Check Out These Communities to Grow Your Village
Written By: Ambreia Meadows-Fernandez
Access to a quality community can make or break our parenting experiences. When composed of the right people, our support system holds us through the ebbs and flows of parenting, brings a wealth of information and resources, and reminds us we’re doing a great job. (If lucky, they even grab the kids when we’re overwhelmed.)
But before building our "village," we must put ourselves out there and make connections. The process is easier said than done. Thankfully, our virtual world makes meeting new people who understand our needs as Black parents easier than ever.
Read on for a few virtual groups where you can grow your village.
Black Moms Connect: Those first two years of motherhood are full of adjustment. Thankfully, this free weekly virtual meet-up sponsored by Postpartum Support International helps fill the gaps.
The Dad Gang: Black dads can use this global organization to redefine Black fatherhood's narrative. It is a safe space to make connections and find support. As an added bonus, there are a few in-person gatherings.
xHood: This community ensures Black Queer parents have a space to build and nurture healthy families and parent happy children. Self-described as “a safe space for Black Queer parents to create deep connections and build support systems for ourselves and our families,” this community offers invaluable resources.
Shades of Blue Project: Maternal mental health is severely under-discussed. Shades of Blue Project steps in and connects Black and brown mamas to community resources, mental health advocacy, treatment, and support to find mental health support before, during, and after childbirth.
FreeBlackmotherhood: Moms looking for a place to embrace mindfulness, self-love, and the messiness of motherhood will love this space. FreeBlackmotherhood encourages authenticity and self-exploration while parenting.
Dope Black Dads: Dope Black Dads is a digital safe space that aims to celebrate, heal, inspire, and educate Black fathers to improve the outcomes for Black families.
The Dear Fathers: This media platform is "dedicated to telling stories of Black fathers from all angles." There’s a wealth of resources, including a newsletter, the Dear Fathers Podcast, book clubs, and Dear Fathers Night discussions.
Parenting for Liberation: This California-based community has the mission to support Black parents to heal from historical and ongoing trauma & interrupt intergenerational violence to build resilient and joyful Black families in community. They also offer many ways to explore liberation, including the podcast, an affirmation card deck, and the book Parenting for Liberation: A Guide for Raising Black Children.