Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Alicia Cleveland proudly carries the legacy of domestic workers that shaped her family. At 46 years old, she has spent over 25 years working in childcare, with 10 of those years as a nanny. Her story reflects the resilience and dignity of generations of Black women who fought for respect in their labor.
Her story reflects the resilience and dignity of generations of Black women who fought for respect in their labor.
As the oldest grandchild, Alicia grew up caring for her younger siblings and cousins, which naturally led her into a career in childcare. “It was all around me,” she says, “This is what I’d be good at.” Despite her love for the work, Alicia faced challenges—being treated unfairly, working without contracts, and receiving low wages. Joining the We Dream in Black (WeDiB) Georgia chapter of the National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA) was a turning point. “For so long, I had been doing the work, but I never knew I had rights,” she reflects. The community support empowered her to advocate for herself and others.
Alicia’s connection to her great-grandmother, who worked as a domestic worker in Georgia, is central to her story. Though much has changed, Alicia sees that many struggles remain. “It makes me sad,” she says, “but it also makes me push forward for those coming into the future of domestic work.”
“When I was taking those portraits, I was so grateful to be able to have my story, to lead my own legacy.”
In the portraits Alicia participated in, she and her family hold a picture of her grandmother and great-grandmother, honoring their legacy. Alongside Alicia in the portrait are her mother and aunt, both of whom also have roots in domestic work. Her aunt worked alongside Alicia early in her career, and her mother cared for neighborhood children and cleaned homes, though it wasn’t recognized as formal “domestic work” at the time. Together, they represent the strength and resilience passed down through generations.
Learning about Dorothy Bolden, a domestic worker and Civil Rights organizer, had a profound impact on Alicia’s work in the community. “What Dorothy Bolden stood for, and what she did, changed the way I do community work,” Alicia shares. She emphasizes the importance of meeting people where they are and engaging them in civic life. Carrying forward the legacy of Bolden and the Atlanta Washerwomen is essential to Alicia—not just for herself but for her family and community.
Carrying forward the legacy of Bolden and the Atlanta Washerwomen is essential to Alicia—not just for herself but for her family and community.
This legacy is especially meaningful when Alicia thinks of her three children—Jasmine (21), Jordan (18), and Jaida (15). Jasmine, her eldest daughter, shares her love for children and has shown interest in childcare. Alicia encourages her but also teaches her the importance of advocating for fair treatment—something Alicia learned later in life. “I want to encourage her that what she wants to do is something she deserves,” she says.
Alicia also ensures Jaida is involved, teaching her about advocacy so she is equipped with knowledge for the future. “I want to arm her with everything she needs to know so she is treated fairly; so she doesn’t go into it blind like I did.”
For Alicia, the portrait is a powerful reminder of her family’s journey. “When I was taking those portraits, I was so grateful to be able to have my story, to lead my own legacy,” she reflects. “I’m doing this work, not for myself, but for those who are coming, to make the world a little bit smoother—just as my ancestors did for me.” As her children witness her journey, they, too, become part of the proud legacy of strength and dignity she continues to carry forward.
“I’m doing this work, not for myself, but for those who are coming, to make the world a little bit smoother—just as my ancestors did for me.”
