The Grandassa Models Celebrate their Mothers

“Mothers are the peace on Earth that make the world go round. The love they give is always of hope and blessings so good and pure.”— from The Spirit of a Woman by E. Ballard-Balewa (aka Ameiye— Original Grandassa Model, 1967)

Ndola Brathwaite Carlest (Grandassa Model Next Generation)
During this Mother’s Day season, I reflect on the strength and grace of my daughter, who has grown up embracing her natural hair in a world that often challenges its beauty. During her middle and high school years, we were living in a suburb of Maryland; a town that was specifically created with diversity in mind. Ironically, diversity didn’t always mean acceptance.

From a young age, my daughter faced teasing—not from those outside our community, but from other African American girls who had already internalized the idea that straight hair was “better.” They mocked her coils, called her hair “unkempt,” and urged her to get a relaxer like them. As her mother, it was heartbreaking. But I had made a promise to myself long before she was born: that she would know her hair, and herself, as beautiful, just as she is.

It was how I was raised, in the midst of the Grandassa collective, with parents who reinforced my beautiful, black heritage. I taught her the language of self-love through weekly wash days; watching movies as I combed, moisturized, twisted, and cornrowed her hair. She usually fell asleep in my lap. When she awoke the next day and saw her reflection in the mirror, she was always pleased with her beautiful natural style.

Together, we explored the legacy of our ancestors, women who wore their afros like crowns and turned defiance into style. Today, she walks confidently, her natural locs bouncing with every step. She now shares her journey with women who were not exposed to the beauty of self-love and cultural pride.

This Mother’s Day, I’m not just proud of the woman she has become—I’m proud of the path she chose, even when it was lonely. Raising a daughter who loves her natural self hasn’t always been easy, but it has been worth every tear, every deep conditioner, and every hard-earned smile. Because in her reflection, I see the future—and it’s beautiful. #blackisbeautifullegacy

Dr. Amber Ann “Nzingha” Lyons (Grandassa Model Next Generation)
As a Black mother of three adult children—two daughters and a son—I carry forward a powerful legacy of strength, courage, and hope even through the most difficult times. I draw inspiration from the Grandassa Models, who challenged the narrow standards of beauty.

I strived to uplift my children by affirming their worth, resilience, and unique identities in a world that too often overlooks us. This has been a cause of mental anguish for many of our young black kings and queens. My goal is to raise awareness and spread the healing love of God all year, although May is mental health awareness month.

Working globally as a mental health and youth advocate within our COPE To HOPE (Youth & Young Adults Mental Health Matters Too) Program deepens this commitment. Through in-person and virtual Check-In events, speaking engagements, interviews, and mentoring, we offer safe spaces where families can share their struggles without stigma.

Whether guiding someone through depression, anxiety, or helping a mother navigate the loss of a child who succumbed to suicide, I see firsthand how healing transforms lives—and ripples outward to strengthen entire communities.

Reminiscing on being a young mother, I am grateful for God in my life and all the life lessons that were taught to me. I am so honored to have my oldest daughter and son work with me to help others.
By intertwining maternal devotion with mental health activism, I aim to reignite the same fire that fueled the Black Is Beautiful Movement and sow seeds of empowerment for future generations.
“Find what Ails you, Seek what Heals you, Forgive what Damages you & Embrace what Builds you!”

Zena Robinson-Wouadjou (Grandassa Model Next Generation)
When I think about what it means to be a mother, I am reminded of the most vulnerable moments of my own journey– the learning curves and the “am I doing this right?” crossroads that every mother faces.

And I am overwhelmed with gratitude, first for the two beautiful human beings who entered my life more than 26 years ago and gave me the honor of becoming their mom; second, for the community of women who have continued to step in and around me to support my growth as a mother when I have needed it most.

If it takes a village to raise a child, it most certainly takes several villages to raise a mom. The Grandassa has been one of those villages for me– a home away from home that I have returned to throughout my life. More than the iconic images of beautiful Afrikan countenances and intricately coiffed hair in photographs that graced the walls of our home and strengthened me as a young woman, the Grandassa were real women– aunts and Godmothers who remained a presence in my life.

When the foundation of self-love and natural beauty that was instilled in me by my own mother was tested in the world, there was always an inspired encounter with a Grandassa. A word of encouragement, an affirmation, and now a circle in which to raise up my own daughter, as she continues the Grandassa Legacy.

Fofie Aboagyewa (Grandassa Model Next Generation)
In celebrating Mother’s Day, I often think of what it means to parent, particularly as a person of African descent in New York City. Identity is a concept that comes to mind because it lays the cultural groundwork for one’s life which directly influences the way we parent. What a person believes about themself will be reflected in the way they behave.

My mother, a Grandassa Model, believes that being a natural woman is most beautiful and she raised her children with the same belief. The Black is Beautiful framework is the basis of parenting as a Grandassa Model because it teaches self love, through setting the standard that natural is beautiful— fostering self acceptance and confidence.

As a Grandassa mother, Black is Beautiful is displayed by reflecting positive images through simple efforts, such as sporting a beautifully styled crown, curating selections by authors of African descent, choosing intentional home decor, music and clothing. The Lifestyle and culture of a Grandassa Mother is specifically attuned to nurturing the Black is beautiful framework. Growing up in the 70s meant our home was decorated with Great Kings and Queens of Africa posters, African masks, statues, or wooden carvings of Black women.

Entertainment was paper dolls of Dorothy Dandridge, Josephine Baker, and the like, the Baby Brother doll, and Golden Legacy comic books, which taught Black history. Early in life, I was exposed to movies and shows that reflected what I saw in the mirror and reinforced the basis of my identity.

Our music sang praises of the Red, Black and Green. Surrounded by the love of our Africanness— this is how a Grandassa Mother raises her children. Black is Beautiful becomes a part of their identity. All of these little things became the foundation of who I am; so, to my Grandassa mother, Nana Baakan, I say “thank you”, for my Black is Beautiful.

Nzingha Gumbs (Grandassa Model Next Generation)
Mmmmmm, Mothers Day… Where do I begin with the tribute to my Grandassa Mum. Most Mother’s Days after Mum passed were emotionally difficult. The day used to feel like torment because we were so close. I would try to ignore it altogether— not going outside, turning off social media— everything to avoid reliving the loss of Mum’s presence.

Now, 25 years after her physical passing, I’m truly grateful for her life. I see her sacrifices through a new lens. When you’re younger, you don’t see your parents as human; you see them as superhuman— untouchable. My mum had a whole life before she came into being a full time mum. She didn’t have to, but she decided to be a hands-on mother.

Mum, Mama Jean, Omma, Umi, Queen Egyptia Jean was the first woman in my life. The blueprint for all that’s good and refined in me, she’s the spirit I pull on when I need to present myself in a refined way.

Even when I want to pop off at all I find offensive, she’s the spirit I pull from my DNA when I give respect and love (although sometimes tough love) unconditionally.
Mum’s interpretation of motherhood was to “walk in light.” This meant having GODLY foresight, unconditional love, and wisdom— the kind that made you think beyond the now, ask critical questions, develop fearlessness against obvious and covert dangers, possess regal dignity in the way we presented ourselves to the world, and show kindness, which shaped my ability to be generous.

She walked gracefully, her ladylike ways teaching me uncommon modern day manners. I watched her be brave and courageous as well. She cultivated and believed in the gifts GOD gave me. And when I focused on my life’s career, she indulged and encouraged me.

A creative artist and writer, teacher, and founder of “The James Baldwin Literacy Center,” I marvel at how she crafted me to move in the world by her example. Was she perfect? No Mum is, but the ones who strive to be excellent even in their imperfections deserve to be recognized for their earnest efforts in my opinion. She was to me what a Grandassa is— a Mum, Sister, Niece, Wife, Friend, Teacher, Lover, Cheerleader, and World Mother to those who needed her help. 


So, as we reflect on motherhood, I salute the woman she was and still is…living in and through me. Thank you Grandassa Queen. Your labors were not in vain. I’m so grateful to you for all you sacrificed to make me a Lady. Through your grace, I know you now more than ever. Bless you for all eternity. And bless all the Mums, Step Mums, Aunts, Nieces, and the women who serve as “World Mums.”