BEING BLACK IN AMERICA
I understand it takes time to find the right approach but we have to make the time to find the words to say what needs to be said. Honestly, I donβt have all the answers but I will share the work of those that do and have used their voices and platforms to make a difference. I hope this blog post educates, inspires, and motivates others to use their voices and platforms.
I created this video 4 years ago. My grandfather, Pawpaw (Rest In Heaven) was so proud of me and speaking up in this video that he would watch it repeatedly. He served in the Air Force, he lived through segregation, he had seen it all and had been through it all.
The same all that the black men before him went through, the same all that my father, my brother, my husband, and I pray to God our children do not have to go through.
I eventually made the video private after a few hateful comments. Why? Fear. I was afraid that my speaking up would bring harm to my family. Iβm still fearful but I couldnβt live without using my voice and sharing what made my Pawpaw so proud. This video was created in 2016, four years ago and sadly it still rings true.
Here we are 2020 and we are facing it all. Iβm not sure if COVID forced people to see what was really going on or if those that never spoken up were ready to speak, to ask the tough questions, to share, educate and inspire others to do the same.
THE TALKS WITH OUR CHILDREN
I had the opportunity to share my experience as a Black Mother in America and how my family had the βtalksβ with our children. I spoke with @katie_thrush for @imcuriouswithkatiethrush podcast we discussed talking to our kids about racism, systemic injustice, and discrimination. Thank you Katie for this and having this platform to host these conversations. I will have links to additional resources to help you start the conversation with your children below.
βStrive, struggle, and survive this is the constant state of any black family.β
My friend, LaTeva over at The All Purposeful Woman wrote a blog post about her experience as a black family living in the suburbs. She is a mother of 6 and shares her take as she and her husband raise their beautiful family.
βThugsβ is code for the n-word. With the hard -er at the end. Thatβs not an opinion, and itβs NOT up for debate. Correct your people.β
My friend, Jessica over at RaeBellamy wrote a blog post about how to be an ally after the media moves on. Encouraging everyone to be the change they want to see.
WHAT THIS FLAG REPRESENTS?
The confederate flag represents racism and hate. My girl, Blanche in Golden Girls had to learn the hard truth about her family and their ugly part in history. Here is a video to help you understand why the flag is hateful.
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8 MINUTES & 46 SECONDS
My play cousin, Dave Chappelle shared with the world his take on it all and how life-changing 8 minutes and 46 seconds can be. This. Is. A Must. Watch. To understand what it is to be Black in America.
We are fighting for our lives and working together to combat COVID-19, we are bringing awareness and fighting against police brutality, racism, racial discrimination, and social injustice. All Lives canβt matter until Black Lives Matter.
Additional Resources:
Are Your Kids Too Young To Talk About Race? -
CNN/Sesame Street: Town Hall -
Great Collection Of Books To Share The Work Of Black Excellence In America -
Iβm a mix of Dorothy and Blanche with a double shot of Claire Huxtable.
Lover of laughs, getting sh*t done and keeping it real.
Your Creative Bestie,
Starla Kay Mathis
Hello! Iβm Starla - wife, mom, creative entrepreneur and lifestyle influencer based in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Iβm passionate about creating lifestyle content that brings value to my readers and inspires us all to create a life that we love!
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