Inspired by Frederick Douglass' abolitionist call to action, ' it is not light that is needed, but fire,' Matthew Kay has spent his career learning how to lead students through the most difficult race conversations. Kay not only makes the case that high school classrooms are one of the best places to have those conversations, but he also offers a method of getting them right, providing candid guidance on: how to recognize the difference between meaningful and inconsequential race conversations; how to build conversational 'safe spaces,' not merely declare them; how to infuse race conversations with urgency and purpose; how to thrive in the face of unexpected challenges; and how administrators might equip teachers to thoughtfully engage in these conversations.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.