One of the primary roles of parents is to guide and socialize children to make meaningful life choices. African American parents, in particular, have the additional tasks of preparing their children to thrive in an environment that has historically been hostile toward African Americans. Yet, many African American parents are often depicted as incapable of rearing their own children. This article will examine issues pertaining to African American parents maintaining their humanity in the face of a society that has viewed them as incompetent. Implications for family counseling research and practice will be discussed.