Momma’s Safe Haven hosted the first annual “Mothers Are Powerful,” event on Sunday, Sept. 20 (Courtesy Photo)

By Rayonna Burton Jernigan

Momma’s Safe Haven, a non-profit organization in Washington, D.C. that specifically works to  bring mothers together on one common ground through community-based programming, hosted its first annual “Mothers Are Powerful” event on Sept. 20.

“Mothers Are Powerful” is an initiative that targets grieving mothers and helps them cope, find strength and rebuild.

“With this event we are starting with all the mothers who have lost their children and are on the journey to rebuild families with love, laughter and the memory of those who have passed,” Momma’s Safe Haven Founder and CEO Beverly Smith-Brown said.

“When we come together, the work that we can do and the love that can be shown within each other is indescribable,” Smith-Brown told the AFRO.

During the event, mothers were provided free hairdressing, makeovers and dinner. In addition, there were several guest speakers including author and activist Melinda Robertson and Civil Rights activist and community leader and Woodson Center Founder and President Robert L. Woodson, Sr. 

“We are going to take back this nation. We are going to reduce the violence against our children. We are going to be deliverance ourselves. Nobody will do more for you than you do for yourselves,” Woodson said during the dinner.  

He also announced that the Woodson Center will be partnering with Momma’s Safe Haven and Alliance of Concerned Men to create a large network between different communities around the nation. 

The colors of the event were red and black.  Black represents racial pride as African Americans and red represents the heart and blood. At the end of the event, the mothers were given a red heart pin. The meaning behind the pin is a spin on the phrase “wear your heart on your sleeve,” and is a reminder to help others and oneself.

Momma’s Safe Haven has been serving the D.C. community since 2014. It was founded on the need to support the community by encouraging self love, higher education and self-employment by being a support bridge to those in need of resources to get them.

In addition to events such as “Mothers are Powerful” the organization offers different programming, such as meditation, Bible studies and retreats for families around D.C. They believe that it takes a village to raise a child, and united they stand to take “our streets back one event at a time,” according to representatives from Mommas Safe Haven.

“I saw my mom go from schoolteacher to superhero,” said Momma’s Safe Haven VP Eshae Smith, who also happens to be the daughter of the founder and CEO of the organization.  “It taught me deeply that I could literally do whatever I want.”

While the COVID-19 pandemic has halted a lot of things, it has not stopped the organization from conducting events. Momma’s Safe Haven has been able to host Monday Bible Study, Wednesday Kids Church, Friday Meditation and other events via Zoom. In addition, the organization  provides COVID-19 testing every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information, visit their website, https://www.mommassafehaven.org