Mother's Day Tribute: Honoring the Enduring Impact of Black TV and Film Moms

Happy mother's day greeting text vector design. Mother's day greeting typography in black elegant background for mommy celebration card. Vector Illustration.

Artist: AmazeinDesign

By: Joshua Martin

Happy Mother’s Day to all the lovely moms out there! A mother’s love is one that should be cherished and appreciated daily. Today is your day and we are honored to share the world with so many beautiful, strong, impactful women. A mother is usually a child’s first teacher, advocate, cheerleader, nurse and therapist. The job of a mother is never finished, even once their child becomes of age. In fact, no matter how much success they may garner, a child always knows where home is. 

In addition to remembering the women who gave birth to us, it is also important that we reflect on the other women who raised us! Our TV moms. Everyone has a favorite mother from television or film that they secretly wished were their own. Whether it was with their jokes, the advice they would give, or the genuine compassion they displayed on our screens, these ladies taught us valuable life lessons that reminded us of our own mamas. Today as we reflect on motherhood, 247LC salutes some of our favorite Black moms who are undeniably cemented in African-American pop culture history.

FILM

Irma P. Hall, the American actor, arrives at the Arclight Hollywood for the premiere of Tyler Perry's "Meet the Browns" in Hollywood, California, USA, on March 13, 2008. Based on the stage production of the same name, "Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns" opens in the USA on March 21, 2008.

Photo Cred: Joshua Gates Weisberg

Irma P. Hall

Irma P. Hall is an American born actress who began her acting career in the early 70’s. Often casted as a matriarchal figure in films, Hall earned an NAACP Image Award for portraying “Big Mama Joe” in the 1998 family drama “Soul Food”. Since then, the mother of two and grandmother to four opened the African American Repertory Theatre in DeSoto, Texas where she enjoys training and sharing her knowledge to up and coming actors.     

Jennifer Lewis graces the 21st Annual Critics Choice Awards at the Barker Hanger in Santa Monica, CA, on January 17, 2016.

Photo Cred: Kathy Hutchins

With over 300 appearances in television and film, Jennier Lewis is one of entertainment's most familiar faces and voices. Some of her notable roles were “Aunt Helen” in the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, “Mama Odie” in the hit Disney film “The Princess and The Frog,” and recently “Ruby Johnson” in the critically acclaimed sitcom “Black-ish.” She has also enjoyed a successful career as a singer and Broadway actress. “The Mother of Black Hollywood” takes pride in being a mother on and off screen.

Loretta Devine attends the 2018 Carousel Of Hope Ball held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA, on October 6, 2018.

Photo Cred: Kathy Hutchins

With a career spanning three decades, Loretta has earned much praise for her portrayals on the small and big screen. The Emmy Award winning actress is best known for her roles as the warm and relatable single parent in “Waiting To Exhale,” recurring role as Adele Webber in “Grey’s Anatomy” and as Lorrell Robinson in the original Broadway production of Dreamgirls. The classically trained actress/singer has become one of the most recognizable ensemble cast members in entertainment.

Television

On January 13, 2020, Phylicia Rashad graces the premiere of Netflix's "A Fall From Grace" at Metrograph.

Photo Cred: lev radin

A beautiful lawyer who raised five kids alongside Cliff, Clair Huxtable portrayed by actress Phylicia Rashad, had it all on The Cosby Show. Her very existence made her the mother of every child in the 80’s. Clair remains the epitome of Black motherhood on tv.  

On June 1, 2023, Wendy Raquel Robinson participates in the 2nd Annual Cam For A Cause Gala.

Photo Cred: Michael Mattes

Tasha Mack, portrayed by Wendy Raquel Robinson, raised a son by herself to play quarterback in the NFL and also built a sports-management empire on The Game. Sure her personality was a bit much to handle at times but she pushed her son to be the best version of himself on and off the field. She was her son’s biggest critic and biggest fan. Tasha had her son Malik at a very young age, making her story very relatable to a lot of young moms.  

Tichina Arnold attends the 28th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA, on April 1, 2017.

Photo Cred: Kathy Hutchins

The Rock family's matriarch, Rochelle was the star of "Everybody Hates Chris". She is a strong woman who nurtures her children. Rochelle, portrayed by Tichina Arnold, was a character that resonated with audiences because of her unwavering devotion, fierce protection of children, and humorous but relatable approach to parenting in the face everyday challenges.

Paula Jai Parker attends the series premiere of "The Proud Family - Louder and Prouder" at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles, CA, on January 19, 2023.

Photo Cred: Kathy Hutchins

The matriarch of 'The Proud Family,' played by Paula Jai Parker, was educated and always available to give Penny advice. Though animated, Trudy disciplined the twins, had enough patience to set her husband straight, raised a healthy family, and also worked as a veterinarian. No shade to Oscar, but I always wondered how he ended up with Trudy, lol.

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