As a woman of African descent, born to an African American mother and a Central African father, I believe this project reflects the uniqueness of my journey and addresses many of the questions that permeate my existence, as I seek God, and wrestle with womanhood, motherhood, Africanity, AfricanAmericanity and all of the ‘anities’ and ‘isms’ that come along with it. As I delve deeper into Mama Kimpa Vita’s story, the voices of kindred mother-martyrs have turned from whispers to raised voices, adding the thread of their lives to the tapestry of this wondrous works.
Mama Kimpa Vita
Mama Laura Nelson
Mama Marie Turner
(Mama) Amy Spain
And to all of the other mothers
whose graves are yet unmarked
whose rest has been anything but peaceful
and whom history would like to erase…
We have not forgotten you nor will we let them forget.
Muisi-kongo Malonga In Kimpa Vita! (Photo Credit: Images by Audrey)