Black. Single. Mother.: Real Life Tales of Longing and Belonging

by Jamilah Lemieux

A personal meditation on, examination of, and tribute to Black single motherhood, unapologetically told through poignant essays and candid interviews, by a celebrated cultural critic.Through her signature candid, humorous and yet often biting takes, Lemieux suffers no fools while also courageously revealing the scars of her own parenting journey and search for self-acceptance in a world that doesn’t see the full worth of women like her. With a particular verve and relatability—honed, in part, from her many years among “Black Twitter’s” most prominent voices—Lemieux puts the lived reality of Black single uncertainty, fierceness, and sensuality on full display. Interspersed with beautifully written personal narrative, readers will find cultural and historical analysis, and interviews with single mothers from all walks of life, telling it how it really is. Baby Mamas Day is a bold testament to the multifaceted Black single mother and an invitation to all readers to finally recognize this powerful figure for who she is—not bad, but so, so good.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

352 pages, Hardcover

Published March 10, 2026

About the author

Jamilah Lemieux is an African-American columnist, cultural critic, and editor based in New York City.

Reviews

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jamilah Lemieux is giving us the truth and nothing but the truth. With sharp honesty and deep compassion, she unpacks how our cultural ideas of “good mothering” are too often bound to the presence—or absence—of a man. As a Black woman, married mother, and therapist specializing in bibliotherapy, I found this book both grounding and revelatory.

What stands out most is how validating and real these essays are from the jumpstart. There’s no romanticizing motherhood here. Lemieux writes about the emotional upheaval of becoming a mother after heartbreak and the layered weight of doing so while carrying the stereotypes placed on Black women. Yet within that pain, she reveals the deep well of love and possibility that motherhood holds: an invitation to become whole, well, and free (if we are doing it right)!

The closing testimonies from single mothers are especially powerful and each one is a declaration of worth and strength. This is a book that honors Black women not as symbols but as full human beings. I’m deeply grateful for how Lemieux reminds us who we are and who we’ve always been to our families and our communities.

[Mary Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black. Single. Mother. is Jamilah Lemieux's memoir of her experience as the only child of a Black single mother and then, in turn, raising her own daughter as a Black single mother as well. The close relationship between she and her mother really shines through, but she also talks about her experiences with her father, a former Black Panther who became a policeman, and how his role in her life shaped her as well. She also includes essays from other prominent Black single mothers, who relate their own experiences in essay form. I loved hearing from so many different voices, some whom I have followed on social media for years. Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full Review to Follow Shortly

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

BlackTwitter queen Jamilah Lemieux weaves her personal story with an essays that marinate the themes. She sites statistics and real-life examples. The pop culture references will resonate with anyone over 25, and even more if you're 40+: Claire Huxtable, Megan The Stallion, Anita Hill, and others who have influenced or exemplified the privileges and challenges of Black womanhood in America.

She goes from her "high yellow in Hyde Park" Chicago-area family members to her setting off to college at Howard U, and beyond.

Lemieux's dissertation is wide-ranging and, perhaps, pedantic to those outside The Culture. This book offers a narritive that centers Black thought like a modern female W.E.B. DuBois.

This collection of 22 personal stories (J. Lemieux's is the most prominent and detailed) gives voice to single Black mothers, also known as "baby mamas". They got knocked up unexpectedly, went through with the pregnancy expecting support from a reluctant father, scornful church, family, and often indifferent community. With few exceptions, they were wrong to expect the world to help their situation.

"It was hard." That is said repeatedly throughout the stories.

Now that the 20+ Black mothers are past the "new struggling mom" stage, they are able to articulate what their teen mom/college dropout selves (in some cases) were not able to.

The reader can feel the negative connotation of "baby mama" being yanked off as they read these pages. This book is trying to change the conversation on the stereotypical "shameful Black welfare mother unable or unwilling to close her legs until marriage".

It succeeds in some cases. Other cases made me want to slap some sense into the Black Single Mom: if the immature father is unavailable emotionally, financially, and says so at the outset, you can't act surprised when his prediction comes true.

One of many "lessons learned" in the text: "I'm going to tell my daughter to be intentional in choosing her partners."

Aside from the author, Tarana Burke and Femenista Jones share their stories.

This is a courageous collection. If I had to re-title the book, I'd call it "No More Baby Mama Drama."

If I have one critique, it's the prose. It sometimes reads as if a stenograph typed a recorded conversation. I would have liked to tighten up the text, cut some fluff words.


[I read an Advanced Reader Copy. Thanks to NetGalley.]

[Jess Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Peguin Random House and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of this non-fiction book.

Although I am not the intended audience for this work, I was still able to read, enjoy and learn from from it. Jamilah does an excellent job of bringing you along on her journey. She grew up the child of a single mother and vowed to never end up in the same situation. Dealing with the stigma attached to those words, Black single mother, was an emotional and tumultuous journey for her and many others.

The first half of the book is the author's personal story and is written really well. The second half of the book is additional essays written by other black single mothers in different stages of their lives and from varying backgrounds. Although I see the need for these essays, to show the enormity of this stigma and the need for change within our society, I feel like the amount of essays should have been cut down. It felt pretty redundant and became less impactful by the end.

Overall I do recommend picking this one up.

[Sacha · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

The title tells prospective readers most of what they need to know before cracking this book. What may also be helpful is that you do not need to share any of these identities to find this book informative, helpful, and intriguing. Though I'm neither Black nor a mother, I found a lot of relatable content here that not only helped me feel connected to other people's experiences; it also provided a window into experiences that are distant from mine, and that ended up being my favorite part of the read.

Having had limited contact with this writer previously, I wasn't completely sure what to expect, but I'm so pleased with what I got. This is an ideal mix of Lemieux's experience as the child of a single mother, the single mother to her child, and the compiler of many, MANY experiences of individuals who share the titular identities.

A mashup of content like this can feel overwhelmingly depressing or disheartening, but that's not the vibe here. Of course, there are many somber themes and motifs coming through the contributors' insights and experiences, but there is also hope, resilience, and some hardcore dedication. Readers will leave this encounter with a sense of reality and a feeling that even when some folks disappoint us (some of the partners of some of these contributors - oof), others really deliver.

This is a great read. I learned a lot and enjoyed myself in the process. I'll be on the lookout for more from Lemieux.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Lauren Chrisney at Penguin Random House for this widget, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

[Andre(Read-A-Lot) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read. And I’m not ashamed to say I’m inspired after having devoured this book. I never had any ill feeling toward single black mothers, but I must admit, I did digest some of the society vitriol that is spewed towards Black single motherhood. In fact, so much so that in my 30s I avoided dating women with children. I was afraid of encountering the drama I heard so much about. I also wanted to move around without concern for babysitting and/or any child related obstacles.

A young lady I met, changed all that for me, she was a mother of a young boy actually she had two, but I didn’t learn of the older one until months later. This book has helped me to now see, that she was obviously dealing with a lot of shame and stigma of being a single Blackmother. She did in fact confirm this, when we had the conversation about deceit.

Anyway, I believe Jamilah Lemieux has done a tremendous service in honoring the Black Single Mother! And she does it in captivating prose that is unflinchingly blunt and at times humorous. She also shares her pages with some wonderful women who are single black mothers, some by choice others by circumstance. But through their stories, we learn the difficulties that these women face.

Men, who have fathered children must do a better job of being present for their children. And, if that woman doesn’t want a relationship with you, you STILL must do the work of parenting your child. By sharing her story, her experience becomes the proxy to rift on the collective experience of “baby mamas “, isn’t it interesting that black single mothers are stigmatized in a way that white single mothers aren’t? Things that make you go hmmn.

Let me assure you, this IS NOT a man hating, Men ain’t sh** type of text. It is the siren call of a Black woman challenging not just men, but all of society to see the value in Black single parenting and to respond accordingly. I see you Sisters, and thank you Jamilah Lemieux for exposing me and potentially(hopefully) millions of others with your timely and prescient book. Thank you to NetGalley and ROC Lit books for an advanced DRC. Book will hit stores March 10, 2026

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Bold, Honest Spotlight on Unheard Stories

Jamilah Lemieux’s Black. Single. Mother. cracks open the world of single Black motherhood, not just as a series of essays and interviews but as a candid conversation full of grit, heartbreak, humour, and hope. Lemieux doesn’t follow a linear plot; instead, she shares lived experience, her own and that of other women, offering readers a seat at the table where longing, belonging, and identity are always on the agenda.

The book thrives on emotional truth. Lemieux’s voice is clear and unafraid, blending personal confession, cultural critique, and just enough laughter to keep the heaviness from crushing you. The real magic here isn’t in solutions, but in the unapologetic honesty. Stories thread together the pain, joy, and exhaustion of parenting alone. These collected voices, sometimes raw, sometimes wistful, always sharp, challenge the stereotypes that have long shadowed Black single mothers in America.

What sets this book apart is the author’s refusal to flatten experience for comfort’s sake. Lemieux isn’t here to make her story palatable or to perform respectability. Instead, she dives into the tangles of stigma, community, legacy, and the tightropes Black women walk every day. The tone is intimate and inclusive, even for readers who don't share these experiences.

Some readers might wish for a broader intersectional sweep, or a deeper dive into public policy, but this isn’t meant to be exhaustive; it’s meant to be truthful. Lemieux’s strength lies in nuance and detail, in letting lived reality do the convincing.

Known for her incisive writing and fearless perspective, Lemieux has long explored the crossroads of race, gender, and motherhood. Here, she distills that expertise into something that feels less like a lecture and more like a much-needed release.

Black. Single. Mother. will draw praise for its wit, vulnerability, and clarity. It’s a warm hand on your shoulder, a necessary correction to the narratives that rarely make it to print. And it’s proof that telling the truth, without apology, can be an act of cultural repair.

[Roslyn Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black, Single, Mother by Jamilah Lemieux is one of those books that reaches into your chest and sits with you not loudly, not dramatically, but with a quiet truth that feels impossible to shake. Lemieux writes with a tenderness and clarity that made me feel seen, even in the moments where our lives don’t mirror each other. What moved me most was the way she shares a defining moment in her early adulthood, when she found herself rebuilding her life from the ground up while holding her daughter close. The vulnerability in that story the mix of fear, grit, and unexpected self‑discovery stayed with me long after I closed the book. It’s the kind of honesty that doesn’t ask for sympathy; it simply invites you to witness it. Lemieux’s reflections on Black womanhood, motherhood, and the weight of expectation are written with such emotional intelligence that I found myself pausing just to breathe them in. She doesn’t romanticize the struggle, and she doesn’t flatten the joy. Instead, she gives us the full spectrum the exhaustion, the laughter, the loneliness, the pride, the moments of doubt, and the moments of absolute certainty. What I loved most is how she insists on her own complexity. She refuses to be boxed in, and in doing so, she gives permission quietly, powerfully for other women to claim their own fullness too. Her voice is sharp, warm, and deeply human. This book is more than a memoir. It’s a reminder of the resilience that grows in the cracks, the beauty of choosing yourself, and the strength it takes to tell the truth about your life. I felt every page. #netgalley #BlackSingleMother

[Bonnie Plante · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jamilah Lemieux's book Black. Single. Mother. is important in the way that books that teach us something are important. The first half of the book is about Jamilah herself, who she was before, during and after becoming a single mother. As she examines the multiple hats that single mothers, especially Black single mothers wear, the book sometimes reads like a textbook or some type of reference material. For me, the movement back and forth between her personal story and the myriad of facts and statistics concerning Black single mothers. I understand that this information is solid and seems very well researched. However, there were times when I felt as though I was reading information that had already been given earlier. The second half of the book was comprised of testimonials from a wide range of Black single mothers. To me, it was amazing how similar these women's stories were considering their very varied backgrounds. It also solidified, in my mind, the fact that not only do single mothers struggle more in a myriad of ways that their partnered counterparts, but Black single mothers struggle even more. The author does a good job of showing that there is not one single reason for this, but many; with some even coming from within the Black community itself.
This is not light reading. It is real and raw. While I recommend the book, I suggest that you examine yourself prior to reading and check your privilege before diving in.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for the opportunity to read an e-ARC of this book.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House| Roc Lit 101 as well as the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

#NetGalley #RandomHouseRocLit101 #BlackSingleMother #JamilahLemieux #Nonfiction #Essays

Title: Black. Single. Mother.

Author: Jamilah Lemieux

Format: eBook

Publisher: Random House| Roc Lit 101

Publication Date: March 10, 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

Themes: Single motherhood, black woman, memoir

Trigger Warnings: Racism, misogyny, single motherhood, stereotypes

This collection of essays offers deep insight from several different sources on being a single, black mother. The author gives real insight into what single motherhood is like and doesn’t sugarcoat it. I can’t speak to being a single mother or a black woman, but I can speak to being a mother. It’s so important to me as a reader to read works such as this. It’s gratifying and validating to see other moms talking about the less joyful parts of motherhood because there are many.

The first half of the book talks about the author’s experiences being raised by a black single mother and then becoming a black single mother. The author writes in a very relatable and readable way. The second part of the book is made up of testimonials from other women in similar circumstances. This book is eye-opening and very important. It’s not a quick and easy read but it does provide perspective. Everyone should read this.

[Steph | bookedinsaigon]

Thank you to Roc Lit 101 and NetGalley for the free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review

DNFed @ 9%. From the start, I had the foreboding sense that this book and I would not get along. Lemieux's writing reminds me of Mikki Kendall's in Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot, another book whose writing style I struggled with: it's functional, but not stylistically elegant, with both authors reading like they are more familiar with writing for the social media generation. In BLACK. SINGLE. MOTHER., each paragraph reads like a completed, tweetable thought. As a result, the essays lacked flow for me: each paragraph would wrap up a thought neatly, and then jump to something else in the next paragraph. It made it difficult for me to get into a flow with reading this.

The book starts out featuring content similar to what you'd find in a memoir, with Lemieux describing her mother and father's backgrounds, and how she felt as a child about her family's unusual makeup. This was... fine, but I felt like this memoir-like content made the book read similarly to many other Black women's memoirs, and wasn't saying anything new.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black. Single. Mother. by Jamilah Lemieux begins as a memoir of Black single motherhood then expands into a meticulously researched disruption of racist and sexist stereotypes. Her story and the stories of the other Black single mothers she includes show that single motherhood is not to be looked down upon and that when socio-economic factors are controlled, children of single mothers are no less likely to thrive than children who grow up in households with both parents. She also challenges the notion that Black fathers are prone to absenteeism by citing research that shows that “Black fathers . . . are reported to be more active in the care of their children than dads of other races.” Because Lemieux weaves her research into her story, I found it to be more powerful than other texts I’ve read that address similar issues. It’s much easier to disrupt biases and reframe understandings when confronted with personal stories that humanize data.

In Black. Single. Mother., Lemieux provides a method for unlearning deeply ingrained societal biases. This is essential reading for anyone committed to understanding the intersection of race, gender, and family in America.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC.

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black Single Mother by Jamilah Lemieux is a deeply moving and unflinching exploration of the lives of Black single mothers. Through a rich tapestry of voices, Lemieux brings forward the experiences of women from diverse backgrounds, revealing the strength, vulnerability, and resilience that define their journeys.

The book’s structure allows each story to shine, weaving together a powerful narrative that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. Lemieux does not shy away from the complexities—balancing moments of joy, sacrifice, and the constant push for survival and selfhood. Each voice contributes to a larger understanding of what it means to navigate motherhood, identity, and societal expectations as a Black woman in America.

The authenticity of these stories makes the book impossible to put down. It is an intense, insightful, and ultimately empowering read that amplifies voices too often overlooked. Lemieux’s careful curation and empathetic storytelling make this a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the lived realities and extraordinary courage of Black single mothers.

[Yvette Sapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Net Galley and Random House for this Advanced Readers Copy of Black. Single. Mother.

Jamilah Lemieux provides a heartfelt and transparent account of her experience as the daughter of a black single mother, and her own experience as black single mother. Her ability to describe her thoughts as she looked back at what her mom did for her as she navigated through spaces as a single parent showed a particular vulnerability. I also enjoyed reading about her relationship with her father.

Lemieux shares the joys and struggles of not only her own experience, but shares the experiences of other mothers through the essays that are included in the book. Not all experiences are the same, and including stories of other women who came to motherhood in a variety of ways was interesting and a continuation of the transparency and vulnerability she shared with her own experience.
I look forward to reading the book once it’s released; I have already ordered my copy.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book celebrates one of the things that I fear the most; Black motherhood. Although any mother can relate to the stories shared, it was a dream to hear from Black mothers whose voices are often ignored from the first check-up to labor and delivery, from the first protest of unfair treatment of their kid at a daycare to the unfortunate protest of the acquittal of their child's murderer. (RIP to all the martyrs)
The community within these pages is a gift artfully curated by Jamilah Lemieux. A wide range of Black mothers share their stories and the lessons learned. I love the mix of voices showcasing the varied and layered ways of mothering. Jamilah explores single motherhood with the precision of an investigative journalist. Dealing with the truth and reality vs. expectations of Black Single motherhood she does not hold back. This book did not disappoint me.

[Sherie Carnegie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well that was interesting! This book was not what I expected it to be. 2nd generation single mom goes on a rant about Black SIngle Moms not getting enough respect in the world for all that they do. This is basically an angry memoir and not the flex that she hoped it would be. While I agree with her thesis, she basically proves the naysayers right by exposing her hoe phase and all the selfish things that make her not a good mom. I had hoped that this book would be more positive and encouraging but it wasn't. Readers are still left with the impression that they would rather be anything but a Black, Single, Mom. While I cant recommend this book to anyone, I do agree the topic is important and needs to be addressed more widely.

[Firetruckmama · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.

“Black. Single. Mother.” Is by Jamilah Lemieux. Overall, I found this book an interesting one. Ms. Lemieux delves into the exploration of single Black motherhood, Black community relationships, external judgement, along with her own story of being a Black single mother and being raised by the same. I found some of the information very interesting, but at times it also felt like it was being repeated many times (maybe this is more a style choice, but then I wish for an editor to cut some repeats). I found Ms. Lemieux’s memoir part more interesting than some of her discussions, but I also liked a number of the essays from others included in this book. Overall, a 3.5 star rating, rounded up to 4.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was interesting, written more like a thesis paper than a memoir. It was heartfelt, and yet it didn't quite come together for me. Jamilah Lemieux does a wonderful job of giving her perspective and opinion on being a Black Single Mother as do some of the essays by providing interesting context and perspective. Yet, at times I felt she lingered too much on Black Men and their ineffectiveness. Similarly, the book's message seem to be repeated over by not only the author but the essay writers as well to the point, the book lacked emphasis and direction. I believe this is an important topic and needs to be discussed.

[Calvina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first half of BSM. Reading through the authors journey as a single mother was slightly painful but I appreciated her story and experience. Some parts resonate with me, but not too many as I truly believe not every BSM’s story is the same.

While I can appreciate the essays from other BSM’s, I felt there were some stories that were missing. What about the mothers who were married and then later divorced or became widowers? In my opinion they are considered BSM’s as well. Overall I enjoyed this book. I think I just had a different set of expectations for it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC: Rating is 3.5 rounded up. I found the book interesting but a mixture of memoir, sociology and testimonials. And it only worked well at times. Editing was lacking as the author explored some of the information at great length. Overall, it's an interesting exploration of single Black motherhood, relationships within the Black community and external judgements. The author's expertise is extensive but her tone varied widely--from sociology to more social media style. A book that can be a reference, but that doesn't entirely "work".

[Tina Goldberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Black.Single.Mother was a very eye opening read about the struggles that single mothers face in a patriarchal society. The book is part memoir, part testimonial, and conveys the hard work, sacrifice, and success of these women. These women have had to fight both racism and sexism (at times within their own community) but have still managed to build a sister hood and community to help with co parenting.

These women are an inspiration to us all. We as a society need to be better and be more compassionate.

Thank you NetGalley & Random House/RocLit 101 for the eARC.

[KK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written accounts of exactly what the title suggests. Are kids automatically lost if there isn’t a father in their lives? The author (and this reviewer) say no. Through her own experience as well as those of others, the author lets the reader into the world of single parenting by Black women without softening reality- the women and their lives are shown without tuning them into superheroes. Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.

[Larissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a powerful book of beautiful essays examining the life, choices, and assumptions of single black mothers. I was moved by all their stories and loved hearing all their different lived experiences. I personally felt that this book gave me insight I previously didn’t have, and I feel like it is a lovely book that will spark many decisions.
Thank you so much to Random House and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.

[Erin Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been following Jamilah since her time at Ebony, so naturally, I was overly excited to see that she was releasing a new book, and a book on Black motherhood, to be exact. As a child raised by a single mother, I found so much of this book relatable. I loved that she used different examples of mothers that we knew, which added complexity. Such great writing. I reviewed an early version of this book from NetGalley.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't initially realize these were stories--and not a novel--but I was impressed with them as they all show the struggles of single motherhood and how very real and heartbreaking it can be. There's humor and pathos, but eventually we see that motherhood makes us stronger and able to deal with the everyday situations that make us relate to each other!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

[CT · Rating 4 out of 5]

Black. Single. Mother. is a compelling and affirming collection that truly resonated with me. Jamilah Lemieux’s voice is unapologetic, bold, and deeply honest as she explores identity, motherhood, love, and belonging. The essays feel both personal and universal, offering validation and insight without watering anything down. An inspiring read that stays with you long after you finish.

[Cecelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know how to feel about this one. I have lots of mixed emotions.

[Zach Dionne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jamilah Lemieux has always been an amazing voice on culture and parenting, an essential follow with an enchanting and honest parenting journey. So glad she's given us this book 🔥