Black Mums Upfront

Does wearing an Afro make you an activist? Are plaits political? And is straight hair _so_ last year? This episode we are super excited to welcome academic, activist and author of the powerful book “Don’t Touch My Hair”, Emma Dabiri! Join us as we delve deep into Emma’s upbringing in Ireland as a mixed-race woman, and the roots and reasons why she went on this fascinating hair journey. We comb through the history of Black hair and the choices we, as Black women of the diaspora, have made over the decades. And we ask now, in 2021, are we limiting our right to expression by making hair too political? Or are we just starting to uncover what our hair choices really say about us?

This episode is proudly part of Dove’s Crown campaign, visit www.dove.com to learn more about the CROWN My Hair, My Crown toolkit–  this tool has been designed to build hair confidence and help end hair discrimination.

www.blackmumsupfront.com⁣

Hosts:⁣
https://instagram.com/_carinawh
https://instagram.com/natsduv
https://instagram.com/nanaadwoambeutcha
https://instagram.com/from_the_endz

Guest
https://instagram.com/emmadabiri

It's Sister Circle time - This week there's laughter and there's pain. Yet still we rise. Our guest, Tola-Doll Fisher, suffered baby loss, divorce and cancer. Still she rose. Our very own Lauren experienced Post Natal Depression. She's still standing. Natalie's long term relationship broke down. Her head is held high. And Nana-Adwoa wonders if this Baby Loss Awareness Week will be too much for her. Yet grace is helping her stand firm. Despite the hardships, with a bit of sexy lingerie and affirmations, this episode will surprisingly leave you feeling like you too, WILL rise.

They say that women talk a lot, but when will men listen? It’s a mans world and we simply live in it - Right?  

If we teach our girls to cover up their legs, will perverts cease to exist? Because its just on us women to protect ourselves right? Or can that only happen if us parents stop feeding our children to the R. Kelly-esque predators, just to bring our 'beloved child' some fame and glory? And as for the police...Do you trust them? With you child? Really really?

They say, "behind every powerful man is a powerful woman"...Well clearly he's not listening. Let’s take back the power.

So this episode you are in for a treat and a half as we welcome the newest mother to Black Mums Upfront. We 👏🏾 are 👏🏾 gassed👏🏾 and we know you will be too.

And of course we get stuck into this week’s upfront conversation... Should we be encouraging boys to play with dolls? Do we, as black parents, have an issue with gender identity? And how, as mothers, can we raise empathetic men? (Because, let’s face it, we need more of them!) We also discuss upcoming Black History Month and give tips and advice on everything, from dressing up as a slave (it’s a no), to how to speak up as an ally. Yup that’s right, we got you. 🖤

✊🏾⚽️WE’RE GOING ALL FOOTBALL FANGIRLING ON  England Lioness Demi Stokes!

On this week's episode we chat with Demi about how a mixed race, straight talking lass, who grew up in Newcastle ended up on the pitch playing for England. We also dive in and explore being raised to be resilient, the importance of role models and standing up for your beliefs.   Grab your football shirt and cuppa, it's a strikingly  (⚽️)  good episode!

In this heartfelt episode we get Upfront and candid with Dad of 4, Anton, as he recounts the day his son Teddy was diagnosed with Cancer at the tender age of 1. 
We discuss the highs and lows of their family's Cancer journey, chemotherapy & battling emotions as a man. Join us as we honour Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. 

www.blackmumsupfront.com⁣

Hosts:⁣
https://instagram.com/blackmumsupfront
https://instagram.com/brownstown29
https://instagram.com/nanaadwoambeutcha
https://instagram.com/natsduv

Well it’s been a long long Summer ... but fear not, as we are back with your weekly dose of unapologetic upfront Black motherhood! And boy have we been busy... Join us to find out which mum got that phone call we all dread, which mum got knocked over at a day rave, and which much mum got knocked up (not at a day rave, mind you). Grab your Tetley/Pinot and join us as we discuss vaccines, that Cheryl Cole decision, Black Reality TV and our kids starting primary and secondary school (eek!). Oh and as if that isn’t enough, one Black Mum Upfront says farewell. So just an average episode, really 😉.

www.blackmumsupfront.com⁣

Hosts:⁣
https://instagram.com/blackmumsupfront
https://instagram.com/brownstown29
https://instagram.com/nanaadwoambeutcha
https://instagram.com/natsduv
https://instagram.com/from_the_endz

This week we get upfront, down low and everywhere in between with UCL Consultant Midwife and global advisor to The Royal College of Midwives, Dr Yana Richens OBE. Dr Richens, or Yana, as she says we can call her, was the first midwife to be appointed with the prestigious Mary Seacole Fellowship by the Department of Health and has been recognised by the Queen for her tireless work not only delivering babies but improving the outcome of Black and minority mothers. This episode we ask Yana about the reality of life as a midwife, what we can expect from the NHS as Black mothers, and how we can advocate best for ourselves when we give birth. We talk everything from birthing partners to policy making to pooing yourself, in this open, eye-watering and essential pod. 💩🤱🏾

www.blackmumsupfront.com⁣

Hosts:⁣
https://instagram.com/blackmumsupfront
https://instagram.com/brownstown29
https://instagram.com/nanaadwoambeutcha
https://instagram.com/natsduv
https://instagram.com/from_the_endz

Guest 
https://twitter.com/yanarichens?s=21

As a Black woman what does it mean to be beautiful? To be sexy? And to feel attractive and accepted? This episode we delve into our own beliefs about beauty, body image and hair choice (on our head and elsewhere), unpacking what we truly think verses what society would have us believe. How much are we, and more importantly our children, influenced by popular mainstream culture? Are Black features deemed more attractive on racially ambiguous women? And should we let our ten-year-old daughters shave their legs? Join us as we undress our thoughts and feelings on what’s hot, what’s not, and why we do what we do to feel beautiful. This episode is proudly part of Dove’s Crowning Glory campaign. 💅🏾👙🕊

www.blackmumsupfront.com⁣

Hosts:⁣
https://instagram.com/blackmumsupfront
https://instagram.com/brownstown29
https://instagram.com/nanaadwoambeutcha
https://instagram.com/natsduv
https://instagram.com/from_the_endz

This episode we get upfront about the D word. Diversity. We all need some D in our lives, but how much is too much? And how much is too little? We’ve all been the only Black in the room at some point in our lives. But what about the only Black in the private school? The only Black in the corporate office? The rural Village? Are we gifting our children opportunities by being in predominately white spaces? Or gifting them therapy-worthy baggage? We reflect on our own eclectic experiences and ~argue~ debate about the pros and cons of being the Only Black. 

This eye opening, hilarious (if we do say so ourselves) episode is brought to you by Posh Nat, Working Class Carina, Catherine and Libby. 👩🏼👩🏼👩🏼👩🏼👩🏼👩🏼👩🏾

www.blackmumsupfront.com⁣

Hosts:⁣
https://instagram.com/blackmumsupfront
https://instagram.com/brownstown29
https://instagram.com/nanaadwoambeutcha
https://instagram.com/natsduv
https://instagram.com/from_the_endz