George, we heard your cry for Mama! We wept as we listened, and we realized that Mama was also justice, air, and love. Black mamas understood and white mamas stood and declared I AM MAMA!

We are all running to answer you.

I AM MAMA—I am bold. I am bold enough to challenge and confront any and all racism and fear within my own heart. I recognize that this is the most important work I can do.

I AM MAMA—I speak. I fearlessly speak, challenge, and confront all acts of racism in my home, my place of worship, my work, in my grocery store, and any place where I am present. My voice cannot be silenced because of fear or thoughts of inadequacy.

I AM MAMA—I protect. I fight to protect those who are in danger.

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I AM MAMA—l comfort. I seek to comfort the pain and the lamenting of others. Because I am a mama I instinctively know when my shoulder is needed to cry on, and when my arms are needed to hug. 
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I AM MAMA—I listen. I listen to opinions that are uncomfortable and unlike mine for the sake of my children.

I AM MAMA—I see. I see the differences in others. I am not color blind, however, I am color aware. Blindness leads to unawareness, unawareness leads to inaction. I act because I can see. My awareness of our differences empowers me to truly love unconditionally and appreciate every uniqueness.

I AM MAMA—I learn. I take the time to learn the world outside of my own, realizing that the experiences of others are valid and real. I do not discredit what is unfamiliar to me or what makes me uncomfortable. My teachable heart cultivates wisdom in my actions.  

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I AM MAMA—I teach. I teach my children to love others as we love ourselves. I teach my children through the example that I AM.

I AM MAMA—I heal. I tirelessly pour out my love to assure that every child, of every color, has the same privileges as the next.

I AM MAMA—because of my love—and loving is what I do best.

This is our battle cry! I. AM. MAMA!

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George, we hear you. And we are here.
I AM MAMA!

Declare it. Live it. Share it.

This post originally appeared on Beloved Mama