There has been a significant rise in number black, single celebrity moms over the past decade. They have challenged traditional family structures while at the same time re-shaping the narrative about what it means to be a successful, independent woman.
In recent years, the emergence of these women are not only smashing glass ceilings but also inspiring and empowering other single mothers. With their success in various industries, they have shown that being a single mother does not define one’s worth or limit their potential.
The emergence of black single celebrity moms is not only a reflection of the changing landscape of the entertainment industry, but also a testament to the strength and resilience of these women. By sharing their stories and experiences, they are inspiring a new generation of women to pursue their dreams and overcome obstacles. They are proving that being a single mother does not define one’s worth or limit their potential, and that success is possible regardless of ones circumstances.
This month of March celebrates women, womanhood, highlighting important aspects of issues concerning our gender.
As a woman, there’s lot of facet to our lives, the most essential, yet complex and often overlooked is motherhood; women have been charged with continuing the human race by bringing life, nurturing the family and raising the next generation.
Motherhood defined is essentially being a mother or a female parent, a process made possible by birthing a child naturally or by adoption on several other means. In essence, motherhood means saying yes to the lovely and difficult responsibility of being a female nurturer of the next generation
So for this month’s special, we would be celebrating a unique set of black mothers who have taken on this journey by choice. Without the permission or support of a male partner or father, single mothers by choice have chosen this path and are totally mothering it out.
Notable among Black single celebrity mom is actor Halle Berry, who gave birth to her daughter Nahla in 2008 after splitting from her partner, model Gabriel Aubry. She hasn’t been shy about her experience as a single mother and has used her platform to advocate for issues such as domestic violence and child custody rights.
Taraji P. Henson, another prominent Black single celebrity mom who adopted her son Marcel in 1994 as a single parent. She has been very vocal regarding the challenges of raising a child alone while pursuing a career in Hollywood, but has also emphasized the joy and fulfillment that comes with being a parent.
Janet Jackson, in 2017, at the age of 50, gave birth to her son Eissa Al Mana. She has since spoken about the challenges of motherhood, particularly at an older age. She remain dedicated to raising her son. Janet has been an influential and inspirational figure in the entertainment industry for decades, and her journey as a single mother has only added to her legacy.
Viola Davis, another black single celebrity mom, has used her platform to empower other single mothers. She has discussed her struggles with poverty and her experience as a single mother, and has encouraged other women to pursue their dreams regardless of their circumstances. Davis has also been an advocate for diversity in Hollywood, and has used her success to create opportunities for other black actors and filmmakers.
Isha Sesay, 46
Former anchor and correspondent for CNN international is a British journalist from sierra Leone. The 46 year old single mother decided to have a child in 2022. After her divorce and 6 long years of caring for her convalescent mother. According to her during an interview with Today, “it hit me: Not having a child would be the greatest regret of my life. And with my biological clock ticking down, if I was waiting for the right man to come along before I did it, well, I might just find myself out of time.”
Her daughter, Naimah Yasmine Kadi Sesay was born in February 17th and like here first name, Naimah, she has been Isha’s peace and blessings.
Ini Edo, 40
Nollywood actress and movie producer is from Akwa ibom. She divorced since 2014 after being married for 6 years to an American based business man. Iniobong Edo birthed her daughter in 2021 via a surrogate. According to the actress, motherhood has been a school of love for her, she’s learning how much she can love someone else more than herself. While the actress hasn’t given any updates regarding signing the marriage papers soon, she’s eager and hopeful about more kids.
Naomi Campbell, 51
The first elite black supermodel, actress and business woman. She is among the black female influential personalities that have chosen to be mother’s even while single. Naomi, announced her daughter in May 2021 by posting a picture of her daughters feet. She was and is excited about motherhood. Even though there were speculations about her daughter being adopted, she confirmed it to British vogue in 2022 that her daughter is her biological child. Although Naomi has kept major details on her journey and her child private, she has been very public about the fact that she is raising her alone and absolutely relishing in the role as a mother.
Linda Ikeji, 42
Linda is a popular Nigerian blogger and entrepreneur from Imo state Nigeria. She had her son in 17th September 2018 after a long period of self acclaimed celibacy.
She had always spoken publicly about her desire to be a mother and a wife, but after having her child without a partner she came out to say ” I was led by my heart and clock ticking , I have no regrets… I don’t want to be having kids in my 40’s or struggling with fertility later” while addressing her fans.
The baby was fathered by a sperm donor and it has fulfilled Linda’s greatest dream of becoming a mother.
For women around the world, the concept of fading fertility as they age is not a recent discovery. The biological clock ticks, so instead of waiting and being hopeful, certain women are taking hold of their fate and making use of their reproductive rights and deciding to be mother’s – one of life greatest act of service. It’s a beautiful and wholesome sacrifice.
