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February is all about reflecting on black history. As a mother, our black history is a tale of troubling beginnings followed by triumphant gains. Of course, I’ll never forget the moment Michelle Obama became First Lady of the United States. She epitomizes everything modern black motherhood is about, career success, loving partnership, and commitment to being the mom-in-chief of your own family command center.
She enters the stage in a revolving pyramid and haze of smoke. Dressed in shiny gold wide-legged pants and a matching gold jacket, she confidently walks to center stage.
It’s the New Year! And who knows what 2010 will bring. According to recent stats approximately 50 percent of women aged 15-44 have at least one unplanned pregnancy in their lives. That means a good number of us may have an surprise in 2010.
A few weeks ago I happily agreed to watch my girlfriend’s one year old son for about two days so she could take a work trip.
"I got this", I thought. Auntie Kim is on it! After all, it was only four years ago that I had a one year old. I figured getting back into the baby mode would be like riding a bike. It was more like getting hit by a bus!
Pregnancy is scary enough. Worries about your baby’s healthy development, anxiety over what labor and delivery will be like and conflicting information on what to eat or not eat can really weigh on your mind.
Outside of the medical community, every mama, auntie or Big Mama in your family, neighborhood or church has their own old wives tale about what to do and what not to do during pregnancy.
I’ve committed my life to talking about Black women having a "fabulous" and powerful pregnancy, but to be honest, there was nothing fabulous about how my pregnancy journey began.
It was the summer right before I was to begin the Knight Bagehot Fellowship and do my Master’s at Columbia University and I went to London to spend the summer with my girlfriends and my new British boyfriend. Well, let’s just say I came home with more than just a hankering for tea and biscuits.
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Staring at the computer screen, I could barely make out the letters. But I will never forget what I heard. "These are likely the slave owners of your second great grandfather."
The very nice researcher from Ancestry.com had warned me when we sat down that she may have found some slave connections, but I figured, of course you would.
Michael, my 5-year old: Mommy, did I used to drink milk from your breasts?
Me: Yes, you did
Son: Why?
Me: Well, it makes you healthier and smarter. Mama’s milk is why you’re so smart.
Son: Is that why I’m the only one in my class who can read?
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