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Writer's pictureLauren Blair

Standing Strong Together: A Message to Our Communities

Dear Parents,


I hear you, I see you, I am you.


In moments that shake our foundations, I'm drawn to the wisdom of Maya Angelou: "Still I rise." Today, I want to speak to our entire parent community, while holding a special space to acknowledge the unique strength and resilience of our Black mothers who carry extra weight on their shoulders during these times.


To Our Black Mothers


Your strength isn't just remarkable—it's revolutionary. Through generations, you've been the backbone of communities, nurturing children while navigating systems that don't always see your light. I see you. I honor you. Your joy, your tears, your fierce love for your children—it all matters.


Taking Care of You


To every parent, your wellbeing matters, here are some gentle ways to tend to your spirit:


The Rainbow Breath


A moment of peace you can share with your little ones:

  • Find a quiet spot (even if it's just your bathroom for 2 minutes)

  • Imagine drawing a rainbow in the sky

  • Breathe in as you raise your arms up in an arc

  • Breathe out as your arms float down to complete the rainbow

  • Let each breath release a little of what you're carrying


Mindful Moments for Mama


  • Light a candle during morning coffee

  • Write down three things you're proud of about yourself

  • Send love to another mom in your community

  • Remember: your self-care isn't selfish—it's necessary


The Power of Reading Together


When we read to our children, we're doing something revolutionary:


  • Building their confidence to face any world

  • Creating safe spaces for hard conversations

  • Showing them they belong in every story

  • Nurturing minds that will shape tomorrow


You are showing them how not to believe what they hear, but to check various sources. Many children and adults hear things once and believe it. It is those who read and check multiple sources, self-sufficient researchers, who seek the truth.


Sunday's Virtual Read-Aloud Selection

Books that celebrate our diversity and strength:

For Little Ones (3-5):

  • "Thank You, Omu!" by Oge Mora


For Growing Minds (6-8):

  • "Change Sings" by Amanda Gorman


Reading Tips for Revolutionary Parents


  1. Let your heritage shine through stories

  2. Share books that mirror your child's experiences

  3. Explore stories that open windows to other cultures

  4. Use reading time to build confidence and pride

  5. Don't skip the hard conversations—books can help guide them


A Special Note of Care


To our Black mothers: Your children watching you navigate this world with grace, strength, and determination is teaching them lessons no book can capture. When you read to them, you're not just sharing stories—you're showing them that their voices matter, their stories matter, their lives matter.


To all parents in our community: Your solidarity matters. Your commitment to raising children who understand and fight for justice matters. We're stronger together.


Remember This


Every bedtime story is an act of love. Every conversation about justice plants seeds of change. Every moment you take to care for yourself teaches your children to value themselves.

When the world feels heavy, remember: you are part of a community that stands together. Your children are watching you transform challenges into teaching moments, and that's the most powerful story they'll ever learn.


Keep reading. Keep breathing. Keep rising. Together we stand. Together we grow.


With love and solidarity,


-Lauren Blair


Join our inclusive community this Sunday and every Sunday at 2:00PM CST for little ones and at 3:00 PM CST for elementary change makers for our Virtual Read-Aloud celebrating stories of change and justice.


Please RSVP here! For little ones: Click Here For elementary change makers: Click Here


Self-Care Corner: This weekend, I invite all mothers, and especially our Black mamas who carry extra weight right now, to take 15 minutes for yourself. Read a chapter of your own book. Take a longer shower. Sit in silence. You deserve this moment.

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