Community Corner

VIDEO: U.N. Organization Gets a Shot of 'Brooklyn Mommy Power'

The Brooklyn Mocha Moms on Sunday raised money to help immunize the world's most needy children

The dynamic “Mocha Moms” of Brooklyn are at it again!

On Sunday, the Brooklyn chapter of Mocha Moms, led by co-presidents Eisa Ulen Richardson and Tasha Brown, and joined by Councilwoman Letitia James, held its annual “Family Fun-Raiser” to benefit Shot@Life, a United Nations campaign that funds life-saving vaccines for children in developing countries.

The Fun-Raiser is a part of a larger initiative led by the national chapter of Mocha Moms, kicking off World Immunization Week, April 21, through April 28.

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Mocha Moms is a support network for stay-at-home mothers of color that encourages community activism and provides a safe play space for children that encourages their over all wellbeing.

Around 20 moms and their children (and a handful of dads) from the Brooklyn chapter representing Bed-Stuy, Fort Greene and Clinton Hill, met at Der Schwarze Kolner Biergarten on Fulton Street in Fort Greene, where the children sang, played and even took part in a little yoga.

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“We want to do everything to support the U.N. in this campaign, which is enabling children to live longer lives, from the vaccines that we take for granted,” Richardson said. “For children in Haiti, for example, it’s absolutely crucial that they receive immunizations against cholera.

“Campaigns like these will make sure they are not forgotten. I’d hate to think that children of the so-called first world are the only ones free from crippling diseases—diseases that can be prevented, but aren't because they lack the infrastructure. So we have to be the ones that provide the immunizations that can help save children’s lives.”

And more than just the Mocha Moms chipped in: The beer garden donated its space, and for every pint of beer sold, it gave one dollar back to Shot@Life.

Happy Families donated healthy snacks and beverages, while music talent was donated by Janis McDavid and yoga time was donated by Jovan Clay, both Mocha Moms and Bed-Stuy residents.

"I donated my talent to the event because I enjoy seeing groups in my community reach out not only to children and families in our own community but also to those in other parts of the world," said McDavid. "Also, children's music is a source of healing and inspiration everywhere!"

The Mocha Moms raised close to $450. “$5 protects a child from measles and polio over his lifetime, so our $450 can go a long way in one community,” said Richardson.

Brooklyn Mocha Moms meet every Friday in the basement of the of the Brooklyn Public Library, 361 Lewis Ave, Brooklyn, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

“We would love for women who support the mission of Mocha Moms to come out to the meetings,” said Richardson. “We go on monthly field trips, we hold monthly Moms Night Out events. It’s just a wonderful support network."

To donate to the Mocha Moms, Inc. campaign for Shot@Life, go here.


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