To a crowd of mamas clad in various shades of purple, Tika Sumpter inspired moms to bloom where they’re planted!
The seventh annual Momference, a highly anticipated retreat for millennial moms of color, recently wrapped up another successful celebration in Washington, D.C., the organizers shared with Because of Them We Can. Hosted by District Motherhued–a leading D.C. area nonprofit focused on Black mothers–the event, themed “Bloom,” lived up to its promise by offering a safe space for connection, inspiration, and practical support.
Over three days (June 7-9), The Momference offered attendees a chance to recharge and learn from a powerhouse lineup of speakers. Aimed at “nurturing the seeds of motherhood, this year’s keynote was actress, producer, and director Tika Sumpter. Sumpter joined the ranks of impressive past speakers for the millennial mom conference including, Tabitha Brown, Tia Mowry, Kelly Rowland, and Kahlana Barfield-Brown.
Tika Sumpter is a passionate advocate for Black mothers. She formerly co-hosted a podcast, The Suga, specifically aimed at Black moms, offering a space for laughter, learning, and celebrating the joys and challenges of motherhood. Sumpter’s entrepreneurial spirit also led to the creation of Sugaberry, a digital platform designed to fill the void she identified in online resources for Black moms and mothers-to-be.
For Sumpter, the lack of representation for Black women in mainstream media around motherhood was a key motivator, noting, “the joy of motherhood wasn’t really offered to Black women,” she previously shared with Afrotech. The Momference aligned perfectly with Sumpter’s mission to empower and uplift Black mothers, making her a perfect fit for the keynote address.
The Momference goes beyond the typical conference format. Founded in 2018 with the goal of reshaping the narrative around Black motherhood, the event celebrates the joys of motherhood while acknowledging the need for a more equitable landscape.
“The Momference is a place where Black mothers can come together, be seen, and be heard,” says co-founder Nikki Osei-Barrett. “It’s a chance to prioritize self-care and feel empowered to go back to their families with renewed energy.”
Co-founder Simona Noce Wright adds, “The conference is just one piece of the puzzle. District Motherhued offers year-round support through online programming and local events, creating a strong and lasting community for Black mothers nationwide.”
The Momference isn’t just about inspiration; it’s about action. The event featured a robust Mommy Market with over 45 Black-owned and mom-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment within this key demographic. Sponsors like Amazon, Google, and The Honey Pot were all on deck for the 600 mothers who attended, recognizing the value of supporting Black mothers, and their contributions which helped make the event a success.
The Momference 2024 solidified its place as the nation’s leading celebration of Black motherhood. With its focus on empowerment, authenticity, and community building, the event serves as a powerful reminder: Black mamas are blooming, and their strength and resilience are a force to be reckoned with.
Cover photo: Tika Sumpter Shines at The Momference/ Simona Noce Wright, The Momference 2024/Photo Credit: IrisMannings/TheMomference/District Motherhued/Instagram