In the realm of child development, nothing operates in isolation; every element, every interaction, plays a role in shaping the child’s life, for better or worse. This interconnectedness underscores the profound importance of Child Safeguarding and Protection. It’s not merely an aspect of care but the very foundation, necessitating the collective effort of society to fortify both the immediate and extended family structures in this endeavor. I posit that the essence of rights lies in their capacity to protect, and the ultimate goal of protection is to preserve the sanctity of childhood. Within this protective framework, the right to identity emerges as paramount, encompassing personal, family, and cultural dimensions.

Identity is not merely about names or superficial labels; it’s about the profound understanding of one’s roots—biological, physiological, cultural, and spiritual. This quest for roots is evident in the endeavors of many Black Americans seeking connections to their ancestral origins. Language sits at the heart of this identity matrix, acting as the code to cultural consciousness. My conviction is that once language is lost, a significant part of a person’s essence vanishes.

In line with this, our commitment to preserving our son Tieri’s right to identity strongly emphasizes the importance of maintaining our mother tongue, Yoruba.

Reflecting on the sentiments shared by Mr. Olakunle Soriyan, we discussed the profound impact of colonialism on our linguistic and cultural landscape, notably how the imposition of English language diminished our native tongues. This conversation occurred both in our S.A.F.E for Children® Executive Coaching Class and during personal discussions with my wife, leading us to explore the intricate relationship between language and culture—how they form the foundation of a people’s distinct experiences. We acknowledge that true translation between languages is fraught with challenges, often resulting in the loss of essential cultural nuances. This conclusion finds active corroboration in the seminal work Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, “Decolonising the Mind: The Politics of Language in African Literature,” where he poignantly articulates that “Language as culture is the collective memory bank of a people’s experience in history. Franz Fanon emphasized the critical role of language in shaping cultural identity, stating, “I ascribe a basic importance to the phenomenon of language. To speak means to be in a position to use a certain syntax, to grasp the morphology of this or that language, but it means above all to assume a culture, to support the weight of a civilization.” This perspective resonates with the biblical story of the Tower of Babel, where God confounded human language, illustrating the power of language in shaping collective endeavors. Similarly, colonial powers disrupted our linguistic harmony, supplanting our culture with theirs and stunting our societal progress.

Therefore, one of the key ways we are dedicated to safeguarding our son Tieri’s right to his identity is by ensuring he speaks our mother tongue, the Yoruba Language. Admittedly, this has been challenging, yet our commitment remains unwavering. The complexity arises from an unexpected source: despite being Yoruba speakers, English has dominated our household conversations for 15 years before Tieri’s arrival. Reflecting on this linguistic shift, we questioned how, as native Yoruba speakers, English had become our predominant mode of communication. The answer lies in the subtle legacy of colonial influence, a kind of linguistic and cultural entrapment.

It’s evident to us that language acquisition for our children won’t be effectively achieved through formal education alone. Language lives and breathes in the environment in which a child grows; thus, speaking Yoruba at home is paramount. This approach embodies leadership by example, where the linguistic foundation laid at home is reinforced and expanded upon in educational settings. Just as our children assimilated English by being immersed in it both at home and school, we believe that consistent exposure to Yoruba will similarly engrain the language in Tieri’s daily life and identity.

The legacy of my indefatigable uncle, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, who maintained the Ondo dialect in his family, inspires our commitment to linguistic and cultural preservation.

Our dedication to preserving Tieri’s right to identity is a formidable challenge, yet we remain convinced of its feasibility. Neglecting this duty would be tantamount to child abuse, an untenable notion for us. In our quest, we have taken substantial steps, including acquiring the complete set of “Alawiye” books, volumes 1 to 6, a task facilitated by my twin brother, Kehinde Akinlami. Receiving these books stirred a deep sense of nostalgia in me. My childhood was enriched by the tales and teachings of “Alawiye” by J.F. Odunjo and “Akomolede Ijinle Yoruba” by Adebisi Aromolaran and others. These works remain timeless, their anecdotes and songs still resonating with relevance in my daily life, whereas much of my formal education has faded from memory.

I hold immense respect for the legacy of these distinguished Yoruba scholars. They have bequeathed to us a treasure trove of knowledge, ensuring that the essence of our cultural heritage is perpetuated. Their enduring words stand as a beacon, guiding successive generations in the cherished journey of preserving our ancestral legacy.

The ability of children, especially before the age of five, to learn multiple languages simultaneously is a marvel, countering the fear that prioritizing our native language might hinder their English proficiency.

Recent conversations, like those with my brother and friend Dele Farotimi, reaffirm the urgency of safeguarding Tieri’s cultural identity through language. The anecdote of a family in the United Kingdom declaring Yoruba as their home language underscores the significance of this mission.

The saying that to hide something from a black man, you should put it in a book, now seems evolved; our mother tongues have become the repositories of hidden legacies. Despite the struggles, my family’s unwavering commitment to honoring our son’s right to his identity, starting with the language we speak, stands firm. It is not just a personal journey but a legacy we aim to preserve for future generations, ensuring they remain connected to their cultural roots and identity.