Upon entering the gallery, guests' senses were immediately enveloped by a symphony of sensations. The warmth of the space was accentuated by the aroma of clary sage oil and burning incense and the sight of bright cascading balloons. You could smell the buttered popcorn and hear the clacking of cocktail glasses and big bursts of laughter. You could feel the love filling the room with just one breath. You felt welcomed and among family.

The Black Genius Art Show displayed sketches and paintings of prominent figures in Black Culture. James Baldwin stared back at visitors with piercing eyes, while Harriet Tubman sat front and center with a pistol in her hand. The event was hosted at Uncle Grass's exhibition space, which my three sons affectionately call Bryan Robinson's showcase gallery. It couldn't have been a better location for such an intimate event. Yet, this is typical of Baltimore, where residents have at least three degrees of separation from other locals (two degrees if you were born here).

Bryan is not related by blood, but after almost two decades, he is family and is just as close as a brother to Jason.

I messaged him with precisely ten days to organize a pre-launch book event. Finally, after ten years, I have published my book titled That Part! What Some Know But Won't Tell You About Motherhood. When I announced the release, I simply posted it online and went about my business. Honestly, I know many people who have written books, so I didn't think my achievement was worth celebrating with a party.

However, during my weekly work call, my team looked at me incredulously, which made me reconsider my position.

THEM: <appalled> Wait a minute! You mean you won’t do a release party, a signing… anything?!

ME: <shrugging> Girl, ain’t nobody got time for all of that. If people want the book, they will buy the book.

THEM: <sincere> Dionne. You gotta do something.

Please keep in mind that I have always been that little girl from West Baltimore who simply loved to tell stories. I had always dreamed of writing a book, but achieving it is still surreal. It has taken me years even to believe that I deserve to be celebrated. It has taken me years even to share my story because the world is not kind to Black women and their vulnerability. The thought of bringing stress to my family or unwanted attention weighed heavily on me.

Reluctantly, I agreed. But, if I was bringing people together on a Saturday afternoon, it had to be meaningful.

Straight from the start, I knew I wouldn't be here without my parents. And I certainly wouldn't have these beautiful children if it weren't for my husband. This was the perfect moment to acknowledge them.

So, with very little notice, I invited an intimate group of friends, family, and supporters to celebrate my book with an informal pre-launch gathering.

“That Part! What Some Know But Won’t Tell You About Motherhood” is my real-life personal diary and a declaration chronicling the first five years of my motherhood journey, from 2010-2015. I wanted to honor all those who had invested in me and helped me become the person I am today. I also wanted to recognize those who have encouraged, inspired and motivated me to do what I do.

My book is a testament to the strength of mothers who speak from the heart and find solace in self-reflection amidst life's turmoil. During my first five years of motherhood (2010-2015), two mothers bookended my cocooning process: Shelonda Stokes, President and CEO of Downtown Partnership, and former State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby. I wanted a moment to say, “Thank you for always being willing to stand up for others, even if you have to stand by yourself.”

My name is Dionne Joyner-Weems. It's like A Tribe Called Quest; you gotta say it all together. I have always seen the world as something I could help to make better, and I find joy in discovering and promoting humanity in people and situations. Motherhood has been a life-changing experience, helping me understand how I want to live. You can purchase my book, 'That Part! What Some Know But Won’t Tell You About Motherhood,' on Amazon or wherever books are sold.