A Decade of Sisterhood: Celebrating CinnaMoms' 10th Anniversary

Ten years ago, a powerful vision took root in Los Angeles. What began as a mission to increase breastfeeding support among Black women within the PHFE WIC program has blossomed into a transformative movement that has touched countless lives across our community. In August, we celebrated CinnaMoms' remarkable 10-year journey of commitment, love, and unwavering dedication to Black motherhood.

In 2015, founders Dr. Toncé Jackson, Ed.D., MPH, RDN, CLE, and Karla Washington, both Certified Lactation Educators, recognized a critical need in their community. They saw that Black women needed more than just information about breastfeeding—they needed culturally congruent support, understanding, and a safe space where their experiences were valued and celebrated. What started as meetings held every other month quickly evolved into something much more profound. CinnaMoms became a beacon of hope, creating what they beautifully describe as "a cultural space that promotes empowerment and self-transformation for Black/African American women."

More Than Support—A Revolution in Care

CinnaMoms' mission extends far beyond traditional breastfeeding support. The organization has created culturally congruent breastfeeding and parenthood support circles that transcend WIC services, now operating at nine original CinnaMoms sites. Their comprehensive approach addresses the whole person, the whole family, and the whole community. The organization's commitment is evident in their powerful mission statement: "To nourish, educate, support, empower our families and ourselves to promote fully breastfeeding as the norm for Black/African American babies up to age one and beyond." But their impact reaches even further, encompassing parenting support, health advocacy, and community building for the entire life course.

Building Community, One Family at a Time

The testimonials from CinnaMoms participants speak volumes about the organization's impact:

"I love WIC! I think it's so great that breastfeeding mothers are supported and celebrated at events like CinnaMoms."

"We Love CinnaMoms! Thank you for being there for our family."

"I've learned so much through attending the support groups and feeling so welcome every time I speak to the ladies at the WIC office."

These words capture the essence of what makes CinnaMoms special; it's not just about providing services, but about creating a family, fostering a sense of belonging, and celebrating the strength of Black motherhood.

Innovation and Growth

CinnaMoms' commitment to innovation is evident in their expansion of services. In June 2023, they launched CinnaMoms Crenshaw, a nontraditional WIC Center that fully embodies the CinnaMoms model. This groundbreaking approach demonstrates how community-centered care can transform traditional healthcare delivery. The organization continues to host meaningful programming, including Black Breastfeeding Week events that provide encouragement and safe spaces for families to connect about historical feeding practices, cultural traditions, and contemporary challenges.

Partners in Progress

CinnaMoms' success is strengthened by meaningful partnerships with organizations like PHFE WIC, Heluna Helath, L.A. Care Health Plan, Kaiser Permanente, and The Foundation. These collaborations enable the organization to expand its reach and deepen its impact throughout Los Angeles. We also have had the opportunity to maintain strong community connections with partners such as Vista Village, California Abundant Birth Project, Frontline Doula Hotline, WINLA and other organizations dedicated to empowering Black women and families.

A Legacy of Empowerment

As we celebrate this 10th anniversary, we're not just commemorating a decade of service—we're honoring a legacy of empowerment, transformation, and unwavering commitment to Black families. CinnaMoms has shown us what's possible when we center community needs, honor cultural wisdom, and create spaces where every mother feels seen, supported, and celebrated.

Our tagline, "Reimagining Black Motherhood in Los Angeles through support and sisterhood, every step of the way," perfectly encapsulates our approach. We haven't just provided services; they've reimagined what support can look like when it's rooted in cultural understanding and sisterly love.

Looking Forward

As CinnaMoms enters its second decade, the organization continues to grow and evolve while staying true to its core mission. From monthly events that bring families together to comprehensive support that addresses the full spectrum of maternal and family health, CinnaMoms remains committed to being there for the community, every step of the way.

The past decade has demonstrated the power of culturally responsive care, the strength of community support, and the transformative impact of creating spaces where Black mothers can thrive. CinnaMoms has not just served families—they've built a movement, created a sisterhood, and established a model of care that honors the whole humanity and strength of Black women.

Celebrating a Decade of Love

Today, we raise our voices in celebration of CinnaMoms' incredible journey. We honor the founders who had the vision, the staff who make the mission possible every day, and most importantly, the mothers and families who have made CinnaMoms what it is today.

Here's to ten years of nourishing, educating, supporting, and empowering. Here's to ten years of reimagining what's possible. And here's to the next decade of continued growth, impact, and love.

Happy 10th Anniversary, CinnaMoms! Thank you for showing us what it means to honestly care for our community, one family at a time.

To learn more about CinnaMoms and their incredible work, visit www.cinnamoms.org and discover how you can be part of this fantastic community.

Take a look through the yearly accomplishments and all the hard work that

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