MORE THAN ONE MAMA: CELEBRATING ALL THE MAMAS WHO RAISED YOU
A Mother’s Day tribute to the aunties, grandmothers, and women who helped shape who we are.
Who raised you?
If your answer isn’t just “my mom” – if it’s your grandmother, your auntie, your godmother - then this post is for you. Because Mother’s Day in the Black community has always been bigger than biology.
I want to share my personal story of what motherhood means to me.
I spent seven years without my biological parents. But I was never without mothers.
My auntie and grandmother became my second moms. They weren’t my biological mothers, but they were everything my biological mother would have been.
Three mothers helped raise me into the woman I am today - each one shaping me with love, strength, and guidance. Three mothers also meant three sets of rules, three opinions… and if I got in trouble?
Well, let’s just say I got disciplined three times.
I’m not a mother yet, but I already have 12 kids - six nieces and six nephews. I have the privilege of being present in their lives as fun Auntie Kisha. I’ve even offered unlimited babysitting just so I can claim them as my own.
Because motherhood, to me, isn’t just about giving birth.
Motherhood, in our community, has always been shared.
It’s the grandmother who steps in without hesitation
It’s the auntie who keeps an eye on everyone
It’s the older cousin who becomes a mentor
Motherhood is love in action.
Maybe your story looks a little like mine – shaped by more than one woman who stepped in when it mattered most.
I Got It From My Mama
Let’s take a moment to celebrate the women who raised us. Grab a notebook, open the notes app on your phone, or even a sticky note.
Write down:
Three life lessons your mother – or mother figure – taught you
One favourite memory that makes you smile or laugh
One quality you share with her that you love about yourself
Maybe it’s her strength. Her sense of humour. Her patience. Her “don’t play with me” voice.
Once you write it down, tell her. Call her. Text her. Say it out loud.
And if she’s no longer here, share that memory with someone who remembers her. Laugh about it. Smile about it. Keep her presence alive in the stories.
Now Let’s Talk About Mothering Ourselves
While we celebrate the women who raised us, let’s also celebrate the woman who’s raising herself right now. YOU. It’s your turn to be your own mother figure – the one who cares for you the way others once did.
We spend so much time making sure everyone else is taken care of… but when was the last time you gave yourself that same level of care?
Take a moment and ask yourself: What are three ways you are mothering yourself right now?
Not the things you plan to do. The things you're actually doing.
Maybe it looks like:
Going to bed a little earlier (or at least trying)
Saying “no” when your schedule is already packed
Finally booking that appointment you've been putting off
It doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it looks like going back to the basics.
Move What Ya Mama Gave You
Movement is one way we care for ourselves. You don’t need a gym membership or a full workout plan – you just need to feel alive in your body. Movement boosts energy, reduces stress, and improves your mood.
Try:
Taking a 10-minute walk
A quick 10-min cardio work out
Dancing while cooking dinner
Movement doesn’t have to be perfect - it just has to happen.
Reset What Ya Mama Gave You
Life moves fast. Sometimes the best thing you can do is pause. Even a few minutes of quiet time reduces stress and improves focus.
Try:
Sitting quietly for 3–5 minutes
Taking slow, deep breaths
A short, guided meditation
Apps to try: Calm, Insight Timer, Headspace
A small pause can make a big difference.
Rest What Ya Mama Gave You
Many of us run on empty without realizing it. We think being tired is just how life works – but it’s not.
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Rest is an act of care. Rest is you saying, “I matter.”
Try:
Turning off screens 30-60 mins before bedtime
Leaving your phone in another room
Create a simple nighttime routine
Reflect What Ya Mama Gave You
Taking five minutes to reset at the end of the day helps your mind slow down and release stress.
Try this 5-Minute Reset:
How am I actually feeling today?
What are three wins from today?
What do I need to let go of today?
What can I do differently tomorrow?
Over time, those five minutes can shift how you see yourself.
What does motherhood mean to you?
In our community, motherhood has always been bigger than biology.
It’s the grandmother.
The auntie.
The cousin.
The godmother.
It’s the women who show up fiercely and love deeply.
This Mother’s Day, we celebrate the women who raised you.
And we celebrate YOU – the woman who is still raising herself, learning herself, and loving herself every day.
Check out these events happening in Durham this month:
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8:00pm - 11:00pm
The PIK at Pickering Casino Resort, 888 Durham Live Avenue, Pickering, ON
$54.58
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11:00pm - 2:00pm
Galaxy Grand Convention Centre, 200 Advance Boulevard, Brampton, ON
$110 (Adults)
$35 (Children)
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1:00pm - 3:00pm
St. Francis Centre for Community, Arts and Culture, 78 Church Street South, Ajax, ON
$31.59
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May 30 (11:00am - 9:00pm)
May 31 (11:00am - 8:00pm)
IPSC, 500 Victoria St. W in Whitby
$5.00 (Free for 14 and under)
Summer Pop-Up Market + Family Fun Day
Sunday, June 14, 2026
12:00 PM 8:00 PM
AUDLEY RECREATION CENTRE
1955 Audley Road Ajax, ON, L1Z 1V6 Canada (map)
Get ready for an exciting afternoon at the Audley Recreation Centre for our 6th annual Summer Pop-Up Market + Family Fun Day! With 60+ vendors offering fantastic products and services from black-owned businesses, there's something for everyone.
This isn't your typical market – it's a family affair! Spread the word and join in on the fun. Enjoy great music, delicious food, and snap some photos at our photo booth.
Last year, we had over 1200 visitors, and this year promises to be even better! Don't miss out on the summer's coolest event. See you there!
Disclaimer: By attending this event, you consent to being photographed and/or filmed. The images and footage may be used for promotional and marketing purposes by Black Queens of Durham Region. If you have any concerns, please speak with an event organizer on-site.
GET YOUR FREE TICKETS HERE
written by Nickisha RASHID