A space for BIPOC moms to discuss parenting

The Black Millennial Mom Podcast wraps up season one

BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

At the height of the pandemic in 2020, Denver-based radio personality Mercedes Howard was pregnant with her rst child. She was living in Denver, but most of her family was in California where she grew up.

Like many people around the world during quarantine, Howard found the experience isolating and lonely. On top of the uncertainness that came with the COVID-19 pandemic, Howard was trying to maneuver her rst pregnancy journey without a support system and was feeling scared about the future. erefore, she often turned to TikTok and Google for pregnancy and parenting advice. She found that many pregnant millennial women her age were going through the same struggle. is sparked the idea for Howard to begin a podcast that focuses on millennial moms of color.

“Many millennial mothers I have met are the rst in their inner circle to actually have a child, and their relationships with close friends has now become distant, leaving them to feel more alone,” said Howard. “Other moms I know are struggling with the internal feeling of not being able to provide in the current economy — some being single and having to do a balancing act with parenting, work and sometimes school. In my opinion, the pressure that I have seen in this generation for moms has essentially increased by thousands.” e Black Millennial Mom Podcast promotes discussion about parenting, pregnancy and millennial BIPOC moms.

“When we create spaces where moms in BIPOC communities share their experiences and assist each other along the way, we nurture greater access to valuable tools and support systems that bene t so many parents and caregivers across Colorado,” said Wendy Allen, manager of Rocky Mountain PBS Kids, in a news release.

Howard wanted to bring her personal Black experience to the podcasting world. So instead of creating just another mommy-centric podcast, she wanted to create a space for BIPOC women to have safe, informative discussions on issues that are prevalent in the community.

“I think it’s important to have Black representation in podcasting because it opens the doors and provides resources to my community that often can be hard to obtain. Black reparation in the mommy sphere, especially in Colorado, is essential,” said Howard. “Being able to join forces with Rocky Mountain PBS Kids not only showcases the diversity but opens the doors for women like myself to have outlets and resources they might not have been able to nd before this.” e podcast just wrapped up its rst season and was a roaring success. Currently, listeners can nd the podcast on YouTube, Google Play, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and the Rocky Mountain PBS Kids website.

To learn more about The Black Millennial Mom Podcast, visit Rocky Mountain PBS Kids at rmpbs.org/kids/bmmpodcast/

You can also hear Mercedes Howard on her show, “Chilling With Ya Girl Cedes,” from 10 a.m. to 2:59 p.m. on Denver’s

Howard expects season two of e Black Millennial Mom Podcast will have deeper conversations and cover more topics. Howard and her team have been working to add more music artists to their lineup of podcast guests. Listeners will also hear from more resources in the parenting atmosphere here in Colorado, including therapists and daycare representatives.

“ e reaction behind ( e Black Millennial Mom Podcast) has exceeded my expectations,” said Howard. “Women from all over have reached out and given encouraging thoughts and love to me. e conversation about parenting has truly opened my eyes on how everyone’s journey truly does not look the same.”

104.7 The Drop. To learn more about her show, visit thedrop303.org/members/ ya-girl-cedes/

Follow Mercedes Howard on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter: @yagirlcedes