Learn about the relatively recent invention of “race” and judge how well the concept applies to people today in this video from Finding Your Roots. [More]

Learn about the relatively recent invention of “race” and judge how well the concept applies to people today in this video from Finding Your Roots. Geneticist David Altshuler describes how people in the 19th Century developed a concept of race that had more to do with the social interactions and hierarchies of that time period than with biological differences. But even while the concept of race was forming, human relationships showed that race was less rigid than it was believed to be. In the video, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick learns about the relationship between two of his ancestors, a relationship that demonstrates that people made connections that defied stereotypes. Genetic analysis reveals that people are far more similar than they are different.

Affirmative action is back in the news, and with it comes the age-old debate over whether or not universities should consider an applicant’s race when [More]

Affirmative action is back in the news, and with it comes the age-old debate over whether or not universities should consider an applicant’s race when deciding who gets in. When it comes to higher education, affirmative action was originally intended as a way to level the playing field for women and minority students who have historically been discriminated against at these institutions. But now, many opponents say those discrimination days are over and affirmative action is actually itself a form of discrimination. What do you think? Should race be considered in college admissions? Have your students watch the video and respond to the question in KQED Learn.

We all know that people look different. Anyone can tell a Czech from a Chinese. But are these differences racial? What does race mean? Find [More]

We all know that people look different. Anyone can tell a Czech from a Chinese. But are these differences racial? What does race mean? Find the answers to these and other questions by exploring different interactivities within this site.

Following the shooting death of a black teenager by a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, a panel discusses the complexities around race in this [More]

Following the shooting death of a black teenager by a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, a panel discusses the complexities around race in this country, in this video from America After Ferguson. History professor Jelani Cobb conveys the deep sense of anger and loss that he observed in Ferguson and how protesters there saw similarities in the teenager's (Michael Brown's) shooting death and those of others, including Trayvon Martin. Actor and playwright Anna Deveare Smith notes that while our society had been considered by some to be in a post-racial era before the events in Ferguson, things are different now. Writer Jason Riley suggests there are groups that have a vested interest in keeping racism alive in America.

In this lesson, students examine their attitudes about some of the complexities posed by race. Students then explore the success of two African Americans in [More]

In this lesson, students examine their attitudes about some of the complexities posed by race. Students then explore the success of two African Americans in the entertainment industry—Oprah Winfrey and Robert L. Johnson, head of BET (Black Entertainment Television).

Children's books are one of the most effective tools to engage with young children on important issues. To encourage conversations about race and diversity with [More]

Children's books are one of the most effective tools to engage with young children on important issues. To encourage conversations about race and diversity with your children, check out this list of books to read together as a family.