Empowered Young Black Women, like Sexyy Red, Have the Freedom to Start Families When They Desire.

Opinion: Welcoming a baby doesn’t signify the conclusion of everything, particularly for women who have access to resources.

St. Louis rapper Sexyy Red is expecting a child.

While she appears to be quite content about the news, when she initially shared the joyous announcement of her impending bundle of joy, online users promptly engaged in the familiar habit of projecting their own anxieties and apprehensions onto her, as often happens when a young Black woman rises to fame and announces her pregnancy.

Some have inquired about her decision to become pregnant while her fame is still at its peak. Some have foreseen that her pregnancy and the upcoming birth of her child might negatively impact her career. Meanwhile, there are individuals who openly express their belief that she is making an error in judgment.

These comments are not new when it comes to young Black women who choose to become mothers.

When Keke Palmer revealed her pregnancy, she also encountered similar scrutiny. However, she has since given birth to her son and continued to excel in her unique way, demonstrating that those who doubted her were mistaken.

When Cardi B revealed her first pregnancy at the onset of her debut album’s success on the charts in 2018, many anticipated it would mark the end of her career. However, that prediction didn’t hold true. Cardi has consistently released chart-topping tracks and has recently welcomed her second child with her husband, Offset from Migos.

Notably, Cardi continued to perform on stage during her pregnancy, with one of the most memorable moments being her appearance on “Saturday Night Live,” where her pregnancy was officially unveiled and confirmed.

Even Serena Williams couldn’t avoid such scrutiny when she became pregnant with her first child. Despite her incredible athletic prowess, many questioned whether she could make a successful comeback to the tennis court after childbirth. However, she defied those doubts by winning the Australian Open while pregnant and subsequently reaching the finals at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open in 2018 and 2019.

Speculation is swirling that Halle Bailey, the actress known for her role as the Little Mermaid, might be expecting a child with her boyfriend, DDG. While Bailey hasn’t officially confirmed or denied the pregnancy, online observers are closely examining every photo she shares in an attempt to find evidence.

Alongside this supposed “evidence” comes discussions about how motherhood might negatively impact her career. It’s important to emphasize that becoming a parent doesn’t have to hinder one’s ambitions, especially for these young Black women.

Sexyy Red is presently on her nationwide “Hood Hottest Princess” tour, and she’s confidently gracing the stage with her visible baby bump. It’s adorable to see her perform barefoot at times.

The most significant distinction between individuals like Sexyy, Keke, Cardi, Serena, and the rest of us is their financial resources. Rappers, film stars, and professional athletes possess the financial means to have children and maintain their careers with ease.

Having the means to hire nannies and receive other forms of assistance in childcare allows you to pursue your aspirations while ensuring your child’s well-being and needs are met.

Cardi B, for instance, has successfully balanced motherhood while continuing to dominate the music charts and performing at her leisure. Serena Williams, now a mother of two, has retired from professional tennis, affording her the freedom to pursue her interests. Keke, despite facing challenges with her co-parent, remains focused on her career and has not missed a step.

Pregnancy doesn’t hinder these women in any way, and there’s no reason why it should.

We’re not in 1982 or even 1972 anymore.

Today, women have a multitude of choices, and combining motherhood with a career is achievable for those who possess the necessary resources and support network. It can be challenging to comprehend how others manage this when you lack those resources, but it’s crucial to recognize that your limitations don’t necessarily apply to everyone else.