In the moment: Jamaica Washington

An ongoing series of what started as a documentary about the everyday life of a single mother – Jamaica, turned into something that held much more importance in my life. A beautiful spectacle of perseverance, resilience, motherhood, and the strong bond of family might be viewed as qualities unique to one other, each of them, however, goes back to forming a deeper connection to the environment you’re in, the mindset you set, the friends you choose, and the memories you share.

Having the pleasure of meeting Jamaica while working together at a local restaurant in Savannah, GA, I found a friend in her who helped me walk a journey of learning; we grew as individuals and as friends by learning from each other’s history, backgrounds, upbringings, and ways of life. Getting to know Jamaica also meant getting to know her two boys – CJ (Corinthian) and Casein – who are extremely active, energetic, full of life, and curious to gain knowledge from everything that goes on around them.

A heartfelt and warm welcome into Jamaica’s home allowed me to document her life and the journey we’ve walked as friends. Throughout the crafting of this series, I witnessed a strong sense of perseverance and resilience in Jamaica despite the absence of another adult figure. A working mother, she provides nurturing, comfort, and the needed guidance to her children, all while continuing to happily go about her days. In the moment when things tend to get overwhelming, Jamaica feels blessed to have a sense of community and care provided by the people she can call her own and rely on - close friends and family including cousins, aunts, mothers, friends, and her sister, Jas – always extend a helping hand without hesitation; Jamaica ensures to always return the favor, thus setting the perfect example of a beautiful soul.