4: This What Got Me Thru”: Black Mothering, Othermothering, and Furthermothering in Academia

This is not a story about grit and determination but the significance of mothering, othermothering, and further mothering in academia. The concept of mothering extends beyond birthmothers and is a survival mechanism for children’s physical and emotional well-being. Professors take up that responsibility in educational institutions as a critical intervention against Black students’ subjection. While mothering does not dismantle power systems in academia, its notions of sharing, caring, love, communion, and guardianship provide a small wake for Black students to achieve academic success. Toward this end, this chapter critically examines the power of mothering practices during my academic journey. Through personal narrative, this chapter will illuminate how mothering got me thru and made me a successful academic today, my mothers’ roles during my academic experience, and lessons that are helpful to early career Black scholars or faculty that mentor Black students.