The Black Bear Project: Honoring The Voices of Mothers Raising Black & Brown Sons

We are excited to invite you to The Black Bear Project, a visionary initiative that merges art, storytelling, and community engagement to shine a light on the experiences of mothers raising black and brown sons. This free event, celebrated on National Sons Day, aims to honor the crucial role of mothers in supporting and nurturing their children's mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

The Black Bear Project is named after the resilient black bear, a symbol of strength and adaptation. Black bears, native to Connecticut, face challenges similar to those of black and brown families—navigating changing environments and increased human interactions. This powerful analogy reflects the unwavering courage and dedication of black mothers, who, like black bear mothers, fiercely protect and nurture their sons amidst societal challenges.

Inspired by the "180 Seconds of Freedom" project's creative approach, which intertwines photography and music to capture moments of liberation, The Black Bear Project uniquely centers on the voices of mothers within discussions about the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of their sons. In a society where these conversations often overlook the maternal perspective, this project aims to delicately integrate these voices without overshadowing the broader dialogue. This project aims to integrate the voices of mothers into this dialogue, recognizing their pivotal role as primary caregivers—especially in a context where 64% of black children and 31% of Hispanic children are raised in single-mother households.

Through this event, we seek to elevate these voices and foster empathy and understanding within our broader communities. Over 30 mothers and 45 sons participated in this initiative, contributing their stories and experiences to our art exhibit and mini-documentary. Event attendees will engage with a dynamic art exhibit featuring powerful photography that captures the essence of maternal love and resilience. Additionally, a mini-documentary will provide an intimate look into the stories and experiences of participating mothers, further highlighting their strength and dedication.

At My People Community Services (MPCS), we are dedicated to creating safe spaces for discussions on the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of black and brown men and boys. Our organization proudly reflects this commitment, with 98% of our staff being people of color who are deeply connected to the community we serve. The Black Bear Project aligns with our mission by celebrating the strength of black motherhood and promoting understanding and equity.

Event Schedule:

• 4:00-5:00 PM: Open Photo Exhibit
• 5:00 PM: Opening Remarks
• 5:15 PM: Mini-Documentary Screening
• 6:15 PM: Q&A Session
• 7:00-8:00 PM: Networking

Event Highlights:

• Art Exhibit: Experience an evocative display of photography that showcases the bond between mothers and their sons, emphasizing themes of resilience and adaptation.
• Mini-Documentary Screening: View a compelling short film that delves into the personal stories and experiences of participating mothers, providing insight into their daily lives and the challenges they face.
• Networking: Connect with other attendees to share insights, build relationships, and support the collective mission of the project.In lieu of selling tickets, we encourage attendees to support this community-driven initiative by purchasing a Love Bear. Proceeds from these purchases will directly support MPCS programs dedicated to the well-being of black and brown boys and their families.

Events like The Black Bear Project serve several key purposes:

1. Amplifying Voices: They highlight and elevate the experiences of black and brown mothers raising sons, ensuring their voices are heard and valued.
2. Fostering Empathy and Understanding: The event promotes deeper understanding and empathy through art and storytelling, showcasing the resilience of marginalized communities.
3. Addressing Systemic Issues: It raises awareness about the social and economic barriers faced by black and brown families, encouraging dialogue and action on these issues.
4. Celebrating Resilience: The event honors the strength of black and brown mothers and their sons, drawing inspiration from the resilient black bear.
5. Building Community: It provides a platform for networking and building connections, strengthening support networks and collaborative efforts.
6. Supporting Mental Health: The event emphasizes the importance of mental health and facilitates discussions on mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
7. Engaging in Fundraising: By encouraging the purchase of Love Bears, the event raises funds to support ongoing programs and services for black and brown boys and their families.
8. Promoting Artistic Expression: It showcases the power of art, photography, and film in expressing complex emotions and driving social change.
9. Educating the Public: The event educates the community about the lived experiences of black and brown families, challenging stereotypes and fostering inclusivity.
10. Aligning with Organizational Mission: It aligns with My People Community Services' mission to create safe spaces, support marginalized communities, and advocate for equity.

Overall, events like The Black Bear Project are crucial for advancing social justice, enhancing community cohesion, and supporting the well-being of individuals and families in meaningful ways.

Join us for this meaningful celebration that not only honors the vital role of mothers but also strengthens our collective commitment to fostering resilience, empathy, and understanding within our community. Your participation will make a significant difference in promoting the well-being of our youth and their families.