Reclaiming Our Power: The Sacred Work of Black Parenting

“Raising black children, female and male — in the mouth of a racist, sexist, suicidal dragon is perilous and chancy. If they cannot love and resist at the same time, they will probably not survive. And in order to survive they must let go. This is what mothers teach — love, survival.” Andre Lorde

Parenting is always a profound act of love and responsibility, but for Black parents, it is also an act of resistance, cultural preservation, and hope.

Each day, we are tasked with nurturing our children’s growth and protecting their spirits in a society that often misreads, mislabels, and misrepresents them. From playground to classroom, doctor's office to digital spaces, our children encounter messages that can dim their light before it can shine. Black parenting must be intentional, liberatory, and deeply rooted in cultural pride.

Black parents have long understood what it means to raise children amid societal storms. We have passed down wisdom, modeled resilience, and found joy in community. Yet, in this current era—marked by increasing visibility of racialized violence, persistent educational inequities, and challenges to our mental well-being—there is a renewed urgency to approach parenting with a holistic lens.

A man smiles while reading a colorful book titled "Rap" to a baby in a gray hat on a pink chair. Cozy and warm setting.

So, what does that look like?

Affirming Identity: Teach your children who they are before the world tells them who they’re not. Surround them with books, language, art, and family stories that reflect their brilliance and cultural richness.
Centering Wellness: Prioritize your children’s mental health and your own. Trauma is real—but so is healing. Seek culturally competent counseling, and create space at home for emotional expression and rest.
Disciplining with Dignity: Avoid punitive parenting rooted in fear of systemic harm. Discipline can be rooted in love, guidance, and mutual respect—tools that raise confident, secure children.
Building Community: Connect with other Black parents. Share stories, strategies, and support. Our collective wisdom is one of our most significant resources.

Smiling woman holds a baby in pink star-patterned pants and white sweater. Blue and red wall in the background. Bright and cheerful mood.

Black parenting is more than a role—it is a calling. As we navigate this journey, let us hold fast to the truth that we are raising the future: children who are deeply loved, culturally grounded, and unapologetically themselves.

We are not just parenting—we are planting seeds of liberation.