In praise of our Black Mothers

Every Mother’s Day is a wonderful day to celebrate the women who love us, carried us, protected us, raised us and brought us into the world. I always love the way it happens at the same time as the start of Spring. The lighter days and a sense of joy of celebrating the one who raised us.

Right now we’re going through a difficult time with the Covid-19 Pandemic. This Mother’s Day is even more important as alot of us have not been able to see our mothers. Forget giving her a hug. That just isn’t a wise thing to do until we all feel safe. So with gifts of flowers, chocolates, cards and more, our mothers are being spoilt, pampered and reminded of our love for them – all from a distance.

Remembering the Black Mothers fighting for justice

But I can’t help but think about the mothers of Stephen Lawrence, Breonna Taylor, Sandra Bland, Trayvon Martin and George Floyd who weep for their children. These mothers and many more who have seen white society and corrupt police forces end the lives of their children prematurely. These mothers who have fought for answers and some are still fighting today. While they continue to be angry, they show us a dignity and grace, which many would find difficult to display in a similar situation.

Raising Black children in a white society

This brings me to the challenges our mothers face raising children in white societies. It’s often said that being a mother is the most difficult job in the world. For Black mothers there’s an extra layer of worry for their children; all based on the colour of their children’s skin.

I can’t help but think about the mothers of Stephen Lawrence, Breonna Taylor, Sandra Bland, Trayvon Martin and George Floyd who weep for their children.

They show us a dignity and grace, which many would find difficult to display in a similar situation.

It’s only since becoming an adult that I’ve realised how tough it must be for a Black mother in the Western world. From conception, to giving birth and taking the journey to raise a child is never easy. But we know that for Black women there is always the concern about how to raise your child in a white dominated society. Nothing could have prepared our mothers for the disappoints and difficulties we would face today. Whether it’s the racism blocking us from accessing opportunities or the fears that your child may not come home alive one day.

Words of wisdom to guide their children

Just what does a Black mother say to her child, to support and nurture them when the world and society constantly rejects them? This is where the courage and fortitude that our Black mothers have always shown is used to counsel their children. They use their experiences of heartache, pain, loss and sometimes feeling like giving up. They tell us about overcoming barriers with mental and emotional strength. When our mothers weren’t able to overcome obstacles, they constantly remind us that being proud to be Black is the source of strength we must carry to see us through life.

I’m wishing you and your mother, a blessed day and I hope that despite this tough time you can see her – even if it’s at a distance. For anyone who doesn’t have a mother or wants to be a mother, I hope you have the peace in knowing that you also carry the love and strength which other mothers possess.

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