Front & Center began as first-person accounts of Black mothers in Jackson, Miss., receiving a guaranteed income. Now in its fourth year, the series is expanding to explore broader systemic issues affecting Black women in poverty, including the safety net, healthcare, caregiving, and overall well-being.
Javonica, a 26-year-old mother in Jackson, Miss., has faced countless obstacles: navigating job instability, unreliable transportation, and a social safety net riddled with barriers. Despite completing technical college, she struggled to pass a certification test, and without a car, accessing childcare and work opportunities became nearly impossible. Now, as she prepares to welcome her third child, a guaranteed income program through the Magnolia Mother’s Trust is providing much-needed financial relief, allowing her to pay bills, care for her children and plan for a more stable future.