By Frank James
In the comic books there have been various characters who had the title Superwoman. In real life the title is held by all African American females who are mothers. I know I am being generous with the title, but every mother is special to someone, namely their children. Since this is the beginning of May, we will celebrate the Superwomen of the USA.
The Superwoman often has to raise the children, take care of the house, and go to work. This heroine often does this with a smile on her face and a switch in her hands. The Superwoman often has to be the bad guy in order for the children to become successful. This is what makes these heroes special to, not only their children, the entire community.
African American males have been severely neutered in the USA. The factors that have led to many single parent households are legion. This article is not about the lack of father figures in the African American community. This article is to showcase the Superwomen who have kept families together in the aftermath of the African American males disappearance.
Our Superwomen may have more than one child, and often have male offspring. Ask any adult Black male, or African American, which parent would deliver discipline, if they got into trouble. The majority of these males will say their mother. Why? Because in most cases Mama was the one at home. It was Mama who read the report card, and decided if the son was going to get a new comic book, or three months of punishment in their room. In many cases Daddy was not home, or didn’t care enough to enforce any punishment. Many sons in the African American community could manipulate daddy, but not the Superwoman.
The Superwoman often exhibited superior mental powers. This dedicated heroine knew when their offspring was lying as if they were telepathic. The Superwoman could stand in front of their child, even when the child was much taller, and break them down pointing out the lies they told easily. The mental domination often led to confessions similar to the way Perry Mason did it on the old TV show. Yet, telepathy is not the only power the Superwoman relied on.
The Superwoman was a master of the use of fear to keep order in their household. In 2026, this parenting skill may be politically incorrect. That is one reason why the 2010’s children run amok in the community. But, back to the celebration. The Superwoman didn’t have to use physical force to ensure her will was done. The slightest inflection on the words, “Let me come home and find…” would be enough to guarantee that whatever finished the sentence was done. No child in their right mind wanted to experience what would happen if the task was not done, and correct, when the Superwoman came home.
The Superwoman often displayed superior physical ability. I have seen Superwomen twist entire wheel studs off cars while putting on lug nuts. I witnessed Superwomen run down teens who were track stars like the Flash catching a villain. I have known Superwomen on the second floor of a house that heard children mumbling under their breath in the basement of the house. These are only a few of the miraculous talents these women possessed.
Superwomen have shaped the African American community. From threatening a child into learning their ABC’s, to coming through for the child by ensuring they have a silk suit for prom. These Superwomen have done it all. The majority of these Superwomen have done it well.
It is May and Mother’s Day is here. Celebrate your Superwoman. Remember, if it wasn’t for your Mama, you wouldn’t be here.
Frank James IV © 2026
beingfrankwithfrank@gmail.com
The opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the writer and not of the Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper or HT Group, LLC, its staff or management. “Being Frank” is a bi-weekly column exclusive to the Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper.
