Black History Month: A Key Influence in My Life

Blog

30 Oct

As it is Black History Month, I thought that it would be good to reflect on someone who has been influential in my life. One of these key individuals has been my mum or aka ‘mummy’ behind closed doors 😅

I would be the first to say that my mum is not perfect. We often joke about this as a family because my mum is a perfectionist. In some ways its a trait we both share. She is undoubtably a rock in our family. Her strength, courage and resilience as a black woman, is truly inspirational.

From a young age mum has articulated a clear plan and goal; to invest in her children's future ensuring we had a better start in life then she did. As a single black parent, she experienced many difficulties in raising me and my two siblings through our teenage years. This commitment was not expressed without incurring costs.

Growing up we had many arguments. Like so many families, the main reason for these arguments - we are so alike – we are both stubborn. These arguments would range from deep philosophical and theological differences all the way through to petty usual teenage stuff like doing chores.

Gentleness, kindness, willingness to serve others and compassion are virtues that have been modelled on a daily basis. Mum's commitment to seeing and feeling deeply the injustice and suffering of others has always caused me to reflect, to respond and refuse to be silent. If there's anything that mum has taught me which I’ve held on to above all others, it is this, never allow my ‘book smarts / pride’ to prevent me from purposefully putting the interests of others above my own. This still continues to challenge me.

To spend time and energy trying to understand the other even at my own inconvenience. To never judge a book by its cover. To appreciate the things that others tend to overlook. In some ways, knowingly or unknowingly, mum has trained me in the art of what Christians call the 'prophetic'. In some ways this is why I’m so passionate about injustice, those who are overlooked.

Learning to love unconditionally and being resilient in this endeavour is the gift I was given growing up and one I will always cherish. As siblings we often joke about how shy mum is and how she hates public recognition because it causes her embarrassment. Trust me, she hates it!

Yet over the last few years as I have engaged more in public life, I have decided to intentionally use opportunities to highlight unsung heroes. Mum is one of these individuals. The funny thing is she will bend my ear about this blog I am sure, but, as her stubborn eldest son I refuse to allow this month to go past without acknowledging this black woman and the impact she is making in the world. In a time when we recognise the black female experience - mum stands as a beacon of excellence!

Mum, I just want to say publicly thank you so much for being a strong black woman, gracious and loving unconditionally.

Disclaimer - If I go missing in the next couple of weeks or months it is most likely because mum has sent me on a one-way ticket to Heaven as a result of posting this blog 😂