Dear Mama

Dear Mama is a group thematic exhibit depicting pregnancy and motherhood through the eyes of emerging artists of African descent. The aim is to create for the viewer emotional resonance as well as understanding of the health disparities impacting women of color. Join us for an experience dialogue and healing as we discuss the physical and emotional health of Black mothers and mothers to be.

(Artwork credit: Bread Rest House by Kamilah House-Lewis)

Sponsored by Friends and Foundation of Howard County Library System and The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County. In partnership with Worcester County Library. 

Schedule of Events

Reception: 10 -11 am

Welcome Remarks/Viewing of Virtual Exhibit 

Keynote: Melani Douglass, Director of Public Programs at National Museum of Women in the Arts, Founder of the Family Arts Museum

Session 1:  11:15 am - 12 pm

What to Know: Advocating for the Health of You and Your Baby

Join us as we tell our stories about physical trauma and discuss how best to advocate for your health during pregnancy and post-partum.

Faye McCray (Host) & Kamilah House-Lewis (Co-Host)

Briana Green, Director of Operations at Mamatoto Village

Dr. Donna Marie Neale, M.D. Medical Director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Maternal and Fetal Medicine

Session 2:  12:30 - 1:15 pm

Let’s Talk About It: Postpartum Depression and Anxiety

Join the artists as we tell our stories about the mental and emotional challenges that arise from pregnancy and childbirth. Learn to identify when you need help and how to find resources you need.

Faye McCray (Host) & Kamilah House-Lewis (Co-Host)

Dr. Alexis Lighten Wesley, M.D.Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellow at Children’s National Hospital

Biany Perez, Black Latinx mental health therapist 

Session 3:  1:15 - 2 pm

Healing through Connection: Black Motherhood in 2020

Join the artists for open dialogue about the unique challenges facing black mothers and parenting children of color in today’s volatile climate.

Sherry Samuels (Host), certified life coach, workshop facilitator and writer

Ana Rodney, MOMCares; Executive Director and founder 

Karen Pryor, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Queen Mother Magazine and the Founder of KMP Fashion Consulting, LLC 

For more information on panelists & artists and to join the conversation, click this link.

Please register with an email address to receive an immediate registration confirmation with a link to join the class/event. This email will also contain the dial-in information if you wish to participate by telephone.