How can you repay the woman who gave you life and cared for you before you could fend for yourself? The truth is … you can’t.
But once a year, a day is set aside for the women who voluntarily place themselves last on the list 364 days out of the year to have their time to shine. And the St. Louis area has a variety of celebratory activities starting this weekend and continuing up until the big day.
‘Hats on’ tribute
For nearly 15 years, Afro World has given St. Louis an exclusive inside connection to international millinery artist Harriet “Rosebud of New York.” The tradition continues this weekend on May 2 with two hat shows and a host of performances by local artists.
“It has become a tradition because a lot of moms and daughters come here,” said Sheila Little-Forrest, president of Afro World. “It is a great bonding experience, and not just for women of color.”
Afro World began working with Forest Park Forever a few years back and it has brought women of different races and backgrounds together to celebrate the best in hat fashion – and each other – for a worthy cause.
This year guests are asked to bring canned goods to benefit a local food pantry. But the mothers are to bring an open mind with regards to treating themselves to some fashion.
“We have to work really hard to maintain our homes, careers and families and, as mothers, we don’t invest in ourselves,” Forrest said. “But this allows it to be about our world for a moment.”
Afro World’s Hattitudes 2009 Hat Show Featuring Harriett “Rosebud of NY” offers two shows: May 2, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. The event is hosted by Carol Daniel and features performances by Jackie Morris, Lecia J. Rives, Spirit of Angela, David A.N. Jackson at Afro World, 7276 Natural Bridge. For more information, call (314) 389-5194 or e-mail aworld1@afroworld.com
Fashion first
On Mother’s Day, Fashion R boutique and owner Juanita Morris will offer an afternoon of fashion and fellowship with their 5th Annual Mother’s Day show.
Each year, nearly 300 guests come out to see show – and each other – and enjoy shopping at specially discounted prices from the Fashion R inventory as well as other vendors. She is even offering sales on Mother’s Day suits, shoes and other special items.
“The idea of giving back to my customers is just something I love to do,” Morris said. “I enjoy them and they enjoy me.”
Morris is the first to admit that the ladies deserve the credit for keeping her establishment and many others like it afloat.
“Women are the ones who supports the businesses,” Morris said. “Men don’t buy like women!”
They have switched the venue from the Marriott to the all-new Ambassador, but promise the same ambience that guests have come to expect.
“For people who don’t go out to bars and lounges, this event is a fellowship,” Morris said.
“Sometimes mothers don’t hear from their children too much through the year, but on Mother’s Day they want to do something special to show that they do love her.”
Fashion R’s 5th Annual Fashion show will take place at 3 p.m. on Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 10) at the All New Ambassador, 8891 New Halls Ferry. Tickets can be purchased at Fashion R 9844 W. Florissant at Chambers or by calling (314) 869-9933.
Celebrating with song
Legendary Jazz singer Denise Thimes’ once again pays tribute to mothers everywhere –including her late mother Mildred – through the Denise Thimes & Friends 13th Annual Mother’s Day Concert and dinner at the Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington. For more information, call (314) 534-1111 or visit www.metrotix.com.
Dances of appreciation
Mothers who share a love for movement have come together for Dance at The Black Rep, featuring local choreographers and dancers. The Slaughter Project, Pinx Academy of Dance, Afriky Lolo, Bayan Dance Theater, Keith Tyrone Williams, Theodore Jamison, Ruby Steate, and original choreography by the legendary Katherine Dunham will be featured. The show takes place at 7:30 p.m. on Mother’s Day (May 10) at The Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Square. Call (314) 534-3807.
Yele – Afriky Lolo’s children’s company – presents the dance performance, Dji Djugu Wish (Dangerous River), which celebrates the spirit and strength of motherhood at 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm at COCA, 524 Trinity Ave. Call (314) 276-1913.
To serve with love
This Saturday (May 2) at 10 a.m. the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Metropolitan Saint Louis Chapter will host its 2009 Mother’s Day Brunch at the atrium in the Paul F. Detrick Building (Christian Northeast Hospital Complex). Call (314) 355-3470.
Murray’s Catering will also be holding its 2nd Annual Mother’s Day Banquest at 3 p.m., May 10, at the Polish Heritage Center Banquet Hall, 1413 N. 20th St. Call (314) 540-3717 or (314) 650-1902.
