"My Mother's Bread Puddin'" by Tonia McMillian

Tonia "Tonyetta Mobetta" McMillian, who was once a Soul Train dancer, writes poetry with the Community Literature Initiative in Los Angeles. Her collection of poetry, "Paper Dolls, Lipstick and Leather" was published in 2026 by World Stage Press. She and her Soul Train crew maintain their friendships to this day. Her poem, "My Mother's Bread Puddin'," is part of the "Poetry From The Kitchen" chapter of the "Poetry From" series produced by Mike Bonifer and Adenike Harris.