Nineteen Fifty-Six Vol.4 Issue 2
Our latest magazine issue, Rooted, delves into the complexities surrounding the black family and the stigmas that often accompany conversations about it. From generational trauma to stereotypes perpetuated by the media, we examine the challenges faced by black families and the resilience and strength that bind them together. However, Rooted also celebrates the beauty and richness of black family life and culture, showcasing the love, unity, and traditions that make these families truly unique. Join us as we explore the multifaceted narratives of the black family and honor their history and heritage.
Our latest magazine issue, Rooted, delves into the complexities surrounding the black family and the stigmas that often accompany conversations about it. From generational trauma to stereotypes perpetuated by the media, we examine the challenges faced by black families and the resilience and strength that bind them together. However, Rooted also celebrates the beauty and richness of black family life and culture, showcasing the love, unity, and traditions that make these families truly unique. Join us as we explore the multifaceted narratives of the black family and honor their history and heritage.
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60<br />
FAMILY IS...<br />
THE<br />
DINING<br />
TABLE<br />
JERMAYA MARTIN<br />
At the dinner table,<br />
We are cosmic,<br />
We are love,<br />
We are kindred,<br />
We are unfiltered,<br />
And proud to be black.<br />
I want to be like my mama, I’m pretty<br />
just like my mama.<br />
I grab my mirror just like mama,<br />
I grab my lipstick just like mama,<br />
I dab, not rub,<br />
Just a little, not too much,<br />
Because that’s how mama does it,<br />
I turn my head to the side,<br />
Slightly, just like mama, Open my<br />
mouth slightly,<br />
Putting on lipstick with one hand,<br />
Only one hand,<br />
Because that’s how mama does it.<br />
Red wine to take stress of the day,<br />
A smoke to take the stress of the day,<br />
Nobody understands like mama.<br />
As we talk about the disparities of<br />
life,<br />
As she brushes and gels my hair,<br />
I put money on the table, even<br />
though, She’s too stubborn to take<br />
it.<br />
I can feel some of the tension release<br />
I almost feel like a little girl again,<br />
As she brushes and gels my hair.<br />
At the dinner table, we are cosmic,<br />
We are the beauty of vulnerability.<br />
We are the transformation of love.<br />
Generation after generation,<br />
Mother to daughter,<br />
Mother to daughter.<br />
At this table, always at this table.<br />
MEMORY<br />
SIDNEY TODD<br />
WHEN THINKING about<br />
family often laughter, love<br />
and comfort come to mind<br />
but not often death and lose are<br />
thought of.<br />
As a child I would find ways to<br />
justify or try to understand losing<br />
my loved one but now as an adult<br />
who still doesn’t quite know<br />
how to feel instead of trying to<br />
understand I listen to one of my<br />
grandfather’s favorite artist Luther<br />
Vandross songs, my uncle O’s<br />
wisdom, and remember my uncle<br />
P.T.’s encouragement. As much as I<br />
miss my family l have material and<br />
memories that carry me through<br />
my life. Family is being able to apply<br />
the special talk I had with uncle O<br />
during my sophomore year of high<br />
school about life and career to my<br />
college mindset.<br />
Family is listening to “Bad Boys /<br />
Having a Party” by Luther Vandross<br />
repeatedly while painting with skills<br />
that have been passed down in my<br />
family for generations. Family is<br />
remembering every “I love you” till<br />
the last one.<br />
Memories are the closest thing to<br />
speaking with them again; every<br />
video and photo holds a lesson that<br />
has strengthened me as a person.
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