This back-to-school season, WhyHunger is breaking down what our work is all about…starting with our ABCs. Join us to learn the key terms we all – even our littlest readers – need to understand as we work together to end hunger for good!
BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous, and people of color. Pronounced “bye-pock,” this is a term specific to the United States, intended to center the experiences of Black and Indigenous groups and demonstrate solidarity between communities of color.
BIPOC Leadership centers solidarity and autonomy by honoring and uplifting the wisdom of marginalized communities. For the BIPOC community, growing their own food and reclaiming land that was once taken from their ancestors means strengthening their wealth and honoring the cultural and spiritual knowledge of their people. This reclamation actively dismantles years of injustices done to Black, Indigenous and People of Color, and to creates a more equitable and culturally appropriate food system.
It’s important to make connections between history and the injustice BIPOC communities face today. Our food system was built off the backs of enslaved Africans and continues to exploit BIPOC communities across the globe. For BIPOC food workers, growing food and stewardship of land is an act of resistance and empowerment, and a critical part of nourishing their communities.
WhyHunger’s ABCs of Food Justice: B is for BIPOC Leadership
Welcome to WhyHunger’s Kids’ Corner, where we break down big concepts for our littlest readers. We believe that engaging in justice-centered discussions and activities at home can help kids (and adults!) develop their critical thinking, advocacy, compassion and learning. In this section, you’ll find videos, sing-a-longs, coloring sheets and more to use as a jumping off point for important conversations.
BIPOC Leadership is a fancy term, but once you break it down, it’s easy!
BIPOC is an acronym. An acronym is like a nickname for a phrase where each letter represents a word. For example, FYI= For Your Information. ASAP= As Soon As Possible.
First, let’s break down what BIPOC stands for:
Black refers to people who often have African or Caribbean ancestry. Black Americans have a unique history that is not shared by people of color in other countries.
Indigenous includes groups of Native Americans, as well as Indigenous peoples from the Americas who have later immigrated to the U.S. Indigenous people have experienced discrimination and mistreatment from official policies and practices as well as erasure of their culture and identity.
People of color is a general term to refer to non-white individuals who often face discrimination. Non-white people include those who have Asian, Latino, Middle Eastern, Indian, and Pacific Island heritage, among others.
Ready to get the conversation flowing? To get started, download the writing prompt worksheet, download and print the crossword, and get the answers here!
