African American Woman Who Adopted Three White Children On Dealing With Public Perceptions

Jan 15, 2020 by apost team

Love knows no ethnicity, religion or nationality. Although she is often asked if her children are hers, Treka Engleman doesn't let the comment affect her or her children's happiness. Treka, a maths teaacher, became a foster mom from age 21, saying she had no specifications about the children's gender or race. She has now adopted three children, providing them with a loving home.

Treka Engleman didn't have an easy childhood. She is the youngest of 11 siblings and her mother passed away when she was only six-years-old. Although the loss of their matriarch hurt the Engleman family deeply, they always cared for one another and did the best they could to make their unconventional situation work.

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Treka knew that she wanted to be there for children who'd lost their parents when she grew up. This is why she applied to be a foster mother at the tender age of 21-years-old. In her application, Treka chose not to make any requests for a child of any particular race, gender or age group. Instead, she just wanted to be there for any young person who needed her as reported here in The Atlanta Black Star.

A five-day-old baby boy named Elijah was soon placed in Treka's care. Treka cared for him as if he were her very own. Later, two sisters named Mercedes and Alexis, were placed in Treka's loving home.

The little family got along beautifully and Treka felt nothing but maternal love for her three foster children. However, this family was unusual in the eyes of many. While Treka is African-American, Elijah, Mercedes and Alexis are Caucasian.

“Yes I’ve had my fair share of stares while we’re out in public, but we just keep walking by unbothered,” she said in interviews. “I’ve had people ask me, ‘Oh, are you babysitting?’ and my response is no, they are my children. No questions asked. I never say ‘foster children,’ but my children. Because that’s what they are and always will be.”

Last year, Treka was thrilled to legally adopt her three children. 

The family understands that while some people might be close-minded, their household is full of love, support, laughter, and happiness. Brighten up other people's day with this great news.