A recent study revealed that Black mothers and fathers report higher levels of happiness than other groups. If that feels surprising, consider this: Black parents have been weaving joy into our lives and communities for generations.
Whether it’s through the family we’re born into or the family we choose, we create spaces that embrace us. And in a world where we face so much, joy is more than just happiness—it’s resistance.
Community is at the heart of Black parents’ happiness
I remember my parent’s stories of how they created community when they arrived in Canada. My father-in-law tells us that when he arrived in Canada, it was common to invite any Black person you met on the street or in church to dinner. Many of my Aunties and Uncles were adopted after these chance meetings – and our families remained close for decades.
In my parents’ case, they met folks at the immigration office, invited them home and became lifelong friends. I grew up calling these folks Auntie and Uncle. It wasn’t until I was almost an adult that I realized we had paperwork, not bloodlines in common.
I feel like remnants of this exist to this day. Black Community exists in the ‘head nod’, or exchange of glances when Black folks enter a room together. It’s the way we have forged friendships, that grew into family and supported each other for decades.
Here’s a look at some incredible communities that are creating these spaces for Black parents and parents-to-be:
Communities for Black Mothers
Black Moms Connection: A global village of nearly 30,000 Black mothers. The group offers programs and workshops to support financial literacy and the emotional well-being of Black moms. Learn more.
Black Women in Motion: A grassroots, survivor-led organization supporting Black women, girls, non-binary, and gender-non-conforming survivors of gender-based violence. Learn more.
Woke Mommy Chatter: A social enterprise celebrating Black motherhood, Woke Mommy Chatter uses storytelling to amplify the voices of Black mothers across Canada. Woke mommy hpes to strengthen community bonds and champion the rights and well-being of Black mothers. Learn more.
Communities for Black Fathers
Black Daddies Club (BDC): A powerful support network redefining fatherhood in our community. BDC provides workshops, events, and safe spaces for Black fathers to share experiences. Learn more.
Dope Black Dad: A platform connecting and uplifting Black fathers globally, focusing on positive Black fatherhood and mental health. Learn more.
The Black Man can: Ok – this organization isn’t exactly for parents or fathers – but if your timeline needs a cleanse, this is the group to follow! As a mom and Auntie to Black boys, I appreciate the heck out of a group that centres them and provides positive inspirations. Learn more.
Communities for Black Parents-to-Be
Ancestral Hands Midwives: A Black midwife-led organization supporting Black communities with prenatal, birth, and postpartum care. Learn more.
Mino Care: Provides access to Doula Support, lactation help, and mental health services for Black parents-to-be. Learn more.
Ontario Black Doula Society: A directory of Black doulas across Ontario. Learn more.
Organizations Supporting Black Caregivers of Children with Special Needs
Sawubona Africentric Circle of Support: A non-profit supporting Black caregivers of individuals with disabilities. Learn more.
Organizations that support Black parenting skills and well-being
The Kujenga Wellness Project: Kujenga supports Black families, parents, and youth by providing the information and resources they need to thrive. They’ve supported thousands of families and hosted over 50 webinars and support groups. Learn more.
Caribbean African Canadian Social Services: This charitable organization provides culturally safe services for African Canadian children, youth, and families. They offer counselling, case management, employment services, youth mentorship, and outreach programs. Learn more.
Family Education Centre: This organization helps Black parents with exceptional resources, both in person and online. Their programs focus on maintaining healthy, happy, and hopeful families. Learn more.
The Together We Are Durham Family and Cultural Centre: They support parents and caregivers of Black children by providing a collaborative, supportive family environment where they can explore parenting topics and cultural strategies. Learn more.
Advocacy and Education Support for Black Parents
Our children will spend at least 14 years in the public school system. Their time in it will impact not only their economic opportunities and future choices but possibly their well-being and self-worth. Black parents with children in elementary school through to high school and beyond need to understand the ins and outs of our public schools.
From racial violence to the absence of Black educators, and equitable access to educational opportunities Black students face barriers to positive outcomes. Unless you are one of the growing number of Black homeschoolers, these organizations are invaluable to you as you navigate a school system that can feel overwhelming.
Parents of Black Children: This organization helps Black parents advocate for their children in the education system, supporting them through the challenges of systemic racism. Learn more.
The African Canadian Heritage Association: Providing educational programming and resources on African history and Black Canadian culture. Learn more.
Parents for Diversity: Advocates for equitable and inclusive learning environments, helping parents implement diversity in schools. Learn more.
Mental Health, Medical, and Counselling Services for Black Families
TAIBU Community Health Centre: Provides medical care and health promotion for Black-identifying clients. Learn more.
Across Boundaries: Offers holistic mental health and addiction services for racialized individuals in the Greater Toronto Area. Learn more.
Specialty Organizations Supporting Black Parents, Caregivers, and Families
African Family Revival Organization: is a grassroots mutual aid organization supporting Black, African, and newly immigrated families in Waterloo, Ontario. They offer programs for youth, seniors, and families. Learn more.
African Community Services of Peel (ACS): ACS provides settlement services for the Black/African community in Peel Region. Learn more.
Black Food Toronto: In response to COVID-19, the Afri-Can FoodBasket launched Black Food Toronto to address food insecurities in Toronto’s ACB community. They provide weekly deliveries of fresh, culturally sensitive fruits and vegetables to support those facing hardship or food insecurity. Learn more.
Special Mentions
Black Creek CHC: A multi-service agency providing healthcare, social assistance, and community programs. Learn more.
BHPN – Black Health Professionals Network: A directory of Black healthcare professionals. Learn more.
Black Parents and Families Thrive in Community
These organizations don’t just offer essential support—they also give Black parents and our children the opportunity to build the community that fuels our joy.
Parenting while Black has no affiliation to any of these programs and services. This list was created by scouring the internet, and while it’s not exhaustive, it’s a recognition that Black parents, caregivers, and families need and deserve community.
If you know of an organization that supports Black parents but isn’t on this list, feel free to email me or comment below. I’d love to hear about the spaces and organizations that exist to support Black parents.
