DEFINITION OF HOODMOMMA

Hood: not meaning a bad place where poor black and brown people live.

Hood:meaning a place of family, community and home.

Momma: not meaning woman who has birthed a baby.

Momma:meaning community-builder and protector of life. Warrior.

Peace Milwaukee!

This blog marks the return of Tanya Cromartie and my VIEW FROM HERE, a column I wrote for the Riverwest Currents for a few years. I haven't written it in a long time for several reasons. In short, I realized my perspective wider than one neighborhood. I work and play all over the city and have so much more to share and comment on. I also made a couple of attempts to share my views and others through a webzine. I found a website difficult for me to maintain. A blog seems much more efficient for my busy life of work and family.

HOODMOMMA will bring to you highlights from the Milwaukee experience of working, creative women. I will share how we live, survive, fight and celebrate here in Miltown. I hope to be a colorful voice and offer diverse perspectives.

But right now I need to get ready for work. I am teaching a class on diversity and inclusion to a group of high school students from the inner city. In this session we will explore how clothing and image prompt judgements and stereotypes. It is sure to be an enriching experience and I would love to share how these young leaders view this issue.

Peace