Another Mother’s Day has passed. We have biological mothers, mothers by adoption, mother figures, mothers who have gone on to glory, and mothers to our community. In spending time with my mother that day, I was reminded of the Detroit Spinners song “Sadie.” That being said, here’s a reminder to save the date—June 4—and show your love and support for the mothers to our community by coming out for the 14th Annual Women Unite to Win Women’s Appreciation luncheon.
Hosted by the National Empowerment Group, Inc., and Team USA Mortgage (Brooklyn Park), the following honorees were selected by the community, from the diverse arenas of nonprofit, for-profit, community work, etc.:
Nekima Levy Armstrong (Activist, Civil Rights Attorney, Exec. Dir. of the Wayfinder Foundation)
Valerie Castile (Founder/CEO of the Philandro Castile Relief Foundation)
De’Monica Flye (D’Flye Consulting LLC)
Dorothy Barnes-Griswold (CEO/Exec. Dir. of the Minnesota COPE Program)
Angela Harrelson, RN (George Floyd’s aunt, civil rights leader, author, mental health care nurse)
Dr. Ella Gates Mahmoud (President/CEO of SEED, Inc.)
Marea Perry (President/Founder of Secrets2Truths/Pain2Power)
Kelly Robinson, RN (Former President of Black Nurses Rock Twin Cities)
Leslie E. Redmond, Esq./MBA (Founder of Don’t Complain Activate, Former President of Mpls. NAACP)
Eliza Wesley (“The Gate Keeper” of George Floyd Square)
JoAnn Hughes (President of Concerned Citizens for Justice)
Earlier this year, I had the great honor of meeting these women and hearing them share their stories. They found needs in our community and are successfully meeting those needs, each according to the purpose they have been called to. They embody empowerment and inspire it in others. Also, I give a hat tip to Alvena Richburg and founder J. MOST for making this event possible and continuing it.
Look forward to an afternoon of inspiring speakers, song, and fabulous steppers, starting at 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, June 4 at
Hilton Hotel,Mpls./St. Paul Airport
Mall of America
Embassy Ballroom
3800 American Boulevard East
Bloomington, Minnesota 55425
Please contact J. MOST at (612) 237-5118 to place your reservations and address any questions you have.
W.D. Foster-Graham
W.D. Foster-Graham is a native son of Minneapolis, Minnesota. He received a B.A. in psychology from Luther College, and he was an original member of the multi-Grammy-Award-winning ensemble, Sounds of Blackness. He has also been recognized by the International Society of Poets as one of its “Best New Poets of 2003,” is a guest writer for journalist/author/entertainer Wyatt O’Brian Evans.
