Morton, Patricia. Disfigured Images: The Historical Assault on Afro-American Women. New York: Prager, 1991.

There are many contradictions to black motherhood. There¡¯s a range of reactions from black women with regards to black motherhood. Some of them feel as if it¡¯s holding them down from exploring the world, and what it has to offer. Others feel motherhood is what empowers them. Protecting their children is the primary concern of women in the black community no matter what it takes. Black mothers have realized that raising a child alone is not a wise choice. So in most black communities women have agreed to share the mothering responsibilities with women who are often called othermothers. Othermothers range from teachers, to mentors, to next-door neighbors. Hooks also mentions this in her book. She says that, feminist activist have always seen public childcare as one solution to the problem of being the primary childrearers. This leaves the option for children without fathers to still experience male childrearing. Othermothers offer the child another form of support besides their bloodmothers. Collins says that, ¡°othermothers can be key not only in supporting children but also in helping bloodmothers who, for whatever reason, lack the preparation or desire for motherhood.¡± Othermothers are helpful to parents that cannot afford day care, or work other jobs. By the black community involving themselves in the lives of both children that are theirs, and not theirs, this allows for a sense of growth and empowerment within the black community.

Some topics in this essay:
Belle Hooks, Bell Hooks, Afro-American Families, Margin Center, Feminist Collins, black women, , Patricia Morton, black motherhood, Bells Hooks, black community, black males, Feminist Theory, Michele Ignorance, african-american women, black feminist, black mothers, paper identify collins, outside home, collins suggests, feminist theory,