As summer approaches, I find myself entering this season with a sense of dread that I’ve carried for the past thirteen years. Being a Black mother of a teenage son, every summer brings its own set of fears, which this year is compounded by the ongoing pandemic. The tragic murder of George Floyd at the hands of four police officers in Minneapolis has left me feeling more anxious than ever. The unrest that has erupted in our country, paired with the loss of lives during protests and the challenges posed by the pandemic, has heightened my worries for my children and yours.
What I desire for my son is likely what every mother hopes for: the chance to make memories, have fun, forge friendships, learn, and grow into a responsible, wise individual. Most importantly, I want him to thrive and chase his dreams. But I can’t help but question if my white mom friends share these fears—wondering if their teenage sons will reach high school or if they’ll be safe outside. I still struggle to watch the video captured by a courageous 17-year-old girl, Ava, who recorded a reality that many of us take for granted.
How Can We Respond?
So, how can we, as mothers, respond to the heart-wrenching events surrounding George Floyd’s murder? Just as the pandemic momentarily united us in a shared struggle for survival, we must also unite against the pervasive culture of racism. We should feel a collective shock and outrage over the senseless killings of Black individuals by law enforcement. This isn’t an issue we can pass down to the next generation; change must happen now.
As mothers, we face our own challenges, often discussing them in groups, on social media, or with friends. Our shared love for our children can be the foundation for coming together to support Black mothers. Let’s educate ourselves about their struggles, fears, and aspirations for their children. Attend rallies, sign up for workshops to confront your biases, and help your kids understand the importance of these issues.
Imagine the Impact
Imagine if your hopes and dreams for your child were abruptly taken away by an officer’s mistaken suspicion. What if your son was killed, left lifeless on a busy street? How would that change your world? Do you feel a sense of dread when your child steps outside?
Take a moment to sit with those feelings. Does it make you uneasy? It should. I’ve mourned for mothers I’ve never met—like those of George, Breonna, and Trayvon—and the list of lives lost to violence is endless. As mothers, we can’t wait for the next tragedy to ask, “What can I do?”
Becoming Informed Allies
I feel compelled to guide my white mom friends toward becoming more informed and confident allies—not just for moms like me but for our children as well. Statistically, Black women are 1.4 times more likely than white women to be killed by police, while Black men face a staggering 2.5 times greater risk. Now is the time to take action rather than reactively waiting for the next incident.
Years ago, I attended a workshop on Undoing Racism, which provided a platform for meaningful conversations about our biases. It’s crucial to engage with the deeper issues of race and identity. Just because you grew up in a diverse environment doesn’t exempt you from contributing to microaggressions—these occur daily for many Black individuals.
Steps to Take
The first step to being an ally is to actively educate yourself. Encourage your children to stand up for others and empower them to confront racism when they witness it. Be the voice in your communities, even when it feels uncomfortable. Stand against police brutality and racism, and challenge the presumption of guilt based on skin color. Engaging with resources like Bryan Stevenson’s Just Mercy or Ava DuVernay’s 13th can provide valuable insights into these issues.
Use your privilege as white mothers to advocate for change. This fight is not just for one community or race; it is a shared battle that we all must engage in. Together, we can be the voices that push our society toward justice and equality.
Commitment to Solidarity
Let’s commit to being present, listening, and growing together in solidarity. We can stand together in mourning for those who have been unjustly taken from us. For more nuanced discussions around this topic, check out this post on Home Insemination Kit and gain insights from Intracervical Insemination, an excellent authority on these matters. Additionally, for informative content regarding pregnancy, visit News Medical.
Summary
In this heartfelt message to white mothers, the importance of allyship in the fight against racism is emphasized. It encourages mutual support among mothers, educating themselves, and engaging their children in crucial discussions about race and privilege. Together, they can work toward a future where every child is safe and free to dream.