Abstracts Womens Studies

BLACK MOTHERING IN THE BAY AREA WHILE UNSEEN AND UNHEARD: NAVIGATING BLACK MOTHERING IN THE MIDST OF A PANDEMIC & SOCIAL UNREST

by Kassie Michelle Phillips

Black Mothering In The Bay Area While Unseen And Unheard: Navigating Black Mothering In The Midst Of A Pandemic & Social Unrest This narrative research study was conducted in Northern California while attending the School of Education at the University of San Francisco. Introducing a new theoretical framework called Black-Crit Mothering, this study examined the relationships of single and married Black Mothers living in the Bay Area and how Black Mothering has been directly impacted by the various pandemics that continue to take over the Black communities. These stories provided counter-narratives to the traditional views of our women in history which leave out the voices of our Black Mothers. Research data included narratives of seven African-American identified women in the form of individual interviews and a focus group. The key findings of this research demonstrate a profound need for Black Women to increase their visibility in their community, the media, healthcare, and even within their own homes. This study highlighted the voices, resilience, and dedication of the participants and their willingness to do anything to be the best Black Mother to their Black children.