Black Madonna: Motherhood, Grief and Hope

On Thursday 19 March and closely following Mothering Sunday,

Canon Theologian, Chine McDonald, author of 'Unmaking Mary: Shattering the Myth of Perfect Motherhood' was back in Chester to speak to Dr Gee Walker, whose son Anthony was murdered in a racially motivated attack in 2005 in Huyton, Liverpool.

Chine gently guided the conversation in the Cathedral refectory as the two women explored the experience of being a Black mother in Britain today, sharing openly about their joys and fears. Gee spoke movingly about how her strong Christian faith had sustained her in the darkness of her pain and how she had found new purpose in establishing a foundation in Anthony’s memory. 

The Anthony Walker Foundation was set up in response to her grief in order to work with schools and young people, as well as families going through similar experiences and supporting the development of anti-racist strategies in local communities. Anthony’s sister, Dominique, who also works for the Foundation, talked of being both ‘invisible and hyper-visible' in a predominantly White world.

Canon Missioner, Anthony Lees-Smith, said, 'It was a huge privilege to listen in on a conversation that refused to skirt around the pain and the heartache of discrimination and loss, while still finding comfort and strength in the experience of 'Mamma Mary', to use Gee's words, as she watched the death of Jesus, her own beloved son.'

You can watch the recording of the entire conversation here 

Chine's Thought for the Day on Radio 4, in which she speaks about the conversation at Chester Cathedral, can be found here 

For more information about the Anthony Walker Foundation or to make a donation to their important work, follow this link Anthony Walker Foundation | Racism & Hate Crime Charity