The small child is at a very innocent and impressionable age where many of her non-Black counterparts will never face this caliber of treatment. Unfortunately, This is yet another Black child who has to deal with the very sobering reality that she, like many other Black children, will receive the same treatment. In this harsh racial climate, it has become increasingly evident that our small children be made aware of their racial identity as early as possible. Not only should they be informed of their standing in this country as Black children, they should also be made to fully embrace their Blackness, and be thoroughly educated of the Black experience. Doing so empowers the children to combat—and counters—the utter shock and disappointment that this young girl felt when she was attacked with these remarks made by the white child (who was taught by her white supremacist parents to subjugate members outside of the dominant society).

At this point, Black parents also must realize that having discussions with the white supremacist parents of these children are pointless. White supremacy is a system that allows its beneficiaries to thrive from it. In order for this system to remain intact, the people who benefit from it have no interest in seeing the conditions of Black people improving. The parents of the white preschooler in Manchester, MO are no different than anyone else who benefits from the system of white supremacy.

Although our children are blessed with the gift of innocence, the unfortunate fact of the matter is that our children, like we were as children, are being raised in a society that is not designed for them to be embraced. This is why the topic of group economics and institution building has elevated to urgent levels as of late. It will be the only way to combat the debilitating effects of racism white supremacy.

by B. Clark