For our mothers, who lived and who loved and who bore daughters. Therefore we are.
Our mothers, strong by definition. They endured, hoped , and dreamed as young girls do.
Our mothers, who created and danced. They laughed. They smiled. They flirted. They chose.
Our brave mothers, surviving the horrors of captivity, bursting with uncertainty while chained in the belly of boats. Clinging to life as they hid the secrets of all that was left behind.
Our mothers, the survivors of the great atrocity. Who gently whispered hopeful words and stern teachings into the ears of their babes. Praying while being preyed upon. Loving on babies that may be taken in the darkest hour of the night, just as some of them were given.
Our mothers, who struggled through poverty and despair. Who learned to walk with heads held high, making love, ways out of no ways, and ends meet. Who celebrated their victories and felt their mistakes.
Our mothers, who sang their song. They poured their voices into Earth’s beauty to hold. If not for them, how could we be? Here we stand, therefore they are. Ever present, ever watching from the fields of eternity. Flowing through our blood, our spirits and our hearts.
Ifayinka 