NEW MUSIC FROM NEW PLACES Dolls, books, television shows – these were just
some of the cultural artifacts that were missing or
difficult to find 30 years ago, when my children were
THE LAST GASP OF SUMMER NEVER SOUNDED BETTER
small, so hardly anything had changed since my own childhood.
THEIR OWN STORIES
As my girls grew up, I made a decision to surround our family with black images in our home, despite
the challenges in acquiring these items. I knew the
majority culture existed just beyond our front door and my children would absorb it by osmosis, so
my duty as a black parent was clear: Teach, guide, seek out, and listen to information on black culture. Present my kids with their own racial stories.
I became even more intent on supplying my girls with positive role models to reinforce their racial identity. Now that my children are adults, the task of finding black culture in the wider society is no longer
By Terry Paquet Terry Paquet is an award-winning copywriter with more than 20 years’ experience. He is a regular contributor to SideOne.
September isn’t what it used to be. It’s less the
If you hate the heat waves and long for cooler days,
sweater weather of your youth and more often about
then sit tight. They’re on the way. In either case,
tees and tank tops. Of course, the leaves still turn
this month’s selection of artists is curated to ease
and the days do get shorter, but the month can
you into the new season before us – whether you
be subtropical at times. If you’re like me and love
have a preference for sandals and salads or boots
summer, then enjoy this last blast of warm temps.
and stews.
TO LISTEN WHILE YOU READ, CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S SEPTEMBER’S SIDEONE PLAYLIST ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/58P1Q9Fl2mCmN8qCTT3sQp?si=744881945a664489 SIDEONE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
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