Other single mothers looking to date could learn a few things from Huda — even if they’re what not to do.

Don’t Be Ashamed

Sadly, society makes a habit of shaming all types of mothers. That judgment is even more severe when it comes to women who are doing it without a male partner. In a world full of critics and naysayers, single mothers may find themselves so concerned with the opinions of others, they internalize some of that shame. As another Love Island cast member, Chelley, told Huda: wear being a single mother like the badge of honor that it is.

Love Island has been appointment television this summer. The show places twenty-somethings in the equivalent of a Fijian summer camp as they try to develop romantic connections with their fellow castmates. Huda Mustafa, a 24-year-old fitness influencer, is easily this season’s most polarizing figure. She came into the show with a secret — she was a mommy, mom, mamacita to a 5-year-old daughter. Huda told the other women on the show about her child but decided that she would withhold this information from Jeremiah, the first man she developed a connection with on the show. She reasoned that she wanted to save that information until he really liked her. For the audience, this was one of the first red flags.

Other single mothers looking to date could learn a few things from Huda — even if they’re what not to do.

Don’t Be Ashamed

Sadly, society makes a habit of shaming all types of mothers. That judgment is even more severe when it comes to women who are doing it without a male partner. In a world full of critics and naysayers, single mothers may find themselves so concerned with the opinions of others, they internalize some of that shame. As another Love Island cast member, Chelley, told Huda: wear being a single mother like the badge of honor that it is.

Be Honest About the Fact You Have Children

Hiding the existence of your children from a potential partner is deceitful manipulation. Hoping that they’ll like you enough to go against their own preferences for a relationship is not healthy. Any person who doesn’t want to date someone with children is not the person for you. The children aren’t going anywhere. You need to know immediately if your romantic prospects are willing to join you on this journey. If they’re not, they’re not for you.

Make Sure You’re Ready

We all know single mothers who wouldn’t dream of dating while their children were still in the home. Maybe they were afraid of introducing their children to someone new. Perhaps the demands of parenthood made it too hard to prioritize themselves. Being a parent is a spiritual path, and it’s understandable if you need to focus all of your energies on the lessons it teaches before you open yourself up to the dating pool. On the flip side, many of us have seen parents who place too much of their self-esteem in having a partner — to the detriment of their children.

Introduce on Your Timeline

One of the biggest questions parents have about dating is when they should introduce their children to the people they’re dating. Some argue that you should protect your children and shield them from too many new people. Others argue that you should arrange for a meeting early, because if there is a glaring issue, you don’t want to have developed serious feelings just to end the relationship.

Keep Co-Parents Informed

Your child’s other parent has the right to know the people who will be around their child. Before you introduce your child to your new boo, make sure your co-parent has had a conversation with this person so they can share any concerns they may have. This way, you can avoid conflict and set the foundation for building a proper blended family — if it gets to that point.

Be Honest About the Fact You Have Children

Hiding the existence of your children from a potential partner is deceitful manipulation. Hoping that they’ll like you enough to go against their own preferences for a relationship is not healthy. Any person who doesn’t want to date someone with children is not the person for you. The children aren’t going anywhere. You need to know immediately if your romantic prospects are willing to join you on this journey. If they’re not, they’re not for you.

Make Sure You’re Ready

We all know single mothers who wouldn’t dream of dating while their children were still in the home. Maybe they were afraid of introducing their children to someone new. Perhaps the demands of parenthood made it too hard to prioritize themselves. Being a parent is a spiritual path, and it’s understandable if you need to focus all of your energies on the lessons it teaches before you open yourself up to the dating pool. On the flip side, many of us have seen parents who place too much of their self-esteem in having a partner — to the detriment of their children.

Introduce on Your Timeline

One of the biggest questions parents have about dating is when they should introduce their children to the people they’re dating. Some argue that you should protect your children and shield them from too many new people. Others argue that you should arrange for a meeting early, because if there is a glaring issue, you don’t want to have developed serious feelings just to end the relationship.

Keep Co-Parents Informed

Your child’s other parent has the right to know the people who will be around their child. Before you introduce your child to your new boo, make sure your co-parent has had a conversation with this person so they can share any concerns they may have. This way, you can avoid conflict and set the foundation for building a proper blended family — if it gets to that point.

Alicia Johnson takes a moment from breastfeeding her infant, to answer a few questions.  Motherhood has been a journey for the 41-year-old businessowner, style influencer and social media personality. After struggling to get pregnant and an intense five rounds of IVF, nothing compares to the joy of her family of three welcome a fourth member. 

Like many new moms, Alicia finding the balance between daily life tasks, breastfeeding and maintaining her business in a shaky economy. Something she wishes “more moms were transparent about the woes of motherhood. Therefore, she is using her platform to show the unfiltered side of mom life. One of the things she’s been transparent about it how the current economy affects her household. 

Like many new moms, Alicia finding the balance between daily life tasks, breastfeeding and maintaining her business in a shaky economy. Something she wishes “more moms were transparent about the woes of motherhood. Therefore, she is using her platform to show the unfiltered side of mom life. One of the things she’s been transparent about it how the current economy affects her household. 

As a full-time content creator and online beauty supply owner, Trump’s tariffs have added another layer to her family dynamic. 

As a full-time content creator and online beauty supply owner, Trump’s tariffs have added another layer to her family dynamic. 

Currently at 245%, Trump’s tariffs have the potential to “shatter everything I’ve built.” But she’s keeping her faith in God. “I’m focusing my energy on the things I can control and praying and trusting God to take care of the rest.”

Currently at 245%, Trump’s tariffs have the potential to “shatter everything I’ve built.” But she’s keeping her faith in God. “I’m focusing my energy on the things I can control and praying and trusting God to take care of the rest.”

“Having a baby is already costly enough but now with the rising cost of everything we have been really trying to be more mindful and strategic about where and what we spend on. On top of her baby now eating solid foods, she considers herself what the Internet girlies would call a “crunchy mom. “I’m always looking for the best ingredients, organic fresh fruits and veggies, and making all of the baby’s food from scratch.”

“Having a baby is already costly enough but now with the rising cost of everything we have been really trying to be more mindful and strategic about where and what we spend on. On top of her baby now eating solid foods, she considers herself what the Internet girlies would call a “crunchy mom. “I’m always looking for the best ingredients, organic fresh fruits and veggies, and making all of the baby’s food from scratch.”

Alicia is also an entrepreneur. Her online beauty store — TheBeautyNomad.com — is full of merch, and products. The online spot “came out of the need for Black women and busy moms to have easier access to their beauty and haircare needs. So juggling all of that as a new mom has been a lot.” 

Alicia is also an entrepreneur. Her online beauty store — TheBeautyNomad.com — is full of merch, and products. The online spot “came out of the need for Black women and busy moms to have easier access to their beauty and haircare needs. So juggling all of that as a new mom has been a lot.” 

She adds, “And as if that isn’t enough now I’m dealing with the looming effects of Trumps tariffs. The beauty supply industry is notoriously dominated by Asian owned businesses and manufacturers. So I don’t know where my business will stand and exactly how or if we’ll make it through the next couple of years.”

She adds, “And as if that isn’t enough now I’m dealing with the looming effects of Trumps tariffs. The beauty supply industry is notoriously dominated by Asian owned businesses and manufacturers. So I don’t know where my business will stand and exactly how or if we’ll make it through the next couple of years.”

Alicia shares the same concerns as other businessowners in similar markets that depend on places like China to get their merchandise. Despite uncertain times, Alicia’s focus remains on her family and the new life she’s brought into the world.

Alicia shares the same concerns as other businessowners in similar markets that depend on places like China to get their merchandise. Despite uncertain times, Alicia’s focus remains on her family and the new life she’s brought into the world.

“I’ve slowly being getting back into the swing of business and all that comes with that. My social media platforms have grown so much in the past year and I’ve been putting a lot of energy into events, merch, and my content so I’d be lying if I didn’t say maybe all that is going on with the tariffs is a sign that it’s time for me to pivot. But like I said I’m trusting God to open and close the right doors for me and going from there.”

“I’ve slowly being getting back into the swing of business and all that comes with that. My social media platforms have grown so much in the past year and I’ve been putting a lot of energy into events, merch, and my content so I’d be lying if I didn’t say maybe all that is going on with the tariffs is a sign that it’s time for me to pivot. But like I said I’m trusting God to open and close the right doors for me and going from there.”

You don’t have to be a politician or public figure to make history. History is made on the frontlines in our communities everyday through change agents like Bre Scullark. For the Harlem native, that begins with teaching her own son emotional intelligence and giving a voice to the voiceless and powerless incarcerated population.

Scullark, who is being honored this weekend at the Supermom Mission gala, knows the importance of active listening and how lending an ear goes so far in underserved and justice involved populations. The 39-year-old boy mom has been servicing Riker’s Island inmates since 2016.

Scullark, who is being honored this weekend at the Supermom Mission gala, knows the importance of active listening and how lending an ear goes so far in underserved and justice involved populations. The 39-year-old boy mom has been servicing Riker’s Island inmates since 2016.

“The most rewarding aspect of working here is allowing people their process of coming home to self,” she explained. “Many people have given up on the possibility of their future way before they were remanded. Witnessing individuals find the courage to motion forward in their thinking and ways of being is phenomenal and inspiring.”

“The most rewarding aspect of working here is allowing people their process of coming home to self,” she explained. “Many people have given up on the possibility of their future way before they were remanded. Witnessing individuals find the courage to motion forward in their thinking and ways of being is phenomenal and inspiring.”

With her holistic approach to self-care, she incorporates prayer, stillness, meditation and silence into her methods of healing. She started the Urban Peace Squad, in 2015, and began offering donation-based classes to People of Color in Harlem, NY.

With her holistic approach to self-care, she incorporates prayer, stillness, meditation and silence into her methods of healing. She started the Urban Peace Squad, in 2015, and began offering donation-based classes to People of Color in Harlem, NY.

“I realized that many people in underserved communities were/are only provided basic knowledge on health. The space to explore their anatomy and their emotional health seemed obsolete. Urban Peace Squad started by me practicing yoga randomly in project houses on basketball courts where people would walk by and laugh or some were curious. Either way, they engaged and later participated. Everybody deserves Peace.”

“I realized that many people in underserved communities were/are only provided basic knowledge on health. The space to explore their anatomy and their emotional health seemed obsolete. Urban Peace Squad started by me practicing yoga randomly in project houses on basketball courts where people would walk by and laugh or some were curious. Either way, they engaged and later participated. Everybody deserves Peace.”

Scullark’s work extends to her brand God Lives in the Ghetto, also known as GLIG. “GLIG acknowledges that God is everywhere. We do not need to perform for God, we do not need to have our sh-t together in order for God to be with us. God is abundant, poetic, compassionate and the greatest gentlemen. (My God is a “he”) He is always there waiting for the invitation to be welcomed in. God is in our suffering, poverty, powerlessness, brokenness and isolation. God is within us. Anywhere and Everywhere, no one and no circumstance can exempt you from God.”

Scullark’s work extends to her brand God Lives in the Ghetto, also known as GLIG. “GLIG acknowledges that God is everywhere. We do not need to perform for God, we do not need to have our sh-t together in order for God to be with us. God is abundant, poetic, compassionate and the greatest gentlemen. (My God is a “he”) He is always there waiting for the invitation to be welcomed in. God is in our suffering, poverty, powerlessness, brokenness and isolation. God is within us. Anywhere and Everywhere, no one and no circumstance can exempt you from God.”

She approaches motherhood with the same delicacy, describing herself as a leader, a protector, a provider and a nurturer. It’s important for Bre to teach him self-care in a space where Black boys and men are not typically allowed.

She approaches motherhood with the same delicacy, describing herself as a leader, a protector, a provider and a nurturer. It’s important for Bre to teach him self-care in a space where Black boys and men are not typically allowed.

“I am actively teaching my son emotional maturity,” she said. “We constantly talk about our feelings and where we sense them in his body in real time. I work with my son on empathy. Beginning with how he sees and treats animals to observing people on public transportation. What does their faces say about their possible mood? Does it match their words (if conversations are had).”

“I am actively teaching my son emotional maturity,” she said. “We constantly talk about our feelings and where we sense them in his body in real time. I work with my son on empathy. Beginning with how he sees and treats animals to observing people on public transportation. What does their faces say about their possible mood? Does it match their words (if conversations are had).”

She also practices what she preaches. Describing her own self-care and holistic methods, she talks about being selective about who she shares her energy with. It is essential to her wellbeing to incorporate prayer, stillness, meditation and silence in her daily life. “I enjoy being of service to others without the expectation of it being reciprocated. I choose to surround myself with people who genuinely love me and accept me entirely. I avoid spaces and people who tolerate me or attempt to neutralize my joy. I appreciate journaling without reason. I value sharing warm Matcha in the morning while my son drinks hot cocoa as we prepare for our day. I laugh A LOT. I give eye contact to everyone I converse with. I tell people I love them even if I do not know them. I hold hugs for longer than 2 seconds. When people gift me with compliments I don’t shy away or deflect, I say thank you and receive good. I smile.”

She also practices what she preaches. Describing her own self-care and holistic methods, she talks about being selective about who she shares her energy with. It is essential to her wellbeing to incorporate prayer, stillness, meditation and silence in her daily life. “I enjoy being of service to others without the expectation of it being reciprocated. I choose to surround myself with people who genuinely love me and accept me entirely. I avoid spaces and people who tolerate me or attempt to neutralize my joy. I appreciate journaling without reason. I value sharing warm Matcha in the morning while my son drinks hot cocoa as we prepare for our day. I laugh A LOT. I give eye contact to everyone I converse with. I tell people I love them even if I do not know them. I hold hugs for longer than 2 seconds. When people gift me with compliments I don’t shy away or deflect, I say thank you and receive good. I smile.”

Follow Bre Scullark, here.

Follow Bre Scullark, here.

Jordan Benston is a wonder woman. She is the force behind Oracle Media, a full service production company that produces high-level content. From digital covers to Hulu documentaries, Jordan, affectionally known as JB, seems to do it all. As a wife, mom of two, and master multitasker, she relies on her husband Tomerio to help juggle the many hats she wears. That includes, putting in that work for the company, being a kick-ass dad, and holding their household down as the anchor of the Benston family.

With Valentine’s Day in February, it is a month-long celebration of love. JB and Tomerio’s love story is the stuff Black love movies are made of. The couple wed in a private ceremony on December 4, 2021. The power couple recently celebrated their 3-year wedding anniversary. 

With Valentine’s Day in February, it is a month-long celebration of love. JB and Tomerio’s love story is the stuff Black love movies are made of. The couple wed in a private ceremony on December 4, 2021. The power couple recently celebrated their 3-year wedding anniversary. 

“It was super important to be able to have a strong partner who was going be able to support all of the endeavors that I wanted to do,” she explained. “Before I started my business, Tomerio had a full-time job. Once we started the business, it required a lot of travel and more from me. So, he stepped up so their business could thrive.

“It was super important to be able to have a strong partner who was going be able to support all of the endeavors that I wanted to do,” she explained. “Before I started my business, Tomerio had a full-time job. Once we started the business, it required a lot of travel and more from me. So, he stepped up so their business could thrive.

According to JB, she and Tomerio don’t have a “traditional” household when it comes to their family dynamic. “We split things up in a way that works best for us in our home.”

According to JB, she and Tomerio don’t have a “traditional” household when it comes to their family dynamic. “We split things up in a way that works best for us in our home.”

JB and Tomerio make a conscious effort to be an excellent example of Black love to their children. “We like to be able to make sure that we are a good example of safe and healthy love to our children. Their displays of affection around the house and “spirited debates” teach their children the importance of showing affection and communication even if it garners a “ew” from their daughter Abby.

JB and Tomerio make a conscious effort to be an excellent example of Black love to their children. “We like to be able to make sure that we are a good example of safe and healthy love to our children. Their displays of affection around the house and “spirited debates” teach their children the importance of showing affection and communication even if it garners a “ew” from their daughter Abby.

“My husband makes me feel loved by supporting me, by always considering me. He thinks for me in ways that I don’t think for or he considers me in ways that I sometimes don’t consider myself,” JB gushed. “He’ll remind me like, ‘You have a shoot coming up. What are you wearing? Did you pick out your clothes? Your shoot is coming up. Did you make a hair appointment? Did you make a nail appointment?’”

“My husband makes me feel loved by supporting me, by always considering me. He thinks for me in ways that I don’t think for or he considers me in ways that I sometimes don’t consider myself,” JB gushed. “He’ll remind me like, ‘You have a shoot coming up. What are you wearing? Did you pick out your clothes? Your shoot is coming up. Did you make a hair appointment? Did you make a nail appointment?’”

Checking-in keeps them in-tune. JB also credits their friendship as a secret to maintaining their love. “I genuinely enjoy being around my husband. I enjoy our quality time together. I like just talking to him about my day, about work, about the kids.”

Checking-in keeps them in-tune. JB also credits their friendship as a secret to maintaining their love. “I genuinely enjoy being around my husband. I enjoy our quality time together. I like just talking to him about my day, about work, about the kids.”

Cuddling together to watch their favorite shows is the perfect recipe for this busy couple. “We celebrate romance on the regular. Those intimate moments can literally look like sitting down together and watching Abbott Elementary, just the two of us, no kids or catching up on our favorite like reality show.”

Cuddling together to watch their favorite shows is the perfect recipe for this busy couple. “We celebrate romance on the regular. Those intimate moments can literally look like sitting down together and watching Abbott Elementary, just the two of us, no kids or catching up on our favorite like reality show.”

JB shows her love for Tomerio through physical gestures like hugs, kisses and touchy moments around the house. “I would live in his skin,” she said jokingly. “I’m always on him. When we’re in the house, I’m hugging him. When we’re in the bed together and we’re asleep, I’m body to body, skin to skin.”

JB shows her love for Tomerio through physical gestures like hugs, kisses and touchy moments around the house. “I would live in his skin,” she said jokingly. “I’m always on him. When we’re in the house, I’m hugging him. When we’re in the bed together and we’re asleep, I’m body to body, skin to skin.”

And when all else fails, a simple I love you goes a long way. “I don’t know when it started, but we always kiss three times and say, I love you. We say, I love you to each other before we leave to go to the store. Before we leave from upstairs to go downstairs, we kiss and say, ‘I love you.’ It might be excessive, but for us, we really love to do that, to be able to show each other love.”

And when all else fails, a simple I love you goes a long way. “I don’t know when it started, but we always kiss three times and say, I love you. We say, I love you to each other before we leave to go to the store. Before we leave from upstairs to go downstairs, we kiss and say, ‘I love you.’ It might be excessive, but for us, we really love to do that, to be able to show each other love.”

Lucinda Cross has superpowers. One conversation with the motivational speaker and life coach and you’ll leave feeling full. She has a way of speaking life into you with unmatched authenticity. That’s probably because Lucinda, mom of three, has had her fair share of trials and triumphs. All of which she details in her inspirational speeches that can be found on her social media account. 

Lucinda’s personal life experiences have made her a voice mom’s raising multiple children, including one incarcerated. Through it all, Lucinda has maintained her positive outlook on life.

Lucinda’s personal life experiences have made her a voice mom’s raising multiple children, including one incarcerated. Through it all, Lucinda has maintained her positive outlook on life.

“My motherhood journey has been filled with love, growth, and intention,” she says. “When struggles come, I face them with faith, resilience, and a sense of purpose.” Lucinda revealed she leans on prayer and prays over everything from her kid’s shoes to their sports bags. Prayer has helped her cope with her son serving time.

“My motherhood journey has been filled with love, growth, and intention,” she says. “When struggles come, I face them with faith, resilience, and a sense of purpose.” Lucinda revealed she leans on prayer and prays over everything from her kid’s shoes to their sports bags. Prayer has helped her cope with her son serving time.

“Having a son incarcerated has been one of the most difficult experiences of my life as a mother. He was a college senior, just months away from graduating at the top of his class, when he was sentenced for his first offense. It was devastating, especially knowing he had never been in trouble before. Looking back, I now see how the effects of the bullying he endured as a young boy contributed to the choices he made. The emotional toll, the constant worry, and the weight of societal judgment are indescribable.”

“Having a son incarcerated has been one of the most difficult experiences of my life as a mother. He was a college senior, just months away from graduating at the top of his class, when he was sentenced for his first offense. It was devastating, especially knowing he had never been in trouble before. Looking back, I now see how the effects of the bullying he endured as a young boy contributed to the choices he made. The emotional toll, the constant worry, and the weight of societal judgment are indescribable.”

Lucinda turned her pain into her passion but uplifting other mothers who may be going through similar. “My advice to moms in the same situation is to hold onto your faith, lean on your support system, and give yourself grace. I was extremely hard on myself and wondered what did I do wrong? I spent countless sleeping nights wondering how can I help him. I went into a deep depression and almost lost my business. I was overwhelmed with one kid going into college, one going into high school and one going into prison, it was rough and I put myself in a deep dark space.”

Lucinda turned her pain into her passion but uplifting other mothers who may be going through similar. “My advice to moms in the same situation is to hold onto your faith, lean on your support system, and give yourself grace. I was extremely hard on myself and wondered what did I do wrong? I spent countless sleeping nights wondering how can I help him. I went into a deep depression and almost lost my business. I was overwhelmed with one kid going into college, one going into high school and one going into prison, it was rough and I put myself in a deep dark space.”

Despite feeling overwhelmed providing emotional support to her son, and raising her other children, Lucinda manages to do it all with grace.

Despite feeling overwhelmed providing emotional support to her son, and raising her other children, Lucinda manages to do it all with grace.

“With my younger son, I’ve been honest in an age-appropriate way, explaining the situation without sugarcoating it. My daughter is also suffering but it has brought us all closer. I’ve used this as an opportunity to teach them empathy, forgiveness, and the importance of learning from mistakes. We openly discuss choices and consequences while reinforcing that their brother is still deeply loved, valued, and capable of growth and redemption. This experience has brought us closer as a family and reminded us that, no matter what, we stand together.”

“With my younger son, I’ve been honest in an age-appropriate way, explaining the situation without sugarcoating it. My daughter is also suffering but it has brought us all closer. I’ve used this as an opportunity to teach them empathy, forgiveness, and the importance of learning from mistakes. We openly discuss choices and consequences while reinforcing that their brother is still deeply loved, valued, and capable of growth and redemption. This experience has brought us closer as a family and reminded us that, no matter what, we stand together.”

Black women bear the load of the family and sometimes to the detriment of our mental and physical health. A goal for Lucinda, this year, is to “ take a solo trip, it is much needed.”

Black women bear the load of the family and sometimes to the detriment of our mental and physical health. A goal for Lucinda, this year, is to “ take a solo trip, it is much needed.”

She adds, “take time for self-care and seek out resources or support groups that understand what you’re going through. Remember, this is just a chapter in your family’s story, not the whole book. Stay hopeful and focus on the possibility of growth and redemption for your child and for yourself.”

She adds, “take time for self-care and seek out resources or support groups that understand what you’re going through. Remember, this is just a chapter in your family’s story, not the whole book. Stay hopeful and focus on the possibility of growth and redemption for your child and for yourself.”

You can find more about Lucinda at www.lucindacross.com and her nonprofit that advocates for reentry and restorative justice  www.activateyourlife.org . If you wish to join my text support group you can message me at 914 623-8572 for love, support in this transition or life coaching. 

You can find more about Lucinda at www.lucindacross.com and her nonprofit that advocates for reentry and restorative justice  www.activateyourlife.org . If you wish to join my text support group you can message me at 914 623-8572 for love, support in this transition or life coaching.