Navigating Parenthood as Black Parents in a Majority White Community

May 17, 2023

Cecilia Amadou is a Ghanaian mother raising her son in the Fargo-Moorhead area of Minnesota. In this episode of Early Risers, Cecilia shares her experiences navigating parenthood and conversations about race and racism in a community that is over 90% white. As Black parents with roots in Africa, Cecilia and her husband offer a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities of raising a child in a predominantly white environment.

Early Risers Season 4 Episodes 4-6 Discussion Guide

Episode resources:

“Mothering While Black: Boundaries and Burdens of Middle-Class Parenthood” by Dawn Marie Dow – This book examines the complex lives of the African American middle class—in particular, black mothers and the strategies they use to raise their children to maintain class status while simultaneously defining and protecting their children’s “authentically Black” identities. Sociologist Dawn Marie Dow shows how the frameworks typically used to research middle-class families focus on white mothers’ experiences, inadequately capturing the experiences of African American middle- and upper-middle-class mothers.

"Raising White Kids: Bringing Up Children in a Racially Unjust America" by Jennifer Harvey - This book offers insights and practical advice for white parents who want to raise their children to be allies in the fight against racism.

"Parenting for Liberation" - This online community offers resources and support for parents of color who are seeking to raise socially conscious and empowered children.