Overview

"It is time for ""the talk."" As much as African American parents wish that they can shelter their kids from the harsh realities of prejudice, stereotyping, racism, and police brutality, it is not feasible. The horrifying deaths of children such as Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice, and Aiyana Stanley-Jones prove that children, no matter how young, can become victims of the horrid cancer of American racism, police brutality, and militarized police forces. There is no ""talk"" that can completely prevent such horrific incidents. However, parents must still attempt to awaken their children to life's challenges, prepare them for potential police encounters, and assure them that despite the obstacles of African American life, there is an abundance of hope for a brighter future and we must work to shape that better future. This fictional story depicts a family's candid discussion of these pertinent issues in a way that is raw and powerful, yet still loving and uplifting."

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9780991480883

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Reviews

Parents and educators are saying: Ama Karikari Yawson's The Talk is a must-read for any teacher, parent, or facilitator who seeks to understand and advance the difficult dialogue about police brutality and racism in American society. The Talk is a book of empowerment that can be useful for advocates, allies, or activists who wish to be a part of the solution and not part of the problem. Through the cogent language of poetry, the text can help move its readers from silence and inaction to discussion and engagement on issues of diversity and social justice. Masterfully, Ama integrates real-life examples of difficult dialogues about police brutality, stereotyping, profiling, racism, discrimination, and economic disenfranchisement, that display a full range of human emotions. Truly, as we strive to facilitate tough conversations about race, and police brutality, in particular, The Talk should be in every person's tool-kit of resources. Dr. Sheilah Bobo, Educator The Talk by Ama Karkari Yawson is a story in poetry form which can serve as resource for parents, educators, librarians and community members to discuss police brutality, race and racial injustices with children. Ama has created a story focused on a family. A mom and dad talk to their two children about sensitive issues such as what to do if they are ever stopped by the police. The parents share history, current events, and examples of stereotyping with their children. Additionally, the parents encourage their children to be proud of their African heritage and to continue to strive for excellence. This book is a must read and is suitable for students in the elementary and middle school grades. Aletta Seales, BS, MS, MLS NYC Principal (Retired)

Author Information

Ama Karikari-Yawson earned a BA from Harvard University, an MBA from the Wharton School and a JD from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. Her unique understanding of social issues, business and the law has enabled her to become a relevant voice on issues as varied as diversity, sexual violence, and personal empowerment. She is a frequent contributor to publications such as The Huffington Post and The Atlantic. In 2013, a painful experience with bullying inspired her to write her best-selling fable about difference, Sunne's Gift. Ms. Yawson became so personally invested in spreading the book's message of healing and harmony, that she quit her six-figure job as a securities lawyer to become a full-time, author, storyteller, speaker, and edutainer. Her life-changing workshops and training sessions incorporate storytelling, drama, dance, history, cutting edge psychological research and legal analysis in order to truly propel participants towards healthier and more successful lives.

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