Muzet, and her mother, Brenda, share a legacy of caregiving that spans generations, rooted in their Virginia upbringing. Originally from Staunton, Virginia, both women now reside in Charlotte, North Carolina, where they continue to reflect on their shared journey as domestic workers—though they only recently embraced the term.
Muzet, and her mother, Brenda, share a legacy of caregiving that spans generations.
Brenda, now 71, entered care work in the 1970s after attending a program that trained her to care for people in their homes. What started as a class became a long-term career, with Brenda moving between home care and nursing facilities for several decades. Reflecting on the beginning of her journey, she admits, “I didn’t even know what domestic work meant until my daughter got involved with We Dream in Black.” Brenda’s mother was also a domestic worker, caring for homes, children, and even pets, though it was not always seen formally as “domestic work.”
Muzet, now 52, followed her mother into care work, though her path started differently. She always loved children and had intended to pursue early childhood development but took a different route before finding herself working in childcare nine years ago. She first discovered her interest in childcare when she cared for her niece and nephew. Though she doesn’t have children of her own, she says, “They’re my babies,” especially after the loss of her brother, who is their father. Working as an administrative assistant in childcare centers, she found herself naturally drawn to the profession, discovering that her family legacy was more deeply tied to domestic work than she realized.
Muzet found herself naturally drawn to the profession, discovering that her family legacy was more deeply tied to domestic work than she realized.
When Muzet first learned about We Dream in Black (WeDiB) and its work organizing domestic workers, it was an eye-opening experience. “I didn’t realize we were all considered domestic workers,” she recalls. Since joining in 2018, Muzet has become an advocate for domestic workers, spreading awareness and educating others about the profession’s value. Brenda, too, became involved, officially joining in 2019, just before the pandemic.
Their portrait together was a powerful moment for both women, filled with emotion. Brenda holds a picture of her mother in the portrait, a poignant reminder of the legacy of care work passed down through generations. “I was thinking about all the things my mom went through as a domestic worker, then coming home to take care of her own five kids,” Brenda reflects. The experience brought a deep sense of pride and connection to her past. “I felt her presence deeply.”
For Muzet, the portrait was a realization of her role in this long line of domestic workers. “I was proud. I didn’t realize we were all part of this legacy.”
For Muzet, the portrait was a realization of her role in this long line of domestic workers. “I was proud. I didn’t realize we were all part of this legacy,” she says. Learning about domestic workers like Dorothy Bolden, who organized during the Civil Rights Movement, further deepened her understanding of the work. “I was so proud of what she did for everybody. Her determination and ability to stand up for our rights without wavering inspires me.”
Brenda and Muzet are committed to leaving a legacy of protection and advocacy for future generations of domestic workers. Brenda, reflecting on the struggles of her mother and her own experiences during the Civil Rights era, emphasizes the importance of ensuring domestic workers are valued and protected. “We’re leaving a legacy, ensuring that domestic workers will be protected for generations,” she says.
Muzet feels a sense of pride in reclaiming the term ‘domestic worker’ and educating others about its significance.
For Muzet, the journey has been transformative. “I’ve learned so much, including how to advocate for more respect in this profession,” she explains. She feels a sense of pride in reclaiming the term ‘domestic worker’ and educating others about its significance. When she organizes phone banks, she often finds that people don’t realize they are domestic workers. “We’re reclaiming the term and the narrative.”
Their legacy doesn’t stop with them. Muzet’s niece, nephew, and great-nephew – and Brenda’s grandchildren and great-grandchild – have grown up aware of their work, and they hope the next generation will continue to advocate for justice. “My niece wants to be a judge, and she’s interested in justice. We’re rooted in advocacy,” says Muzet, proud of the seeds of change they’ve planted.
When Muzet organizes phone banks, she often finds that people don’t realize they are domestic workers. “We’re reclaiming the term and the narrative.”
Together, Brenda and Muzet are part of a larger movement, connected to a community of domestic workers fighting for a better future. “We’re all in this together,” says Brenda. “It’s been beautiful to meet so many people who are in the same fight, making it better for us and our future generations.”
