February 06, 2023
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 Sada K and Cindy H.
Sada K | instagram.com/sadakmusic
Black History holds a sacred space in my heart and is often shared in my home. As I raise two beautiful boys, I find ways to include stories of their ancestors and people who have made a significant impact in the world, in our everyday life and learning. I understand how important it is for them to see where they come from and gain confidence knowing that there are people in this world that look just like them that were able to navigate against many odds to leave a lasting legacy.
My six-year-old has begun to display his love for history like me, and we have been bonding over family photos and books that share stories about historical figures. Just recently we celebrated the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and I was able to bring the images he saw in the book into his own world by taking him to the childhood home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr on MLK Day. We were thrilled to find out that it was open to the public to celebrate the holiday, so I got to stand in the room where Dr. King was born with my firstborn and it was a memory we will cherish forever.
To see the smile on my child’s face and hearing how happy he was to share his experience with his class, further solidified just how important Black History is and will always be. To hear my son talk about “when Dr. King was a little boy like me” just warmed my heart and soul in a special way.
There is some history my children are not ready to learn just yet, but when the time comes they will understand the magnitude of the sacrifices their ancestors made for us to live the life we do. We have a photo of my Great-Great Grandparents, Edward & Susan Banks, who were freedom seekers and escaped slavery together with two small children, close to my son’s age for a better life. My children see their photos every day and one day they will know all about the pain behind their eyes and the strength that runs in their veins.
Knowing my own family history, and being taught Black History, has given me an undeniable foundation of confidence that allows me to navigate through the world with my head held high, holding the hands of my sons and husband knowing that we too can make a significant impact on this world by building a beautiful legacy of love for our children and allowing them to navigate through the world aware of where they come from and knowing that anything truly is possible.
Cindy Rainne | instagram.com/CindyRainne
"By way of special brain cells called “mirror neurons”, we tend to imitate the people we observe. Thus, in order to raise a son who exemplifies Black excellence, I plan to consistently uphold the spirit of Black History Month in my home. Black History Month celebrates the countless contributions of the African diaspora in the world. By introducing my son to successful trailblazers who look like him, he will develop a deep sense of pride in his racial identity and continue in that tradition of success.
Although my parents emigrated from Trinidad with minimal resources, they invested everything into creating a legacy for my sisters and I. As a first generation college graduate, I’m excited to take that legacy a step further with my son. I am ready to raise a boy who is academically gifted, emotionally intelligent, financially savvy, mentally and physically strong. I intend to instill healthy eating habits, a sense of intrinsic motivation, and self-discipline.. I’m also eager to pass along my love for music, dance, art, and all things creative.
Most importantly, my son will be raised with a limitless mindset. I want him to dream big and know that if he can imagine it, he can create it. That’s the true message of Black History Month. In spite of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, as Black people, we have followed our visions, “turned lemons into lemonade“ and have added tremendous value to society. As my son forges his path in the world, he will thrive in the great company of those who have gone before him."
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
Black History holds a sacred space in my heart and is often shared in my home. As I raise two beautiful boys, I find ways to include stories of their ancestors and people who have made a significant impact in the world, in our everyday life and learning. I understand how important it is for them to see where they come from and gain confidence knowing that there are people in this world that look just like them that were able to navigate against many odds to leave a lasting legacy.
My six-year-old has begun to display his love for history like me, and we have been bonding over family photos and books that share stories about historical figures. Just recently we celebrated the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and I was able to bring the images he saw in the book into his own world by taking him to the childhood home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr on MLK Day. We were thrilled to find out that it was open to the public to celebrate the holiday, so I got to stand in the room where Dr. King was born with my firstborn and it was a memory we will cherish forever.
To see the smile on my child’s face and hearing how happy he was to share his experience with his class, further solidified just how important Black History is and will always be. To hear my son talk about “when Dr. King was a little boy like me” just warmed my heart and soul in a special way.
There is some history my children are not ready to learn just yet, but when the time comes they will understand the magnitude of the sacrifices their ancestors made for us to live the life we do. We have a photo of my Great-Great Grandparents, Edward & Susan Banks, who were freedom seekers and escaped slavery together with two small children, close to my son’s age for a better life. My children see their photos every day and one day they will know all about the pain behind their eyes and the strength that runs in their veins.
Knowing my own family history, and being taught Black History, has given me an undeniable foundation of confidence that allows me to navigate through the world with my head held high, holding the hands of my sons and husband knowing that we too can make a significant impact on this world by building a beautiful legacy of love for our children and allowing them to navigate through the world aware of where they come from and knowing that anything truly is possible.
Cindy Rainne | instagram.com/CindyRainne
"By way of special brain cells called “mirror neurons”, we tend to imitate the people we observe. Thus, in order to raise a son who exemplifies Black excellence, I plan to consistently uphold the spirit of Black History Month in my home. Black History Month celebrates the countless contributions of the African diaspora in the world. By introducing my son to successful trailblazers who look like him, he will develop a deep sense of pride in his racial identity and continue in that tradition of success.
Although my parents emigrated from Trinidad with minimal resources, they invested everything into creating a legacy for my sisters and I. As a first generation college graduate, I’m excited to take that legacy a step further with my son. I am ready to raise a boy who is academically gifted, emotionally intelligent, financially savvy, mentally and physically strong. I intend to instill healthy eating habits, a sense of intrinsic motivation, and self-discipline.. I’m also eager to pass along my love for music, dance, art, and all things creative.
Most importantly, my son will be raised with a limitless mindset. I want him to dream big and know that if he can imagine it, he can create it. That’s the true message of Black History Month. In spite of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, as Black people, we have followed our visions, “turned lemons into lemonade“ and have added tremendous value to society. As my son forges his path in the world, he will thrive in the great company of those who have gone before him."
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