Welcome to Issue III of The Quarterly Renewal!

The Quarterly Renewal is a living archive–capturing stories, milestones, and reflections to inspire collective renewal and remembrance.

Welcome to Issue II.

Rooting—
Who we be, what we do, and why we do it.

We’ve officially made it to summer, and I know for a lot of us mamas, summer can be a complicated time. The school-year structure disappears overnight, and suddenly, the support we’ve come to rely on vanishes too. We’re left holding so much: figuring out childcare, navigating summer programs or the lack thereof, keeping our children safe and entertained, showing up for our work (whether that’s paid or unpaid), and still trying to claim some space for ourselves. Maybe even dare to want a break of our own.

It’s definitely a lot.

I’ve been a mama for 20 years now. I’ve lived through these summer tensions in different seasons of motherhood. When I had little ones at home all day, when I had to piece together care with help from family or not enough money or too many prayers, when my work couldn’t pause just because school did, and when I was simply trying not to lose myself in the overwhelm. There is no neat solution, no checklist I can offer to make it all feel easy. I wish I had one.

But what I do know is this: so much of what makes summer hard for us isn’t personal. It’s not because we’re doing it wrong or because we didn’t plan well enough. It’s the design of our society. A society that doesn’t center care. That sees the work of mothering as invisible and uncompensated. That stretches us thin and then blames us for breaking.

So if this summer feels like a lot, it’s not just you. You’re not alone in the juggling or the exhaustion or the longing. And if you’re trying to carve out joy, trying to ask for help, trying to rest when you can, or even just trying to make it through the day, you’re doing something powerful.

Here at Loving Black Single Mothers, we see you. We are you. And we’re holding space for all the realness that summer brings. Thank you for continuing to be in community with us.

Reflecting—
The work we’ve done and how it’s shaping us.

Reflect with us on what we’ve been tending to over the last several months…

Forever Flourishing:

And just like that, our inaugural cohort of Forever Flourishing has come to an end. Last month, we gathered mothers, coordinators, and evaluation partners for a beautiful closing ceremony. It was a powerful moment to honor the journey we’ve taken together. Our team is now in a period of deep reflection—weaving insights so we can share the story of Forever Flourishing more broadly, in a way that uplifts the voices and experiences of the mamas and all that made this journey possible.

Mama’s Day:

This past Mother’s Day, we launched a simple, love-rooted giving experiment–no long processes, tax receipts, or fancy platforms–just a shared belief that when we move from a place of love and responsibility, something beautiful unfolds. And, something beautiful did unfold–in less than 24 hours, we called in 33 financial partners to help us redistribute $100 to 90 mamas.

Dreamspace:

As we shared in the April Renewal, we brought back one of our beloved ecosystems, Dreamspace. Dreamspace is a virtual place for Black single mothers to gather, commune, and find support around the shared experience of Black single motherhood.
Last month, we launched our first Study Group–a space for Black single mothers to gather, learn, and reflect together in community. Ninety-seven mamas signed up from all over the country and are gathering in Study Circles to read and discuss Sisters of the Yam: Black Women and Self-Recovery by bell hooks. Rooted in care and shared wisdom, we are exploring themes that impact our lives—economic justice, parenting under systemic pressures, collective care, and liberation.

LBSM Orientations:

Later this summer, we’ll be hosting another round of LBSM Orientations to invite mothers on our interest list to become eligible to apply for future ecosystems. As the reach of Loving Black Single Mothers continues to grow, it’s important to us that we maintain the integrity and care that this work requires. For that reason, all new mamas—those who have not previously participated in an ecosystem—will need to attend an orientation as part of the eligibility process. More details will be shared soon.

Readying—
The intentions guiding us into this season (and beyond).

This summer, we’re designing the upcoming Holiday Love cohort and developing a Forever Flourishing artifact to share the heart of the program with our wider community. We’re also strengthening our data management systems to track community engagement—across mamas, financial partners, and beyond—with greater clarity and care. In addition, we’re preparing for a new season of resource mobilization, approaching it as a shared practice and learning opportunity with a small group of financial partners who continue to show deep commitment to this work and to Loving Black Single Mothers.

Resourcing—
A collection of beauty, art, and wisdom to nurture our mutual flourishing.

{LBSM Radio} Summer 25’ is where we share curated collections of songs that reflect what we’re holding this season…for and with mamas.
- The vibe for this summer is soft power and sacred pause. We’re leaning into ease, introspection, and the kind of care that doesn’t ask for permission. These songs carry the warmth of still mornings, the clarity of a deep exhale, and the quiet strength of choosing yourself, again and again. Whether you’re resting, creating, or simply catching your breath, this playlist is here to hold you.
Our fiscal sponsor Motherful, will be opening a housing cooperative in Columbus, Ohio. Learn more here.
Earlier this month, we shared our new essay series, Loving Beyond Violence and Poverty, written by Chimene Jackson.
- This series explores the intersecting violences faced by Black single mothers, illuminating the systemic mechanisms that perpetuate their struggles and the narratives that vilify their existence.
- Loving Beyond Violence and Poverty seeks not only to educate but also to illuminate pathways for change, ensuring that Black mothers have the support, resources, and autonomy to thrive beyond violence and poverty.

Art: Who Wants to Ball?

Melvin L. Nesbitt Jr.

PO Box 940
Aurora, CO 80012, United States