As a Black Mom, I'm Emphasizing 3 Things to My Daughter for Black History Month

These messages carry on all year long.

I make sure my daughter knows her worth this month and every month.

Elena Mudd

As a mom, I’m constantly emphasizing the importance of character, integrity, confidence and empathy to my daughter. And, during Black History Month, we emphasize these points through examples of those who possessed these attributes and came before us. Leaning into the history of Black Americans’ contributions and educating my daughter on the impact that they have had on the fabric of American culture and its history are great reminders to her of what she can accomplish as a successful Black woman.

1. Know your history and the shoulders upon which you stand.

This year, I really took advantage of the virtual learning environment by supplementing the robust curriculum from her school with examples of strong Black American women. Each day, we picked a person to read about—Rosa Parks, Oprah Winfrey or Michelle Obama—and posted their quotes around her room. Seeing images of those who look like her with positive, encouraging words that they’ve said about their own Black American experience and journey helps her form her own identity. For the same reason, this is why it was so important that we watched the inauguration together. Seeing Kamala Harris being sworn in as our first Black American woman VP was integral to shaping her mind around what she can achieve. Representation matters—and I want her to see herself as a confident, intelligent and capable woman.

2. It’s important to lean into your promise.

I encourage my daughter to recognize that she’s meant for greatness. With respect and a humble spirit, not being conceited or competitive, I want her to walk towards her destiny with confidence. Just like Maya Angelou’s poem, Still I Rise:

You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.
Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
’Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.
Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I’ll rise.

Reciting and remembering these words helps my daughter remember that just like Ms. Angelou, you too can rise beyond disappointments and challenges to lead a life of great success.

3. You are smart, kind, beautiful and will lead a purposeful life.

We all have a reason for being. Some of us know that in our early teens, like Martin Luther King, Jr., and some of us meander a bit, discovering our true passions later in life, like Samuel L. Jackson. I want my daughter to appreciate and embrace the wonderful journey of life—and not to be impatient with the process. She is full of purpose, just like Harriet Tubman, James Baldwin and Ruby Bridges; during this month and all the months in the year, I teach my daughter the importance of living and contributing to her family and community. To thrive, not just survive, and discover her purpose in due time.

Joy Altimare is the CMO at the industry-leader in health and prevention for over 100 years, EHE Health. With over 20 years of experience in the marketing field, Joy has become an expert adviser to organizations looking to tackle growth, innovation, and technology challenges. Prior to joining the healthcare world, Joy worked on brands such as L’Oreal, Verizon, and Colgate-Palmolive, and at such agencies as Ogilvy+Mather, GREY and Publicis. Joy is a mother to her daughter Ella and lives in New York City.