In a suburb just outside Atlanta, Georgia, the Thompson family, consisting of parents Maya and David Thompson and their children, Ava (9), Malik (6), and Jayden (5), faces the harsh realities of racism every day. I had the opportunity to speak with Maya about the challenges she encounters as a mother of Black sons in a world rife with injustice. She openly shared her apprehensions concerning police violence, societal discrimination, and the hurtful experiences her children endure.
The essence of childhood, filled with innocence and joy, is often overshadowed by the harsh realities of the world. Children, regardless of their background, should be able to experience the carefree nature of youth, yet for many, that is not the case. Maya is unsure how her son Malik learned about the tragic incidents involving police and Black boys; it could have been through the radio, television, or even casual conversations among adults. What matters is that this painful awareness has infiltrated his childhood, replacing innocent discussions about cartoons and playground adventures with fear.
Maya and her family generously allowed myself and local photographer, Lisa Martinez, a glimpse into their lives for our project, “Chronicles of Black Motherhood: Confronting Injustice, Navigating Fear, and Cultivating Hope.” Below are some of Maya’s reflections, shared here for our readers.
“Malik started preschool and faced teasing from his peers about his afro. It hurt to see his confidence wane because of something so beautiful. My husband and I reassured him that his hair is wonderful, but we also had to bring the issue to his teachers’ attention. It was disheartening to hear him say that two classmates told him he couldn’t visit their home because he has brown skin. I explained to him that his skin is beautiful, and if people don’t accept him for who he is, they don’t deserve his friendship.”
“I often worry that society won’t view my sons as innocent boys like their white counterparts. If they misbehave, it feels like they’ll be labeled as problematic rather than just children learning and growing. I’ve noticed this within the education system too; a white child might be given a timeout for misbehavior, while a Black child is more likely to be sent straight to the principal. This unspoken bias frustrates me because I believe all children should be seen as innocent.”
“My goal is to raise young Black boys who will become proud Black men. We teach them respect and the importance of making good choices, but recent events show that these lessons can sometimes go unheard. They entered this world carrying the weight of a stigma associated with their skin color. When Malik sees a police car, he tells me, ‘Mommy, I don’t want to be killed.’ It’s heartbreaking. I reassure him that not all police officers or people are bad, but there are dangers in the world.”
“When I witness incidents of police brutality against unarmed Black men, it stirs a mix of anger, sadness, and despair within me. I try to shield myself from these thoughts, but when I look at my sons, I can’t help but confront this reality. I know I will have to discuss racism and police violence with them, but I dread the conversation and what words I can offer. I believe my husband will take the lead in that discussion, as I might be overwhelmed with emotion.”
Maya and David cultivate friendships with individuals from diverse backgrounds and engage in conversations about acceptance and understanding. They aim to raise empathetic children by modeling inclusivity and respect for all.
Ava recently expressed her fear of political figures, sharing that she and her Muslim friends worry about being sent back to their countries. Maya and David took the time to discuss racism with her, as she is old enough to comprehend the complexities of the situation.
“My aspiration for my children is for them to embrace their identities without fear or the need to change because of their skin color. I want them to know how beautiful it is to be Black and to feel loved for who they are.”
The project “Chronicles of Black Motherhood: Confronting Injustice, Navigating Fear, and Cultivating Hope” seeks to foster meaningful dialogue around racism and support families facing discrimination. Change can start at home, and mothers like Maya are leading the way.
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Summary
This article highlights the challenges faced by Maya Thompson, a mother raising Black children in 2016. It discusses the societal racism that affects her sons, the need for honest conversations about police brutality, and the importance of fostering empathy and self-acceptance in her family. The piece emphasizes the role of mothers in addressing difficult topics and nurturing change within their homes.