Raising Black Sons
In 2021 alone, there were over 1000 fatal police shootings.
Black people account for 27% of those fatalities in 2021 - despite only making up 13% of the U.S. population - which shows that black people continue to be disproportionately impacted by police violence.
According to MPV (Mapping Police Violence), a non-profit organization that tracks fatal encounters with the police - black people are three times more likely to be killed by police than any other race AND in the U.S. more men are shot and killed by police than women.
And how many of us know a black male (or female) that has been a victim of being irrationally profiled by a police officer when innocently living their lives. Or is the better question, how MANY black people do we know that this has happened to? Whether placed in a police car handcuffed for simply sitting in their car in a parking lot, whether it was for “driving too slowly”, or whatever other senseless excuse was provided by the police officer - black men have been and still are seen as a threat. Even when simply doing everyday things. But doing it “while black”.
It breaks my heart that we continue to witness innocent black lives being taken from us. That we continue to witness hatred on some many levels. And that we continue to witness such a disregard for the lives of our black sisters and brothers. As if our lives are not as precious. As if our voices are not as meaningful. As if we are not worthy of the same rights and opportunities as any other human being on this planet.
And sadly, because of instances like this, I was nervous to have a son. To raise a son in the climate that America is facing and has faced for so many years. To have to explain white supremacy. To have to explain that he will have to work harder just because he is black. That he will have to deal with the same stereotypes, stigmas, inequality, and so much more - just as his grandfather and great-grandfathers had to do years ago.
I feared the world would taint him. But despite my fears God blessed me with two sons, Cairo Alexander and Jayce Zyair, whom my husband and I will do our absolute best to raise to be strong and fearless inspite of what the world depicts. They will see a legacy of strong black men all around them. From their father, grandfathers, uncles, and pastors.
They will be a voice and will be strong no matter what. And my husband and I will lead by example and teach them to be the great influential men they are destined to be. An advocate of change and justice. Lovers of Christ and His people. Leaders and not followers.
We will teach them to be confident, resilient, optimistic, and hard working. And we will teach them that regardless of what the world looks like - God’s judgement and love holds greater weight and THAT is what truly matters.
Maybe I was nervous to have a son. But nothing happens by accident. And now as a community, we must strive to create a better today for our children’s tomorrow.
