Fortune Cookie Wisdoms
Every so often, life serves up a reminder in the most unexpected places… almost sounds like the opener to a Tolkien novel. But recently, while enjoying a meal out, I cracked open a fortune cookie to reveal a slip of paper that read, “BE YOUR STRONGEST ADVOCATE.” It struck a chord deep within me, echoing a principle I strive to live by and impart to my son, especially as he prepares for the monumental transition to college.
Advocating for oneself is a crucial skill, one that becomes even more vital when you inhabit a body and voice that the world often fails to support and uplift. As a Black woman, I have navigated many spaces where my voice needed to be firm and my stance resolute to merely be heard and acknowledged. This experience has not only shaped my journey but also my approach to parenting. I remind my son frequently of the importance of standing up for himself and his beliefs, ensuring he understands that his voice has power and his identity is a source of strength, not a limitation.
With his impending departure for college, these conversations have taken on a new urgency. In just a couple of months, he will step into a new chapter where my voice will no longer be the loudest in his surroundings. And so I emphasize to him that being his strongest advocate means more than speaking up; it involves cultivating self-awareness, understanding his worth, and recognizing the moments when he must demand respect and fairness. It also means seeking out allies and creating a network of support because even the strongest advocates need a community. Most importantly, he needs to know to never diminish his light for the comfort of others.
This fortune cookie’s advice, simple yet profound, serves as a daily reminder for both of us. It's a nudge to persistently advocate for our needs and rights in a society that often overlooks or undermines the voices of the Black community. To those reading, I also hope to extend this message beyond our family, encouraging others like you to recognize and embrace the power of self-advocacy.
As my son steps into this new chapter of his life, my greatest hope is that he carries with him the courage to be his most formidable advocate, backed by the knowledge that his mother is forever in his corner, championing his journey every step of the way. This is how we navigate our paths, and this is how we teach the next generation to transform challenges into stepping stones for success.
