— written by my sista Salina Gray
I’ M saddened and actually surprised by the number of people who carry such FEAR and worry into their parenting. And what’s most tragic is that they’re giving it to their children … And even other peoples’ children. I think perspective and rational thinking are crucial when you’re responsible for the welfare of a child.
Please stop telling your children what a bad and dangerous place the world is.
Please stop telling them that everybody hates
them because they’re Black.
Please stop telling them that random non-Black folk are hunting them down in the streets and killing them. It’ s just not true.
Trust if we did a RIGOROUS and ACCURATE data analysis and reporting of the results (here in the U.S) the numbers would show that it is NOT ‘open season’ on Black people as I KEEP seeing people say.
And please stop telling each other that Black boys ‘aren’t safe anywhere.’
And stop telling them that George Zimmermans’ acquittal means that their lives don’t have value. Trayvon’s life had value. Oscar’s life had value. No matter what Mehserle, Zimmerman or their supporters think. The decision of these 6 women, the defense, hell the whole judicial system in Florida does NOT determine the value of our babies’ lives. Sorry. I will NOT accept or perpetuate that narrative.
Tell them instead about the centuries old diseases called White Supremacy and racism. Tell them about the origin of this race and color mythology. Talk with them about their manifestations and impact on every facet of our lives and the importance of eradicating them, creating a world where No group is stereotyped, mistreated, marginalized, oppressed or abused.
EMPOWER them with self confidence, compassion, empathy and courage.
Seriously.
Stop w/the wimpy cowardly parenting already. That shit is way unhelpful. And it is NOT how the Ancestors who lived, fought, bled and died to be recognized as human got down.
Perspective based on actual data not just personal experience, anecdotes, anomalies, and what the media portrays is necessary.
We need to raise Warriors.
That won’ t be accomplished by instilling fear, doubt, and worry.
I learned a LOT interacting with OG (as in Original Gangsta) parents. Even in the midst of gangland, they raises their babies to be SOLDIERS: proud, reppin their set, their block, their hood and their flag to the FULLEST. EVEN in the midst of their enemies.
I apply that same mentality to my parenting and teaching.
If my analogy is lost on you and you dont understand where Im coming from… Ill say it this way:
in the Spirit of Malcolm, Ella, Yaa, Fannie Lou, Arundhati, Lolita Lebron, and the countless who have committed their lives to the struggle… EMPOWER your babies. Give them HOPE and not hopelessness…
Please.
CocoaMamas 