It is just us - the village and God. In 1974 my mother said know, not no to me. She knew I was not prepared for motherhood. When folks say it is the norm for women under age 20 to become pregnant, or that they are tired of seeing babies pushing baby carriages, I think about my mother and I wonder when was the last time they listened to hip hop music or look through articles in teen magazines with their daughter, niece, or little sister. Now, I know that rites of passage do not include the ability to impregnate or become pregnant.
Rites of passage are a preparation for the celebration of adulthood as is motherhood.
That historic day in 1974 was the first step for me and my mother. That day we broke the silence around sex and began a dialogue that was healthy, and based in faith and in reality. Mom, know that I am doing my best by remembering your words and learning from your example. I am assisting teens, parents and faith leaders, opening doors to real dialogue that break the silence, and dispelling myths about sex and sexuality. D.C. Photo of Leslie Watson by Nic Paget-Clarke.