Mother & Daughter Bonding Magazine

Mothe r DAUGHTER

SPRING 2021

&

www.mdbn.org $2.95

BONDING MAGAZINE

The Matriarch!

Dr. Bessie Fletcher with her daughter Angela S. Huntley

Plus

KAMALA D. HARRIS, VICE PRESIDENT, USA

The VP / The Daughter / The Mother / The Soror / The Matriarch

CICELY TYSON: THE LEGENDARY MATRIARCH

s t n e t Con

SPECIAL FOCUS

Kamala D. Harris, Vice President, USA ............................... 28

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COVER STORY

The Matriarch!

The Spirit Of A Small “Black Wall Street!”

by Dr. Bessie Fletcher, Ph.D. Front cover photographed by:

David Cooper and Johnny Wilson

By Juva Threat Alexander

A Tribute to an Extraordinary Mother!

Cicely Tyson, The Legendary Matriarch........................... 48

FEATURES

Our Vibrant “95 Years Old” Family’s Matriarch............ 8

By Latoya Walthour

Who’s the Matriarch, the Mother, or the Child?........... 9

By Rhonda L. Thompson

Confessions of a Granddaughter.......................................... 10

By Cynthia Oliver

The Many Lessons I Learned From My Mother..............11

By Mavis Yon

Two Powerful Mother and Daughter Matriarchs!.....13

By Deborah Faith Lexye Levin Aversa

The Unsung Shero My Work is Not Completed, Yet!........................................................................................ 15

By Marilyn Gregory

Between Mother Teresa and a Force to be Reckoned With! ........................................................................ 34

By Dr. Anne Wade

SPOTLIGHTS

Who is the Matriarch of the family? .................................... 16

By JJ Fox Hatch

Your Dreams Are Waiting On You, So What Are You Waiting For?.................................................... 18

By Angela Foxworth

Dr. Belinda Kendell Appointed as the Mother and Daughter Global Ambassador..................................... 20 Dr. Adrienne Jackson Appointed as The Mother and Daughter Global Executive Director of Planning and Development........................................................ 22 Shelia Eggleston Appointed as The Mother and Daughter Global Executive Director of Operations...............................................................................................24

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Mother & DAUGHTER Bonding Magazine

Tileda Moore Dunn Appointed as the Mother and Daughter Television Network Executive Content Coordinator.......................................................................... 26

IN EVERY ISSUE Letter from the Publisher.................................................................... 5 Editor’s Corner.............................................................................................. 6

Mother and Daughter Bonding Tips.................................... 36

Getting inspired: Spiritually Speaking................................ 38 Message from the Dean ................................................................ 52

DEPARTMENTS

Health................................................................................................................. 32 Matriarchs from Around the World...................................... 46

Education: The Valedictorian, “Well done my Good and Faithful Servant!”........................................................ 54

By Michelle Changar-Coe

Mother

&

DAUGHTER

BONDING MAGAZINE

Vanessa Henderson, Editor Dr. Bessie Fletcher, Publisher Cynthia Oliver, Dean Dr. Anne Wade

Contributors Angela Foxworth

Deborah Faith Lexye Levin Aversa JJ Fox Hatch

Juva Threat Alexander Latoya Walthour Marilyn Gregory Mavis Yon

Michelle Changar-Coe Rhonda L. Thompson Wendy Vaniglia

Creative

Samantha King, Graphic Designer

BRINGING MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS

TOGETHER IS OUR MISSION Dr. Bessie Fletcher, Christian Clinical Psychologist, has over 20-Years working with mothers and daughters to heal their relationship.

instagram.com/dr.bessiefletcher

instagram.com/motherdaughterglobal 4

Mother & DAUGHTER Bonding Magazine

WATCH INTERVIEWS

with Dr. Bessie Fletcher Follow Dr Bessie Fletcher, Ph. D. on YouTube:

www.youtube.com/channel/UC9DfggESTcrFHEE7rix6dVQ

STAY UP-TO-DATE

on everything related to the Mother and Daughter bonding network & subscribe to the Mother & Daughter Bonding Magazine, go to: mdbn.org

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LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

Mother’s Day!

HAPPY

Taking your mother back down memory lane! What a feeling!

Mother’s Day brings a combination of happy and sad feelings, even depressed feelings for some people.

Well, I am here to bring you the Good News! Just the word “Mother” should touch your Spirit in a warm and loving way! To get the joy out of your Mother’s Day is to reflect on the wonderful times you shared with your mother, regardless if she is here or not.

COVID-19 has brought a new revelation to celebrations and family gatherings, so why not be creative? This works for you and your mother, rather she is here or not. Get a pen and paper, draw a line down the middle of the paper and write 10 things that you and your mother did together that brought you the most fun and laughter on the left side. Then write 10 fun events that you and your mother attended on the right side. Events that made you both laugh so hard that it still to this day takes you back to the thrills of that moment! You can also use pictures, video, and letters, to enhance your memory.

Christian Clinical Psychologist, Ph.D., Chaplain; Mother and Daughter Relationships Expert

Photo Credit: Janice Pauldo, J’s Photographer

What a power statement! If your mother is here on Earth with you and you have a feeling of what can I do or give my mother for Mother’s Day??? If your mother has left the Earth and has returned to our Father, then you are processing different thoughts. You may be wondering, why is it that my mother isn’t here?

If your mother is here and you can’t go to see her, you can call her and give her the gift of laughter, as you carry her back on memory lane. If your mother isn’t here, as you carry yourself back down memory lane, just “IMAGINE” your mother’s Spirit in the space with you. Remember her smile, her laugh, her smell, the tone of her voice and remember some of her favorite saying as she gave you Words of Wisdom.

My mother isn’t here with me, so I am going to practice what I preach! Mother and I are taking a trip down memory lane on Mother’s Day Morning!

Dr. Bessie Fletcher, Ph.D., Publisher

www.mdbn.org

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r e n r o C Editor’s Wow! This issue is, absolutely, absolutely, amazing! We have taken some of the most beautiful stories and created this issue of the Matriarch.

When we think about the Matriarch in

2021. We ask, who is she? What does she

look like? Where did she come from? What has she done or is doing?

As you will read some amazing articles

in this issue, you find she looks like you and

me. She has issues and problems, but; she is still the Matriarch of the family.

How do we in 2021 redefine the word

Matriarch? She is not our grandmother or

a great grandmother or our great auntie.

She is that powerful woman in the making.

We hope you enjoy the many stories from

the different perspectives of the role of a Matriarch.

Please make sure that you tell your friends,

family and loved ones about Mothers and Daughters Bonding Magazine, enjoy.

Vanessa Henderson, Editor-in-Chief

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Mother & DAUGHTER Bonding Magazine

Happy Mother’s Day, GOES GLOBAL!

From My Heart to Yours…

Tune in to our NEW Mother and Daughter Television Network on Roku and on Matriarchnow.com (Media) and hear messages from mothers all around the world!

Mother and Daughter Global Network has prepared a place to help mothers and daughters to be ready for the powerful growth in our organizational structure. As a note, remember, every woman is a daughter and maybe chosen to bring another human onto the Earth. When we help create healthy mother and daughter relationships, we create healthy families.

Please stop by and join our Matriarch Now Community

Matriarchnow.com

MATRIARCH

NOW www.mdbn.org

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Our Vibrant “95 Years Old” FAMILY’S MATRIARCH

BY LATOYA WALTHOUR Mrs. Blondia P. “Trapp” Walthour is our family’s matriarch. Born on February 8, 1926, Blondia is a vibrant 95 years young! She was born in Conroe, Texas, and traveled mainly by foot and hitchhiking with her mom to Florida. Currently residing in Valdosta, Georgia, she is the eldest member of our family.

She is the mother of 11 living children and has many grands, greatgrands, and great-great grands.

She loves her family dearly and if she had it her way, she’d have all of her children, their spouses, and children to live with her under one roof. That would make her one happy camper indeed! She is definitely a people’s person and loves to be surrounded by them. I often wonder if being the only child makes the love for her own family so strong that she desires to always want to be with them.

Blondia is the epitome of resilience. This is what truly makes her our matriarch. No matter what challenges in life she’s faces, she always seems to find renewed strength by trusting in God. He is her rock! With Him, she believes with all her heart that all things are possible. It is through Him she is able to move forward in the face of adversity. Blondia has instilled dependency on Christ into her family and shares it with her friends, neighbors, and in the lives of everyone she comes in contact with. She never meets a stranger. If any of them have been angels, she certainly has shown great hospitality to them, as instructed in the Word of God.

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Mother & DAUGHTER Bonding Magazine

Some characteristics that stand out about Blondia is that she is a great communicator and connects with all generations. She beautifully relates to them and sometimes it never ceases to amaze me how much knowledge she has as it relates to the younger generation such as their jargon and lifestyle. Her ability to captivate their attention with her natural charm and humor is a wonderful thing to experience. She often meets them right where they are and offers her wisdom, love, support, positivity, and most of all the way to salvation.

Somehow, she always skillfully manages to maneuver Christ into the conversation along with prayer.

In addition, Blondia is a cheerful giver. Talk about one ‘giving you the shirt off their back’; if she thinks you are in need of something and she has the ability to supply it, it’s yours. Her children have to keep a watchful eye on her because she will try to sneak monetary gifts to others (family, friends, and even strangers) when they know she needs it for herself. When she gets caught, she will say with quickness, “Don’t stop me from getting my blessings from the Lord.” How can you argue with that?

Blondia is a woman of strength, patience, trust, perseverance, praise, thankfulness, endurance, and an abundance of faith. We embrace this God-fearing woman of God who possesses the characteristics of a perfect example of a matriarch, and we are extremely grateful that she is OUR matriarch!!!

Matriarch, WHO’S THE

the Mother, or the Child?

My mother’s strength was undeniable, her love for me and my sister Tami was fierce.

Although she put herself first, she sacrificed for us. She moved us to Pennsylvania, away from the pain in Buffalo, NY that she lived with. My mother was a hard worker. She demanded respect and would cut you off if she felt you disrespecting her. She also was an alcoholic and sadly never admitted that. Outside it would appear to everyone that she was the Matriarch of the family and in some ways, she was, however, it was me who was the true

BY RHONDA Matriarch of the family. I had to assume the role of a Matriarch at an early age of seven.

My mother had many wonderful qualities, but she also neglected us and left us alone often to fend for ourselves.

I sang my sister to sleep many nights, when I was seven and she was three years old. I tried so hard to keep the house clean and keep mom happy, hoping for a glimpse of her focused attention on me. Only to find her drunk and passed out on the couch! I would cover her up. I would make sure that the house remained cleaned, so she would not feel ashamed when she woke up. I always told her what a wonderful mother she was and how much I loved her.

I often cooked for me and my sister. We lived on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, rigatoni or goulash that were two weeks old and hard. I washed clothes by hand when the washing machine didn’t work. At fourteen, I got a job to earn money for new school clothes for my sister and me. As a child, I was sick of never having new clothes for school!

It took me writing this article to realized that I was the Matriarch of my family at age seven. I held the family together; I cared for my mother’s feelings more than my own as I tried to provide and protect my sister. It got to where I would take my emotions out on my little sister.

When I became overwhelmed, I often would hurt my sister, which severed our relationship for most of our adulthood.

It was only when our mother died in 2011 that my sister and I finally came together, just like our mother said we would. The greatest things my mother taught me, and my sister were: always love each other, because one day you will be all that each of you have. The past few years we have found those words to be true! We only have each other to depend on!

L.

I have found compassion for my mother and have forgiven her for all the things that happened to me starting at age eight, THOMPSON physically, mentally, and sexually.

It wasn’t until I discovered my mother’s life story that I saw the picture of the reflections in her life and how they effected the life of me and my sister.

As an eight-year-old little girl my mother was waken up and beaten by her enraged alcoholic Father. I could imagine some of what she went through. How scared and lonely she was after being sent away for years to an orphanage by her own parents. This allows me to empathize with my mother and not resent her any longer.

Just knowing how she grew up, helped me to understand my life of trauma, from her perspective.

I’ve learned that a mother and daughter relationship can heal, even after one has passed away. I choose to heal; I choose to forgive my mother; I loved her and respected her while she was on this earth. I covered her nakedness and vulnerabilities rather than expose them; to protect her dignity; to honor her for everything she did right, not what she did wrong. I choose to see her and love her as God sees her and loves her.

Best part of all, is that I get to say, Margaret Mary Millet aka Margie Harrison, was my mother and everything important and good in life that I needed to learn, she taught me. I am grateful, and I honor her.

I am a Trauma Counselor, Coach and Speaker today.

Trauma is my specialty. www.mdbn.org

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Confessions of a

Granddaughter When I thought of the word matriarch as an educator, out of habit, I wanted to gain a full understanding of the term. The term defined as a woman who led her family and/or a tribe. Historically, a lot of women were considered the matriarch of their families, and many of them lacked formal education, as my grandmother did. Despite her lack in education she bred, reared, trained, led forth and raised up many children and if we children were not careful, we could be taken out by this lady. She was a strong educator in her own rights. If you would allow me to make my point: The tasks of a matriarch! Curious about the word matriarch, the Holy Spirit led me to look up the word education. As I researched the term, it simply amazed me, the similarities of what the two words have in common. Researching the term education, I determined that it derived from the Latin phrase Ēducātiō (“A breeding, a bringing up, a rearing”), ēducō, (“I educate, I train”) which is related to the homonym ēdūcō (“I lead forth, I take out; I raise up”). All the things a matriarch does.

BY CYNTHIA

A leader in her own rights, my grandmother was the matriarch of our family. Like a lot of grandmothers when I was growing up, she stepped in to fill a parenting gap for three of her children. She not only raised four OLIVER of her grandchildren, but she was also the hand that rocked the cradle of many babies, while raising us. These babies were no kin of ours, they belonged to women who were prostitutes. Talking about raising a village, it gives me great honor to pay tribute to my grandmother for teaching me the importance of compassion and a love for “the lease lost and forgotten”. The things I most value however are the lessons learned, the discipline and honesty she instilled in me.

When we consider the job of the matriarch, educating young people has always been the key to raising up a whole new generation has always been by instructions and godly training. Proverbs 22:6 comes to mind: “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it”.

In loving memory of my grandmother, Jimmie Lee Evans, I know it is long overdue, however I take this opportunity designated as women’s month, to let you know I recognize I am partly who I am today because of who my grandmother were in my life. I love you grandmother, and I am so sorry for leaving the way I did, and I confess, it was your love and discipline that kept me coming back to God, until I got it right. Thank you!

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Lessons

The Many

I Learned From My Mother

BY MAVIS YON I think every child believes they have the best mother in the world. I am no different. My mom, Mrs. Zelma JohnsonYon, is truly the best mother a daughter could have. Not only is she the best mom, but she is the best grandma, great grandmother, auntie, and friend anyone could have.

I often thank the Lord for choosing her to be in my life as my “mommy”. She never ceases to continually offer encouragement, overall guidance, and just some plain ole unconditional love. I don’t take it for granted. As an educator, I see far too often how many children come from unstable homes or have ‘nonpresent’ parents. Not having a loving home has a tremendous impact on a child, and many times the effects follow them well into adulthood.

The lessons that I learned from my dear mother. They were passed down from her mother, my beloved grandmother, Mrs. Iler Mae Johnson; the lesson of having a strong sense of faith and trusting in the Lord. She taught me to lean on the Lord, to trust Him wholeheartedly and to depend on Him for everything. Learning to do these things can and will get you through many things life will bring your way. For example, this pandemic has truly stressed me out. It has been my faith that has allowed me to get through this unforeseen time. She would often tell me, “Your co-workers, friends and sometimes your family, can’t, won’t or just not able to be there, but the Lord is always there!”

Without a doubt, having a strong sense of faith has gotten me though the good, the bad and sometimes the ugly!

I’m sure that lesson passed down from my mom’s overall experience of being a black woman, born in the segregated Jim Crow world, which was not kind to African Americans.

You needed to have faith to know you could and would make it! Despite that dark period in history, it was my family’s faith in God that kept them and continues to keep us as a family to this day. Regardless of what I may face, and I have faced many challenges, I know that besides my parents, I can go to the Lord and just trust and have faith that He will get me through them all!

Another lesson learned from my mother is to be thankful and appreciative. I was taught to look for something positive daily, even if I had to look harder some days! I’ve learned to understand I am blessed and not to take things for granted. She helped me to understand that in life the little things are really the big things in your life and she often says, “I may be getting older and slower but thank God that I can move and that I am here!” Her wisdom has helped me to understand, I may struggle but not to focus on the struggle; but to focus on the fact that I survived or I’m surviving, because many didn’t!

She would also tell me, “There will be better days ahead,” and it is this kind of wisdom she passed onto me. It is the same wisdom and ways of thinking that help me today. To understand that if I fall, get up, brush myself off, brush away the negative thoughts and keep moving! It doesn’t matter if I move slow or fast, just move!

My mom is 77 and is still going strong! Her wisdom and youthful spirit inspire me. I want her to know I am thankful for investing in me and pouring into me, which shall forever live inside of me. Both of my parents are exceptional! I appreciate all the sacrifices made and thank her being not my friend, but a mother! There is a difference, and she reminds me of that often! Thank you, mommy, for loving me despite my flaws and imperfections. Thank you for being you and accepting me for me! Love your daughter, Mavis.

www.mdbn.org

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Two

Powerful Mother and Daughter Matriarchs!

BY DEBORAH FAITH LEXYE LEVIN AVERSA

My Cheerleading Matriarch My Mother, Niki!

“If I cannot help my fellow man, then my life has no meaning” was my Mother’s passionate obsession with her purpose on this earth. Nikki Levin was always there for her husband, her family, her friends and loved ones. You could say she even cared for them more than they cared about themselves!

In good or bad moments of celebrations and challenges, life’s triumphs and sorrows, my Mother was always the first one to be by your side, cheering with you or gently consoling you. Her years nurturing my brother and I filled our lives with fun and meaning. She was always with us during those special childhood occasions at school or on the sporting field. Mom’s warmth and caring was never out of reach or out of mind. If a baseball victory was important to Bruce, or an opening in a school play was my passion, it was Mom that carried our banner even higher, with compliments and congratulations. She never ran out of “pats on the back” for a job well done, be it a stellar report card from school, or my weaving a pot-holder from yarn at summer camp.

Sacrificing her time or pleasures for our benefit, we adored our Mother who blessed our lives with her love, generosity and selflessness. Her friends knew they could always count on Nikki, and to her family, she was the voice of reason and comfort to others, for many years.

Her altruism began even as a child, when the difficulties of the Crash of ’29 and the war took a toll on her parents, and she became a care-giver for her family in so many ways. My Father, Al Levin, became her guiding light for 55 years of a blissful marriage, and an ideal home life. And, through the years, Mom became the fulcrum of strength for us all….. caring for her Father, her Mother, and at the moment of most love for her life partner, she became the

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lifeline for her Husband, expressing utter devotion to the man she cherished and who so cherished her.

The recent lights in “Nan’s” life are Bruce’s children, Mac and Danielle, the fortunate recipients of that special love that radiates from their grandmother. So, Mom, for your birthday today, I pay you this humble tribute for the multitude of gifts and life treasures, I discovered as your daughter. Our entire family and all your friends knew that if they needed a soothing voice, an oasis of calm, an understanding confidante, or a perspective of reason, it was to you they turned. The time and experiences we shared in Palm Beach after Dad passed will always bless our life together as Mother and Daughter.

After you left us on July 8, 2019, two ironic scenarios took place. We met with the Funeral Director at the locale for your Memorial; Bruce and I drove in separate cars to the cemetery to discuss the service there. In route, your Caddy, which I was driving, simply died in the middle of the road.

A few days later, I was driving home (in your repaired car) from the Funeral and gathering of family and friends at your condo, full of your character and joyous memories.

It had been an exhausting day, physically and mentally; after about 10 minutes, I turned on the radio for some music to take my mind off the obvious…. Legends 100.3, whose owner is our friend (who also hails from our region of Connecticut). “Embraceable You” was playing…… your cherished song with Dad….. along with the incredulity of the coincidence, I was so comforted to know you and Dad were finally together, forever.

With my deepest love, respect and gratitude for the incomparable life you bestowed upon me.

A Special Dimension In Our Cherished Relationship, “SPICE!” Words of any language of this earth are hollow in trying to describe Helen Schenck. She would take each moment of life and mold it into a bouquet of poetry and grace.

Born at the beginning of the century, there was no one who drank in life with more gusto–a fresh, vibrant spirit radiating brilliant warmth, sunshine, and vitality.

She wallowed in being alive. Every moment of her life, she cherished as though it was the first time she was seeing or experiencing it. Every flower, every sunrise and sunset, every wave lapping on the shore was a revelation, a celebration of life.

On a family automobile trip, I commented, “Nana, you add Spice to our Life!” And henceforth, she was known to all as “Spice”. She charmed herself into the life of anyone she encountered, making you feel good about yourself, about your family, about being alive.

Spice transcended age, children adored her, and everyone related to her. She never judged…. she was just always there for you.

Although she embodied an 88-pound petite fashionista package, Spice carried a persona as great as the horizon. When she departed the earth, she was 94 (going on 19), a perennial young-at-heart with a free spirit.

Who else could begin a career as an artist at 60, conveying on canvas her vision of nature, so beautifully expressed in the color and concept of her flowers and seascapes? Her signature evolved from “Helen Schenck” simply to “Spice” on paintings after her special nickname became her true identity!

On a treasured trip when I “kidnapped” Spice on one of my jaunts to Italy, I was privileged to see the masterpieces of Rome and Florence through her eyes. Yet, she remained the eternal coquette, and each pinch from an Italian man added 10 years to

her life! When I met my “love” in Italy and announced our engagement, Spice welcomed him with open arms. Who better to stand by me at the happy moment of our marriage as Matron of Honor than my beloved Spice!

Spice ONLY saw the silver lining. Even though there were many painful hardships in her life and the toll they took on her, she was never bitter, she always took the high road, she always saw beyond the moment.

For Spice, her family was her ultimate joy…. her dear husband Mack, her son Henry, her oldest son Robert (Air Force Captain who flew countless sorties in WWII but tragically killed in the Korean War), her beloved daughter Nikki (my Mom) who was her friend, confidante, caregiver and strength, and devoted sonin-law Al who became even more than a son to her.

Grandchildren and great-grandchildren added to the jewels in her life. And, for me, attending ballet and concerts with Spice throughout my youth added a special dimension in our cherished relationship.

Spice, you have always been a great inspiration to me and others. You define the perfect poem: compact, ever constant, and a work of the greatest truth and beauty. I could never hope to encounter in my life anyone of more strength or understanding. Spice, we toast your goodness, zest, and ever-enduring spirit in our hearts. And we miss your precious Swedish cookies! Which to us were more precious than diamonds! Thank you for your gift in demonstrating how God meant us to live our lives.

From your adoring granddaughter, Deborah Faith Lexye Levin Aversa

www.mdbn.org

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The Unsung

Shero,

My Work is Not Completed, Yet!

BY MARILYN GREGORY The Matriarch and Unsung Shero of our family was and still is my mother, Beatrice Ragland Kidd. Always known for her servitude and leadership. She always had a heart of gold, which was driven by her desire to help others. She was affectionately thought of as a pillar in the community through her tireless advocacy for encouraging, supporting, and serving others; she was not one to sit idle. Even when battling a major illness and having been placed in the hospital, upon her return home she would go to work checking her email to find out what went on while she was away and what she needed to do. She would begin drafting a list and making phone calls to check on others. She always said, “My work is not completed, yet! God had more for me to do,” and He certainly did.

Her ‘work’ included volunteering in the planning, preparing, and contributing to the Thanksgiving “Feed the Hungry” Program in Rome, Ga. for over 20 years, and she also prepared meals for the William Davis Homeless Shelter for over 12 years. Even in the midst of all her cooking for others, she always remembered to send the family her famous sweet potato pies to remind us of her love for us.

Heavily involved in the betterment of her fellow brothers and sisters, she participated in the voter’s registration drive for over 10 years, and an active member of the local NAACP for 30-plus years, serving on the Rome, GA. MLK Committee. She was also an active member of the North Georgia General Missionary Baptist Association and the 7th District Baptist Association for over 25 years. What’s really astonishing is that she did all of this while developing her acting talents by participating through the AACP. She served as an usher for countless events in the community, to include the Gospel Fest Anniversary, and served as Deaconess/Missionary-visiting the sick and

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shut-in. She was always there to lend a helping hand wherever needed. These are only a few of the great works, however she is most worthy of being our family’s Matriarch not because of the works she did, but because of the lessons she taught the next generation of what it means to be a leader with a servant’s heart. She instilled these lessons in not just her family, but in every family she ever touched. She is the genuine gift of public service because she did not just perform these acts; she lived them.

She is gone from this earth, but she will never be forgotten. Her spirit lives on in me, my sisters, my nieces, nephews, and my daughters. I am who I am and my sisters, nieces, nephews, and my girls are who they are because of the example she set before us every day of her life. My work in the ministry and my desire to give back all stem from watching my mother over the years and seeing how much happiness and fulfillment it gave her.

For her it was always about what she could do for others, rarely ever asking for help for herself. Even when battling cancer, I remember only seeing her strength and never her pain. My mother will always be my Shero!

MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN

THE TIME IS NOW!

Dare to Start Where You Stopped!

How long are you going to beat yourself up with your intraconversations, saying to yourself, I wished I had stayed in college or I wished I had gone to college!

Do you have college credits?

Do you feel that you wasted your time, money, and credits?

What if I told you that the Mother and Daughter Bible College can restore your time, money, and credits, by accepting “ALL” your college credits, no matter how old they are!

Now, what are you going to do? Are you going to continue to “Procrastinate or are you going to “Start Where You Stopped?”

No college credits, no problem!

You too can get Started!

WE HAVE A SCHOLARSHIP FOR YOU!

For more information got our website:

www.mdbn.org

Spotlight

Who is the

Matriarch

of the family?

When asked, “Who is the matriarch of your family” I naturally cannot help but to think of my mother. Undoubtedly, she was most certainly the matriarch of our family until she went to be with the Lord in 2020. My understanding of the matriarchs in families was that this was the reserved title for the eldest woman in the family. However, that thought changed in me when one day I simply glimpsed into the mirror and saw myself standing there.

BY JJ FOX HATCH

Looking into that mirror, I was suddenly reminded of all the many times in my life my when my mother would say, “You are Joseph from the bible.” I understood from the story of Joseph that he was disliked by his brothers because of the dreams God had shown him. But one day, as the story unfolds, Joseph was able to feed his family in the midst of a famine. Although I have older siblings, aunties and uncles; I stand here as a reflection of both God and my mother.

You see, my mother consistently covered everyone in (and outside) of our family with prayer and the word of God. Everyone knew without a second thought, exactly who to go to when they needed prayer and a good word. However, when she left this earth, a ‘famine’ entered the lives of our family. There was an undeniable void. Some family members became empty and even voiced concerns about who would pray for them and feed them spiritually.

One year later, here I stand as the true Matriarch; pouring into my family spiritually and diligently covering them in prayer.

One by one, as my family members watch my morning walks with God, they emphasize they are once again being spiritually led and fed by the Holy Spirit through me.

What does a matriarch looks like in MY family?

It’s not traditional, but the matriarch of my family looks like GOD. In the words of my oldest brother, “Sis, when I look at you, I no longer see my sister, ALL I see is GOD.”

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.

WRITE. PUBLISH.

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17

Spotlight

Your Dreams

Are Waiting On You, So What Are You Waiting For?

BY ANGELA FOXWORTH

I am a woman living her destiny. I ultimately hope to motivate, educate, and demonstrate the abilities we all have within ourselves to live our dreams and to fulfill our destinies. I love to see people win, is truly one of my life’s goal, and I am aspiring to do just that.

Let me be clear, I have not always been on this path of reaching my goals. I thought my life’s dreams had passed me by. My journey took a turn while I was in college, where I thought I was destined for glory. I left high school on top of the world. I was the first black voted most popular, second black homecoming queens, first black to be a key mascot (most popular social club in high school). After high school with all my wonderful accomplishments, I headed to College to become the next Oprah Winfrey!

At least, that was the plan.

But like anything else in life, sometimes our plans can get derailed. After two years in college, I got pregnant. Things did not work out with my son’s father, and I had to drop out of college. Dreams deferred! I jumped right into the workforce; I was now a single, black, mother of one. I went from being a dream seeker to a statistic. It thrilled me to be a mom, and for three years it was just me and my son.

Then I moved to Atlanta Georgia from the town I grew up in which was Jacksonville Florida. I was told that there were so many opportunities for single black women in Atlanta that I would never find in Jacksonville. I moved to Atlanta and shortly thereafter I met my husband and had my second child, my daughter.

Dreams diminishing. I became a homemaker and mother, a PTA parent, and a corporate American worker. Dreams nonexistent. So, 20 years of my life passed by. I can’t even recall what I did during that time. I just know that things were not good. My marriage was in trouble. My kids were in trouble, and they had laid me off my job in corporate America and we could never seem to get back on track financially.

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So, like Abraham, in the Bible. I moved my family to an unfamiliar place. The analogy would be from the city to the country. I knew I needed a change. By this time, I had reached the age of 40 and even with the move nothing seemed to change.

I had broken down mentally. But, with that breakdown, I saw a vision of a better life for myself and my children. I decided to believe in that vision. So, I set out to revisit my dreams from high school. The dreams I took with me to college.

Sometimes we have to go back where we stopped to start all over again! I started from the beginning.

Dream re-surfacing. I look for opportunities that would lead me to my dream. Never, in my wildest dreams, would I ever think it would have gotten me to the place I am today!!! So, my message is quite simple; never ever give up on your dreams. Life may throw monkey wrenches and a boulder at you sometimes, but that’s okay, they can equip you with enough strength to get you back on track. As long as you are still alive and able to breathe on this earth, you can do exactly what it is you want to do. Dreams realized!

Today I am blessed to have had the opportunities that God has given to me. I am now living my dreams as an; Owner and Host of The Angela Foxworth Show on Xperienc.tv and Customer Success Manager, a Celebrity Red Carpet Host, the reigning US Majesty Woman 2020 of the US Majesty Pageant, the Chief Atlanta Correspondent for 2Savage Online Magazine, two-time best-selling author, and international best-selling author and, Entrepreneur- certified in financial distribution and travel.

YOUR DREAMS ARE WAITING ON YOU, SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

The Mother and Daughter Television Network

is a place where mothers and daughters come to nurture their relationships!

This network represents mothers and daughters and related content. If you are a woman, you are a daughter, and we welcome your stories, testimonies, fun and exciting adventures to share with mothers and daughters around the World!

Check out our Mother and Daughter Television Network on Roku, reaching over 90 million households.

The Mother and Daughter Television Network is made and produced by mothers and daughters!

If you have mother and daughter related content that you would like to share, contact us at mdstudios1206@gmail.com.

FIND THE MOTHER AND DAUGHTER TELEVISION NETWORK ON ROKU!

Spotlight Dr. Belinda Kendell Appointed as the

Mother and Daughter

GLOBAL AMBASSADOR Dr. Belinda Kendall, a World-renowned leader in media, marketing, and public relations, has been appointed, as the Mother and Daughter Global Ambassador.

“Dr. Kendell has the experience and expertise to help MDGM build and connect mothers and daughters around the World through our Global mother and daughter community, Matriarch Now. A community that connects cultures and diversities, as we become one in Spirit. It is the birthing of a child that connects ALL women as they transcend from being just a woman, to becoming a mother,” says Dr. Bessie Fletcher, MDGM, Founder/Trustee.

Dr. Kendall says, “I truly believe that God is going to move mightily in this season through women. However, so many women are broken, from mistreatment, rejection, disappointment, and abuse of all kinds. It is important that we encourage and empower them more than ever before for the paradigm shift that is getting ready to take place.”

Dr. Kendell is the founder of Promise Media Group. LLC. She has many years of experience working in media. She is a TV Host, and has interviewed International Leaders, Celebrities, Business and Community Leaders. Her passion to share the stories of others.

She believes we can only hear the best stories from those who lived it. She is a mother and a daughter and knows the power and influence of such relationships.

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Mother & DAUGHTER Bonding Magazine

What does Society call a Mother?” “

By Dr. Belinda Kendall A mother that has a drinking problem is called “An Alcoholic.”

A mother that is addicted to drugs is called “An Addict.”

A mother that hears voices and sees things no one else can see is called “Schizophrenia.”

A mother that is homeless is called “Unstable.”

A mother that is an unhealthy relationship is called “An Abused Woman.”

A mother that receives food stamps is called a “Welfare Recipient.”

A mother that is in a relationship with another woman is called “A Lesbian.”

A mother that has children by different men is called “Whore.”

A mother that never married is called “An Old Maid.”

A mother that works hard and a shot caller is called “Bossy.”

A mother that will go off for no reason is called “Bipolar.”

A mother that is sad or cries all the time is called “Clinically Depressed.”

We must be mindful of labeling mothers with different labels based on their situation, especially in front of their children. Because at the end of the day, her children will always call her mother.

N. K. Jemisin, once said in The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms “In a child’s eyes, a mother is a goddess. She can be glorious or terrible, benevolent, or filled with wrath, but she commands love either way. I am convinced that this is the greatest power in the universe.”

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Spotlight Dr. Jackson, says

“ Elevating women

to become effective global change agents” The Mother and Daughter Global Movement (MDGM) is proud to announce that Dr. Adrienne Jackson, who has served as an international and homeland member of the United States Army, honorably discharged after six years of faithful service. She is known for her expertise in organizational development. She brings her financial, business and Global Expert Solutions, as the Mother and Daughter Global Executive Director of Planning and Development.

Dr. Jackson is an Apostle. She is the founder of the Prophetess Adrienne Jackson International Fire Ministries, in Los Angeles, CA, where many people’s lives have been affected by Apostle Jackson’s ministry.

Dr. Adrienne Jackson Appointed as The Mother And Daughter Global Executive Director of Planning and Development

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Mother & DAUGHTER Bonding Magazine

Dr. Jackson is a classically trained violinist. She is a business owner in the insurance industry, financial educator, CEO, and owner of Global Expert Solutions LLC–a business consultancy agency and Hallelujah Blessed Be The Lord Entertainment LLC. She also serves as a staff writer at Leadership Bulletin, writing articles to keep business leaders informed and to help them grow.

Dr. Jackson got her Bachelor of Business Administration degree with honors–Magna Cum Laude in May 2017, Master of Business Administration in June 2019, Christian Chaplaincy Certificate, and Honoris Causa Doctor Humane Letters in 2021 from Global Oved Dei Seminary and University. She is presently pursuing a Doctor of Strategic Leadership at Regent University and a Juris Doctorate in International and Corporate Law. Dr. Jackson is the Assistant Dean of Administration and EmpowerU Conference, Co-host of Teach n Pray, Public Relations representative, and board member for Global Oved Dei Seminary and University.

We pray that all the mothers of the world have a blessed day!

— Dr. Bessie & The

Mother

&

DAUGHTER

BONDING MAGAZINE

www.mdbn.org

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Spotlight Shelia Eggleston Appointed as The Mother and Daughter

Global

Executive Director of Operations The Mother and Daughter Global Movement (MDGM) is proud to announce that Shelia Eggleston, the Founder and CEO of iBusiness Group Network, known as the Queen of Corporate Credit. She specializes in business credit consulting as well as providing loans and credit lines for small business owners, positioning them for long-term financial strength and As prosperity. Shelia is bringing her expertise to foster the operations of the MDGM, as the Global Executive Director of Operations.

Shelia Eggleston is living her dream empowering small business owners to manifest their Entrepreneurial mission and to Unleash their greater purpose as Entrepreneurial CEOs. Shelia also offers essential support for small businesses through her signature Business Life Skills Program, designed for businesses poised for growth and reaching for Uber Success.

Shelia founded the iBusiness Group Network in 2017 to champion Entrepreneurs, providing them with a blueprint for success. Shelia and her team of advisors are committed to helping Entrepreneurs strategically build long-term financial stability.

Shelia brings with her several years as a marketing professional in the corporate sector as a Project and Product Development Manager. In 2001, despite the Telecom Crash, she found herself inspired by her father to start a career in real estate. The real estate world was her doorway to becoming an Entrepreneur. She has been an accomplished Multi-Million Dollar Producer, Real Estate Agent for over 20 years, helping families sell and find their dream homes. Shelia survived the real estate market crash of 2008 and, therefore, knows how to navigate challenging economic times.

Shelia is a small business Game-Changer dedicated to supporting Entrepreneurs and small businesses in their entrepreneurial endeavors.

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Mother & DAUGHTER Bonding Magazine

“As is the mother, so is her daughter.”

-Ezekiel 16:44 MDBN.ORG

MDBN.ORG

“As is the mother, so

Spotlight Tileda Moore Dunn Appointed as the Mother And Daughter

Television Network

EXECUTIVE CONTENT COORDINATOR Tileda is the Founder of Talent Life Management, (TLM) a consulting and promotions company. She brings her innovative and creative expertise to MDGM as the Mother and Daughter Television Content Coordinator.

Tileda thrives in ever-changing environments and collaborating spaces. Tileda says, “I bring the people and the proper resources together to produce magic!”

TLM represents a nurturing conduit through which interested persons can come together to attain their aspirations, dreams, and career goals. TLM will use industry leaders to collaborate with other community organizations, public and private businesses to supplement their programs and services.

• Tileda is a Talent Scouting. She attain talent for clients to assist them in creating an overall productive event, presentation, or film.

• Tileda is a Talent Consulting who has weekly sessions with her clients to discuss their goals and expectations, and suggests ways to accomplish those goals. She helps her clients with “Branding” their business, by creating the right content and innovative ideas for growth. She is known as the “Brand ambassador!”

• Tileda is a Talent Placement Coordinator, where she pride herself in providing the right talent with the right opportunity.

Which includes booking and casting talents and events.

Tileda says, “We are a 12-year-old company that had to reinvent, re-evaluate and become media Savvy, to advance our services because of COVID-19. We are strong and have maintained a strong services for our clients.”

HELPING YOU TO BECOME LARGER THAN YOUR DREAMS!

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Mother & DAUGHTER Bonding Magazine

It’s Time! Ambassa-Daughters Needed!

We have received a mandate from the Lord to NURTURE and SERVE Mothers and Daughters around the world.

Today we are offering a CALL TO ACTION for LEADERS - who we are calling AMBASSA-DAUGHTERS - to share, teach, educate, and serve our mothers and daughters around the world. See list below: If these statements below resonate with your heart, please contact us at info@mdbn.org with the subject Line: IT’S TIME!

• Whatever I know, I want to share it with mothers and daughters around the world.

• Whatever resources, gifts, talents, or experience I have, I want to share with others.

• Whatever you know, I want to be open to receive /it from you.

• Whatever resources, gifts, talents and experiences you have, we pray that mothers and daughters around the world, will find you on our Global Platform.

Can you imagine what the effects will be when 200 AMBASSADAUGHTERS come together (all in their own homes) on our platform (which will be revealed on March 20th @Noon, EST) with their gifts, talents, education, businesses, skills, and training to nurture and serve mothers and daughters across America and around the world - 240 countries so far!

IMAGINE: Mothers and daughters coming to receive help, to give help or just relaxing and enjoying some great entertainment. A place where mothers and daughters come to nurture their relationships.

A place where you can come and say, “Let’s see what they’re doing now.” Be it fun, education, spiritual growth, economics, or social interaction, etc.

Does this pierce your heart? Does this excite or interest you? Are you called to Lead or be on a Leadership team? Did God give you _________ (fill in the blank) and you’ve been wondering how to get what you have to those you’re called to serve? We have a platform that will help you reach mothers and daughters around the world. Will you join us?

Check out the categories below and see if you fit in any categories or someone you know to join our Leadership Team.

IT’S TIME! As we move closer and closer to our launch in March, we are calling forth Volunteer Leaders.

Leadership opportunities available to all MDGM Members.

Ambassa-Daughters Leader’s Categories • Ministries Education • Training & Development Technology • Entertainment Film • Event Planning Government • Law Enforcement Professional Services • Social Media Marketing Family Programs • Woman Programs Youth Programs • Entrepreneurs Community Organizations • Businesses Travel • Human Services Arts • Fashion Psychology / Mental Health Send your thoughts, questions and the category that interests you to info@mdbn.org with the subject Line: IT’S TIME! Written By: Wendy Vaniglia

Feature

Kamala D. HARRIS, VICE PRESIDENT, USA THE VP

■

THE DAUGHTER

■

THE MOTHER

■

THE SOROR

■

THE MATRIARCH

BY JUVA THREAT ALEXANDER The US Senator, January 1, 2020. We did what we always did at the start of a New Year.

We celebrated, we gathered in our places of worship, we yelled “Happy New Year”, we made New Year’s resolutions, held vision board parties and we greeted the upcoming year with great expectation. Little did we know, just two months later, we would be in the middle of a global pandemic; the Corona Virus invaded the United States like a thief in the night.

Forcing us to adjust to the “new norm” of working remotely, virtual education and attending meetings behind our computer screens while sitting at our dining room tables.

Suddenly, we became more focused on the news, social media, our families and even politics. This was a presidential election year in the middle of our forced “new norm” and we paid attention.

One of the presidential candidates was of course the Junior Senator from California, and former prosecutor (San Francisco’s first female, first black and first Asian American district attorney), Kamala D. Harris. Intelligent, witty, poised and determined; Kamala was destined for greatness and a force to reckon with. Although, she did not advance to become the presidential nominee; we all believed she would end up on the ticket as the running mate to then former Vice President Joe Biden!

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

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On November 3, 2020, we cast our votes, sent in, and counted our mail in ballots. Eventually, our voices spoke loud and clear; Joseph R. Biden Jr. and Kamala D. Harris became this dynamic duo and successfully elected as the President and Vice President of the United States of America

On January 20, 2021, Kamala D. Harris was sworn in as the Vice President of the United States of America.

At that point she made HISTORY by becoming the first woman to hold the highest political offices of the land. She’s no stranger to breaking barriers. Without a doubt, Kamala embarked upon the call of creating a legacy from her days in elementary school.

The Daughter § Madam Vice President Harris was born on October 20, 1964 to her Indian mother, Shyamala Gopalan and her Jamaican father, Donald Harris. Her parents strongly believed in obtaining a higher education and met during college at an off campus reading group, The Afro-American Association, at Berkeley. Shyamala and Donald connected and shared a common left-wing political interest. The pair married in 1963 and their first-born child, Kamala, was born a year later. Shyamala gave her the Indian name Kamala, which means “lotus”, the sacred water lily known as a symbol of purity, enlightenment, self-regeneration, and rebirth. How fitting a name, considering Kamala’s characteristics are so much like this beautiful flower. She stands out, she draws attention and even though her initial roots were mud deep, she emerged and became the most beautiful and resilient flower ever.

Kamala and her younger sister, Maya, were reared during the height of the Civil Rights Movement in which their parents were heavily involved. It is

noted that during Kamala’s campaign; she mentioned attending various protests and rallies as a child. Her parents and their friends influenced her greatly as it relates to freedom, justice, and change, even as a little girl. Her parents divorced when she was seven years old. Although her father had gotten his PhD, taught as a professor at several colleges and universities; her mother was the primary custodian and raised her daughters as a single mother. Her mother was a researcher, researching on a cure for breast cancer.

Photo Credit: www.latimes.com / Courtesy of Kamala Harris

Her mother instilled strong work ethics and values into her daughters and taught them to be resourceful, problem solvers and find solutions to anything they might have faced. One particular problem the girls resolved as children, that I found most interesting; they organized a children’s protest. The apartment building in which they lived had a no playing policy in an empty courtyard of the apartment complex. As little girls, they were successful in getting this policy overturned. Politics and a position of serving the people were certainly in Kamala’s future. At seven years old, Kamala met Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman elected to the United States Congress. Who at the time had a political interest in running for President of the United States? Talk about planting seeds unaware!

The Mother § “Momala” is the name they gave her!

When Kamala married her husband, Doug Emhoff, in 2014, she became part of a beautiful, blended family. Doug has two children from a previous marriage, Cole, and Ella. Neither of them fond of the term stepmom; the children came up with their own name for Kamala; they called her “Momala”.

Photo Credit: Image tweeted

by Kamala Harris

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Feature CONTINUED

Kamala

D. HARRIS, VICE PRESIDENT, USA

Kamala takes pride in her family; she values them and states that the title of Vice President means a lot to her, as we can all imagine. However, the title of “Momala” means the MOST! The one thing I found rather refreshing about her blended family; is that it is TRULY blended? Not only is she “Momala” but she graciously embraces and has formed a friendship with their children’s mother, Kristen. They effectively co-parent… or rather co-mother together. When the children have functions such as games, both mother and “Momala” are together whooping and hollering their children on from the stands. Maybe it is partially because she is a product of divorced parents herself; Kamala takes the job of being a loving “Momala” seriously and seeing her beautiful family together gives hope to all moms of blended families everywhere.

Photo Credit: vogue.com / Tyler Mitchell, Vogue, February 2021

Although she is “Momala” to her own children, she has been mothering for quite a while. She is a big sister to her younger sister, Maya, whom she affectionately mothered alongside their very own mother. The relationship she has with her sister is strong and well respected. Maya often shares how Kamala was always protective of her, by nurturing her, and taking great care of her. Most family and friends are aware of the special bond that Kamala and Maya have with each other and her deep adoring love for her niece. We know kamala for her mothering nature to family and friends. No wonder she’s proud of being called “Momala” because she’s JUST that!

The Soro § Let’s talk about “Chucks & Pearls” for a minute, shall we? The Chucks, well that’s obviously a personal fashion and comfort statement, but those Pearls are a part of LEGACY. Every woman of the distinguished sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Incorporated wears them.

The ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. are not strangers to excellence; Madam Vice President, Soror, Kamala Harris has, however, kicked it up a notch.

Another history making moment in which the country and sorority are just uber proud, by every Divine 9 member (the historic Black fraternities and sororities of the National Pan-Hellenic Council) across the nation. The world embraced “Chucks & Pearls” just as much as we embraced her.

Photo Credit: talkingpointsmemo.com

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Soror Kamala Harris with her line sisters of Howard University

Photo from USAToday.com / Credit: Jill Louis

Vice-President Kamala Harris is one of 300,000 members of this prestigious sorority. She pledged at Howard University in 1986. The sorority is over a century old with a call to service of all humankind. During the presidential campaign, the press recognized that her sorority sisters (secret weapon) were going to support her in obtaining the office of Vice President of the United States.

“Like so many of you, I am simply, beaming with pride as we witness the inauguration ceremony of a HBCU graduate, member of the Divine nine, and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Kamala D. Harris, to the Office of Vice President of the United States,” Dr. Glenda Glover, AKA International President and CEO. “Now as she rises to become one of the most powerful women in the world, the blood, sweat and tears of our foremothers have borne fruit. We are ready to harvest and replant with our own for the next generation. We

have a place in the parade that our founders sought for the college women of Howard University in 1913. Kamala’s election will not be the finish line, but it will be a place of purpose and of power.” Jill Louis, Corporate Lawyer in Dallas, TX., Kamala Harris’ Line Sister.

“We have so much to get done. Vice President, Kamala and President Biden are the ticket that we need. They are the cure that we need to help move us forward. So, it thrilled me in that regard, of course, but also just thrilled because she is my line sister.” Debbie-Anne Reese, Kamala Harris, Line Sister.

The Matriarch § We define a matriarch as a woman who is head of a family or tribe. It is clear; Vice President Kamala D. Harris fits this description, impeccably.

In her immediate circle she is a loving wife, “Momala”, sister, friend, auntie, and role model.

Her mother instilled in her a sense of purpose, and God graciously gave her a vision. Yes, it was her “yes” to do and be all that He created her to be that has allowed her to become one of the most powerful and influential women in the world.

Photo Credit: Camila Falquez for TIME

A matriarch indeed! Dedicated to serving all of humanity and leaving a rich heritage and legacy.

Through her experiences, losses, and wins; she will continue to be a dominant influence on those to whom she touches.

Photo Credit: aka1908.com

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31

HEALTH

Mothers and Daughters

DEALING WITH DEPRESSION Did you know daughters of depressed mothers are exposed to higher stress levels than those of healthy mothers? This puts them at a higher risk of depression.

In fact, children with depressed parents are prone to developing depression before adulthood. Research finds that daughters of depressed moms are more likely to develop a depressive disorder. So what is the strategy to dealing with depression when it runs in the family? How does a depressed mother help a daughter with the same disorder and vice versa? There are ways to cope with depression and help a loved one with the same problem. Professional intervention to fight depression is crucial.

SIGNS OF DEPRESSION There are some common symptoms of depression that you should watch out for in your loved one.

Breaking down too often without a reason is one of the most common signs that your daughter is fighting depression. If this happens frequently, it is a sure-shot sign of depression. However, you should look for other depressive signs that your teen daughter might be struggling with, including the frequent loss of energy, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, social withdrawal, and prolonged sadness. Additionally, if your loved one starts to lose interest in her favorite activities and withdraws herself from her friend circle, she is possibly suffering from a depressive disorder.

Frequent bouts of anxiety or excessive worry without any reason also point toward depression. If they are unable to manage depressive symptoms, they are more likely to entertain suicidal thoughts.

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Other common signs that your loved one is fighting depression: • Concentration problems

• Unable to make decisions

• Feelings of guilt and helplessness • Extreme fatigue

• Pessimism and hopelessness

• Sleep problem or sleeping too much • Restlessness and irritability • Social distancing

• Aches, pains, headaches that don’t seem to go away • Suicidal attempts

• Loss of sexual desire

• Lack of responsiveness toward a child.

• Inappropriate parenting behavior.

When your loved one tells you she’s thought of suicide, does that not sound scary? It might seem tough to cope with a person in crisis. But letting them know that you care by spending more time together, listening to her, encouraging her to get help, and offering mental support can make them feel a little more valued. When you know somebody cares and understands, that could bring a change in their thoughts.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

As you struggle with depression, it’s tough to offer support to your loved one. So you may first take care of yourself. It might help to practice meditation, find a support group where you can share your thoughts and concerns, and get help whenever required.

If your daughter expresses suicidal thoughts or is saying scary things, she needs mental support. Take control of the situation and do not hesitate to call 911.

SEEK HELP

HOW TO DEAL WITH DEPRESSION SHOW YOUR LOVE.

When your mother or daughter struggles to deal with the stress of life, show them love, care, and empathy. Offer to support them, by recommending counseling and even joining them for a few sessions. Your support could make a world of difference to them. Be present when they need you the most; sit with them and listen to their pain; and reassure them that you understand their feelings. The mother-daughter duo can be the best of companions to each other.

FOCUS ON POSITIVES

Mothers, your discouraging words or negativity can adversely affect your daughter. Track your ratio of negative to positive comments. You do not want to sound discouraging at all. Try to address each situation calmly. A depressed person gets very sensitive. This holds true for teens and elders. Whether you mother is fighting depression, or your daughter is struggling with the disorder, you do not want to add to their stress level with a show of negativity. It is important to communicate calmness. Your body language and tone should reverberate your concern and understanding.

Mental health treatment is essential for those struggling with depression. As a close relative, you want to encourage your loved one to seek professional support, so they find some amount of relief from stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Cognitive therapy is one of the most preferred types of intervention for depression. Dealing with your IntraConversations, (those ongoing conversations in your head).

The doctor might recommend modifications to your diet to help with your depression symptoms. Research shows that psychotherapy is an effective treatment for depression, which helps alter the negative and unproductive thought patterns and re-frame them in positive ways.

COVID-19 has added a lot of stress in everyone’s lives. Social distancing has only added fuel to the fire. As a result, there has been an increase in depression and suicide rate all over the world as more and more people struggle to deal with the stress of times. However, it is important to identify the signs of depression in a loved one and find ways to help them deal with the mental health condition. If you are struggling with depression, it’s high time you sought intervention.

Dr. Bessie Fletcher, Cognitive Therapy Specialist Christian Clinical Psychologist, Ph.D.

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33

Between

Mother Teresa and a Force to be Reckoned With!

BY DR. ANNE WADE

There are so many definitions and expectations that surround this one word. Mother, defined as “to be the female parent, or to be the religious leader, like Mother Teresa” (Merriam-Webster, 2021). For most of us, those superficial definitions do not begin to describe the relationship we have with our Mothers. My Mother defied such a simple definition.

My mother might have been a cross between Mother Teresa in her youth and a force to be reckoned with later in her life.

I was the late child. She had my brother when she was 23 years old and had me when she was 36. I got the more mature, less carefree Mom. I got the rule maker and the warden. She kept me on the straight and narrow path, taking me to church and preparing me for life. She was harsh but loving. My memories are of the loving Mom. We would sit after my Saturday night date eating popcorn and watching “Shock Theater,” along with the stern warning we were going to church in the morning, no matter what time we went to bed.

There was break up ice cream, life lectures, stern warnings, and teachings I have held dear to my heart.

There was the rebellion of my teenage years and some “I told you so” from Mom as I matured. From my teens to my early 20s, she was the dumbest person I had ever met. Then, like a beacon in the night, all her words of wisdom descended

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on me. I realized that as I raised two different groups of stepchildren, every time I opened my mouth, my mother came out. It was a difficult lesson, one that was not lost on me. God, I envisioned, was both patting my mother on the back and wagging his finger at me!

To say my mother and I had an uneasy peace at times would be an understatement. However, before she died, while I held her hand and the angels came for her (she saw them in her room), she told me she was proud of me and I told her for the millionth time how much I loved her and was glad I was there with her.

Upon reflection, I realized I am that strong woman my mother raised. She was quiet, introverted, but strong. She was a lieutenant nurse in the Army during World War II. She took her place, caring for wounded soldiers with the same balance of love and stern demeanor I experienced as a child. She had battles with breast cancer (3 times), radiation, heart attacks, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple surgeries, lung issues, COPD, blindness at 58 years old, and losing the love of her life, my Dad. So how did she do it? Well, after my Mother died, I found her diaries. My brother refused to read them. However, I invaded her privacy, and I am glad I did. Her teenage diaries were not filled with names of boys or silly wishes.

She was mature, focused and had direction. Most of all, she knew God. Her father ran away to be with a woman when my mother was young, and her mother and grandmother raised her. It was the 1930s in the middle of the depression, and she did without a lot, but not without love and God. She went to mass every day and talked with the nuns. Her faith was strong, and she wrote about it daily. I cried. I did not know this side of my mother. I knew of her faith, but not how deep it went or how it sustained her.

My mother was confirmed in the Catholic Church, and at that point, you take your middle name. It is after a saint you have researched. Her name was Theresa. When my brother was born, she named him David Joseph. They named me after St. Anne and Christ. My first name is Anne Christi, my saint name is St. Marie–who was an educator, a field I have chosen.

It is here I end my story. I know how she did all she did.

I understand the life lessons and the lessons of love she shared. But most of all, I understand her faith. I strive to reflect that in all I do. I allow her wisdom to guide me and her love of God to be my love of God.

Start where you

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GETTING INSPIRED

Spiritually Speaking My Mother and I Love Each Other, But We Have Problems

Communicating!

As a mother, you want to build a stronger bond with your daughter, right? So, you can play a crucial part in building a strong relationship with your little girl. Remember, her self-esteem and sense of self-worth is affected by how she sees you. Similarly, as a daughter, you want to make sure you keep the communication lines open with your mother while reassuring her you are capable of making your own decisions.

HIGHLIGHT HER STRENGTHS. Better communication is the key. As a mom, you want to highlight her strengths instead of pinpointing her weaknesses. Appreciate her goodness instead of constantly reminding her of what she might be doing wrong. Your little princess needs your support and loving suggestions instead of critical accusations. Your goal is to build a safety net around her, so she can trust you in all things.

BY DR. BESSIE FLETCHER, PH.D. A mother-daughter relationship need not be complex, but it is sometimes. While some mothers and daughters are friends, others experience relationship difficulties and talk rarely. It is a multifaceted bond between a mother and a daughter that may look like a roller coaster, with some amazing golden days filled with giggles and laughter and some very upsetting moments when the relationship looks strained. Although there is no love lost between a mom and her princess, communication can help improve the mother-daughter bond, so it withstands the test of time.

Nurture the bond with love, care, and understanding to strengthen one of the purest relationships on the planet.

You both have a lot to give each other.

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UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER’S PERSPECTIVE! You have been nurturing the bond with your little girl since the time she was in your womb. But as soon as she toddled, she wants to do everything on her own. Perhaps you are not too keen to give her independence so easily.

This adds to stress and tension in the relationship with your daughter at a very young age. That’s the beginning of her fight for self-control!

SO, WHAT IS THE WAY OUT? Well, as a mother you want to protect your young daughter in every way possible, but do not be overprotective that she feels suffocated. Similarly, a daughter must understand the mother’s concern and address that instead of resisting her in every way.

HONOR HER BOUNDARIES. There is no doubt a mother deserves respect from her daughter. But you ought to honor her boundaries in order to keep the bond alive. It’s okay to disagree on some issues. That’s the generational gap. So do not let these things ruin your bond. Address issues immediately, don’t let them just go! Because wherever they go, they will return to the original creator!

DON’T FORCE YOUR DREAMS UPON HER. You see your daughter as a doctor or a lawyer when she grows up. But she dreams of doing it big in the world of the arts. So, there is a wide gap between reality and expectations.

Your expectations matter, but her dreams matter more because it is her life. Similarly, as a daughter, you ought to convince your mother that you can make it really big in the field of creativity. It’s the communication connections that can change her mind-set.

HELP HER BECOME HER OWN Your little girl is growing quickly. As she steps into adolescence, she is struggling with her own self and trying to figure out who she is. Being a doting mother, you want to guide her in every way possible without being overbearing. Be friends with her and you both can enjoy a lifelong friendship that can stand the stress of times.

OWN YOUR MISTAKES! Sometimes things go wrong and not as you had expected.

It’s time to own your mistakes. By doing so, you are training your little girl to be accountable for her acts and own them, irrespective of the results. By apologizing for your mistakes, you can help your daughter feel safe in telling the truth. She will not hesitate to reach out to you if she ends up committing a mistake, because she knows you have your back.

LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN. Relationships often become strained because of the communication gap. Remember, communication is a twoway thing. It is never one way. You speak. You listen or vice versa. This holds true for both of you. Whether you are a mother or a daughter. You want to give the other person the opportunity to speak out their thoughts instead of offering unsolicited advice without hearing the matter of concern.

AFFIRM AND REAFFIRM! For building a mother-daughter bond, you both have the responsibility to strengthen the relationship with love, care, and respect. Recognize each other’s strengths. It is on both of you to nurture the bond with an empathetic, caring, and loving attitude while accepting your differences. A daughter should not hesitate to show gratitude to her mother for all that she does, and vice versa. Even the smallest gestures can make a big impact on your relationship.

HAVE FUN TOGETHER! More often than not, what separates a mother, and a daughter is the gap that keeps widening as both spend little time with each other. So, both should share a few moments of us time when they can have fun together and reinforce their bond. That way you will have more topics to talk instead of keeping the conversation limited to the discussions that set you both apart. Do a “I remembered when we…?” game.

Check to see how actuate each of you really are, when remembering the story!

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Mother and Daughter

BONDING TIPS

BY DR. BESSIE FLETCHER, PH.D.

The Matriarch?

Who is she? What’s her role in the family?

How does her role affect her daughter?

Tips on how to raise a daughter to become a Matriarch.

Does the dictum “A hand that rocks the cradle rules the world” hold true? Does a matriarch exist? Who is a matriarch, and why should you raise your daughter to be one?

Well, in simple words, a matriarch is a woman’s head of the family, who is bold and has her own unique style. No, a matriarch need not be a crusty old lady dressed in a black robe and commanding everyone else to obey her diktat. The modern matriarch is a dotting woman, who knows her limits, is vivacious, has a purpose, and is deliberate about everything.

She does not let anybody intervene in her decisions, from home to family, career, where she goes, and to what she eats. That creates an image of a commanding personality, who loves herself and her family and is passionate about her goals.

The matriarch knows what she wants and has the power to realize her dreams. We all want our girls to be independent and strong in this male-dominated society, right? So how do you raise your daughter to be a matriarch?

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Tips on how to raise Strong Daughters

You want your daughter to know how special she is. You want her to realize she is no less powerful than males. Let her know how smart she is, and that she is strong enough to stand toe-to-toe with their male counterparts.

IGNORE APPEARANCES In the modern world, appearances matter. But think beyond. Make sure you do not restrict your daughter’s praise to her appearance alone. You want her to know that she is beautiful inside out. Never hesitate to add other attributes to her adulation. You want her to be smart, kind, humble, and strong. As she grows up, keep reminding her she is an equivalent to males. Encourage her: she can break all glass ceilings that block her way.

VALUE INDEPENDENCE A matriarch is independent and fearless. You want your daughter to be both bold and self-dependent by using the Words of God. Constantly encourage her to be strong and bold. She to know that she is not subservient to anyone.

The social perception about girls is that they should be quiet and good. But you do not want your daughter to embrace subservience. So, encourage her to be herself and embrace her ideas and passions. The idea is to teach her to be independent and confident, using Wisdom and Understanding to lead and guide her so she will know how to make the right decisions for her life and her family.

ENCOURAGE HER AT EVERY STEP. Society expects girls to quash their natural impulses and behave “good” and be selfless. The society’s perception of an excellent woman is someone who obeys the orders of her family and remains loyal, no matter what. But you want to raise an independent daughter who is strong enough to be a leader in her family and community.

So, you want to make sure you do not quash her natural impulses or curiosity. Honor your daughter’s natural desire to be a leader. Mother, you need to be the example that she sees and wants to become like her mother, not the World.

NEVER TALK IN SELF-DEPRECIATING TERMS There is negativity around in many situations. But that does not mean you should succumb to those pressures and criticize yourself in self-deprecating terms, in front of your daughter. When you want to raise a daughter to become a matriarch, it would be a big mistake to talk in self-limiting terms. Remember, you are her biggest role model. When you talk about yourself in a way that diminishes your intellect, you are giving her a negative impression of the one woman she wants to admire the most, her mother! Matriarchs are not self-critical or selflimiting. They are the Proverbs 31: 10-31 Woman, Reference the Bible.

Now that’s a Matriarch Woman in the making

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The Matriarch!

THE SPIRIT OF A SMALL “BLACK WALL STREET!” Photo Credits:

David Cooper and Johnny Wilson

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As I think back over the years, I rejoice in the blessings and the many opportunities that God has given me.

At five years old, I can remember talking with God. Of course, I didn’t know Him as God. I knew Him as “Something.” I could remember telling my mother that “Something,” told me…. later to realize that the message that “Something,” told me, showed up!

I was born in a small town in the South, Lake City. I am an only child, reared by two wonderful parents, Pearl and Joe. They were my primary caretakers, but God also blessed me to have so many others who played major parts in my personal, spiritual, and educational growth. Most of us have heard the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Well, that is the truth!

Dr. Bessie Fletcher with her daughter Angela S. Huntley

BY DR. BESSIE FLETCHER, PH.D.

I was blessed to be surrounded by Matriarchs, and Patriarchs that showed me how to be a Matriarch, a Godly Woman, an Entrepreneur, how to create Good Work Ethics, how to Live in a Community that looked after each other. Most of my family owned their own land. My granddaddy had over a hundred acres of land. He gave land and timber to build our family church. Strong black women running their own businesses, organizations, and families influenced me.

My influencers were my mother and daddy, grandmothers, aunties, uncles, cousins, and friends of my mother that were like a mother, especially if I said or done anything disrespectful. They had permission to spank me with no questions to be asked by my mother.

In fact, I might get a continuation of that spanking from my mother. I didn’t like it then, but now I know they were pouring “Gold in my Soul.”

I attended a predominately black school, and some of the most powerful influencers, principles, teachers, students, cafeteria workers, (best food ever), and custodians affected me. All displaying a spirit of “Excellent!”

I knew as a child I was living a part of my “Best Life!” I was being prepared for my “Destiny!” My Matriarchs taught me to hold my head up high and to be my best at all times.

And, when I fell below the expected standard, my teacher, (especially Ms. Smith) would be at my house when I walked in the door after school. My mother and Ms. Smith would

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CONTINUED

greet me with a smile as if all were well, but I knew better!

As my mother would ask her signature question, “How was school today?”.

I lived in a rural area outside of a small town with one signal light. Where many blacks owned their own land that produced products for sale or businesses. When I think back, I can see and feel the spirit of a small “Black Wall Street!”

Growing up, I was the baby of the grandchildren. There were only two girls, and there were 14 years’ difference in our ages. She was close to my mother’s age and the way they interacted; I thought they were sisters. Like many families, there were cousins in a few different age groups.

So, I had to hang-out with my boy cousins, of course, they didn’t want to hang-out with me! I tried my best to fit in as a tom-boy, climbing trees, playing cowboys and Indians.

I needed a friend my age to play with.

I spent most of my days with my grandmother. While the family was out working on the land, she would stay home and prepare lunch. So that left me with time on my hands. Time to think of things I could get into. So, once in a while, I would venture off and my grandmother would come calling and I would come back to discover that there was a spanking waiting for me. In the midst of my anger, I would talk to “Something.” I would tell “Something,” about how mean my grandmother was! Like most children when disciplined, they don’t feel love for the person at that moment! But don’t let those words fool you, I loved my grandmother! She was my best friend, we cooked, cleaned, and took care of the chickens, I thought she couldn’t do those things without me.

My mother noticed quickly that I was a fast learner. I was doing school homework with my older cousins at four years old. My cousins attended a small two rooms country schoolhouse. They taught grades first through middle school. There was no pre-school’s back during those times. I can remember my mother saying to me, “I am going to ask the teacher if you can come to school with your cousins.” I was excited, but the boys thought, here she goes again, she always wants to do what we do! Because I was the youngest, never mind being a girl, they had to look after me. And sometimes I took advantage of that.

That school set the standards for my capabilities for learning. In my town, everyone is basically cousins or married to your cousins, go to your church, or grew up with you. Because my mother knew the principal of the elementary school. I was permitted to start first grade at five years old. I will leave the details out.

This was the beginning of my educational journey. They taught me that education was the key to a better livelihood, if you wanted it. I enjoyed my days at school. I became extremely popular with the students and teachers. My name far exceeded me. I had some of the best friends

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at school and we were all welcome to be involved at any level we wanted to take part in at school.

I was always in the mix of whatever was going on at the school. I was in school plays, activities, parades or in the principal’s office helping them run the school, (I thought).

This spirit of favor followed me throughout middle and high school. During my school years, I was still having conversations with “Something.” It wasn’t until age 12 that I started calling “Something”, God. God would tell me things, some I could share with my mother, some I couldn’t share with anyone. There were three things that I can share that God told me that was going to happen, and they did within weeks of Him telling me.

The first was to go get your driver’s license. I was fourteen and a-half years old. I got my driver’s license within two weeks. My mother and I studied, took the exam and road test together and got our licenses on the same day.

Second God told me to apply for the bus driver’s license.

I did and got my bus driver’s license within two weeks and became the youngest bus driver, just before turning fifteen years old. I drove the school bus for the remaining of my high school years. God watched over me and protected me and the students. Every morning before driving off with my bus, I prayed and asked for protection and every day He gave it.

Third, after dropping off the students from my bus, I heard God say to me; I want you to go downtown and apply for a job at Cato’s Department Store. I parked my bus and went inside and told my mother that I was going downtown to apply for a job at Cato’s. She just looked at me and said, okay? No blacks were working as cashiers in department stores in my town. I remembered walking in Cato’s and asking the manager for an application to apply for a job.

She knew me and my mother from shopping there so often.

But an application for a job? Well, that was something different! She looked at me as if she saw a ghost. And finally, she said, you want an application? I said, yes.

The timing was right: there was a General Manager from New York and he asked me if I was interested in work in the store, again I said yes. He told the manager to give me an application. She did, but she looked confused.

After completing the application, the General Manager interviewed me and he hired me, immediately. I returned home telling my mother that I got the job at Cato’s. You

should have seemed the look on her face, as she said, “I am not surprised!” As she hurried and got on the three-way phone line to call family members, with others listening in on her calls, as they usually do, so the message spread even faster!

Those are a few things that God and I did together. He also would let me enjoy some fun things as a teenager during school. Every school Homecoming, you surely would find me on a float representing a club or organization. My senior year at Carver High School, I road my last float as Home Coming Queen! God didn’t tell me about that one.

It was a surprise! What a way to make my exit!

Right after high school, I got married and moved to North Carolina. Where I started my journey as an adult.

Four years later God gave my husband and I our beautiful baby girl, Angela.

There were so many things that God and I have worked on together and are still working on even today. I wanted to give you the favor of our relationship, so as I share what we are working on now, it will make sense to you. I am writing this piece because God asked me to. I have never shared my story or chose to be on the cover of our magazine, but God asked me to. I know that there is more to this than I can see at this moment.

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Over the past 35 years, God and I have been a banker, and an entrepreneur and have obtained a Bachelor’s, Master’s, Post Master’s, Doctoral, Theology, and Chaplain Degrees. He and I have created all being their first of their kinds, Mother and Daughter Bonding Magazine, Mother and Daughter Bond Center, Mother and Daughter Radio Program, (twelve years), Custom Mother and Daughter Bath Products, Mother and Daughter Bible College (Original for women in prison work release centers), author of three books; Dream Recipe, Seven X Seventy, and Good News, God Speaks to Mothers and Daughters.

That brings us to what God, and I are working on now! God has taken all the things we created above and has created a system to use them in two operating systems. I want to share just a little light on how we got here. In 1997, my mother passed, and I was walking on the beach and I was asking God why did He take my mother? I was upset with God until He told me that my mother asked to return home. I didn’t

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want to hear that, but in my heart, I believe that, because my mother kept saying that she was ready to go. She didn’t want to continue to live in the conditions of her body.

While having that conversation with God, He told me to look, and as I looked to the ocean, I saw a sea of women!

I asked God who are all those women and where did they come from? He never answered my question, but He said, “You will talk to women around the world from your living room.” Remember, this was July 1997. I couldn’t imagine what He was talking about!

It was July 1999; I was sitting reading a magazine, and God started talking to me as if we were still in the same conversation in 1997. He said, “I want you to create the first Mother and Daughter Bonding Center and start doing mother and daughter workshops and conferences.”

Because I was a corporate trainer, I thought, that’s easy to do. I’ll just create a module and do it. Not knowing it would be my life’s work!

We had the first mother and daughter conference in September 1999 in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, sponsored by the NAACP of Manchester, New Hampshire. We opened the Mother and Daughter Bonding Center in January 2000 in Charlotte, NC. From the year 2000, we offered mother and daughter workshops, retreats, conferences, events, and cruisers.

In 2011, I was ordained as a Chaplain, and God asked me to put together a Mother and Daughter Crusade. God said after the crusade you will no longer be a bonding center.

You will become the Mother and Daughter Faith Trust Ministries, an outreach ministry to mothers and daughters around the World. We became the Mother and Daughter Faith Trust Ministries, a week later, to present.

Three weeks after the crusade, God asked me to write the vision that He wanted us to work on. For three months, I would share the vision and my administrator would write it down, as three other ladies gave their input. The vision was so large that three out of the four couldn’t see it. But one did, and she has remained on this journey with God and me.

During the writing of His vision, God asked me to put together 200 women of Faith. He said once those 200 women/mothers and daughters come together, the World would make a shift! And they all will be blessed. I started putting women together, but nothing worked with those groups of women. Finally, after a year of trying to make it work, I asked God, why did you have us to put together a program and you are not using it? He said, “Nothing I have you do, Bessie, will go to waste.”

Now that brings us to the present time-frame. In April 2020, nine years later, I was a guest on a podcast with Patricia Goins and Mr. Stout and God spoke to me through Patricia. He told her to ask me about the mission. Mr. Stout heard in his spirit to put together several women that he felt I needed to meet. He brought us all together on their podcast and asked me to share my vision. As he called out their names of the women, my spirit spoke to me.

Then I heard the name Van Miller, and I heard God said, “She the one.”

After the podcast, Van and had a conversation, and God started to send women to be a part of this journey. What I realized; I wasn’t the one to select the women. I was to wait on God’s timing and His choices. Following that interview, God asked me to pull out the vision manual from 2011. He said, We are ready to use it!

He called each of the twelve women that make up our Mother and Daughter Global Movement Advisory Board.

Many of them I have not met in person, just Zoom meetings.

Then God asked me to start a Private Mother and Daughter Group for the remaining 188 women, I am happy to say we have super exceeded that number.

God is using us to put together a Global Community for mothers and daughters. He has created the Mother and Daughter Global Community, called Matriarch Now, reaching over 240 forty countries, and provided us with an International Television Station that reaches over 90 million households.

God asked me to share a glance of the vision in this issue of our magazine. When I say it is a glance, it is a glance!

There are so many pieces to what God has created, it has to be given in small doses.

I am just honored to a part of this mission with God. We have leaders in most cities in the United States and several Continents.

I thank God for asking me to sever with Him on this exceptional journey. I thank Him for my daughter, Angela, who is my best friend/daughter and prayer partner. He couldn’t have chosen a better daughter for me!

I thank Him for my son-in-law Fella, Jared, and Joshua, my grandsons, Konner my great-grandson, Carmelia my granddaughter.

I thank God for my ministry team Cynthia Oliver, who has believed in the vision with me, for the past twelve years, and her husband, Al, and Paul Murray.

I thank God for an outstanding group of God Spirited women, Cynthia, Van, Debra, Pauline, Astrid, Wendy, Markeda, Joy, Dr. Wade, and Juva, our Global Mother and Daughter Advisory Board and Members, our Global Ambassador, Belinda, our mother and daughter Matriarch Now Community, family, and friends and all the many women and men who have worked with the Mother and Daughter organization over the past 23-years.

With Love and Blessings,

Dr. Bessie

Mother and Daughter Television Network on Roku and MatriarchNow.com on media.

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A

Tribute to an

Extraordinary Mother!

PHOTO CREDIT: KATHY HUTCHINS / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Cicely Tyson, The Legendary

Matriarch 48

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She always wanted to be considered for roles because of her acting skills not because she was a Black actress and to be remembered as “someone who did her best.” That’s all.

Cicely Tyson, the iconic Hollywood model and actress, passed away recently at the age of 96. In her death, let us celebrate her life remembering her matriarchal self in doing what most other women of her times would never dare to.

Ms. Tyson became a legend for Black women in particular who carved out a niche for herself in a male and Whitedominated society. She played nuanced characters that made her a household name, turning down stereotypical roles for Black women. She would not hesitate to reject roles of demeaning women. She never played a prostitute, drug addict, or maid in her 70-year-long career.

Her mother was opposed to her desire to step into the show business as she was concerned that she was doomed to live a “life of sin” in that world. However, the illustrious Tyson proved her mother

wrong by living a life of dignity in the Hollywood industry, leaving a legacy that will live on forever. In one of her interviews, she says that there were many turning points in her career, which was glorified by her dominating roles that characterized her matriarchal self. “I wanted to alter the narrative about how Black people, and Black women particularly, were perceived by reflecting their dignity.”

A LARGER-THAN-LIFE CELEBRITY Cicely Tyson was opposed to being an actress who would take on any kind of role. She dreamed of making her career a platform where everyone would see women with respect. She rejected projects that disgraced Black women. Cicely Tyson has many firsts to her credit as a Black actress who rejected everything that denounced women and played roles that celebrated the life of female gender.

CICELY TYSON at the 2nd Annual Black Movie Awards in Los Angeles. October 15, 2006 Los Angeles, CA PHOTO CREDIT: FEATUREFLASH PHOTO AGENCY / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

She is remembered as an extraordinary person and being the first Black woman to wear natural hair on television despite a lot of opposition and criticism from hairdressers. Cicely’s character was so strong that even directors did not have the nerve to ask her to do roles she would never approve of.

In fact, her audaciousness gave many other women actors the “permission” to dream, as Viola Davis says. She believed in being true to her own self and hoped that the next generation of actresses took a lesson from her to be true to their own selves and not to go by anybody else’s ideas. She is celebrated for her revolutionary role in The Trip to Bountiful, where her character clarified the injustice done to the women of those times and their older generations. She hated discrimination against women and portrayed the suffering beautifully to enlighten the world to the plight of the fairer sex.

The Emmy Award winner actress would often say, “if you don’t feel what your character has felt during the course of their years, you can’t make someone else feel it.”

She always dreamed of doing it big and moving people with her roles that reflected the reality of those times and the struggles of women. She never went against her grain nor traded it for anything in the world.

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A

Tribute to an

Extraordinary Mother!

The former fashion model had no remorse all her life in turning down roles that did not project the kind of woman she wanted to be. She played characters that were strong, positive, and realistic and turned down all stereotypical roles for Black women, which earned her a lot of respect and love from all over.

A CELEBRITY BEYOND HOLLYWOOD Her life is an inspiration, and her courageous work has left a mark that only “a few will match.” With a career that spanned seven decades, Cicely Tyson “shaped the course of history,” as former President Obama said in his homage to the two-times Emmy Awards winner. “She used her career to illuminate the humanity of Black people. The roles she played reflected her values; she never compromised,” said Oprah Winfrey in her tribute to the legendary actress who wanted to be remembered as “someone who did her best.” That’s all.

Her illustrious career inspired many women to “walk a little taller, speak a little more freely, and live a little more like God intended,” said former first woman Michelle Obama in her tribute to the legend, who herself was inspired by Tyson’s larger-than-life figure.

We remember the legendary actress as someone who made Black women feel loved and valued in a world “where there is still a cloak of invisibility for us dark chocolate girls.”

PHOTO CREDIT: KATHY HUTCHINS / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Let’s celebrate her as one mighty, powerful woman who took to the world with grace and confidence and never bowed before anyone, especially those in the male-dominated society. She did what she loved and carried on her legacy of “being true to yourself.”

Ms. Tyson, the legend, was a queen who graced the world with her indomitable courage, talent, and strength. Outer beauty never interested her, but she was dedicated to her inner beauty, which remained her strength and inspiration throughout her life. She would often say, “that it is your talent that will take your arm forward when everything else fails you.”

Let’s thank Ms. Tyson for showing us the light and leaving a legacy for us to behold and carry forward with strength, courage, and leadership for our future young actresses. Ms. Tyson will forever remain a twinkling star that lit the dark world where women were looked down upon.

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Get your copy of Good News, God Speaks to Mothers and Daughters at:

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MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN

What’s New

with the

MOTHER AND DAUGHTER BIBLE COLLEGE, (MDBC) Congratulations to our recent graduates! Though it was a year of challenges, you made it, and although the number of graduates were small, we ended with a big punch by beating out the enemy. Both ‘Associate’ students cross that virtual stage. Our Graduation Keynote Speaker was Dr. Anne Wade, Ph.D., and every year since its inception the MDBC have continued to seek women from around the World to honor them for their service to their communities and abroad. This year we honored two outstanding women for our Humanitarian’s Awards; Joy El of Florida, and Markeda Hogan of Georgia.

Unlike most colleges, our students are women from the women prison work release center. Because of the COVID-19, it made it hard for staff to go to the work release center to recruit and to maintain the current students, and even more difficult for the women who were released from prison to go back into their past environment. And to maintain their focus on their commitment to completing their degree. Despite some major challenges, our graduates made it to the finish line and march across the graduation stage on January 26, 2021! Marking a new beginning for change!

Thanks to all those who took part in the MDBC 2020 virtual graduation, which was held on January 26, 2021. One of our guest and supporter from South Florida had this to say about the graduation, it was moving and incredibly special. To honor women that society, deem as disposable is your life’s work, thank you for going beyond yourself to help them find their way (Ivy Bennett).

We are excited about the possibilities for 2021; we are currently in the beginning stages of creating a certification program in psychology and on the brink of implementing a new course management system that supports online learning and teaching. This means that doors of opportunities for you and our students are getting brighter. We will keep our readers posted.

If you are interested in finishing your college degree, there is no better time than now. Do it for you! Let us help you start where you stopped!

Email us info@mdbn.org.

Dean Cynthia Oliver, MACP 52

Mother & DAUGHTER Bonding Magazine

A Perfect Love International A Perfect Love International, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) organization whose mission is to provide community based services to empower people of all ages and abilities to reach their highest and best potential.

Since 2016 we have helped over 2,000 individuals with food on a weekly basis, and are expanding into the housing industry to assist displaced families in this time of need. Please consider joining us in our efforts. We have many more families to serve!

Additional Services Offered: Educational Services Resource Center Utility Assistance Health and Wellness Counseling Rent Assistance Family Counseling Job Placement Mentorship ●

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MARKEDA HOGAN Executive Director aperfectloveintl@gmail.com 770.615.8886

J’s Photography

Recipient of the following awards: • Unity People’s Award • Black Lives Matter People’s Choice Award • People’s Choice Award

For all your professional photography needs contact: JVPauldo@yahoo.com www.mdbn.org

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EDUCATION

The Valedictorian,

“WELL DONE MY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT!”

BY MICHELLE CHANGAR-COE Five years ago, I did not know what was in store for me or my family. They sentenced me to five years in prison. I left my children a 3- and 11-year-old; I left them in the care of my mom and my husband, who was out of work. Times were tough, but I had to do my time. Not knowing at the moment this was my season to prosper. God had a plan, and it was my choice to accept it or not.

November 2019, Dr. Bessie Fletcher, and Dean Cynthia Oliver came and presented The Mother Daughter Bible College, (MDBC) at the Hollywood Work Release Center. The opportunity to get an associate’s, or bachelor’s degree in Bible Studies or Christian Psychology. Dr. Fletcher seemed to speak directly to me. The Holy Spirit said, do it, you’ll see. I hadn’t been in school for years and now; I was filling out an application for college.

They accepted me to the Mother and Daughter Bible College to start my degree in Christian Psychology in January 2020. It was difficult, some days were so trying, and the enemy wanted me to throw it all away. By not giving up and following through, I graduated as the Valedictorian of my class. I have something no one can ever take away from me; I have a college degree.

After getting my associate degree, I registered to continue my education to get my bachelor’s degree.

God has a plan for each of us and He puts the opportunity in front of us and it’s up to us to take it and I am glad that I did. It changed my life and my family’s life. The first year at the MDBC they focus on self-psychology. It helped me to look within myself to see who I was, and who I was being, and how my behavior was affecting my family and those around me.

No one said it would be easy, and it wasn’t. Having to follow the rules at the prison work release center, working a full-time job and having to ride a bike for eight to ten miles to and from work every day, come in take a shower and be in class by 6:00 P.M., two days of the week was a big challenge!

But I heard God telling me to take the opportunity! Having integrity to complete a task that God putted in front of me makes it so worthwhile. My definition of valedictorian is having integrity to complete God’s task and for him to say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” See, I am God’s Valedictorian.

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Mother & DAUGHTER Bonding Magazine

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