A “love letter to Black futures” is the way Aida Mariam Davis describes her recently released book, Kindred Creation: Parables and Paradigms for Freedom: Black Worldmaking To Reclaim Our Heritage And Humanity. The California-based mother of three and long-time organizer situates her book around three main themes—Remember, Refuse, and Reclaim—which all feel more important than ever in today’s turbulent world.

With powerful endorsements by Angela Davis (who wrote the foreward) and the late, great Nikki Giovanni, Aida also lovingly credits her children for inspiring her work. “You remind me that children are not in the way, they are the way,” she writes. “Thank you for reminding me that we first sing before we talk, dance before we walk, and draw before we write—that we are born artists. This book was written for, by, and because of you.”

Below, the inspiring multihyphenate shares her top 20 Mother Essentials of the moment—from books to beauty to her favorites for kids.

REN. “If I could bathe in this bio active toner, I would. My skin feels so clean and poreless—there’s a big difference when I forget to use it even one day.” Radiance Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic, $40, REN.

Zack Fox Black House Playlist. “This playlist made me sign up for Apple Music. It fuses multiple genres like house, gospel, funk, and R&B seamlessly. One song in particular is both a mom and kid fave—Tevin Campbell’s ‘I2I‘ from The Goofy Movie.” Black House Radio via Apple Music.

Suay Skirt. “Much like my book, Kindred Creation, this skirt’s patchwork reclaims discarded garments and assembles them into something better and more beautiful. It’s one size and adjusts to the person wearing it, which makes it both easy to buy/wear and the upcycling is good for the planet.” Nylon Wrap Skirt, $242, Suay.

Kindred Creation. “A beautiful and compelling book that unforgets the past while celebrating the everyday magic of kinship—written by a mom of three! Oprah says she can’t wait to read it. :)” Kindred Creation: Parables and Paradigms for Freedom: Black Worldmaking To Reclaim Our Heritage And Humanity, $19.46, Bookshop.

Alen Air Purifiers. “Even before the wildfires ravaged Los Angeles, I loved this filter’s ability to clean the air and detect hazardous air quality. I really think the quality of air impacts the quality of our thoughts and imagination. Pollution in particles can also pollute our bodies and mind.” BreatheSmart 45i, $468, Alen.

Water Colors. “Since unicorns and sparkles rule the world for many families, this watercolor set is created in that world. It naturally has an iridescence and brightness in it that will surely satisfy the most unicorny child.” Chroma Blends Watercolor Paint Set, $11, OOLY.

PlanetBox. “After several failed attempts at lunch containers, this one is indestructible and fun to decorate with magnets. Not just good for the planet, good for food and the injera and wot we send our kids to school with.” Stainless Steel Lunch Box Set, $29.95, PlanetBox.

Sambas. “I love a gender neutral, timeless matching moment. The toddler version of these shoes look just like the adult ones, but are self lacing. Great for a day of sports, birthday parties, or school!” Sambas OG Shoes, $55, Adidas.

Flowers. “Flowers brighten a room and my soul. The colors, smells, and blossoming change the composition of the room. This florist is a father and friend who makes art with his arrangements and the flowers seem to live forever.” Floresparaelpueblo.com

Naked Beauty Perfume. “This perfume is special to me for two reasons. 1.) my friend and mother of two, Brooke DeVard, created it and 2.) she personally conducted careful research and development while relentlessly keeping true to her Black and African roots. It’s so warm, luxurious, and powerful that just a few sprays gives me the aura to step up and stand out!” Naked Beauty Eau de Parfum, $88, Thirteen Lune.

Brain Quest Deck. “I come from a long line of educators and I believe a love of learning and critical thinking starts young. I had this deck when I was growing up and loved how it gamified letters, counting, and patterns. It’s beautiful to see my children enjoy it too!” Brain Quest Pre-Kindergarten Smart Cards, $12.08, Bookshop.

Lacrosse Sticks. “Truthfully, I had no idea what lacrosse was until I met my husband who was a division 1 lacrosse player. He has instilled the love of movement in all of us and taught us the meaning of the sport. Lacrosse is a game originally created by the Native Americans and is a vital part of their culture, history, and identity‚ which is why I love sharing it with my kids.” STX FiddleSTX Miniature Lacrosse Sticks (2-Pack), $29.99, Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Myo-Inositol. “A supplement that increases the health of most of your organs and is all natural and is water soluble?! Yes, it is magic and it has supported my mood, sugar cravings, improved my cycles, and general reproductive health.” Myo-Inositol & D-Chiro Inositol, $23.36, Wholesome Story.

Capoeira Pants. “My children have been learning capoeira for the last year. Historically, Capoeira originated from enslaved Africans expressing their culture and defending themselves against their captors. It evolved into an Afro-Brazilian martial art/dance/acrobatics that blends culture, spirituality, and philosophy. After buying these pants, I realized all pants (adults included) should be designed like these. They have internal buttons to adjust the pants perfectly and a drawstring that corresponds to what level you are. Fashion and function!” White Capoeira Pants, $34.99, ZumZum.

Studderheim. “Sadly, it’s false that it never rains in southern California. So, when it does, we like to be prepared and completely protected. I spend a lot of time doing the kids’ hair, I can’t let the (limited) rain ruin it and this jacket is like teflon to any precipitation.” Mini Kids Raincoat, $120, Stutterheim.

MarMar. “I have an incredible international village of people who spoil our kids. The baby has so many high quality, high design outfits, it’s unfair. It’s giving handmade meets high fashion and I desperately want to match.” Knit Blouse, $62, MarMar.

Frida Nail Clippers. “This is an incredible invention that I use on the newborn and the toddlers. The curved blades mimic the shape of a baby scissor and are uniquely designed for smooth and silent snipping.” The Snipperclipper Set, $12.97, Frida.

Knitted Dunks. “I received these as a baby sprinkle gift and they are the only footwear the baby keeps on all day. They elevate any onesie or baby outfit!” Crochet Dunks, $40, Etsy.

Sheets. “Don’t sleep on the power of good sheets. Generally speaking, I love Kirkland products and Costco (especially how they value workers and customers), but this product stands out as incredibly luxurious and silky.” Kirkland Signature 680 Thread Count Sheet Set, $74.99, Costco.

Line Dances. “Cha Cha Slide, Elmo Slide, Electric Slide, Wobble, and Tamia are all dances that give me and my family so much joy. It’s also a great way to teach counting and prepare kids for any wedding/family gathering.”

For more MOTHER ESSENTIALS, peep our recent features on design consultant Joyce Lee, self-care advocate Rachel Garahan, DJ Va$htie Kola, designer Rebecca Minkoff, VEERT founder Julia Lang, cookbook author Jenné Claiborne, Neha Ruch of Mother Untitled, model, writer, and activist Cameron Russell, author Nasozi Kakembo, kid-lit talent Bo Lu, artist Suzy Ultman, Super Smalls founder Maria Duenas Jacob, Lanee Slaughter of MAMA & OG, the mamas behind MAJO IDEAS, HAWKS founder Emma Flanders, celebrity hairstylist Kylee Heath, APRIL SHOWERS of Afro Unicorn, crafty mamas ERIN BOYLE AND ROSE PEARLMAN, writers CLEO WADE and ALEX ELLE, comedian JENNY SLATE, poet MAGGIE SMITH, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream co-founder LAURA O’NEILL, and author and doula BRANDI SELLERZ-JACKSON.