How to co-parent as allies, not adversaries
2,208,662 views |
Ebony Roberts and Shaka Senghor |
TEDxDetroit
• November 2019
When Shaka Senghor and Ebony Roberts ended their relationship, they made a pact to protect their son from its fallout. What resulted was a poetic meditation on what it means to raise a child together, yet apart. In this moving and deeply personal talk, Senghor and Roberts share their approach to co-parenting -- an equal, active partnership that rolls with the punches and revels in the delights of guiding their child through the world with thought and intention.
When Shaka Senghor and Ebony Roberts ended their relationship, they made a pact to protect their son from its fallout. What resulted was a poetic meditation on what it means to raise a child together, yet apart. In this moving and deeply personal talk, Senghor and Roberts share their approach to co-parenting -- an equal, active partnership that rolls with the punches and revels in the delights of guiding their child through the world with thought and intention.
This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxDetroit, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.
Read more about TEDx.Get resources to help you navigate parenthood after a break up.
About the speakers
Ebony Roberts works to lift the veil of shame for those who have an incarcerated loved one.
Using literature as a lifeline, Shaka Senghor escaped a cycle of prison and desperation. Now his story kindles hope in those who have little.
Shaka Senghor | Convergent Books, 2017 | Book
The page-turning story of Shaka’s life. An unforgettable story of redemption and a compelling witness to our country’s need for rethinking its approach to crime, prison and the people sent there.
Ebony Roberts | Amistad, 2019 | Book
The story of how Shaka and Ebony met. It reveals powerful lessons about love, sacrifice, courage and forgiveness. A stark reminder of the emotional costs of American justice on human lives beyond prison’s walls.
Dr. Shefali Tsabary | Namaste Publishing, 2010 | Book
In her book, Dr. Shefali Tsabary challenges parents to take care of their inner child so that the real children in our lives don’t suffer. She argues that the anger or frustration we feel when our children aren’t behaving the way we want them to is often rooted in our own unresolved childhood pain — which means healing our childhood wounds can help us become better parents.
Amos N. Wilson | Afrikan World Infosystems, 1992 | Book
Wilson argues that Black children are naturally gifted; however, their “natural genius” is too often underdeveloped in the American education system. He contends that mainstream schools lack knowledge of the unique developmental psychology of Black children and therefore early school experiences fail to stimulate and nurture their intellectual potential.
Janice E. Hale-Benson | JHUP, 1986 | Book
In this groundbreaking book, Janice Hale contends that American educators have failed to recognize the critical significance of culture in educating Black children. She argues that Black children have developed cognitive patterns and behaviors that may prove incompatible with the traditional, Eurocentric school environment. Drawing on the fields of anthropology, sociology, history and psychology, Hale explores the effects of culture on a child’s intellectual development and suggests curricular reforms that would allow Black children to develop their intelligence and succeed in school and at work.
Jawanza Kunjufu | African American Images, 2004 | Book
Kunjufu argues that Eurocentric institutions, values and practices have alienated Black boys and inhibited their success. He maintains that Black boys need positive Black male role models, particularly in early elementary school. He argues further that the fourth grade is a critical year for Black boys and offers parents and teachers suggestions for countering what he considers the “conspiracy to destroy Black boys.”
Pops, episode 11 | PBS Digital Studios, 2016 | Watch
This final episode of the docuseries chronicles Shaka’s move to Los Angeles and shows how we co-parented long distance.
About TEDx
TEDx was created in the spirit of TED's mission, "ideas worth spreading." It supports independent organizers who want to create a TED-like event in their own community.
This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxDetroit, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.
Read more about TEDx.Get resources to help you navigate parenthood after a break up.