As a mother of two Black sons, I am constantly aware of the risks and challenges they face in a society that often seems determined to see them fail. Recently, I attended a volunteer appreciation event at my son’s school, where I was recognized for supporting the Black Boys Excellence Collective (BBEC), a club my son founded to provide a space for connection, leadership, and support among Black male students.
A Mother’s Concern
The event was a heartwarming experience, and I was moved by the letters written by the club members to incoming Black male freshmen, offering messages of encouragement, belonging, and brotherhood. However, my joy was short-lived, as I was soon reminded of the harsh realities faced by Black boys in our society. The news has been filled with stories of young Black lives lost or affected by violence, and I couldn’t help but wonder who will protect my sons in a world that often seems stacked against them.
As a mother, I am filled with a mix of emotions – vigilance, grief, protectiveness, and powerlessness. I have spent years pouring into my sons, teaching them values such as education, leadership, faith, and community, but I worry that these efforts may not be enough to shield them from the forces beyond their control. I fear that they will be judged before they are understood, that they will have less room to make mistakes than other children, and that they will be viewed as older, more threatening, or less innocent than they actually are.
A Call to Action
Despite these fears, I am driven by a stronger emotion – love. The kind of love that hurts, because I see my sons as young men who are trying every day to become the best versions of themselves. I see their vulnerability, their limitless potential, and I want to protect them from a society that often seems determined to see them fail. I want to tell them that they are welcomed, that they matter, that they belong, and that they are seen. The question is, will the rest of society say the same?
Original reporting: The Washington Informer — read the source article.
