Written by | Ray Cornelius
Today is Mother’s Day and we salute six mother-daughter relationships that inspire us. From a First Lady to a supreme ex-Supreme to a fashion forward matriarch, we recognize these famous mothers and their equally famous daughters.
Jada Pinkett-Smith and Willow Smith
(Photo credit: flynetpictures.com)
Jada and Willow Smith are a mother-daughter duo that live and party like rock stars! No seriously, they do! Jada is the leader of her own heavy-metal band, Wicked Wisdom while Willow achieved major success with her tweenage song-anthem Whip My Hair. Both have an uncanny ability to attract the media and tend to ‘push the envelope’ in terms of their fashion and hairstyles.
Diana Ross and her daughters Rhonda, Tracee and Chudney
It must be hard being the daughters of a musical goddess but Rhonda, Tracee and Chudney have all done extremely well for themselves and their respective careers. Rhonda followed in her mother’s footsteps by becoming an accomplished jazz singer and actress. Tracee inherited her mother’s passion for fashion and is also an award-winning television star. Chudney inherited her mother’s business sense and is a budding entrepreneur and owner of children’s bookstore called Books and Cookies. I guess it’s true when they say apples don’t fall too far from the tree!
Tyra Banks and her mother Carolyn London
Carolyn London may not be a household name but her supermodel daughter is. Ever heard of Tyra Banks? This one-time entertainment executive and photographer skillfully crafted one of the most successful career launches of a model ever. As the Co-Founder and Advisory Board Member of The Tyra Banks TZone Foundation, London continues to be the driving force behind her daughter’s stellar career.
Beyonce, Solange and Ms. Tina Knowles
When you think of women who are driven and game-changers, you can’t help but think of the Knowles Clan. For the past ten years, Beyonce, Solange and their mother affectionately known as “Miss Tina” have held it down as one the top mother-daughter teams of this generation. Each of them has made a name for themselves in almost every area of entertainment including music, fashion, television/film and stage. It’s no wonder, baby Blue Ivy Carter made such a grand entrance into the world. She comes from a long line of female mavericks!
Michelle with Sasha and Maliah Obama
(Photo Credit: Oliver Douliery/Abaca Press/MCT)
If there were ever a time in history to be the most proud of African American achievement it is now. To have an African-American woman as the First Lady of the most powerful country on the planet is a testament of God’s grace and His unmerited favor. Not only is she a devoted wife and mother, Michelle Obama is a champion in the fight against childhood obesity, through her hugely successful Let’s Move Program.
Whitney Houston and Cissy Houston
It has been said that one of the toughest things for a parent to experience is the death of a child. For Cissy Houston, that reality came true on February 11, 2012 when her baby girl Whitney Elizabeth Houston passed away. Yet, even in the midst of the sadness, grief and sheer pain of it all, Cissy Houston has maintained her dignity and unwavering faith in God. For that, we will forever be inspired!
Happy Mother’s Day!
