Childcare

Neomi Fletcher is a Family Life Consultant and the Founder of Peace Ground, LLC. In preparation for this role, Neomi was certified as an Infant and Toddler Care Specialist and she completed a minor in Early Childhood Education. She worked with the University of Texas Health Science Center as a Data Collector for the development of an Early Literacy Curriculum. She also worked with the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning developing a pilot program aimed at breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty. Neomi also has 13 years of nanny experience. In this role she changed the way families think about in-home care. Bringing the skill of teaching, the ability to inspire any child and an awareness of how each child moved through the developmental chart, families entrusted her with the care, education and moral development of their children. Additionally, she was able to bring the experiences of each of her clients to other job opportunities in order to influence the development of programs that address the real needs of families in the 21st Century. 

Neomi is a graduate of Rice University. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Policy Studies with a concentration in urban and social policy. The focus of her policy studies research aimed at exploring how policy shapes the social experience of urban dwellers experiencing poverty. She will graduate from Emory University with a Masters in Divinity in May of 2021. Her concentration is in theology and ethics and her thesis work explores the possibility of government and ecclesial partnerships for the sake of providing meaningful social services that promote the overall well-being of individuals. 

Neomi brings to the Peace Ground, a love for children, a deep concern for the health and wellness of individuals, and a skill of systems building. As a consultant, Neomi helps families clarify their household goals and develop a plan for achieving those goals with everyone’s developmental needs in mind. 

Tales Within My Mother’s Hair by Shellice Beharie

As a child I remember being fascinated with my mother’s curls. Soft and silky like Tracey Ellis Ross. Every Saturday my sister and I would find my mother’s Luster’s Pink Oil Moisturizer, grab a comb, brush and barrettes and style away.  Full of grace our mother sat patiently as me and my sister manipulated her strands with twists, crooked parts and crayon colored baubles. My sister and I found our mother’s fine-looking tresses fun to play with. This was our bonding time. It was precious to all of us. 

Fast forward 35 years and I find myself reliving history with my four year old son, Christian who has found a connection to me through my hair. At a very young age Christian loved running his tiny fingers through my hair.  At night he snuggles up with me and tunnels his fingers through my curly strands until he falls asleep. I enjoy it. I can see he feels safe and loved. 

Both of my sons were in awe of my hair transformations. I was constantly dying my hair a new shade of red, black, or brown or putting it in cornrows, braids, or a ponytail. The versatility kept them wondering, how I did it. Black girl magic. At times they commented on liking the previous look better. I switched up monthly. 

There is so much history and a great sense of pride in African American hair. My nine-year old son Nicholas encouraged me to write a children’s book about the beauty of my hair and so I did. 

Prince and His Mother’s Crown: Tales Within My Mother’s Hair is the story of a young boy whose wild imagination finds him on quests in which his mother’s hair is a source of adventure, fun and safety. Pictures of a young Prince climbing his mother’s Rapunzel style braid honors her strength, while an image of him slaying a dragon in her curly afro shows where his sense of security lies. 

Unlike most children’s picture books published with hair as a central theme, my book shifts the focus to a young boy loving his mother’s hair. The mother son bond is crucial in shaping how boys will relate to others and treat people, especially women. 

Whether it’s 1985 or 2020, in my family a child’s love for their mother’s hair is a love that binds us together.

Shellice Beharie is the author of PRINCE AND HIS MOTHER’S CROWN: Tales Within My Mother’s Hair which is dedicated to the memory of her son Nicholas, whom the Lord took home in 2019. She resides in Southern California.

 Children’s Picture Book Honors Mother-Son Bond and Black Hair Pride

Author Shellice Beharie pays tribute to the memory of her loving son in her debut picture book, PRINCE AND HIS MOTHER’S CROWN: Tales Within my Mother’s Hair. This read-aloud narrative communicates that in their early stages of childhood boys can find comfort and creativity in their mother’s tresses.

PRINCE AND HIS MOTHER’S CROWN published by Outskirt Press in April 2020 is a richly colored book for early readers, grade level K-3. Full of positive imagery the book is illustrated by Richa Kinra. Each page showcases a graceful, loving Queen mother engaging in the activities of her son’s wild imagination, showing their precious familial relationship. Pictures of a young Prince climbing his mother’s Rapunzel style braid honors her strength, while an image of him slaying a dragon in her curly afro shows where his sense of security lies.  The author honors the black family as King, Queen and Prince are pictured in royal garb and always with a smile. 

The author who is a mother of two sons knows first-hand that hair can be a point of love, pride and affection for boys. The mother son bond is crucial in shaping how they will relate to others and treat people, especially black women who take pride in wearing their nature hair. 

The enchanting, rhythmic text, shows: 

· The unique bond between a mother and son

· Challenging traditional gender roles (its ok for boys to play with hair)

· The beauty and acceptance of African American hair in its various forms

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Shellice Beharie was born in Boston, Massachusetts but since then has been well-traveled and lived overseas. Shellice is now settled with her family and charming Seeing Eye Dog in Southern California. Her career started in the fashion, music, and entertainment industry where she owned her own fashion label and showroom. Shellice’s focus changed as events in her life changed. She lost her vision and became blind in 2016, and thus, forged a new path for herself. PRINCE AND HIS MOTHER’S CROWN: Tales Within My Mother’s Hair is dedicated to the memory of her son Nicholas, whom the Lord took home in 2019. Shellice chose to honor his memory with this unique story. 

To learn more visit authorshellicebeharie.com. Connect with Shellice Beharie on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at shellicebeharieauthor. PRINCE AND HIS MOTHER’S CROWN: Tales Within My Mother’s Hair is available for purchase on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

For book roundups, author interviews, reading and school events please contact: 

Dawn Michelle Hardy

Dream Relations PR & Literary Consulting

Dawn@DreamRelationsPR.com 

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