LaShunda S. Hill

Each Mother’s Day, I have tried to come up with creative ways to show my mother just how much she means to me. From handmade cards, to craft projects, I’ve done it all.

I decided to write an article for this week dedicated not only to my own mother but to the mothers of Africa.

Like my own mother, these women are loving, resilient pillars of their household; striving against all odds to provide for their families. My mother, Dr. Jean Howard-Hill, and African mothers deserve the spotlight this holiday.

In my own life, I have seen the importance of having a good mother. Following my father’s death when I was 4 years old, my mother became head of our household and a single parent. Despite having to deal with her own grief over loosing the love of her life, she remained strong as she raised me alone.

She became my best friend and role model. Even in the face of opposition, she stands boldly for those who are voiceless and in need of help.

She has taught me the importance of standing up for what you believe in and for what is right. I have seen my mother literally give the clothes off her back to people who needed them, or pay someone’s electric bill when their utilities were to be turned off.

Never once have I seen her be selfish or mean-spirited towards anyone. Through her, I have come to understand what it truly means to be a woman of character, grace and substance. I can only pray that as I enter into my own womanhood, I can be half the woman my mother is.

While in Ghana, I have seen many women, who like my mother care tirelessly for their families and communities. Knowing how hard my mother has worked to ensure that I was provided for, I could only imagine the struggles of a single mother in a Third World country.

Without these women in our lives, the world would be lacking the tender love and care that only a good mother can give. So, on this Mother’s Day, I hope that you will join me in celebrating the beauty and importance of motherhood in Africa, America and the world.

And to my own mother, Dr. Jean Howard-Hill, I want to say I love you and appreciate the important role that you have played in my life.

Despite not being able to be with you physically this Mother’s Day, just know that my love reaches across the many miles from Ghana all the way to Chattanooga.