As Black History Month begins, I find myself reflecting on what this time means, especially as a white mom raising a Black daughter. While I may not fully understand the intricacies of her lived experience, I dream of a future where she’s empowered, proud of who she is, and supported every step of the way. This month reminds me of the resilience and strength that have shaped Black history, and I’m hopeful she’s growing up in a world where she will have the chance to thrive, be seen, and be valued.  Given that she is currently our foster daughter who we will adopt soon, I’m deeply committed to raising her in a way that honors both her Black identity and the unique family we are building together.  And let’s be honest—I’ll probably spend the next 18 years Googling “How to Raise a Confident Black Daughter”—but hey, I’m ready for the challenge!

My hopes

Belonging: I hope my daughter grows up feeling like she belongs in every space she enters—whether at home, at school, or within her community. I dream that she’ll always know she’s loved for who she is, adopted into a family that sees, honors, and celebrates her Black identity with pride.

Confidence: I hope my daughter feels confident in her identity, fully embracing both her adopted family and her cultural roots. I dream she’ll have the strength to navigate her own path with pride, understanding that while her journey is unique, it’s also one of incredible beauty and purpose.

Success: I hope my daughter’s race is never a barrier to her success. I hope she’s surrounded by diverse role models, mentors, and friends who will lift her up and help her thrive—where she can see people who look like her in leadership roles and be empowered to reach for her own dreams without limitations.

Support: I hope my daughter is met with empathy and understanding as she grows, especially when facing the complexities of being adopted and Black in a world that can sometimes be unkind. I dream she’ll always have a strong support system—people who are committed to learning alongside her, validating her experiences, and offering unwavering love and guidance.

Pride: I hope my daughter grows up proud of both her Black heritage and the diverse cultural tapestry of her adoptive family— Hindu, Jewish, and beyond. I want her to embrace the strength and beauty in all of these identities, knowing that each piece of her story adds to the unique, powerful person she will certainly become.

My commitments

Continuous learning: I commit to continually educating myself about the realities of race, identity, and the experiences that shape her life as a Black girl in this world. I’ll actively seek to understand the history, challenges, and beauty of her culture so I can better support her, advocate for her, and create an environment that honors and celebrates who she is.

Safe spaces: I commit to providing her with spaces where she can express herself freely and fully, without fear of judgment. Whether it’s through open conversations, finding community with other Black families, or simply being there to listen, I promise to make sure she feels safe, heard, and understood as she navigates her journey in this world.

Ally: I commit to being an unwavering ally who uses my privilege to stand up against racism and inequality. Whether it’s in our everyday life, at school, or out in the world, I will support her in every way possible—speaking out when necessary, amplifying Black voices, and ensuring that the doors to opportunity and equity are wide open, no matter the obstacles we may face together.

I know that raising a Black daughter as a white mother will come with its challenges, but I’m here for it. Honoring Black History Month is just the beginning—what truly matters is how these values are woven into our everyday life. By learning, celebrating, and sometimes Googling “how to talk to your kids about racism” (because let’s be honest, it’s a tough one), I want to help my daughter build a lifetime of pride, resilience, and strength. I hope she grows up knowing the incredible impact of Black history and the limitless potential of Black futures.

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My hope is that this blog may be helpful, or dare I say inspirational to someone out there. How are you celebrating Black History Month?