WELCOME TO (UN)Learn Young

Tools for Children and Adults

for Groups & Individuals

About

(Un)Learn Young is a site meant to foster (un)learning for young people in support of an anti- racist, socially just, and equitable world. Isms and Obias are learned young. Children download and internalize messages from the adults, peers, and world around them that inform how they perceive themselves and others. Contributing to anti-racism and anti-oppression requires action. The work of co-creating and fostering a just world will require that adults both do their own work and are thoughtful and mindful about how and what they are communicating to our youth. This site is intended to foster meaningful dialogue between youth and adults.

(Note: The use obias instead of phobias is intentional. Language informs our understanding. Phobia connotes intense fear. Therefore, the use of the word obias is meant to challenge the fear-based framework and underscore the oppressive and hate-based ideologies that drive homophobia, transphobia, islamophobia, fatphobia, and so many more that obias are rooted in.)

Britton Williams

Founder
Licensed Creative Arts Therapist

Training and Education

I received my Master's Degree in Drama Therapy from New York University. My training and work experience has afforded me the opportunity to work with a variety of age ranges and populations. I have presented my work, research and collaborations at both the regional and national conferences for the North American Drama Therapy Association. I am passionate about my work and committed to the pursuit of helping individuals and communities experience healing through drama therapeutic processes. I am currently pursuing a doctoral degree in the Program in Social Welfare at the Graduate Center (CUNY).

Philosophy

My work is rooted in the belief that using creative processes enhances learning and deepens empathy and understanding. Applying the creative arts to helping young people (un)learn racist and other oppressive beliefs can be more impactful than talking about things. Sustained learning happens through action and doing not just talking and thinking. Racism is active and embodied therefore the process of (un)learning must also be active and embodied.

PARENTS/EDUCATORS

Tips on talking to children about race and racism

  1. Talk to young people about race and racism early and often.
  2. Use books and other media to introduce young people to various identity intersections and compositions and to encourage discussion about race and racism.
    Note: (Un)Learn Young Book series coming soon!
  3. Consider your environment. Do you have images that represent diverse racial backgrounds in your home? Do the books on your shelves represent an expansive range racial demographics?
  4. Be aware and mindful of your nonverbal communications. Talking to our kids about race and racism is not just about our verbal communications. In fact, our non-verbal communications often send the most powerful and lasting messages.
  5. Do your work to support their process. It is important that you are aware of the messages that you have downloaded and internalized that are steeped in racial bias. You can't support someone else's work if you haven't done your own.

Suggested Reading List

    These books are readings to support your process of (un)learning racist beliefs and behaviors
  • Eloquent Rage
  • Freedom is a constant Struggle
  • How to be Anti-racist
  • Me and White Supremacy
  • Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome
  • Sister Outsider
  • Slavery by Another Name
  • So You Want to Talk About Race
  • Stamped from the Beginning
  • The Color of Law
  • The Fire Next Time
  • The New Jim Crow

It’s not just what we say: How kids download and internalize racist beliefs and behaviors

Racism permeates every aspect of society. From the moment children are born they begin to download and internalize racist messages. Children are observant researchers, taking in information from the world around them; they are constantly seeking clues regarding how to navigate the world and fit in.

In a racist society part of this learning will naturally be steeped in racism. According to an article from The American Academy of Pediatrics, as early as 6months of age children are already able to distinguish racial differences and by 2-4 they can begin to download and internalize racially biased beliefs. By 12 years of age, racial bias may be foundationally engrained within their belief system.

Children are highly perceptive. Much of what we communicate to young people is in nonverbal indications. Do you have a racially diverse social network? Do you have racially diverse photos in your home? Do the books that are on your shelves represent diverse racial backgrounds and narratives? Do you watch TV shows, plays, and movies that explore BIPOC narratives and challenge racist stereotypes? Is the neighborhood you live in or the school your child attends racially diverse? Do your children have Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) friends, teachers, doctors, mentors? The absence of BIPOC representation in your child’s life sends a powerful message to your children about who you privilege and who you do not. Without having to say or do anything, absences such as this communicate racial bias to children. They will naturally recognize BIPOC as other, and this applies even if you and/or your children are BIPOC. Within a racist society, white is treated as default and BIPOC folx are considered other.

Remember, your conscious values may contradict your unconscious beliefs. While you may consciously feel that you are anti-racist, you may unconsciously harbor racist beliefs. These unconscious beliefs may inform the way you perceive and treat others. Harvard’s Project Implicit offers an online test that help people identify their unconscious racial biases (among other biases). Time, energy, and effort are required to foster the important and necessary work of anti-racism when living in a racist society.

(UN)Learn Young Series

Book Preview

Additional Books Coming Soon!!!

Ripple in the Wave of Change: A Short History of Race and Racism for Children by Britton Williams

Resources

Below are videos and other resources to help children and adults (un)learn racism in support of racial justice and healing.

Additional Resources

PBS: Talking to Young Children About Race and Racism
The Conscious kid
Embrace Race
So Get Me: the Alphabet Rockers’ podcast for families making change!

Contact

To book a children's workshop about anti-racism/anti-oppression, please email dramatherapistny@gmail.com. For adult resources, services, and information about anti-racism/anti-oppression, please visit The Healing Stage