M is for Maternity 🫄🏾
Motherhood 🧑🏾🍼
Mahogany 👶🏽 &
Mutual Aid ⛑️
(Can you tell I’ve been watching Ms. Rachel’s toddler learning videos?)
She’s here!
I’m delighted to announce the arrival of our newest family member. Last month, my wife and I welcomed our little one (Mahogany Siobhan [sha-von]) into the world. We are all doing well and adjusting to our new and ever-changing normal. I’m grateful for your well wishes and support during this time.
The Power of Mutual Aid
As I’m navigating this life-changing period, I've realized the incredible impact of mutual aid on our collective well-being. During my maternity leave, mutual aid has provided support, healing, encouragement, and sustainability.
When I speak about mutual aid, I’m describing a collaborative form of support where people take responsibility for caring for one another. Mutual aid is about changing social conditions, pooling resources, and providing people with the necessary material support. Mutual aid allows us to develop support networks that thrive on interdependence and shared responsibility.
During my maternity leave, mutual aid has looked like meal drop-offs, meal train donations, diaper and wipe deliveries, and monetary gifts to get what we need when a new need arises. When we’ve felt most depleted, lacking energy and capacity to take care of our basic needs, let alone the emerging needs of our little one, the collective support and resources from our loved ones have been life-giving.
As COVID, RSV, and other health issues continue to impact our communities deeply,
As global violence continues to displace, deliberately destroy, and exploit our communities,
As we continue to navigate the daily stressors of life that we’re not meant to do in isolation, may we lean into community care and mutual aid to experience collective healing and support.
Systemic barriers will continue to persist. Let’s engage in mutual aid, “do this work in Community,” and provide tailored support to one another that respects and honors our unique needs.
Affirmations + A Call to Action
Thank you for the affirmations you've shared with my wife and I. Your words, and those from our extended village, have been a source of strength and encouragement.
I was inspired to create several Affirmation Coloring Pages to pass along the encouragement I felt each time I heard or read an affirmation. These pages are not just about coloring; they're an opportunity to play, relax, and foster inner strength.
Plus, 25% of the proceeds from each purchase will be donated to Mutual Aid Distribution of Richmond (MAD RVA). MADRVA offers direct financial assistance through its mini-grants program, prioritizing marginalized and vulnerable groups. Mini-grants are $200 that recipients can use for anything.
I’d love to fund at least one mini-grant through our Affirmation Coloring Pages proceeds. Let’s work to get at least 100 coloring pages purchased!
*You’ll be sent a PDF of six 8.5x11” coloring sheets.
Ok, back to my maternity leave 😁.
Take care, stay well, and make space for things that bring you joy and peace.
