Single parenthood isn’t anything new among any the human race. For years, many women and men have had to raise their mini-mes solo. Some are blessed with various amounts of help while others are left to literally fend for themselves. Even though there are single parents of all races and backgrounds, there’s an alarming amount of black children living in one parent households. For at least the last few decades, single parent homes in the black community has been around 65%, the highest of any race, and it’s no secret that the in-home parent is usually the mother. Now, this is not to say that black fathers live up to their ugly stereotype of being inactive. Contrary to popular belief, the average black father is usually extremely active in their children’s lives and those who live with their children are usually the most involved. This is about how the number of black families with two parents in the home has diminished. Somewhere along the line, the number of two-parent households in the black community dwindled to numbers that make many of our elders cringe because they wholeheartedly believe in the family unit.
Over the years, the black family has taken many blows from all angles. In 1950, two-parent households in the black community were at 78%. Today, we’re at about 38%. Though its structure and values have been tested countless times, the black family still exists and is stronger than many give it credit for. It’s not hard to find examples of resilient black families. From different couples in our respective neighborhoods to icons such as the Obamas, these family units are goals of what our elders and ancestors cherished and strived for. These families are growing, thriving, and working to break generational chains and keep traditions going. As beautiful as these scenes are they aren’t always promoted and shared as much as they should. Even in the media and entertainment industries, images of positive black families are few and far between. We have the Johnsons on Black-ish and we’ll forever have the Huxtables from The Cosby Show, the Evans from Good Times, or the Winslows from Family Matters, but positive black family images aren’t always shown on a regular.
A healthy black family isn’t a myth or some long lost idea. The times may have changed since our parents and grandparents committed to each other, but that doesn’t mean that the opportunity to raise our babies in healthy to parent households is gone. Recently, basketball wife and renowned chef Ayesha Curry came under fire by some for stating that she places her marriage before her children. Many people may not understand her reasoning, but it’s completely logical. In order to raise their children in a happy home, she and her husband, Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors, must be on one accord. She never said to neglect your role as a parent, but you can’t effectively run the home and make it a happy place for your children if you can’t see eye to eye with your partner. Quality two-parent households produce happier children as well as lay a positive foundation for children to refer to later in life. It’s understandable that things don’t always work out with adults. There’s nothing wrong with healthy co-parenting and well-blended families, but there’s nothing like having mom and dad together and continuously working on their connection and their family.
