Absolutely, I’m guiding my preschooler on how to embrace and celebrate her identity as a Black girl. Why, you ask? Well, as a Black woman who once was a little Black girl myself, I’ve experienced life in both predominantly white and Black environments. Those experiences have shaped my understanding of race in profound ways. I appreciate those lessons, but let’s be honest: I wish I hadn’t had to face them.
The Questions We Face
Why should a five-year-old need to justify her hair to her white classmates? Why must a ten-year-old explain why her speech might sound “white” to her Black peers? And why does a seventeen-year-old have to defend her choice not to attend a historically Black college? The truth is, if you’re not white in America, you’ll face questions regarding your racial identity from both sides, and often from a young age.
Instilling Self-Love and Appreciation
Because of this reality, I’m committed to instilling a deep sense of self-love and appreciation in my children. I genuinely don’t care what others think. Upset that I choose to buy my kids Black dolls? So what. Displeased that my daughter wears a head wrap? That’s your problem. Confused by the hairstyles in her braids or annoyed by the slang on her shirt? Again, not my concern. If my child proudly wears a shirt celebrating her melanin, or if I flaunt my Black Girl Magic tee, that’s just how it is. And if I volunteer to read books by Black authors in her class, I won’t apologize for that either.
Empowering Through Pride
My priority is to help my kids recognize and take pride in their Blackness, which will empower them to handle any questions or challenges that come their way. I didn’t find that confidence until my twenties, and it took a lot of unlearning of self-doubt to get there.
Embracing a Pro-Black Stance
And let’s clarify something: embracing a pro-Black stance does not mean being against anyone else. It’s essential to understand that my focus on uplifting Black voices stems from a glaring lack of representation everywhere. Yes, it is absolutely possible to teach children to love themselves while also fostering respect for others. So, the next time you see my daughter in her melanin ABC tee, remember this perspective.
Supporting Black-Owned Businesses
Oh, and by the way, she’s also wearing items from Black-owned businesses, which I’m teaching her to value. You can check out some of her favorite pieces, including the Jamaica Stores head wrap and the Tees in the Trap tee. Speaking of family journeys, if you’re interested in exploring home insemination, you can find useful insights in one of our other blog posts about couples navigating their fertility journey.
Conclusion
In summary, I aim to equip my child with the tools to embrace her identity, fostering confidence and self-love while promoting respect for all. It’s a balancing act, but it’s one that is crucial in today’s society.
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