Yellow Kite (Hachette UK). Uju discussed with us the process of writing her book and shared advice for mothers raising their kids.

Uju began her book writing process after being urged to by a relative who thought she had a lot of insight into the topic. Uju explains how initially she felt she might not be the right person to fit the space of an author on the topic of race. However, when she began journaling and thinking about her own experiences she discovered she had so much knowledge within. 

Small children are experts at asking awkward questions. As a parent, you might want to avoid saying the wrong thing, so you don’t say anything at all. However, Uju explains the main message of her book is encouraging open conversations about race in a much more open and positive and inclusive way, specifically for our kids. Remember, kids don’t just follow what you say but what you do. So if you want them to be kinder, fairer and more inclusive, be sure to model that in your own life.

Uju runs the blog Babes About Town and you can follow her @babesabouttown on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Uju then gives us her thoughts on raising kids in London. Her number one piece of advice is always to just stop and take a breath. She reiterates the importance of having regular conversations with your kids and letting them know they can ask you anything. This enables you to have an open relationship with your child allowing them to feel they can talk to you about race, sex and that they can come to you if they’re in trouble or if they need help.

Listen as she speaks about the importance of representation, and how the school curriculum could do better in embracing diversity and inclusion of black history. Studying all of history is central, Uju explains, society needs to see Black history and Asian history and all the different elements that contribute to this country. They need to see this in a positive light and in a way that they understand how all our stories join together, the negative bits and the positive bits

Check out the full interview on our YouTube and Website linked below. 

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