Ep. 12 | Let's Talk About Black Tax

The Price of Success — Let’s Talk About Black Tax | A Mother–Daughter Conversation

What does it really cost to be the one who “made it”?

In this deeply honest episode of Dear Mom, Dear Daughter, Athi and Mtha unpack Black Tax — the emotional, financial, and psychological responsibility many Black women and daughters carry once they reach stability or success.

From the roots of Black Tax in apartheid, systemic inequality, and Ubuntu, to the modern-day pressure faced by young Black professionals at home and abroad, this conversation explores how helping family can slowly turn into obligation, guilt, resentment, and burnout.

We talk about:

Why Black Tax isn’t just about money — but identity, love, and survival

The emotional toll of being the “family investment,” especially for eldest daughters

The reality that many Black professionals give up to 50% of their income to family support

How Black Tax affects social mobility, savings, and long-term freedom

Healthier, more sustainable ways to give back without carrying the entire burden

How mothers can protect their daughters from inheriting the same financial pressure

This episode also addresses how to set healthy boundaries, reframe generosity, and shift from short-term survival to long-term legacy — without turning your back on your family.

Whether you’re navigating Black Tax in South Africa, the UK, the US, or anywhere in the diaspora, this episode offers language, clarity, and compassion for a conversation so many families are quietly struggling with.

This is not about choosing yourself instead of your family — it’s about choosing sustainability for everyone.