Extended families and the support they provide is essential to the continuation of African-American culture, customs, and heritage, and the mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and nieces of the family, (as the previous article indicated) are often the messengers of these elements of their family's history and preparation for the future.
While many Black parents discuss race with their children, and believe that is an important life lesson for the future, many families do not, as they feel their children will learn this hard lesson on their own, and do not need to make their children feel inferior or lesser than their White counterparts. Others believe if their children do not know about the concept of race and racial inequity, it will not harm them in the future.
Of course, these are all personal parenting choices, and they indicate, that just as in any ethnic group, there are differences in how parents choose to parent and prepare their children for the future. There are differences in what their children will perceive, as well. Some of these parents may not have as deep bonds with their African-American roots, or they may place more emphasis on simply being a good person, rather than being a good Black person.
Clearly, how parents raise and socialize their children depends on their own racial identities and relationships with the White world. Every parent, regardless of race, harbors prejudices and belief systems, and they almost always pass these prejudices along to their children as they prepare them for adulthood. It is interesting to note that racial awareness begins at a young age, this is normal, and that most children prefer White as a preference, and later learn to appreciate their Black heritage and profile as they mature. Much of this attitude also comes from their parents and their socialization skills, namely the ability to instill a sense of pride...
It is only as we age, and as society places constraints, prejudices, and barriers in the way of Blacks and other minorities, that children learn to value or devalue themselves based on the color of their skin. This illustrates the importance of parenting in the Black community, and how vital it is for parents to teach their children to feel good about themselves, proud of their heritage, and to accept who they are without regret or sadness.
In conclusion, it does indeed take a "village" to raise a child in this country, especially an African-American child facing persecution and racism even today. The extended family of most African-Americans is essential to helping their children cope with the future, and it can help children gain the most from their educational experiences to gain a better rung on the American social and economic ladder. This socialization is an important aspect of an African-American's parental responsibilities, and can help prepare their children for racism, but also with becoming successful in their chosen careers and life plans. Luckily, most African-American parents are well aware of their responsibility in socializing and "mentoring" their children in accordance with their heritage, and the incorporate their extended family in this "village" of education and socialization that can ultimately contribute to their child's adult success in the business world, and in their personal lives, as well.
References
McAdoo, Harriette Pipes. "The Village Talks: Racial Socialization of Our Children." 47-54.
Harriette Pipes McAdoo. "The Village Talks: Racial Socialization of Our Children." 47.
