In 2016, the challenges faced by mothers raising Black children have become increasingly complex. As parents, we strive to shield our kids from the harsh realities of the world, yet it seems that innocence is under siege.
Take the story of Rachel Thompson and her husband, David, who live in a suburban neighborhood near Atlanta, Georgia, with their three children: Mia, 9, Jamal, 6, and Lucas, 5. I had the opportunity to speak with Rachel about the daily racism her family encounters, both overt and subtle. We delved into her concerns as the mother of Black sons in a time when discussions around police brutality and systemic racism are prevalent.
Rachel shared a heartbreaking realization: “My son started preschool, only to be teased by classmates about his natural hair. It hurt to see his confidence wane. Despite our encouragement about how beautiful his hair is, we eventually had to involve his teachers. It was painful when two peers told him he couldn’t visit their home because of his brown skin.”
She continued, “I worry that society won’t see my sons as innocent like they might view their white peers. For instance, if a white child misbehaves, they might get a simple timeout, whereas my son could be sent straight to the principal’s office. This unacknowledged racism is infuriating. All children deserve to be viewed as just that—children.”
Rachel added, “I’m raising young Black boys who will one day become Black men. We teach them respect and the importance of making positive choices, but the reality is sometimes that isn’t enough. When my son sees a police car, he says, ‘Mommy, I don’t want to be killed.’ That breaks my heart.”
She expressed the emotional weight of witnessing police brutality in the news, saying, “It makes me feel angry, sad, and hopeless. I know I will have to discuss these serious issues of racism and police violence with my kids, but the thought of it overwhelms me. My husband will likely guide that talk, as I will be too emotional to communicate clearly.”
Rachel and David foster conversations about diversity in their home. “We have friends from many different cultures, and we emphasize the beauty of our differences. I want to raise empathetic children who treat everyone with respect,” she explained.
Her daughter Mia, who is 9, even expressed fears about the political climate, saying, “Mom, I’m scared that people like me will be sent away.” Rachel and David have begun addressing these fears with her, grounding the discussions in the realities of racism.
Rachel’s hope for her children is simple yet profound: “I want them to embrace who they are without fear of discrimination. I want them to know their brown skin is beautiful and that they are loved.” This sentiment resonates deeply with many mothers in similar situations.
The project “Dispatches From The Front Lines of Black Motherhood: Real Injustice, Deep Fears, And Unwavering Hope” aims to spark important conversations about racism, raise awareness, and support families facing discrimination.
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In summary, raising Black children in today’s society presents unique challenges and fears, but it also fosters resilience, love, and hope. As mothers, we have the power to create change, beginning in our own homes.
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