✨Join the creators of Nugget (the most popular play couch) for a candid conversation with Jelani Memory, author and CEO of A Kids Company. Jelani will be discussing his highly acclaimed and well-loved book, A Kids Book About™ Racism!
✅ Learn how to use books and storytime to spark meaningful conversations about race
✅ Find out how to answer tough questions about skin color, racism, or diversity
✅ Hear other caregivers’ questions, and get answers you can use with the kids in your life
🗓️ When: Feb 20
⏰ Time: 12 PM ET
📍Where: Zoom
👥 For: Grownups
➡️ Register: https://tinyurl.com/yp2e9hzx
🧐 Why You Should Attend Talk Starters Book Club
Over the years I’ve worked with hundreds of kiddos in many different capacities. "Why is your skin brown?” has always been one of the most common questions I get and one of my most dreaded questions to respond to.
My internal dialogue usually sounds something like, “OMG, they figured it out. What if they stop liking me or don’t want to play with me anymore? 🤦🏾♀️ Stop panicking, Briesha, you know how to explain it.”
Of course, I appreciate that children feel comfortable enough with me to ask about my skin color. But, it never ceases to feel like I'm under pressure to explain the Black race in 30 seconds or less. While I’ve learned to answer the question with great pride, these conversations still leave me feeling hyper visible. I also worry that I didn’t explain enough or give a response their primary caregiver would’ve preferred.
This mental fatigue of conversations about race shouldn’t always be on the first BIPOC babysitter, nanny, or classmate that a child encounters. It would be immensely helpful if more parents and primary caregivers (from all races) learned how to have these nuanced discussions with kids in a meaningful way.
Books like A Kids Book About™ Racism and A Kids Book About™ Systemic Racism are great resources to assist grownups with initiating these conversations early on. Attending Talk Starters with Jelani Memory can make you a lot more comfortable addressing the questions that your little one will undoubtedly ask.
🤷🏽♀️ Why Is Nugget Partnering with A Kids Co.?
Like most businesses in the U.S., Nugget recognizes February as a month to reflect on Black History, but they also acknowledge it as a time to look toward Black Futures.
Talk Starters appears to be an initiative to uphold Nugget's commitment to supporting Black Futures year round. With over 1 million play couches sold since 2014, the company has a large community of Nugget loving fans that can be reached through the hosting of monthly book clubs.
"Every February and beyond, we amplify Black voices, hold space for Black joy, and support organizations working to prioritize play, prosperity, and potential for Black Futures."
📰 Is the Partnership in Response to DEI Pullbacks?
It's hard to say if the partnership between Nugget and A Kids Co. is a direct response to the scaling back of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) under the new political administration.
One Instagram user left a comment on the reel ad for the event, "Just when other companies are rolling back DEI policies, Nugget goes in the right direction. Love this 👏👏👏."
The book club was most likely planned in late 2024 and announced to coincide with Black History Month. The timing of the announcement just happens to make Nugget look great!
🔥 On the other hand, Nugget posted a carousel post on MLK day (Jan 20, 2025), featuring a quote from MLK Jr. which reads, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
Not only was this Nugget's first acknowledgement of MLK day on social media*, but this quote is often used to challenge complacency and encourage action in the face of injustice. Which made me wonder, was Nugget simply sharing a comforting quote with their fans or something more?
Nugget is a very playful brand and notorious for leaving subtle hints or clues about upcoming product releases hidden in their social media posts.
It's quite possible that the company intentionally selected the quote as an ode to the controversy or pushback they're anticipating from their upcoming initiatives, of which some of their customers might perceive as too progressive leaning.
If this is the case, I'm totally here for it. It's awesome to see big brands like Nugget use their platforms to create meaningful impact. A book club that preps caregivers on how to navigate conversations around diversity and inclusion is one that I'm happy to uplift!
*At least in the past 5 years... I didn't feel like scrolling back on their Instagram grid any farther.
😬 Wait, Do I Have to Own a Nugget Play Couch to Attend?
No, to my knowledge, you do not have to own a Nugget play couch to attend the book club! However, Nuggets are one of my favorite playthings to recommend to families (don't worry, I go into more details in an upcoming blog post)!
For now, just know that play couches are a super fun way to tap into imaginative play and even indoor active play during cold winters. Hope to see you at the next Talk Starters book club!
P.S. Stay Conscious + Curious!
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