A child plays dress-up as an African princess, and learns about herself
For Black History Month, we're exploring history and identity through the lens of joy. Black joy is the ability to love and celebrate black people and culture, despite the world dictating otherwise. Black joy is liberation.
Leilani Welbeck, 6, first grader at the Montessori School
I love birthday parties because they're so much fun. They have lots of activities and you're celebrating. Imagine my excitement when my friend London invited me to her fifth birthday party: cake, ice cream, balloons, games. What's not to love? London's party was a dress-up party, and it had a princess and prince theme. I was so excited. We were going to celebrate London's birthday.
I like princesses, and I like dressing up. I especially love dress-up parties because you get to imagine yourself as something else.
When I first learned of London's party, I thought I would dress up as Elena of Avalor or Princess Tiana from The Princess and the Frog. My mom had a better idea. While my dad made breakfast, she rushed to the store. I wondered where she went. My dad said she'd be right back. She came back with beautiful fabric, and said me and my little sister would be African princesses, and my brother would be an African prince. When she told us, I jumped up and down and said, "I get to be an African princess! I get to be an African princess!"
My mom made dresses and headbands for me and my little sister, and made a sash and headband for my brother. I loved the style, the pattern, and the look. I also liked that I would dress as my real culture. Later, my dad reminded me that my middle name — Naa-Okailey — means I am an African princess. That makes me feel special. At the party, many people told me I looked beautiful. It made me happy to know they liked my real culture, too.
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