The Revolutionary And Sacred Power of Black Familial Love
Mother Clara Hale, who took in hundreds of children in her lifetime once said, “If you can't hold children in your arms, please hold them in your heart.” The Black family unit is founded on sacred love, especially when it comes to how we raise our children.
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Black familial love is fierce and revolutionary. Our ancestors cherished familial bonds, understanding it takes a village to raise a child.
Many traditional African families were matriarchal. Children were co-raised by family members who weren’t necessarily their biological parents.
Throughout slavery, enslaved Africans resisted anti-Blackness by creating loving family units, inclusive of chosen family. Honoring family in this way was part of their spiritual self-care.
Now more than ever it’s important that we’re nourishing our family dynamics. But this doesn’t mean we each need to start our own family.
The “Rich Auntie Movement” works to empower women who don’t feel called to bear children but want to meaningfully contribute to their family dynamics. And this role has always existed.
Often within traditional African families unmarried or childless women helped raise other children. Today our aunts, uncles, god parents, and chosen family members are still vital to the workings of our families.
People who are childless possess a different lived experience that’s just as important for our spiritual liberation.
We all have a role to play in raising the next generation of Black leaders. Black love and family dynamics will vary depending on each family.
Not everyone feels called to be a parent and that’s ok. It means God has another plan for them.
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