The dual burden of two public health crises weighs heavily on the shoulders of Black mothers. As I prepare dinner, I feel a sense of urgency. My thoughts are consumed by the harrowing image of Jamal Rivers, struggling for breath under the weight of systemic injustice. I hastily remember to add cheese to the broccoli—an effort to keep my children engaged with their meals instead of merely pushing food around their plates.
With our outings to arcades and parks curtailed due to the pandemic, family movie nights have become a nightly ritual rather than a weekly treat. While there’s comfort in knowing my children are safe at home, I am acutely aware of the dangers that lurk beyond our walls. Just as I find solace in our domestic space, I am reminded of the tragic case of Lena Brooks, who felt secure within her own home until violence shattered her peace.
Although it seems like the tragic events surrounding individuals like Lena and Jamal occurred only recently, they have unfolded over months, coinciding with the World Health Organization’s declaration of the coronavirus pandemic. The pervasive nature of anti-Black racism, however, is an unacknowledged public health crisis that inflicts profound harm. The repercussions of racism, both implicit and systemic, contribute to the trauma experienced within Black communities, manifesting in both mental and physical health disparities.
Research underscores the chronic stress associated with racism, which begins to impact individuals early in life. Black women face heightened risks during and after childbirth, and studies show that Black infants are 50% more likely than their white counterparts to be born prematurely. As our children enter a school system often steeped in white supremacy, they confront implicit biases and face disproportionate disciplinary actions. The wounds inflicted by these experiences are lifelong, with no end in sight. As society begins to reopen, the anxiety surrounding our children’s return to school is familiar territory for Black mothers.
After dinner, I channel my energy into finding ways to keep my children entertained and engaged. While the pandemic is a new struggle, the fight against racism is a long-standing battle. There is no organized national response to address the legacies of racial injustice, and the urgent call for change continues, as we raise our voices in solidarity with the mantra that Black lives matter. Black mothers embody resilience, nurturing our children to be aware of the realities of white supremacy, while also fostering their freedom to thrive.
Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, parenting remains a priority. Mothers everywhere are balancing work and childcare responsibilities, grappling with the additional grief and trauma stemming from the high rates of COVID-19-related deaths in the Black community. The collective mourning for lives like those of Jamal Rivers and Lena Brooks further complicates our reality, as we navigate the pain of these public health crises.
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In summary, Black mothers are uniquely positioned at the intersection of two public health crises, navigating the challenges of parenting amidst systemic racism and a global pandemic. The resilience demonstrated in these circumstances highlights the strength and determination to create a nurturing environment for our children, even in the face of adversity.