It’s a moment for many of us where we have seen these situations play out before, and we’re tired of having to remind people that Black Lives Matter.
We’re making our voices heard, and standing against social injustice, as our babies sit and watch from the sidelines, or at best ask us why Nick Jr. went black for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. What about our babies? They are the children old enough to feel but too young to take the raw, harsh reality that we’re fighting for the protection of their lives?
BFF Publishing House Founder, Toni Mutcherson, dedicates her publishing services to African American Authors. Now, she’s giving our young children an outlet to express themselves in her initiative to publish 100 children authors called My Young Life Matters.
She is on a mission through BFF Publishing House to raise $50,000 to publish 100 under-served children from all over the country, ages 6 years old to 17 years old. The goal of this initiative is to increase literacy rates among children ages 6 to 17 years old in marginalized communities that may not otherwise have the opportunity to become an award-winning author.
Recently, Toni presented a TEDx Talk, One Mom’s Quest to Save her Daughter from YouTube, in November 2019 on the importance of childhood literacy.
Through her initiative and publishing company, she lives out her mantra, Readers are Leaders, while serving aspiring authors through publishing their words to the world.
Read her self-love journey below.
What do you see when you look in the mirror?
When I look in the mirror, I see resilience and strength. Life has taught me several invaluable lessons. I’m proud of how I’ve overcome adversity. I know that with God, whatever comes my way, I will have the victory.
What do you do for a living?
I am the CEO of BFF Publishing House, where I advocate for diversity in literacy and an author of 5 books. I am also the CEO of My Founders Dream, a Greek letter balloon company.
How do you think self-love plays a role in success?
Self love is essential in the pursuit of success. There will be barriers for certain. You have to love yourself through it all, and when you do reach whatever you define as success, you still have to love on yourself. Self-love should not be tied to status.
How do you think we, as women, can work together to lift each other?
There are numerous ways to celebrate and work together as women. One of the most significant ways is to pray with and for other women. It’s simple but powerful.
Through prayer, we can bless each other with solace, encouragement, and peace.
Have you had any adversities that you’ve had to overcome in order to achieve success?
I have had several adversities in my career, and one was self-doubt. It’s self-sabotaging to allow your negative thoughts to have space in your head. I’ve learned that not every thought is true. It’s essential to identify those types of thoughts and reject them.
What has been your greatest accomplishment to date?
My greatest accomplishment has been being a good Mom. Every day I am striving to be my best self because that is what my daughter deserves. Being a Mom is my most important job. I understand how impactful my influence and involvement is on her life.
What inspires you to keep growing?
My family is my greatest inspiration. I am inspired by how much they love and support me. I want to be there for them in the way that they need me. Family keeps me grounded, and their encouragement has been a driving force in my work ethic.
