As a former educator turned stay-at-home mom, I’ve transitioned from the bustling classroom to the quieter world of home life. For over a decade, I shared my passion for literature with students, but now I find myself fully immersed in the joys and challenges of imaginative play and school volunteering.
I am a Black woman from the African diaspora, originally from Trinidad and Tobago. My family relocated to the United States when I was an infant, and I became an American citizen at 21, celebrating with apple pie and a personal flag in red, white, and blue.
My faith as a Christian woman plays a significant role in my life. Raised in the church, I still embrace my beliefs while hoping to instill the same faith in my children. I cherish both Jesus and justice, a balance that many religious communities struggle to maintain today.
Politically, I lean progressive, which often complicates my interactions with others. I firmly believe in a woman’s right to choose; while I can’t say I’ve faced the decision of abortion, I would never impose my beliefs on another. I advocate for comprehensive immigration reform and support Dreamers, many of whom inspired me during my teaching career. Furthermore, I believe that eliminating student loan debt is a necessity we can achieve.
Living in the deep South, in a traditionally “red” state, I see firsthand the efforts to reverse voting rights that disproportionately affect Black and brown communities, despite the work of activists like Jasmine Collins.
The pandemic has intensified feelings of isolation for many, including myself. Since March 2020, my children have been home, and we haven’t dined in a restaurant or traveled beyond our state in what seems like forever. The need for a break—perhaps even from each other—is palpable.
My identity amplifies the loneliness I’ve experienced as a stay-at-home mom. Transitioning from teaching to parenting two spirited children—an imaginative boy and a strong-willed girl—has been challenging. Finding a community of fellow moms who share similar experiences has proven difficult.
I often wonder where other stay-at-home mothers who look like me are. While I may encounter other moms of color occasionally, it’s disheartening to feel like an anomaly in many online groups or at the park on a Tuesday afternoon. I find myself questioning why more mothers aren’t vocal about racial justice issues, especially during times of national reckoning.
Raising my Black children during such pivotal times has been particularly daunting. I want them to feel acknowledged and valued in a world that often overlooks their identity. Simultaneously, I wish for them to enjoy their childhood innocence without the weight of adult issues.
As a Black stay-at-home mother aware of COVID-19’s dangers, the loneliness can be overwhelming. Balancing my son’s virtual learning and managing my daughter’s emotional needs amidst global turmoil is a heavy burden.
However, the call for racial and social justice cannot be ignored. Mothers—whether working in or outside the home—play a crucial role in driving this movement forward. We are the backbone of society and can set expectations for justice and equality, advocating for an end to childhood poverty and embracing anti-racist education.
To effect change, we need to connect and support one another. This work involves amplifying voices that may differ from our own, extending invitations to moms outside our circles, and stepping beyond our comfort zones.
Motherhood can leave us feeling untethered, especially during sleepless nights and toddler tantrums. As a stay-at-home mother of color in a pandemic, I am searching for community and connection. I believe there are more of us out there, and together, we can create a support system, even while physically apart.
Let’s unite in this journey. I need your support, and together, we can make a difference.
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Summary:
This article reflects on the loneliness experienced by a Black stay-at-home mom during the pandemic. It discusses her journey from a classroom teacher to a full-time mom, highlighting the challenges of finding community and support. The piece emphasizes the importance of connection among mothers and the need for advocacy in racial and social justice.
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