The Colored Water Fountain: Dr. Calvin James on Teaching Black History to Children
By Lana Reid | May 11, 2022
As part of the Black Men Matter Series, Lana Reid sits down with Dr. Calvin James, author, educator, and music producer, to discuss teaching Black history to children through honest, age-appropriate conversations. Dr. James shares the inspiration behind his children’s book The Colored Water Fountain and reflects on how he explains racism, segregation, and Black lived experiences to his daughter. Through storytelling and open dialogue, he emphasizes the importance of equipping children with historical understanding while nurturing confidence, empathy, and truth.
In this episode of The Male Perspective, Dr. Calvin James explores how storytelling can serve as a bridge between history and healing for children.
Dr. James explains how The Colored Water Fountain introduces young readers to the realities of segregation in a way that is accessible without being overwhelming. The book opens space for families to have honest conversations about racism, discrimination, and Black history — conversations that many parents struggle to initiate.
Throughout the discussion, Lana Reid and Dr. James examine the role of parents and caregivers in shaping how children understand race and identity. Dr. James shares why avoiding difficult topics can leave children unprepared, while thoughtful dialogue empowers them to process injustice without fear or confusion.
The conversation also highlights the responsibility of educators, creators, and parents to preserve Black history and ensure it is taught accurately and compassionately. Dr. James underscores the importance of helping children understand the past so they can navigate the present with awareness and confidence.
This episode offers meaningful insight into parenting, education, and storytelling as tools for truth-telling, resilience, and generational understanding.
About the Guest
Dr. Calvin James is an author, educator, and music producer. He is the author of The Colored Water Fountain, a children’s book designed to help families discuss segregation, racism, and Black history through storytelling and age-appropriate conversation.
For more information on Dr. Calvin James:
https://calvinjamescreates.com/
https://www.amazon.com/Calvin-James/e/B09F16DNC6
https://www.instagram.com/calvinjamescreates/
https://www.facebook.com/CalvinJamesCreates
About the Series
This episode is part of the Black Men Matter Series, highlighting Black men as fathers, educators, creators, and leaders who shape conversations around history, identity, and truth.
About the Host & Organization
The Male Perspective is hosted by Lana Reid, founder of Conversations in Color, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) grassroots organization dedicated to providing uplifting and community-building spaces of dialogue for Black voices.
Conversations in Color’s Current Initiatives
THE MALE PERSPECTIVE
The purpose of The Male Perspective is to dispel stereotypes and increase awareness of the experiences of Black men through open discussions, thought-provoking interviews, and the sharing of personal experiences that highlight the diversity and depth of the Black male experience.
SISTAS REBUILDING SISTERHOOD
Sistas Rebuilding Sisterhood is an intergenerational community of Black women who come together for relaxed, non-judgmental gatherings to exchange ideas, share experiences, and collaborate in a collective effort to improve the quality of sisterhood interactions in everyday life.
TAPESTRY OF BLACK VOICES AWARDS
The Tapestry of Black Voices Awards honors local communities and showcases the creativity, brilliance, and lived experiences of Black voices across the United States.