Seeing My Slavery Roots

Staring at the computer screen, I could barely make out the letters. But I will never forget what I heard: "These are likely the slave owners of your second great-grandfather."

Mama's Milk: A Lesson in Breastfeeding

I love to talk about breastfeeding. It was a great experience for me, and I felt empowered and made beautiful by it all. The slightly sagging breasts are not so empowering, but hey, it was worth it.

Remembering Segregation, Appreciating Differences

I'm an integration baby. I was bussed from my nice middle class black neighborhood to a nice middle class Jewish neighborhood, where they had better schools. I've sat shivah, I know how to respect meat and dairy plates, and I've been to more bar and bat mitzvahs than any other sister out there. Oh, and I dance a mean "Hava Nagila."

Minding My Business

I rarely use this space for self-promotion, but I'm so excited about some new developments at MochaManual.com, I couldn't help myself.

The Strong Black Woman Syndrome

I am afraid that we are unintentionally breaking down our families and creating a dangerous legacy.

Back-to-School Blues: Prayers for Black Boys

This week, my son Michael started kindergarten. And I'm a nervous wreck for all the reasons every mother gets worried about the first days of school. But I'm particularly anxious for a few reasons only black mothers will understand.

Tonya Lewis Lee's Mission

This Hollywood mama is determined to help U.S. babies live -- and thrive.

September Is Infant Mortality Awareness Month

Did you know that the U.S. ranks second amongst industrialized nations for infant mortality rates? Read on -- what you learn could save your baby's life.

Elected Officials: Attack the Black Prez!

Calling for a hunting of the President gets to be passed off as a joke. Imagine if the tables were turned.The double standards in this country astound me.

A Mommy's Summertime 'Lazy-isms'

What sort of excuses do you come up with in the hot summer days? Shhh ... I won't tell.

This Mom Wants Everyone in the Pool

Must-See TV for White People

CNN's "Black in America" is for whites in America. Because of all the racial stereotyping that still goes on in the world (just ask renowned scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr., who was recently arrested for "breaking in" to his own home), white people need to know that our story includes sizable circles of affluence.

Room Decor that Looks Like Your Family

I always love to meet moms who are all about giving our kids positive self-images. Black children need to see themselves in books, clothes, television, movies, and more. And so do black women.

A Lesson for Mothers of All Black Boys

Today I cried watching the Michael Jackson memorial. I cried for a little black boy who felt the world didn't understand him. I cried for a little black boy who spent his adulthood chasing his childhood. And I thought about all the young black boys out there who may feel that the world doesn't understand them, too.

Married to the Military

Lengthy separations, sparse communication, and the stress of constantly adjusting to life in a new place could test even the strongest union.

The Mocha Manual to Military Life

Parenting Military Style

My Michael Memories

"Mommy, how did Michael Jackson go from brown to white?" And other things about MJ that I will never forget.