ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author explores some of the stereotypes of African American women that have been promulgated by the White establishment and which have been internalized by at least some of her clients. She looks at the historical roots of these images of motherhood and outlines stereotypical conceptualizations of African American women. The author argues for a new definition of African American motherhood and for rekindling the sense of collectivism that has been so highly valued within the African American community throughout its history. She presents the analysis of motherhood that incorporates the broader perspective of African American womanhood because of the intricate connection that exists between these two identities for African American women. African American slave women played an integral role in the maintenance and survival of the family. However, the control of motherhood and mothering was ultimately held by the White slave master.
