I Took My Kids To Their First Social Justice Rally

Here’s What I Experienced

This past weekend, my two kids (aged 7 and 5) and I attended our first racial justice rally.

Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect.

And even more difficult, I struggled to put into words exactly what the purpose was.

This isn’t because I don’t share the same values of those who organized the event. Or those who are marching throughout our country right now.

I’d just never been challenged to vocalize my beliefs before.

I struggled to not use terms like, “We support equality for all people.” I wanted to avoid the word equal in any sense. Because equal isn’t always just.

I’m sure you’ve seen this illustration already, but I find it poignant.

In the same way, I wanted my kids to understand that treating everyone the same isn’t good enough.

Heck, I don’t treat my two kids the same, and they know that. They both have different needs, struggles and strengths.

Why wouldn’t this apply to society as a whole?

Because no situation is the same, and no person is coming from the same place.

Instead, through self-reflection, here’s why I wanted my kids to understand:

1. That all people have value, no matter who they are, where they come from or what they look like;
2. That there are barriers for some that inhibit access to opportunities;
3. That in our country, those most affected by inequity are black people and people of color;
4. That we can all play a role in helping break down those barriers by showing love, grace and empathy, especially to those who receive so little;
5. That remaining on the sidelines or quiet isn’t good enough, no matter where our hearts are.

When we got there, there were speakers already on the mic.

And I realized right away that I’d made the right decision to bring my kids.

The mic was open to everyone.

And so many put into words exactly what I wanted my kids to hear.

The values I wanted to instill in them.

That there are those who don’t feel valued.

Those who feel like their voices aren’t heard.

That some don’t have access to opportunities based solely on the color of their skin.

But that we’re all welcome, even invited in, to help break down these injustices.

And that it starts by listening and hearing the stories of those who experience these struggles first-hand.

I felt welcomed.

And I know my kids did, too.

And it helped all of us take a small step toward understanding what we can do, even what little amount, in this fight for social and racial justice and equity in our country.

Honestly, I’m not sure what the next step is for me. I know attending one rally isn’t good enough. I’m still learning and growing.

But as a family, we now have a common understanding of what needs to change.

And we can begin to take steps to help fight for justice for everyone.