You Will Rise | Happy Mother's Day!

I want to take a moment to wish you a Happy Mothers’ day!

Through the trials and tribulations that have taken place over the course of the last year, somehow you made it! You may have suffered in various aspects of your life particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

I can speak firsthand as a single mother, today I am so grateful that my son, family, and community are all still here in sound body and mind. Like many of you I spent the last year working full-time, attempting to support virtual schooling a very highly social, and rambunctious 8-year-old, manage a household, all while working full-time.

Many of us may have battled depression during this time due to isolation, exhaustion, and bewilderment. I tried to keep myself sane -while mothering and simultaneously working full time, and like millions globally, I encountered unexpected job loss due to the economic downturn.

Through the grace of God, a circle of powerful sisters, and uplifting community I have since transitioned rapidly to social entrepreneurship and I am now pursuing my passions and dreams through the birth of At the Forefront! Today we are a nonprofit, incorporated in Washington, DC with an exciting Girls of Color project underway, we have released journal articles reflecting key issues facing Black women globally, we have convened critical conversations through virtual conferences, and our Cooking with ATF series to tackle our most pressing issues. To complement our strategic work, we have a consulting business arm (ATF Consulting Limited, a Kenyan registered entity) through which we deliver diversity, equity, & inclusion consulting & gender/M&E technical services.

I pray you are empowered and encouraged by my story on this Mothers’ Day and know that despite whatever circumstances you are facing today -know that you will RISE!

With Empathy & Solidarity,
Evelyn, CEO
At the Forefront

On Mother's Day last year, we released the first publication for our COVID-19 series focused on the systemic health disparities Black women face combatting the COVID-19 pandemic. Our reflections then are just as salient presently. Once again, we salute and recognize our sisters, the women of African descent and their communities that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Read the full journal article here.

While you're at it, you can catch the new film, In Our Mothers' Gardens, if you've got a moment to pop on Netflix. The film celebrates the strength and resilience of Black women and Black families through the complex, and often times humorous, relationship between mothers and daughters. The film pays homage to Black maternal ancestors while examining the immediate and critical importance of self-care, and the healing tools necessary for Black communities to thrive.