MLK Day Reflection:The World Our Children will Inherit
Today, as we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I find myself reflecting on my little homies—and the world they will inherit.
In our house, we’ve already started talking about race. My little rainbow tribe of children is very aware of color, hair texture, and the external markers often used to define race. They see the construct. As their mother, part of my work is helping them deconstruct the messages society is constantly trying to install—messages that tell them who matters more, who is valued, and who is not. I understand that this work is essential to their well-being because, as little Afro-Latina girls, many of these constructs are designed to devalue them.
These photos were taken in my daughters’ classroom, where their teacher has begun introducing the children—gently and thoughtfully—to conversations about race. Not with fear. Not with shame. But with curiosity, observation, and care. The lesson began with a simple concept: a brown egg and a white egg are the same on the inside.
Watching four- and five-year-olds explore differences, ask questions, and engage together reminded me of something powerful: children are not born with bias. They learn it. And that means they can also learn something better.
As Dr. King reminded us,
“We must remember that intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.”
Race is socially constructed—it is not rooted in biology. And yet, the way race is constructed in our society has very real consequences for health, safety, opportunity, and overall well-being. Dr. King understood this deeply. He knew that injustice is not only a moral failure, but also a public health issue—one that lives in our bodies through chronic stress, exclusion, and unequal access to care and protection.
As a Black mother, these moments matter to me deeply. I am raising daughters who deserve to move through the world feeling safe, seen, and valued—not bracing themselves against it. Seeing their teacher take responsibility for early, age-appropriate conversations about race gave me hope. It affirmed what I know to be true: well-being is shaped long before adulthood, long before policy debates—right there in classrooms, homes, and everyday interactions.
Day invites us to reflect not only on Dr. King’s dream, but on our role in building the conditions that make that dream possible. What are we modeling for the next generation? What stories about worth, difference, and belonging are they absorbing from us—spoken or unspoken?
At B. Well, we believe that well-being is collective. It lives in systems, relationships, and environments that allow people to flourish. Honoring Dr. King means continuing the work—telling the truth about race, caring for our nervous systems, challenging inequitable systems, and raising children who understand that justice and compassion belong together.
May we be brave enough to do the work—so our children can live freer, healthier lives.
If your team needs support in understanding the why and benefits of DEI, I am here.
With care,
Adrianne Pinkney
