Growing up in the bustling heart of the Bronx, in New York, my childhood was colored by the vibrant tapestry of cultures and backgrounds that surrounded me. And it was my mother, a beautiful soft-spoken Black woman, who served as my first Interpreter, guiding me through the intricate layers of our heritage, history, and an understanding of the world around me.
From a young age, my mother understood the importance of instilling in me a deep sense of pride in my identity as a Black person in America. She believed that understanding our culture's histories and stories was the key to connecting me to my past and shaping my vision for the future. I remember sitting at my mother’s side as she shared stories of our enslaved ancestors who had endured unimaginable suffering yet managed to hold onto their dignity and humanity. She made sure I understood that our ancestors had not only survived but thrived, their spirits unbroken. These tales served as a constant reminder that we, too, carried their strength within us. Through those stories, she painted vivid portraits of resilience, strength, and the unshakable belief in a better future.
Author at a young age with her mother. Photo by Pasco McMullen.
But it wasn't just the tales of struggle and triumph that my mother conveyed. She also taught me to celebrate the beauty of my brown skin, instilling in me the confidence to embrace my identity. She made sure I knew that my intelligence was limitless and that I had the potential to achieve anything I set my mind to. My mother also taught me about our connection to the land. She loved to garden, tending to the earth with love and reverence. She showed me the importance of nurturing the soil, planting seeds, and watching life sprout forth. Through these practices, she taught me about patience, resilience, and the cycles of life.
My mother's role as an interpreter extended beyond our home. She believed that learning didn't just happen within four walls but through experiences that connected us to the world around us. On weekends, she would take us on adventures to museums, parks, and the zoo. These outings were more than just recreational; they were opportunities for me to learn, explore, and connect with the broader world.
The understanding that my mother gave me about the world around me shaped my life. As I look back on those formative
years, I realize that my mother was not just teaching me about our history and culture; she was laying the foundation for my understanding of the world and my place in it. Parents and guardians are indeed the first interpreters that children encounter, shaping their perspectives and nurturing their curiosity.
Today, as I reflect on the lessons my mother imparted and the countless stories she shared, I am filled with gratitude for the rich tapestry of stories she wove into my life. I am also reminded of the profound impact women and femmes have as cultural interpreters and storytellers. They possess the power to shape narratives, uplift communities, and instill values that resonate for a lifetime. Their ability to transmit knowledge, shape identities, and foster connections with the world around us is nothing short of extraordinary. They are not just storytellers; they are the keepers of our culture, the torchbearers of our history, and the guardians of our connection to the earth and community.
Women and femmes have always been an essential part of our cultural and natural landscapes. Their contributions to culture and nature interpretation are invaluable, yet often overlooked. Women and femmes are often the custodians of cultural traditions and histories, passing down stories, rituals, and knowledge from one generation to another. Their role in preserving and transmitting cultural heritage is pivotal in ensuring that our past is not forgotten. Through oral traditions, folklore, and family rituals, they act as bridges between the past and the present.
In many societies, women and femmes are the keepers of traditional crafts, culinary arts, and customs. Whether it's the intricate art of quilting, the secret family recipes, or the songs that accompany communal celebrations, they play a central role in preserving these cultural treasures. Without their dedication, these traditions might vanish into insignificance. Women and femmes also lead the way in the adaptation of cultural practices to changing times and circumstances. They infuse new ideas, perspectives, and innovations into traditions, ensuring their continued relevance and vitality.
My mother, through her love and stories, taught me that we are part of a larger narrative—one that spans generations and carries the hopes and dreams of our people. In my journey through life, I carry with me the wisdom, strength, and love that my mother passed down to me. Her role as my first cultural interpreter has left an indelible mark on my heart and soul, propelling me forward with a profound sense of purpose and pride in my heritage. Her stories are the roots from which I draw strength, and her love is the fuel that propels me forward in the journey of life.
Author at a young age with her mother. Photo by Pasco McMullen.
