The first time Marsha Littlejohn held her newborn, she felt a quiet certainty: motherhood was not just a role, but a transformation. As the finance controller at EBONY, Littlejohn had spent years managing budgets and balancing spreadsheets, but nothing prepared her for the emotional and logistical whirlwind of raising children. “Being a mother has taught me how to adapt, how to navigate different emotions and moods, so I can be a safe, steady presence for my children,” she reflects. “It’s taught me patience in ways I never knew I had and a depth of unconditional love that’s hard to put into words.”
Littlejohn’s experience mirrors the journey of countless mothers, whose lives are reshaped by the arrival of a child. For many, motherhood is a crucible of growth, demanding resilience, adaptability, and a redefinition of strength. At EBONY, a media platform that has long championed Black stories and perspectives, the women of the team bring their own unique narratives to this universal experience. Their stories—of balancing careers, nurturing families, and finding community—offer a glimpse into the complexities and joys of modern motherhood.
Motherhood is not a static experience. It evolves with each stage of a child’s life, and with it, the lessons learned become more profound. For Micha Harmes, Executive Assistant to the CEO of EBONY, raising six children in a blended family has been both a challenge and a source of immense pride. “Motherhood has stretched my heart in ways I never imagined,” Harmes says. “It has taught me to love selflessly, lead with grace, and put others before myself—not out of obligation, but out of deep joy. Raising six kids in a blended family has challenged me, grown me, and shaped who I am today. It’s, without question, one of the greatest sources of purpose, blessing, and pride in my life.”
The Evolving Role of Motherhood
As children grow, so does the scope of a mother’s influence. Littlejohn and Harmes, along with Cori Murray, Executive Vice President of Editorial Content at EBONY, describe motherhood as a dynamic journey that requires juggling multiple roles—caretaker, teacher, confidante, and advocate. Murray, who recently joined EBONY after a storied career at ESSENCE, shares how motherhood has reshaped her perspective on communication and empowerment. “Motherhood has taught me that my kid has a voice and I should listen,” she says. “I was raised ‘children should be seen and not heard,’ but my teenager is well-read and opinionated about everything from respectability politics to Coachella. Her views on the world as an empowered, global citizen have only expanded my own thinking. I love learning from her, even if I have to watch 12 YouTube shorts on any given topic.”
This shift in perspective is a common thread among mothers. The journey is not just about raising children; it’s about personal growth, self-discovery, and the realization that motherhood is a two-way street. As Murray’s daughter engages with the world, Murray finds herself learning from her child’s curiosity and passion, fostering a relationship built on mutual respect and shared learning.
A Community of Shared Strength
Motherhood also introduces women to a community of shared experiences. The camaraderie among mothers can turn challenges into shared victories, offering support, laughter, and sometimes a much-needed vent session. At EBONY, this sense of community is palpable. The shared experiences of Littlejohn, Harmes, and Murray highlight how motherhood fosters deep connections, reminding women that they are not alone in their struggles.
For Harmes, this community has been a lifeline, especially in navigating the complexities of a blended family. “The camaraderie built among mothers can turn challenges into shared victories,” she notes. “It reminds other moms that they are not alone in their struggles, and that’s incredibly powerful.”
Motherhood as a Catalyst for Growth
Motherhood is a journey that teaches patience, resilience, and unconditional love. It is a role that amplifies a woman’s life in ways that resonate for a lifetime. As Littlejohn, Harmes, and Murray have discovered, the lessons learned from motherhood extend far beyond the home. They shape identities, build communities, and foster a sense of purpose that defines not just how mothers see themselves, but how they see the world.
At EBONY, these women continue to inspire through their stories, proving that motherhood is not just about nurturing the next generation, but about growing oneself in the process. Their journeys reflect the universal truth that motherhood is a transformative experience—one that reshapes lives, builds communities, and leaves a lasting impact on both mothers and their children.
Looking Ahead
As EBONY continues to tell the stories of Black America, the voices of its staff—like Littlejohn, Harmes, and Murray—add depth and authenticity to the narrative. Their reflections on motherhood remind us that behind every headline and every story is a human journey, filled with love, challenges, and the unyielding strength of women who continue to shape the world around them.
For those navigating their own motherhood journeys, the stories of these EBONY staff members serve as both a mirror and a beacon. They remind us that while the path may be unpredictable, the support and growth found along the way are invaluable.
Share your own motherhood stories or reflections in the comments below. How has motherhood transformed your life?
