Blog Series: Understanding the Myth and Legacy of the Strong, Black Independent Woman

There are so many negative undertones associated with the strong, black independent woman. Do you know where these myths come from? We are exploring and correcting some of these myths in this special edition blog series for

Black History Month!

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Celebrating Single Black Mothers

Although people may cohabitate, or marry for a variety of reasons, legally speaking a marriage is legal partnership that carries some legal responsibilities. For instance, men will automatically be assigned the title of 'father' for any kids born or adopted during the marriage. His acknowledge is not required, and by law, he is also not required to be the biological father of these children in order to assume responsibility for them.

By law, children must be provided shelter, food, clothing and basic care by their parents, however, if a woman is unmarried at the time of birth, she legally assumes sole responsibility of providing this support to all her minor children. According to statistics, sixty-four percent of black babies are born into single parent households nation wide! In the city of Detroit, this number is even higher, registering at 72% as of March 2022.

When I hear men say things like:

" I don't want no strong black woman "

" I don't want no independent woman"

" Independent, strong women are like men"

I wonder do they think about their mothers or the mother of their children Do they consider the womb of which they were given life? It takes the strength of a woman, to birth a baby into this world and according to the facts, the majority of black women are birthing and raising babies independently! The truth is, most of the black men who down the strong, black and independent woman came out of one. They would not be here today, thriving in their respective lives as they choose, without this strong , black woman.

What people fail to realize is that being a strong, black , independent woman is not a choice that most women make. Most are forced into wearing these metaphoric hats due their circumstances and the legal responsibilities that they face. In other words, they had to be strong for their children. Without consistent support from men, they are forced into being independent for the sake survival. Contrary to popular beliefs, children are not pieces of property; or pawns that we move around on a chess board. Children are more than bills; they are living human beings that will one day become contributing adults in the world that we live. Raising children takes work. Raising children requires strength. Raising and teaching children requires sacrifice, commitment and time. While it is unfortunate that so many black women are forced to carry out these duties alone, it highlights the invaluable work that so many strong, black, women do on an everyday basis! Where would we be without her?

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