Baltimore mother seen smacking son participating in riots honored at top moms luncheon

A Baltimore mother who gained national attention after being caught on camera smacking her 16-year-old son for throwing objects at police as the rioting began to break out in the city was honored on Friday.

Toya Graham was one of 26 mothers recognized at the ninth annual Baltimore's Top Neighborhood Moms luncheon.

Graham was praised on social media and even by the Baltimore police commissioner for stopping her son from joining the rioting last month.

"I know a lot other moms were down there," said Graham. "It just so happens that somebody had caught me. But at the end of the day, I didn't want my son to get caught up in a bad situation that was already going on because at the end of the day, this is about Freddie Gray. We all are moms that want to protect our children and don't allow our children to be out there self-destructing like that."

Graham said she is thankful for the opportunities she has been given.

"I'm grateful and I want everybody to know that everything they have given me or said to me, I'm grateful for all of it," she said.

Graham said her son is about to graduate high school and she is keeping an eye on him.

"My son has an understanding of what part he played in this situation and he has done a 360," said Graham. "He's still home with me. I haven't let him out my sight yet. But we're just grateful for all the attention that everybody has given us and I just want to thank everybody."

The event was hosted by Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.