Have African American Role Models in your Family's Life

I love this video. It is the legendary John Lewis' message to one of my best friend's Grandmother. When I watch it it re-emphasizes the pride I have in knowing both Kevin and Ms. Stanley. I post it because it also is a powerful reminder, on many levels, of the importance of having people of a variety of ethnicities in your life as you raise your children to be strong, confident and proud African Americans. But, most importantly your black child needs to see black role models in their lives as they grow up.

This can sometimes be difficult for white parents who were raised in white neighborhoods - which we were. We have had the blessing of having a Nigerian pediatrician for both of our children. We also have black principals at both our elementary school and middle school. It wasn't until middle school that my children came in contact with a black teacher. When my son was in fourth grade I brought The Weary Blues by Langston Hughes to read during Black History Month. Our principal joined me and explained a little about her challenging life growing up in Detroit before reading

Mother to Son -

Well, son, I'll tell you:
Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
It's had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor--
Bare.
But all the time
I'se been a-climbin' on,
And reachin' landin's,
And turnin' corners,
And sometimes goin' in the dark
Where there ain't been no light.
So boy, don't you turn back.
Don't you set down on the steps
'Cause you finds it's kinder hard.
Don't you fall now--
For I'se still goin', honey,
I'se still climbin',
And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.

Langston Hughes, 1926

All young eyes were riveted, but especially so for the few African American children in Jacob's class. After a successful career in the military our principal is now finishing her Ph.D. in education. We are blessed to have her.

Additionally, I bring my son to an African American barbershop in nearby Lansing, Barber Love's, which is very similar to the one portrayed in Ice Cube's Barbershop.

But most importantly, I cherish time that we vacation with Kevin and his family.