As a Black mother, the past few years have been particularly draining, not just for me, but for all parents. Today, I reflect on the two-year anniversary of George Floyd’s tragic death at the hands of a police officer. In this time, I find myself feeling hopeful yet disheartened. I want my two young boys, ages 5 and 2, to grow up in a world where they are safe and fully embraced. I yearn for the outrage sparked by George Floyd’s murder to transform into lasting allyship and action against injustice.
However, the reality is sobering. Despite the initial wave of support we witnessed, it seems that many have lost momentum. The conversations about race and diversity that once dominated social media and workplaces have dwindled, leaving me feeling like a broken record. I find myself reiterating the same messages about race and equality, wondering where the sustained engagement has gone. After the first anniversary of George Floyd’s death, I had hoped for significant change, but I’ve come to realize that the most meaningful impact I can make will be through my children.
A recent poll by The Washington Post revealed that 75% of Black adults harbor fears for their safety and that of their loved ones due to the color of their skin. Just last week, a horrifying incident in Buffalo, New York, where Black individuals were targeted while grocery shopping, has left me anxious about everyday activities. I grapple with how to convey these harsh realities to my boys without extinguishing their innocent joy. They deserve to understand both the beauty of diversity and the challenges that come with it.
Starting the Conversation
So, where do I begin? We’ve engaged in conversations about our family’s skin tones and why we look different from friends. I encourage open dialogues about their curiosities, reassuring them that while bad things happen in the world, they are safe at home. I haven’t delved into the deeper “whys” behind these events yet, as I believe they need to be introduced to the concepts of race and history gradually.
As a Black mother, I’ve faced numerous emotionally taxing experiences. Between the trauma of current events and the microaggressions I encounter daily, the emotional toll can be overwhelming. Yet, I strive to maintain a positive outlook, focusing on the influence I have as a parent. I create a nurturing environment where my boys feel safe, relaxed, and free to ask questions. This year, I’m particularly excited to celebrate Juneteenth with them, introducing them to its significance and history through books like The Juneteenth Story: Celebrating the End of Slavery in the United States by Alliah L. Agostini, as well as sharing traditional family comfort foods. Events like Juneteenth are vital for fostering understanding within our communities, especially as we rekindle conversations around equality.
Reigniting Our Efforts
As mothers who envision a brighter future for our children, it’s time to reignite our efforts. The work isn’t finished; there’s still more to do.
Mia Johnson is a passionate storyteller, strategist, and mother of two boys. As the founder of Mommifaceted Media, she shares the narratives of Black motherhood and connects lifestyle brands with mothers of color to foster genuine community. In 2022, Mia plans to launch a podcast network celebrating Black motherhood.
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In summary, as a Black mother, discussing race with my sons is a journey of balancing hope with the realities they will face. Fostering an environment of open communication and understanding about both the joy of diversity and the challenges of racial injustice is essential.