Measuring 100 by 80 feet, the mural depicting the NBA All-Star and Olympian was unveiled at Seminole Heights Elementary School. It covers the school's entire basketball court.

"Rojo the Artist" said he's been working on it for the past month. He said the project took around 300 hours to complete.

"Kobe to me was an inspiration. He talked about hard work, dedication and sacrifices to be successful in life so I just kind of kept that Mamba mentality during the entire process," he said.

The project was sponsored by the non-profit organization, Tribe Seminole Heights.
Landon Levine and his sister, Joie, took part in the fundraising effort.
They traveled from Parkland to Tampa to take part in the ribbon cutting.

"We love helping kids and we love doing anything for kids so we wanted to do something special that means a lot to us, and who else better than Kobe Bryant on a basketball court?" Landon said.
"He represents to work hard and do your best, so that's why it should motivate kids to do the same," said Joie Levine.
Tribe Seminole Heights founder Kristen Brown hopes it gives students at the school a sense of pride.

"It can become a point of pride for them. It's something special about them. This is a Title 1 school. It's struggling with its school letter grade and we wanted to give them something to help show students anything is possible,” she said. “This is an amazing school. People don't know about it and we hope now they will.”

Grade-schoolers at Tampa's Seminole Heights Elementary now have some pretty sweet bragging rights.
Their basketball courts have one of the coolest murals in the Tampa Bay area.

It's a big one.
A massive 80-foot-long tribute to late hoops legend Kobe Bryant was just unveiled here.
It was created by 24-year-old muralist Rojo the Artist, a Hillsborough County Schools alum. He says it took him about 300 hours, but the hard work was worth it.

"Kobe was a big inspiration," says Rojo the Artist, who worked with neighboring nonprofit the Tribe Seminole Heights to get the amazing project finished. "He talked about sacrifice, and hard work, and the dedication it takes to be successful in life."

In a dance-party unveiling of the mural, Seminole Elementary Principal Francine Lazarus says the school's new artwork will be a constant reminder to kids that their dreams are always in reach.

"He really stood for everything we're trying to teach our kids every day about leadership and perseverance and dreaming big," Lazarus said.

When legendary Lakers basketball player Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, were tragically killed in a helicopter crash in January, artists were inspired to paint murals in tribute. Since then, more than 400 murals of Bryant have popped up around the world.

One of the latest is in Tampa, created by local artist Jorge Roldan on the basketball court at Seminole Heights Elementary School.

One elementary school in Tampa is immortalizing sports legend Kobe Bryant on its court. 

Seminole Heights Elementary School in Tampa turned its basketball court into a mural honoring Bryant. And, the school's colors just so happen to be Lakers' colors!

It took exactly one month to paint, the school says, meaning more than 300 hours of painting went into the project.
The school says it may be the largest in the world, measuring at 100 feet by 80 feet, or 8,000 square feet. 

With the support of TRIBE Seminole Heights, a nonprofit community center located across the street from the school that supports Seminole Heights and Broward Elementary, Rojo the Artist painted the world's largest Kobe Bryant mural on Seminole Heights Elementary School's basketball court.

“Art is such a positive thing to be around; the more you are surrounded by it, the more you think you can be an artist, so we wanted to be able to share that philosophy with the students and make sure they see art everywhere at their beautiful school to brighten their days,” Kristen Brown, TRIBE Director.

When Rojo started working at Seminole Heights through TRIBE, it started with small projects like reinvigorating the school's artwork highlighting Steven Covey’s 7 Habits. From there, he was inspired to paint their basketball court, and with funding support from a donor through TRIBE, his vision came to life. TRIBE has transformed the school with bright motivational messaging and artwork. Aside from support our schools, TRIBE offers 50 after-school activities to students for only $5 a class.

Rojo hopes the students are excited to see the work evolve from start to finish; his goal is to inspire the students and question who Kobe is since he was such a leader, role model, and blueprint of success.

Tribe Seminole Heights is a place where children can socialize and maybe find a new creative passion as well.

Step inside Tribe Seminole Heights and you'll get a sense that kids have an opportunity to create and be themselves.
"So Tribe's a nonprofit community center, and what we do is we offer low cost easy to manage activities for kids. So it's our goal to provide equity and children's programming by making them low cost and drop-in," explained Kristen Brown, founder of Tribe Seminole Heights.

In the summer, Tribe offers 50 activities a week that all cost $5.

Tribe is run by volunteers. There's a passion for helping kids and making sure they have a safe place to play, create and be themselves. Almost all of the items they use for activities are donated.

"The reaction is powerful, actually, it is always amazing to see how grateful people are to find what their kids need at a price they can afford. And then while they're here to be able to tell them hey, take clothes, take books, what else can we help you with? How can we, like, get involved with your family? It is a very unique perspective from which to get to approach families. And it's been the greatest probably joy in my life so far," said Brown.

Tribe is about more than just activities. They also run a community closet for families to get any sort of clothes they may need.

Brown said, "That's the thing is, it takes a village but until you find your tribe, it's you're a little bit lost and nobody gives you a phone number. So my project has been all about community creativity, resiliency."

All the artwork on the walls and inside the building is made by local artists or kids who participate in their programs.
"So, art is everywhere here, art is so key to everything that we do. It's both transformative in an aesthetic way like everything here is donated, we're in a hundred-year-old building," explained Brown. "And also for its healing, right. It's in creating, we can reconnect with ourselves and find an outlet for whatever we are experiencing, whether it's joy or pain. And right now, kids have been through a weird couple of years, no matter what their circumstances have been. And so art is a way for us to connect with them and local artists in particular. They come here and they create with kids, they work at our schools, we make a studio available to them, we make art supplies available to them, all our stuff is donated and a lot of it's not appropriate for kids. So we sort of like sort through what is and what isn't and we share. Our whole project is about sharing. It's about community. It's, you know, how can we take what we have and use it to build what we need."

Brown was also recently named a mother of the year by American Mothers, Inc. She's the fiftieth nominee from Florida and believed to be the first from Tampa.
You can read more about their activities, programs and how to get involved by clicking here.

It takes a village. It seems to be especially true right now. In Seminole Heights, a non-profit community center is coming up with creative ways to help families stay positive.
TRIBE Seminole Heights created a life-sized game of Candyland. They put out donated pinwheels all over the neighborhood to spread joy. This week, they’re helping neighbors show teachers that they are truly appreciated.
“I just want teachers to feel seen right now.  I think that’s the hardest thing. They’re alone in their homes with their families like we all are, right? And, struggling and I think sometimes we are critical first and compassionate second and so I just want teachers to know that they’re seen, that we know it’s hard and that we’re grateful,” said Kristen Brown.

Kristen runs the non-profit community center located inside of Seminole Heights United Methodist Church. TRIBE is meant to nurture kids with creative activities, assist families through a no-questions-asked community closet and support schools and teachers.

Teacher appreciation week is always big for TRIBE and distance-learning wasn’t going to change the importance.
TRIBE sent a wish list questionnaire to teachers who work at Seminole Heights Elementary, Broward Elementary and those who live in the Heights neighborhoods.

“Many of these hard-working people asked for things for their students.  People wrote things like, ‘A Publix gift card to buy food for my students,’ or ‘Some of my kids can’t see well and so I need a dry erase board so I can do better on my Zoom class,” she said.

They asked the community to give. TRIBE collected enough money to give each of the 260 teachers a $10 gift card to a local Seminole Heights restaurant. The non-profit also received generous wish-list donations including two bicycles for teachers.

“We’re going to get to play fairy godmother to some teachers and I think it’s gonna be really fun because some of the gifts are great and everybody was very generous.”
Kristen also asked neighborhood kids to make cards.  250 handmade cards showed up to show teachers they’re appreciated.

A Seminole Heights group was recently inspired by the number of families in the community taking more walks while practicing social distancing.
The nonprofit, TRIBE Seminole Heights, started their project to brighten the neighborhood at the Seminole Heights Garden Center, placing 450 pinwheels on the ground, and invited residents with a chalk message to take one for their own homes.

TRIBE said within three days they saw the number of pinwheels decreased at the Garden Center, but they noticed them on the front lawns of homes in their neighborhood.
“Everyone really seemed to be enjoying them, and it was bringing me so much joy!” said TRIBE Director Kristen Brown. “From the window in my office, I could see families as they came for the pinwheels, took pictures, and selected one to take home. It was uplifting for me."

That led to the latest creation for the community. The project moved to the Seminole Heights United Methodist Church. After two days, and with some help from families and local artists, a supersized Candy Land board was drawn with sidewalk chalk for families to visit.

The game instructions are written with chalk, and giant dice are provided and sanitized carefully after each use. TRIBE said one family at a time is permitted to use the board. Members of the community also decided to add some flair, and nearby houses can be seen with décor like peppermints hanging from trees and painted rocks that look like candy.

Tampa Bay area families and small businesses are adjusting to a new normal as the new "safer-at-home" order is now in effect in Hillsborough County.

The order is meant to discourage movement and the spread of coronavirus. However, the order is not a lockdown, according to Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister.

Hillsborough County residents can still go out for essential needs, including the grocery store, pharmacy and a visit to the doctor's office. You can also leave your home to exercise outside while maintaining at least six feet of social distance.
That's been welcome news to Michael Pierce-Fabianski and his husband, Mike Fabianski, along with their two young children.
"We'll go for bike rides at least twice a day, we'll go out and play in the front yard," Fabianski said.

They ventured out to let the kids play on an interactive community art project, a Candyland game made entirely out of chalk. It was created by the children's nonprofit Tribe Seminole Heights. Only one family is allowed on the board at a time to encourage people to follow the rules about staying at least six feet apart.
The family feels it's a good way to get the kids out while also practicing social distancing.
"We certainly think it’s important to protect our children and our family and everyone else in our neighborhood. So we’re following the rules," said Pierce-Fabianski.

READ THE FULL SAFER-AT-HOME ORDER
People can also go out to care for others and gather necessary supplies or pick up restaurant takeout.
Non-essential businesses that are unable to maintain the required physical distancing of six feet to keep employees and customers safe, must close.
This has been a hard time for many small businesses, with many owners forced to get creative on how to stay open while also being safe and following the new rules.

Health Mutt, located on Central Avenue in Seminole Heights, is now doing curbside service and pickup. No customers have been allowed inside the store to encourage social distancing. They are considered an essential business.
Valhalla Resale, a clothing and consignment store, has now starting delivering clothing items to members as a part of their clothing rental service so they don't have to come inside the store.

"Right now, we're asking customers to stay away unless they really have to get inside the store," said Danielle Ferrari, the owner of Valhalla Resale. "Members, we're letting them come in but mostly one at a time and then we are doing deliveries for anyone who doesn't feel safe coming in."

This has been tough for Ferrari who is wondering about the future of her business because of the spread of COVID-19. She has also had to postpone the hiring of a new employee.

"As long as our members continue to pay their membership fees, we'll be able to probably go about a month," she said. "After that, you know, it's been kind of up in the air."
Businesses who have questions about how the order impacts them can call the Entrepreneur Collaborative Center at (813) 204-9267

Chalk art game-board, pinwheels and fun for all... Oh my! If you're walking around Seminole Heights you may notice some community art projects popping up. TRIBE Seminole Heights artists came together to make a life-sized "Candy Land" game board out of chalk to bring the neighborhood a little joy and fun during this tough time

Tampa Bay Lightning fans adorn their walls with posters and pictures. But one local artist, and Lightning fan, put his talent to work to produce a unique piece.

“I love how this turned out,” said Rojo The Artist. “The hardest part was finding a way to get the keyboard keys to stay.”

Rojo The Artist got ahold of 2,500 keys from recycled computers and spelled out the name of every player, coach, and staff member he could from the 2020 Stanley Cup championship team. It took about 80 hours to complete.

“I want to make more of these. It’s just very tedious to take apart a keyboard and arrange the names. But it goes a long way. I think it’s really cool.”

Rojo gave the art to the team to show his appreciation for what the team did for a non-profit called Tribe Seminole Heights that gives kids creative classes. Tribe Seminole Heights was honored as part of the Lightning Community Hero program which comes with a $50,000 grant.

This isn’t Rojo’s only sports-themed piece of art.

He did a Tom Brady portrait on a bed of toast, a huge Kobe Bryant mural on the basketball court of Seminole Elementary, and another Lightning piece to celebrate last season’s Stanley Cup title. It’s made with real bolts, screws, and nails.

“The Bolts are so appreciated in Tampa. There are flags everywhere. Lights everywhere just like the Bolts. I think people really have an appreciation for this team. We are a hockey town.”

Tonight’s Lightning Foundation and Jabil Community Hero is Kristen Brown!
She has provided the kids of Central Tampa an innovative community center with the opening of TRIBE-Seminole Heights.

For two years the local nonprofit Tribe Seminole Heights has been a go-to activity center for kids after school.

From coding to cooking, to music, to Legos, the classes at Tribe are endless and thanks to a major grant the organization will be able to keep the lights on.

What You Need To Know
Grant helping nonprofit Tribe Seminole Heights to keep lights on

Tribe offers a number of educational activities for kids

Over 50 different activities to choose from; classes cost $5 each

Tribe has served over 900 families over the past 2 years
You can just about always find someone doing something at Tribe.

When Spectrum Bay News 9 stopped in, there was a serious game of Foosball happening between eight year old twin brothers Paxton and Jaxson.

Meanwhile, their little brother was in the other room for story time.

“We came in and I fell in love with this place the very first time we arrived,” said Mom Regina Payne.

Regina brings the boys to Tribe 3 to 4 times a week.

“We live in the Gulf Port area so it takes about 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic, but it’s completely worth it,” she said.

It’s a one stop place for children of all ages.

The classes constantly change, they only cost $5 each, and you can drop in and pay as you go.

For Regina, one of the biggest benefits has been the community connection to resources.

“Jaxon and Paxton were both able to get a laptop, a brand new Chromebook and because of that we’ve been able to follow-up on their coding classes,” she said.

From the massive community closet to the classes, everything is donated.

The Carr family just wanted something for their daughter Leiah to do after e-learning.

Soon they found themselves volunteering.

“She loves her classes, she gets to try different things. If she tries something she doesn’t love, she’ll try something else,” said Leiah’s Mom Stephanie.

Building up Tribe has been fun, but it gets expensive.

“Up to this point our organization had not received any funding or grants or sponsorships at all of significance. We’ve really been struggling,” said Director Kristen Brown.

That’s why a recent $30,000 grant from the Lightning’s Community Heroes Program has meant so much.

“We’re really hoping that money will be a launching pad for our future sustainability and success. It’s a huge gift to us, it’s a really big deal, our work is not over,” Brown said.

Over the past two years, Tribe has served more than 900 families.

They offer 50 different activities a week and can be a great place for high school and college students to volunteer.

Central Avenue in Tampa’s Seminole Heights neighborhood has long been a favorite destination for trick -or-treaters. The wide, main thoroughfare lined with historic craftsmen-style homes typically goes all out for Halloween. But this year orange construction cones, heavy machinery, pipes, and big road closure signs have taken the place of Halloween decor. 
The ongoing infrastructure project, which for months has frustrated neighbors with noise, dust, and a confusing labyrinth of closed roads, had many worried their streets wouldn’t be safe by Halloween. 

According to construction schedules, underground pipe work should have been completed by the end of October and roads, though not paved, should have at least been passible. 
But as October drew nearer, TRIBE Seminole Heights founder Kristen Brown, who organizes one of the biggest Halloween parties in the area, was nervous. 

Spooky Stroll draws more than 1,000 children to the Seminole Garden Center on Central Avenue. By the way things looked to Kristen in late September, it didn’t appear as though there would be a safe way for families to drive or even walk to the event. 

"We have so many little kids and families who will need to park several blocks away and then walk here and not only would they not be able to drive down Central, this road would have just been too dangerous. I just kept picturing families with young kids trying to walk through a construction zone with open holes, trip hazards, and dangerous (albeit tempting for kids) heavy equipment all around," said Brown. 

She took her concerns to a community meeting in September, one of several Nelson Construction has held in the Seminole Heights neighborhood to provide updates on the years-long storm water and flooding relief project that began in 2021. 

To her surprise, the company called the next day. Two project managers, both dads themselves, met with Brown to walk the neighborhood and come up with a plan to get Central Avenue safely back open in time for Halloween. 

Road work was escalated. Suddenly streets, which for months had laid open behind barriers, were filled in and made drivable. Nelson Construction also offered to donate portable restrooms for the event and equipment to help hang and transport decorations and displays ahead of time. 
PREVIOUS: Tampa leaders give status update to Seminole Heights residents amid ongoing construction frustrations
Spooky Stroll is a family-friendly Halloween party that raises funds for the nonprofit TRIBE Seminole Heights, which provides a wide range of low-cost educational programming as well as free clothes and shoes to Bay Area families. 

Spooky Stroll will take place Saturday, October 28 at the Seminole Garden Center in Tampa. Tickets are $1 but must be purchased in advance so that families can register for a time slot.  

Construction on Central Avenue between Hillsborough and Hanna will resume on November 1. Nelson Construction says they plan to finish this segment of the project ahead of schedule, with paving beginning in late November. 
Neighbors looking to stay up to date on the Southeast Seminole Heights Flooding Relief Project can visit SeminoleHeightsStormwater.com for the latest information.

Construction crews will open a Seminole Heights road for the Seminole Heights Spooky Stroll this weekend and Halloween.

Join us for the 5th Annual Spooky Stroll!
Mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate five incredible years of Halloween in the Heights! What began as a small, socially-distanced gathering during COVID-19 has grown into a cherished community tradition. This year, we’re taking things to the next level with even more thrills and chills!

What to Expect:
Exciting and Mysterious Stations: Get ready for an all-new experience as we unveil updated and reimagined stations, none of which you’ve seen in previous years—except for the crowd favorite, the giant slide! We’ve truly upped the game this year, promising surprises and spooktacular fun for everyone.

Free Books for Kids: Thanks to the MILO committee of the Junior League of Tampa, every child attending Spooky Stroll will receive free books—a gift to keep the magic going long after Halloween night!
Community Partners: We’ve lined up new community partners this year and are actively reaching out to all the organizations we work with. Stay tuned for fun details and sneak peeks as we get closer to the event!
Concessions & Treats: Delicious snacks and beverages will be available for purchase, with all proceeds supporting TRIBE Seminole Heights.

Reservations are available in one-hour intervals starting at 6:00 PM, but you’re welcome to enjoy the event for as long as you’d like!
This year, no physical tickets are needed—just use your phone for entry!

Why Attend?
Spooky Stroll is the perfect way to celebrate Halloween with friends and family while supporting TRIBE Seminole Heights and our mission to foster community and uplift families. Whether you’re a first-timer or a returning guest, this event is designed for all ages, so bring your little ghosts and goblins, dress up in your best costumes, and enjoy a night of spooky fun and community spirit!

Don’t miss out on the spookiest night in Seminole Heights!

The DeBartolo Family Foundation is proud to present TRIBE Seminole Heights with the final Spirit of Humanity Award of 2021. The $25,000 donation honors local nonprofit organizations that impact the Tampa Bay community in a meaningful way.

Founded in 2018 by Kristen Brown, TRIBE Seminole Heights integrates unique learning experiences, family support and outreach focused on the wellness of children and their families. The community center is powered by over 130 volunteers, donations and the neighborhood of Seminole Heights, which like a TRIBE, share a common goal to give back to their community. The organization offers more than 50 activities each week, free clothing and shoes to children and a place to gather or receive tutoring for students at neighboring Title 1 schools.

TRIBE will use the Spirit of Humanity Award to continue building a sustainable program and to support initiatives at its partner schools.

“Kristen and her team have created a powerful community space for families in Seminole Heights and we are honored to present TRIBE Seminole Heights with our Spirit of Humanity Award,” said Lisa DeBartolo, Chief Executive Officer of the DeBartolo Family Foundation. “

“This generous gift from the DeBartolo Family Foundation allows TRIBE to continue to provide services and activities and will impact thousands of families,” said Kristen Brown, Founder and Directory of TRIBE. “Our limited resources were forcing our organization to reprioritize some planned projects, but through this powerful donation, the DeBartolo’s have guaranteed that students at our partner schools, and in our facility can continue to expect our support and programming!”

Recipients of the Spirit of Humanity award create unity, demonstrate hard work, and extend their outreach by helping people in need to overcome obstacles that are beyond their control. Since 2002, 55 recipients have been recognized with the $25,000 Spirit of Humanity Award, awarded three times annually.

To learn more about TRIBE, please visit their website at tribeseminoleheights.com

Kristen Brown is the Founder and Director of TRIBE, a community-focused non-profit that integrates unique learning experiences, family support, and strategic outreach with a focus on the wellness of children and families. TRIBE offers more than 50 fun and educational activities per week, each for only $5, and also provides free donated clothing and shoes to local families. TRIBE has served more than 1700 families, and Brown oversees a team of nearly 130 volunteers who lead programs and activities at TRIBE. Before founding TRIBE, Brown spent 12 years as Regional Director for All American Youth Activities in Tampa and served as Director of Client Services for Adelante Live, Inc. for 10 years. Brown is a graduate of the University of South Florida and a member of the School Advisory Committee for Broward and Seminole Heights Elementary schools. In 2021, Kristen was honored by the Tampa Bay Lightning and Vinik Family Foundation as a “Community Hero.” The DeBartolo Family Foundation also awarded her the “Spirit of Humanity” award.


What surprises you most about being a mom?

How hard it is, almost all the time! My son is 12. Over and over, just as things have gotten easier, we’ve entered a new season with new challenges. It’s not that I expected being a mom would always be easy, but I am still surprised at how often I feel unprepared to navigate the current obstacle, and how much I still need support, resources, and tools to find my way through.

Who has been impactful in your journey as a mother? What lessons do you carry with you and share often through motherhood?

The village of women who raised me came primarily in the form of stepmothers, bonus moms, mamas, mommas, nanas, and the close friends I authentically share the journey of motherhood with. However, one of my greatest unexpected sources of inspiration, and someone I have looked to as a parenting role model is my younger brother. Despite the fact that he became a father very young—with odds stacked against him—he is one of the most present, patient, and impactful parents I have known, and has been very close to my nephew his entire life.

What continues to inspire you in your motherhood journey?

Other moms. The moments when I am able to connect with other moms are more inspiring and impactful than any other moments I spend working with families. To see the depth of love women are capable of, and to witness the strength and determination they will exhibit in order to be the mother their children needs, is incredible. I’m also inspired by the women who create programs and services for children, especially the ones they needed for their own but did not previously exist.

American Mothers, Inc.® announced the 2022 Mother of the Year® award recipients today — women from diverse backgrounds and experiences across the nation recognized for their work, resiliency and commitment to family and community. These mothers were chosen from every state after a national nomination and selection process led by the organization. American Mothers, Inc. is an 87-year-old non-profit organization whose mission is to recognize mothers and their positive impact through the historic annual Mother of the Year® award.

The state honorees will represent their respective home states at the American Mothers national convention this April, and one honoree will be selected as the 2022 National Mother of the Year®. "Time and time again, we have seen that there is no one like Mom," said Joyce Stevens, President of American Mothers, Inc. "Now, more than ever, people are seeing the work that goes into motherhood and truly recognizing the resiliency of mothers. It is an honor to be an organization that has built a legacy network of moms across the nation while sharing their stories of strength and inspiration."

For general media inquiries or to set up an interview with a Mother of the Year® honoree, send an email to news@americanmothers.org.

2022 Mother of the Year® Honorees

Alabama Mother of the Year: Antoinette Sands
Alaska: Claudia Jones
Arkansas: Elisha Pillow-Daugherty
California: Vanessa Lopez
Colorado: Doris Donley
Delaware: Roxane Ferguson
D.C.: Vanessa Partin
Florida: Kristen Brown
Georgia: Natalie Fikes
Hawaii: Cheryl Ho
Idaho: Charity Haderlie
Illinois: Rachel Ternstrom
Iowa: Nancy Boettger
Kansas: Sierra Roberts
Maine: Patricia Clark
Maryland: Dr. Tasheka L. Green
Massachusetts: Dalene Basden
Minnesota: October Allen
Missouri: Amanda St. Pierre
Nebraska: Kimmera Vogt
Nevada: Dianna Klein
New Hampshire: Jane Davidson
New Mexico: Consuelo Cordova
North Carolina: Demetria Davis
North Dakota: Chelsey Strand
Oklahoma: Robyn Sunday-Allen
Pennsylvania: Tracy Purdy
Puerto Rico: Zorimar Betancourt
Rhode Island: Michelle Ristuccia
South Carolina: Holly Vega
Tennessee: Shana Smith
Texas: Jessica Dunn
Utah: Nancy Kennedy
Vermont: Tracey Hemond
West Virginia: Kristi Goode
Wisconsin: Lisa Witt

American Mothers, Inc.® (AMI) is a national non-profit, non-partisan organization given the responsibility of searching for and selecting the National Mother of the Year® from honorees representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Founded in 1931 as the Mothers Day Committee of the Golden Rule Foundation, AMI named the first Mother of the Year® on behalf of the nation in 1935. Today, our mission is to harness the power of maternal energy to make a positive impact in the world. For more information about the organization, visit AmericanMothers.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @AmericanMothers. "Mother of the Year" and the American Mothers logo are registered trademarks of American Mothers, Inc.®