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The Mocha Moms Legacy

Mocha Moms, Inc. began as a support group for mothers of color who had chosen to alter their career paths in order to devote more time to their families and communities. As such, the organization was essential because historically, mothers of color, particularly African-American mothers, had not had the opportunity to devote the majority of their time to caring for their own families.

The organization was formed after the publishing of a newsletter called “Mocha Moms” which was created in the hopes of connecting at-home mothers of color with each other. The newsletter was intended to encourage these mothers to feel good about their choice as well as to provide information to help them be the best and most important influence in their children’s lives. It was distributed to over 100 moms across the country in the spring of 1997. That summer, four mothers of color in Prince George’s County, Maryland decided to form a national support group and they called it Mocha Moms, Inc. Mocha Moms, Inc. was founded on September 16, 1997, registered in the state of Maryland on May 6, 1998, incorporated on October 4, 1999, and received 501(c)(3) non-profit status in January 2002.

Our Mission and Purpose

Today Mocha Moms, Inc. serves as the premier voice for all mothers of color. Our mission is to support, inspire, educate and advocate for mothers of color. While some of our members have eliminated employment altogether, others work full-time outside the home, work part-time, flex-time, night shifts, are employed from home, or own home-based businesses. Mocha Moms, Inc. warmly welcomes parents of all ages, races and in every employment and marital status who believe that parenting is their top priority. We support them all because, regardless of the professional choices any of us have made, we face the same concerns about our children and families.

Mocha Moms, Inc. serves as an advocate for mothers of color and encourages the spirit of community activism within its membership. In 2006, Mocha Moms, Inc. adopted the community service initiative entitled Closing the Gap on Minority Achievement, which focuses on the health, educational and financial disparities which currently exist in our country.