Tameka Foster Raymond joins Justice and Power podcast to share her insight on how she keeps it all together. Tameka is a mother of five, entrepreneur, stylist, and fashion designer who was introduced to fashion through her aunt's consignment store and studied merchandise marketing at the Fashion Institute FIDM. She has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, such as Jay-Z, Ciara, NAS, and Usher Raymond. Tameka shares her story of courage and determination while discussing the importance of self-care, navigating difficult times, and exploring resources for support, affirmation, and community during hard times. Her conversation also touches on the fears and struggles of a Black mother raising five sons in the United States, including racism. Tameka speaks of her memoir Here I Stand and how she wants her legacy to be known for being a great mother and a good person who is authentic and doesn't say anything behind people's backs. This inspiring conversation encourages us all to remain in a beautiful state rather than allow life's obstacles to bring us into a state of suffering.

 

[00:00 - 08:18] Tameka Foster Raymond: From Fashion Designer to Costume Designer, Her Story of Overcoming Heartbreak and Loss

• Tameka Foster Raymond is a mother of five, entrepreneur, stylist, and fashion designer.

• She fell in love with fashion at a young age and went on to study it at the Fashion Institute F I D M.

• She has styled many A-list entertainers such as Jay-Z, Ciara, NAS, and her ex-husband Usher Raymond.

• Tameka has written a memoir called Here I Stand which details her childhood, losing her first love, and her own brush with death.

• She encourages others to take risks and not be afraid to try something new

 

[08:19 - 15:49] Navigating Grief and Self-Care to Find Strength in Vulnerability

• Self-care is essential in dealing with difficult times

• Meditation and silence are important for mental health

• Crying is healthy and can clear the mind

• Black mothers are incredible and need to practice self-care

• Talking to children openly about emotions helps them process their own feelings

• Travel, prayer, therapy, and social media have been helpful resources

• Social media can be a powerful tool for forming community and getting support

 

[15:50 - 23:15] Racism and the Fear of Raising Sons in the United States

• Raising her sons in the US means being aware of the racism and white supremacy they face

• Had to have "the talk" with her sons about police encounters

• Experienced racism when her son was pulled over for driving too slowly

 

[23:15 - 34:14] Keeping Her Sons' Legacies Alive Through Love and Action

• Teaching son a lesson about driving while black in America

• Taking action after police encounter with son to signal to the department to monitor officer's behavior

• Bonding with sons by attending Apple classes, concerts, and other activities

• Embracing her role as a boy mom and pouring into her sons while they are around her

• Writing a memoir to share life story in own words

• Keeping son Kyle's legacy alive through his foundation

 

 

Connect with Tameka: 

LinkedIn, Facebook

 

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Join the movement for justice and power with the "Justice & Power'' podcast. Listen to stimulating conversations on tough topics affecting Black and Brown America with host Nekima Levy Armstrong. Reach out to us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. To know more about us connect with us at Wayfinder Foundation and www.nekimalevyarmstrong.com. Let's make change happen together!

 

Tweetable Quote:

"You've gotta really live out loud. You gotta really be an example. What do you want your legacy to be? And I hope that I'm known for being a great mother. I hope I'm known for having great style. I got a smart mouth. I'm snarky. I'm not perfect.¨ - Tameka Foster Raymond