LBSM
Policy
Positions
Loving Black Single Mothers was founded in response to the lack of support, resources, empathy, and understanding that Black single mothers experience across this country.
For too long, Black single mothers have been used as pawns in narratives that fail to honor our full humanity, resilience, and contributions.
We are often blamed for systemic failings, portrayed as untrustworthy or incapable
…and expected to bear the weight of raising families, navigating financial hardships, and meeting societal expectations—all with little to no meaningful support.
At Loving Black Single Mothers, we believe and understand that all politics are reproductive politics.
Every policy, every decision that affects housing, healthcare, education, labor, or criminal justice is a decision that impacts mothers, families, and the systems that support or fail them. When reproductive justice advocates say “every mother matters,” they mean every single one of us—including Black single mothers, who are often overlooked. Our organization exists to ensure that Black single mothers are seen, heard, and empowered within the political landscape, not only as individuals but as essential pillars of their communities.
For generations, we have seen our experiences and our needs sidelined, while our communities endure the consequences of policies that neither protect nor empower us. We are deeply familiar with the struggles that come when society prioritizes profit over people, when mothers are told to “figure it out” on their own, and when communities like ours are overlooked in conversations about justice and equity.
The challenges Black single mothers face are unique, often requiring tailored solutions that are rooted in an understanding of our lived experiences.
It is not enough to simply offer generic support—our mothers need comprehensive, culturally responsive resources that address the realities of their lives.
With all of that said, below you’ll find the key policy positions our organization stands behind. We believe it is both important and necessary to clearly name where we stand on issues that profoundly impact the lives of Black single mothers.
Economic Justice and Family Support
This category focuses on policies that address financial stability, wealth redistribution, and the systemic barriers Black single mothers face in achieving economic independence and providing for their families.
Economic Justice and
Family Support
Guaranteed Income
Economic instability is one of the most significant challenges facing Black single mothers. Guaranteed income programs that provide a stable and predictable source of income can relieve the financial strain, reduce stress, and improve the quality of life for mothers and their children.
We support initiatives like universal basic income or guaranteed income programs specifically targeted toward marginalized families. This income would enable mothers to meet their basic needs, reduce reliance on precarious jobs, and provide them with the flexibility to focus on parenting and self-care without constant financial anxiety.
Living Wages
Far too many Black single mothers work in low-paying jobs that do not provide a living wage, despite working long hours or multiple jobs. The current minimum wage does not come close to covering the cost of living in many areas, leaving mothers trapped in cycles of poverty.
We believe in advocating for a federal living wage that meets the real cost of living and accounts for regional variations in housing, childcare, and transportation costs. By ensuring a living wage, we aim to support the economic independence and dignity of Black single mothers, empowering them to provide for their families without working multiple jobs.
Expanded Child Tax Credit
The Child Tax Credit (CTC) is a powerful tool for reducing child poverty, but its reach is often limited, leaving many Black single mothers without sufficient support. An expanded CTC that provides monthly, fully refundable payments to all low- and moderate-income families would directly benefit Black single mothers, helping them cover essential costs like housing, food, and childcare.
We support making the expanded CTC permanent, removing income thresholds that disqualify the lowest-income families, and eliminating restrictions that prevent certain parents, especially single mothers, from receiving the full credit. An expanded and accessible CTC would provide Black single mothers with a reliable financial foundation, promoting family stability, reducing stress, and offering children a better quality of life.
Debt Cancellation
Many Black single mothers are burdened by debt, whether from predatory loans, medical expenses, or the cost of higher education.
We support comprehensive debt cancellation policies, including student loan forgiveness, medical debt relief, and protections against predatory lending. These measures would help level the economic playing field, enabling Black single mothers to build wealth and invest in their futures.
Wealth Redistribution
and Reparations
We advocate for policies that address the racial wealth gap through reparations for Black communities, acknowledging the historical injustices of slavery, segregation, redlining, and other systemic forms of oppression.
Reparations should include direct financial payments, investment in Black-owned businesses, and funding for community-led initiatives in education, housing, and healthcare. Wealth redistribution policies that target extreme concentrations of wealth and reinvest in marginalized communities are essential for creating a more equitable society.
Progressive Taxation
The current tax system often favors the wealthy, allowing them to accumulate more wealth while low- and middle-income families struggle to make ends meet.
We support progressive tax policies, including higher taxes on the wealthiest individuals, corporations, and capital gains, to fund social programs that benefit Black single mothers and their communities. By redistributing wealth through fair taxation, we can invest in critical resources like childcare, healthcare, and education.
Expanding TANF
(Temporary Assistance for
Needy Families)
The TANF program provides critical support for low-income families, but it currently falls short of meeting the needs of many Black single mothers. The program’s benefits are often limited, the eligibility criteria can be restrictive, and the work requirements do not account for the full range of barriers single mothers face, such as childcare access, transportation, and stable employment opportunities.
We advocate for an expansion of TANF to increase benefit amounts, extend eligibility, and remove punitive work requirements that fail to consider the realities of single motherhood. Expanding TANF would provide Black single mothers with a more reliable safety net, allowing them to focus on long-term stability, job training, and the well-being of their families without the constant pressure of immediate financial insecurity.
An expanded TANF program is a step toward economic justice, providing essential support that empowers mothers to move beyond survival and work toward greater economic independence and family stability.
Childcare Assistance
Access to affordable, quality childcare is essential for Black single mothers, who often have limited family or community support to assist with childcare needs. Yet, many mothers face long waitlists, limited availability, or high costs that make childcare inaccessible.
We support comprehensive childcare assistance programs that reduce financial burdens and increase the availability of culturally sensitive childcare options. Affordable childcare enables mothers to pursue employment, education, or personal development, knowing their children are cared for in a safe and nurturing environment.
Federal Rent Cap /
Affordable Housing
Housing is a critical issue for Black single mothers, who face higher rates of eviction, housing instability, and homelessness. The rising cost of rent often consumes a significant portion of their income, leaving little for other essentials.
We advocate for federal policies that cap rent to ensure affordability for all families, especially Black single mothers, who are disproportionately impacted by housing insecurity. We believe in the right to stable, affordable housing as a foundation for family well-being, community stability, and economic mobility. Accessible, affordable housing helps alleviate the financial stress that burdens so many single mothers, offering them the security they need to build a stable life for their children.
Universal Paid
Family and Medical Leave
Black single mothers often lack access to paid family and medical leave, forcing them to choose between earning income and caring for their health or family needs. This lack of support can lead to worsened health outcomes, financial strain, and increased stress for mothers who already carry the weight of sole caregiving responsibilities.
We advocate for a universal paid family and medical leave policy that provides all workers with the right to paid time off for childbirth, family caregiving, and medical needs without risk of job loss or income insecurity. Universal paid leave would allow Black single mothers the necessary time to recover from childbirth, care for sick children, or address their own health concerns, creating a foundation for stronger family well-being and economic stability. Access to paid leave supports not only individual families but also strengthens communities by promoting healthier, more resilient lives.
Health, JustiCe, and Empowerment
This category centers on creating a just and equitable society by addressing systemic oppression, promoting health access, and empowering Black single mothers and their communities.
Universal Healthcare
Black single mothers are disproportionately impacted by barriers to healthcare access, from lack of insurance to high out-of-pocket costs. Many face difficult choices between prioritizing their own health and meeting the daily needs of their families. Universal healthcare is essential to ensure that every mother, regardless of income or employment status, has access to comprehensive medical care.
We advocate for a universal healthcare system that provides full coverage for all, including preventive care, maternal health, mental health services, and specialized treatments. By supporting universal healthcare, we aim to eliminate the financial and systemic obstacles that prevent Black single mothers from accessing necessary healthcare, ultimately improving health outcomes for both mothers and their children. Accessible, affordable healthcare empowers mothers to prioritize their well-being and strengthens the overall resilience of their families and communities.
Reproductive Freedom
and Access to Abortion
Black single mothers face significant barriers to reproductive healthcare, including safe and legal abortion services. We believe in the fundamental right to make decisions about one’s body and future. Abortion access is essential to reproductive justice, empowering individuals to decide if, when, and how to grow their families.
We advocate for comprehensive, affordable abortion care by removing financial, geographic, and legal barriers, expanding Medicaid coverage, and combating stigma and misinformation. Reproductive freedom is vital to achieving economic and social justice, and we are committed to protecting this right for Black single mothers and all individuals.
Stability Support for
Abuse Survivors
Leaving an abusive relationship can be one of the most challenging decisions a mother faces, especially when financial dependence, housing insecurity, or lack of support add layers of difficulty. Black single mothers are disproportionately affected by domestic violence and often face systemic barriers that make it harder to leave abusive situations safely.
We support policies that provide substantial financial assistance, secure housing options, and legal resources to women and mothers escaping abusive environments. Our organization stands firmly on the belief that no mother should have to choose between her safety and her livelihood, and we advocate for robust, accessible resources that empower mothers to leave harmful situations without the risk of homelessness or destitution.
Abolition Over Reform
The criminal justice system has historically harmed Black families, perpetuating cycles of trauma, economic insecurity, and destabilization that disproportionately impact Black single mothers and their communities. Rather than focusing on reforming a system rooted in racial inequity and punitive practices, we advocate for a transformative approach: abolition.
This vision includes dismantling systems of policing and incarceration that criminalize poverty, motherhood, and Blackness, and reallocating resources toward community-led solutions that prioritize healing, support, and restorative justice.
We believe in investing in community safety through access to mental health services, housing, education, and stable employment opportunities that empower Black single mothers and strengthen their communities. By centering abolition, we envision a future where Black single mothers and their families are no longer criminalized but are free to thrive in systems built on justice, care, and collective responsibility.
Quality Education and
School Funding Equity
Education is essential for social mobility, yet Black single mothers often struggle to access quality education for their children due to systemic inequities in school funding. Schools in predominantly Black communities are often underfunded, affecting the quality of education, access to resources, and overall outcomes for children.
We support funding equity to ensure that all children, regardless of their zip code, have access to high-quality education. This includes advocating for fair school funding models, safe learning environments, and support programs that address the needs of children from single-parent households.
Our policy positions reflect our unwavering commitment to the well-being, dignity, and liberation of Black single mothers.
We recognize that economic justice and family support must go hand in hand with systemic change and community empowerment.
These policies are not just about survival. They are about creating the conditions for Black single mothers to thrive, build generational wealth, and live with autonomy and security. We stand firm in our belief that a just society is one that prioritizes care over punishment, redistribution over hoarding, and collective well-being over individual gain. By advocating for these changes, we are working toward a future where Black single mothers and their families are no longer overlooked but centered in the fight for justice and equity.