FSF Event - Breakout Room Question 4 - How do you continue to be an anti-racist leader, and what does this look and feel like in practice?

[Stephen]

[Helen]

We started our anti-racism journey about 18 months/2 years  ago- where we, as a group of colleagues, decided to read relevant materials, listen to podcasts, watch videos etc, that would provoke discussions between us, at our monthly online Diversity & Representation meetings. Identified in the early stages as a safe space, where we can each voice our opinions without fear of criticism, in order to learn from each other, and 'practice', if you like, using accepted terminology. To say we have each learned a great deal would be an understatement; and we all feel that this is a journey we'll be on for life. We have come to understand and appreciate the phrase: 

Not being racist is not enough. We have to be antiracist.

https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/440300/how-to-be-an-antiracist-by-kendi-ibram-x/9781529111828

 

[Jules]

The discussion in our session began with welcome and belonging. One person said ‘looking around my setting and asking ‘what does it feel like to be in this environment’’ from every child’s point of view.

We talked about resources and images representing all children and families.  

Having a whole team approach so the staff team embodies anti-racist practice.

And making time to come together as a team and reflect on communication, to have space, and to feel confident to ask questions about race. One leader talked about recognising discomfort and learning from it.

Doing our own learning was also highlighted – reading, watching, listening to a variety of anti-racist resources.

A book we have read is This Book is Anti-racist, by Tiffany Jewel, illustrated by Aurelia Durand.

https://www.worldbookday.com/2020/01/q-a-with-tiffany-jewell-author-of-this-book-is-anti-racist/