I’m checking Iman’s hot temp as I get the call from my cool, but deliberate colleague: Valarie, where are you? Me: Pardon me?
(I listen, listen, listen) Arrrgggh!
That was hours ago and my mental butt is still sore from the hundred times I’ve kicked it since then. I take my work seriously and a misstep of this magnitude was pretty devastating particularly because this was a training, Misconceptions About Black Parents, this school “wanted” to talk about (collective hand clap), I’ve got lots of expertise in this area J, AND I work for an organization that walks, talks, and breathes such subjects all the time.
However I am saved (crowd wildly applauds). They’re willing to reschedule and I get to take a moment and share what I wanted to share this morning and that is:
There are some fantastic parents out there holding up this world by simply loving, blessing, educating and fiercely protecting their babies. This is no small feat in our “#blacklives versus #allives matter” society.
You are courageous
You are beautiful
You are strong
If you were a celebrity you would be on the cover of Ebony
If you were in the military you would be awarded a gold star
If you were a writer, you’d win the Pulitzer
If you were an artist they’d place you right beside Romare Bearden
But you are a PARENT, raising God’s most precious creation, and because of this you are a partner in His Kingdom!
Wisdom:
You have the most important job on the planet, delivering a black child safely to an uncertain and doubtful world where their worth, beauty and abilities will be challenged, and you’re ROCKING it. Go on with your bad self!