We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ferrai Pickett. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ferrai below.
Hi Ferrai, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience comes from being a mother of two Black girls and understanding the unique challenges they will face in the world. I know that as they grow, they will encounter societal biases and obstacles that I want to prepare them for. This awareness drives my determination to raise them in a way that equips them with the tools they need to navigate these challenges effectively.
I strive to nurture and protect my daughters, but I also want to empower them to be strong, confident, and socially aware individuals. I recognize the importance of fostering their social awareness, helping them understand the complexities of race, identity, and justice, so they can advocate for themselves and others.
Mentally, I aim to cultivate resilience and critical thinking skills in them, encouraging them to question the status quo and develop their own voices. Emotionally, I want to create a safe space for them to express their feelings, understand their emotions, and build the self-esteem necessary to thrive in a world that may not always be kind.
My commitment to raising socially, mentally, and emotionally aware daughters reflects my deep love and responsibility as a mother. I want them to succeed individually and contribute positively to society. My resilience stems from this mission; it’s about preparing them to face the world with strength, awareness, and hope, ultimately empowering them to become agents of change in their own right.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My name is Ferrai pickett and I am the organizer of The stand up to hate play date.
October of 2017 a racist letter was placed in my nanny family mailbox stating that I was no longer welcomed in the neighborhood, calling me the n word, a mammy, etc. so the two moms I worked for at the time helped me organize a response and it was this play date. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/chicago-stand-up-to-hate-play-date_n_59ef7d31e4b0b7e632655867/amp
Every year following we’ve had a similar play date around the same time to continue to learning.
June of 2020 during the thick of the protest and riots I decided to start my button campaign giving people ways to physically show they are an ally. The money I earned I donated to different Black owned businesses destroyed in the riots (I understood why the riots happened and I just wanted to help rebuild) as well as other organizations I could trust.
https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/chicago/news/the-simple-answer-is-a-button-orland-park-resident-spreading-messages-of-unity-support/
I always believed I didn’t want to have a child in a world that was still so racist and that could potentially hurt them. All the play dates I was doing was to potentially educate kids to just “play nicely” and didn’t teach them anything. But once I realized I was pregnant my whole world changed. I realized I had a platform and I should do more with it. So I began planning my next play date. In March of 2021 I gave birth to my baby girl. Even though I was exhausted, suffering with PPD, and working full time I had to make this playdate happen.
So I’m October of 2021 I hosted my playdate. There was a children’s table with books that educate and depict people from all communities: i.e. LGBTQ+, Black, AAPI, Hispanic, Indigenous, etc. There was a table for families to learn about different foods from different cultures, how to educate and introduce different foods into their families lives, and how to teach children to be kind and respectful when it comes to food allergies. We also had a yoga instructor at the event to help families learn how to tap into their emotions and learn how to manage them through movement. We had semi colon bookstore as a pop up (black owned), taco truck (brown owned), hotdog truck (brown owned), and ice cream (black owned). The play date was a huge success!
(I took screenshots of the subscription box block the article.) https://www.chicagotribune.com/columns/heidi-stevens/ct-george-floyd-one-year-social-justice-ferrai-pickett-0520-20210520-tnxfj4m5q5bpjarno6omn3j2ge-story.html
Stand Up To Hate Playdate Returning To West Town In October, But Organizers Need Fundraising Help
I am hosting a play date this year and if there is anybody locally that would like to help please let me know. If there is anyone in a different state that would like to host a play date please let me know. It’s a lot of hard work but it’s so worth it.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
In reflecting on my journey, I believe the three most impactful qualities that have shaped my experience are resilience, empathy, and a commitment to continuous learning.
1. Resilience: Life is filled with challenges, especially as a mother of two Black girls. Building resilience has allowed me to face obstacles head-on and bounce back from setbacks. To develop resilience, I advise those early in their journey to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Practice self-compassion and recognize that it’s okay to struggle. Surround yourself with a supportive community that lifts you up and helps you navigate difficult times.
2. Empathy: Understanding and connecting with the experiences of others has been crucial in my journey, not only as a mother but also as a member of my community. Empathy allows me to advocate for my daughters and others facing similar challenges. To cultivate empathy, I suggest actively listening to the stories and perspectives of those around you. Engage in conversations about diversity and social justice, and seek out experiences that broaden your understanding of different backgrounds and cultures.
3. Commitment to Continuous Learning: The world is ever-changing, and staying informed is essential. This commitment has allowed me to educate myself about the complexities of race, identity, and social issues affecting my daughters. I encourage those early in their journey to adopt a mindset of lifelong learning. Read books, attend workshops, and participate in discussions that challenge your views. Be open to feedback and willing to adjust your understanding as you grow.
In summary, developing resilience, empathy, and a commitment to continuous learning can significantly impact your journey. Embrace challenges, connect with others, and remain curious. These qualities will not only enrich your own life but also empower you to support those around you.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
One book that has played a significant role in my development is *The Autobiography of Malcolm X*. This powerful narrative offers profound insights into issues of race, identity, and empowerment, which resonate deeply with me, especially as a mother of two Black girls.
A few of the most impactful nuggets of wisdom from the book include:
1. The Power of Self-Identity: Malcolm X emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing one’s identity. His journey illustrates that self-knowledge and pride in one’s heritage are essential for personal empowerment. This resonates with me as I strive to instill a strong sense of identity in my daughters, encouraging them to embrace their Blackness and understand its significance in a world that may challenge them.
2. The Necessity of Education and Critical Thinking: Throughout his life, Malcolm X underscores the importance of education—not just formal education, but also self-education and critical thinking. He illustrates how knowledge can be a powerful tool for liberation. This inspires me to foster a love for learning in my daughters and encourage them to question the world around them, equipping them with the skills to think critically about their experiences and the systems they encounter.
3. Advocacy for Justice: Malcolm X’s unwavering commitment to fighting for justice and equality teaches me the importance of standing up against injustice. His boldness in addressing systemic issues encourages me to empower my daughters to advocate for themselves and their communities. I want them to understand that their voices matter and that they can effect change through their actions and words.
Overall, *The Autobiography of Malcolm X* has profoundly shaped my understanding of social issues and the importance of empowerment and advocacy. It serves as a powerful reminder that, while the world can be unjust, embracing our identities, seeking knowledge, and advocating for justice can lead to meaningful change. I strive to impart these lessons to my daughters, equipping them to navigate their journeys with strength, awareness, and a commitment to making a difference.
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