They're Ours
It's crazy but even in the Black community we must remember to not vilify our boys. Last year he was short, child's voice, and wearing a cartoon t-shirt. The next year his voice is getting deeper, he's getting that Basketball height, and his t-shirt may or may not have a design on it. Yet he's still a kid.
Just like how you embraced him the year before, embrace him with love and respect now. Let him breathe and allow him to learn and express his creative freedom. Take the labels and limitations off.
My observations from seeing how people switch up only reminds me how we must do better. We forget that tough love doesn't get too far in healthy relationships. We forget that the kid is still a Black kid who needs genuine support and sound direction. The randomized discipline, the bad assumptions, and the toughen up talk do not teach the meaning of created space for safety but instead impact the false idea of manmade manliness.
We must remember they are ours. Who will love them if we don't love them? Who will care for them if we just throw them away? Who will guide them if we associate bad talk with being wayward? It's time to heal and be involved in positive growth, positive encouragement, and positive direction. We must remember, they're ours.
Protect Black Boys. Love Black Boys. Care for Black Boys. Help Black Boys.❤
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