A Tribute to Queen Mothers

A celebration to women for women’s week and a tribute to Queen Mothers was the event I got to attend. After concluding the event of black history how fitting it was to honor women. I got the opportunity to see prominent black women in our community honored and celebrated for their excellence in various community organizations. Not only was this a learning experience it was cultural awareness for me. I got to see and hear tributes of women that have made a difference in the lives of many here in USA and abroad.
The night started off with background information to set the event off and a dedication in an African language. Followed by a personal tribute to each woman. There were a panel of four women and a reserved place left for one of the nominee that was deceased totaling five. Each woman including the departed had a story to share; her part was given off to a proxy. Each woman shared her biography and after reviewing the accomplishments I now know the reason for them being nominated for such a prestigious accomplishment. Also through each woman’s story I got the opportunity to learn about an African culture that each was affiliated with.
All of the women spoke about how changing their names were not an easy experience. Reason being, them all had African names now that they are known by. As they say their names are more than that, it is the fulfilling of a part of their lives that they are more connected with. Most had travelled to Africa and were mothers over tribal communities. They have the better of two worlds because they have their birth family and the families they were all adopted into. After giving their speeches these women were then blessed by the Africans. There were priests that came and blessed them all done in a foreign tongue of different African cultures.
Then there were blessings of beads given to the women. The beads are protection for each. Then each woman was given a plaque to commemorate the event. It was a pleasure to have seen these women who are from different backgrounds joined together by a common root of Africa. Women finally connected with their true cultural identity. Women on a quest to make a difference in the lives of so many; these women are Adora Obi Nweze, Delma Jackson-Rodriguez Oshun- Mini, Iya Orite Olasowo Adefunmi, Constance Tallaha Ekon, and Chief Sandrell Rivers.