I never set out to be an African-American Mom Blogger, but 4 years ago, when I started this site to share stories of motherhood, I became exactly that. I mean, I’m Black. I’m a mom. I blog. Put it all together and what do you get? Well, I’m not the only one out here, and I’ve been so fortunate to be able to meet and interact with influential women of all colors to share stories, market products, and create a community online. I’ve tried to be completely inclusive during this time, but the reality is, we are different. We have distinct voices and experiences that are shaped by culture and race, and there is nothing wrong with that.
It’s okay to be different.
It’s okay to write about those differences, and to say, “I don’t relate to being an African-American mother, but I’d like to know more”, or “I love the city! I could never live in a rural area like you, but I’d like to know more!”. More than anything, it’s okay to acknowledge that African-American Mom Bloggers DO exist, and that there is quite frequently a disparity in lists and other blogging opportunities when it comes to including us. We know it, we see it, we FEEL it, and it’s not going to change unless everyone, Black folks, White folks, Asian folks, Hispanic folks, etc. start talking openly about it.
Look, y’all. This isn’t a post to get folks up in arms. At large, the internet, and specifically the mom blogger community, is a beautiful place to be filled with lovely, gracious, generous folks. This isn’t personal. This is about a systematic challenge that we’ve been facing for some time, and that people are chatting about in private Facebook groups, in one on one dinners, and on off-air Google Hangouts. I’m just putting it out here to start the conversation. And really, if you can create a list of 50 mom bloggers and not include ONE African-American blogger on that list, we need to talk. Come on agencies and brands, come get some of this $1.1 trillion dollars Black folks are projected to spend in 2015.
I’ve heard it said that there aren’t a lot of African-American Mom bloggers, or that the quality of work isn’t up to industry standards. Some folks have said that Black Mom bloggers can act entitled, or that they don’t have the reach or influence that other bloggers have. Well, maybe. But that’s across the board for all races of bloggers, don’t you think? In every industry, there’s good, better and best. Rarely, if ever, are those distinctions based on the color of a person’s skin.
Starting a conversation…and a list.
In addition to this conversation, I’m starting a list of influential African-American Mom Bloggers. These are people that I know, either in person or over a period of time online. Not only are they great writers, but they are supportive and understand the meaning and value of helping other bloggers out. I can and will vouch for these ladies. This list is not complete, and if you check back tomorrow, I’m sure there will be more folks added. Let’s add to this list. I’ll update it frequently. There are a few Moms on this list who aren’t African-American, but they are raising African-American children. See, the Black diaspora goes beyond the surface, and that’s next on my list of things to do…let’s go deeper into culture and tell richer, more interesting stories.
African-American Mom Bloggers You Need To Know
Get to know me, Brandi from Mama Knows It All
Amiyrah from 4 Hats And Frugal
Natasha from Houseful of Nicholes
Sili from My Mamihood
Joyce from Mommy Talk Show
LaShawn from Everyday Eyecandy
Kira from The Afropolitan Mom
Michelle from Divas With A Purpose
Jennifer from Cherish 365
Ashley from MommyWeek
Onyi from Sincerely Onyi
Diane from PhilZENdia
Adanna from Rattles And Heels
Makeba from MelisaSource
Bernetta from BernettaStyle and The Knighten Project
Dawn from Mama Harris’ Kitchen
Amanda from Dude Mom
Aaronica from The Crunchy Mommy
Mimi from Unlikely Martha
Ruby from Growing Up Blaxxican
Amber from From Carpools to Cocktails
Dani from OKDani
Letroy from Thriftanista In The City
Tara from The Young Mommy Life
Danyelle from The Cubicle Chick
Janeane from Janeane’s World
Pam from Still Dating My Spouse
Kesha from We Got Kidz
Deanna from Mommy Gaga
Sheena from Sophistishe
Mandi from Chewsy Lovers
Heather from Diary Of A First Time Mom
Edited To Add: Add YOUR LINK
If you are an African-American Mom Blogger, add your link to the comments. Or if you know someone who should be on the list, drop their link! There’s no need to be shy or humble. Your voice is important!
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