You might ask why this is important. Well, as a Black woman who once navigated the world as a little Black girl, I have a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding race. Growing up, I attended both predominantly white and predominantly Black schools, and those experiences shaped my perspective on race. While I appreciate the lessons learned, I also wish I hadn’t had to face them at such a young age.
Understanding Racial Identity
Why should a 5-year-old need to explain her hair to classmates who don’t look like her? Why does a 10-year-old have to justify why she speaks a certain way to peers of her own race? And why, at 17, does she get questioned about her choice not to attend a historically Black university? The reality is, if you’re not white in America, you’re bound to encounter questions about your racial identity—often starting from a very young age.
Empowering Our Children
In light of this, I am committed to empowering my children with a strong sense of self-love and appreciation for their heritage. I really don’t care what anyone thinks about it. Are you upset because I choose to buy my daughter Black dolls? So be it. Are you annoyed that she wears a head wrap? So what. Do you not understand her unique hairstyle or the slang on her shirt? That’s not my concern. If my child wears a shirt that celebrates her melanin and it bothers you, that’s your issue. If you think I’m going overboard by reading books from Black authors in her class, I’m unfazed.
This is essential for me. Instilling pride in her identity means she will be equipped with the confidence to stand up for herself when faced with questions or challenges. I didn’t cultivate this kind of confidence until my 20s, and by then, I had to unlearn a lot of self-doubt.
Celebrating Blackness
Let’s address the misconception that being pro-Black equates to being anti-other identities. Why is this a common belief? My focus on celebrating Blackness stems from a glaring lack of representation everywhere. Can we teach kids to love themselves while also honoring everyone else? Absolutely. Keep that in mind the next time you see my child proudly wearing her melanin ABC tee.
Supporting Black-Owned Businesses
It’s also important for her to support Black-owned businesses, and yes, I’m teaching her that too. Check out this head wrap from Jamaica Stores or this tee from Tees in the Trap. For more options, see the Sophistishe Melanin OP tee.
Additional Resources
For further insights into home insemination, check out this article on our other blog. If you’re looking for tools to assist with your journey, visit CryoBaby for a home intracervical insemination syringe kit combo, which is an authority on this topic. And don’t forget to explore this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination from WebMD.
Conclusion
In summary, teaching our children to embrace their identities is crucial. It builds confidence and allows them to navigate a world that can often be questioning and unkind. By fostering self-love and pride in their heritage, we prepare them to face challenges with resilience.