In the words of Michaela Angela Davis, “To have a successful life is to feel whole.”

Brooklyn-based image activist and writer Michaela Angela Davis describes her mom as being the "sensitive, adventurous mom" as she was growing up. Speaking to her mom’s adventurous personality, Michaela said, “Growing up, my mother was the one who would sneak off and take you to the museum.”

Growing up, Michaela recalls her mom’s ability to shine even when there was drama going on or family dynamics that were uncomfortable. Michaela notes, “My mother was the one that reminded you life could be magical.”  

Now, at the age of 75, Michaela’s mom still gets up every morning, excited about who she can be that day and the magic life presents you when you allow it. Michaela says about her mom, “The best thing that my mother gave me was the example of how she is living her life. She stayed really involved in the adventure of her own life.” Learning by her mother’s example, Michaela strives to incorporate magic, excitement and adventure into her daily life.

Michaela explained how the meaning of Mother’s Day has changed for her since she was involved in a research project for Sybrina Fulton, the mother of Trayvon Martin. Michaela’s involvement in the campaign took place around the first Mother’s Day that Sybrina was facing after she had buried her son, Trayvon. Michaela said, “What Mother’s Day means to me today is very different compared to what it meant to me several years ago.”

While Michaela was conducting research for the campaign she discovered that Mother’s Day was, in fact, a call to put down arms and bring awareness to every mother’s worst nightmare – losing a child senselessly to gun violence.

“It is the honor and the privilege of my life to be a mother,” said Michaela, “but Mother’s Day now is about protecting our children, and that mothers and women can lead that charge.”

If Michaela could say one thing to her mom, it would be, “I’m so proud of you.”

This Mother’s Day, we join Michaela Angela Davis in celebrating and honoring her adventurous mother. We also honor Sybrina Fulton, the memory of her precious son, Trayvon Martin, and all mothers who will not be able to celebrate this Mother’s Day with their children because of senseless gun violence.