The weather was warm, the sky was bright and we were eager to savor our Saturday. Neighbors were mowing their lawns, sailing on the lake or scrambling to get their hands on turkey legs and funnel cakes during that final Saturday of the State Fair. And I was putting put on my ‘Mama’… Continue reading The Minimizing, Maligning & Miseducation of Black Girls
Tag: Black Girls
Ne-Ne & The Mean E: Shutting Down A Class Bully
A couple of Fridays ago, Layla and I sat in an awards assembly at Nia’s elementary school, cheering her on as she won recognition for Most Improved and Academic Excellence. Our Resident Diva basked in the spotlight while chatting with her friends, waving excitedly at her baby sis and all too eager to pose with… Continue reading Ne-Ne & The Mean E: Shutting Down A Class Bully
Girls Will Be Women, But Should ALSO Become Ladies
She was tall, thin and matronly, with cat’s-eye glasses and a helmet of salt-and-pepper curls. Her name was Lola Garrison, and she was my sixth-grade teacher. A sweet, soft-spoken woman who rarely raised her voice, Mrs. Garrison once chastised a flip-at-the-lip female classmate of mine by uttering, in a sharp tone that she rarely… Continue reading Girls Will Be Women, But Should ALSO Become Ladies
Breathing While Black, AKA Racism 101 For Our Kids
When Darius’ voice started deepening, his height increased, and pre-pubescent roundness melted away to reveal the longer limbs of burgeoning manhood, it became time to have “The Talk.” The focus of this traditional discussion wouldn’t break down the differences between boys and girls or the perils of drugs and alcohol — instead, it would provide… Continue reading Breathing While Black, AKA Racism 101 For Our Kids