write a story about a black boy telling his black mom I remember when i was 3 or 4 at a christian chruch and "school" packed into one and it was for little kids like us at the time and there was one white boy who was the same age when i asked him to play
Once upon a time in a lively neighborhood, there was a sweet little boy named Jamal. He was bright-eyed, with an infectious giggle, and a wide-open heart that loved playing games, drawing pictures, and making new friends. Jamal's world was filled with warmth, especially when he was with his mom, who always knew how to make him feel better, no matter what happened.
One sunny Sunday, Jamal's mom took him to their local Christian church, which also doubled as a school for little kids like him. The place was bustling with laughter, songs, and the shuffling of tiny feet as kids darted around, excited to explore. Jamal looked around, eager to make friends with everyone.
As he wandered, he spotted a group of kids. Among them was a boy with tousled blonde hair, who Jamal thought looked like he could be a great playmate. Jamal approached him, his heart racing with the thrill of anticipation. "Do you want to play with me?" he asked, beaming.
To Jamal's surprise, the boy tightly crossed his arms and proclaimed emphatically, "No!" His big blue eyes seemed to bore into Jamal's soul, leaving him puzzled. Confused, Jamal looked around, hoping to find others ready to play. But then, he noticed that some other white boys standing nearby said "no" too, casting quick glances at him before looking away, almost as if they were running from something they didn’t understand.
Jamal felt a weight settle in his chest. He was just a little kid, and it bewildered him that his innocent request for companionship was met with such rejection. In a swirl of emotions, he learned to shrug it off and continue exploring, though the encounter lingered in his mind.
Later that day or perhaps on another, as he was recounting his experience to the other kids, an eagle soared gracefully across the blue sky above the church. Its wings spread wide as it glided, a symbol of strength and freedom. But before he could share this moment of wonder, a care provider—a woman who wasn’t Black but a person of color—set her gaze upon him, her expression turning stern.
She looked at him as if he had done something wrong, as if his innocent revelation was something to be silenced. Jamal felt his heart race once more, this time from the discomfort of uncertainty. Why did it seem like she was angry? Didn't she see that he just wanted to share something beautiful?
That night, as Jamal lay in bed, he snuggled under his blanket, the coolness of the fabric providing comfort. He called out softly, "Mom?" His mother, hearing his sweet voice, entered the room. She settled by his side and wrapped her arm around him.
“Hey, baby, what’s on your mind?” she asked, her voice a soothing balm to his worries.
“Mom, I remember this time at church when I wanted to play, but some kids said no—like they didn’t like me. And then that lady looked at me really mean when I tried to tell everyone about the eagle. I don’t understand. Why did they act like that?”
His mom smiled gently, sensing the heaviness of her son's heart. She took a moment before responding, choosing her words carefully.
“Sweetheart, sometimes people act in ways we don’t understand. Maybe the boys were scared or confused, and they don’t realize how much their words can hurt. People sometimes grow up with fears and biases that get in the way of friendship. But you must always hold onto your beautiful spirit, no matter how they react.”
Jamal listened intently, the warmth of his mother's voice soothing his worries. “And about that lady, well, it could be that she was having a tough day too, and sometimes people take their feelings out on others without meaning to. It doesn’t make it right, but it shows that everyone has their struggles.”
“Does that mean they didn’t really hate me?” Jamal asked, a flicker of hope in his voice.
“Exactly, baby,” she said, kissing his forehead. “Your heart is full of love. Keep sharing it, and one day, they’ll see how wonderful you are. Just remember, you are never alone. I’m always here for you, and there’s a whole world out there full of people who will appreciate your kindness.”
With that comfort, Jamal closed his eyes, letting his mother’s words swirl around him like a protective shield. As he drifted into dreams, he pictured that eagle again, soaring high above the clouds, free and unburdened. He knew that one day, he would find friends who saw him for the brilliant light that he was, no matter what anyone else might say. And he felt a little more ready to embrace the world with an open heart.