09/28/2017
A Week in the Life of Mama ‘Nem
It is close to impossible to find the appropriate words to fully and expressly capture the amazing experience I had the week of September 17th at Denison University in Granville, and New Birth Christian Ministries in Columbus, OH, as author and editor of my book, “A Collection, of Sayings of Mama ‘Nem: The Wit and Wisdom of Mama, Muhdear and Othermothers.”
On Wednesday evening, Dr. Toni King eloquently and brilliantly laid the foundation of this collective work by appropriately and fittingly creating a cultural space and inviting participants to gather around the ‘kitchen table’ where they/we could eaves drop and participate in the oral tradition of the passing on of sayings. We brought our imagination and reflection to the ‘kitchen table’ as we crossed borders and traversed into what is referred to as “playful world traveling” by honoring with sacred tenderness our story telling circle. We paid tribute to our mamas, muhdears and othermothers, and this tribute transcended time, race, culture and experience. We held up for inspection, and embrace, the motherline tutelege of women across global and cultural lines. As the evening unfolded, we breathed in and sat in awe as we listened to the mother wit and wisdom distilled by Drs. Jennifer Hodge, Renda Ross, Attorney Nicole Pittman and Nancy Gibson – the panelists/contributors for this event. Also present were contributors Dr. Linda Krumholtz and Rev. Dr. Charlene Watkins. As the evening/night drew to a close, we were left with the thought, ‘did not our hearts burn with joy as we joined in the excitement that occurred around the ‘kitchen table’ at Denison.’
On Sunday, I was invited by Pastor Moore and Queen LaKeesha Leonard to a book signing following the 9:30 and 11:30 services at New Birth Christian Ministries. Again, words cannot fully express this experience that was nothing short of transformative. The distinct signature experience of this book signing was best captured on the faces (see attached photos) of the many individuals who engaged in conversation around the sayings that were so much a part of the community in which they grew up. Individuals applauded the book and spoke of the importance of capturing the sayings, keeping them at the forefront of our lived experiences, and providing yet another venue to ensure that they are collectively passed on.
It is an understatement to say that the book, “A Collection of Sayings of Mama ‘Nem: The Wit and Wisdom of Mama, Muh Dear and Othermothers,” is rapidly gaining attention. This book that holds so many timeless sayings, is touching the lives of so many, and helping to create a space that makes real the language, culture and intimacy of the women who took seemingly obscure sayings, breathed life into them and dared to offer it up to a community of women—both in their girlhood and womanhood—because they knew that we would need a saying or two for our growth, healing and safe keeping.
Thank you Dr. Toni King, Nancy Gibson and Queen LaKeesha Leonard for broadening the audience by hosting the amazing and wonderful experience.
Go to my website, mamanemwitandwisdom.com to order your copy and to enjoy other goodies.