Have you ever wondered what it means to be a Strong Black Woman and mother? In Mothering Through Pain and Suffering in Silence: A Collection of Stories from Survivors, you will be immersed in the lives of several astonishing women. These women share stories of how they have grappled vigorously with the unforgiving circumstances they are confronted with as mothering is juxtaposed with their Black b
odies while living in America. This book is for mothers who have considered giving up, when being strong was not enough to serve as a reminder that you are not alone. The words that painfully grace these pages are also for the community, friends, family members, colleagues, spouses of strong Black women. Historically and currently, Black women are taught to be strong, independent, and a domestic powerhouse and to function with very little space to discuss the weight of that responsibility. While the gracefully accept the challenge, they are taught at very young age to carry the weight of others, sacrifice, and to make the best of unfair situations, all in silence, alone, and urged to do so with no tears or complaints or space to discuss the grief these experiences cause. Yet there is much pride and praise in these qualities of a strong Black woman and at times being strong also means having the ability to admit weakness. Without historical understanding, proper care, and self-reflection, the idea of the strong Black woman can become self-damaging and impact every aspect of life, including the art of mothering. Black women are human and just like any other person they deserve to have and embrace moments of vulnerability which is difficult to do in current times of violence against the Black body and other forms of systemic oppression. However, the women in these short stories have found ways to mother through the pain and pour into their children often from what feels like an empty cup. They deeply share the challenges they have encountered in bringing life into a nation riddled with inequities and unhealed souls. From miscarriages, premature babies, fatal stillborn births, breastfeeding, postpartum depression, anxiety, troubled relationships, these women lay it all on the line, unapologetically, to show how their most challenging task, being a parent, has changed their universe. Through these stories, the idea of the strong Black woman is contested, redefined, and individually customized to make room for the strength of desiring space to acknowledge their weakness. Come journey with these mothers who are conquerors and survivors, as they admit their mistakes, share their joys, embrace their moments of weakness, lean into their spiritual faith, and let go of the pain and trauma to instill in the next generation of children, communal support, peace, and revolutionary love.
