There is a conversation happening quietly across America in homes, schools, therapy offices, across social media, and in the hearts of many Black adoptees and foster youth who grew up loved, but not always understood. As the founder of FAITH, an organization created to support interracial foster and adoptive families, I have spent countless hours listening to stories, concerns, and experiences surrounding interracial adoption.

One thing has become increasingly clear: Love is essential. But love alone is not enough. For many white families raising Black children, the desire to protect innocence comes from a genuine place of care. No parent wants their child to experience pain, racism, or rejection. But avoiding conversations about race does not prevent children from experiencing racism. It only delays the moment they must face it alone.

Black parents have historically had conversations with their children about race, not because they want to raise angry children, but because they want to raise prepared children. There is a difference. Awareness is protection. Preparation is protection. Excellence is protection. Many Black families understand their children will eventually walk into a world........

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