Introduction: As we celebrate Black History Month, it's an opportune time for reflection, education, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all. This month can be especially difficult to navigate in today’s heightened awareness society, but that is a good thing, right? It means we care more. It means we’re trying harder to empathize, but also trying harder to actually make a meaningful difference/change.
For me, as a white mom to a biracial child, this month is extremely important. It is important to me to make sure that I honor and uplift my child and her entirety. It is important to me to express to her how beautiful, strong, intelligent and powerful her black truly is. To me, my child is not mixed raced or biracial – my daughter IS white and my daughter IS black. To some, she has been seen as not “black enough” and to others not “white enough”, but as a mother it is my job to express that ALL OF HER is ENOUGH. I am sure as she gets older, these discussions will change quite a bit – probably get a little harder, but for now we are simply trying to teach her love and respect for ALL of herself.
Some of the things we do as a family during the month of February, but also year round that could be useful to others:
Understanding & Teaching her the Significance of Black History Month: Start by exploring the origins and significance of Black History Month. Delve into the rich history, achievements, and contributions of Black individuals throughout the years. Understand that this celebration is not only about the past but also about acknowledging and uplifting the present and future narratives of the Black community. I lean heavily on my husband for his amazing story telling and ability to teach his history.
Open Conversations about Identity: Initiate open and honest conversations with your biracial child about their identity. Encourage them to embrace and celebrate their unique heritage, helping them develop a strong sense of self. Listen actively, learn from their experiences, and foster an environment where they feel comfortable expressing their feelings and questions. At her age, we haven’t had to have these tough conversations yet – her age sees past color and loves unconditionally. Each crayon may be a different color, yet they all live peacefully in the same box.
Educational Resources for All Ages: Curate a diverse collection of books, movies, and documentaries that highlight the experiences of Black individuals. Incorporate these resources into your child's education, promoting a well-rounded understanding of history and culture. Use this opportunity to learn alongside your child, fostering a shared journey of discovery. We have SOOO many amazing books about the beauty of her skin and her curly natural hair. We encourage her to read books about people who look like her and make her feel seen.
Celebrate Black Culture and Achievements: Participate in local events, virtual discussions, and activities that celebrate Black culture and achievements. Attend cultural festivals, art exhibitions, or virtual events that showcase the talents and contributions of the Black community. This not only provides valuable exposure for your child but also strengthens your connection with the broader community. As she gets a little older we will definitely be looking to provide her with more experiences that will immerse her into her cultural both with art and exhibitions.
Support Black-Owned Businesses: Make a conscious effort to support Black-owned businesses in your community. Whether it's shopping for groceries, clothing, or services, choosing to support these businesses contributes to economic empowerment and community growth. Share your positive experiences to encourage others to do the same.
Cultivate an Inclusive Social Circle: Diversify your social circle to expose your child to a variety of perspectives and experiences. Attend community events, join parenting groups, or engage in online forums where your child can interact with peers from diverse backgrounds. Building a network that reflects the richness of diversity will create a more inclusive environment. To me, this might be the most important of all, as I credit this to my compassion. I grew up playing AAU basketball and attending a high school that was extremely diverse. It was because of simply living and growing up around different cultures that helped me realize that we are all equals. Most importantly, it taught me the right way to be an ally and the right way to fight for social justice.
Actively Listen and Amplify Voices: Practice active listening when engaging in discussions about racial issues. Amplify the voices of Black individuals, particularly those with lived experiences. Use your platform to share their stories, perspectives, and achievements, contributing to a more inclusive narrative. From teachers, to coaches, to peers to my family on Trey’s side – this has been HUGELY impactful for me. The more we learn, the more we understand and the better we can do to move forward together. Step outside of your comfort zone and listen to those around you who have so much to teach.
It really doesn’t matter if you are the mom to a biracial child, or even a mom at all - Black History Month is an opportunity to learn, grow, and actively contribute to a more inclusive society. For me, embracing diversity goes beyond a single month—it's a lifelong commitment to fostering understanding, empathy, and unity in our shared journey toward a more equitable future.
So from my family to yours, Happy Black History Month!
