When Black domestic workers rise, we all rise.
Black domestic workers have long been the foundation of households across the United States, providing essential care and labor that keep families and communities thriving. Their contributions have powered the nation’s growth, yet their stories are often overlooked.
As we honor Black History Month, we also uplift Black Futures—a future where Black domestic workers are valued, protected, and empowered. Their work deserves respect, fair wages, and strong labor rights.
Join us in celebrating their legacy and fighting for a future that recognizes their vital role in shaping this country. Because when Black domestic workers rise, we all rise.
We interviewed a few workers about their feelings and hope you gain from their words of wisdom and experiences!
What does Black History mean to you ?
Simone: Black History is about the struggles of my ancestors and is a reminder for me to make change so history doesn’t repeat itself. Black History is about embracing my blackness and the history of Black people and the progress we make in the advancement of our people.
Who from Black History inspires you and why?
Simone: I am inspired by Dorothy Bolden because, as a Black domestic worker, she fought for changes and the rights of domestic workers, but her struggle didn’t allow her to stop her progress in advancing the rights of Black domestic workers.
What is Black Future and how do you see yourself in this ?
Simone: Black Future is about supporting Black businesses and supporting each other in our ventures to create stronger Black communities.
Do you have any Black History month words of wisdom?
Simone: Household workers unite. With communication we will unlock many doors – if we don’t try we will never know
What does Black History mean to you ?
Ava: Black History is learning what happened to our people in the past and understand we are still experiencing similar conditions today. We have made significant gains and have passed laws toward paving the way for the next generation.
Who from Black History inspires you and why?
Ava: I am inspired by Dr Martin Luther King because his life was focused on fighting for the freedom of Black people. Dr King’s powerful speeches inspire me to use my voice to advocate for myself and for others. As Black people we have to be the truth tellers of our own stories and let others know how we are being treated because our stories and our legacy is being erased.
What is Black Future and how do you see yourself in this ?
Ava:Black Future is our people of tomorrow – it’s our voices spreading the word about Black people and it our power to write our narrative.
Do you have any Black History month words of wisdom?
Ava: Be proud of who you are and be comfortable in your skin. As Black people we are bold and we are beautiful !!!!
What does Black History mean to you ?
Dee Dee: Black History is how we live, learn, grow and how we understand each other. Black History is about our culture, our lives and traditions being unapologetic without explanation for who we are as a people. Black History is us everyday and it’s about us changing the rules and setting standards to benefit our community.
Who from Black History inspires you and why?
Dee Dee: Katanji Brown-Jackson is among the many people who inspire me. She is breaking barriers and teaching us that our only option is to fight our battles because it is the only way to see results and make an impact.
What is Black Future and how do you see yourself in this ?
Dee Dee: Black Future is now and my role is to plant seeds in my children and my grandchildren and in my community. I have a responsibility to nurture our children and the moment we have is now to be viable to make an impact in the world . I want our children to know and be proud of who we are as a people.
Do you have any Black History month words of wisdom?
Dee Dee: Black History is everything, it’s us and it’s our lives. Black History is NOW!!!
What does Black History mean to you ?
Nicole: Black History is about my ancestors and my life as descendants of slaves. It is a time for me to reflect on the journey of Black people from the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade to the conditions and the injustices of Black people. Black History is a time for us to celebrate our liberation as Black people.
Who from Black History inspires you and why?
Nicole: I am inspired by Marcus Garvey because he fought for the dignity and unity of Black people. He could see our greatness as Black people and wanted us to have opportunities and access to education afforded to other groups.
What is Black Future and how do you see yourself in this?
Nicole: As descendants of slaves Black Future is our ability to break barriers and see liberation for Black people. Black Future is the continuation of our struggle toward our liberation of our people.
Do you have any Black History month words of wisdom?
Nicole: We have the ability to empower ourselves to improve our lives “teach someone to fish so they can eat for a lifetime.”
What does Black History mean to you ?
Valrie: Black History is about our strength and our ability as ingenious creators who have innovated technology, food and culture.
Who from Black History inspires you and why?
Valrie: I am inspired by George Washinton Carver because he was creative and could use various foods as medicines to heal our bodies.
What is Black Future and how do you see yourself in this ?
Valrie: Black Future is us knowing we are progressing to make something better for our communities. This includes sharing knowledge with our younger generations about our legacy of resilience and strength to move forward.
Do you have any Black History month words of wisdom?
Valrie: We have value; our self love and faith reminds us their is light at the end of the tunnel.