Motherhood Archives - Page 9 of 26

A Little Something about Birth Certificates, Choices and Shaun King

Posted on August 21, 2015
by Malaka
with 0 Comments

Before I begin, I must implore Black people not to allow ourselves to get distracted. We must not be driven by sheep or led by the nose-ringed bull at an agricultural fair by its handler. Make no mistake: when we allow our focus to be…

I am an African Mother. Why Don’t My Children’s Friends Fear Me?

Posted on August 14, 2015
by Malaka
with 5 Comments

“Stone! Come and pick up all these strips of paper from my floor. Who did this?” “Argh! I told Castillo not to do this, but he said he was Sharp Boy. He was using his head to cut pieces of paper.” I paused and looked…

My Great Aunt Was ‘Rosie the Riveter’

Posted on August 12, 2015
by Malaka
with 0 Comments

(...or she may have been Wendy the Welder. I can't ask her, because she's dead.) The years between 1939-1945 must have been an intoxicating time, fraught with uncertainty, new possibilities and loads of change. The Second World War had changed everything for Americans, and my…

School’s Back in…And You May Notice That The World is a Little Happier This Morning

Posted on August 10, 2015
by Malaka
with 7 Comments

I’m sure this post would have been more impactful if it had been published at say, 8:00 this morning, but like many parents in Gwinnett and Fulton county, I was a bit busy outchea in these here streets, sans offspring. That’s right folks! School is…

I Talked to my Daughter About Caitlyn Jenner

Posted on June 15, 2015
by Malaka
with 1 Comment

But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." – 1…

Help! My 'Torso Beads' Are Too Tight and I'm Afraid…

Posted on June 1, 2015
by Malaka
with 6 Comments

“Hey Malaka! What are the credentials for wearing Krobo waist beads?” “Have a waist, I suppose. I dunno. I'm not Krobo.” “Ah.” My younger cousin from my American side of the family was the one making this inquiry. She lives in Columbus, Ohio and to…

We Survived the End of the School Year Melee

Posted on May 22, 2015
by Malaka
with 2 Comments

Shouts out to all my parents, guardians and grandparents raising grandbabies in The Struggle. We did it. The end of the school year has come and if you’re reading this, it means that you still had a little bit of change left over to pay…

My Daughter Spoke to Me in a Tone That Nearly Sent Me into a Rage

Posted on April 28, 2015
by Malaka
with 7 Comments

I was once a child, and it seems like it wasn’t that long ago. I remember ages 5, 10 and 13 quite vividly, in fact. Because those emotions and memories of childhood are so intense...nearly tangible... I find that I have a great deal of…

My Son’s Love of Trains Lead me to Several Shocking Discovery

Posted on April 19, 2015
by Malaka
with 0 Comments

Having children can greatly enrich your life. If you don’t believe that, just ask Mark and Rhea (who have chosen not to release their surnames to the public), who go by the YouTube username “ilovemaything”. They made $1 million just uploading videos of their kids…

Weaves, Pain, Desire, Prayer and Love

Posted on March 27, 2015
by Malaka
with 4 Comments

I’m going to attempt to put a week’s worth of thoughts into 1500 words or less. Bear with me. Oh yes, and before we begin #NotAllMen and #NotAllWomen. Some of you people are Cinderella’s step sister, forcing your foot into the proverbial slipper of my…