Tasnia Tonni :
In a vibrant celebration filled with warmth, gratitude, and community spirit, the South Asian Foundation for Education, Scholarship and Training (SAFEST), in collaboration with Save The People, hosted a heartfelt International Mother’s Day 2025 event in Jamaica, New York.
Designed to honor women who embody motherhood not just biologically but through everyday acts of strength, compassion, and leadership, the gathering brought together community members across generations and cultures. With moving speeches, heartfelt expressions, and communal bonding over shared meals, the event stood as a powerful reminder of the vital roles that women—especially mothers—play in society.
“We were honored to co-sponsor this beautiful celebration,” said a representative from Save The People, reflecting on the event’s collaborative spirit. “It was incredible to be surrounded by women who serve as mothers in every sense of the word.”
The celebration featured remarks from several distinguished community voices, including New York State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, who spoke passionately about the importance of recognizing maternal contributions beyond traditional definitions. His words resonated deeply with attendees, offering a mix of political awareness, cultural relevance, and emotional upliftment.
“This is more than a celebration of motherhood—it’s a celebration of resilience, guidance, and generational strength,” one attendee noted, emphasizing the multidimensional roles women take on in family and community life.
Organizers made it clear that the goal was not just recognition but reflection and connection. The event highlighted the experiences of South Asian women, many of whom balance multiple responsibilities within immigrant households, often navigating systemic challenges while supporting their families and contributing to the broader community.
The inclusive nature of the event welcomed women from various backgrounds and faiths, acknowledging that the experience of motherhood transcends cultural and geographic boundaries. The event also drew attention to the importance of uplifting voices that are often unheard—those of caregivers, single mothers, grandmothers, mentors, and community leaders who serve as maternal figures.
As food was shared and stories exchanged, the celebration struck a balance between festivity and meaning. Traditional South Asian dishes were served, creating a warm, familiar atmosphere for many in attendance and reinforcing the theme of cultural pride and communal nourishment.
“There was something incredibly powerful about gathering together to honor not only our own mothers but the many women who act as the backbone of our community,” said a guest who attended with her family. “It was a reminder that love, guidance, and sacrifice take many forms.”
Community-centered events like these serve a deeper purpose beyond celebration. They foster connection, elevate shared values, and bring attention to the lived realities of immigrant families—especially the women who sustain them. In the words of one organizer, “We want to create spaces where women feel seen, supported, and celebrated. This day was one step toward that goal.”
The event concluded with tokens of appreciation for the mothers in attendance and a reaffirmation of the importance of community care. Organizers and attendees alike expressed a desire to continue building spaces that uplift and celebrate the often invisible labor of women in families and society.
With growing support from civic leaders, local nonprofits, and grassroots organizers, this year’s International Mother’s Day celebration in Jamaica, Queens was more than an event—it was a collective expression of gratitude, unity, and the enduring impact of maternal love in all its forms.
As the sun set on a day filled with emotion, laughter, and reflection, one thing was clear: honoring mothers is not just about a single day—it’s about recognizing the everyday leadership that shapes communities and nurtures future generations.
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