California Black Women's Collective Empowerment Institute
using her voice
Being a black mother means being strong and never giving up
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"My youngest will start TK in the fall, marking her first time in school. Unlike my son and middle daughter, who both attended preschool, she didn't because I couldn’t afford it this time around. Preschool costs increased from $600 for my son to nearly $800 for my daughter, and by the time my youngest arrived, it was close to $1,000 a month—something we just couldn’t manage. Thankfully, my husband’s schedule and support from my mom allowed us to make it work." ~ Married Mom of three
I lost my job two weeks before giving birth, which was stressful, especially as a first-time mom at 40. I never planned on having kids—I wanted to be the 'rich Auntie' who traveled and spoiled her nieces and nephews. But here I was, pregnant and unemployed. I found another job a year later, but lost it again in March, as working from home became harder with a growing child and no local family support. People suggest daycare, but it's not that simple. I’m cautious, especially with recent daycare incidents in the news. It's not just about finding a job; it's about finding safe childcare. ~
Love yourself first. Teach your children to love themselves and their heritage.
Audio Library
"My oldest son is 12, and from kindergarten through fifth grade, he attended one of the city's better schools, which was predominantly Black. Recently, I moved all my children to a more diverse school system, and I've noticed a significant difference in resources and opportunities. While I want my kids to thrive within their community, they also deserve equal access to better resources. I hate that it had to be this way, but I felt it was necessary to provide them with more opportunities. It’s a tough decision, but ultimately, they’re happier now. It’s complicated because I want this access in our community, but that’s not always the reality." ~ Married mother of three 11, 8 and 4
It could be a lot. Just having the audacity to have children while living in Los Angeles trying to take care of yourself. It's just like I haven't met other black moms yet, with one year old Toddlers, and that may be just due to my own fault, but as far as real challenges right now, I think that's been the most challenging.
“Being a Black mother means having strength and {the} ability to handle adversities that my children face growing up in a society that tries to silence their existence. Showing them that giving up doesn’t exists.”
I teach my children to love the skin that they're in. To be proud of their beautiful melanin. Helping them navigate the world that will respect them one day.