This Mother's Daughter

"For a long time I didn't think that I was loved at all. I thought because I am not loved, I am therefore unworthy of being loved. I know now that that's not true. I know that Earline loved us in the way she was able to love. Now that I am older, I know that she was shaped by her experiences as much as I've been shaped by mine."

From the mouths of daughters, This Mother's Daughter shares the simple truths, "pearls", and complex wisdom we glean from the needs, hopes and wishes of our mothers and the unique relationship we share with them. These are daughters from all walks of life, whose stories express intense devotion as well as unveil their psychic scars. They move from early childhood to adult hood, where they face the mortality of the women they call Mother, Mama, Mom, Momma, Big Mama or Ma'Dear. Their powerful stories reveal the durability of the bonds they share with the women who influenced them most and the power that flows between each of these women as they learn, heal, and find self-love, above all.

Dr. Nelvia M. Brady was raised in public housing on Chicago's West Side. Che completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois, her master's degree at the University of Wisconsin, and her doctorate degree at Michigan State University. Brady was the first female to serve as chancellor of the City Colleges of Chicago. She currently services as vice president of a prominent executive search firm, where she specializes in the recruitment and placement of African American and Hispanic executives. Her lifelong committment has been to improving the lives of people of color in our society.