Mocha In The News

Mocha Moms, Inc. is a support group for mothers of color who have chosen not to work full-time outside of the home in order to devote more time to their families and communities, as well as working moms. Mocha Moms serves as an advocate for those mothers and encourages the spirit of community activism within its membership.

Mochas Strengthening Marriages

at the Black Marriage Summit

by Dr. Sharese Willis

The more than 80 attending the Marriage Summit on April 3, 2011, for Black Marriage Day rode a wave from laughter to serious contemplation. The event was hosted by the Phoenix and Phoenix East Valley chapters of Mocha Moms, Inc., with Tanner Chapel AME Church. According to a Pew Research Center report, in 1960 61% of Black adults were married, whereas just 32% were married in 2008. The Wedded Bliss Foundation predated this report in its initiation of Black Marriage Day in 2002 to highlight strong marriages and to reject the idea that 

marriage is obsolete in the Black community. The Phoenix celebration was one of 300 nationwide. Speakers discussed some of the biggest challenges for marriages. Discussing communication and money were Rev. Ermanno A. Willis, pastor of Amos Metropolitan CME Church, and his wife Dr. Sharese Terrell Willis, writer and faculty associate in Technical Communication at Arizona State University. The couple touted communication in that it builds trust and influence with the spouse. Rev. Willis described communication as “the component that undergirds all other areas of a marriage.” The Willises also shared that money shows people who you are by revealing priorities. The couple encouraged transparency about financial commitments, past and present. Rev. Dr. Rosalind Polston, an Associate Minister at Tanner and a Marriage and Family counselor at the church, ignited the room with 

her delivery of the concepts published in Dr. Gary Chapman’s bestseller The 5 Love Languages: words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service, receiving gifts, and physical touch. Rev. Dr. Polston definitely left the group wanting to learn more. Lynda Gordon and husband Gordon V. Gordon II, leaders of the couples group at Tanner, shared personal and professional experience working with families. With both Gordons pursuing advanced 

degrees, working full time, and parenting 4 children, they stressed the vital role of communication and gave insight into the challenges of the blended family. The Gordons also emphasized that parents should remember their roles as examples because their children are watching. Rev. Dr. Helen Hunter, founding pastor of The Great Koinonia 

Christian Fellowship in Gilbert, spoke poignantly about relationships with in-laws. The takeaway message was that we should reflect upon ourselves before engaging in negative thoughts about in-laws. The love permeated the room, but attendees were also reminded that marriages have challenges and that seeking help can be the best 

approach.

Mocha Moms, Inc. Phoenix Chapter Supporters

Here are individuals and companies who have supported our chapter

or given us donations in the past:

As You Wish Pottery Places

Fresh & Easy Stores

Sprouts Stores

The Container Store

Target Stores

Costco

Sam’s Club

Borders

First Watch

California Pizza Kitchen

Claim Jumpers

Pei Wei

Mesa Fire Station

Sherri Williams-Mary Kay Products

Lia Sophia Jewelry - Jacki Murray

Beauti-Control – Pat Gillum-Grisby

CTMH – Cara Weddington

WE APPRECIATE ALL OUR SUPPORTERS!

YOU HELP TO MAKE OUR CHAPTER

AND OUR COMMUNITY BETTER!

THANK YOU!!!