THIS is ALSO America! My in-laws are White.
They grew up in Southern Illinois, just a few hours west of Kentucky. There is one traffic light in their hometown of Ina, IL. It is at the northern tip of the Deep South. I have visited their hometown numerous times, and it is a place that as a Black woman I would not want to be caught walking around outside at night. 😏 When Andy Slamans brought me home to meet his parents, let's just say I was a strong cup of coffee!! I know they questioned my love for their son, BUT, in doing so, they questioned whether they could love me. Fast forward 25 years later. My in-laws have watched me put braid extensions in my hair, they've learned how to cook collard greens, and they've listened to my childhood stories of growing up in the projects of Black America with mentally ill parents. They've read my story and together we walk with the God who has woven the fabric of our multi-racial family. In turn, I have received hearts of gold from Tom & Kay Slamans. They love me like a daughter, just as they do their White daughters-in-law, I can honestly say they have always had my back. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt, they pray for me and my children daily. They ask often how my father is doing. As a family, we are once again navigating racial issues due to the crisis in our nation. I am so incredibly grateful that I can be honest with my in-laws about the struggles Black America deals with. And in my honesty they still love me. I guess they always have. 💓 #racialreconciliation #blackinamerica #whiteinamerica #thisisamerica Pictured from left to right, Kay Sweetin Slamans, Aj Slamans, Korri Slamans, Me, Andy Slamans, Uncle Keith Loretta Clinton Fowler, Tom Slamans
2 Comments
|
AuthorI am an author and speaker who loves to show my passion for Jesus and people through my writing. Words are powerful! CategoriesArchives
April 2023
|