Mahogany Mothers Circle Newsletter

February Edition | Celebrating Black History Month

Who We Are

My name is Marpessa Allen, and I am the proud founder of Mahogany Mothers Circle. Our journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic as a peer support group that met online twice a month. It was born out of a need for mothers to connect, share, and grow together during an unprecedented time.

Our early conversations addressed topics such as:

• Navigating pregnancy and postpartum during a pandemic

• Breastfeeding challenges and triumphs

• Mental health and self-care for mothers

• Nutrition and fitness

• Building strong, loving parent-child relationships

• Creating a village of support for Black and Brown families

Looking back, I realize how much my mother’s influence shaped me. Growing up, she held aerobics classes for moms in our living room and opened our home to younger mothers who often came by just to talk. I learned how to care for babies at an early age and absorbed valuable lessons from the mothers who surrounded me.

Fast forward to today, Mahogany Mothers Circle reflects those foundational experiences. I once dreamed of creating a Mahogany House—a welcoming space for mothers—and exactly four years and one month later, we moved into it. Since then, we’ve hosted mother meetups, provided one-on-one time with expectant and new mothers, and cultivated an environment that feels both authentic and comfortable.

As a mother myself, I am deeply grateful for the matriarchs who poured into me. The most powerful moments often took place in the comfort of their homes, where I learned not just how to parent but how to empower myself in the process. Mahogany Mothers Circle is my way of paying that love and wisdom forward.

Black History Month Spotlight: Dr. Justina Ford

This month, we celebrate the remarkable contributions of Dr. Justina Ford, a trailblazing Black physician who broke barriers and transformed lives. Known as the “Lady Doctor,” Dr. Ford was Colorado’s first licensed African American female physician.

Despite being denied hospital privileges because of her race and gender, Dr. Ford delivered over 7,000 babies and provided care for countless marginalized families in Denver. She had an extraordinary ability to make her patients feel seen, respected, and cared for, no matter their background.

On January 22nd, some of my colleague birth workers gathered at the Black American West Museum for a garden ceremony honoring Dr. Ford. Her former home now serves as the museum, preserving her legacy and celebrating the contributions of African Americans in the West.

Her statue, located in the Highlands neighborhood of Aurora, is a powerful tribute to her life and work. It serves as a reminder of the resilience and dedication of Black women in medicine and their undeniable impact on community health.

Dr. Ford’s story inspires us to continue advocating for equitable maternal and infant care. Her legacy reminds us that our work as birth workers is deeply rooted in the fight for justice, dignity, and access to compassionate care for all.

Why History Matters

Why History Matters

One thing you should know about me is that I have a deep passion for history. Recently, I had the honor of being appointed to the Aurora Historical Preservation Commission, where I work to ensure that the invaluable contributions of people of color and women in Aurora are recognized and preserved.

Historical preservation is about more than remembering the past—it is about fostering a sense of belonging and representation for all families. This commitment aligns closely with my work in birth advocacy, as both fields center on creating supportive communities where every family is seen, valued, and celebrated. By acknowledging and honoring our shared history, we strengthen the bonds that connect us and pave the way for a more equitable future.

Stay tuned for our next newsletter, where I will share insights from the Saving Places Conference 2025: Rooted in Community, Culture, and Place – Celebrating Intangible Heritage. This event will highlight the significance of Black maternal health within the broader context of historical preservation and community empowerment.

Support Our Work

Our mission to uplift communities through historical preservation, birth advocacy, and social equity is made possible by the support of people like you. Your donation helps fund future projects in collaboration with our community partners, ensuring that families receive the care, education, and resources they deserve. If you would like to contribute, please reach out for more details on how to give or click here to make a financial contribution. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a meaningful impact.

I am also available for speaking engagements and workshops on a range of critical topics, including:

• Black Maternal Health & Advocacy

• Social Equity in Diverse Communities

• Canna Care: Extending Compassion for Cannabis Clients

• Supporting Underserved Communities

• The Importance of Historical Preservation

For booking inquiries, please contact me at [email protected] or 720-547-8092.

Let’s work together to honor the past, empower the present, and build a stronger future.

Upcoming Event: African Chamber of Commerce 4th Annual Business Awards

I’m incredibly grateful for the support of the African Chamber of Commerce, and I’m thrilled to share that my two oldest children have been nominated for their business accomplishments at this year’s awards reception and fundraiser!

📅 Date: March 29th, 2025
📍 Location: Hyatt Regency Aurora-Denver Conference Center
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

This is an incredible opportunity to celebrate and support Black businesses, entrepreneurs, and visionaries who are making a difference in our communities. Get your tickets here! 

Come out and support this event, celebrate Black excellence, and uplift the next generation of young business leaders!

Happy Black History Month!

This month and every month, we honor the stories that shape us and the communities that sustain us. Stay tuned for an exciting lineup of newsletters ahead! We’ll continue to explore the intersection of history, motherhood, and community building.

Please share this newsletter with anyone who is passionate about creating vibrant, inclusive spaces for families. Together, we can nurture a world where every mother feels empowered and every child feels loved.

Here’s to celebrating our history, our community, and each other.

With love and gratitude,
Marpessa Allen
Founder, Mahogany Mothers Circle