Mercer Island recently hosted distinguished speaker Dr. Caprice Hollins for a Parent Edge event following Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Hollins, of Cultures Connecting, LLC. and Seattle School of Theology and Psychology, spoke with parents and community members about the importance of learning about difference, including race, culture, gender, disability and class. Hollins wove her personal narrative and poetry into an engaging conversation. She emphasized the importance of fostering healthy identity development in children. And she identified, by age group, how children develop in their understanding of differences and in their beliefs, attitudes and biases.

Hollins advised parents to prepare themselves to discuss difference by first examining how their own differences, upbringing, biases and class impact how they navigate life. Then, parents are prepared be the role models they want to be for their children.

She advised parents to act on teachable moments with children and get used to the idea that this work can be uncomfortable and that everyone stumbles through it at times. Hollins asked parents to ask questions to gain understanding of others. She reminded the audience that by hearing people’s stories and experiences and sometimes through uncomfortable conversations, we gain can gain insight, empathy and perspective.

Hollins spoke with Island Middle School students the following day and has spoken with the district staff on similar topics of diversity and inclusion. For more, visit www.miparentedge.org.