Today, I spent an elightened afternoon with a group of women with whom I feel I have a deep connection: wanting the best upbringing for our children of color. The mothers of Jack and Jill of America's Santa Clarita/Antelope Valley chapter welcomed me, and several other moms, with open arms to a Prospective Members Tea. The ladies were clad in summertime tea dresses and some donned widebrimmed hats. We nibbled on scones and other tasties while sipping tea. But there was a lofty goal ever present in the house.
Before today, I had a small notion of why I would want to pursue membership -- comraderie with other black families, my children knowing they are not the "only ones" in the neighborhood or the classroom. But talking with the women today gave me a deeper understanding of why these types of organizations exist -- they know what it's like to have a daughter reject, with fury, the brown American Girl dolls in the middle of the aisle because they'd rather own the white one; they've experienced a tug of the heart when their children's faces light up at the sight of black children clustered at the park; and they understand what it is to nearly hunt down the only other black person in the supermarket just to have black families as friends in the undiverse suburbs.
These experiences were echoed over and again as these mothers shared why they joined the organization. And I felt like a human bobblehead doll with all the nodding I was doing. As various women shared their stories, and as I made my way around the room talking to each one, I felt like I was speaking to several versions of myself. I was unashamed to have these experiences or the feelings they produced. And the encounters solidified my reasons for attending.
I feel so fortunate to live in a community and have access to likeminded mothers. It feels great knowing my circumstances are not unique. I thank the mothers who had the audacity to birth this group. I can only wonder how my children will benefit from it and the limitless impact it will make on their lives.
About Me
- Cydney
- I'm a mom, a writer, an event planner, lots of things! But one thing that I am deeply is a concerned parent for my brown children growing in this world. After experiencing racism toward my children, I created this blog and thebrownmommy.com in order to reach out to and support other moms like me. I hope you will find this to be a valuable resource along your journey!
3 comments:
hi cydney - love your blog & i dont usually blog except we are getting ready to move in 3 months & I am getting desperate to connect with other mothers! we are moving to charleston, sc where there is no chapter of Mocha Moms. Once I am settled, I have resolved to track down an elusive cousin that is a jack and jiller in the hopes of an invitation to join. hope to reconnect with you later about your experience with the organization! Kia
I am so glad this blog has been of some encouragement to you and others! I had a similar experience when my child mentioned to me that I was "brown" too! It was like an epiphany! Your comments have inspired me to keep this blog going and I hope it will continue to inspire and encourage you!
Cydney
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