A Salute to Mothers

Happy Mother’s Day! In honor of this special day, a few National Urban League staff members share touching testimonials about the women who shaped who they are today. Read on…

It doesn’t take me long to call the role of those who helped me get here from there. How did my large family circumvent, navigate and triumph over the vestiges of poverty, pain and inadequate schools and Public housing? Simply, first and foremost is God who has majesty, dominion, and power over all things. And then there is my mother who has always been my greatest inspiration, my first teacher and my staunchest advocate. My mother’s vision and foresight had her children playing tennis in Harlem in the 70s and enrolled in every developmental and progressive program from the Police Athletic League (PAL) to the Fresh Air Fund to the esteemed Wadleigh Scholars with Harlem’s legendary educator Mr. Plummer.

My mother was not only ahead of her time, but she was also an excellent writer, speaker and community advocate. Though a social worker by trade and an entrepreneur by gifts she put her heart, soul, and intellect into everything she did. She encouraged two of my older brothers, Kime and Calvin, to appear in Street Smarts and organized and worked with the legendary civil rights photographer Bob Adelman to have my family appear in Life Magazine in the 60s.

She was the quintessential renaissance woman. She could do it all. She was fearless, determine and committed to having her children succeed and prosper. Raising all 10 of us to go off and earn college degrees. The real key to my mom’s lessons were for her children to be grateful, to be resilient, and most of all to know we were too blessed to be stressed.

So on this occasion of Mother’s Day 2019, I would like to say I love you, Mom and I am thankful for each and every life lesson. Most importantly thanks for being that resounding voice and steady hand that has always held me up and lead me on my way. You are beautiful. You are marvelous. You are the greatest.

— Aaron Thomas, Senior Director, Education and Youth

My mom is not just my mom, she is my best friend, my confidant and my biggest cheerleader. She taught me that life isn’t life without dreams and I have everything I need to make my dreams reality. She gives me unwavering support and encourages me to strive for happiness because for her happiness is the true key to success.

— Clarissa Moses, Digital Manager, Talent Management

My mother has been the guiding force in my life. She has always supported me, pushed me to be better, and encouraged me to reach for the stars. I honestly don’t know who I would be if not for having her in my life.

— Eu’nice McCoy, Associate, Marketing & Communications

My mom is not here physically but, in my heart, she lives forever
Forever did she leave something more precious than gold,
She left me with memories that I can hold
Memories that I can share with my own children
To keep her memory alive for years to come
So with this, I say Happy Mother’s Day, ,om
A special day for mommy and me
Always and forever in my heart she will be
As I share my mother’s day with my own children
I can say that I love you Willie Mae Washington my mom so sweet and so dear

— Florece Washington, Program Assistant, Health & Quality of Life

Happy Mother’s Day!

— Kevin Ly, Director, Workforce Development