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Recap on Mother’s Day Event

On May 13, 2023, the State Bar Young Lawyer Section and the State Bar Criminal Law Section partnered with local community organizations such as the Semaj Morgan Foundation, We 3 Queens nonprofit, She Evolves LLC, Moms Demand Action, Pastor Berry from the “Church of the Messiah,” and many more, to honor those mothers who have unfortunately lost a child to violence. The goal of the event was to bring awareness to the epidemic of violence in communities, as well as provide a legal clinic for mothers to receive help as to how to navigate the abstract justice system.

The event was hosted by Attorney, and comedian, Alicia O. Martin, and began with an opening by Ivy Nichole who is a Woman’s Advocate and mental health professional in the Metro Detroit area. There was an eye-opening dance troupe, “Alnur,” that graced the stage to keep the viewers engaged. Next, Pastor Berry, who is famous for purchasing the land around his church to make affordable housing and provide affordable internet service for the community, gave a profound opening statement. Following the Pastor, one of our honored speakers, Judge Debra Nance, 46th District Court, gave a thoughtful speech about her loss and how she has persevered since.

Following her Honor, next State Senator Stephanie Change, District 3, spoke about violence and how we as a community can be proactive. After the senator, Ms. Sherri Scott, whose her daughter, Francesca Marks, was the heroic mother of seven beautiful children that was murdered at Rouge Park while trying to rush children to safety from gunfire, spoke of her loss as well. I, Attorney Darnell Barton, spoke of the purpose of the event and then gave a brief introduction for Ms. Mia Reed, a well-known activist who also lost her child to gun violence. Ms. Reed is also a large part of the group “Moms Demand Action,” who focus on gun safety legislation.

After the ceremony, the audience was led to the brunch area where French toast, eggs, turkey sausage, fruit, and drinks were served to the mothers and guests, catered by a local Detroit vendor.  During the brunch, we distributed graduation-style certificates to all the mothers who came to the event and supplied them all with gift bags full of products specified for women. Simultaneously, children and families were able to play outside in the bounce house with a DJ, while they ate BBQ and desserts. At the end of the event, some mothers went outside and released a balloon in the air symbolically for their loss.

Our event also received news coverage:

Overall, this was a very impactful event where Mothers were able to be celebrated and they also received vital legal information as to the next steps for them and their families in the future. Thank you to those who volunteered and thank you to those who approved the funding as well.

Darnell Barton, Barton Law, PLLC