Parenting: Sharing Black History

"I'm so glad they (my kids) realize we are living 

what generations before have dreamed of 

and to not take it for granted." 

– Sharon Brewster

Today, my daughter briefed me that she needed Jackie Robinson pictures and card board for a school project (like now). My son chimed in on something totally different – he was looking for a track jacket he likes to wear, his favorite I believe. Despite being tired and arriving two hours late from work, as a family we sprung into action googling Jackie Robinson photos and picked the ones she found most interesting that told about highs and lows of being the first Black the first African American to play Major League Baseball (MLB) in the modern era. 

My son was an eager participant in her assignment. He sat criss crossed apple sauce on the floor and asked me, "Mommy can you tell me ALL of the black people in black history? I really want to know." And he waited too! My daughter told him all about people she learned in school, and then I told him about some the Black inventors, doctors and scientists I'd learned about in school (Garrett Morgan, Benjamin Banneker, Charles Drew, George Washington Carver, etc). He was amazed at their innovations and how they're still in use today, even saving lives. He was puzzled by injustice and glad to know there were people who sympathized with the plight of Black people and fought hard for Civil Rights in this country in addition to all of the Black activists and citizens who fought in their own ways during their time. We talked of love, not hate and rising above the most difficult situations. The concept of not being able to fight back was unknown to him (hmmmm). I told him loosely about Emmitt Till. Initially, I hadn't planned to share that story with him but my age-appropriate explanation of what happened during that time gave him some context as to: why many people were unable to fight back successfully and the importance of people getting together to help each other reach the same goal.

At the end of this discussion and image searching I discovered just how in-tune my children are to injustice both past and present. It hurts and bewilders them to hear of such brutal treatment. I'm so glad they realize we are living what generations before have dreamed of and to not take it for granted. Our family salutes those on the forefront of fighting injustice, breaking color and social/professional barriers by being the first in their field or industry.

As we said our good nights and sang our lullabies, I asked my son if he wanted to make a presentation too since his sister was doing one. He was excited to do so and insisted, "I want to make a presentation on Rosa Parks." So between today and Friday, we will learn more about the accomplishments of Jackie Robinson and Rosa Parks. These are two presentations I can't wait to see!



About the author

Sharon has a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. She combines her experience as an art director, understanding of healthy child development and therapeutic interventions to offer interactive art and talk therapy to clients. Sharon is a wife and mother who is passionate about family life and early childhood development and education. Sharon is known for her commitment to God, excellence and family; comedic wit and ability to empathize with others. "Love you to life!"