My son is blissfully unaware of his racial identity. He recognizes that his skin is darker than mine and that his dad is white, but the complexities of being black in this society are foreign to him. Concepts like prejudice, the legacy of slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, and recent events in places like Ferguson or Cleveland are beyond his comprehension. He doesn’t yet grasp the significance behind the phrase “black lives matter” or understand that people can be treated differently based on skin color.
While he may not yet know the painful history faced by the African American community, that day is coming. Soon enough, he will learn that he is different from his parents, and he is indeed black. By the time he reaches elementary school, he will begin to explore Black History Month, uncovering stories of struggles and triumphs that have shaped our nation. He’ll learn that the freedoms we enjoy today were not always a reality and that our multiracial family stands as a testament to liberty and progress.
As he navigates through these lessons, he’ll discover the resilience of those who fought for justice and equality. He’ll learn about the courage of individuals like Harriet Tubman, the determination of Rosa Parks, the leadership of Martin Luther King Jr., and the groundbreaking achievements of Jackie Robinson. He’ll see how laws were changed and how far we’ve come, while also recognizing that there’s still a path ahead in the quest for racial equality and harmony.
For now, he delights in using a variety of crayons to color the skin tones of those he loves. To him, love and trust aren’t tied to any one color; they are granted to those who deserve it. Even at just four years old, he understands that love and trust are the foundation of relationships and the stepping stones to unity and forgiveness. It’s love and trust that can extinguish the fires of hate and fear and build strong connections in a world often divided by bigotry and discrimination. Love is powerful.
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In summary, my son may not yet understand his racial identity, but as he grows, he will encounter the important history and lessons that come with it. For now, he embraces love and trust, which remain the most vital connections in his young life.