Blog Posts Related to the African American Community

Mocha Moms Attend White House Briefing

On Thursday, February 16, Mocha Moms, Inc. attended a “Mocha Moms Summit,” a briefing with the White House Office of Public Engagement (OPE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). More than 150 leaders of Mocha Moms, Inc., a national non-profit organization that supports stay at home mothers of color, were invited to the White House for a briefing as part of the Administration's celebration of National African American History Month. It was an invitation that we were ecstatic about; one we could not pass up. More than 350 Mocha Moms and their families capped off the experience and were invited to return the next day for an East Wing tour.

The two-day event was a chance to hear a full briefing from White House officials representing a wide range of departments and agencies, including EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson, on issues that were important to us. It was an historic milestone for our organization. Mothers packed their signature Mocha pins and splashes of pink and brown and travelled from across the country. Despite economic circumstances, work put on hold, husbands babysitting, and honey "to do" lists written, the Mocha Moms, Inc. made sure to be present.

When President Obama issued his recent proclamation in honor of National African American History Month, he paid special tribute to the nameless African American women who have been, and currently are, the backbones of many communities saying, “…African American women have long served as champions of social and political change.” I would like to think that President Obama might have been speaking directly to us.

Cameras were clicked, mothers were hugged, and business cards were exchanged. A. The energy at the Moms Summit was powerful and when Tina Tchen, Chief of Staff to the First Lady, told us that Mocha Moms had been discussed at the senior staff meeting, there was a resounding applause. Panelists shared with us a myriad of programs and policies to help promote fitness and eliminate health disparities. They talked about many domestic policy issues including: initiatives aimed at women and girls; policies to protect the environment; health care; insurance; rising college costs and subsidized student loans. Our mothers asked questions ranging from recess, autism, the mortgage crisis, to workplace flexibility, health insurance, and small business. I moderated a "Mom Chat" with EPA Administrator Jackson. Shushana Vignier, former president of the Essex County, New Jersey chapter and Newark teacher, brought the room to tears while recounting her story of meeting a 5th grader that does not know how to read. That was the type of powerful dialogue that occurred.

Four mothers of color in Maryland founded Mocha Moms, Inc. in 1997. Today, with 100 chapters in 29 states, we continue to support the changing needs of mothers of color in the workplace and at home. Through our partnerships with such organizations as America’s Promise, the Black Women’s Health Imperative, Boys Booked on Barbershops, Be The Match and Donate Life America, Mocha Moms are participating in a wide range of community service.
 
We hope our trip to the White House continues a much-needed dialog with mothers of color in this country. We are eager to learn more so we can continue to make educated decisions for our families and ourselves. We know the future of the next generation will depend on it.

African American Women of the Obama Administration: Yeshimebet Abebe

Each year America recognizes the month of February as National African American History Month. We reflect and celebrate the heritage and legacy of African Americans and many of their achievements. The theme for this year’s African American History Month is focusing on, “Black Women in American Culture and History.” In his 2012 proclamation, President Obama says, “During National African American History Month, we pay tribute to the contributions of past generations and reaffirm our commitment to keeping the American dream alive for the next generation.”

Yeshimebet Abebe serves as the Advisor to the Secretary of Agriculture for Special Projects, where her portfolio includes USDA’s Strike Force Initiative.  She recently served as the Acting Chief of Staff for Research, Education and Economics (REE) where her responsibilities included the managing of the daily priorities of the four agencies that comprise REE, the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA), Economic Research Service (ERS), and National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS). 

Yeshi also served as the Special Assistant to the Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development and the Special Assistant to the Administrator for Rural Utilities Service. Prior to arriving at USDA, Yeshi practiced law in both the private and non-profit sectors, worked in the office of Congressman Bruce Braley and worked on the Obama campaign. 

An Iowa native, Yeshi has a Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Studies from Cornell University, a Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law, and a Master’s of Arts in International Law and the Settlement of Disputes from the University for Peace in Costa Rica.

What achievements are you most proud of being a successful black woman?

I am most proud to be working for President Barack Obama’s administration under Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack on issues that are very important to me. I always knew I wanted to work on development and prosperity building to help those in need. However, I knew that in order to pursue my dream, I needed to build a strong foundation. I studied hard, incorporated my domestic and international experiences, and am proud to have become an urban regional planner and lawyer.