333 E River Road
Minneapolis, MN 55455
United States
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"Sitting (and rocking) is an act of resistance!" — Amoke Kubat
The Rocking Chair (Re)Evolution is a rallying call for all mothers to reclaim rest and the transformative art of rocking. Created by Amoke Kubat, this multicultural, community-engaged project celebrates The ART of Mothering, a vital yet undervalued role encompassing the care of children, families, and vulnerable populations across all stages of life. Highlighting the visible and invisible labor of mothers worldwide, the initiative calls for recognition of the relentless, 24/7 work of caretaking, often burdened by poverty and lack of resources.
Here, 24 rocking chairs—a symbol of rest and human bonding—are reimagined as tools for relaxation and connection—not just for mothers but also for those aging, disabled, or seeking self-soothing practices. The project culminates in a public ceremony showcasing the finished chairs and a debut of the Rocking Chair (Re)Evolution Lullaby Orchestra, bringing together mothers, grandmothers, families, and friends in a celebration of mothering as a pathway of love and transformation.
Featured Minnesota-based artists: Raelene Ethel Ash, Wanda Baas, Hannah Bernhardt, Carole Bersin, Damita Miller Chasson, Brenna Doheny, Alyssa and Josie Dykstra, Doreen Gamble, Carla Hamilton, Deb Hannu, Starri and Diane Hedges, Shawn and Emma Jansen, Amoke Kubat, Alma Lora, Yuna Ogiwara and Shawn Jansen, Ruth Pfaller, Missy Polster, Jesus Ramirez, Nidaanis Taylor, Kimbo Tuxan and Ali Oliva, Moira Villiard, Kym Young, and Teja Sattler
Amoke Kubat
Amoke Kubat is a ”Northsider for life” who has been involved in empowering mothers and families since 1987. She is a Yoruba Priestess, teacher, artist, and writer who partners with community artists, activists, and organizations to bridge African/African American culture and historical contributions into transformative actions and socially equitable practices for healing and building sustainable families and communities.
Amoke is the designer of YO MAMA! It is a “mothering” artistic practice. YO MAMA! is an art-based support group called The Art of Mothering Workshops (where traditional women’s work is learned and art genres are explored) and provides custom-designed ART Residencies for organizations that serve mothers. YO MAMA’s mission is to empower mothers by disrupting the devaluation of women’s invisible labor and showcasing their mastery of the art of mothering and the universal traditional women’s work that transforms into art-making and economic security.
Amoke uses writing and art-making to speak truth to power and to hold a position of wellness in an America sick with inequalities and inequities. Her writing includes published short stories, her memoir, a play, and the Playbook for the play.
