Although the City had previously scheduled an Employee Appreciation Picnic for Friday, May 6, 2011, the same day that Mayor “Lady” Myra Taylor planned a luncheon to honor the “Golden Mothers” of Opa-locka, Taylor said her tribute to the seniors would continue, because she believes that the Mothers of Opa-locka deserved to be honored for their contributions to the Community. Therefore, just two days before the actual Nationally celebrated holiday, the Mayor opted to be on the second floor of the Opa-locka Municipal Complex Building with “my mothers” she stated.
Attendees included seniors from the Arch Bishop McCarthy Residence and the Opa-locka “Seniors on the Move” program. The afternoon began with a full-bodied discussion on how things used to be “Way Back When.” Mayor Taylor and the seniors reminisced about everything from hand washing cloth diapers to making homemade baby food. Prizes were distributed for accomplishments such as, having the most children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. At age 97, Ms. Jeannie Orrion was honored as the oldest mother in the room.
Before being served a delicious lunch catered by Berry’s Catering, the “Golden Mothers” were serenaded by former Opa-locka Mayor John Riley, who sang “Motherless Child.” The fathers in the room sang “Happy Mother’s Day.” After which, Mayor Taylor passed a microphone around and each mother shared a little information about themselves. Some of the mothers spoke of struggles, such as the loss of a child or surviving battles such as cancer. As a token of love and appreciation, Mayor Taylor presented all the mothers a red rose and a small gift box. For Taylor, this was an opportunity to thank all mothers for their love and wisdom, because, she affirmed, “Mothers make the world!”
Mother’s Day was established on May 9, 1905 and officially declared a holiday 1910. Four years later, on May 8, 1914, the U.S. Congress passed a law designating the second Sunday in May, as Mother’s Day. By May 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives voted twice on a resolution commemorating Mother’s Day, the first one being unanimous so that all congressmen would be on record showing support for Mother’s Day. On May 6, 2011, “MOTHER” Mayor “Lady” Myra L. Taylor continued with tradition and celebrated “her mothers.” But like any good mother would, after leaving the luncheon, she stopped by the Employee Picnic to check on all of her children!
