Celebrating Heritage and Addressing Systemic Issues in Childcare

Tonia is a proud Louisiana native living in Compton, California and has been in the child care field for nearly three decades. She raised her two sons as a single mother and is now a grandmother. Tonia shares her experience as a Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) care provider for her grandchildren, and how she weaves in her rich African American culture and history into their daily lives. She discusses the importance of teaching her grandchildren to embrace their Black identity especially amid current social and political challenges. She also advocates for greater recognition, support, and fair compensation for FFN caregivers.