Mothers of the Mecca

About Mothers of the Mecca

Parenting is and always has been part of the Howard experience. Mothers of the Mecca (MOM) creates space for that experience to be recognized, supported, and celebrated.

Launched at the Center for Women, Gender and Global Leadership in March 2022 with faculty advisors Dr. Nicole D. Jenkins and Dr. Bahiyyah M. Muhammad, MOM brings together student-led community building and faculty-led research. Its purpose is to challenge the stigma surrounding parenthood in higher education, understand parents’ needs, and strengthen support for those balancing their education and careers with raising families. Since its founding, MOM has welcomed student, staff and faculty parents to join our growing community.

Research that makes parents’ experiences visible

In 2022, with support from a CWGGL faculty research grant, Jenkins and Muhammad conducted in-depth interviews and focus groups with 13 Black mothers connected to Howard. Their working paper, Are Black Student-Parents Alright?: Stories of Stigma, Motivation, and Legacy-Building at Howard University, documented pregnancy-related stigma, institutional barriers, and unmet needs for childcare, lactation spaces, and mental-health support.

The study also highlighted mothers’ resilience, pride, and determination. Participants described their children as a powerful motivation for pursuing their degrees and building a family legacy at Howard. Their experiences informed recommendations for more responsive campus policies, accessible resources, and spaces where parents and their children feel welcome.

Building community through shared experience

MOM’s programming brings parents into conversation with one another and with faculty whose expertise connects to their lives. Past gatherings have included a candle-making session exploring mental health and pregnancy, parenting chats about children’s emotional well-being, conversations about natural hair with parents and children, yoga and meditation sessions, and opportunities to exchange parenting advice and build support networks.

These gatherings make room for parents to fully engage as their authentic selves with no judgment or pretense. They offer opportunities to share experiences, learn from one another, and build relationships across the Howard community.

Connect with MOM

Interested in participating or learning more? Contact CWGGL at womenscenter@howard.edu for information about Mothers of the Mecca and opportunities to connect.