Motherhood is beautiful and every mother deserves to be one happy mama. Yet, young Black mothers in the South face many challenges including potential health issues, limited economic opportunities, low community support, and intimate partner violence.
Unfortunately, poverty, housing insecurity, or lack of access to supportive services can increase the chances of intimate partner violence.
For instance, on May 11, 2023, New Orleans mother of two, Asia Davis, was violently murdered by her boyfriend– three days before Mother’s Day and on her daughter’s birthday.
“Asia was one of nine women killed in New Orleans in less than seven weeks between April 20 and June 2. All of them were Black and victims of gun violence. Eight of them were mothers. Some of them, like 33-year-old Sully Simmons, were killed in front of their children,” according to The 19th News.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline’s Louisiana report states that out of 1,967 callers, 44% ranged from ages 18-33 and 42% were African American. New Orleans ranked for top callers at 20%. In addition, 51% of the state-reported calls involved children.
Due to structural inequalities like generational trauma, gentrification, displacement, and systemic neglect, Janitza Vasquez founded One Happy Mama. The organization supports young Black mothers in New Orleans with mentoring, communal programming, and holistic family support.
In just three years, One Happy Mama conducted 50 workshops and field trips, mentored 40 young mothers, distributed $45,000 worth of diapers, and raised over $20,000 in financial assistance.
The Black Wall Street Times interviewed Vasquez to discuss Black motherhood in New Orleans, One Happy Mama’s community impact, and their upcoming Black Maternal Health Week Block Party.
The COVID-19 Pandemic ignited One Happy Mama
As founder and executive director of One Happy Mama, Janitza Vasquez built a ten-year journey of teaching and administration. During this time, the COVID-19 pandemic occurred.
“I started One Happy Mama, originally during COVID-19, it was a support group for single moms on Facebook. I’m a single mom. I have two boys, Jamal and Julian, 10 and five,” Vasquez said.
Her first mission was to build a community for single mothers to commune and share tips and resources. Then, as an administrator, she noticed an influx of younger mothers.
During her exit in education, Vasquez knew young Black families in New Orleans needed support without judgment. “I combined the two things that I was most passionate about, which was the youth and being a mom. And so, One Happy Mama then turned into working more with young moms,” she expressed.
In addition, Vasquez was aware of the recent years of rising youth-based violent crimes in New Orleans (although 2023-2024 saw a significant drop). “I think about like certain students that I had that also kind of made me geared towards this work. I lost a student in my last year as a teacher [and] I taught him in the sixth grade,” she shared.
Intentional Mentorship can help young Black Mothers
Vasquez voiced that due to a lack of financial development and affordable housing availability, young Black mothers in New Orleans face housing crises.
The rise of gentrification in New Orleans’ historically Black communities, like the Treme and the Lower Ninth Ward, further displaces families who have lived there for generations. This also leaves little fair opportunity for young Black homeownership.
When asked how to describe motherhood in New Orleans Vasquez said, “I see it as a very stressful thing. I see it as our minds getting lost and trying to balance all of the things. And it’s so unfortunate.”
She admits that some young mothers have babies before they know who they are, which can build stress.
One Happy Mama focuses on the holistic quality of life for families, especially in the postpartum stage, and beyond.
To support this, they offer The Mama Tribe Mentoring program, which connects young mothers aged 13-23 with a mentor who can uplift, guide, and relate to them.
In addition, the program includes one-on-one mentoring, group sessions, and holistic support services. Which includes, diaper distribution, essential baby items, postpartum support, mental health support, and more.
“We take in moms, and we follow them for 10 months, and they have to do a program with us, where they either choose academic success or career development,” Vasquez said.
One Happy Mama’s Initiatives promote community involvement
The spirit of New Orleans people knows how to have a good and lively time with their community. Vasquez understood that fun, play, education, family, and community can come together to create a positive change.
The organization’s “A Community of Mamas” initiative hosts a free-annual Community Baby Shower and Black Maternal Health Week Block Party. This year’s theme is “Rooted In Love.”
Recognized by Congressman Troy Carter (D-La.), the events bring families from various walks of life together to celebrate new life, motherhood, and community.
Along with music, food, and good vibes, families receive helpful tangible gifts. “We gave away around 75 big items, like car seats, strollers, and play sets. We also did mini maternity shoots because we know that a lot of times people cannot afford to get professional photos taken.”
Locals appreciate community-centered vendors in the maternal health and infant spaces. It is important to service central areas where mothers of color can receive resources to thrive.
One Happy Mama is planning a women’s luncheon for Women’s Empowerment Month to celebrate and uplift women.
Vasquez believes that despite challenges, Black motherhood is joyous. “We celebrate Black motherhood. I feel like we don’t do that enough. There’s so much joy in being a mom. It’s in our community, and a lot of times we don’t show that,” she said.
In addition, the “Rooted In Love” Black Maternal Health Week Block Party takes place on April 19.
With ongoing community support, determination, and mentorship, Black mothers and their children can live a fulfilled life.
“We have one mom. She was from our last cohort. She joined us again. She’s in nursing school, so we helped her as she was trying to take her prerequisites, and in between the cohort, she was able to get accepted into Delgado Charity School of Nursing… Everybody is on their way. You know, some people make it there a little faster than others, but everybody’s progressing, so we’re happy.”