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	About the Founder -- Sarah Rachel Berry
	"First of all let me please say that I am blessed. I am very excited and proud that God chose to create me as a woman-child, gave me an intelligent mother, allowed me to be a mother, gifted me with marriage, showered me with wisdom of how to, and means to provide, arranged that I could create with mind and hand and set my feet on the path of good and faithful friends. I am truly blessed to have the opportunity to walk along with other Black Pearls on our road towards excellence." -------Sarah Berry
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	Sarah Berry is a woman who believes in the power of women. She was influenced by her own mother who raised her to be proud and creative. She learned to trust in the power of sisterhood from a young age. She considers herself fortunate to have been surrounded by positive, creative women who were always ready to uplift when she faced trials, to rejoice when she was blessed and to embrace her when she needed comfort. Sarah has spent her life sharing the blessings she has been given. In 1999 she had a vision of a circle of African American women who would meet regularly to consciously contemplate what it means to be a woman of color with a positive outlook on life. That vision resulted in the formation of Black Pearls United which first met in January 2000. The group has grown to 22 members and is linked with organizations of similar purpose around the country. Other accomplishments: Sarah was voted "Woman of the Year" in 2000 by Black Pearls United and serves as the group's President. She is an active member of Toastmasters International, speaking frequently to community and private groups. She has published a book of poetry From the Heart and Heat of Me (ISBN 154116-1773-8) and will release a novel Family Pictures and a Young Adult novella Slip, One Night of Life in 2005. Contact
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	How WOMB was Started
	In 2004, Sarah had a vision of the Black Pearls reaching out to share its vision with a circle of Single Mothers. This led to BPU sponsoring a conference for Single Mothers on September 18, 2004. Forty single mothers gathered at the Hampton Senior Community Center in Hampton VA, for a day of workshops on education, finances, health and self development. Prizes were awarded to writers entering the "My Story" essay contest. The day was rounded out with food, song and sharing. The enthusiastic attendees expressed deep appreciation. The Black Pearls took pride in the success of the conference and looked forward to sponsoring another the following year. But the attendees had other ideas! Several women called Sarah to request that the gathering be repeated on a smaller scale more frequently. That was the beginning of Women of Many Blessings ... WOMB. Contact

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