Black Maternal Health Week (Day 6): Don't Forget About Her

We only have one day left for Black Maternal Health Week, and I must say I’ve enjoyed writing about this topic for the second year in a row. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading as much as I’ve enjoyed writing. Today, I want to talk about the importance of not forgetting about the seasoned Black mother. Yes, I know I wrote about this last year as well, but it’s just that important so I’m reminding you again.

Often times when we think about Black Maternal Health Week, we are thinking of the Black woman that is pregnant, who just had a baby a few weeks ago, or who is in the first year of postpartum. Not sure how we got there in regards to which Black mother we focus on, but I’m here to remind you not to forget about her, the seasoned Black mother.

Just because our kids are walking, talking, and starting to develop their own little lives, doesn’t mean that as Black moms we are forgotten about during this week. It is even more important to not forget about us, because as “seasoned” Black mothers we are encountering things that new Black moms have yet to experience. For example, we are encountering how to help our children navigate racist and bias individuals at very tender ages. Already at the age of 7 I have had to remind my daughter (more than once) that other people’s view of Black folks does not equate to the truth about Black folks. I’ve had to teach her how to not try and fit into spaces where kids are not as welcoming of her, which appears to simply be because of the color of her skin. Helping my girls understand the beauty in their textured hair, and how there is no need for enhancements to fit into society’s standard of beauty. In a world that wants my girls to straighten their hair, add extensions to it, and do anything besides accept the way their hair grows out of their head, is a daunting task to take on as a Black mother. But I’m here for the challenge! And at the same time, these challenges are being faced with a 4 and 7 year old, and were not present when my girls were 4 and 7 months old.

I say all of this to say, if these are my experiences as a Black mom, I guarantee that either you or someone you know have also dealt with something similar in regards to being a Black mother parenting a Black child. Because of this, we need to not forget our moms who are out of the prenatal, perinatal, and postpartum stages of life, but who are still very much in motherhood. We need to make sure we check on these moms, respect the values they are trying so hard to instill into their children, and simply be a witness to all the challenges (and wins) that come with being a Black mother. That’s all I have for you today, keep being open to remaining aware, keep advocating, and keep ALL Black mothers in mind during this week. Until the next time I show up in your inbox, make sure you do something that will help you Bloom Into Your Best Self. . .