As a former educator turned stay-at-home mom, I traded my classroom for the chaos of home life. After over a decade of teaching, I chose to fully engage in imaginative play and volunteer activities at my children’s elementary school.
Being a Black woman from the African diaspora, I was born in the Caribbean and relocated to the United States as a child. At 21, I became a citizen, celebrating with apple pie and my very own red, white, and blue flag.
My faith as a Christian is deeply rooted; I was raised in the church. While I have my critiques of organized religion, I am committed to raising my children with the same beliefs, balancing my love for Jesus and justice—a tug-of-war many faith communities grapple with today.
I lean towards progressive ideals, which can sometimes feel isolating. I firmly believe in a woman’s right to choose. While I can’t envision myself opting for an abortion, I respect the choice of others and advocate against governmental interference. I also support comprehensive immigration reform, protecting Dreamers—students who inspire me with their pursuit of the American dream. Furthermore, I believe it’s time to eliminate student loan debt; we can achieve this.
Living in the deep South, a region often characterized as “red,” I’ve witnessed local politicians working to reverse voting rights that disproportionately impact Black and brown voters, despite the tireless efforts of activists like Rachel Smith.
Like many, I have faced profound loneliness during the pandemic. Since March 2020, my children have been home, and our family hasn’t dined in a restaurant or traveled outside our state for what feels like forever. We are in dire need of a break—even from one another.
Being a stay-at-home mom has intensified my feelings of isolation, especially since I transitioned from a vibrant teaching career to managing my energetic son and spirited daughter. Finding a community of moms who share my experiences has proven difficult. While I occasionally see other mothers of color at the playground, I often feel out of place in online parenting groups or during park visits.
It’s disheartening to notice the silence among many stay-at-home moms regarding issues of racial and social justice. Where were their voices during the protests for Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, and Breonna Taylor? Did they not care, or were they afraid to speak up? The movement for justice matters deeply to me, especially as I raise my Black children in a time of reckoning.
I want my kids to feel validated in their identities and to enjoy the innocence of childhood without being burdened by the weight of the world. While I hope they remain blissfully unaware of the reasons behind my tears during pivotal moments, I also want them to understand the significance of the struggles we face.
As I work to combat systemic racism as a Black stay-at-home mom who acknowledges the seriousness of COVID-19, I often feel uniquely isolated. Balancing my son’s virtual schooling and my daughter’s emotional needs has been overwhelming.
However, the urgent calls for anti-racist education and social justice cannot be ignored. Moms, whether at home or in the workforce, hold the power to drive this change. We are the backbone of our communities, capable of leading the charge for a more equitable world.
This work involves amplifying the voices of those who may not look or sound like our own. It means reaching out to moms outside our social circles and listening to their stories. It requires stepping out of our comfort zones and challenging the status quo.
Motherhood can often leave us feeling lost and isolated, especially during late-night feedings or tantrums. As a stay-at-home mom of color navigating a global pandemic and social upheaval, I find myself searching for connection. But I believe there are others like me, and together, perhaps we can forge a supportive community—even if we’re physically apart.
We need each other. I need you.
For more insights on navigating motherhood, check out this blog post and learn about resources like CDC’s pregnancy guide.
Summary:
As a Black stay-at-home mom, the pandemic has amplified feelings of loneliness and isolation. Transitioning from a fulfilling teaching career to managing family life has been challenging, especially without a community of like-minded mothers. The need for connection and support is crucial, particularly in a time of social justice reckoning. By reaching out and amplifying diverse voices, mothers can play a significant role in fostering change and support for one another.