Categories: Hazel Rosetta Smith,
Mothers’ Day was designated in 1905 by Anna Jarvis as an auspicious occasion to celebrate biological mothers. She campaigned diligently to establish the day as a U.S. national holiday, and on May 8, 1914, the U.S. Congress passed a law declaring the second Sunday in May as Mothers’ Day.
A custom began of wearing a carnation on Mothers’ Day by Jarvis because it was her mother’s favorite flower. It was expanded to wearing a pink flower to honor mothers or a white flower in memorial.
With no disrespect to fathers and the men who often take their place, we cannot deny it, mothers are the glue of the Black family. Whether it is Mama or Big Mama raising children by herself or whenever possible with help from the village, women had to take care of business and raise the children, to hold the family together.
We cannot deny their strength and conviction, and most of all, we cannot downplay their faith. It was the God in Mama that kept her strong and able to conquer forces of disparities on all levels. It is the source of that same force that is keeping mothers today.
If you are grieving as Mothers’ Day draws near, it is my hope that precious memories will fill your heart and come to mind with love that will make a way to comfort your spirit.
Remember Mama’s words, full of don’ts, passed along from generation to generation in numerous Black families. We did not understand the importance of her words in our youth, but now we know the reasonings and the profound purpose in every warning that was implied and set forth in her house.
In many situations, we thought Mama’s words were illogical, irrational, and even outlandish to the times, some struck us as too strict and deeply hurtful, yet as we grew, we discovered that those words repeated by us today are a source of motivation and inspiration, in which to train up the child in the way they should go. We are wiser because of the wisdom deliberately delivered by our mothers.
If your mother lives far away and you cannot get there, it is my hope that you will make the call that will bless her heart and lift her spirit. A face-to-face cell connection or a family Zoom by computer, with your face full of smiles and a show of gratitude would be exactly what your mom was hoping for. That beats any snail mail card!
Precious memories still unfold. I will wear a white rose with love and appreciation on May 10th to honor my mother, Hazel Mildred Smith. She is forever in my heart and in my mind with joyous memories. What will you do?
[Hazel Rosetta Smith is a journalist, playwright, and artistic director for Help Somebody Theatrical Ministries and HRS Speaks! Retired, former Woman’s Editor and Managing Editor of the New York Beacon News. Contact: misshazel@twc.com] and online at www.hazelrosettasmith.com]
