by Jason Eugene
It’s afternoon in the Heights on a late spring day. The afternoon sun, the kind that slants through the trees and paints the sidewalks in strokes of gold and shadow, casts a warm glow with a tinge of Cleveland grayness. Inside a modest, typical Heights home, functional, comfortable with layers of sophistication and vibrancy, Charita Boseman shares a laugh with her five-year-old daughter, London. It’s a sound that’s both effervescent and deeply rooted, much like the woman herself. London, a whirlwind of bright energy and surprising wisdom, might be recounting a detail from her day – perhaps a new discovery at school, a triumphant art project, or a question about the world that reveals her burgeoning, insightful mind. But most likely, the latest fashion trends or which outfit she’s going to adorn herself with for our interview and walk through the neighborhood. Noticing the focus of her mom, Charita listens, her attention absolute, her responses a gentle calibration of mother, mentor, and, in those flickering moments of shared delight, confidante.
To observe them is to witness a bond that feels timeless… infectious even, and so very contemporary. It’s a dance of easy affection, punctuated by moments of clear, loving guidance – a microcosm of the meticulously crafted, yet profoundly organic, life Charita has built. This isn’t just any mother-daughter dynamic; it feels like a quiet manifesto… a peaceful resistance to false narratives, misconceptions, and data points that say one thing but are lived in an entirely different way. It is a lived response to a world that too often presents a constrained, even grim, narrative for Black women, particularly single mothers. Charita Boseman, with her bright smile and open heart, fierce intellect, and what she herself terms a “rebel with a cause” spirit, is not just navigating life; she is architecting it, on her own terms, for herself and for the bright star that is London.
Every decision, every ambition, every boundary set, circles back to this central, sacred responsibility – motherhood.
Her story, unfolding against the backdrop of Cleveland is more than an individual triumph, it’s a resonant counter-narrative in a historically bleak place for single Black parents. But Charita, along with a great many others, are changing (if they haven’t done so already) the way society views them and are quick to categorize, and quicker still to apply the broad, often impersonal stereotypes. Her lived experience offers a more nuanced, more hopeful, and ultimately, more truthful portrait of what it means to build a legacy of love, advocacy, and unwavering connection, especially when the script handed to you suggests a different, more challenging outcome.
“It’s my most important job and role in this life,” Charita states, her voice imbued with a quiet conviction that leaves no room for doubt. She’s speaking, of course, of being London’s mother. This declaration isn’t a platitude; it’s the foundational principle upon which her world is organized, the unwavering north on her personal compass. Every decision, every ambition, every boundary set, circles back to this central, sacred responsibility.
Motherhood arrived for Charita at forty, a chapter she describes as feeling undeniably “supposed to be [her] story.” It was a path chosen with deliberation, after years of prioritizing her own growth, her career, and the building of a strong relationship foundation before even considering children. She recalls candidly telling a former partner that the partnership itself needed to be a fortress before they could think of expanding into a family with children. This foresight, this insistence on solid ground, speaks volumes about her approach to life’s most significant undertaking– Motherhood. The actual experience of becoming a mother, however, was, as it is for so many, a discerning recalibration for Boseman. “It makes you pivot and think about life very differently,” she reflects. The world, once perhaps viewed primarily through the lens of personal ambition and experience, expanded, deepened, and reoriented itself around another human being. “You move,” she explains, “from a focus solely on yourself to thinking about another human being and ensuring they have what they need.” She speaks of shedding a layer of what she terms being a “selfish person,” a self-assessment that’s less about harsh judgment and more an honest acknowledgment of the transformative power of all-encompassing maternal love. It made her, she says, “more giving, more loving.”
This transformation was perhaps most unexpectedly and intensely felt during the global pause of the pandemic. While the world outside grappled with fear and uncertainty, the enforced stillness became an incubator for an even deeper connection between mother and daughter. Working remotely for Special Olympics in D.C., Charita found herself immersed in London’s world in a way that pre-pandemic life, with its commutes and external demands, might never have allowed. “It was an intense and valuable period,” she recalls, a time that forged a “really tight and strong bond” she believes wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. The quiet days, once potentially filled with the logistical dance of daycare and work, instead became a canvas for shared moments, for witnessing London’s small discoveries and big emotions up close, full frontal and no blinders. It was the real deal, inescapable. It underscored a truth Charita holds dear: the irreplaceable value of presence.
London, even at her tender age, is a vivid personality, a testament to the nurturing environment her mom has cultivated. Her observations are a delightful mix of childhood wonder and startling insight – from missing the grandeur of the Washington Monument after their move, to her imaginative “Gotcha” art project crafted from paper towel rolls and spray-painted gold (her mother’s loving assistance evident), complete with a fallen-off button repurposed as a power switch. She has favorite colors too!– pink, gold, and silver – a love for “kids coffee” (steamed milk, a small ritual of grown-up comfort), and a “princessy” streak that delights in pretty dresses. Yet, this same child could also articulate a surprising awareness of political events, questioning complexities that might baffle many adults, showcasing an emotional intelligence that Charita carefully fosters. Their home, first in D.C. and now in Cleveland Heights, is clearly a space where London’s voice is heard, her creativity celebrated, and her understanding of the world gently guided.
To understand Charita’s emphasis on family and connection, one must journey back with her, not just to her own childhood, but further, into the rich, multi-generational tapestry of her lineage. On the afternoon of our in-person interview at her home, amongst her things and personal artifacts, she shares a photograph, handling it with reverence hinting towards its preciousness. “An awesome picture of my family, my maternal side,” she says, her eyes tracing the faces. It’s more than a collection of individuals frozen in time; it’s a visual chronicle, a testament to continuity and enduring bonds. In this single, powerful image, four distinct generations are visible, a remarkable tableau: Charita’s own mother, her grandparents (her mother’s parents), her great-grandparents, and, most astonishingly, her great-great-grandparents. “I had the privilege,” Charita shares, a note of quiet awe in her voice, “of knowing just about every single person in this photo.” This isn’t merely a historical curiosity; it’s a lived reality that shaped her understanding of family from her earliest years. Juxtaposing this lived experience with the statistics that say 64% of Black families are single-parent households, some 5.5M souls, it is hard to put a lot of faith into numbers… At least these numbers, assuming they are honest and accurate. Comparing other groups, according to the data, White families are at 24% / 7.7M, and Hispanic / Latino at 42% / 7.6M.
Her voice softens, a gentle vibration of memory, as she speaks specifically of those most distant ancestors, her great-great-grandparents. “I knew both of them when I was about three or four,” she recalls. The details, emerging from the mists of early childhood, remain surprisingly vivid: visits to their home in Shaker Heights, the memory of her great-great-grandfather being unwell, and the tender image of her great-grandmother devotedly caring for him. “I remember being in their home and being able to see them,” she emphasizes, the simple act of seeing, of being in their presence, etching itself into her young consciousness. It’s a rare gift, this tangible link to a past stretching back over a century, a direct connection to lives that began in a world vastly different from her own. “When I tell people I was a part of five generations when I was born,” Charita reflects, “and I had that up until the age of 11… definitely a blessing.”
This immersive experience of a sprawling, interconnected family wasn’t confined to photographs or occasional visits. Growing up with her maternal grandmothers in the same city was, in her words, “super important.” She felt “really close to them,” their presence a constant, nurturing force in her life. These women, the matriarchs of her youth, provided not just love and support, but also a living library of wisdom, resilience, and heritage. While her grandfather lived in different states, the consistent presence of these strong female figures undoubtedly shaped her own identity and her understanding of feminine strength.
It is this deep-seated appreciation for intergenerational bonds, this lived understanding of their profound impact, that heavily influenced one of the most significant decisions of her adult life: the move with London from Washington D.C. back to Cleveland Heights. While the high cost of living in the nation’s capital played a role, Charita is clear that a primary driver was the fundamental desire to be closer to family, to weave London into that same rich tapestry she had known. Ensuring that London could be near her maternal grandparents, that she could “have that family connection,” was paramount. “For her to be able to be near a grandparent or her grandparents on her maternal side has been a blessing,” Charita shares, the gratitude noticeable in her voice.
Even though London was born in D.C., a piece of Cleveland always resided with them. A picture of Cleveland neighborhoods hung prominently in their D.C. home, a visual anchor to the place Charita, and by extension, London, considered their true roots. For Charita, this wasn’t just about physical proximity; it was about embedding London in a continuum of love, support, and shared history, ensuring she understood that she was part of something larger than herself, a story many generations in the making.
This personal conviction resonates powerfully with broader truths. The strength of intergenerational ties is not just anecdotal; it’s a well-documented source of stability and well-being. Research shows that children who grow up with active involvement from grandparents and extended family often exhibit greater resilience, a stronger sense of identity, and exhibit a wider emotional awareness. These connections serve as conduits for cultural knowledge, family stories, and unspoken wisdom that shapes values and perspectives. For Boseman, fostering this for London wasn’t just a preference; it was a replication of the blessings that had so profoundly shaped her own becoming. Her life, shaped by the rich delta of those five generations, and her dedication to cultivating that same depth for London, is a living testament to the enduring power drawn from a deeply connected family tree.
Charita’s story, luminous with intention and love, unfolds within a broader societal context where narratives about Black women and single motherhood are often painted with the broad, impersonal strokes of statistics – numbers that, while reflecting certain realities and systemic inequities, can inadvertently create and perpetuate stereotypes. To truly appreciate the texture of her transformative journey, one must acknowledge this often-fraught landscape.
Nationally, the data reveals huge disparities. According to 2022 figures from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, 64% of Black children in the United States lived in single-parent families, a stark contrast to the 24% of White children in similar circumstances. A 2024 report from the Journal of Blacks in Higher Education, referencing U.S. Census Bureau data, highlighted that Black households were the most likely to be family households maintained by a woman without a spouse, at approximately 25%. Narrowing the focus to Ohio, a 2022 report from state resources indicated that a significant 62% of Black families with children under 18 were single-mother households. These figures are not mere abstractions; they represent complex lived experiences and often point to deeply entrenched systemic challenges, agendas, including economic disparities, unequal access to resources, and the enduring legacies of racial discrimination.
However, as Charita’s journey so powerfully illustrates, data tells only part of the story. Like all information, which might well reflect how you interpret it, and from which vantage point it is being viewed, can often determine how one views the world around them versus the lived experiences of others. Statistics, devoid of nuance and context, can become tools for generalization, creating narratives that overshadow the immense diversity, strength, and success that exist within communities. They can inadvertently fuel stereotypes that depict Black single mothers and their children through a lens of deficit, rather than recognizing the extraordinary fortitude, resourcefulness, and love that are often hallmarks of these families.
The danger lies in allowing these numbers, born from a need to quantify and understand societal trends, to become predictive scripts, to define individuals before they even have a chance to write their own stories. The narrative that emerges can be one of struggle, of lack, of children “at-risk,” often failing to capture a rich support system, the profound depths of maternal dedication, and the vibrant successes that are equally, if not more, prevalent. It’s a perspective, most certainly.
Boundaries are super important… not worrying about the discomfort of others, as long as the boundary itself is not harmful or unkind.
How does one woman, a single mother navigating the complexities of a demanding global career and active community engagement, cultivate such a rich, balanced, and impactful life for herself and her child, especially when societal narratives might suggest a constant struggle? The answer lies not in superhuman effort , but in a consciously constructed framework rooted in principles and practices. At the core of this architecture are impeccably maintained boundaries, a sense of purpose in her professional and community life, and a commitment to nurturing the support systems that sustain them.
“Boundaries,” Charita asserts, her tone clear, “are super important.” This isn’t a casual observation; it’s a cornerstone of her philosophy, a vital tool she wields with discernment and self-awareness. She sees them as necessary across the entire spectrum of human interaction – in professional settings, within friendships, in the delicate dance of co-parenting, and even with her own parents. It’s a concept she has clearly reflected upon deeply, understanding that these demarcations are not about creating distance or exclusion, but about cultivating a space where one’s own well-being can flourish, thereby enabling one to show up more fully for others.
“It’s crucial to be confident in setting these boundaries,” she explains, “not worrying about the discomfort of others, as long as the boundary itself is not harmful or unkind.” This is a key distinction. Her approach isn’t about aggression or selfishness; it’s about self-preservation and integrity. She understands that true self-care, the kind that allows a mother, a professional, and a community leader to thrive, sometimes requires making choices that might not immediately please everyone. And that’s okay. The goal, in her view, is to “create the life one wants and needs, ensuring comfort and balance.” At this point in her life, she feels confident and comfortable in expressing these lines, understanding their necessity not as limitations, but as a form of liberation – freeing up energy and focus for what truly matters, most notably, London. These thoughtfully established boundaries are the unseen scaffolding that supports the many tiers of her life, ensuring that each aspect receives the attention it deserves without allowing any one part to overwhelm the others.
My old boss told me once, if you’re going to be a rebel, be one with a cause.
Charita’s professional journey isn’t much different, stemming from her deep-rooted passion for people, particularly public health, wellness, and crucially, equity. With a Master of Science in Health & Sports Sciences, her career, spanning over two decades, has been dedicated to creating “targeted, impactful, and equitable health programming.” Her path led her, almost serendipitously, to the Special Olympics after being laid off from a national organization focused on the health of Black women and girls. Discovering Special Olympics’ deep commitment to the health of individuals with what society refers to as “disabilities” was a revelation, a “beautiful merging,” as she describes it, of her passion for serving marginalized populations and her inherent interest in the power of sport.
Her tenure at Special Olympics has seen her in a variety of impactful roles, from Global Health Manager to her current position as Senior Health Manager for North America. This isn’t just a job; it’s a global mission. Her work involves advancing health and wellness initiatives across the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean, focusing on everything from prevention and fitness across the lifespan to health education on nutrition and leading early childhood programming like Young Athletes. A significant portion of her energy is dedicated to leading health equity efforts, supporting programs in designing culturally sensitive approaches for underserved communities, and helping athletes and their families navigate the often-bewildering complexities of healthcare systems. She co-chairs the Special Olympics Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) steering committee, driving culture change from within. Her advocacy is global, her impact tangible, touching millions of athletes across nearly 200 countries.
She speaks with fervor about programs like Special Smiles, which tackles the critical oral health crisis facing individuals with intellectual disabilities – a crisis highlighted by alarming statistics: nearly half suffering from periodontal conditions, over a third with untreated tooth decay. She recounts powerful success stories: a dental council in India mandated free care for athletes thanks to an appeal; a Thai student received life-altering treatment; an American athlete’s oral cancer was detected and life saved through a screening. These aren’t abstract victories; they are lives changed, suffering alleviated. Similarly, the FUNfitness program, which she also managed, addresses critical physical therapy needs, assessing and improving flexibility, strength, and balance for athletes. Her professional life is a vivid illustration of her commitment to dismantling barriers to health, a commitment that was thrown into sharp, personal relief recently.
Despite her global advocacy for health access, Charita and London faced their own daunting challenge navigating the healthcare system when London’s essential asthma medication, Flovent, was discontinued by the manufacturer in the U.S., replaced by a generic her insurance covered at a significantly higher, unaffordable out-of-pocket cost. The experience left Charita “literally in tears” and “livid,” caught in a bureaucratic maze of insurance calls and pharmacy visits, all while respiratory illnesses surged. London’s simple, heartbreaking “Mommy, I can’t do that” when trying a more complicated alternative inhaler underscored the human cost of such systemic failures. This deeply personal struggle mirrored the very issues she fights for professionally, a stark reminder of the financial and logistical obstacles that prevent vulnerable individuals, especially children, from accessing necessary care.
This “rebel with a cause” spirit isn’t confined to her international work. Back in Cleveland Heights, Charita felt it was important to “integrate herself into this community a little bit differently.” Recognizing the need for new perspectives and driven by her inherent desire to challenge the status quo, she joined the board of FutureHeights, a community development corporation. Her willingness to speak up against inequities, to advocate for marginalized populations, is a consistent thread woven through her life, from challenging a professor in her undergraduate years to her current leadership roles. For Charita, impact begins with engagement, whether on a global stage or in her own neighborhood.
While Charita is a single mother, the narrative of successful parenting, especially within Black communities, is often one of collective effort, of a larger than life quilt woven with many threads and patches of support. The concept of co-parenting, regardless of whether parents are together or separated, emerges as a crucial factor in fostering a child’s well-being. Research, such as that highlighted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, consistently underscores profound benefits when parents and the wider family and community collaborate effectively in raising children. An approach that even I am familiar with, having come from a deeply connected family, and a community, where at the time, it was acceptable to be parented, spanked, held accountable by your neighbor, the parents on the next street, or basically any respectable adult. This cooperative dynamic – characterized by good communication, mutual respect, and a shared focus on the child’s needs – provides emotional stability, consistent guidance, and a broader sense of security for children.
Charita’s emphasis on maintaining strong family ties, evidenced by her move back to Cleveland speaks to her intuitive understanding of this principle. She is actively cultivating that multi-generational support system that some research identifies as so beneficial. While the specifics of her co-parenting relationship aren’t detailed in her public narrative, her emphasis on boundaries in all relationships, including with co-parents, suggests a commitment to creating healthy, functional dynamics that would ultimately benefit her daughter.
I want to always be there… show up for her. That’s my job!
It is precisely against this complex, statistically illuminated backdrop that Charita and London emerge, not merely as a heartwarming pair, but as a shining, powerful reminder that we are more than a number, more than a statistical point on a spreadsheet, and that our stories and lives are of value. Their story is an undeniable testament to the mother-daughter bond, a vivid illustration of how a single mother, deeply connected to her ancestral roots and crystal clear in her priorities, can not only navigate systemic hurdles but can triumphantly cultivate a life exceptionally rich in both personal fulfillment and far-reaching professional achievement. They stand as a vibrant reminder to us all that the true measure of a family’s strength is not, and never has been, its particular configuration or its statistical shadow, but the immeasurable depth of its bonds and the unwavering, daily commitment to simply “showing up.”