There are some universal elements when it comes to motherhood - especially for Black moms. Black women are selfless. Many women think of their children before they think about themselves.

When you're single, you're very independent. Very independent women raised me. We didn't have a lot of male figures as the head of our household, so I got, and took on, a lot of that strong spirit from the matriarchs in my family.

Once you're a mother, you're always a mom. So it doesn't matter if your child comes out green, purple, bisexual or whatever. That's who they are and you love them regardless. You guide them as best as you can. We must always proceed with love first and foremost.

An innocent little human being was solely dependent on me! I took all the CPR and breastfeeding classes and learned quite a bit.

Everybody's problem is not yours, regardless of marriage and relationships, and I think women sometimes have to shed "what we think it should be" and address "what it is".

A long time ago, when I was married, in the beginning it was bliss. I eloped after one month, and I married for security. I thought, 'I finally met a man who loves God and comes from a great family. I'm working, I love God, and I'm out here in California by myself, and I've met this great man.' So, I said yes. And we eloped.

I didn't plan on being a single mom, but you have to deal with the cards you are dealt the best way you can.