As I was dropping off my daughter at preschool, one of the teachers, Ms. Thompson, excitedly invited us into her classroom. Among the cheerful chatter of four- and five-year-olds, she pointed to a shelf adorned with a lineup of diverse baby dolls: one white, one Asian, one Latinx, and one Black. I couldn’t help but smile. “These are amazing,” I exclaimed, as my three-year-old eagerly cradled one of the dolls. The joy we both felt stemmed from a shared understanding of just how vital representation is.
Having been a mom for over a decade—and part of a multiracial family—I’ve always championed diversity in every aspect of a child’s environment. From toys to books and music, it is essential that children see themselves reflected in the world around them. For far too long, characters of color were often relegated to secondary roles or portrayed through stereotypes, missing the opportunity to be the heroes in their own stories.
Some have dismissed my emphasis on representation, claiming it’s “just” a doll or “just” a cartoon. This perspective often comes from those who may not understand the discomfort of confronting their own privilege. For families like mine, where Black and white identities coexist, we view differences not as sources of discomfort but as opportunities for celebration and acknowledgment.
From an early age, my children have pointed out characters and toys that resemble them, using the phrase “brown like me.” It’s a natural inclination to gravitate towards similarity, yet in our home, we embrace diversity. It is crucial that educators help expand children’s worlds beyond their immediate experiences. Without this representation, kids may grow up thinking the world is only one way—their way. Learning about different cultures and histories enriches all children’s lives.
I recall a moment during an IEP meeting when Ms. Davis, one of the educators, showed me a visual task chart for my child that included a brown hand for moving between tasks. I appreciated her effort, as many resources often feature only white children.
In recent years, I’ve noticed a positive shift in the inclusion of people of color across various subjects. Thankfully, teaching now goes beyond just recognizing Martin Luther King Jr. during February; it’s essential to celebrate Black history year-round, especially since my children’s history is significant every single day.
I am grateful for the educators who recognize the historical exclusion of children of color from mainstream narratives. While white children have typically seen themselves reflected in toys, books, and media, many of us raising children of color have long yearned for broader representation. It’s about time that our kids have diverse options available to them.
When my oldest was a baby, I insisted on having a variety of Black dolls in our home. I often found shelves filled with white dolls—mostly blonde, and perhaps one or two with brownish skin and starkly unrealistic features. The landscape is changing, and educators are now purchasing a diverse range of art supplies, ensuring all children are included in creative projects.
While we have made great strides, there’s still much work to do. The challenges of inclusion persist in our society, reflecting broader issues in politics and various institutions. However, every small, intentional decision made by educators can have a tremendous and lasting impact on all children.
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In summary, embracing racial inclusivity in education is crucial for fostering a diverse and representative environment for all children. Thank you to the educators who are making a difference.