Panel discussion: A Celebration of Black Motherhood
Panelists
Sandy Esprit
I am currently a stay-at-home mom and full-time content creator. I have two young daughters and am currently pregnant with my third. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I decided to work full-time in retail for over 10 years. Once I had my children I wanted to be the example that my children could model.
Natasha Clery
Natasha Clery is a mother, daughter, sister, and friend who was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec, Canada to exceptional St. Lucian parents. She currently works in Finance at the MUHC in Montreal.
She is also Tashe,(silent E) born of the inspiration of God and led by a passionately romantic muse. She is a writer, poet, and speaker of all things connected to communication and relationships. She is an empath; a student of love.
Former radio show host of the SOS (Sounds of Soul) on Montreal’s local CKUT 90.3 FM radio, she uses her voice and her words to uplift, to inspire, and whenever possible, to heal and soothe the soul.
She is the author of the upcoming Eleven Series; an anthology of poetry and is the co-creator of an erotic spoken word collection called Aural Sublimation.
Her spoken word performances have reached stages in Canada and the U.S.
Her first dream is to publish…her biggest dream is to remind the world to love.
You can appreciate her passion for words, love and life on Instagram @tashelight
and Natasha Clery on Facebook.
Aural Sublimation by Tashe on all major streaming outlets.
Lynnette Mambwe
My name is Lynnette Mambwe. I am a wife to a wonderful man and a mom to a beautiful little girl. I am currently working as a Policy Analyst for the Government of Canada and also recently started a hobby turned business called Macrame.and.things which have really turned out to something I absolutely love.
Aside from work, I simply like to relax and hang out with my family.
Nashola Pryce
Nashola Pryce is a proud Afro-Caribbean Canadian woman of Malawian and Jamaican descent. She was born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario. She is married to her husband Peter and have two children, Malachi age 5 and Arabella age 2.
She has been active in her local and church community for over two decades. She currently works as a faith-based therapist for a non-profit Christian Counselling Organization. She has an MA in Counselling Psychology and is a Professional Member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA).
She is passionate about assisting others in her professional and personal life to empower positive life changes. In her spare time, she loves to read, enjoy time with family and listen to music.
Nicolette is a mother and community leader. Coming from a Caribbean and South Asian heritage coupled with a background in international relations she is passionate about advocating and raising awareness for the needs of African, Caribbean, and black countries and families. Nicolette is a mother to a 16-month-old son who inspired her to begin community work among racialized mothers within the Ottawa community. Currently, she is the chairperson for Colours of Mama Ottawa (COMO). Through COMO Nicolette and her team aim to connect racialized mothers and their families to resources while creating spaces for discussion, connection, and healing.
Featuring the Poety of Zarah Maria Willow
Zarah Maria Willow is a multidisciplinary artist: storyteller, writer, and poet. She began performing in 2010. Her work has since been published in the Arc Poetry Magazine, Sawdust Reading Series Collective, and the Young Black Women’s Project anthology. Zarah is passionate about cultivating space for others to be their authentic self. She creates with the intention of building honest and trusting connections with others and the world around her.
Her work explores themes such as generational trauma, vulnerability, connectivity, and healing.
About this Event
There are too many moments where Black mothers lived experiences and their ability to raise children are overlooked. In many households, Black mothers are the teachers, cooks, cleaners, and most importantly the loving parent for our Black children, who constantly face anti-Blak racism in Canada. Little is discussed how Black mothers support their children and how they challenge the systemic anti-Black racism that they and their children endure on a daily basis.
On May 28th (Subject to change) ACMP is organizing a special event to honor or Black mothers. During this event, there will be a special focus from Black mothers who are willing to be vulnerable to address the challenges and triumphs they face. This event is not to discuss the hardships but celebrates and thank Black mothers for what they do 365 days a year. This is especially needed during Covid-19 where numerous ACB mothers are isolated from their social circle or “village.
When: Friday, May 28th
Time: 7 PM to 8:30 PM
Where: Zoom
This event keeps in mind that “motherhood” at times omits ACB women’s lived experiences. We purposely open this space to acknowledge, appreciate, honour and recognize ACB women, specifically ACB motherhood empowerment! Through our panelists and participants’ unique and valuable experiences we will explore what Afro-Caribbean Black (ACB) Motherhood means, why it is important, and how we can collectively work together to sustain an appreciation for our Black mothers.
This event is open to all Canadian community members to learn and share thoughts on how we can continue to empower ACB mothers. We encourage students from high school to all levels of post-secondary institutions to attend.
The topics that will be touched on are the following and not limited to:
- The experiences of mothers who gave childbirth & labour
- A discussion about the “9 months” of carrying our Black children
- Mental Health & Black Motherhood
- Black Motherhood & Career
- Discussing the concept of the “Independent Black Mother”
Interested in getting involved?
For information on upcoming events or if you have a suggestion for an upcoming panel feel free to contact us.