The Carpenters on Albert Square; the praise that pours in when people reminisce on their grandparent’s Diamond Anniversary; even the dreaded ‘when will you marry?’ from aunties on the dancefloor of your friend’s wedding – when it comes to “settling down” the blueprint for black families has long been set.
However, with 30% of black households now made up of one person as per the 2021 census, it’s clear that the ‘right’ way to settle down versus the reality of family building for black people is a far more complex story.
So, away from the white picket fence and 2.5 kids, what does it actually “settling down” actually look like for black women now? Black Ballad spoke to three women redefining the idea on their own terms.