Recently I found myself at my girlfriend’s place. I was picking her up to head out for a birthday lunch to celebrate another friend.
But as I stepped into her home, chaos greeted me in the form of her 2 and 5-year-old kids, being as toddlery as ever. This was no special moment. Screaming, laughing, and running seemed to be the order of the day. It was a scene that had played out in my home many times when my kids were little. It was almost as if they sensed their mom’s impending departure and decided to do all in their tiny power to thwart it.
My girlfriend was having none of it. Turning her back to the living room that held them captive, she wore a look of quiet determination. Amidst the pandemonium, she calmly packed her purse, stole kisses from her little ones over the baby gate, and made her way to the front door with unwavering determination.
Her husband, bless him, recognized the antics for what they were and had secured the kids. But then, the 5-year-old pulled off a daring stunt worthy of an Olympic hurdler. Scaling the baby gate in record time, she made a beeline for her mom, clinging to her leg with a mischievous cackle, declaring, “You’re not going anywhere!”
Undeterred, my friend continued to wrestle her foot into her boot. By the time her husband arrived to apprehend the escapee, she had gingerly plucked those chubby little kindergartner’s hands from around her calf and marched onward toward freedom.
Sometimes moms need reminding of why exactly we Mom
As we stepped outside, she paused, taking a deep breath, a reflective expression crossing her face.
“Every day I wake up as a toddler parent,” she mused, “I genuinely wonder how I’m not an alcoholic.”
I had to laugh in response, “Because you know you know regardless of the hangover you’d still have to get up with these kids!”
Motherhood is a rollercoaster ride of the good, the amazing, and the downright exhausting.
Whether knee-deep in toddler-wrangling, chasing younger kids, or braving the storm of teenage teenagery-ness, mothers are always doing the most. Every phase and stage is different. We survive bad advice for Toddler Parents and sometimes as parents of teens we need a Love letter from someone in the trenches with us during those teen years. There is no wonder we need our own spaces for Black Moms Connectionand celebration.
Then there are those times when — after a day of whatever parenting throws at us — moms really need reminding of the reasons we keep mom-ming.
Even the most regal of Queens among us occasionally needs reminding to adjust our crown.
And whether you are a mother, grandmother, auntie, or any other mother figure, it’s a role we don’t take for granted.
Even the most regal of Queens among us occasionally needs reminding to adjust our crown.
And that is where Motherhood’s greatest anthems come in to give us the pick-me-up we need.
Our anthems are like little musical high-fives, faithfully celebrating and lifting up moms everywhere. They celebrate strong women in our lives and remind us to cherish them. They are just right when you need the perfect song to add to the soundtrack of your Mother’s Day brunch, birthday celebration or whenever family members gather to honour their matriarch.
They’re the tunes that bring tears to your eyes and warmth to your heart, reminding you just how special and irreplaceable your particular mom-ing truly is.
And yeah, they remind us of the beautiful reasons we keep doing all the things we just keep doing as moms.
Uplifting Anthems that Celebrate Black Motherhood
Some songs celebrate the unique experience of Black motherhood, and for me, these songs mean everything. They’re like our personal anthems that echo the strength, resilience, and unwavering love that has defined generations of Black mothers.
Songs help celebrate the victories, big and small, some songs uniquely capture what it means to be a Black mom. They serve as a reminder of the beauty found in the everyday moments of Black motherhood.
These are the perfect songs when you know music is the only way to convey the heartfelt messages our Moms need to hear. Whether you are at a Mother’s Day brunch, celebrating a matriarch or are honouring the memory of a mother, the lyrics in these songs honour the profound legacy of a Black mother’s love and empowerment.
And, as a mom, these songs help even in those tough times when — after a day of whatever parenting throws at me — this mom needs reminding of the reasons I keep mom-ming. These songs show me a little love, help me celebrate my victories and serve as a reminder of the beauty found in everyday moments.
Whenever you need to, sink into some of motherhood’s greatest songs. Let them be a beautiful reminder to nourish your motherly soul. These songs have powerful messages that may soothe even the most taxed moms. So, the next time you need a reminder that your children are indeed little blessings, just press play.
Dear Mama, by Tupac shakur
There are no words that can express how I feel. You never kept a secret, always stayed real. And I appreciate how you raised me. And all the extra love that you gave me.
Dear Mama, Tupac Shakur
Protector, by Beyoncé & Rumi Carter
Even though I know someday you’re gonna shine on your own. I will be your projector… And even though I know someday you’re gonna shine on your own. I will be your protector, born to be your protector.
Protector, Beyoncé & Rumi Carter
Superwoman, by Alicia Keys
For all the mothers fighting for better days to come. And all my women, all my women sitting here trying to come home before the sun. And all my sisters coming together. Say yes I will. Yes I can. ‘Cause I am a Superwoman.
Superwoman, Alicia Keys
Mother, by Ashanti
You taught me strength and you gave me guidance Whenever faith was lost, you were there to find it. And all because a mother’s love is unconditional
Mother, Ashanti
Hey Mama, by Kanye West
You work late nights just to keep on the lightsMommy got me training wheels so I could keep on my bikeAnd you would give me anything in this world
Hey Mama, Kanye West
Woman Like Me, Chaka Khan
She is your sisterShe is your mother, your daughter, your girlBetter rememberIt was a woman who brought you in this world
Woman Like Me, Chaka Khan
It Don’t Have to Change, by John Legend
Times is hard, things are a-changin’I pray to God that we can remain the sameAll I’m trying to say is our love don’t have to changeNo, it don’t have to change
It don’t have to change, John Legend
Songs that Celebrate the Bonds with our Daughters
There is no better way to celebrate the special bond we share with our daughters than through the power of music. These songs are like a magical mixtape of emotions, blending empowering lyrics with heartstring-tugging melodies. They capture the essence of this unique relationship in all its beauty and complexity. From that classic song we love that inspires us to dance out our joy to R&B songs that tug at our heartstrings and bring tears to our eyes, these songs have it all.
So, get ready to turn up the volume and let the music speak to the unbreakable bond with our daughters.
My girl, The Temptations
I’ve got so much honey, the bees envy me. I’ve got a sweeter song, than the birds in the trees. Well, I guess you’d say – What can make me feel this way? My girl…
My Girl, The Temptations
Isn’t She Lovely, Stevie Wonder
I can’t believe what God has done. Through us, he’s given life to one. But isn’t she lovely, made from love.
Isn’t She Lovely, Stevie Wonder
Songs that Celebrate the Joy of Raising Black Sons
Ever found yourself listening to a song and secretly wishing you could raise a “mama’s boy” just like the one in the lyrics? You’re not alone! These emotional lyrics of these tributes, have us all yearning for that special bond with our sons.
These songs make the best Mother’s Day songs. They are just right to have wedding guests tearing up during that mother-son dances. Or, you can just play them when family comes together. So, whether you’re raising a son or are a son who wants to show some love to those who raised you, get ready to be moved by the heartwarming melodies and meaningful lyrics of these songs.
A song for mama, by Boyz II Men
Mama, you’re the queen of my heart. Your love is like tears from the stars… Mama, I just want you to know, lovin’ you is like food to my soul.
A Song for Mama, Boyz II Men
To Zion, by Lauryn Hill
I’ve never been in love like this before. Now let me pray to keep you from the perils that will surely come, see life for you, my prince has just begun. And I thank you for choosing me, to come through unto life to be. A beautiful reflection of his grace.
To Zion, Lauryn Hill
Look What You’ve Done, by Drake
Look what You’ve done in me. You spoke your truth into the lies I let my heart believe.
Look What You’ve Done, Drake
Black Mom’s Anthems: Songs That Celebrate the Heart and Soul of Motherhood
From the chaotic yet beautiful scene at my girlfriend’s house to my own journey through teenagery-ness, I can’t help but marvel at the resilience of mothers everywhere. Amidst the chaos, we deserve to celebrate our love, strength, and unwavering dedication.
No matter the time or place, any day is the best day to replenish our reservoirs of unconditional love. From movies like the timeless “Soul Food” to musical masterpieces like Lauryn Hill’s iconic album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” and the lyrical prowess of Tupac Shakur, these anthems uniquely and powerfully uplift Black mothers.
And whether you are a mother, grandmother, auntie – or any other mother figure – when the playlist is over and you’re still looking for a little pick me up, check out these 15 Powerful Positive Affirmations for Black Parents.
