Mothers a force historically

As Mothers Day fast approaches I always like to pay tribute to this wonderful group.

The role of a mother has changed quite a bit throughout the years.

Gone are the days of June Cleaver vacuuming in a dress and heels that personified mothers in the fifties.

The majority of these women now wear many hats and juggle career and motherhood.

They have become quite a force politically as well.

It’s interesting to note that throughout our history moms have made quite an impact.

Mary Harris Jones, who later became known as Mother Jones, led millions of workers in the 1800’s to demand fair labor laws.

This movement, spearheaded by Jones, led to a federal holiday we all now know and observe on the first Monday of every September.

Mothers were also instrumental in gaining American women the right to vote.

Mother-led organizations are now prevalent and politically effective.

An example would be Mothers Against Drunk Driving. It was founded in 1980 by Candace Lightner after her daughter was killed by a drunk driver.

The names Berdis Baldwin, Louise Little, and Alberta King might not ring a bell, but their son’s names certainly would.

They raised three of the most famous civil rights activists in history, James Baldwin, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King, Jr.

The list of moms who were political and social activists goes on and on, including, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Margaret Thatcher, Princess Diana, and one of my favorites Erma Bombeck.

Of course, my personal favorite is my mother, Brenda Dorris.

She wasn’t a political activist, but she was an activist.

Actively making sure I was fed, had new clothes at the start of a school year, taking care of me when I was sick, and loving me unconditionally.

Much love to you Mom, and a special thank you to all the mothers.

God bless these angels in disguise.

See you out there.