As a Black parent, I understand the importance of exposing my child to the arts. From a very young age, I’ve enrolled her in dance and music classes, and I’ve taken her to plays and museums. I believe that the arts help Black children develop their creative abilities and express themselves in a positive way.

The arts are not just important for Black children; they’re important for all children. The arts provide a safe space for self-expression and exploration. The creative process allows children to tap into their imaginations and see the world in a different light.

I’m grateful that the arts have played such a big role in my child’s development, and I know that it will continue to benefit her as she grows older.

Experiencing Creative Expressions

As a Black mom, I know that it’s important for me to provide my child with opportunities to experience creative expressions. From a young age, I want her to see the beauty in her own culture and understand her own power.

That’s why I’m so passionate about exposing her to the arts. Whether it’s through dance, music, theater or visual art, I want my child to have a chance to explore the world of creative expression. And I believe that this is one of the best ways to help her grow and develop as an individual.

The arts allow us to communicate in ways that go beyond words. They help us to explore our emotions and connect with others on a deeper level. And for Black children, who are often marginalized and overlooked, this is incredibly important. The arts can be a way for them to discover their voice and share their story with the world.

Exploring Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

This year, I enrolled my four-year-old daughter in a theater class. I thought it would be a great way to help her explore her creative side and develop her critical thinking and problem solving skills.

To my surprise, the class was much more than that. It was a space where my daughter could express herself freely, without judgment. She could experiment with new ideas and figure out who she wanted to be.

The arts have played a major role in my child’s development, and I’m grateful for that. They’ve helped her learn how to think critically and solve problems. And most importantly, they’ve helped her find her voice.

Encouraging the Development of Liberation and Self-Love

As a Black parent, I’m constantly looking for ways to encourage the development of liberation and self-love in my child. I want her to see her beauty and power, and understand that she is deserving of love and respect. The arts have been a huge part of this process for me.

From a young age, I’ve exposed my child to a variety of art forms that celebrate Blackness. We listen to Black music, watch Black films and TV shows, and read Black books. We attend plays, concerts and poetry readings that reflect our community and our culture.

The arts have helped my child see herself in a positive light, affirmed their experiences and given them a voice. They’ve helped my child explore her identity, her history and her place in the world. And that’s something I’ll always be grateful for.

Acknowledging the Benefit of Social Connections

Creative expression offers something that is just as important as art itself—connection. Music and dancing, particularly with peers, is a fantastic way to build social skills in my Black child. Participating in a play or performance allows them to practice sharing the spotlight with others, and also how to work together.

My Black child has also been able to benefit from an increased sense of community. Making art doesn’t have to be a solitary activity—we often join other families at our local arts events and workshops—and that has been incredibly beneficial for both my Black child and myself.

Being exposed to new ideas, cultures and values through the arts allow us both to appreciate different perspectives and experiences that are different from our own. Whether it’s learning about African-American history through music or exploring new cultures through dance, this kind of association truly makes the world feel like one big family.

Gaining a Sense of Curiosity and Innovation

One of the most wonderful things that I’ve noticed in my Black child from the arts is how it has encouraged a sense of curiosity and innovation. Instead of being taught to follow rules or fit into a predefined box, music, dance, and visual art have opened up options for my child to think outside the box.

The arts have provided an avenue for my child to create her own path and ideas, try new things, take risks, and express themselves freely. She learned that failure isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but instead part of the learning process that leads to success. As she continues to explore in this way they become more confident in her abilities and creative expression.

Overall music, dance and visual art have allowed my Black child to find greater joy in learning and an excitement to expand her creativity beyond what is already known. It has made her fearless when trying out new ideas or exploring something unfamiliar; it encourages her to make mistakes while teaching her valuable lessons along the way.

Becoming Aware of the Power of Artistic Expression

As my child has grown older, I’ve become increasingly aware of the power of artistic expression. We’ve read a lot about the plight of Black children in America and about how Black people can feel silenced in many areas. But art, in all its forms, is a way for them to find their own voice—to speak their truth and form their own identities without fear of judgment or censorship.

My child loves to create art that expresses their feelings, opinions and experiences. Drawing, painting and sculpting give them a way to communicate without words and explore their emotions in a powerful way. We’ve also talked about using art as a platform for activism and standing up against injustices they may encounter. I firmly believe that the arts can empower my Black child to be proud of who they are and also to find strength when they need it most.

As a Black parent, I understand the importance of the arts in the development of my child. The arts provide a means for my child to express themselves, to think critically and creatively, and to experience liberation. I am committed to providing my Black child with access to the arts and I believe that all children should have the opportunity to participate in the arts.