As I dropped off my daughter at preschool, one of the teachers, Ms. Roberts, eagerly pulled me into her classroom filled with lively four- and five-year-olds. She pointed to a shelf brimming with toys, and there they were: four beautifully diverse baby dolls—one white, one Asian, one Latinx, and one Black. My heart soared. “These are amazing!” I exclaimed, picking one up for a closer look. My daughter snuggled another doll, and we shared a moment of joy with Ms. Roberts, who understood the profound importance of representation.
Having become a mother over a decade ago, and as part of a multiracial family, I have championed diversity in every area of our lives. From the toys our kids play with to the stories they read, inclusivity is crucial. For too long, children of color have been sidelined, often depicted as sidekicks or villains rather than as heroes in their own narratives.
Some people dismiss these concerns, claiming it’s “just” a doll or “just” a cartoon. Typically, these comments come from those who benefit from the privilege of seeing themselves represented everywhere. When you’ve always been the main character, it can be jarring to see others take center stage.
In our home, my children often express excitement when they see someone or something that looks “brown like me.” This natural inclination toward similarity can make differences seem unsettling. However, in our multicultural family, we embrace and celebrate those differences. We believe that racial representation is essential, and it enriches our lives.
Children’s worlds revolve around their families, schools, and the toys and media they encounter. It’s our duty as parents and educators to ensure their experiences reflect a respect for diversity. Without this, children may grow up thinking the world exists solely as they know it, which is limiting. All children benefit from learning about diverse cultures, histories, and traditions.
In a recent meeting regarding my child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP), one of the educators presented a visual task chart. She mentioned creating a brown hand for my child to use—a thoughtful touch, especially given that most educational materials often featured only white children.
Over the past few school years, I’ve witnessed increased representation of people of color in lessons, art projects, and literature throughout the year—not just during Black History Month. While I appreciate the acknowledgment of this vital history, it’s essential that we celebrate it every month, especially since my children’s heritage deserves recognition every day.
I am grateful for educators who are aware of the historical exclusion of children of color and who actively reject materials that perpetuate stereotypes. While white children have long seen themselves represented in toys, books, and media, it’s refreshing to finally see kids of color gaining visibility. Parents of children of color have long awaited this shift, and it’s about time they have more options available.
When my first child was born, I was adamant about having a variety of Black dolls available for her playtime. Shopping for dolls often revealed aisles filled with white dolls—mostly blonde, with a few brunette—and then there would be one solitary brown doll, with unrealistic features that didn’t represent my daughter or any child I knew.
Fortunately, those days are fading. Our children are aware, and some educators are now investing in skin-tone art supplies like markers and paper, ensuring that children of color feel included and welcomed in all activities. The availability of Black-authored books has surged, enriching classroom libraries and book fairs. All kids benefit from these diverse stories, not just those who see themselves in the illustrations.
While there is still much work to be done, the journey toward true inclusion is progressing, albeit slowly. Small changes made by teachers today can have a significant and lasting impact on all students. For more insights on making inclusivity a priority, check out this other blog post.
In summary, we must continue our efforts toward inclusivity in education, ensuring that all children see themselves reflected in the world around them. The importance of representation cannot be overstated, as it shapes how children view themselves and others.
Keyphrase: Racial Inclusivity in Education
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