If you don’t give your child a verbal defense they can use in a surprise oppressive attack they will eventually become oppressed and depressed. Don’t let racist children catch your child off guard.

Too often, seeking out a responsible adult to intervene in a verbal attack is not an option for Black children. It is best practice to ignore ignorant people but there will be times that they can not just ignore it.

Providing clapbacks is meant to be an empowerment tool to practice so your child is not affected by a racist’s attack on their character. This is also a good time to mention that giving your children a really strong foundation with constant teaching about their culture and history, empowers them for life against any false narratives about their heritage and community. I highly recommend enrolling your children in martial arts classes too. In this climate, our children don’t need to know how to fight but when, and most of all how to protect themselves.

It is also not our responsibility as Black people to teach tolerance to racists, so we did not take that approach. Warning: These clapbacks took the high road but are unapologetic. We could have easily gone extremely low, but our children are vulnerable and we don’t want to subject them to any potential violence. Our forever First Lady, Michelle Obama said, “When they go low, we go high.” So let’s fly.

Umbrella-type Clapbacks

Remind your child to immediately report any threats of violence to you and to any nearby adult who will listen. Threats such as nooses, hanging, fighting or murder must be reported immediately to law enforcement. Get a copy of the report and file a restraining order, if necessary. Don’t be quiet about these criminal incidents, record them and speak up so that it doesn’t happen to others.

In the comments below, let us know what you think of these clapbacks and what empowerment tools you give to your children?