Some of us grew up in communities where certain things were only whispered about. Silence was the order of the day.
Disability was never a dinner table conversation because it would bring shame to the family. It was a “let’s keep it in the family” kind of thing.
Families suffered in silence. Most mothers carried it alone. That silence took root, and many children were raised behind closed doors. Today, as I write this post, many remain hidden behind closed doors, and mothers are still doing the most with small to no support.
And let’s just say that we have ways to go with inclusion.
We are thankful for our mothers and grandparents, for what they knew and for the best they did. As for us, we will respectfully choose to speak about it.
Now, one by one, we are unlearning some of those things. Small by small.
We have to shift from that toxic cultural programming about children living with disabilities.
I speak as an African parent, a person of faith, and from inside the room.
Here’s what I have learned: unlearning this will take everything we have.
It will take real talk with compassion over judgment, community education, and a whole lot of faith.
The big question is, are we ready to start the conversation? At the dinner table, in places of worship, with our friends, and as the African community at large?
Drop your comments.
