Dear Mama: You are appreciated, 2020

'Dear Mama: You are appreciated', 2020
locally sourced materials, hand written letter on handmade paper

“I wish I could take the pain away
If you can make it through the night, there's a brighter day
Everything will be alright if you hold on
It's a struggle every day, gotta roll on
And there's no way I can pay you back
But my plan is to show you that I understand
You are appreciated.”
-Tupac Shakur, ‘Dear Mama’, 1995

About the Project
'Dear Mama: You are appreciated' by artist Jessica Gaynelle Moss is rooted in connection and rest for Black mothers. Over the course of this project, Moss sent care packages consisting of a hand-written letter and self-care products from Black entrepreneurs to 20 Black mothers across the US.

The Care Packages
Each package includes stationery and envelopes designed by artist Huey P. Newty, a pre-paid envelope, a notepad to jot down quick thoughts, and a pen to jumpstart their letter writing practice. Also included is a vintage copy of The Color Purple by Alice Walker, an anthology of letters written between two sisters. These books are provided by Bekezela Mguni and The Black Unicorn Library and Archive Project. Each recipient is invited to find solace and connection in this intimate practice by sending their own letter to another, reminding her to take some time for herself in whatever way that might manifest. The packages also include handmade goods from Loukeisa Denise and Triple Moon Alchemy, to encourage self care and connection, and day passes to Alecia Dawn’s Yoga Motif classes to provide mental and physical support. Pittsburgh-based recipients will also receive offerings from the Flowers for Black Girls flower delivery initiative.

"This project was born from a love of Alice Walker’s The Color Purple, Tupac Shakur, a need to stay connected to community during the early stages of motherhood, during a global pandemic, and a resistance to the idea that the virtual space is our only option. For me, letter writing is intimate and requires trust from both the reader and the writer to show care and build a connection."