Member-only story
Why Are Single Mothers Always Late For Work?
“I have no idea why a woman would insist on raising a child when she doesn’t have to, especially when her job is in jeopardy due this child in the first place.”
One of the most embarrassing moments of my life was when one of my coworkers, a white man, asked me the following question at work:
“Sanni, why do black women have so many problems?”
I knew that he meant no harm in his question. Outside of being coworkers we were close friends of many years, plus we were very open with each other. He felt compelled to ask me this because of how one of our coworkers, a black single mother, was stomping around our office on an emotional tirade, demanding sympathy for being late to work for the hundredth time.
“Do you know HR called me into the conference room and told me I’ve been late too many times?” the receptionist whose absenteeism concerned my coworker, confessed to me at my cubicle. “I told her that I am a single mother and I can’t always find someone to watch my son, especially last minute. Like yesterday! Because it was snowing William’s school closed early. I found out on my way to work! I mean, at least I am calling in.”
I listened intently, although I couldn’t understand being a young woman with so many damn problems. It was like she was speaking Greek. From since I…
