`What I Learned From Mama' - Brief Article

WHAT mama says is the silver rule; for many African-Americans it ranks second only to lessons learned from the Bible. What mama says is right and true and usually guides us throughout life. What mama says from the time we are babies and then toddlers, on through our teens and adult years, are the words and rules that govern every major decision we make. Lenny Kravitz and R. Kelly have written songs about it, but they only follow in the footsteps of many songwriters and storytellers before them and set the pace for those to come.

Great men and women of all backgrounds are quick to boast and quote words of maternal wisdom that give clarity and meaning to life's rules and missions and how one should live his or her life.

In consideration of Mother's Day 2001, EBONY canvassed the country and asked well-known African-Americans what lessons they learned from their mothers. On the following pages, we offer words of wisdom from the mothers of sucessful sons and daughters, including Beyonce of Destiny's Child, Martin Luther King III of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, hit producer and singer Kenneth (Babyface) Edmonds, actress Holly Robinson Peete, NBA star Shaquille O'Neal, and recording artists Donnie McClurkin, R. Kelly, Eric Benet, Lil' Bow Wow, Musiq Soulchild and Howard Hewett.

Beyonce Knowles Lead vocalist for Grammy Award-winning group Destiny's Child

"I've learned lots of important things from my mama [Tina Knowles]. However, there are two lessons that stand out in my mind: One is, outer beauty means nothing because it fades; and everything you do in the dark will one day come to light."

Kenneth (Babyface) Edmonds Hit-making producer, songwriter and recording artist

"I've learned several things from my mother [Barbara Edmonds] which I live by. These are: Treat people the way I would want them to treat me--with respect; that if I work hard, live the right way and not be discouraged, even with failure, I will be able to realize all of my goals and dreams; to remember that all of what I accomplish, my talent as well as all that I have, are not of my own doing, but are gifts from God; and to always remember this and to place Him above everything else in my life."

Holly Robinson Peete Actress

"I learned from my mother [Dolores Robinson] that no matter what profession I decided to be in, I had to be professional. She taught me to be on time and be prepared. Sometimes in our industry, because we are making movies and television shows, even though it is hard work, it seems playful. But it is not. It is a serious business, and she has taught me to take it seriously. Overall, my mother has taught me that this life is not the dress rehearsal, it's the only reality, and that I should live every minute of it to the fullest and give back whenever I can."

Martin Luther King III President, Southern Christian Leadership Conference

"I've learned many invaluable lessons from my mother, Coretta Scott King. Among other things, I've learned that a person forced into single parenthood can provide double love. I've learned to appreciate both the inner and outer beauty of women. I've learned to respect the incredible strength and perseverance of African-Americans. And perhaps most importantly, I've learned the power of prayer."

Shaquille O'Neal NBA MVP and Los Angeles Lakers star center

"... Sometimes you play good games and sometimes you play great games. But my mother [Lucille Harrison] always tells me to just be myself. Whenever I get rowdy, I know what I say, and I always think about something before I say it. I know to do the right thing and to set good examples. But I know that whenever I do something, I have to be a man about my decision. And if I do something wrong, I know that my mother will call and tell me. And I'll say, `Yeah, you're right.' I never argue with my mom. If she tells me that I did wrong, she's right. Period ... She's always giving me advice. On girls, on basketball, on life. She always tells me not to worry about things and to keep my head up, and that no matter what happens, she'll always love me."

R. Kelly Grammy Award-winning recording artist

"I learned so much from my mother [the late Joann Kelly]. One thing that sticks out that my mother said is to try your best to love everybody, no matter how they may feel about you, and to keep prayer in your life and everything else will fall in place. She also taught me to stay away from negativity and that would keep me thinking positive."

Donnie McClurkin Pastor and gospel recording artist

"My mom [Francis McClurkin] was born under some adverse situations [she was a child born of rape], but she overcame that and raised a family and sacrificed a lifetime for her children. Through her example, I learned how to be strong and how to handle whatever situations life brings. I found God through my mother."

Lil' Bow Wow Teen rapper

"My mother [Teresa Caldwell] tells me to always show others respect and you will receive respect in return."

Eric Benet Recording artist

"From my mother [Joyce Jordan] I've learned patience, compassion and the fact that God loves me regardless of whether I fall short of my expectations for myself. This is, perhaps, one of the most valuable lessons my mother has given me--that God loves me just the way I am."