I wanted to find an empowering quote that represented Black mothers but instead was distracted by the TON of “Things Black Mom’s Say”, Black Mom Memes, and numerous jokes, that filled the search engine. Tanya Hayles, the founder of Black Moms Connection, would definitely tell you that being a parent isn’t easy and being a Black Mother is nothing to joke about – in fact it can be quite difficult.
 
This week I got to share the story of Black Moms Connection and how it came to be. I’m not a Mother yet, but it fills my heart to know that there is a community out there ready to step out and come out if this Mama needs some support.
 
After listening to Tanya and BMC’s story, I can say with total certainty that it takes a village to raise a child AND support a Mother.
 
If you’re a Black Mother, I would love to hear what you thought about this interview and if you want to share your story, be sure to connect with me via:
 
www.msjam.ca
IG: www.instagram.com/iamjamgamble
Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamjamgamble
 
 
Much love to you Mamas out there <3

It's interviews like this that really makes me love this series more and more. Charisse and I have been IG 'friends' for about a year. We actually haven't met IRL but somehow she felt comfortable enough with me to share her story of her mental health journey.

I'll be honest with you folks, I try realllllly hard to make these interviews about 20-30 mins but we get so deep and cover so much, it's really hard to stop. 

Enough explaining, just watch for yourself :)

(Again, I have to thank Charisse [@char_dave] for her realness and her honesty.

If you want to share your story, hit the contact tab and let's set a date.

xo
Jam

Debbie King is fit...no SUPA fit, fly, and fabulous! This 42 year old (yaa, 42 where?!) athlete and Mom of one, shares her story that will definitely inspire you to get back into the gym or hit the track REGARDLESS of your age!

If you'd like to share your story, let's talk!
Find me on Twitter and Instagram @Iamjamgamble and don't forget to subscribe to the channel if you're loving this series!

7 kids.

S-E-V-E-N.

Kalista and I went to school together. For the most part, we have been out of touch until we reconnected on good ol' Facebook. To my surprise, Kalista and her husband were blessed with a big and beautiful family - but that wasn't all. They had also decided to become Foster parents ( a term Kalista isn't particularly fond of) to children in Saskatoon.
For months I've read her stories about the highs and lows on opening her home to multiple babies, and after a while it wasn't enough for me to comment on her posts and occasionally send her a DM praising her humanitarian work.

I wanted to know her story....and share it.

Typically I've only made these interviews 30 mins tops, but I couldn't stop talking to Kalista. I'll be honest with you folks....I was holding back tears during the entire interview. Kalista reeeeeaaaallly got me deep in my feelings.
You could feel her love and Mama fierceness through the screen and I wanted her to say everything she needed to about Foster care and why more people should consider it.

We talked for 55 minutes. Seriously, we could have gone on for another hour or two.

So I ask you to watch both of these videos. If you could binge watch 9 hours of Netflix, you could watch (2) 25min interviews.

I encourage you to click the links and read more about Foster care and see how you can help.
www.fcsllg.ca
I also encourage you to share this blog. Like Kalista said, there are so many misconceptions about Foster care. The more we talk about it, the more support, understanding, and awareness we can create.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/canadian-foster-care-in-crisis-experts-say-1.1250543

Thank you, Kalista, for sharing your story.
Thank you for being an extraordinary human being.
Thank you for letting these children have a fair shot.

*TRIGGER WARNING. Parts of this interview talks about events that may be sensitive to viewers.*

It's amazing how the Universe brings people together. I first met Melanie while I was 'slaying the mic' at a gala and later connected with her when she decided to take my 'Slay The Mic Program'. While working together, we focused on amplifying Melanie's voice - teaching her how to give herself permission to use it because she definitely had something to say. 

Never did I believe she'd trust me enough to tell me this.

I don't want to give away the entire interview but believe me when I say it's worth watching. 

Dear Melanie: THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR STORY. Thank you for sharing it with me, with survivors, and those who need to be encouraged to speak out. Thank you for STILL helping others while you continue to heal.

Thank you.

Please be sure to subscribe, connect, and share.

Much love,
Jam