It’s been a tough few months for Soledad O’Brien. Just 40 days after saying goodbye to her father, the renowned 52-year-old broadcast journalist is now grieving the loss of her beloved mother, Estela. In an emotional tribute on Twitter, Soledad shared memories and photos of her mom, celebrating her life and the incredible legacy she leaves behind.

Remembering a Life Well Lived

Soledad took to Twitter to honor her mother with a heartfelt series of tweets. She shared a snapshot of Estela as a young girl growing up in Cuba during the 1930s, painting a vivid picture of her mom’s early years. What struck me was how much their bond endured over time, even as life unfolded in different directions. Soledad’s tribute wasn’t just about sharing photos—it was about telling the story of a remarkable woman whose strength and determination inspired so many.

She always was sad about leaving Cuba—but hated how Castro had destroyed her country. She went back once to visit—and said—I’ll never go back again. I love this photo. Maybe the early 40s? pic.twitter.com/1HY9TVUaL6
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— Soledad O'Brien (@soledadobrien) March 18, 2019

From Havana to Educator Extraordinaire

Estela’s journey began in Havana, where she immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 14. As a native Spanish speaker, she went on to master English and French, which opened doors for her to become an educator. Her teaching career included a stint at Soledad’s high school, where she earned a reputation for being incredibly strict. Students may not have loved her at the time, but her dedication to excellence left an indelible mark on everyone she taught.

Through her tweets, Soledad gave us a glimpse into her own childhood with adorable photos of herself as a baby and even a snapshot from when she was 12. These images weren’t just nostalgic—they were a testament to the deep connection between mother and daughter.

A Legacy of Love and Advocacy

Soledad’s parents, Edward and Estela, were trailblazers in their own right. Both educators and immigrants, they defied societal norms by getting married at a time when interracial marriages were still illegal in parts of the U.S. Their union symbolized courage and resilience, qualities that they passed down to their six children, all of whom went on to attend college—and some even graduate school.

The year their youngest child was born coincided with the Supreme Court’s historic decision to overturn the ban on interracial marriage. This timing couldn’t have been more symbolic for the O’Brien family, who had already faced significant challenges but never let them define their path.

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She learned two more languages fluently —English and French, and became an educator. She had a reputation for being super-strict, which made me very popular (not!) since she taught at my high school. pic.twitter.com/ew5GbCzsHi
— Soledad O'Brien (@soledadobrien) March 18, 2019

Words of Wisdom from a Remarkable Woman

In her tweets, Soledad shared some of her mother’s most profound words of wisdom. Estela wasn’t just a teacher in the classroom; she was a mentor in life. Her advice included practical tips like “Keep ten dollars in your bra so you can leave when you want,” and timeless truths such as “Everyone gets the same 24 hours. Decide how you’ll spend yours.” Perhaps the most powerful quote Soledad shared was: “You never stop fighting for the important stuff.”

Estela wasn’t afraid to stand up for what she believed in. She once placed an ad in their local paper protesting discriminatory housing practices in their predominantly white neighborhood. Her activism, though sometimes controversial, reflected her unwavering commitment to justice and equality.

She was pretty awesome. But mostly I wish lots of young, working women had access to her wisdom. “Everyone gets the same 24 hours. Decide how you’ll spend yours”. “Take 24 hours to sit in bed and cry.. then stop complaining and make a list and plan your comeback” pic.twitter.com/VslASFmp5H
— Soledad O'Brien (@soledadobrien) March 18, 2019

She put this ad in our local paper when I was a kid—to protest discriminatory housing in our town. We were the only black family in our neighborhood, so it didn’t win her a lot of friends: pic.twitter.com/RPGnAx7659
— Soledad O'Brien (@soledadobrien) March 18, 2019

Final Thoughts and Farewell

Soledad wrapped up her Twitter thread with a warm smile on her face, accompanied by a cherished photo of her mother. “She was pretty great,” Soledad wrote. “Miss you, Mami.” It’s a simple yet powerful message that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever lost someone they love.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Soledad during this incredibly difficult time. Her willingness to share her mother’s story is a testament to the profound impact Estela had on her life—and on all of ours.