How Black Women in the South Are Protecting Each Other in a Time of Crisis | Nonprofit Quarterly | Civic News. Empowering Nonprofits. Advancing Justice.

"Protecting each other is what we've always had to do as Black women in the South. Black women have long been the backbone of our families and communities, often stepping into roles that require us to advocate for ourselves and those around us in ways our peers do not understand. As federal support systems for low-income families are pulled back, it is vital for people operating in nonprofit and movement spaces to look inward and strengthen community-based solutions."

"The Magnolia Mother's Trust (MMT) that I help lead in Jackson, MS, is one such example. This initiative, now in its sixth cycle, offers the longest-running guaranteed-income program in the country, providing low-income Black mothers living in subsidized housing with $1,000 monthly for 12 months, no strings attached. The checks MMT provides enable the women who participate in the program to make their own decisions about what best suits their families' health, education, and overall wellbeing."

Black women in the South have long protected families and communities, often serving as advocates and community backbones. As federal support for low-income families retreats, strengthening community-based solutions becomes vital. The Magnolia Mother's Trust in Jackson, MS operates the nation's longest-running guaranteed-income program, giving low-income Black mothers in subsidized housing $1,000 monthly for twelve months, no strings attached. Unconditional cash enables recipients to decide how to meet health, education, and wellbeing needs, improving food security, financial stability, and emergency savings. The model influenced policy ideas like the expanded child tax credit, which reduced child poverty during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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