Richmond Pulse News Report, Chanelle Ignant
Every Thursday at the West County First 5 center in Richmond, a group of ten to twelve moms gathers to discuss the issues that matter most to them. The group, Kahawia Uzazi, which in Swahili language means “brown parenting,” is a space where African-American mothers can share their experiences. Many come for the sense of community; others say they just like having a chance to break away from their normal routine.
For First 5, a non-profit that focuses on supporting families during the first five years of a child’s development, the meetings serve the dual purpose of attracting more African-American parents, a group whose numbers have fallen at First Five’s San Pablo and Richmond satellites in recent years.
“We started the group to encourage moms to participate more in the programs,” says Alisa Robinson, the group facilitator. “We’re taking a different approach to outreach targeting African-American parents.”
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