White parents who tell their kids that race doesn’t matter are ignoring the long shadow of racism

18-year old Nolan Wells’ death in Mississippi has raised again the importance of ‘the talk’ that Black parents have with their children. But what do white parents tell their kids about race?

By: James M. Thomas, University of Mississippi, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: August 5, 2026

Words: 1,406

Last Updated: 1 week, 6 days ago

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By James M. Thomas, University of Mississippi

“Look around.”

“Pay attention.”

“Be mindful of where you are and who you are with.”

“Check in. With us. With yourself.”

For parents of Black children, these four statements represent routine guidance they give, part of “the talk,” a well-worn ritual of racial socialization that shapes how Black children and adults learn what it means to live and get by in a white-dominated society.

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