Black Motherhood: Shaping our Families and Future

Venus Freeman

Venus Freeman is the Founder of “My Truth Is: Breaking the Silence” initiative. She is a mother of 3, and is a Life experience coach in her community. She is a mentor to teens and adults, and a Woman of Influence within the community. Venus Freeman has personally experienced several of the topics that the campaign is addressing. She feels it is her personal obligation and calling to bring awareness to mental health, physical and mental abuse, domestic violence, and bullying to the forefront. Venus Freeman's goal is to speak her truth with hopes that she will encourage others to break their silence and seek the mental and physical support needed to conquer the obstacles and barriers associated with mental and physical health. Also, her goal is to create a platform funded by our government leaders with resources readily available to assist our communities.

Rashidah Muhammad

My name is Rashidah Muhammad. Storybook author of "I Can Do This". Which is a guide to overcoming frustration through short stories and the use of positive affirmations.

I am a wife and mother to a brilliant, beautifully opinionated 6 year old. I currently reside and work in the DMV area.

I started writing "I Can Do This" when the pandemic affected our "normal". I was blessed to be able to homeschool my child during that time due to the schools being closed. Through trial, error, and many lessons learned, I incorporated affirmations into our daily learning. It was then when I saw how positive affirmations not only helped my then 4 year old but also her me; and I wanted to share that with the world.

My story book is available for rent in 4 different PG libraries, available for purchase via Barnes and Nobles online, and through my business website. I have spoken at many DC elementary and middle schools on the importance of recognizing their emotions and learning how to work through them and not allow frustration to take over their little minds. Along with many read-alouds and pop-up events I am blessed to be able to touch a child and caregiver everyday.

"If you can, they can, and together we can do this" Rashidah M.

Hilarie Rock

Hilarie Rock is a published author, Nanny Agency owner, public speaker, recruiter, and certified life coach with a focus on relationships. She has recruited and been a spokesperson for most of her life for various organizations like the YMCA of Greater Houston, Toys for Tots and Kids Meals Houston, just to name a few. She began her journey as an author, public speaker, and certified life coach after having her son Mitchell in 2005.  Through each stage of being a single mother she heard the Lord call her to another position of helping others.  She has allowed God to use her natural talents of communicating, teaching, coaching and encouraging others to specifically reach single mothers.  It is her desire that each single mother feel empowered as a daughter of the King and as the mother of their child(ren).  Hilarie and her son live in Houston, Texas where she is often found walking a sweet single mother through a challenging stage of parenting alone. Her single mom devotional, “Girl, He’s Got You” is on sale at Amazon and Barnes and Noble online.

Dr. Tia Welsh

Dr. Tia Welsh graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in Biology. She then matriculated to medical school and graduated from SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn. She is an OB/GYN and has been in leadership for 14 years. She has led medical residents, she has taught many physicians and nurses throughout the NYC Health System in simulation courses to aid in proper obstetrical emergency response, and has led the largest Federally Qualified Health System in New York in the department of Women’s Health (Caring for women with lesser means). Currently, Dr. Welsh is the Chair of Women’s Health for the Valley Health System in Bergen County New Jersey. You can catch Dr. Welsh on various podcasts, boardrooms, and exam rooms.