This year for Black History Month, we’re sharing stories from real parents about how they use this month for celebration, reflection, and an opportunity to create the future they dream of for their children.
As a company founded in the roots of babywearing, we want to celebrate Black culture and the roots that started the foundation of what we know as babywearing today.
Babywearing made its way to the U.S. in the 1970s. Doula, Kaytee Crawford explains it best, “Carriers like these with buckles and straps, they all had to come from somewhere, right? Well, back in the 70s someone went to Africa and saw how they were carrying their babies with pieces of fabric and came back to the U.S. and decided to make a carrier with buckles and straps to mimic the way Africans were carrying their babies.” And just like that, babywearing took off.
Today, we’re sharing the stories from Charisse.
Charisse Sims | instagram.com/charissesims
I LOVE everything Black! I’m rooting for everybody black! As we approach February 1st, I literally fantasize about my family of 8 wearing matching tee-shirts with a black fist on it, or with “Black, brilliant bougie” in bold font in the middle, as we walk slow motion through the streets with our natural curls blowing in the wind, the way black curls do. I imagine us with shades on, because of course in this fantasy the sun is sunning behind us with all its rays extending past our shadows and as our shadows fade and our bold brilliant beauty comes into focus, you see us and hear us walking to the beat of James Brown, “Say it loud! I’m black and I’m proud”. On February 1, this is how we walking out of the house, walking into the schools, walking into the jobs, this is how we walking everywhere on this day! Because, for us, this day is the culmination of AND the beginning of celebrating Black History 365 days!
A few things that are important to me during this time, is that all people learn that Black history didn’t start with the enslavement and violence towards black people in America. While I’m so proud of all the “first Black_____’s” in our country and our history, I want people to know that they are only the first black _____ recognized in America, black people have been doing the darn thing for centuries!! And I hope all children learn to recognize and celebrate themselves even when others don’t recognize you.
Realistically I know that change takes a lot of time, so I’m not sure how much change will be made by the time my children are adults. But it is my hope, that in my lifetime I don’t have to worry for the safety of my black children and grandchildren. That they will be seen and treated as humans, good humans, that when they call for help they will receive help. There have been times where I have feared even calling for help because of the potential outcomes, so it’s my hope that in their lifetime, the world will be a place where they don’t have to hesitate to call for help, that safety will always be within reach. For now, my main goal is for my home, and myself to be a safe space for my family, so that at least they will know what safe feels like.
Here’s how my children are answering the question, “What does Black History Month mean to you?
“Black history month means I can ask people for things and if they say no, I can say, ‘really?? Woooow, during black history month?’ But I also like it because it’s a celebration and a recognition of my culture and ethnicity. …and there are sales on great hair products!”
“It’s important to have a celebration of Black History. This Holiday is important because it’s a black holiday specifically for black people.”
“What she said”
“I like BHM because it celebrates black history and I’m black and it also inspires me to be in history.”
And for the twins, the question was, “Do you like Black History Month?”
Twin B: No…..I never watched it, that’s why I don’t like it.
Twin A: Yea! What is Black History Month…well, why’d you say you like it? I dunno, cause it’s black like me!
Happy Black History Month Friends!
Additional Resources for Babywearing, Breastfeeding, and Black History Month
From Sand to Stone – Building a New Foundation for Black Breastfeeding
Reclaiming My Heritage – Black Babywearing Week
Because Babywearing Is Black History Month
Black Breastfeeding Week with Jadah Parks
Celebrate, Educate – Black Babywearing Week
Celebrate Black Culture with Juneteeth
