How we teach race and racial justice to children

This week on Under the Radar with Callie Crossley:

Jan. 16 is the 37th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday to acknowledge the legacy of the civil rights leader. The reverend was a key leader in the transformative social justive movement which challenged a racially segregated America, and pushed the coutnry toward a more just future.

Understanding the complex history of race and racism in the United States and King's role in the civil rights movement is critical — but how do we explain the concepts to young kids?

Two experts who specialize in breaking down difficult concepts for children discuss why it is such crucial work.

Guests:

Carole Boston Weatherford, award-winning children's book author and English professor at Fayetteville State university

Tanya Nixon-Silberg, director and founder of Little Uprisings, an organization in Boston that teaches children and adults about racial justice

Note: Bonnie Duncan of The Gottabees voiced Trevor The Elephant in this episode. Tanya Nixon-Silberg is performing at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum on Monday, Jan. 16.