As a black writer and designer, I cannot help but reflect on the significance of Mother’s Day in African American communities. The tradition of honoring mothers on this special day has deep roots in our culture and history.
For many African Americans, Mother’s Day is not just a day to celebrate their own mothers, but a day to recognize the mothers of their community. It is a time to honor the resilience of black women, who have always played a vital role in African American families and communities. Mothers are resilient, adamant, diligent, relentless, and sho’nuf’ loving.
My own mother, Nicole Cochran, has been a pillar of strength and love in my life. She has always encouraged my creativity and supported my dreams, even when they seemed impossible. She has been a steady source of guidance and open book of vulnerabilities & sorrows. The duty taken on by mothers is one of courage and daily willingness. The unwavering love my mother has shown has helped me become the person I am today.
I also think of my grandmothers, Elvira Cochran & Gwendolyn-Dianne Campbell, who raised my parents and their siblings with grace and determination. They faced the challenges of raising a family during a time of segregation and discrimination, but they always found a way to provide for their children and instill in them a sense of value & dignity.
And don’t let me forget the countless other mothers that have had an impact on me in ways I could never know; simply because of who they are to my parents and my family. All of this innumerous care is due to this unseen net of love woven together by mothers. From the mothers who were forcibly separated from their families during slavery to the mothers who fought for civil rights and social justice; all their contributions to our communities are immeasurable. It is fitting that Mother’s Day has roots that date back to ancient civilizations, as the role of the mother in African American families and communities has always been deeply valued and respected.
As we celebrate this special day, let us remember the mothers who have paved the way for us and continue to inspire us with their strength, love, and resilience.
Did You Know
The tradition of honoring mothers on a day of celebration dates back further than the holiday in the United States. The ancient Greeks and Romans celebrated maternal goddesses in spring festivals. Similarly, early Christians celebrated a Mother’s Day of sorts during the festival on the fourth Sunday of Lent in honor of the Virgin Mary.
In the United States, Mother’s Day originated in 1907 when Anna Jarvis held a memorial service for her mother in West Virginia. Her efforts to honor her mother’s memory led to the official recognition of the holiday by President Woodrow Wilson in 1914. However, Jarvis later became disillusioned by the commercialization of the holiday and spent the latter part of her life trying to remove it from the calendar.
As extra credit here are some of the amazing California locations you can take your mother on Mother's Day. Try your best to beat the heat and take advantage of our incredible climate before the inevitable wave comes 🔥🌇🔥
In Mexico, the holiday of Las Madres (Mother’s Day) is celebrated on May 10th. It has been honored as a national holiday since 1922, when President Álvaro Obregón declared it as an official day. It is believed to have been started by Francisco I. Madero, a Mexican revolutionary leader and former president. Similar to the United States, on this day people express gratitude to their mothers, though the festivities in Mexico are usually much more festively!
Mexicos traditions of maternal veneration is closely tied to both the economy and the culture of the country
So if you find yourself scrambling to find a Mother's Day gift...
GRAB your phone and call
DECORATE a free canva template
GO see your mom
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