In this episode of Blacktivities, Shannon, Lisa, and KK unpack the parenting phrases we grew up hearing—and how many of them still echo in our adult lives and therapy sessions. From “Because I said so” to “I brought you in this world, I can take you out,” we’re talking about how generational trauma gets passed down, sometimes biologically, and how we’re working to break the cycle for the next generation.

We dive into:

• Common phrases Black parents said—and what they really meant
• The mental health gap in the Black community and why so few seek therapy
• Epigenetics: how trauma gets passed through generations
• Shifting from survival-based parenting to emotionally healthy communication
• Why Black folks need therapy, support, and permission to grow

Plus, Mona Lisa delivers a beautiful off-the-cuff poetic moment about Black motherhood and resilience. And of course, we leave you with powerful calls to action for the culture.

CALL TO ACTION:

Let’s talk—what’s something your parents used to say that stuck with you (for better or worse)? Drop a comment, DM us, or leave a review.

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About the Hosts

Blacktivities is a Black Panache original production - a podcast network with a lineup of black-hosted shows sharing black stories and tackling black issues. For more information on shows like our newest production, Fat Lies Matter, visit blackpanache.com.

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Follow Lisa - @monalisathepoet

Follow Karen - @theekkroberts

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• The Struggle of Growing Up With Black Parents
• How Parents' Trauma Leaves Biological Traces in Children | Scientific American
• Can trauma Be Inherited Through Genes?
• Intergenerational transmission of trauma effects: putative role of epigenetic mechanisms - PMC
• Understanding Mental Health in Black Communities

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