Many of us are grappling with how we respond personally, and even how to talk with our children, about race relations and current events. In this session, we share strategies for engaging in productive, positive and meaningful discussions at a one on one level. Members of Virginia's Coming Together for Racial Understanding Cooperative Extension team (Crystal Tyler-Mackey, Maurice Smith and Thomas Woodson) along with NC State Extension Youth Development Specialist Maru Gonzalez will lead the session.

In light of elevated conversations around race and racism, this session shares an avenue for adults to provide space for youth to voice their thoughts, concerns and ideas in a brave manner that seeks to bridge, and not divide.

A panel of youth share their ideas and perspectives on the current conversations about race and racial justice, including the role of youth in supporting community healing. Current programming examples in Virginia and North Carolina that amplify youth voice using various art forms and digital media are also shared.

News stories, social media posts, family discussions, and community conversations around racial understanding have been ongoing and happening at an elevated level for the last few months. How do we hold these conversations with our children and youth? How do we guide them toward understanding? Join as Dr. Maru Gonzalez shares ideas and resources to help us have these conversations with the young people in our lives.