We believe that with the right networks in place for mothers, families can realize their dreams and reach their full potential. Our three focus areas will assist in eradicating poverty and set the course for mothers of color to achieve success.
Health Care
According to the CDC in recent years in the United States, black mothers die three to four times the rate of white mothers. The unfortunate reality is that 60% of these deaths can be prevented. Here’s what we know:
- Black women are 22 percent more likely to die from heart disease than white women.
- Black women are 71 percent more likely to perish from cervical cancer.
- Black women are 243 percent more likely to die from pregnancy or childbirth related causes.
- In a national study, black women were two to three times more likely to die than white women who had the same condition.
Through our “I Make Humans Project” and advocacy, Urban Mommy will assist in bringing this conversation to the forefront impacting and influencing local and national legislation. Our goal is to Educate, Inform and Prevent more mothers of color from dying each year from lack of access and resources.
Early Childhood Literacy
We know that lack of early childhood education can lead to poor school outcomes and also impact career paths, economic status, work options, health and social opportunities. When mothers invest in the future of their children, they aid in preventing these outcomes. Our goal is to motivate and influence mothers of color to “invest early to prevent later.”
According to Stanford CEPA, African-American children, on average, score lower on tests and are given lower grades than Asian, White, and Latino students. In adolescence, many of them fail courses and drop out of school.
The achievement gap is not just an African-American problem, it affects our nation when families and communities are left behind. Through our monthly local programming and advocacy efforts, Urban Mommy will strengthen the family and influence positive outcomes in early childhood education.
Personal Development
Personal development is an evolving and important process towards living a fulfilled, inspiring and sustained life. Women of color however face a shocking gap in careers, the workforce and entrepreneurship. 70 percent of black mothers were breadwinners in 2015. All of these things, combined with the extremely low levels of wealth held by African-American families, spell serious economic insecurity for those households.
Black women need equal pay and access to good jobs in the labor market to ensure economic security for themselves and their families.
What we know:
- Women are 50.8 percent of the U.S. population.1
- They account for 47 percent of the U.S. labor force5
- According to Census data about work-life earnings, white women make more than African-American women among full-time, year-round workers, regardless of what degrees they have obtained.
- Black women have lower labor force participation, higher unemployment, and are more likely to be working part-time for economic reasons than white men. The combination of these factors means that black women and their families may have a difficult time achieving economic security and social mobility.
We are committed to creating on-ramps for mothers of color to achieve success in these areas.
If you are interested in learning more about your programs/events please visit us online. To contact our staff direct regarding volunteering or partnerships email us info@urbanmommyinc.org
Impact a mom today! 