It’s Mother’s Day here in the US. While many might argue that it’s an artificial holiday created by greeting card companies, there is something special about setting aside the time to reflect on your life, the role your mother has played in it, and the chance to thank her for all the love and sacrifice she’s offered through the years.
Here are a few “shorts” we found on SnagFilms (our new favorite documentary video website) highlighting mothers (and other nurturers) who inspire BrownGirlsFly. Happy viewing!
And to all of you brown girls who are mothers (or who take time to love, mentor, nurture and inspire other people’s children) …. Happy Mother’s Day!
Kakenya Ntaiya (Kenya)
Kakenya dreamed of becoming a school teacher in her Massai village. She made a deal with her dad to get out of her arranged marriage and to follow her dream. And, she went on to do much more than that! What an inspiration Kakenya is even for Western women.
(short film: 3min 10 secs, partially animated)
Rangina Hamidi (Afghanistan)
Rangina, an Afghan-American woman, returned to her home city after 9/11 to help empower the women of her country. She struggled against war, bureaucracy and cultural customs to create a business that employs 300-400 local women, helping to elevate them out of poverty and to slowly shift the gender dynamics within her native land.
(short film: 5min, 24secs)
Wu Tang Gran (China)
This one’s a little more playful but just as inspiring. She’s a 70 year old woman from Beijing who raps, dances and teaches her crew of grannies how to break it down like people half her age and twice her melanin count. Her moves aren’t bad but what I love about the Wu Tang Gran is her lifelong love of art and culture, her willingness to embrace something so different from her own experience, and her boundless energy. Go mama!
(short film: 8 min, 17 secs)
Pearl Mallory (Washington, DC)
Pearl has spent most of her 82 years cooking for senior citizens. Her specialty, Sweet Potato Pie, baked with love, has brought much joy into St Mary’s Court Retirement Home. Here’s the story of the almost magical effect it’s had on the residents.
(short film: 17min 27 secs)
