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I honestly debated on whether or not I should tackle all that’s going on in our country with racial injustices and police brutality. It's so heavy and so much to take in. But, the truth of the matter is that I am a mother to a young black king. To not say anything...to remain silent would be irresponsible of me.
When I was younger, I always wanted an older brother (I’m the oldest of my brother and I). I knew that I wanted 2-3 kids (2 boys and a girl), with my girl being the baby. When my husband and I were trying to get pregnant with our first child, every symptom I had (according to the old wife’s tales) said it was a boy. I thought yes! my first child will be a boy to protect the little girl I just knew I would have. In December 2009, we were blessed with a beautiful baby girl. 4 years later we tried again, and I told myself I didn’t care if it was a boy or a girl, I just wanted a healthy baby (even though deep down I really wanted my boy). My exact prayer was “Lord please give me a chocolate baby boy, and sure enough that’s what we were blessed with in August 2014.
In the years I spent imagining my family, my children, my son, I never thought about having to give them a talk about how to interact with police. I never thought that I would have to explain why police are killing people that look like them for seemingly no reason or why people are protesting/rioting. I never thought that one day I’d have to worry about my son going out fearful that he won’t make it home. Afterall, the police are supposed to protect and serve our communities, right? This is the unfortunate truth that we as parents to black and brown children face every day.
It’s time for a change. It’s time for the black community to come together to fight these systematic injustices that we face every day. That can't be done if we're tearing down our communities and one another. We most certainly can’t do it if we’re killing one another. It has to start at home. We as parents must teach our children that they are better, that we were made for better and that we can achieve better. We have to expect more out of our children and hold them accountable. It’s time to go back to the “village mentality” like it used to be when our parents were young. Forget this “stay out of my business” and “don’t talk to my kids”. While most of us can understand those sentiments, it’s time for change.
We, as a people are so talented! Our ancestors fought hard to get us to the place we are today and it's our responsibility to continue the fight! We have to strive to achieve more than we may ever be given credit for. We must continue to march forward for our children and grandchildren. Think about what we want for them… as we are soon to be the ancestors. What will future generations say about us?
These are my two cents. What are your thoughts sis?
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