You need a whole community to raise a child. I have raised two children, alone

You need a whole community to raise a child. I have raised two children, alone

Toni Morrison, the renowned American novelist and Nobel laureate, once said, “You need a whole community to raise a child. I have raised two children, alone.” This powerful statement speaks to the challenges and complexities of single parenthood, particularly for women of color like Morrison herself.

Morrison's words highlight the importance of community support in the upbringing of children. Traditionally, raising a child has been seen as a collective effort, with extended family members, neighbors, teachers, and friends all playing a role in shaping a child's development. However, for single parents like Morrison, who have to navigate the responsibilities of parenting on their own, the lack of a supportive community can make the task even more daunting.

As a single mother of two sons, Morrison faced numerous obstacles and hardships in raising her children. She had to juggle the demands of her career as a writer with the responsibilities of motherhood, all while dealing with the societal pressures and stigmas associated with being a single parent. Despite these challenges, Morrison was able to provide a loving and nurturing environment for her children, instilling in them the values of resilience, independence, and self-reliance.

Morrison's experience as a single parent also sheds light on the systemic inequalities and barriers that many single mothers, particularly those from marginalized communities, face. The lack of affordable childcare, limited access to resources and support services, and the stigma attached to single motherhood can all contribute to the challenges that single parents have to overcome.

In her work as a writer, Morrison often explored themes of family, community, and identity, drawing on her own experiences as a single mother to inform her storytelling. Through her novels, she gave voice to the struggles and triumphs of women, particularly black women, who navigate the complexities of motherhood and womanhood in a society that often marginalizes and devalues their experiences.