I didn't work this hard just to get married

by Nika C. Beamon

Through lively and revealing interviews with women from various walks of life, this account speaks directly to the single black woman's experience, addressing unique challenges such as income discrepancies between genders, the high rate of male incarceration, and the "Baby Mama Syndrome." Women discuss the false expectations they face from men, from families, and from friends as well as reevaluate dating, single home ownership, career choices, having children—or not—and caring for aged parents. Their conclusion: singlehood, whether temporary or permanent, and sometimes challenging, is a fulfilling state.