Hundreds of families and community members gathered in the Dorchester Town Field Park in an 29-year-old annual Mother’s Day tradition to support those impacted by homicide and trauma.
“In 1996 Clementina Chery, our founder, it had been just over two years since her son was murdered, and she wanted to do something for Mother’s Day,” said Luis Antonio Thompson, senior producer at the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute. “How does a mother who has lost a child to murder celebrate a day like that, especially when she still has children?
“And so her idea was to just walk around the neighborhood,” he continued. “To walk around the Dorchester community, where he lived, and also where he was murdered, as a way of her saying, I will not stay silent on Mother’s Day.”
The annual Walk for Peace is the Peace Institute’s flagship fundraiser and aimed to raise $600,000 for “critical services, advocacy, and training for survivors of homicide victims and communities impacted by murder, trauma, grief, and loss.”
As of Sunday, Thompson said, they’d tallied over $500,000 and the campaign will remain open for donations through Father’s Day in June.
The Peace Institute runs services including the Survivors Outreach Services program, assisting families and survivors of homicide victims in the first 24 to 72 hours after homicide; the Generation Peace program, working with youth on projects like art installations; and the Community Reentry Services program, assisting people coming out of prison.
“We look at, what our founder and CEO says, assisting people on both sides of the gun,” said Thompson. “There are never any winners, anytime any act of violence happens, that families and people who are left behind are the ones who are ultimately impacted. When we’re able to assist families, and when we’re able to assist people who are coming out of prison, and also assist their families, we’re looking at, ‘how do we cultivate cycles of peace?’”
The walk this year was themed “Cultivating Cycles of Peace,” and kicked off at 7 a.m. Participants started walking in the park at 9 a.m., and the event closed with a rally at 10:30 a.m.
The temperature was warm and sunny through Sunday morning, and the event felt “celebratory” and “joyous,” Thompson said. With the “political climate right now, there’s a lot of people who are feeling pessimistic and scared,” he added, but the gathering showed “people can and will and still do come together in the name of a greater cause.”
“Mourning, loss is certainly a part of it, especially when so many have have lost children to violence,” said Thompson. “But then there’s also the element of celebrating their lives, celebrating in their honor. And certainly I fee the joy, the spirit of love, the spirit of unity, the spirit of hope, all of that was present today.”
Clementina Chéry, founder, President and CEO of the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute, speaks during the 29th Mother’s Day Walk for Peace(Nancy Lane/Boston Herald)Gabrielle Geraldo carries photos of her son, Edwin, during the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute’s 29th Mother’s Day Walk for Peace (Nancy Lane/Boston Herald)Eileen Ryan of Watertown carries a sign reading “Mothers for Peace and Justice” during Mother’s Day Walk for Peace, Sunday. (Nancy Lane/Boston Herald)
Mothers Day Coffee Mug is more than just a date on the calendar—it’s a heartfelt celebration of the women who raised us, supported us, and filled our lives with love (and probably a few cups of coffee along the way). When you’re looking for a thoughtful yet affordable gift, a Mother’s Day coffee mug is the perfect blend of practicality and personalization.
In this guide, we’ll explore why personalized mugs make great gifts, popular styles and themes, where to buy them, and how to choose one that speaks to your mom’s heart. Whether you’re shopping for your own mom, a mother-in-law, grandma, or a new mom in your life, this guide has you covered.
☕ Why a Coffee Mug Makes a Perfect Mother’s Day Gift
Let’s face it: moms rarely buy themselves something nice. A customized or themed coffee mug is a small, affordable way to say, “I see you, I love you, and I appreciate everything you do.” Here’s why it’s such a popular gift:
Daily use: A mug is something she’ll use every morning, making it a daily reminder of your love.
Customizable: You can add names, photos, inside jokes, or quotes.
Affordable: Perfect for all budgets—whether you’re buying one or gifting multiples.
Versatile: Works for coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or even as a desk or kitchen organizer.
It’s not just a cup—it’s a message of appreciation wrapped in ceramic.
Q: Can I personalize a mug with my own message or photo? A: Absolutely! Most online retailers like Shutterfly, Etsy, and Zazzle offer fully customizable mugs where you can upload photos, add text, and choose colors or fonts.
Q: Are personalized mugs dishwasher and microwave safe? A: It depends on the print method. Sublimation-printed mugs (most common) are usually both dishwasher and microwave safe. Always check the product description to be sure.
Q: How long does it take to receive a custom mug? A: Production typically takes 2–5 days, with shipping times varying by vendor and location. Expect 7–10 days total, so order early to avoid delays.
Q: What size mug should I get? A: 11 oz is the standard, but 15 oz offers more room—ideal for coffee lovers! Oversized mugs (18 oz or more) are also popular for soup or tea drinkers.
Q: Are there eco-friendly options? A: Yes! Some sellers offer mugs made from recycled materials or biodegradable packaging. You can also find bamboo or reusable travel mugs for moms on the go.
Mothers Day Coffee Mug
🎉 Final Thoughts: A Small Gift With Big Heart
A Mother’s Day coffee mug may seem like a simple gift, but it’s often those everyday items that carry the most meaning. Every morning coffee becomes a moment of connection—a quiet reminder that she’s loved, seen, and appreciated.
Whether it’s personalized with a photo, adorned with a funny quote, or designed by her child’s own hands, a thoughtful mug is a gift she’ll cherish long after Mother’s Day is over.
So go ahead—pour your love into a mug this Mother’s Day. It might just become her new favorite.
