This Month’s Cover BJ, 11, Kennedy, 6, and Brendan, 4, are Oklahoma City siblings who attend John Rex Elementary School and love spending time outdoors, singing in their church choir and eating at Abuelo’s. BJ, an avid Fortnite player, enjoys acting, playing soccer, reading and solving math problems. Kennedy is a ballet dancer with an eye for making jewelry and creating art. Brendan plays basketball and soccer and loves to draw. Along with parents Bernard and Mautra, the family’s favorite metro hangouts are local parks and the OKC Zoo. One of our two Cover Kids sibling group winners, they loved spending the afternoon in the Plaza District for their photoshoot. facing incarceration. Whether it’s something ridiculous like a kid forgetting shoes or the almost holy experience of watching a mom change the very trajectory of her life for the better, for herself and her children, moms are at our best when we are rallying around each other, cheering each other on and learning from each other. I have learned a lot from three moms whose words have been lingering in my thoughts. Featured in this month’s Real Moms of the Metro, Chaya Fletcher, Caylee Dodson and Maurianna Adams share beautiful insight into the rich history, vibrant culture and bright future of a portion of our city that’s often been overlooked and disinvested. Dodson, director of Restore OKC, shares: “We know C onfession: Twice in the last six the three had no shoes on. (Worth noting, the culprit was never my youngest.) My pre-kid self would have never understood how this could happen. You didn’t remind them to put on shoes before you left home? You drove the whole way there with neither kids nor you noticing bare feet? And you didn’t turn right around to get the shoes?! (Pre-kid me was also never late for anything.) Both times I sheepishly entered our destination, expecting to attract some side eye or ridicule, especially from other moms. But you know what? All I received were some knowing, supportive glances and a few been- there giggles. That’s the side of moms — of parents, of humans — that gives me so much hope for the future. And that’s what I kept reflecting on as I read ReRe Lunsford’s article about ReMerge, a local diversion program helping moms months my kids and I have arrived at a destination only to discover one of
RESTORE OKC’S URBAN FARM
that northeast Oklahoma City has a long story of injustice. My neighbor was 10 when it became legal for black families to go north of 23rd Street. Living history is still so present. It’s not hard to learn this side of our city, but it’s not often taught, so if you’re afforded the privilege of not knowing, you likely don’t.” The stories of these community advocates, the stories of moms facing incarceration, both have had me up at night considering how I can better support moms in our community and how I can better educate both my kids and myself on all the beautiful pieces and people who shape the metro. Our city has come so far, but we still have a long way to go. I have great faith that we’ll get there—together.
Publisher Sarah Taylor Managing Editor Erin Page Assistant Editor Lindsay Cuomo
Contributing Writers Kim Bilger, ReRe Lunsford Contributing Photographer
Bridget Pipkin Art Director Stacy Noakes Project Manager Kirsten Holder Sales Dana Price, Laura Beam Office/Distribution Kathy Alberty Contact us 318 NW 13th St, Ste 101 OKC OK 73103 Phone: 405-601-2081 Fax: 405-445-7509
Erin Page Managing Editor
sarah@metrofamilymagazine.com www.metrofamilymagazine.com
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