Building Community and Strengthening Families

Founded by Lisa Clemons in 2014 and located in North Minneapolis, A Mothers’ Love Initiative addresses gun violence and domestic violence affecting African American communities through mentoring and empowering African American women, men, and children.

Throughout the year, Clemons, alongside her staff, mentors youth and provides summer employment. In the summer, youth serve the community working at different jobs sites whether it be lawncare and sorting food at food shelves.

“When you sent them out into the community to work, they gave 150% of themselves to every job you saw them do,” said Clemons. Starting at age 12, youth can participate in the program and older teens can serve as youth supervisors. Youth from all over the Twin Cities can participate. Clemons also has a team of mothers and fathers involved as mentors.

Chief Operating Officer LaJuanda Flowers said she noticed how the youth grew throughout the summer and were able “to see their pride in what they accomplished.” She said they began to form connections with each other.

“They uplifted each other. It was powerful for me to watch,” said Flowers. “If somebody was upset or sad you could see one of the other kids go and say, “What’s wrong? Are you okay?”

“I always tell her (Clemons) you couldn’t have picked a better name because it stands out,” said Flowers. “A Mother’s Love. It is powerful. A mother’s love, because we all know how important that it is.”

Community building is an important component of this grassroot organization’s work.

“They see the respect and the love we actually are pouring into them,” said Flowers. “They can know that community is real, and we have their back.” Mentors from the team at A Mother’s Love will stay in contact with youth throughout the year.

Clemons, a Former Minneapolis Police officer, said those years on the force gave her perspective in her current work. “I knew I wanted to work with women and daughters.” In the 13 years she served, Clemons said 98% of the households she interacted with were African American.

Clemons said Black women and girls are the most impacted by poverty and other disparities and the last to be served. “There has always been a high number of single Black mothers heading households, but it seemed they would be the last conversation that would be had.”

Clemons earned an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration from Minneapolis College and has immense gratitude for how the College supported her as a single mother while pursing her education. “A lot of strong Black women come out of Minneapolis College.”