Member-only story
BLACK CULTURE
Why We Treat Black Elders Like Royalty in Our Community
A reflective essay honoring Black elders and ancestors
Black elders are royalty in the Black community. We listen to their stories attentively, empathize with their experiences, rejoice in their longevity, and treat them with kindness and respect because they've earned their seat at the table. The Black Panther Party used to act "as escorts to the elderly as they traveled to banks to cash their checks" to ensure their protection. And according to a study cited by the New York Times, Black elderly people are twice as likely to be taken care of by family members compared to White elderly people. Clearly, Black people have an affinity for their elders that is culturally unique. Respecting our elders is a part of Black culture that we're incredibly proud of, so we have no hesitation in rolling out the red carpet.
As I stood by my 95-year-old grandmother's bed, playing her a song from a wooden music box, I thought about Black people’s cultural relationship with Black elders. Somehow, without anyone telling us, we knew how to treat our elders to prioritize their needs and set aside time to spend with them. Perhaps, it was something Black children learn by watching our parents clean their homes before elders arrived for a family gathering and how…
