Looking from the outside in, individuals in the United States are walking around with a highly sensitive radar when it comes to race. A painful history and a wound that is still wide open just below the surface. It doesn't matter which race, and it doesn't matter how diverse a community is. The topic is still touchy, so it is best to be respectful by being prepared and preparing our children.
Here is what I found works best:
First, it is important to see that different people have different skin/hair/eye color combinations. For someone, we are also different from what they are used to. That's okay! Humans just so happen to come in a variety of color combinations. Birds and fish do too and we stop to admire their beauty! We are all human and we are all beautiful in our own way, colors included.
Second, it is okay to talk about these differences with our children in a respectful way. Seeing, acknowledging, and respecting all people without judgment will come when we discuss these differences as okay and normal. It is important to allow this flow of conversation with children as soon and as early as possible.
Children are curious. They see differences, especially visual ones like skin/hair/eye color and they naturally have questions. If we don't allow these questions to come out and find respectful and socially acceptable answers, then we are relying on the child's best guess.
Third, give children the right words to use. They may see differences and respect them, but their word choice could cause a problem. It is best to teach our children the acceptable terms in our community. It is equally important to explain that choosing other words could be hurtful.
Fourth, when they are old enough, explain the history from different perspectives.
Please see differences, diversity, and race. Once you see them, talk about them, respect them, and accept that they are a part of being human.