Black is a Rainbow Color

by Angela Joy

“So you see, there is no black in rainbows. No black in green or blue. But in my box of crayons, Black is a rainbow too.”

In this book, a child starts out thinking about where in her environment she sees the color black. Her thoughts transcend into recalling and appreciating the rich history of what it means to be a Black American. By the end she has found a new appreciation for her own beauty and that of her cultureThe traditions, customs, arts, and achievements of a particular nation or group of people. More.

story read aloud

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Talk About It

• What do you think the girl is feeling as she sits on her steps thinking about how Black, her raceWhen people are grouped based upon certain physical characteristics; most commonly skin color. More, isn’t included in the rainbow? Talk about how as a White child you are much more likely to see yourself reflected in the pictures on a book, things you watch, the pages of a catalogue, or the teachers in your school (White privilegeThe ways in which White people have an easier time in life simply because of the color of their skin. More). It’s probably not something your child has ever even thought about. Ask your child to imagine how they would feel if they looked at these things and rarely saw anyone with similar skin color, hair, etc. Use their ideas to connect to the experience of Black children and the need for change.
• Does your child know about Thurgood Marshall? Talk about his importance in being the first Black judge for the Supreme Court.
• Why do you think the book mentions railroad tracks? Is it just because of their color? Take a few minutes to teach your child about the fact that the beginning railroad systems in this country were built by the enslavedThe correct way to talk about slavery. It shows that slavery was something forced upon people. (No one ever chose to be enslaved. In fact, they were never given a choice.) It also reminds us to think about who all of these people were in their lives with family and friends. More.
• Does your child recognize the Black woman with the flower in her hair? Introduce Nina Simone; a singer, songwriter, musician, and civil rightsA group of rights (things promised to you) that protect people's ability to live life within a larger group (usually a country) without being treated unfairly because of things like skin color, gender, physical limitations, or religion. Civil rights include protecting people's physical and emotional safety. More activistSomeone who feels so strongly about an issue (like racial equality or ending bullying) that they are willing to take action to make a change.  Activists spend time and energy learning more about a topic and sharing that knowledge with others.  Activists speak up when they notice someone or something being treated unfairly. More.
• What do you think the author means by stating that black dreams are “left out in the sun to die.” Acknowledge that this is a powerful, sad statement that is based on the racismThe belief that a person's personality, behavior, & values is based solely upon their race. It is also the belief that one group of people are better than another. More that has always existed in our country. What does your child think or feel about the fact that someone’s skin color might be the thing that prevents them from achieving a goal or dream? What ideas do they have about how to improve things so this is no longer true?
• Reiterate that while black is used to talk about a group of people as their raceWhen people are grouped based upon certain physical characteristics; most commonly skin color. More; it, as the book highlights, is also a cultureThe traditions, customs, arts, and achievements of a particular nation or group of people. More. Why do you think it is important to recognize and honor this fact?
• A girl is seen peacefully protesting in support of Black Lives MatterAn international group, started within the Black-American community with campaigns against rules and actions that physically hurt Black people or treat them negatively. More. What does your child understand about this movementA group of people acting as one because of a shared belief. More?
• Why do you think the book ends by stating that, “Black is a rainbow too?” Given all this book has us thinking about in terms of Black history and the richness of Black cultureThe traditions, customs, arts, and achievements of a particular nation or group of people. More and its contributions to our country, do you think it’s fair for people to be discriminated against because of skin color?

Explore More

• The book mentions rhythm and blues. Spend some time introducing your child to the history of R&B and how its influence is still felt in music today. Check out Rhythm and Blues: Definitions, History, Artists, and Songs. Then spend some time listening to some music and appreciating the sounds and how it makes us feel. Maybe even find an artist, past or current, and send them a letter telling them why you like their music.
• The book uses the lyrics “hush now, don’t explain” from the song Don’t Explain by Nina Simone. Spend some time listening to her music or learning more about her.
• Learn about some of the other Black women mentioned in the book including Maya Angelou, Mamie Till-Mobley, Marian Wright Edelman, & Fannie Lou Hamer.
• Spend some time researching Black Lives Matter. Make a list of ways your family can support the movementA group of people acting as one because of a shared belief. More. Then pick something on the list and take action.
• Using the idea of a rainbow, reimagine the colors to represent the beautiful variety of skin tones that make up humanity. Come up with a slogan and add it to your picture.