Caribbean pols extend Mother’s Day greetings
Several Caribbean legislators in Brooklyn ensured that they did not miss out in extending Mother’s Day greetings to constituents on Sunday.
“Every day is #MothersDay for me because my mom, Dr. Una S. T. Clarke, never misses a chance to make sure that I’m healthy and strong, and doing right by the people of the community,” tweeted Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, the Jamaican-born representative for the 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn.
“Thank you for your unconditional love, guidance and support, Momma. Happy Mother’s Day!” added Clarke about her mother, Jamaican-born, former New York City Council Member Dr. Una S.T. Clarke.
Council Member Farah N. Louis, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, shared a story about her mom, Vesta.
“My mom is everything to me,” said the representative for the 45th Council District in Brooklyn. “My mom is an immigrant from Haiti that migrated to the United States seeking to live the American dream. She raised my sisters and I in public housing, often times on minimum wage. Looking back on it now, I really don’t know how she did it. But the example she modeled for me during those years drives everything I do now.
“Often, I thank my mom for passing on a tenacious and stringent work ethic to my sisters and I,” she added. “I thanked her for her unconditional love and support throughout my life.
“She was there for me in the good times and the rough moments, when I felt like a failure,” Louis added. “She was there for me when I experienced domestic violence and had to find unique ways to manage mental and emotional wellbeing. My mother cleaned my wounds, helped me cover my bruises and told me that I would be ok. She was and will always be there for me.
“Brooklyn and District 45 is full of mothers just like mine, working hard every day to create a better future for their families,” Louis continued. “And we thank you. Wishing a beautiful and blessed Mother’s Day to the women who continuously love and nurture us every day, encouraging us in good and bad times.
“Although today is a celebratory occasion, it can also be a painful reminder of loss and challenges,” she said. “Let us extend our love and appreciation to the caregivers in our lives, recognizing their importance and impact in shaping the future of our community. May we continue to support and strengthen the women in our communities who yearn for hope, healing, and the joy of motherhood.”
Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, another daughter of Haitian immigrants, tweeted: “Happy Mother’s Day to all the selfless, strong and caring mamas out there! Happy Mother’s Day.
“Today, we celebrate the strength of the women and mothers in our lives,” said the representative for the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn. “Women deserve more than just a day of recognition for the hard work and dedication they put into our lives each year.
“Today is one way we honor our mothers and mother-figures for their love, bravery, and selflessness,” she added. “Moms are responsible for nurturing our dreams. They cultivate our interests so that they can become a reality.
“We also understand that Mother’s Day can be a difficult time for some,” Bichotte Hermelyn continued. “No matter your situation, we hope you find peace and happiness today.”
