Black women have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Along with the added pressure of ongoing unconscious biases in the workplace, police brutality and civil unrest they need a safe place to connect and vent their frustrations. A new mini-conference, The State of Black Mothers in America is hoping to facilitate the conversation and provide a unique perspective on the situation.
The description on the event’s page states, “Black mothers are four times more likely to be single and serve as the primary breadwinners of their home. Black mothers are four times more likely to be single and serve as the primary breadwinners of their home. Black moms are more likely to participate in the workforce than moms of any other race, and about 85% of black mothers are the primary, sole or co-breadwinner for their families, but in 2017, they were making only 54 cents compared to white dads’ dollar. More than 75% of black women spend over three hours each day on housework, compared to just over half of white women. Black women also spend nearly three times more hours per week caring for elderly or sick relatives, compared to just the 12 hours white women spend.”
Additionally according to research conducted by The New York Times, “Black women are three to four times as likely to die from pregnancy-related causes as their white counterparts,” with racism playing a direct role.
The mini-conference will be moderated by Christine Michel Carter, the #1 global voice for working moms, Blessing Adesiyan, the founder of Mother Honestly, Neferteri Plessy of Single Mom Planet along with other prominent Black moms for this important and candid discussion on Jun. 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET. Discussions will revolve around important issues such as maternal mental health, advocacy, employment and self-care.
You can sign up in advance and participation in the virtual mini-conference is free.
—Jennifer Swartvagher
Featured photo: Christina on Unsplash
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