The NBC host, currently covering the Beijing Olympics, shares the nuances of teaching his biracial children about Black history.
For the Thompson family, Black history isn’t confined to February. Craig, who is Black, and his wife, who is white, actively seek out “teachable moments” throughout the year to discuss race with their children.
In an essay featured on Today.com, Craig recounts a pivotal moment when he overheard his son say, “Sibby is white like Mommy, and I’m brown like Daddy.” This prompted him to realize that they needed to engage in more open discussions about race. He and his wife aspire for their children to embrace their mixed heritage and to learn about Black history that extends beyond iconic moments like Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech, encompassing the painful aspects of the nation’s past as well.
Craig poignantly expresses the challenge of conveying this history in a way that is both truthful and suitable for their ages without being overwhelming. The couple grapples with how to discuss sensitive topics such as slavery. “How do you explain to two bright-eyed, multiracial kids who live pretty charmed lives that there was a time in this country where people who look like Daddy would have been shackled and working for people who look like Mommy?” he muses.
While acknowledging he doesn’t have all the answers to such complex questions, Craig emphasizes the significance of Black History Month and the need to incorporate Black history into daily life. “It’s not about promoting white guilt; it’s about ensuring that the narrative of our country is complete,” he asserts.
He desires for his children to learn about their grandmother’s experience as the first to integrate her high school and the challenges she faced, while also celebrating their identity as “seconds and thirds,” with the hope that such distinctions will eventually become irrelevant.
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In summary, Craig Thompson’s reflections on teaching his biracial children about Black history emphasize the importance of continuous dialogue outside of Black History Month. He faces the challenge of addressing complex historical issues in an age-appropriate manner, aiming for his kids to appreciate their mixed heritage and the full scope of their family’s history.
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