This Mother's Day, let's take a moment to cherish the incredible mothers in our lives and celebrate their unwavering love, strength, and resilience. We can also take a moment to reflect on the profound impact that mothers have had on this country. 

Throughout history, there have been so many remarkable mothers who have not only shaped history, but also inspired generations with their dedication and courage. Today, we want to shine a spotlight on a few of these extraordinary women.

Ketanji Brown Jackson

Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court, exemplifies the remarkable balance of career and motherhood. Despite facing numerous challenges in her career, she has always prioritized her role as a mother. Her heartfelt message to her daughters, Talia and Leila, serves as an inspiring reminder of the dedication and resilience it takes to be a mother:

"Girls, I know it has not been easy as I've tried to navigate the challenges of juggling my career and motherhood. But I hope that you've seen that with hard work, determination, and love, it can be done." - Ketanji Brown Jackson

Abigail Adams

Looking back at the founding of our nation, we find incredible examples of mothers who led the way. Abigail Adams, the second First Lady of the United States, not only managed their farm and raised their children single-handedly, but also advocated for equal rights for women and the abolition of slavery. Her son, John Quincy Adams, who later became the 6th president of the United States, described her as an "angel upon Earth" and a "minister of blessing" to all.

Michelle Obama

In more recent history, Michelle Obama has been an inspiration to mothers everywhere. Serving as the First Lady from 2009-2017, Obama spent a very impactful 8 years advocating on behalf of military families, helping working women balance career and family, encouraging national service, and promoting the arts and arts education. Her candid reflections on motherhood remind us of the challenges and joys that come with raising children. As she eloquently puts it: 

"Being a mother has been a master class in letting go. Try as we might, there’s only so much we can control. Motherhood has taught me that, most of the time, my job is to give them the space to explore and develop into the people they want to be. Not who I want them to be or who I wish I was at that age, but who they are, deep inside."

Sojourner Truth

Born into slavery in 1797, Isabella Baumfree, later known as Sojourner Truth, became a prominent advocate for human rights in the nineteenth century. Despite enduring the hardships of slavery, she escaped in 1827 and became an itinerant preacher. Known for her powerful "Ain't I a Woman?" speech delivered at the 1851 Women's Rights Convention, Truth was a key figure in the abolitionist and women's rights movements.

After escaping slavery with her baby daughter, Truth fought tirelessly for the freedom of her son, Peter. Her landmark legal victory against slavery and her advocacy for abolition and women's suffrage continue to inspire us today.

This Mother's Day, let's honor the incredible mothers who have shaped history and continue to inspire us with their strength, resilience, and unwavering love. To all the mothers out there, thank you for everything you do. Happy Mother's Day!