For many Black women, the concept of “other mothers” is a vital part of their experience of motherhood. Coined by scholar Patricia Hill Collins, the term refers to women who parent children who are not their own. But for writer and thinker bell hooks, the concept of “other mothers” goes beyond just a description of a role. It is a way of understanding the importance of community and the power of women’s relationships.
In hooks’ view, “other mothers” are not just women who happen to be involved in the lives of children. They are women who offer support, guidance, and care to those around them. They are women who are invested in the well-being of their communities and who recognize that the health of the community depends on the health of its members.
For hooks, the concept of “other mothers” is rooted in a deep understanding of the importance of relationships. She writes, “In my life, other mothers have been those women who have been my guides, my models, my teachers, my friends. They have shown me the importance of love, of care, of community.”
Hooks’ own experience of motherhood was shaped by the presence of “other mothers” in her life. As a young mother, she was supported and guided by a community of women who saw her as one of their own. These women offered not just practical support, but emotional and spiritual support as well. They recognized the challenges that hooks faced as a young mother and offered encouragement and guidance when she needed it most.
Through her work, hooks has emphasized the importance of community and relationships in the lives of Black women. She has argued that the health of the community depends on the health of its members, and that women play a vital role in creating and sustaining healthy communities. “Other mothers” are a key part of this equation, offering care and support to those around them.
But the concept of “other mothers” is not just about motherhood. It is about the importance of relationships in all areas of life. As hooks writes, “We all need other mothers in our lives. We need people who will care for us, support us, and guide us. We need people who will challenge us to be our best selves and who will hold us accountable when we fall short.”
In a society that often values individualism and self-sufficiency, the concept of “other mothers” offers a powerful alternative. It reminds us of the importance of community and relationships, and of the ways in which we all rely on each other for support and care. It challenges us to be more than just individuals, but to be members of a larger community.
For Black women, the concept of “other mothers” is particularly important. In a society that has historically devalued and marginalized Black women, the presence of other women who offer care and support can be transformative. These relationships can provide a sense of belonging and connection that is essential for mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
But the concept of “other mothers” is not limited to Black women. It is a concept that can be embraced by all people who recognize the importance of community and relationships. Whether we are mothers or not, we all need people in our lives who will offer care and support, who will challenge us to be our best selves, and who will hold us accountable when we fall short.
In the end, the concept of “other mothers” is a reminder of the power of relationships and the importance of community. It challenges us to move beyond individualism and self-sufficiency and to recognize the ways in which we all rely on each other for support and care. It reminds us that we are not alone, and that we all have a role to play in creating and sustaining healthy communities
With Love, Lakischa Smith
Meet Lakischa Smith, a proud mother and a dedicated public health advocate. With a Bachelor’s from Dillard University and a Master’s in Public Health from Florida International University, she’s committed to sharing honest narratives about black motherhood. Lakischa believes in fostering sisterhood to combat the pervasive forces of white supremacy, and empowering African American women to be agents of change for future generations. She asserts that recognizing and addressing our community’s struggles is crucial, for healing is the key to moving forward. Armed with the power of education and a deep belief in collective action, Lakischa is determined to ensure that the issues impacting African American maternal health aren’t just seen—they’re addressed and resolved.
