At least three Caribbean American legislators have paid tribute to mothers on Mother’s Day, saying that, for generations, mothers have “selflessly supported their children and families.”
Brooklyn City Council Member Jumaane Williams, and State Assembly Members Diana Richardson and Rodneyse Bichotte saluted mothers “everywhere.”
“From childhood to adulthood, our mothers protect us, nurture our dreams and encourage us to reach our fullest potential,” said Williams, the son of Grenadian immigrants, who represents the 45th Council District in Brooklyn. “I am reminded of my own mother, Patricia Williams, a single mom who raised two kids in Brooklyn, was a great example of fortitude and perseverance.
“The older I’ve gotten, discovering the challenges of the world, I appreciate more and more the difficulties that entailed, and I am forever grateful,” Williams added.
“I know today [Sunday] is particularly hard for those mothers who have lost children, including those taken by the gun violence pandemic that plagues our country,” he continued. “My thoughts, prayers and efforts are with them. They are who I have in mind when I advocate for increased resources to prevent senseless gun violence. For example, more youth employment would keep one more child away from harm, and prevent one more mother from burying her child. All available data is clear and consistent; jobs saves lives.
“With National Gun Violence Awareness Month on the horizon, let us be inspired by the pain of grieving mothers to take action against shootings, and commit to a safer New York City and country,” he said.
In her tribute, Richardson, whose mother is from the Aruba and father from St. Martin, said the term mother is synonymous with “countless words, actions and emotions.
“In the dictionary, mother is defined simply as a woman who gives birth to a child, but we all know being a mother is much more than biology,” said Richardson, who represents the 43rd Assembly District in Brooklyn. “Mom nurses you back to health when you’re feeling sick, and she is the individual who always manage to make ends meet, even when it seemed impossible.
“Whether it’s our first day at school, our first crush, or our first job, our mothers are always there supporting us, because a mother’s job is never finished,” she added. “Through every good day, bad day and every day in between, our mothers have proven to be nothing less than the definition of love.
“To all the mothers, we thank you for being our best friends, our confidants and our heroes,” Richardson continued.
In a very brief note, Bichotte, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, who represents the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn, gave a “special wish for all mothers.
“Hoping this Mother’s Day brings you happiness, and creates memories,” she said in her newsletter.
