In 2016, the experience of raising a Black child is fraught with unique challenges that no parent should have to face. For instance, Dr. Angela Richards, a pediatrician living in a suburban neighborhood near Atlanta, Georgia, shares her insights on the realities her family encounters daily. Alongside her husband, Marcus, they are parents to three children: Ava, 9, Caleb, 6, and Noah, 5. I recently spoke with Dr. Richards about the subtle and overt racism that impacts their lives, as well as the fear she feels as the mother of Black sons in today’s society.
The innocence of childhood is being overshadowed. Children, who should be focused on play and exploration, are instead grappling with harsh realities. Dr. Richards is uncertain how her youngest son, Noah, learned about police violence against Black individuals. It could be from overheard conversations, social media, or even school. The important thing is that this troubling reality has infiltrated his young life. A six-year-old should be discussing his favorite cartoons or what he did at recess—not worrying about being targeted because of his skin color.
Dr. Richards and her family graciously opened their lives for our project, “Voices of Black Parenthood: Navigating Racism and Instilling Hope.” Here are some of her poignant reflections.
“Noah started preschool and faced teasing from classmates because of his natural hair. This deeply affected his self-esteem, and it hurt me to see him struggle. My husband and I reassured him that his hair is beautiful, but we eventually had to speak with his teachers about the ongoing issue. Sadly, he was even told by a couple of peers that they couldn’t invite him over because of his brown skin.”
“I worry that society won’t view my sons as innocent children the same way it might with white boys. When they misbehave, it feels like they are labeled as problematic rather than just being typical kids learning boundaries.”
“I’ve witnessed this bias firsthand at school. A white child might receive a timeout for misbehavior, while a Black boy would face harsher consequences, like being sent to the principal’s office. This subtle discrimination infuriates me; every child deserves the chance to just be a kid.”
“I’m raising Black boys who will one day become Black men. They are taught to be respectful and to make good choices, yet we’ve seen that sometimes that is not enough. They were born into a world where their skin color is unjustly seen as a crime. Whenever a police car passes by, Noah expresses his fear of being harmed.”
“It breaks my heart. I do my best to explain that not all police officers or individuals are bad, but there are dangers out there. I want to make sure they understand that good officers are there to protect them, not harm them.”
“Seeing reports of police brutality against unarmed Black men incites feelings of anger, sadness, and despair. It’s hard to escape these thoughts, especially when I look at my sons. I know I have to explain racism and police violence to them, but I struggle with how to approach it without letting my emotions overwhelm the conversation.”
“My husband and I prioritize discussions about cultural acceptance with our diverse group of friends. We emphasize the importance of celebrating our differences. I strive to raise empathetic children by modeling respectful behavior towards everyone.”
“My oldest daughter, Ava, has expressed fears about political figures and their rhetoric. She and her friends worry about being sent away because of their backgrounds. We’ve talked to her about racism in a way she can understand.”
“My greatest hope for my children is that they can embrace their identities without feeling pressured to change due to the color of their skin. I want them to know their Black skin is beautiful and that they are cherished.”
The initiative “Voices of Black Parenthood” aims to foster critical conversations about racism, enhance awareness, and provide support for families navigating discrimination. It’s essential to recognize that change can begin in our homes. Parents can lead the way toward a more just society.
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In summary, parenting Black children in today’s world involves navigating a complex landscape of societal challenges and ensuring that they grow up feeling proud and loved for who they are.