Under a bright, sunny Chicago sky, the second annual Dear Me Care Circle Pre-Mother’s Day Brunch unfolded as a moving tribute to the often-unsung heroes among us—family caregivers. Held Saturday, May 10 at Hyatt Place Chicago Medical/University District, the sold-out brunch brought together more than 150 guests in an intimate and affirming celebration of compassion, service, and strength.
The event’s host, Wynona Redmond, is president of Wyn-Win Communications, a respected public relations agency with over 30 years in media, community engagement, and strategic outreach. A former senior advisor to the Public Relations Society of America and past president of the National Black Public Relations Society, Redmond is known for her deep commitment to causes with clear community value. “All money isn’t good money,” she often says, a reflection of her mission-driven career.
Dear Me Care Circle, founded by Redmond, is a support initiative designed for caregivers—especially professionals—who often navigate the dual burden of caring for a sick loved one while managing work, community responsibilities, and family.
With a theme of “Love Bears All Things,” the event, hosted by Dear Me Care Circle founder and communications veteran Wynona Redmond, spotlighted those who shoulder the responsibility of caring for loved ones while balancing careers, families, and civic commitments. The room was beautifully arranged with fresh lilies on each table, and guests were welcomed with mini croissants, waffles, and an abundant brunch featuring scrambled eggs with chives, cheesy grits, fried chicken, shrimp and grits, fresh fruit, lemonade, coffee, and tea.
Recording artist Kim Stratton opened the brunch with a heartfelt musical performance that set a reverent tone. She returned at the program’s conclusion to bring the audience to their feet in praise, her vocals enveloping the room in a spirit of healing and unity.
The first honoree acknowledged that morning was Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun, an American diplomat, lawyer, and politician who holds the historic distinction of being the first African-American woman elected to the United States Senate. She received the Heart of a Leader Award and was recognized for her groundbreaking legacy in public service. As one of the most distinguished guests in the room, her presence was met with an enthusiastic standing ovation.
Several other honorees—including State Senator Mattie Hunter, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon, and Dr. Ronald Sam—were unable to attend.
U.S. Congressman Danny K. Davis, representing Illinois’ 7th District, arrived toward the end of the program, having flown directly from Washington, D.C. His commitment to attend, even at the last moment, drew admiration from the audience. He joined a long list of those honored for their leadership, compassion, and community service.
The brunch featured a panel discussion titled “Who Cares for Caregivers: A Conversation on Policies, Challenges and Resources,” moderated by Nate Rodgers of FOX 32 Chicago. While Monica Gordon and Dr. Ronald Sam were unable to attend, the panel included Karen Freeman-Wilson, CEO of the Chicago Urban League, and State Rep. Camille Y. Lilly (78th District), both of whom brought powerful perspectives on the policies and cultural practices that shape caregiving in Black communities.
Rodgers opened the panel with a personal story about his mother, who suffered a debilitating stroke. He spoke openly about the emotional toll it took on him as her caregiver—learning to balance work, grief, and responsibility. His vulnerability provided a meaningful foundation for the conversation and helped affirm that caregiving knows no gender, title, or profession.
A powerful theme echoed throughout the room: the importance of culturally aligned care. The two panelists discussed the challenges of navigating medical systems, where doctors often lack cultural understanding, particularly in end-of-life care. Kendrick Lamar’s lyric “They not like us” from his hit song “Not Like Us” was quoted to underscore the importance of Black families seeking Black physicians.
State Rep. Camille Y. Lilly emphasized this message when she said, “If we don’t speak up and ask for care that reflects our experience, we risk getting care that works against us.”
Agreeing with Lilly, Freeman-Wilson, emphasized that caregivers must be intentional in choosing their physicians. She stated, “We also have to be very careful about who we allow to be our doctors. It’s not just about their skill. It’s about their ability to understand you and what you’re going through.”
These statements highlight how culturally competent healthcare is not just preferred—but necessary—for Black families navigating end-of-life and long-term care decisions. It also reinforced the calls from other panelists to seek doctors who not only possess clinical expertise, but who also listen, empathize, and understand the cultural values that shape patients’ care preferences.
Five Core Lessons for
Caregivers
Throughout the event, moderator Nate Rodgers emphasized several key points that resonated across generations and experiences:
1. Speak up and advocate for yourself and your loved ones. Don’t assume systems will work in your favor—insist on being heard.
2. Don’t wait until you’re exhausted to ask for help. Caregivers often burn out in silence; reaching out is a strength, not a weakness.
3. Plan ahead for long-term care. Whether it’s legal, financial, or medical planning, preparation reduces chaos.
4. Seek culturally competent providers. Representation matters, especially when dealing with complex medical decisions.
5. Admit it’s hard. Emotional and physical fatigue is real—and it’s okay to say so.
These practical, heartfelt reminders grounded the event and gave caregivers tangible takeaways for the road ahead.
Following a powerful video presentation chronicling her experiences, restaurateur and activist Mother Josephine Wade, a Caregiver of the Year honoree, delivered candid reflections that both humbled and inspired. “Sometimes I was not a nice caregiver,” she admitted with raw honesty. “But I was a caregiver, and I was there. When you take care of people, it’s not easy. You want to leave, and you can’t. You want to scream, and you don’t. But the love keeps you.”
Her remarks captured the emotional complexity of caregiving—a journey often marked by exhaustion, frustration, guilt, and profound love. The audience responded with knowing laughter, nods, and tearful affirmations. Wade’s words reminded everyone in the room that caregiving, though noble, is not always graceful or easy. It is, at its core, an act of endurance and devotion.
The next honoree was Crusader Publisher Dorothy R. Leavell, who also received the Caregiver of the Year award. A few days earlier, Leavell was the special guest on Community Chatter on the Brunch Bunch on 1390 AM, an iHeart radio show with host Wynona Redmond. The Brunch Bunch’s Marseil “Action” Jackson was also honored at the Dear Me Care Circle Brunch with a Special Heart Award in recognition of his unwavering dedication to his wife and son—both of whom he cares for.
Seated at Leavell’s table were her husband, Johnny L. Smith; Genice D. Leavell, Crusader COO; grandson Andrew R. Leavell; and Crusader Managing Editor Sharon Fountain, along with her mother, Daisy J. Gordon. In heartfelt remarks, Mrs. Leavell shared her personal journey as a caregiver for her husband and the legal fight she undertook to secure guardianship of him from other family members. She also acknowledged her partners in caring for her husband, Genice and Andrew.
“Many people may not be aware that they may one day be challenged legally to care for a spouse, mother, or even their own child,” she said, reminding the audience that love alone is not always enough—sometimes, advocacy and legal protections are needed too.
One of the compelling stories came from award-winning journalist and author Maudlyne Ihejirika, recipient of a Special Heart Award. Seated with her mother, Ihejirika shared a riveting account of their family’s escape from war-torn Nigeria during the Biafran conflict. As she spoke, the room listened in silent awe. At the conclusion of her remarks, her mother stood to join her at the podium, where they accepted their award together. Her mother offered brief but heartfelt words that resonated deeply and drew warm applause. Their story reminded guests of the generational resilience that sustains many caregivers.
In one of the brunch’s most emotional moments, Redmond presented teddy bears to caregivers in attendance who had not received an award. The bears were offered especially to those experiencing their first Mother’s Day without their mothers—a quiet yet profound expression of solidarity and comfort.
Love That Endures
The Dear Me Care Circle Brunch was more than a recognition ceremony. It was a collective embrace—a rare space where caregivers felt seen, supported, and celebrated. It affirmed that caregiving is not exclusive to women, nor is it limited to a specific age. A handful of men in the room shared their journeys as caregivers, reinforcing that care is a human responsibility—one that can arrive unannounced but must be carried with dignity.
As personal stories were shared and generations of families were honored, the tributes and panel reflections underscored both the individuality and the commonality of caregiving. Guests were reminded that while no two stories are the same, the emotional thread that connects caregivers is universal—endurance, sacrifice, and deep, abiding love.
As the program drew to a close, Redmond’s parting words lingered in the hearts of many: “Caregivers don’t ask for recognition. They ask for strength. Today, we gave them both.”
For more information about the Dear Me Care Circle and how to support caregivers, visit www.dearmecarecircle.org.