Estimated reading time: 7 minute(s)
Originally published 11.5.09
By Alicia Jackson
When I was first approached about being a part of this documentary, I was somewhat surprised.
My mindset was that what I was doing was a common thing so surely it did not warrant much discussion, let alone a full documentary. I quickly found out that even though it was a common thing, the world deserved to hear , first hand, a single mother’s story.I have two boys and two girls, Since they are twins, I have one of each for two different age brackets so I get the best of both worlds at all times. Rearing them from birth to early adolescence was easy. Just provide food, clothing and shelter right? WRONG ! I also had to provide character foundation, values / morals and education (formal and informal). Every day I have the opportunity to see the vast differences in the needs and demands of raising girls and those of raising boys.
I have now begun my uphill battle to turn my boys into young men. I know I must incorporate all my resources because this journey can not be fully successful if I go it alone. I know most may argue my next point but I know I can not teach my boys how to be MEN. I can give them everything in me to make them productive, respectful, law abiding, God fearing members of society. I can wipe their tears and comfort them when they are missing their father.
I can provide them with most things that are essential to living but I can not give them the MAN THING because I do not have it. Therefore, unlike many of my counterparts, I will ask for help. I am blessed to have positive male role models who I can call on to assist me in making my BOYS journey to MANHOOD a smooth and successful one. But what about the sister who doesn’t ?I am happy to have had the opportunity to share my story. I am looking forward to helping the world better understand the mind of single mothers and our struggle. It is a struggle indeed.
Photo of Alicia Jackson by Hannibal Muhammad
Related articles:
- Part 1 of Black Women in America: “Raising Boys†by Malaika Gardner
- Part 2 of Black Women in America: “Raising Boys” by Jordannah Nathan
- Part 3 of Black Women in America: “Raising Boys†by Alisha Muhammad
- Part 4 of Black Women in America: “Raising Boys†by Mavis Jackson
- Part 5 of Black Women in America: “Raising Boys†by Attorney Sadiyah Evangelista
- DOUBLE DUTY: The Black Woman’s Struggle Raising Boys Alone
- “Raising Boys” Documentary Houston Premiere November 5
