In response to onslaught of violent racial issues in the media, New York City Schools Chancellor, Carmen Farina urged parents and teachers to have critical conversations with their students around race and violence. Acknowledging that these are “tough conversations,” the Chancellor said discussing these issues is a “moral obligation” that is necessary to heal our country. This session will explore this concept while introducing parents to research on the importance of engaging in critical conversations in the home and classroom. In addition, participants will receive resources and learn practical strategies for engaging both children and the school community in healthy discussions around issues of race and violence.