Front & Center is a groundbreaking series amplifying the voices of Black women navigating poverty—highlighting their struggles, resilience and dreams as they care for their families, build careers and challenge systems not built for their success. Now in its fourth year, Front & Center is a collaboration between Ms. and Springboard to Opportunities, a nonprofit based in Jackson, Miss., working alongside residents of federally subsidized housing as they pursue their goals.
My name is Linda. I’m 44 years old, born and raised in Jackson, Miss., and I’m a proud mother of three and grandmother of five beautiful girls. Two of my kids are adults now; my oldest daughter has four daughters of her own. My son has a daughter too. My youngest is 16 — she’s my baby girl. All of us were born and raised right here in Jackson.
I love being a grandmother. I’ll admit, I always hoped for a grandson, but I have five granddaughters, and they love their grandma. I love the summertime and springtime because I can take them to the waterpark or just out for a ride. When I pull up to their house, they come running out, screaming, “Grandma! Grandma!” For some reason, they think grandmothers always have money. They want to go to the store for chips and candy, so I make sure to keep some around just for them…