We asked nine Black women leaders to reflect on lessons learned from their mothers and the influence that shaped the stand-out women they are today.
The pearls of the mother’s wit and wisdom passed down embody the extraordinary spirit, grace, and love of women whose narratives are often sidelined or overshadowed.
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Whether it was mantras ingrained in them like, “Just put one foot in front of the other”, “Closed mouths don’t get fed,” and “Walk like you have a purpose” or merely the day-to-day actions and attitudes of their mothers, these daughters were deeply touched.
Each woman has carved out a life uniquely her own, at times having to unlearn a mother’s lesson in order to stand unapologetically in her own truth and foster her own growth and healing.
Video interviews with these phenomenal women will launch in their entirety on May 23, 2024, at 7 p.m. EST and will be streamed on the Unerased: Black Women Speak YouTube channel.
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In hearing their stories, we are also called to celebrate not only the mothers who nurtured and loved us but also those women who have held us in their embrace when it became necessary to rebirth and mother ourselves along our journey.
Let us find inspiration as these powerful voices speak proudly of the sparkling gems bestowed by their mothers.
Christine Swanson
Filmmaker, TV Director, and Screenwriter
Christine Swanson was raised by Carrie Kennedy, her 65-year-old great aunt, after her mother passed away when she was just 8.
“Faith, hard work, and care for others are the three things that exemplify my own ethos because of her example,” Swanson says.
Patricia Ford
Chairperson of SCLC Women, Inc.
Patricia Ford says her mother, DeElla Ford, emphasized that she came from a long line of independent women and encouraged her to develop her own stride as a single mother.
“My mother taught me to not run from a fight,” Patricia Ford says. “She didn’t want me starting any fights, but she didn’t want me running from any either.”
Saaret Yoseph
Multidisciplinary Storyteller
An immigrant and single mother, Saaret Yoseph says her mother, Emebeat Askale Bekele, passed down a tradition of including her mother’s first name in their children’s middle names, highlighting the importance of matrilineal connection and identity.
“My mother’s persistence, resourcefulness, and commitment to preserving our identity continue to shape my journey,” Yoseph says.
Julianne Malveaux
Independent Scholar and Writer
President Emerita, Bennett College for Women
A vocal advocate for women’s rights, Julianne Malveaux’s mother, Proteone Marie Alexandria Malveaux, fearlessly confronted injustices and empowered her daughter to do the same.
“My mother, a prayerful woman, knew how to speak truth to power, and this fuels my relentless advocacy,” Julianne Malveaux says.
Mariah McClain
Communications Consultant Manager
Unerased: BWS Content Curator
Mariah McClain says her mother, Jocqulyn Harrison, taught her selflessness and dedication to others. She also helped her to understand the balance between generosity and self-care.
“I’m learning to value the efficiency and productivity that she instilled in me, but also learning how to slow down and smell the roses,” McClain says.
Pamela Ferrell
Co-founder of Cornrows & Co.
Pamela Ferrell says her mother, Vioris N. Ferrell, taught her the importance of creativity and craftsmanship, igniting her passion for sewing and design at a young age.
“From teaching me not to cuss in public to igniting my passion for design, my mother’s influence resonates in every stitch of my journey,” Pamela Ferrell says.
Barbara R. Arnwine
President and Founder
Transformative Justice Coalition
Barbara R. Arnwine says her mother, Vera Pearl Arnwine, instilled the power of communication and assertiveness.
“She taught me a lot about social engagement and what it means to have somebody support you, love you,” Barbara R. Arnwine says.
Janis F. Kearney
Author and Founder/President
Celebrate Maya! Project
Janis F. Kearney says her mother, Ethel Virginia Curry Kearney, emphasized self-determination, encouraging her daughter to define her own path and stand firm in her beliefs.
“She told me to decide who you want to be in life and hold on to that; don’t let anybody else decide for you who and what you should be,” Janis F. Kearney says.
Nicole Austin-Hillery
President & CEO
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
Nicole Austin-Hillery’s mother, Mary Louise Austin, taught her daughter to never accept “no” as an answer, instilling determination and empowerment that propelled her towards her dreams and ambitions.
“My mother’s support and refusal to accept ‘no’ empowered me to chase my dreams and stand on my own two feet,” Austin-Hillery says.
Responses were edited for brevity and clarity.
Tracy Chiles McGhee is the author of the acclaimed novel “Melting the Blues” and Constituency Engagement Advisor for Unerased | Black Women Speak.