What We Believe: A Black Lives Matter Principles Activity Book

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This powerful activity book will engage hands, hearts, and minds as it introduces children to the guiding principles of the Black Lives Matter movement.

When the Black Lives Matter movement began in 2013, the three founders–Alicia Garza, Patrisse Khan-Cullors, and Opal Tometi–anchored its work in a list of guiding principles, developed through conversation with other activists. These principles commit the movement to empathy, loving engagement, and just action among its participants; affirm the importance of Black women, families, elders, and LGBTQ folk; and celebrate the strength and diversity of Black people in their communities and around the globe.

Now young people can explore these powerful principles in What We Believe: A Black Lives Matter Principles Activity Book. Created by two teachers with more than thirty-five years of educational experience between them, the book presents the guiding principles in down-to-earth, child-friendly language, with each principle accompanied by writing prompts, space for children or adults to create their own reflections, and a coloring page. Supporting materials guide adults in sharing the principles with children and encourage kids to dream big and take action within their communities. An essential resource for anyone discussing racial equity with young people, What We Believe offers a beautiful and inspiring lens on the most important social justice movement of our time.

Lee & Low Books will donate a portion of its proceeds from the book to the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, Inc.

From the Publisher

What Educators are Saying

“What We Believe is simply beautiful. Garcia and Davidson have created a visual, loving example of freedom and the possibilities of using art to create a new world. Each image is drawn with so much love, care, and commitment to the principles of Black Lives Matter, while Garcia’s words are inviting, informative, and truth telling. Well done!”

-Bettina Love, author of We Want To Do More Than Survive: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom

“This book is perfect for anyone who wants to take young children seriously as actors in the world. It is both informative and open to the creativity and imagination required to lead us forward.”

-Thomas Nikundiwe, director of the Education for Liberation Network

“I can’t wait to see how children fill these pages with ideas, color, stories, and freedom dreams. Those who recognize the uniquely powerful role that young children play in the movement for Black Lives will treasure this rare resource.”

-Carla Shalaby, co-editor of Planning to Change the World: A Plan Book for Social Justice Educators

“What We Believe: A Black Lives Matter Principles Activity Book is one of the best tools available to engage students in the Black Lives Matter at School movement! The stunning artwork coupled with insightful connections between students’ intersectional identities and the principles of the BLM Global Network make this book essential for every educator.”

-Jesse Hagopian, Ethnic Studies teacher and co-editor of Teaching for Black Lives