Tonya Jackson founded Voices of Black Grandmothers in 2007— a national movement that began as a digital community and has evolved into a platform for empowerment, advocacy, and legacy-building.

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Tonya became a grandmother at 45 years old. Her daughter was a teen mom, and while she was proud to support her, she also felt lost. Tonya searched everywhere for support groups or resources for young Black grandmothers—somewhere she could talk about what she was feeling and find guidance—but there was nothing. Tonya needed emotional support, financial guidance, and reassurance that she hadn’t failed as a parent. Instead, Tonya was met with silence and judgment.

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Out of that emptiness, Tonya decided to create what she couldn’t find. She began hosting small workshops for grandmothers that looked like her and had similar situations—spaces where they could share their stories without shame. They  talked about legal issues, family dynamics, financial planning, and healing. Those sessions became a lifeline—not just for the women who came, but for Tonya. They gave her strength, hope, and a new sense of purpose.

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In 2012, Tonya was invited to the White House to participate in a discussion on family and caregiving. That experience changed everything. It confirmed that this work—the work of amplifying the voices of grandmothers—wasn’t just personal; it was necessary. It was the moment Tonya knew that Voices of Black Grandmothers wasn’t just an idea—it was a movement. During that event, Tonya received a National Grandparents Day Declaration signed, by Barack Obama.

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The inspiration behind Voices of Black Grandmothers came from witnessing the strength, resilience, and quiet sacrifices of Black grandmothers who often serve as the backbone of their families and communities. Too often, their stories go untold and their contributions overlooked. Tonya wanted to change that narrative — to give grandmothers a collective voice, a place of belonging, and a space to lead with pride.

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Today, Voices of Black Grandmothers has grown into a vibrant online network of 43,000+ members nationwide. Through shared storytelling, education, and empowerment, we’re redefining what it means to be a modern Black grandmother — one who is not just nurturing the next generation, but also rediscovering her own power and purpose.

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Tonya is most proud of the events that have allowed us to celebrate and recognize grandmothers and caregivers—those who are the heartbeat of our families and communities. One of our proudest accomplishments is National Black Grandmothers Day, celebrated every February 7th, a day set aside to honor the women who nurture generations, often in silence and sacrifice. We now have a Change.org petition circulating to make that day a federal holiday, because our grandmothers deserve national recognition for the role they play in shaping our families and our future.

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In 2026, we are launching the Voices of Black Grandmothers: Legacy in Motion Tour, a three-city event series — Chicago, Maryland, and Atlanta that brings our message directly to communities. Through storytelling, workshops, and celebration, we remind women that their legacy is not behind them—it’s still unfolding.

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And last but not least, we are so proud of VOBG Cares nonprofit, the heart of our movement and the branch that puts our love into action. Through VOBG Cares, we’ve been able to provide tangible support to grandmothers raising grandchildren, kinship caregivers, and families in need. From holiday gift cards and back-to-school assistance to family support programs and community outreach, VOBG Cares reminds us that we don’t just talk about legacy — we live it.

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We can’t do this alone. We need our community—leaders, volunteers, and everyday heroes—to stand with us. We need storytellers, donors, advocates, and partners who believe that when we strengthen grandmothers, we strengthen generations.

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Our mission is simple but powerful:
To ensure that every grandmother feels seen, supported, and celebrated — not just for what she’s done, but for who she continues to become.

 

Together, we are writing a new story for Black grandmotherhood — one rooted in love, legacy, and leadership.