Moms can be a lot of things—caretakers, chefs, CEOs, chemists, cardiologists, cosmetologists—and those are just the ‘C’s! But regardless of their profession (paid or otherwise), a lot of moms have one thing in common: when it comes to protecting their children and their communities, moms can be real badass b*tches (In the best way possible).
On Saturday, July 18, more than 30 moms linked arms together to form a #wallofmoms to protect hundreds of protestors in Portland, Oregon from the federal agents who had descended upon the city. The protesters were continuing their 50+ consecutive nights of activism on behalf of racial justice and against police brutality, while the federal agents (against the wishes of local authorities) were there to “defend” federal monuments—but have been caught violating civil rights.
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Feds stay clear: Moms are here!
The Portland moms gathered on Saturday in coordination with Don’t Shoot Portland and in support of the family and friends of Shai’India, a Portland teen who was shot and killed on July 10. The moms were wearing white shirts and bike helmets as they linked arms and chanted in opposition to the armed federal agents. They formed a human shield for several hours before the federal agents broke up the protest, indiscriminately tear-gassing moms and protestors alike.
The group initially organized via a Facebook event started by Bev Barnum who called on local moms to “do what we do best—protect people.” More than 70 moms showed up for the 6pm vigil for Shai’India, and around 30 remained for the “Wall of Moms” at 9pm. After they were tear-gassed and forced to disperse Saturday night, the moms returned on Sunday (this time wearing yellow—and with more moms in attendance) to form another protective barrier for the protestors. They were tear-gassed again. And they showed up, again. And they will keep showing up, in Portland and around the country, in opposition to police violence. Because these moms, like so many of us, have had enough.
7/22 Update: Portland dads are joining forces with the moms! Their approach appears to be DIY Mr. Fix Its (such a dad move) by using hockey sticks to push smoke canisters away and leaf blowers to dissipate clouds of tear gas. Follow their efforts on Twitter here: @PDXDadPod.
Other Activist Moms Who are Changing the World:
Throughout history, moms have united to give their children a better future. Here are just some of the mother-founded groups that have made—and continue to make—a difference.
- MomsRising (momsrising.org) takes on the most critical issues facing women, mothers, and families by educating the public and mobilizing massive grassroots action.
- Moms Demand Action (momsdemandaction.org) is a grassroots movement of Americans fighting for public safety measures that can protect people from gun violence.
- Moms 4 Housing (moms4housing.org) are uniting mothers, neighbors and friends to reclaim housing for the Oakland community from the big banks and real estate speculators.
- Moms Clean Air Force (momscleanairforce.org) has a mission to protect children from air pollution and climate change through a vibrant network of state-based field teams.
- Mothers Against Drunk Driving (madd.org) aims to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes, and prevent underage drinking.
- MASK (Mothers/Men Against Senseless Killings) (ontheblock.org) was established in 2015 in Chicago as a way to put eyes on the streets, interrupt violence and crime, and teach children to grow up as friends rather than enemies.
- Every Mother Counts (everymothercounts.org) works to achieve quality, respectful, and equitable maternity care for all by giving grants and working with partners and thought leaders to increase awareness and mobilize communities to take action.
- Black Mothers Speak Out: The mothers of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Botham Jean, Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, Antwon Rose, and Trayvon Martin, speak with ABC News’ Deborah Roberts about the pain of losing their children to police and vigilante violence.
- United by Death, Mothers of the Movement Breathes New Life Into Political Agendas: The Root shares a 2019 update on the Mothers of the Movement, a group of Black women whose children have been killed by the police or by gun violence.
- 14 Badass Moms Who Prove Motherhood & Activism Go Hand-in-Hand: CafeMom shares the stories of 14 activist moms who are making a difference.
- Meet 6 Groups Of Badass Activist Moms: Refinery29 shares the stories of activist mom groups from around the world—in Liberia, the U.K., Iran, China, the U.S., and Argentina.