Life as a Mom to a Black Child in 2016: A Raw Perspective

home insemination Kit

Being a parent comes with its own unique challenges, but for many, raising a Black child in America brings an entirely different set of worries. Meet Angela and Marcus Thompson, a couple living in a suburb just outside Atlanta, Georgia. They are the proud parents of three children: Noah, 9, Ava, 6, and Jaden, 5. I had the chance to chat with Angela about the daily realities of racism her family faces, both overt and subtle. We discussed her fears as a wife of a Black man and a mother of Black sons in 2016, touching on the ever-pressing issue of police brutality.

The innocent joy of childhood seems to be slipping away for families across the nation. Our kids, collectively, are bearing the weight of a world that often feels unforgiving. They are in a vulnerable position, and it’s tough to shield them from the harsh truths surrounding them. Angela still wonders how Jaden picked up on the heartbreaking news about police violence against Black boys and men. Whether it’s through the radio, television, or even casual conversations, the reality remains: this is their world. A six-year-old should be absorbed in tales of playground antics, not grappling with fears tied to his skin color.

Angela and her family opened their hearts—and home—to me and Atlanta-based photographer Lily Johnson for our project, “Dispatches from the Front Lines of Black Motherhood: Real Injustice, Deep Fears, and Unwavering Hope.” Here’s a glimpse into Angela’s story, shared with you through Home Insemination Kit.

“Jaden started preschool and faced teasing from his peers because of his natural hair. This certainly took a toll on his confidence, and it broke my heart. My husband and I reassured him that his hair is amazing, but eventually, we had to get the teachers involved after Jaden was told by two classmates that he couldn’t visit their homes because of his brown skin. I explained to him that his skin is beautiful, and if someone can’t accept him for who he is, then they aren’t worth his friendship.”

“I worry that society won’t view my sons as innocent as they would a group of White boys. If they misbehave, it’s seen as a greater offense rather than just typical childhood antics. I’ve seen this firsthand at school: a White child may be put in timeout for misbehavior, while a Black boy might be sent straight to the principal. This unspoken racism frustrates me; I just want my kids to be kids.”

“I’m raising young Black boys who will grow into Black men. They are taught to be respectful and make the right choices, but as we’ve seen, sometimes that doesn’t matter. They were born with what some deem a ‘crime’—their Black skin. Every time a police car passes, Jaden says, ‘Mommy, I don’t want to be killed.’ It shatters my heart. I reassure him that not all cops are bad, not all White people are bad, and not all Black people are bad; but there are bad individuals out there, and good police are meant to protect him.”

“Witnessing police brutality against unarmed Black men fills me with anger and despair. I try to shield my thoughts, but looking into my sons’ eyes makes it impossible to ignore. I know I need to talk to them about racism and police violence, but honestly, I’m unsure how to approach it. My husband will likely lead that conversation; I’ll probably be too overwhelmed with emotion to deliver a clear message.”

“Marcus and I embrace diversity in our friendships and encourage our children to appreciate differences. I strive to raise empathetic kids by treating everyone equally. My oldest daughter, Emma, even expressed fear about Donald Trump and worries for her Muslim friends, fearing they might be sent away. We had a heartfelt discussion about racism because she can comprehend it.”

“My ultimate hope for my children is that they can celebrate their true selves without feeling pressure to conform due to their skin color. I want them to know that their Black skin is stunning and that they are deeply loved.”

This project, “Dispatches from the Front Lines of Black Motherhood,” seeks to spark important conversations about racism across America and provide support for families facing discrimination and injustice. Change begins at home, and we can lead the way.

Summary

The article explores the challenges faced by Angela Thompson and her family as they navigate the complexities of raising Black children in America in 2016. From dealing with racism in schools to the fear of police violence, Angela shares her family’s experiences and hopes for a brighter future where her children can thrive without fear of prejudice. The project aims to foster important conversations around these issues, emphasizing the power of love and acceptance in the home.