Nonnie Talks About Race
How do caring adults discuss the topics of race and racial justice with children? The Nonnie Series seeks to open the door to parent or adult/child communication by addressing potentially complicated and controversial issues with sensitivity and warmth. Alice Burroughs' lovely illustrations form the backdrop for the story of two best friends, Alex and Tamika, as their many questions about race are answered by Alex's grandma, Nonnie, with the help of her two friends, Marti and Renee. Nonnie Talks about Race features the character of “Nonnie” as she acknowledges her role as an ally, explains white privilege, and seeks the wisdom of her friends, who are women of color, to help guide the children. The book is interactive. It is divided into brief chapters to allow readers time to pause and consider each lesson. A glossary and resources are included.
Thank you for reading this book with your child or with children in your life.
“As an ally, I knew I could not speak the truth needed to make this book a reality. Like the “Nonnie” character, I turned to two wonderful friends and colleagues, Tanya M. Bass and Mariotta Gary-Smith. They generously gave me their wisdom, their voices and their love. I could not have written this Nonnie book without them.””
“Working on this book has been a wonderful and heartwarming experience. Mary Jo and Tanya are some of the most committed, loving and giving people that I’ve had the opportunity to meet. Being able to sit in a space of collaborative love, solidarity and deliberate intent has been all my pleasure. I’m encouraged that young people, their parents and community will be able to have honest conversations about race, social justice and creating change. I’m indebted to both of them for this delightful and important accomplishment.”
“This book is a part of a greater vision and hope for the future of our communities. I am inspired by Mary Jo’s love and commitment to young people. I am energized by Mariotta’s commitment to social justice. Through their love and compassion I have grown through this process. Learning about the experiences of others can make a difference in your life and the life of others. My life has been forever changed because of this project.”
ABOUT DR. MARY JO’S CONSULTING AUTHORS
TANYA BASS, MEd, CSE, CHES
Tanya Bass, MS, MEd, CSE, CHES is the founder of the North Carolina Sexual Health Conference (NCSEXCON), the only conference in the state that addresses sexuality across the lifespan. Tanya has nearly 25 years of experience and is viewed as a subject matter expert in the field of health education, health equity, HIV/STDs prevention education, and sexual health. She is an alumnus of the North Carolina Central University (NCCU) in the Department of Public Health Education, where she currently serves as the lead instructor for Human Sexuality. Tanya is completing her doctoral studies at Widener University in the Center for Human Sexuality Studies. Tanya was the 2020 recipient of the AASECT Sexuality Educator of the Year Award.
MARIOTTA GARY-SMITH, MPH, CSE
Mariotta Gary-Smith (she/her/they) is a 3rd generation social justice agitator, and holds degrees from Agnes Scott College & the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University. In the fall of 2008, she was one of 5 nationally selected scholars for the 2008-2009 Inaugural Class at the Center of Excellence for Sexual Health (CESH) Scholars Fellowship Program at Morehouse School of Medicine.
In 2009, Mariotta co-founded the Women of Color Sexual Health Network (WoCSHN; pronounced ‘wok-shyn’) – an online-based, collective organization for women/femme-identifying/gender expansive sexuality professionals of color. She’s an AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educator, Counselors & Therapists) Certified Sexuality Educator, past AASECT Annual Conference Co-Chair (2016-2017), and a past Associate Editor for the American Journal of Sexuality Education (AJSE).
Mariotta has built a local & national reputation for informative, thoughtful, challenging and honest presentations, workshops and trainings about racial justice and equity, sexuality and social critique; and provides collaborative consultation with national organizations about racial justice in sexuality education – and in particular within the field of Sexuality.
With 15+ years of experience working in collaborative spaces with folks and organizations across various identities and perspectives, Mariotta remains committed to creating, facilitating & sustaining spaces that support clear and accountable learning on the intersections of social justice, sexual health, health equity and “actionable agitation”. She’s dedicated to make and hold space for Black folks & others who have been excluded from many rooms and discussions, and deeply enjoys her “passion work” of moving the focus of those most impacted from the margins to the center.