Front and Center is a groundbreaking series of op-eds—published by Ms. and created in partnership with the Magnolia Mother’s Trust—which aims to put front and center the voices of Black women who are affected most by the often-abstract policies currently debated at the national level. The series highlights the success of Springboard to Opportunities’ Magnolia Mother’s Trust (MMT), which this year will give $1,000 per month for 12 months to 100 families headed by Black women living in federally subsidized housing.
What possibilities could open up for low-income families if financial survival weren’t always top of mind? What dreams would these mothers and families be able to pursue? What activism and community leadership might arise? The series will answer these and other questions, by placing one mother’s story front and center every other week. The first-person accounts in this series are available for reprint. Find additional guidelines at the end of this story.
My name is Lakeisha White. I’m 36 years old and I live in Jackson, Mississippi. I’m a single parent and a mother of five. My kids are 7, 11, 14, 14 and 17.
I graduated with my career certificate in early childhood education from Hinds Community College in May of 2023. I had a GPA of 4.0 and my name was on the President’s List. I’m not working right now because I’m still pursuing my associate of arts degree to become a director at a daycare. I’m on track to receive it in December of this year.
Sometimes parents have a difficult time supporting their kids because of work or other life events. I want to help be a support system for families.
Once I have my degree, I’m planning to take out a business loan to open up a daycare center for the community. Good childcare begins with safety and cleanliness. The next step is offering children enrichment opportunities that will help them be successful in life—teaching them what to do in challenging situations, and teaching them about finances and wellness, all so they can grow and become better and do good things in life. I want to help kids have a brighter future.
Working with children is a passion for me. I always try to lend a helping hand to the kids in my community. I’m like their second mom. I’m moved to do this because I have my own children and because I know what it’s like to be without a parent and to be without the things a family needs. Sometimes parents have a difficult time supporting their kids because of work or other life events. I want to help be a support system for families.
Before Magnolia Mother’s Trust, I was a full-time student and working part-time. Juggling school and work and being a mom was very stressful. It was so hard that there were times I wanted to give up. But I knew in my heart what I wanted to do, so I just grabbed for the best and tried to take care of my kids and pursue my education the best I could.
I’m so thankful for MMT, because it’s helping me and my family meet our financial, health and wellness needs. My biggest monthly expense is food. I have a big family. I have teenagers and they love to eat! The next biggest cost is personal care and hygiene items. Programs like MMT help so many single parents meet the needs of their family that they wouldn’t be able to otherwise. Most parents work, but extra money can make a big difference.
Receiving this money has made a change in me spiritually. Life feels brighter and the future feels brighter. It’s lighting me up and I can see where I’m going. I know where I’ve been and I’m looking forward.
While receiving MMT, I’m hoping to take a trip with my kids to Las Vegas to visit our relatives. The most important thing for me is spending time with my children, it’s my very favorite thing.
One of my other goals while in the program is to be able to give back to the community. I was given, so I would love to give back. For me, that means helping children that are in need and helping single parents that are in need. I want to spread awareness to other single parents about programs like this. I want to say, “don’t give up, keep your head up, there are opportunities out there, there are people who can assist you. Better days are coming.”
Front and Center pieces are free to republish, under the following guidelines:
- To ensure context isn’t lost, at the top of your reprint, include a line that reads: “Front and Center is a series of op-eds—published by Ms. magazine and created in partnership with the Magnolia Mother’s Trust—highlighting the success of Springboard to Opportunities’ Magnolia Mother’s Trust program, which this year will give $1,000 per month for 12 months to 100 families headed by Black women living in federally subsidized housing. The series aims to put front and center the voices of Black women who are affected most by the often-abstract policies currently debated at the national level.” (You can use editorial discretion to alter or shorten the text slightly.)
- You may also republish the photographs included in this story.
- If you share republished stories on social media, we’d appreciate being tagged in your posts. You can find Ms. on Twitter @MsMagazine, on Instagram @ms_magazine and on Facebook. Springboard to Opportunities is on Twitter @SpringboardToOp, on Instagram @springboard_to and on Facebook.
Have questions on the series? Read more here, and direct specific questions to Katie Fleischer at kfleischer@msmagazine.com.
