Dear Loving Black Single Mothers Community,

 

This message is being sent to everyone in the Loving Black Single Mothers ecosystem—the mamas we currently support, the mamas we have yet to support, the donors who make our work possible, and everyone who stands with us in solidarity.

 

Loving Black Single Mothers was founded in response to the lack of support, resources, empathy, and understanding that Black single mothers experience across this country. For too long, Black single mothers have been used as pawns in narratives that fail to honor our full humanity, resilience, and contributions. We are often blamed for systemic failings, portrayed as untrustworthy or incapable, and expected to bear the weight of raising families, navigating financial hardships, and meeting societal expectations—all with little to no meaningful support.

 

At Loving Black Single Mothers, we believe and understand that all politics are reproductive politics. Every policy, every decision that affects housing, healthcare, education, labor, or criminal justice is a decision that impacts mothers, families, and the systems that support or fail them. When reproductive justice advocates say “every mother matters,” they mean every single one of us—including Black single mothers, who are often overlooked. Our organization exists to ensure that Black single mothers are seen, heard, and empowered within the political landscape, not only as individuals but as essential pillars of their communities.

 

This current political moment, marked by a blatant disregard for the rights and well-being of women, mothers, children, and all who bring and tend to life, is nothing new to Black single mothers. For generations, we have seen our experiences and our needs sidelined, while our communities endure the consequences of policies that neither protect nor empower us. We are deeply familiar with the struggles that come when society prioritizes profit over people, when mothers are told to “figure it out” on their own, and when communities like ours are overlooked in conversations about justice and equity.

 

As we remain grounded in the present while looking towards the future, the urgency of our work has never been clearer. The challenges Black single mothers face are unique, often requiring tailored solutions that are rooted in an understanding of our lived experiences. It is not enough to simply offer generic support—our mothers need comprehensive, culturally responsive resources that address the realities of their lives. And as we move forward into uncertain political times, we remain steadfast in our mission. We may not know what policies or support structures a new administration will bring, but we know this: we will be here, fighting for and with Black single mothers and their children every step of the way.

 

To the mamas in our network: We see you, we honor you, and we are here to fight for your right to thrive. You are not alone, and you should never have to choose between providing for your children and taking care of yourself. We are committed to walking alongside you, celebrating your victories, and standing with you during difficult times.

 

To our supporters and donors: Your contributions are a powerful statement of solidarity. They allow us to continue offering support that is responsive to the real, lived experiences of Black single mothers. Together, we are challenging the systems that fail Black single mothers and are building new possibilities grounded in care, respect, and shared responsibility. Your support helps us to do more than respond to emergencies—it allows us to build a vision for long-term change, where Black single mothers have the resources they need to lead empowered, joyful lives. As we enter these uncharted political waters, we hope you’ll stay connected with us. Very few organizations focus on the unique needs of Black single mothers, and your support means the world to us. With your help, we can continue to be a refuge, a resource, and an advocate for Black single mothers who are forging a better future for themselves and their children.

 

To everyone: Thank you for being a part of this journey with us. Together, we are reimagining what it means to care for and uplift Black single mothers, creating a future where every mama is valued, supported, and able to thrive.

 

In Love + Defiance,

Toi Smith
Founder