The Power of Motherhood and Connection
By Derik Hicks
Ciera’ Harris is a powerhouse of resilience, community spirit and ambition — a source of inspiration for Black women and mothers in Charlotte and beyond. A Charlotte native, Harris is a 12th-grade English teacher, entrepreneur and the founder of various initiatives, including Black Girl Thriving (BGT) and the Black Mama Collective (BMC). Her journey and dedication to empowering Black women and mothers are nothing short of remarkable.
From inspiration to action
In 2018, Harris launched BGT, a Black women’s empowerment brand that began as an online blog and developed into a platform for fostering connections, confidence and community. Inspired by her personal journey — including being diagnosed with lupus at age 16 — she sought to show women how to overcome challenges and pursue their dreams.
“Initially, BGT was just meant to inspire Black women to keep going,” Harris said. “But by 2019, I started hosting events because I felt there wasn’t a space for us in Charlotte.” Since then, Harris has hosted over 60 events, including yoga classes and her signature Mimosa Markets, which spotlight Black women-owned businesses. These markets promote entrepreneurship while creating a safe, uplifting space for women to connect. The success of BGT laid the foundation for Harris’ next initiative: the Black Mama Collective.
The birth of the Black Mama Collective
Becoming a mother in 2022 inspired Harris to create a dedicated space for Black mothers, separate from BGT. She explains, “I didn’t want to turn BGT into a mom page because my audience also included women who weren’t mothers. So, I created the Black Mama Collective.”
The BMC is more than a support network; it’s a community hub that connects Black mothers with vital resources like lactation consultants, doulas and Black OBGYNs. Harris also organizes mom meetups, nights out, and other events to foster camaraderie among mothers while providing opportunities for relaxation and connection.
A passion for maternal health
Harris’ passion for maternal health stems from her personal experience. Her pregnancy was high-risk due to lupus, and her son faced life-threatening complications at birth. “He wasn’t breathing when he was born and spent four days in the NICU. Those moments were some of the hardest in my life,” she recounts. Despite these challenges, Harris drove herself to and from the hospital, determined to care for her son.
Through BMC, Harris aims to address disparities in Black maternal health. “Black women face more struggles during pregnancy than our white counterparts,” she said. “I want to be a resource and advocate for Black moms, ensuring they have access to the care and support they deserve.”
2025 and beyond
Anticipating an eventful 2025, the BMC plans to relaunch its blog and expand its offerings, including more mom meetups and specialized events. Meanwhile, BGT continues to grow, with exciting additions like BGT Books, an online bookstore, and BGT Yoga, a yoga program led by Harris herself.
Among the standout events planned for 2025 is the “Sis, You Smell Good” brunch and perfume swap on March 2. This creative and unique gathering will bring women together to share their favorite scents and strengthen connections within the community. Follow @theblackmamacollective on Instagram to keep up with the upcoming events.
A legacy of service
Harris’ passion for community service runs deep, rooted in her education at North Carolina Central University. “Our motto was ‘truth and service,’ and to graduate, you needed at least 120 hours of community service,” she explained. “That instilled in me a drive to be the change I want to see.”
Harris’ initiatives emphasize community over profit. “I’m not in it to make money. I want to create safe spaces where Black women and mothers can thrive,” she says.
It is evident that Harris is overflowing with ambition, compassion and an overachieving spirit. “I can’t be basic. I have to go above and beyond every time,” she says with a smile. Her love for Black women’s resilience and energy fuels her work. “Black women are the blueprint. We run the world!” she said..
Join the movement
Ciera’ Harris’ dedication to uplifting Black women and mothers is a testament to the power of community and service. Through BGT and the BMC, she is building a legacy of empowerment, connection and support. Connect with Black Girl Thriving and The Black Mama Collective at blackgirlthriving.com