The Mahogany Mamas - Black Mom Community

Motherhood

Talking Motherhood & Community With The Mahogany Mamas

Written by Katie Hintz-Zambrano

Nov 13, 2023

For those new to motherhood and those navigating the day-to-day life of raising little kids—community is key. Add in the complexities of raising Black children in the U.S., and community becomes vital. That’s why groups and gatherings like The Mahogany Mamas are so needed. Founded by June Williams Glenn (the mother of a 9-month-old son), the Bay Area-based group recently hosted its first meetup for Black mamas of kiddos aged 0-5.

In addition to being a stunning event filled with beautiful views, delicious food and drink spreads, and stylish guests—it was also a meaningful morning of well-deserved pampering and deep conversations. “As a Black mother, the importance of a community is immeasurable,” says attendee Teasara Thompson, mother to a 3-month-old daughter. “We share unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs. It’s a source of strength and empowerment, allowing us to connect on a deeper level and offer each other unwavering support.”

Plus, any time off kid-duty on the weekend can often come as a relief. “I spent the afternoon kid-free, basking in the fellowship of like-minded mamas, who had also escaped their kid commitments for a few hours of peace, laughs, and joyous conversation,” recounts attendee and 2-year-old #boymom Roxann Stinfil. “Often the default parent because my husband travels for work a lot, I relished the excuse to get dressed up and drown my thoughts in self-care.”

Below, we’re sharing interviews with the mamas at the event—about motherhood, community, and self-nourishment—alongside absolutely beautiful portraits by Şenay Inanici. Enjoy!

For more on The Mahogany Mamas and to find out about their next event, follow along @themahoganymamas on Instagram.

: June Williams Glenn, mother to August, 9 months, & founder of The Mahogany Mamas.

“Motherhood allows me to unleash my inner child. I enjoy playing and being silly with my little one. One night, to survive another sleepless night, we started entertaining my son during a diaper change by saying that August was on an adventure—the amazing adventures of August the Great! We discussed the day's events as if we were telling him a story about poops and feeds. Eventually we were rewarded with a smile. When he laughs aloud, it feels like my day has been made. These days August is quite communicative about what he likes and dislikes with lots of babbling, but I cannot wait to hear him speak his first words. I am excited to witness how he uses his voice both literally and figuratively.”

“I am most nervous about ensuring that August has the tools to successfully navigate this world. Right now, he’s a loveable, bright-eyed baby who draws attention because of his alert nature and kind disposition. One day, he will be an adult and I am keenly aware that this world may not always understand or value him. I am deeply honored to be his mother and I am nervous about how the world will perceive him.”

: “The last time I felt nurtured was when I was preparing to deliver our baby and immediately after we returned home from the hospital. My husband transformed the delivery room into a relaxing lavender lounge with eclectic candles, lavender oils, and lights. He also covered us with the most beautiful prayer just before I delivered August."

"After we returned home from the hospital, my mom and sister helped us survive the first few weeks with a newborn baby. My sister cooked for our family, cleaned, fed me while I breastfed, rocked August to sleep, and poured into us in countless other ways. I am grateful to have the support of both family and friends who have nurtured me in the postpartum period.”

: Janel Jones-Taylor, mother of Shawn Taylor Jr. (“SJ”), 2.

“It's fascinating to watch the world unfold through SJ’s eyes! He sees the world with such wonder and amazement. I am in awe of how he connects to and interacts with the world around him. As a mom who works from home, I have the privilege to watch him learn and develop new skills in real time. It all brings such joy! Being blessed to witness each step in his development is what I find most exciting!”

“I'm raising a brilliant, curious Black boy who has a lot to offer the world. I want to make sure I'm doing everything I can to help him reach his full potential. It's a lot of work, but it is worth it to see him discover his gifts. I also want to help him develop confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of self-worth. My deepest hope is that with this, I break the cycle of generational trauma and give him the best possible chance at living a happy and fulfilling life.”

: “Mothering a child under age 5 can be especially isolating when your family is far away. Being in a community with other Black moms is the antidote. As a Black mom, I find it's especially important to be in a community with other Black moms who can understand the unique challenges and nuances of parenting in a predominately white society. It’s a never-ending balancing act of revolutionary resilience! One of the most important things about being in a community with other Black moms is the sense of belonging. (Sending love to the beautiful mamas who birthed The Mahogany Mamas and recently offered this to me!)."

“Being surrounded by moms who understand my experiences, who I can share my challenges and successes with, and who I can learn from has been invaluable in my parenting journey. It’s helping me raise my son in a way that's supportive and healthy not only for him, but my husband, family, and friends. New ideas about partnership, motherhood, and relationships have come into the frame. New ways of being and doing have been unearthed. Community provides me with solace and holds space for me. I can be myself. I can parent with joy and ease. I can show up in alignment. I can operate in my design."

"The Black mom community makes me feel held, safe, supported, and seen! I am inspired by our courage, resilience, and love. I see you, Black mama. I am you. You are me.”

: Kalkidan Gebreyohannes, mother to Iyasu, 14, Mekonnen, 12, Soliana, 10, and Araya, 4 months, & co-founder of Blk Girls Greenhouse.

“What excites me most about motherhood right now is the shift in how women get to mother. There is a lot of room to explore and parent in ways that women weren’t allowed or encouraged to in the past. Things like having choices around how to feed your baby, how to birth your baby, how to dress as a mother, how to act like a mother, how to work as a mother are all areas that we have way more freedom to explore than in the past. There’s still judgment, but we’ve definitely come a long way.”

“What makes me most nervous about motherhood is the realization that my children are not safe in the places that used to feel the safest to me growing up. In particular I’m referring to school—EVERYTIME I say goodbye at drop-off I say a little prayer asking for protection over all the children. In short, mass shootings and gun violence make me the most nervous right now.”

: “Community is extremely important. It’s the only way parenting doesn’t feel impossible. We’re not meant to be parenting in isolation. My support system means the world to me and being supported by mothers who have similar experiences to mine or mothers who can identify with what a Black mother is up against and goes through is also key in helping me navigate the complexities of raising Black children in this country. Find your village mama!”

“I’ve recently felt extremely supported on my motherhood journey. With my youngest being 4 months old and having spent 3.5 months in the NICU, my village rallied around me in every way. They ordered/dropped off food, helped with big kids, did laundry, put together furniture, checked in and asked how I was doing, and listened to every word that left my mouth when I answered, and they prayed with me and for me and my family when I needed it the most.”

: Roxann Stinfil, mother to Luke, 2.

“Witnessing new milestones! Luke's stringing more words together and I'm exhilarated when he verbally connects concepts too. The other day he bumped his head and said ‘I got owie. I need ambulance.’ It's like unlocking a new achievement in a video game. So exciting to watch.”

“Education makes me most nervous. I want to provide my son with a great education and I'm a bit nervous about the schools in our community. The outcomes for Black males in Oakland schools are not always great. I recognize that addressing the disparities in educational outcomes for Black males in elementary school is a complex and ongoing challenge. What keeps me up at night is the impending deadline to find the right school fit for my curious and energetic toy blocks engineer, in a system that has not consistently proven they can help him thrive.”

: “For me, community is vital to my survival as a mother. As transplants to Oakland, my husband and I don't have any family nearby, so we lean on our proverbial village for support. Friends tap in for daycare pickups when my husband and I have to work late, they sleep over to watch my son when our travels schedules leave late-night or early morning childcare gaps, and they come over with wine after a long week to help maintain my sanity."

"I also could not live without the information and advice shared by our village. That's how we found our son's pediatrician, preschool, and many playdates. I'm incredibly grateful.”

: Emerald Jones, mother to Elodie, 3, and stepdaughter Marina, 8, & co-founder of Spill The Tea

“I'm really enjoying this chapter of motherhood. The girls are more independent and they express their feelings, wants, and needs more openly. I can take time for myself without feeling guilty and my relationship with my partner is amazing right now. We actually go on date nights and vacations together without the kids.”

“I am most nervous about raising children in this country that has so much gun violence and the unknown of what will happen when they're at school.”

: “I believe it is critical to have a community. I was fortunate to have an incredible group of women around me when I was pregnant with Elodie. For some context, I was pregnant during the initial start of the pandemic and had Elodie in November of 2020. I was able to form a bond with four moms on my block who were all pregnant at the same time as me, and we all had girls within 2-5 months of each other. I shared so much with these women and we have stayed connected over the last three years. My community has allowed me to feel less alone, to have meaningful discussions surrounding fears or advice, plus they've helped me be a better parent to my girls.”

: Mehera Abdelaziz, mother of Yasmeen, 2.

“I'm so excited about raising a strong, confident girl who knows she can be anything she wants to be. I want to be the role model she looks up to and be there to support her in all her endeavors.”

“Potty training is giving me a few nerves right now. Although we haven't started yet, it is the next big milestone for us and her, and I want to make sure she feels comfortable and confident throughout the process.”

: “Honestly, the last time I felt truly nurtured in my motherhood journey was at The Mahogany Mamas brunch. It's so hard to find moments for myself with a busy 2-year-old and no family around, but this brunch was a godsend. Being kid-free, dressing up, and connecting with other incredible moms over delicious food made me feel so appreciated and supported in this wild journey of motherhood.”

: Lindsey Stewart, mother to Beau, 6, and Sage, 4, & founder of Little Florence.

“I'm excited about our dialogues. Having to explain multiple layers and the origins of things in plain language with no shortcuts forces me to confront my own assumptions and values.”

“Thinking about my relationship with Beau and Sage down the line is a bittersweet feeling. I know they will look to me for guidance less frequently and for different things; hugs also will be fewer and further in between. I know that part is coming and I want to ward it off for as long as possible.”

: “Community is essential! Discovering your strengths, aspirations, and deal breakers in motherhood (while mothering day-to-day) can feel confusing and even isolating at times. Having 2-3 friends to call for a last-minute playdate, parents to share toys and supplies with, and random text exchanges with tips and memes keep things in rhythm and make the hard moments more bearable."

"It’s also important to my husband and I that our kids develop friendships inside and outside of school, so we pair up with families from all walks of life for extracurriculars and ‘just for fun’ trips. Parents of other children who also become our couple friends are pure gold, and we treasure those bonds dearly. The image of Black couples raising Black children in a thoughtful, engaging, consistent, and safe environment is something we take great pride in modeling for our children.”

: Jasmine McGee, mother to Jaliyah McGee, 4, and bonus kids Trey, 15, and Jada, 18, & co-founder of Coco Coalition.

“Right now, I'm on this incredible journey through motherhood, and there are a few things that really light up my days. First and foremost, it's the joy of creating and carrying on family traditions or even starting brand-new ones with my children. I get this incredible feeling when I recreate the special memories from my own childhood with my children—it's like a burst of pure happiness that's hard to beat! Then there's the thrilling unpredictability of parenting. Every single day is an adventure, and you're constantly faced with surprises, especially when you have both toddlers and teenagers under one roof. It's like a rollercoaster, and you never quite know what's coming next. Lastly, there's the privilege of being there for my kids as they discover their own voices, passions, and paths in life. It's amazing to stay flexible in my parenting approach to meet each child's unique needs. This journey is a whirlwind of excitement and adds so much vibrancy and zest to my life.”

“Being a mom, I'm constantly second-guessing myself, which is completely natural because parenting doesn't come with a step-by-step guide. What complicates it even more is that I've chosen a somewhat unconventional path for raising my kids. It's not like I can turn to age-old traditions or my community for advice on all the unique situations I'm facing. As my youngest child gears up for kindergarten, my biggest worry is whether she can apply the crucial lessons and skills she's learned at the right moments. It's a real challenge. Through all of this, I'm discovering that a massive part of being a parent is learning to have faith in both yourself and your children. It's a journey filled with uncertainties, but we're all in it together, learning and growing.”

: “My parenting journey has been greatly shaped by my tight-knit community. It's not just about raising my kids, but also teaching them valuable life lessons. I want my children to witness me embracing help and reaching out for support when needed. It's essential for them to see that I prioritize moments of tenderness, rest, bonding, and joy. Being a part of this close-knit community provides a comforting cocoon, especially because motherhood can sometimes feel like a lonely path. My community has become a haven for me and my family, offering the warmth and validation we all crave. It's like having a safety net, and it's incredibly reassuring. Plus, our community gives my children a broader circle of people and places to turn to for the love, security, excitement, and encouragement they need. It's a support system that extends beyond our family, and it truly enriches our parenting journey.”

"Recently, I had an incredible experience at The Mahogany Mamas brunch, an event and haven for moms like me. The event was a place where we can just be ourselves without our kids, and it felt like a warm embrace. We shared our unique journeys of motherhood, reconnected with familiar faces, and made new friends. The atmosphere was soothing, both physically and emotionally."

"One of my closest mom friends and I co-founded a nonprofit called Coco Coalition. We're on a mission to address the mental and emotional needs of Black women. One of the remarkable things about our organization is that motherhood is always welcomed. Our board and staff members can bring their children, and there's no pressure to hide their motherhood responsibilities during meetings. It's an environment that feeds my soul and makes me feel valued and accepted. This sense of belonging fuels my success as both a leader and a mother.”

: Brittni Chicuata, mother to Kendi, 5, Ngozi, 2, and Amari, 13 weeks.

“Being surrounded by energetic little bears who are curious, loving, and unique excites me right now! I love thinking about the world through their imaginations and pausing to appreciate the small and delicate curiosities that I might otherwise take for granted.”

“Being surrounded by so much testosterone makes me nervous. I love my boys and husband so much and also don't want my house to be musty or smell like pee in random places for the rest of my life. Let's just say I keep the incense and candles on deck!”

: “To me, being in community is the most critical part of parenting. I think about the challenges created by policy decisions to not provide substantive parental leave for most people or universal child care in this country, combined with a very warped sense of toxic individualism being ‘a good thing.’ I believe that these things create an unfair weight on people's decisions about when they have children, if at all, and how many they have."

"Having our third child has prompted some bizarre, unsolicited comments, most of which have been something along the lines of how brave we are. That tickles me, because I grew up in a single parent household where my mother was raising three children. It was by no means glamorous or easy, but it was in part possible because we had a community of aunties and uncles, cousins, and family friends who helped out. We are now working to similarly build community amongst our loved ones to not only instill that value in our children, but to be for real about the fact that we can't raise them alone on an island. It's unhealthy for everyone involved.”

: Breanna Zwart, mother to Miles, 16 months.

“I’ve heard parenthood described as deciding to ‘have your heart walk around outside its body.’ That resonates with me. Right now, what excites me most about motherhood is watching my little one grow and develop. Seeing how Miles explores and shapes the space he is in fills me with joy. He has a lot of personality, is fearless, confident, persistent, hilarious, and kind. I am grateful to be the person he trusts and goes to for love and security. I love when he grabs a book sits in my lap, and I feel his whole body relax into mine...it is pure bliss.”

“I want my child to be loved, feel seen, find joy, and thrive. I worry sometimes that structures in our society won’t allow for that. I worry about his safety, his future, and if I'm doing everything I can to provide the best for him. It's a love-fueled nervousness that never truly goes away. One way that I can channel that nervousness into something productive is to stay active in my community and find ways to hopefully contribute to making a better future for other kids—not just mine. I’m also grateful that I’m fortunate enough to have the resources to care for him—something that’s all too rare in our country as the cost of childcare continues to climb.”

: “Community is incredibly important to me and takes on a new dimension as I care for Miles. As an Afro Latina, intentionality in that community is key. What behavior, energy, and experiences do I want my child to be surrounded by? For me, community is about people I spend time with, activities we invest in, and even art around the home. Having a support system is a beautiful thing, as it can come from people who may have known you a long time, or even strangers. We learn from one another, lift each other up, and provide a safe space. It’s gratifying to find a community that can help me to be the best parent I can. It’s an ongoing work in progress. Some relationships deepen and others change in weight; the big lesson for me is that it is okay. Relationships change. Even with all of its joys, parenting is work, and work I will put in to ensure my child is surrounded by positive images and endless possibilities of self.”

“Recently I went to lunch with a friend I had not seen since the pandemic began. We caught up and discussed a bit about my journey with becoming a mother, how my son is growing, and the constant recalibration of priorities. At one point, she said, ‘Well you seem so calm. And look great!’ When I talked to her more about the community and structures my husband and I are building for our family, I gasped because she responded with the biggest compliment I could have asked for: ‘Yes, Breanna, it is a lot of work, but you are glowing because you are ending generational trauma with your intentionality.’ Participating in The Mahogany Mamas is reaffirming, as I am in a community with other mamas doing the same every day—even with the knowledge that there are still structures sucking energy and purposely trying to undo what we are building.”

: Lisa Blackwell, mother to Lilal, 4.

"Motherhood, to me, is the sacred and humbling act of nurturing not just a child, but the future. It is the joyous burden as well as opening of guiding a new soul through the thicket of life, of being at once a witness to and a sculptor of her burgeoning self. In my daughter's eyes—clear, wide, and wondering—I see the reflection of a world made kinder and more just. Motherhood is my protest against the bleakness of the world; it is my love letter to the future. And in the quiet triumphs of her growth, I find the echo of my own evolution.”

“In the singular role of both shield and beacon for my daughter, there lies a trembling sort of strength. It is a daily dance with vulnerability, each step a delicate balance between protecting her and propelling her forward. I am the custodian of her dreams, the keeper of her safety, the architect of her moral landscape, and nurturer of her sense of self and of wonder. This task is immense, one that stretches my spirit in ways I had not known even existed and there are more challenges to come. Yet it is in this continuous stretching that I discover new reservoirs of fortitude, new worlds, a testament to the transformative power of parenthood and of human connection.”

: “Community, in its truest form, is a tapestry woven from threads of unexpected kindness and shared humanity. It is my scaffolding and my joy. It is found not only in the knowing smiles of fellow Black mothers of all ages and in the powerful camaraderie among cherished 'mom friends' as well as in the quiet solidarity with a stranger, like the woman at the passport office who was traveling home to India who, without a word, joined our children into a playful trio, sharing the watchful eye of guardianship with me. It's in the comforting touch from a grandmother from visiting Connecticut who was at a café, offering a moment of encouragement as my Lila navigated a challenging episode. These instances of grace, both grand and subtle, are the stitches that bind the fabric of our days, transforming routine into something sacred, infusing the mundane with laughter. This grace, freely given and gratefully received, is the community in its most unexpected form—it reassures, it nurtures, and sometimes, it simply makes life delightfully fun and connected. In short, community elevates the mundane moments and milestones.”

: September Hargrove, mother to John-August, 2, and Mathieu, 8 months, & co-founder of The Mahogany Mamas.

“What excites me? Bedtime. Lol. But no, honestly, life with an infant and toddler is crazy but amazing. I'm most excited about watching the bond develop between my boys. While they have drastically different personalities and energy levels, it's an absolute joy watching them play together and see how much they love each other. I'm looking forward to the adventures they will have together and the gray hairs I'm sure they will cause me.”

“Raising two Black sons in this current environment, there is a lot to be nervous about. As a mom, my first job is to protect them. And I know a day may come when I won't be able to do that. And I just pray that the world can see and appreciate their charisma, curiosity, and loving nature, and not be threatened by them.”

: “Community is everything. Growing up, I would often hear the phrase ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ and l didn't really understand what that meant until I had my own children. From creating a nurturing environment for my sons with individuals who could be role models for them, to arranging playdates, and the opportunity to get advice, tips, and recommendations—the community I'm hoping to have through The Mahogany Mamas will be a safe space where we can all show up as our authentic selves and celebrate our experiences being Black mothers, raising Black children."

"Being a parent is very rewarding but also very challenging. As soon as you think you've got something figured out, your kids hit another milestone, and you feel like you're back at square one. But being a part of a parent community gives you strength, inspiration, and fellowship.”

: Sharell Krukrubo, mother to Langston, 7 months.

“Conquering milestones with Langston excites me most! He reminds me daily that he is his own person, and that he will go at his own pace. At times, his pace is ahead of the curve, and sometimes he takes his sweet time!”

“I oscillate between nervousness and excitement about returning to work. I love this time with my son. We hang out at the library, go to swim class, music class, and have lots of one-sided conversations. I'm really nervous about transitioning back to work and having less time with him.”

: “My friends are my anchor on this journey! I feel most comfortable in spaces with fellow Black women because I feel so deeply understood and cared for. My community of girlfriends feels like such a sacred gift. I feel really lucky to have friends who give me the grace to show up in a different capacity and still be fully included and loved."

"Just because I'm a new mom doesn't mean I don't want to go on the girls trip or to hear about how last night's date went! It does mean that I probably won't be able to text back until the baby goes down at night…or maybe next week if things are tough for us this week. I'm grateful for friends who see me and support me while I'm in these new mom trenches!"

"I also love being a part of mom groups when they feel like a safe and non-judgemental space. I learn and grow so much from conversations with fellow mamas.”

: Brittany Onyimba, mother of Simone, 21 months.

“I am very slowly starting to see some of the early fruits of my labor (literally)! Intentionality was hard for me in the beginning, because I wasn’t sure my daughter was getting it. When you read, smile, talk, point, and teach a newborn, you may get those few glimmers of recognition, but it can largely feel like you are talking to yourself! Now, we have our songs, favorite books, exchange big smiles/laughs and she gives me that little spunk that I may or may not have intentionally tried to plant—it’s amazing to see! I feel honored to be a passenger on her little lifeboat as she explores and takes in the world. I feel like my role has shifted from captain to first mate and I am here for it.”

“Regret makes me most nervous. I live daily with the anxiety that I am going to look back at a time and wish I had done something, said something, or showed up differently for her. I care deeply and that can be crippling. I am working on becoming more at peace with things, but it’s definitely a muscle and I am very out of shape.”

: “It’s everything. Someone once told me that at the end of the day, it really is who you know, because it tells you what you know. I am a first-time mom and I don't know anything, but I have found a community of really smart moms, caretakers, and providers to help me navigate. I love how open, understanding, and inviting everyone has been, even in large spaces like FB groups."

"I have bonded with women on school tours, at the park, at the bottom of the museum steps with a larger stroller, etc. There are so many opportunities to learn from moms, dads, nannies, and/or any caregiver, so I try to join, share, and ask as much as I can. I am really grateful for the small community I am building and I want to work on deepening those bonds. I’m so grateful for spaces like The Mahogany Mamas that create space for that work to happen authentically.”

: Teasara Thompson, mother to Nouri, 3 months.

“Witnessing my child's growth and development. Each day, she surprises me with new connections she's making, new skills she's acquiring, and the blossoming of her unique personality. Being part of her journey, seeing the world through her curious eyes as she comes into her own more with every passing day, is a profound privilege. That's why I place a tremendous emphasis on staying as present as possible, fully understanding now the sentiment of parents when they say, ‘They grow up so fast.’ Moreover, I'm enthusiastic about the countless opportunities for bonding and creating enduring memories with her. These moments are the building blocks of a lifelong connection and a source of immeasurable joy in my motherhood journey.”

“I wouldn't describe it as nervousness, but more of an eager anticipation. Returning to work after being on maternity leave stirs a mix of emotions. Balancing the demands of my career with the needs of my child, which I hold as a top priority, is a new challenge. Instead of subscribing to the concept of a strict work-life balance, I view it as a series of conscious decisions that align with finding equilibrium. My goal is to ensure that my child continues to receive the love and attention she deserves while I pursue my professional aspirations."

"Undoubtedly, this transition will require adjustment, but my determination to make it work is unwavering. I'm also looking forward to the day when my daughter can witness my professional achievements. I see it as an opportunity for her to develop her own aspirations in the future, and I can't wait to inspire her in that way.”

: "Becoming a mom has been one of the most rewarding and challenging things I have ever done in my life. This isn’t easy, so having a support system of family, friends and fellow moms who understand the joys and challenges of parenting is invaluable. It's through community that I've found reassurance, guidance, and a sense of belonging. Even though every child is different, it’s a nice little gut check as you navigate uncharted waters of parenthood."

"Making ‘mom friends’ has been a lifeline, and the friendships I've forged have enriched my life immeasurably. As a Black mother, the importance of a community is immeasurable. We share unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs. It's a source of strength and empowerment, allowing us to connect on a deeper level and offer each other unwavering support.”

: Verleana Green-Telusca, mother of Victoria, 6, and Vivianne, 3.

“What excites me about motherhood is the privilege of pouring into a little human with the hopes they will make the world a better place.”

“Raising Black children in a society that may not accept them fully for who they are makes me nervous.”

: “I am not sure when I last felt nurtured as a mother. Supported, yes, but nurtured is something that I’ve felt a void in since the passing of my mother in 2018. I have a fantastic community of supporters and people that love me, and for that I am truly blessed. But I have not truly felt nurtured in a long time.”

: Ashley Chandler, mother to Azeem, 10 months.

“I love watching my son discover new things. Every day is something new. Seeing that huge smile and sparkle in his eye when he feels proud and accomplished is an indescribable feeling. And I’m just so happy to be a part of his journey.”

“Learning how to let go. I am so excited for my son to learn new things and discover the world. But naturally I want to shield and safeguard him from anything that may cause harm. I find myself already struggling to find that balance between those feelings.”

: “There are two times that stand out. Attending the first Mahogany Mamas and Mimosas event was one of the very few times I had done anything just for myself, without my baby, in a long time. And I love being with my baby. But I quickly realized how much I needed that time for myself. And being around other women who understood that struggle was invaluable. It made my heart so full seeing these beautiful Black mothers being able to focus on loving and uplifting each other.”

“Another time that stands out—the other day my husband and I were laughing because I said that I didn’t remember that it rained all winter last year. (Apparently it was a record breaking downpour). The reality is my husband took care of me in such a way during that time, that I was able to focus 100% on nurturing our son in his first months of life and on my postpartum well-being. My son and I were incredibly blessed with an amazing support system. I’m reminded of that every day. My son is always smiling, and he radiates positivity to everyone he encounters. I firmly believe this is from the love that has been poured into both him and myself, and the support I was given.”

: Alexis Stuckey, mother to Camden, 10 months.

"What excites me most about motherhood is being able to see my son meet developmental milestones. No matter how big or small, I am so excited and thrilled to see him grow. It excites me to think about all that has yet to come. I also LOVE coming home and seeing my little one after a long day!”

“As a mother I think most of us want to protect our children from the evils in the world. Knowing that is not always realistic makes me nervous. I know that I can only do my best to keep him safe, but that there will come a time when he is on his own and will have no control over it definitely makes me nervous. Raising a young Black male in itself is anxiety inducing.”

: “As a single mother, community is not only important to me, but essential. There is no way that I would be able to care for my son without the love and care we receive from others. I cherish the friendships I have with other Black mothers; being able to be authentic and understood without any explanation is unmatched!”

“My mother recently flew into town to come visit and help out with my son. Having that type of support makes me feel nurtured and supported in ways that I don’t take for granted! Another mother knows exactly what to do to make you feel nurtured and special.”

: Leijia Esoimeme, mother of Daghe, 15 months.

“I absolutely love watching him learn and grow! I find so much joy and excitement in seeing him blossom into the curious, sweet, busy little boy that he is. He definitely keeps us on our toes, however, I wouldn't trade this feeling for anything in the world.”

“As a full-time working mom and grad student, I am constantly nervous about balancing work, school, and being a mom. At times I feel like there's so much to do and not enough time, however, I always try to reassure myself that I am doing the best I possibly can.”

: “A community is very important to me as a parent. Having the support, resources, and guidance is so helpful, especially as a first-time mom. I've been blessed with an amazing community of family and friends, I honestly don't know where I'd be without them.”