Toni Braxton recently opened up about a serious topic that has been weighing heavy on her heart — being the mother of two young African-American men. Within the past several weeks, the nation has witnessed the deaths and shootings of unarmed Black people. The R&B singer took to social media on Monday, June 1, to voice her concern about raising her sons in a country where people are killed because of the color of their skin.
The “Living Legend” posted a photo on Instagram that showed her bonding with her sons Denim, 18, and Diezel, 17. Wearing a long-sleeve shirt and a pair of shades, the Maryland native struck her pose by placing her hand on Denim’s chest. Denim gazed at the camera while his younger brother smiled for the shot.
“I’m a mother…look at my sons…@denimbraxton just finished high school on Thursday. He and @diezel.braxton are so young and ready to discover their way in life and there’s nothing I can do to protect them from the hate because of their beautiful black skin. No matter where they go in this world, I will always be their BMW. 🤎#blackmomworried 💔,” she wrote.
Over 60,000 people positively reacted to her photo, with many fans revealing that her message resonated with them.
“Heartbreaking… that is African Americans can’t just go outside without feeling unsafe 💔.”
“A devastating reality for all Black Parents.. my God.”
“Praying for a change! #BlackLivesMatter 💔🙏🏾✊🏾.”
“You’re an amazing mom Toni🖤🖤 praying for better days coming soon!! 💔.”
“It’s so unfair that this is the reality for all black moms💔💔 Black kids deserve to have a childhood too🥺 Your boys are amazing kids and you’re an amazing mother I pray God always keeps his arm of protection around you all😭🙏🏼.”
“I have two sons as well and I definitely feel your pain 😥.”
“Same here @tonibraxton -I have two sons and three daughters and I’ve been a BMW all their life💔.”
“My heart hurts 🥺💔 Just sad how our black mothers have to worry about their sons safety in a world that’s “suppose” to be safe😔 Praying for you and your family 🙏🏾♥️.”
Braxton shares her children with her ex-husband Keri Lewis from the R&B group Mint Condition. The two divorced in 2013 after 12 years of marriage. The “Un-Break My Heart” artist got engaged to rapper Birdman in 2018. Braxton and Birdman are planning to get married before the year is over.
