The Power Of The Black Mother A Pasadena Journal Essay
Throughout history, the strength and resilience of black mothers have been a source of inspiration for many. Black mothers have faced countless obstacles, from slavery to systemic racism and oppression, but they have consistently demonstrated an unwavering determination to protect and provide for their families. This superpower of the black mother has been evident in various contexts, from slavery to the civil rights movement to modern-day activism.
One of the most influential and historical black mothers is Harriet Tubman. Tubman was born into slavery but escaped to freedom and became a conductor on the Underground Railroad, helping more than 300 enslaved people escape to freedom. She risked her life to protect her family and others, demonstrating the superpower of the black mother in the most remarkable way possible.
Another influential black mother was Mamie Till-Mobley, the mother of Emmett Till, a young black boy who was brutally murdered in Mississippi in 1955. Till-Mobley demanded an open casket funeral for her son so the world could see the horrors of racism and violence against black people. Her strength and resilience in the face of unimaginable tragedy and injustice inspired a generation of activists and advocates.
During the civil rights movement, black mothers continued to demonstrate their superpower. Fannie Lou Hamer, a sharecropper and civil rights activist, fought tirelessly for voting rights and other civil rights for black people. She was beaten and jailed for her activism but continued to speak out against injustice. Ella Baker, a civil rights organizer, was instrumental in the formation of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), a key organization in the civil rights movement. Baker believed in the power of ordinary people to effect change and organized grassroots efforts to empower black communities.
Today, black mothers continue to demonstrate their superpower through movements like Black Lives Matter. Sybrina Fulton, the mother of Trayvon Martin, who was killed by a neighborhood watch volunteer in 2012, became an advocate for gun violence prevention and social justice. Fulton's activism helped to raise awareness of the systemic issues that contribute to violence against black people.
The superpower of the black mother is not limited to activism or historical contexts. It is evident in everyday life in the way that black mothers navigate a world that often does not value or respect them. Black mothers constantly balance multiple roles as mothers, partners, breadwinners, and community leaders. Despite the challenges they face, black mothers continue to show up and provide for their families, often with limited resources and support.
In conclusion, the superpower of the black mother is a testament to the strength and resilience of black women. From Harriet Tubman to Sybrina Fulton, black mothers have consistently demonstrated an unwavering determination to protect and provide for their families. This superpower has been evident throughout history, from slavery to modern-day activism, and continues to inspire and empower generations of black women. As Alice Walker once said, "The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any." The superpower of the black mother is a reminder that we all have power within us, even in the face of adversity. Black mothers have used this power to uplift and protect their families and communities for generations. It is up to us to recognize and honor their strength and resilience.
