Dear Caleb & Joshua,
Today is June 19, 2020. A major shift has been happening in the world. At the ages of 10 & 8, you have seen unarmed black men murdered all of your tender lives. That is not the narrative you should be exposed to. Your ancestors were royal. Your lineage is strong. Your intelligence unmatched. I NEVER want you to forget that is your history.
You are surrounded by so much love, it blows my mind. Your family is OBSESSED with you. Your grandparents adore you. Your aunts and uncles cherish you. Your parents can be a little overprotective. You know why right? It is sad that at your ages, we have already had to tell you once you leave the bubble of love at home, the world will TRY to break you. I pray that the changes you are seeing happen right now, will last forever. I pray that when you grow up and have kids, this fear I have for you, they will only have to read about in books.
I am scared for you. Not for anything you will do. But just the mere fact that you all will undoubtedly be well over six feet tall, is a threat to some. Your beautiful cocoa skin that is a mixture of your Daddy’s beautiful chocolate melanin and my caramel swirl, is prepossessing. Do you hear me? YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. Caleb, your willingness to learn and always ask questions is a virtue I wish I had. Joshua, the way your brain works so quickly astonishes me. I am honored to be your Mom. Truly.
As your mom, I constantly battle with the thoughts in my head on whether we are traumatizing you or keeping you informed. Dear God, there is no manual to parenting. Furthermore, there is no manual to parenting black children in America. I thank God for your lives everyday, I know you are both destined for greatness. I know we have equipped you to conquer anything that comes your way. The revolution is being streamed all over the world for you to witness. Keep asking questions, keep the brain spinning.
I love you. You are worthy of everything this life has to offer and more. My prayers are a little different now. A bit stronger and more frequent. Your blessings will manifest ten fold, I am here for you in any capacity.
We will be okay,
MOM
I recorded the below video on June 4, 2020 to appear on a talk show. They didn’t use my video, but I wanted it to have a home online. What better place than my blog? I hope the emotions conveyed in this video pass soon. Thank you so much for reading, I hope you all are well.
Powerful, strong piece. The emotions of this year has been extraordinary and we all have to remain strong.
Salute to all the BLACK MOMS EVERYWHERE !
Author
Thank you so much for reading. Please stay lifted up!!
Loved this post….. yes your emotion comes through. We have to be protectors of our boys in this wicked system of things we live in. Thank you for your insight.
Author
Thanks so much Kim. How have you been talking to your boys?
Wow mama!!! This was so beautiful! Thank you for sharing!!
Author
Thank you for reading!
Beautifully written! Our prayers over our Children won’t be in vain 🙏🏾🙏🏾
Author
Amen. Thank you for reading!!
This is a very moving tribute to your black sons. As a father of black daughters it’s equally sad to think my daughters might one day have to grieve the premature loss of their future husbands; that no matter how well we raise our children, the world will still see them as a threat. It’s hard not to feed into these thoughts when they keep manifesting in the news. I hope we can look back to 2020 as a major turning point in race relations in the US and worldwide.
Author
What a time. Thank you so much for reading and sharing your personal story as well. I hope like you said, that this year will prove to be a major turning point!!
The most honest and beautifully written open letter to your beautiful boys. I visibly stand in solidarity, prayer and action with you as a black woman, aunt, honorary aunt, and godmother. Our sons and daughters are the black gold of the sun, and it is their birth right to LIVE. We are the shield and will not let up. Continue to hold your boys tight. Uprising is here.
Author
Thanks for your never-ending support Michi. I really appreciate you!