Wilmington Counters Violence with a Pre-Mother’s Day Brunch

May 12, 2021

Women wrapped gifts in pink and decorated the chairs in colorful covers while listening to heartfelt music about family to prepare for the Pre-Mothers Day Brunch, organized by Mending Hearts at the Police Athletic League of Wilmington to honor mothers who lost their children to gun violence.

“I was first overwhelmed by the beauty of the space. I felt warmth, love, and excellence,” said Chandra Pitts, CEO of One Village Alliance and a mom.

A young boy gave a flower to each mother as they entered the event.

Mothers who lost their children and mothers who didn’t were able to eat and watch various performances that took place to celebrate the power and love that mothers give and stand in solidarity against gun violence.

The program included dances, a young singing group, and a ventriloquist with an old man puppet who kept everyone in the room entertained.

4th District City Council Member Michelle Harlee, 2nd District City Council Member Shanè Darby, and County Executive Matt Meyer were in attendance to hear the mothers share their stories and to offer encouragement in support of preventative measures aimed to reduce gun violence.

“Parents are our children’s first teachers. Make sure that we are supporting our children. Making sure that we know where they are, making sure that they’re going to school, making sure we keep an eye on the people they’re around,” said Councilwoman Harlee.

Councilwoman Harlee said it was an honor for her to support mothers that have lost their children as a result of violence.

“Focus on the good memories. That’s one thing you can control. When you focus on the good memories, I think it empowers you from that space versus when you think about situations that make you sad, such as the fact that they’re no longer with you,” said Councilwoman Harlee.

Lanita Brooks, founder of Mending Hearts, started the support group after losing her son Deshon “Poppy” Sellers on February 16, 2015. She formed this support group to encourage mothers to unite and brainstorm ways to stop the violence happening in the city. Sharita Sewell, her sister, helped her bring her vision of the event to life.

“It’s a lot of killings going on right now. This is the way to stop the violence. The no more snitching rule that’s out needs to stop,” said Brooks.

She said that the community coming out to events such as the Pre-Mother’s Day Brunch can bring families together, including fathers.

“When different districts have events, I think they should be held together,” Brooks said.

The mothers didn’t leave empty-handed. Brooks finished the event by giving each mom a gift bag.