Black and on Welfare: What You Don't KNow About Single-Parent Women

"Women should be tough, tender, laugh as much as possible, and live long lives. The struggle for equality continues unabated, and the woman warrior who is armed with wit and courage will be among the first to celebrate victory." -- Maya Angelou, (1993)

This quote opens the article, "Black and on Welfare" by Sandra Golden. This article details the struggles of a young woman's life and her decision to turn to government help. With her decision to do so, and the factors causing her to do so yield wild yet common stereotypes and mis-judgement of character, surprisingly from those whose jobs it is to help her. Golden gives details of this story, describes the welfare system, sites some reflections from other black females concerning welfare, provides her idea of the source of literacy development and recommendations in bettering the welfare system.

Golden states in her text the perception of Black women involved with the welfare system. "Unfortunately, our perceptions are that Black women on welfare have no interest in working and prefer staying at home, rather than obtaining employment and providing for their families." Golden gives credit to the Welfare System for recognizing Black women's academic literacy, however, they fail to recognize the home, family, community and social literacies that are equally important.

Golden breaks down the Welfare System into four important components or purposes. First, to provide assistance to needy families so that children can be taken care of in their own homes or in the homes of relatives. Second to end dependence of needy parents on government benefits, by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage. Third, to prevent and reduce out of wedlock pregnancies, and finally to encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families. (cited in Mink, 1998, pp. 104- 193)

In 1999 Golden conducted a study that invited 12 single-parent Black females to discuss their issues and concerns regarding the new law of the restriction of Food Stamp entitlements. During this study Golden found many things concerning welfare and the perception of these Black women who utilize it. They are undermined and criticized for "putting themselves in that position". She combatted these accusations through the evidence of the women in her study that overcame their battles. The literacies that are not recognized by the Welfare System were also highlighted by Golden and she gave supportive evidence stating the literacy gained during home, family, community, and social involvement and participation.

During this text, several questions arose in my mind. First and foremost, if there is a program in place for the benefit of public assistance, why is their criticism and harsh judgement to those who take advantage of the system? Are we stuck so much in the mindset that women aim to be "barefoot and pregnant" all the days of their existence? If the program is in place for assistance there shouldn't be any judgement and undermining. Positivity doesn't come easily from negativity. We are STILL, even today, still proving ourselves in society; as African American, as a women, and as Literate African American Women.