‘Welcome to the Queendom’: Mother’s Day Tea a celebration that will also encourage self-care

Over 100 years ago, Congress passed a law designating the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day. A proclamation is issued annually from the president for the purpose of honoring motherhood and the women who have anchored — and continue to anchor — our lives.

This reminds me that as mothers, we sometimes neglect our own health in when we are caring for others.

The Miami’s Metropolitan Dade County Section of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., will host “Welcome to the Queendom: A Mother’s Day Tea and Celebration.” This event is intended to encourage mothers, who nurture others, to also take care of themselves.

The tea will be held Saturday, May 20, nearly a week after the officially designated Mother’s Day. From noon to 3 p.m. at Charles Hadley Park, 1350 NW 50th St. in Miami — in the Carrie P. Meek Community Room — a joyous time is planned for mothers to relax and celebrate. Tea-party attire and hats are welcome! This event is open to the community.

Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall, Miami-Dade County School Board member, District 2, will be the mistress of ceremony.

A former classroom teacher and principal, Bendross-Mindingall was a state representative for District 109 before being elected to the school board. She is also the administrator of Labor in Love Family Literacy Center, and she founded the Broken Hearts-Domestic Violence Workshop.

Her public and community service mirrors the advocacy of the National Council of Negro Women, (NCNW).

Background

Founded nationally in 1935 by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, the NCNW promotes education; encourages entrepreneurship, financial literacy and economic stability; educates women about healthcare access; and promotes civic engagement and advocates for sound public policy and social justice.

Soon after the national organization was established, the Greater Miami chapter started with Irene Roberts Straughter as president. In the 1970s, Eunice Watson Liberty assumed leadership and served as president until 1980. Both women were educators and helped include Black history instruction in the schools. I was fortunate to watch as they inspired future generations through school and community activities.

In 1990, the Metropolitan Dade County Section of NCNW was chartered under the leadership of Rev. Ann McRae. Since then, succeeding presidents have carried out the NCNW’s national mission. Current president, Shaquellia M. Holmes and the executive board individually and collectively lead, educate, advocate for and empower women of African descent in this community. The Mother’s Day Tea the organization is sponsoring is one example of educating women about health, promoting healthcare access and encouraging self-care.

Mother’s Day Tea speakers

Two experienced professionals are the featured speakers at the tea.  Both are working mothers themselves who juggle families with careers, and they will share practical tips about self-care.

Dr. Lisa Davenport is a licensed clinical psychologist and yoga teacher who has more than 25 years’ experience providing individual, family and couples therapy to patients ranging in age from 5 to 92. The owner of Mindful Psychology and Wellness Center, which is a private practice in Broward County, Davenport is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Dr. Caryn Blair De Franco is the senior manager, research support, at the John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. A board-certified healthcare provider, her current role at UM includes supporting efforts to recruit, enroll and retain African American participants for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) studies. She has been instrumental in bringing awareness to the plight of AD patients and their caregivers.

A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Dr. De Franco’s plea is, “Mothers, please know that your well-being directly influences the well-being of those you care for.”

On Mother’s Day and beyond, and on a regular basis, all mothers are encouraged to seek ways to schedule self-care.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Dorothy Jenkins Fields, Ph.D., is a public historian and founder of the Black Archives, History & Research Foundation of South Florida Inc. djf@bellsouth.net