The late journalist Charnice Milton was remembered at The Mother’s Tea. (AFRO File Photo)
The Mother’s Tea, an event sponsored by a host of community and non-violence organizations, took place on Aug. 30 at the ballroom of the InterContinental Willard Hotel in Northwest. Dozens of people listened to music and testimonies about the importance of people loving their families, friends, and neighbors and the importance of stopping the violence in the District during the event,facilitated by the Rev. Anthony Motley.
“From the very beginning, it was the goal of the tea to be able to bring together the survivors and the victims,” Nardyne Jefferies, the chairperson of the event, said. “We believe that this gives an opportunity for people to embrace one another and work together towards healing and finding peaceful solutions to the violence around us.”
The event was founded in recognition of two high school star athletes, one killed by gunfire in 2003 outside of Anacostia Senior High School and the other slain at Ballou Senior High School in 2004. The mothers of the victims and the shooters came together soon after the 2004 killings for reconciliation and comfort, and the first “Forgiving Mother’s Tea” was hosted by philanthropist and developer Richard Carr and his wife Marie soon afterward.
This year’s Tea was in the shadow of the rising homicide rate of 105, at the time, the same total number in 2014 and numerous accounts of robberies and violence occurring on a regular basis.
However, Rhonda Bunch-Turner, the mother of the event’s keynote speaker Rahman Turner, said that all hope is not lost. “I like coming to this event because some here say to you ‘I feel your pain as a mother’,” she said. Another son of Bunch-Turner’s, Elijah Turner Jr., was killed in 2011 when several guys beat him to death in Fort Washington, Maryland.
Bunch-Turner said that when her son died, there was a dark place in her soul because of her pain. However, when she comes to the Tea, her outlook is uplifted. “This is the third tea I have been to and I didn’t want to come to the first one but when I showed up I was full of joy,” she said. “I was moved by the mothers of victims and mothers of perpetuators hugging, showing affection and forgiveness.”
Rahman Turner, in a passionate 45-minute address, talked about the loss of close friends and family violently over the years. “There were so many deaths that took place when I was a teenager that I became immune to death,” Turner said. “Death is sad but there is nothing I can do about it.”
Rahman Turner said that when his brother died in Fort Washington “it really hit home.”
“My brother’s death brought my family closer together,” he said. “I really credit my mother for bringing my family together and I always remember if it were not for the grace of God, I’d be dead or locked up.”
The ballroom was filled with quiet chatter as women showed their fancy, colorful hats to their friends. The refreshments were served by waiters and various teas were offered to the attendees. The attendees were entertained by D.W.A.P. Ministries, a religious dance expression group and pre-recorded gospel music.
The 2015 Tea Awardees were Assistant U.S. Attorney Bruce Heygi for his successful prosecution of the perpetuators of the infamous South Capitol Street Massacre that took place in March 2010 in which five people, under the age of 20, were killed; Fire Engine No. 6 for being a well-trained, compassionate first-responder to emergencies; Ken and Francine McClenton as the parents of slain journalist Charnice Milton; and the Rev. LaVerne Harley for bringing spiritual guidance to those affected by gun violence.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) issued a proclamation recognizing the event. D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) spoke about his support of the Tea over the years. “There is too much violence in our society,” Mendelson said. “We in the government need to do a better job of bringing discipline and forgiveness in work.”