I-Female Magazine $6.50
March 2012 | www.i-female.net | I-Female Publishing
Publisher Stenell Greene-Myers whosgonnapaythemortgage@ifemale.net Assistant Editor James Chandler Design Trudean Wright Le Petite Capella www.aurigacapella.com To contact I-Female Magazine P.O Box 935 Vineland, NJ 08362 Phone: 856-366-0333 215-613-5207 Fax: 215-613-5000 Email: magazine@I-female.net www.i-female.net www.facebook.com/ ifemalemagazine Twitter @IFemaleMagazine
Welcome to our March 2012 issue of I Female Magazine. IFemale Magazine is about helping to inspire, motivate and encourage each and every woman. We exist to educate, empower and uplift women in areas such as entrepreneurial development, while bringing awareness to the female psyche dealing with depression, low self-esteem, loss and domestic violence. February was Black History Month and we focused on Phillis Wheatley one of the first Black American poet and “14 Black Female Leaders You Should Know About” that have made a great impact on each of us as women. I encourage you to keep this achievement going with your goals and vision God has given you. Nevertheless, you may be the next women featured in history. March 20 is the first day of Spring, which means a transition between Winter and Summer. As you look back, two months ago you made New Year goals, are you achieving them? It is never too late to make a transition into greatness. Whatever you sought out to do in the New Year, you can carry on. Remember a goal without a plan is just a wish. Stay on task setting small realistic short term goals. Once you achieve the shortterm goals move on to long-term. March is also the celebration of Women’s History Month. This is the time tribute is paid to the generations of women who made commitment to nature and the planet in today’s society. We give thanks for the dedication of our Women who have paved the way to bring “Women’s History” into the public view. I-Female Magazine is proud to announce our Sonnet Of Love Poetry Contest winners Maya Drew “Valentines on the Daily” and Helen Heightman Gordon “Bronzing and Afternoon on Sleepy Skin”. Both winners are featured in this months’ issue and we would like to say thank you to all those who’ve entered. We are looking forward to many more contests and give aways. Thank you for sharing your creative talent with us. I am especially thrilled about our first upcoming “I Am A Survivor” Fundraiser Gala that will be held on April 28, 2012 at the Mansion on Main Street in Voorhees New Jersey. I am especially excited about our guest speakers and fashion show segment as well as our “Women In Transition” where 4 women will be getting a free make over with Canvas Hair Salon. On our March cover we have Renee Jones who resides in Miami, Florida. Author of “Let Go and Let God” an inspirational book and author. This is a must
HERB PARSI PHOTOGRAPHY
read book, she went through a traumatic experience that led her to questioned God. This experience is allowing her to help others such as yourself who does not understand why life happens the way it does. Each month I-Female focus on entrepreneurs or women of inspiration globally that will impact the lives of each other. In this month’s issue we focus on “10 Things Were Talking About” from local business, organizations, groups as well as poets and song writers. Because spirituality is my foundation, each month we are blessed to have Gospel Secrets from Tony Myers. He brings the gospel that is clear, precise according to the Bible which can reach any audience. As you read each page may you find yourself intertwined and engage as this magazine was created for you. Thank you to our creative designer Trudean Wright at Le Petite Capella for her artistic imagination as she breathes life to her vision and our lovely assistant editor James Chandler for all his help. We at I-Female Magazine are very grateful and truly thankful for everyone’s interest and support. As we continue to strive to reach our audience I would also like to thank you the readers and those who have sent in their letters to help support and inspire other women through I-Female Magazine .
Stenell Greene-Myers Publisher
PG. 6 Did You Know...
5. 10 Things We’re Talking About. “Koco Nail Salon & Wax Studio - A quaint salon in the heart of East falls (Northwest) Philadelphia” 8. Being Friends “The more they had sex, the more Amber was getting 11. Renee E. Jones author of Let Go & Let God emotionally attached.” 17. Let Go and Let God Will You Cause God To Weep For Your Unbelief?
I-Female Magazine / March 2012
13-15. Signs of Abuse and Abusive Relationships
By noticing and acknowledging the warning signs and symptoms of domestic violence and abuse is the first step to ending it.
PROMOTION
Quotes Of March 1“Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead." -Louisa May Alcott March 2 “Hope is a renewable option: If you run out of it at the end of the day, you get to start over in the morning.” -Barbara Kingsolver
Let I-Female magazines tell your story!
We are ready to go to work with you–and for you! We offer cost-effective advertising options. I-Female Wall of Women in Business Community Spotlights
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March 3 "Cautious, careful people always casting about to preserve their reputation or social standards never can bring about reform. Those who are really in earnest are willing to be anything or nothing in the world's estimation, and publicly and privately, in season and out, avow their sympathies with despised ideas and their advocates, and bear the consequences." -Susan B. Anthony March 4 “Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.” -Joshua J. Marine March 5 "For what is done or learned by one class of women becomes, by virtue of their common womanhood, the property of all women." -Elizabeth Blackwell March 6 "The family unit plays a critical role in our society and in the training of the generation to come." -Sandra Day O'Connor March 7 “Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson March 8 "We've chosen the path to equality; don't let them turn us around." -Geraldine Ferraro March 9 “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says ‘I’ll try again tomorrow.’ -Mary Anne Radmacher March 10 "You can do one of two things; just shut up, which is something I don't find easy, or learn an awful lot very fast, which is what I tried to do." -Jane Fonda March 11 "If you have knowledge, let others light their candles in it." Margaret Fuller March 12 "My address is like my shoes. It travels with me. I abide where there is a fight against wrong." -Mother Jones March 13 "Don't compromise yourself. You are all you've got." -Janis Joplin
March 26 “Life is an adventure, dare it.” Mother Theresa
The Month March 14 “Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose." -Helen Keller March 15 "I can honestly say that I was never affected by the question of the success of an undertaking. If I felt it was the right thing to do, I was for it regardless of the possible outcome." Golda Meir March 16 "Remember no one can make you feel inferior without your consent." -Eleanor Roosevelt March 17 "I am also very proud to be a liberal. Why is that so terrible these days? The liberals were liberators—they fought slavery, fought for women to have the right to vote, fought against Hitler, Stalin, fought to end segregation, fought to end apartheid. Liberals put an end to child labor and they gave us the five day work week! What's to be ashamed of?" -Barbra Streisand
March 27 “Be glad of life because it gives you the chance to love, to work, to play, and to look up at the stars.” -Henry Van Dyke March 28 “March on. Do not tarry. To go forward is to move toward perfection. March on, and fear not the thorns, or the sharp stones on life's path.” -Kahlil Gibran March 29 “Take chances, make mistakes. That's how you grow. Pain nourishes your courage. You have to fail in order to practice being brave.” -Mary Tyler Moore March 30 “Don't limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind lets you. What you believe, remember, you can achieve.” -Mary Kay Ash March 31 “You gain strength, experience and confidence by every experience where you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing you cannot do.” -Eleanor Roosevelt
March 18 “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” -Winston Churchill March 19 "It's so clear that you have to cherish everyone. I think that's what I get from these older black women that every soul is to be cherished, that every flower is to bloom." -Alice Walker
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March 20 "I've learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our dispositions and not on our circumstances." -Martha Washington
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March 21 “Everything will be fine in the end. If it’s not, it’s not the end.” Author unknown March 22 “We need to find the courage to say no to the things and people that are not serving us if we want to rediscover ourselves and live our lives with authenticity.” -Barbara De Angelis March 23 “We are all travelers in the wilderness of this world, and the best we can find in our travels is an honest friend.” Robert Louis Stevenson
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March 24 “Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey toward it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us.” -Samuel Smiles March 25 “Strength means recognizing that it is impossible to be strong all the time.” -Sally Franser
Appointments preferred, limited Walk-in service available Tue-Fri 10-6p Sat 10-6p & Sun 12-5 www.KocoNails.com
NEWS & HOT TOPICS
Shivice Brown “Just Wanna Be Heard”
10 Things We’re Talking About 5. Arts on South is an innova1.Shivice Brown, born and raised in Brooklyn, New York is an amazing poet, songwriter and author. Raised in Brownsville section of Brooklyn, Shivice turned to writing as an escape from the ghetto around her. An individual who’ve experience domestic abuse, Shivice began writing at the age of 15, after a life changing event that almost ended her life. Her debut album “Just Wanna Be Heard” filled with heartfelt and at times tearful lyrics are a great blend of Spoken Word, R&B and Gospel.
tive program organized by Philadelphia's Magic Gardens that loans unrented retail stores to local artists to showcase their artwork. In collaboration with South Street Head house District, Arts on South will be offering 4 spaces for the current cycle of artists. acameron@phillymagicgardens.org
6. Woman to Woman is group on Face-
MOM) is a creative writing project that introduces young scholars to the real-life and artistic value of creative writing. www.muralsofthemind.com
book that’s inspired by the desire to see women ENCOURAGED at all times. EMPOWERED to be and do their best! EMBRACED through Sisterhood, Friendship, Business and the pursuit of DREAMS. All the members possess a genuine passion to see one another succeed! It is when we recognize that we are beautiful that we see and appreciate the beauty in others!
3 L.A.C.E.S. Inc. better known as LADIES
7. Local Tuskegee Airman honored in
2.The Mural of the Mind Project (aka
.
ABOUT CREATING EXCELLENCE & SUCCESS. Our organization was Reformed in 2008 with the intentions of starting a Revolution of Sisters Loving Sisters, Empowering & uplifting one another, all while working together to better our relationships with one another, our Youths future and the Communities in which we reside is a nonprofit organization in New York. www.ladiesofexcellence.net
4 After attending medical .
school and realizing that curing people just wasn't her cup of tea, Kate Evangelista wandered into the Literature department of her university and never looked back. A young author in Philippines, Kate has four completed young adult novels her upcoming novel “Taste” has many blogs and readers awaiting it’s tasteful arrival. www.kateevangelista.com
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Bridgeton for his service to the county and his contribution to African- American History. Clayo Casteal Rice, 81, was a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of AfricanAmerican men who served in the U.S. Air Force during WWII. Rice had not graduated from Bridgeton High School in 1945 when he was drafted into the armed forces and trained at Tuskegee University as a pilot.
9. Koco Nail Salon & Wax Studio - A quaint salon in the heart of East falls (Northwest) Philadelphia! Get a $5 gift Certificate when you come to Koco and post a pic of your tips or toes on your page! Be sure to tag them!
10. Noni’s Patois “Save the Arts… Save the Kids” Fundraiser Gala. Noni’s Patois unite against teen violence in city and raise money to send 25 public school teenagers with great attendance to the historic Freedom Theatre for the summer of 2012. Noni's Patois is celebrating their one year anniversary by giving back to the city. www.nonispatois.com
8.The Institute for the Development of Education in the Arts (IDEA) was founded in 1996 to serve as a healing presence in the lives of the City’s adolescents, 46 percent of whom live in poverty. IDEA is a creative learning organization that exists to create better futures for youth in Camden and throughout Southern New Jersey, by tapping into their creative spirit in order to inspire and give power to their dreams and aspirations through arts education. www.idea-arts.org MA RCH
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What are you talking about in your community? Send us what matters to you at magazine@i-female.net
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MAGAZINE
SEX & LOVE | DID YOU KNOW?
DID YOU KNOW...
Good relationships are built on trust, communication, commitment, and spending time together enjoying things other than sex?
By definition, abstinence is the act
of
of refraining from sex. But teens
(34%) than any other age
today tend to make up their own
group.
interpretations of the word: To
new
HIV
infections
some, abstinence may mean com-
pletely refraining from all sexual
young adults are dispro-
activity; to others, oral sex is O.K.
portionately
In fact, the U.S. Centers for Dis-
HIV infection, accounting
ease
Prevention
for 60% of HIV/AIDS diag-
(CDC) reports that that one-
noses in 13 to 24 year olds
quarter of teens who have not had
in 2006.
intercourse have had oral sex and
Control
and
still think of themselves as virgins. But when teaching abstinence, edu-
of early pregnancy and STDs, which may cause psy-
cators hold fast to its true meaning,
cho-emotional harm.
encouraging teens to avoid any act mitted diseases (STD).
The CDC reports that at least 25 percent of teenage girls nationwide have
a
STD. Among
African-
American teens, the rates are one in
herpes infection, and up to 90% of
Teenagers are more susceptible to human papilloma virus (HPV).
nence, many programs celebrate chasteness
Rates of HPV infection in teenagers
through pledges, trinkets and parties. Each
can be as high as 40%, whereas in
year, thousands of kids as young as nine sign
the adult population, the rate is less
virginity pledges, promising to abstain from sex
than 15%.
Teens are also more likely to develop precancerous growths as a
in which young girls pledge their virginity in
these skyrocketing stats down.
An estimated one in
To get more teens to grasp the concept of absti-
with great fanfare at Purity Balls, formal events
remains the surest way to bring
by
five Americans have genital
until marriage. Some pledges are even signed
two. Abstinence and education
affected
them don't know it.
11 Facts About Teens and STIs
that might result in sexual trans-
African-A merican
front of their fathers. Other programs sell silver
result of HPV infection, and these
Studies have shown that, on aver-
rings inscribed with a virginity symbol to be
growths more likely to develop
age, abstinent teens are more psy-
removed on the wearer's wedding day and
chologically
have
given to his or her spouse. Nineteen million
higher academic achievement than
new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) occur
adjusted
an
into invasive cancer.
incorrectly believe that the contra-
each year, almost half of them among young
ceptive “pill” and “shot” protect
people ages 15 to 24.
against STIs and HIV.
10,000 teens are infected by STIs per day, one every eight seconds!
ity will not be exposed to the risks
One out of every four sexually active teens has
Some young people, including education, consider oral and anal sex to be abstinent behaviors and do not realize these behaviors pre-
will contract an STI by age 25.
teens who avoid early sexual activ-
those who have had abstinence
an STI, and one in two sexually active youth
the sexually active. In addition,
40% of older adolescents surveyed
sent risks of STI transmission.
In 2006, adolescents and young adults 13-29 years old accounted for the greatest percentage www.dosomething.org www.livestrong.com
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SEX & LOVE | DEAR STENELL
Dear Stenell, I've been dating a guy for a little over a year, we weren't serious and during that time he got someone pregnant. We stop communicating for awhile but we were still good friends. We recently reconnected and even though I still like him I don't know if that's a road I'm ready to go down. What should I do?" -Anonymous
Stenell Greene-Myers, author of “Who’s Gonna Pay The Mortgage? A Woman’s Guide To Relationship Recovery”, therapist, professor and Motivational speaker
Anonymous, Reading your question I immediately traveled down a deep long road of being in the same situation a long time ago. Difference is this guy was my boyfriend of eight months and failed to tell me his high school sweetheart was pregnant; in fact he told me the day the baby was born. What did I do? I listened to him tell me that he was going to be in his child’s life but was not with the mother and wanted to continue to be with me. A long terrible story short, he was with her and me. Two things you stated I want to point out. (1) you dated him a little over a year, were not serious and he got someone pregnant”. I’m guessing you had an open relationship. You said dating and not serious, was sex involved? I say this because if so sex is serious. As a woman we are very emotionally. Although personally I do not condone sex and not marriage, I cannot put my expectations upon you. Do you want him to commit now? If he really cares about you, he will commit. Tell him what you want,
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if you want a commitment tell him and mean it. If you don’t want a commitment, you will be back at square one not serious. A little over a year is a long time. (2) The communication stopped for awhile, however you remained friends. How much do you like him? If you were stuck on an island would he be your top three choices you wish was with you? Ask yourself that because after dating someone over a year serious or not, you know how you feel about them. Use this question for any man you date. That can help you weed out the guy’s you really like. My question to you is what do you want? Is he a straight up guy that will be honest with you? He is a father now. Can you
trust him if he tells you his child was sick and he stayed at the mothers house but nothing happened? Are you ready for that? I am not trying to be harsh, but if you’re questioning what you should do, if you’re questioning you already what you should do, know what you already know you should what you should do... do. Set a high standard for yourself, place some rules out there for you only. These rules will protect your heart if you follow them. Some women have specific rules they follow and this helps them. For example some people would not date a person if they smoke. If you don’t think you should travel down that road then there you go. Saying NO, or we can continue to be friends nothing more can save a BROKEN HEART.
MA RCH
Write to Dear Stenell and your letter may be featured in I-Female Magazine where author, motivational speaker Stenell Greene-Myers will respond to you.
Dear Stenell P.O Box 935 Vineland New Jersey 08362 2012/
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CHAPTER
3
BEING A FRIEND
of your girlfriends. Talking on the
single miserable women, you will
phone, going out to the movies, the
get the response as such. Talking
mall, cookouts, and dancing; whatever
to your man as a friend, you and
you do with your girlfriend, incorporate
he understanding each other, is
the same with the man before sex. Be
all right and needed. People do
the successful author of your book of
not have to understand your
being a friend. Doing this creates a
situation; they are not your rela-
sense of closeness, like having a child-
tionship. Sometimes, ladies, you
hood friend. As you grow up as an adult,
and your male friend/boyfriend
you share stories that make you laugh at
have a relationship which no one
the same time; you feel so close to that
will ever understand. The prob-
person because you experienced so
lem is when you allow others to
much together.
validate your situation; taking
Being a friend in your relationship is the strong-
Building the same foundation
others advice sometimes can
est foundation you can have, even if you did not
with your male friend will give structure
leave you just where they are, man-less.
wait to be friends before having sex. Ladies, this factor depends on the standards you set before the sex
“Being a friend in your relationship is the strongest foundation you can have”
Don’t
ways share what happens
and type of man you have. It is very important to
al-
in
get to know the man, in every capacity, so you
and support in the time of a Hurricane. I
your personal relationship with
can have some substance to hold when times are
use the term “Hurricane” as a jealous
your girlfriends. Sometimes you
shaky, and times definitely will be unstable. Dur-
friend, or outside influences that may
have to think for you; the re-
ing this time is when the friend comes seeking
try to interrupt your relationship. Adver-
sponse you get you may not like.
out, understanding him, knowing when to back
saries that lurk, waiting to make their
There are so many women who
off and give him space.
move and make your lives complicated
quarrel over gossip. In between
Ladies, you must learn how to pull the
to replace their emptiness. With the
all the arguments and finger
sensitive side out of your man, rub his shoulders
structure and support of friendship dur-
pointing somewhere lies a jealous
when he’s emotionally distraught. Talk to him,
ing the storm, you both can hold each
female that calls herself your
bring out the boy and let him know in silence
other up while the winds of the negative
friend.
that you are there for him without saying it; qui-
outside influence try to tear down your
etly holding him is all he needs. A man needs a
building foundation. Don’t fall victim to
I will take you through a few scenarios in which couples
sense of needing to be wanted. It is up to you to
gossiping hen females that do not have
give him that feeling. They can get that feeling in
a man, placing negative thoughts in your
one or two ways, as a friend building a relation-
mind. It’s good to have good girlfriends
ship or sexing your way into a relationship; either
you can vent to when you need to get
tionship. There is always that one male friend you wonder what
way, it falls on you. In other words, you meet a
some things off your mind and some
would have happened if you
man and begin to build a friendship like he’s one
advice. However, if you are venting to
became friends before sex; other stories will display how men and women sex their way into a rela-
would have gone there. Cont. page 10
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Poetry: noun: the art of rhythmical composition, written or spoken, for
Maya Drew Valentines on the Daily
W
hen I wake your face prompts me for a smile.
A soft kiss begins the journey of the day.
A morning greeting empowers me go the extra mile. Clearing the path you make the way. Coffee on the menu maybe breakfast if there's time. Mindful never to take you for granted. Chivalry is your middle name, o man of mine. Watering your seeds of love you religiously planted. God's blessing as we part our separate way. Don't want to miss a moment to talk on the line Eight hours too long of the working day. Wanting to meet you lunchtime. I saw you in my dreams holding up a sign Living life with you means everyday is Valentines.
Congratulations To Our Sonnet Of Love Poetry Contest Winners
exciting pleasure by beautiful, imaginative, or elevated thoughts.
Helen Heightsman Gordon Bronzing an Afternoon on Sleepy Skin
S
till I recall that willow-hidden valley And simple comforts of a tranquil day, Where lazy shadows took the minutes' tally Making a wildwood chapel where they lay. Still I recall that summer-heavy sun Bronzing an afternoon on sleepy skin, The meadow-world where rippled grasses run Green through the lowland, bluing where hills begin. Our thoughts and sentences could be inferred. Searching your eyes, I found serenity. Your touch conveyed assurance you had heard, And love became implicit certainty. Our golden afternoon preserved in bronze Sustains me through the darknesses and dawns.
Two ladies, Laura and Eden, first became
tionship before they were married.
situation, Amber and Daniel sexed their
friends with their now husbands, meaning they
On the other hand, Daniel and Am-
way into a relationship, a sexual rela-
did not have sex until after they were married.
ber met and were very attractive to
tionship, not on the grounds of getting
Laura was engaged to her fiancé, Michael, and
each other. They both had the same
to know each other as friends, but hav-
did not have sex with him until they were mar-
interests – she loved to read and
ing sex first and then getting to know
ried. She discussed the importance of being his
write, and he loved poetry. They
each other. In the life of love, building a
friend first, learning who he was prior to having
went out a few times to poetry
relationship is in two ways: either get-
sex. Michael did not completely agree with
readings and absolutely enjoyed
ting to know the man first as a friend
Laura, but in time began to understand and
each other. They quickly became
before having sex, or sexing your way
went along with her wishes. Laura felt that
intimate and began seeing each
into a relationship.
friends are more than sex; she got an under-
Ladies, you do not understand
standing of Michael without sexual emo-
how much power you have when mak-
tions.
ing a decision to sleep with a man.
Ladies, Laura uses another emotion, which is
Sometimes you fall short and sleep
what I call a platonic sound emotion. This
with the man with the fear of losing
type of emotion has not been introduced to
him if you do not give in. Instead you
sex, the feeling of good loving and confusion all tied up into one crazy unexplained feel-
give in, and end up hurt. I am not say“The more they had sex, the more Amber was getting emotionally attached.”
ing. This emotion can think on its own and
ing if you wait a year or two years before having sex, you won’t get hurt
make intelligent sound decisions without the
other more on a personal level.
because you can. Learning a person
interruption of any sexual feelings.
Every time they were in each
takes time, and if you have tough skin
Eden was a straight sex addict. She would do
other’s presence they had sex. The
and don’t allow your heart to get into it,
any and all things– there were no boundaries in
more they had sex, the more Amber
then by all means, DO YOU. However, if
what she did until she met her husband Noah, a
was getting emotionally attached.
you are built on emotions, find yourself
saved man seeking his wife GOD created for
Prior to having sex, they had short
caring and falling fast, getting your feel-
him. They went two years without having any
conversations about how they felt
ings hurt, then you may need to re-
form of sex; they kissed and hugged, but no
about each other, but they were
evaluate the things you do, so you do
sex. Eden, who had all kinds of sexual tricks up
not in a relationship. Soon Daniel
not continue to get hurt. The POWER
her sleeve, was now celibate. Noah was the
began to back up from Amber, and
that you hold is so beneficial to you, but
strong foundation waiting to be married before
the phone calls stopped. When con-
you have to tap into that power. When
engaging in sex. Noah waited a long time be-
fronted by Amber – why haven’t
tapping into your power, you will lose
fore he made the decision to get married. He
they been seeing each other as of-
many men who don’t have you as an
wanted to make sure his beautiful queen was
ten? – he replied that they did not
interest. This is a learning process and
not just a sexy body, but a woman he could
have to see each other like they
can be very painful, but if you stick to
build from friend to family. Noah was not a vir-
were because they were not in a
owning your power, walking away when
gin, but was very clear on what he wanted to
relationship. Amber was angry and
you have to in order to save your heart,
do by GOD. Eden gained the title as friend first,
hurt because she thought having
you will heal and hold the cards to your
and then they structured a sound spiritual rela-
sex displayed a relationship. In this
heart. Cont. on page 16
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The Importance of Letting Go & Letting God During our times of need and when we can’t seem to get a grip on things in our lives, let go and let God often rings in our ears. But, what does it really mean to let go and let God? Let go and let God means to admit the situation is out of your control and no matter what you have to offer there is not a thing you can do to make the situation better. When I wrote this book, I naively believed I had experienced the hardest tragedies in my life, but, I was wrong. Let Go and Let God: The Path to Freedom was officially released October 17, 2011. I was elated and felt on top of the world. Not because I now had the potential to become financially secure, but because I made myself available to be God’s mouthpiece to glorify Him and at the same time inspire others. Just one day after the release of my book, my nine-
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teen year old son was shot in the head during a drive-by shooting. This tragedy placed me on a new and unexpected level of letting go and letting God. I felt numb and couldn’t believe what was before me. Of course, there was nothing I could do about the situation and to be honest with you the words in my book took no effect during that time. This tragedy imposed two weeks of what seemed like hell on earth and no one could fix it for me. My son passed away on October 31st as a result of that incident. While now faced with the tragedy of losing my son, I found myself questioning if God was truly for me. After all, how could the God I serve allow this to happen after dedicating myself to serving Him. I did what a lot of us do when we don’t understand, I questioned God. My question was simple, “Why did You allow this to happen?” We don’t always know or understand why things MA RCH
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happen, but what we ought to know and understand is that God is for us and all things work together for our good. The situation may not be good, but the very thing that has come against us, God will use it to work out on our behalf and cause it to be a stepping stone to elevate us. I can honestly say, had I not released my book prior to my son’s death, I am ninetyfive percent certain I would not have released this book and if so, certainly it would not have been any time soon. You see, as hard as it has been for me and my family during these times the promotion of this book is what snaps me out of a world of depression and giving up on everything. As I wrote in my book, I now have to elevate myself to another level of forgiving, trusting and letting go and letting God. Unfortunately, I cannot change my current situation however, I have the ability to change how I feel about the situation and that is what I have decided to do. Even more so now, I have to lean on, trust in and rely on God to lead and guide me on this journey and I can tell you that God has an awesome track record with me. If I could leave you with a message of hope it would be for you to know that God is for you. Also, from time to time you may encounter obstacles and challenges that appear to be overwhelming and you just can’t seem to get handle on things, but just remember, it is during these times that it is imperative that you let go and let God perfect His timing in your life. What is going on in your life that appears to be out of your control? Whatever it may be, I invite you to let go and let God turn your problem into your purpose. Let go and let God the true path to freedom!
Who Is Author Renee E. Jones As an author, inspirational speaker and having suffered insecurity along with lack of identity as a child, I discovered the freedom to live victoriously by applying God's Word to my life and in turn desires to help others do the same. From my battle with chronic lung disease and heart issue to the struggles of everyday life, I V ISIT
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speak openly and practically about my experiences so others can be inspired and encouraged to apply what I have learned to their lives. After encouraging and sharing my milestones and victories with so many women, I decided to author my struggles to continue to share my testimony and the lifechanging message of the Gospel. I believe and teach the message centered on God’s ability to heal, deliver and set free anyone regardless of their background or past mistakes. I want to let others know that God has a place for them and can help them on their path to living a purposeful and fulfilling life. I am a proud wife; mother; Nana; friend and I enjoy giving back to my community. The Importance of giving back In 2009, I became the founder and president of Women of Destiny Social Club, Inc (WD) a non-profit organization. WD’s mission is to change the lives of women one sister at a time. The organization goal is accomplished via encouraging, educating, and expanding the consciousness of women through community service activities, social outings, and knowledge based workshops. I honestly believe in order for us to achieve and maintain the blessings God bestows upon us, in spite of us, we have to give back. God has equipped each and every one of us with the ability to share with others be it our treasure, time or talent. One thing I have come to realize in life and that is, today may be your day but tomorrow could be mine and I certainly want to do to others as I would want them to do to me. Author Renee E. Jones Miami, FL For additional information on the book as well as the author, please visit her website at www.iamreneejones.com
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Domestic Violence and Abuse Signs of Abuse and Abusive Relationships Domestic violence and abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of size, gender, or strength, yet the problem is often overlooked, excused or denied. This is especially true when the abuse is psychological, rather than physical. Emotional abuse is often minimized, yet it can leave deep and lasting scars. By noticing and acknowledging the warning signs and symptoms of domestic violence and abuse is the first step to ending it. No one should live in fear of the person they love. Domestic violence, also known as spousal abuse, occurs when one person in an intimate relationship o marriage tries to dominate and control the other person. Domestic abuse that includes physical violence is called domestic violence. Domestic violence and abuse does not discriminate. It happens among heterosexual couples and in same sex-partnerships. It occurs within all age ranges, ethnic backgrounds, and economic levels. And while women are more commonly victimized, men are also abused- especially verbally and emotionally, although sometimes even physically as well.
Recognizing abuse is the first step to getting help
Signs of an abusive relationship
There are many signs of an abuLearn to recognize abuse is the first sive relationship. The most revealstep to getting help. Often domestic ing sign is fear of your partner. If violence escalates from threats and you feel like you have to walk on verbal abuse to violence. And while eggshells around your partnerphysical injuries may be the most constantly watching what you say obvious danger, the emotional and and do in order to avoid a blow up psychological consequences of do- chances are your relationship is Domestic violence and abuse are used for mestic violence are also severe. unhealthy and abusive. Other one purpose and one purpose only: to gain Emotionally abusive relationship can signs that you maybe in an abusive and maintain total control over you. An destroy your self-worth, which can relationship includes a partner abuser doesn’t “play fair.” Abusers use leave you depress and make you feel who belittles you or tries to confear, guilt, shame, and intimidation to helpless and alone. No one should trol you and your feelings of selfwear you down and keep you under his or have to endure this kind of pain and loathing, helplessness and desher thumb. Your abuser may also threaten your first step is to breaking free is peration. you, hurt you or hurt those around you. recognizing that your situation is abusive. Once you acknowledge the The bottom line is that abusive behavior is reality of the abusive situation, then never acceptable, whether it’s coming you can get the help you need. from a man, a woman, a teenager, or older adult. You deserve to feel valued, respected and safe.
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Sexual abuse is a form of physical abuse
Emotional abuse includes verbal abuse such as yelling, name-calling, blaming, and shaming. Isolation, intimidaAny situation in which you are forced to participate in untion, and controlling behavior also fall under emotional wanted, unsafe, or degrading sexual activity is sexual abuse. Additionally, abusers who use emotional or psyabuse. Forced sex, even by a spouse or intimate partner chological abuse often throw in threats of physical viowith whom you also have consensual sex, is an act of aglence or other repercussions if you don’t do what they gression and violence. Furthermore, people whose partwant. ners abuse them physically and sexually are at a higher risk You may think that physical abuse is far worse of being seriously injured or killed. than emotional abuse, since physical violence can send you to the hospital and leave you with scars. But, the It Is Still Abuse If . . . scars of emotional abuse are very real, and they run deep. The incidents of physical abuse seem minor when In fact, emotional abuse can be just as damaging as physicompared to those you have read about, seen on televical abuse—sometimes even more so. sion or heard other women talk about. There isn’t a “better” or “worse” form of physical abuse; you can be The cycle of violence in domestic abuse severely injured as a result of being pushed, for example. The incidents of physical abuse have only occurred Domestic abuse falls into a common pattern, or cycle of vioone or two times in the relationship. Studies indicate that lence: if your spouse/partner has injured you once, it is likely he will continue to physically assault you. The physical assaults stopped when you became passive and gave up your right to express yourself as you desire, to move about freely and see others, and to make decisions. It is not a victory if you have to give up your rights as a person and a partner in exchange for not being assaulted! There has not been any physical violence. Many women are emotionally and verbally assaulted. This can be as equally frightening and is often more confusing to try to Abuse – Your abusive partner lashes out with aggressive, understand. belittling, or violent behavior. The abuse is a power play (Source: Breaking the Silence: a Handbook for Victims of designed to show you "who is boss." Violence in Nebraska)
Emotional abuse: It’s a bigger problem than you think When people think of domestic abuse, they often picture battered women who have been physically assaulted. But not all abusive relationships involve violence. Just because you’re not battered and bruised doesn’t mean you’re not being abused. Many men and women suffer from emotional abuse, which is no less destructive. Unfortunately, emotional abuse is often minimized or overlooked—even by the person being abused.
Understanding emotional abuse
The aim of emotional abuse is to chip away at your feelings of self-worth and independence. If you’re the victim of emotional abuse, you may feel that there is no way out of the relationship or that without your abusive partner you have nothing.
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Guilt – After abusing you, your partner feels guilt, but not over what he's done. He’s more worried about the possibility of being caught and facing consequences for his abusive behavior. Excuses – Your abuser rationalizes what he or she has done. The person may come up with a string of excuses or blame you for the abusive behavior—anything to avoid taking responsibility. "Normal" behavior — The abuser does everything he can to regain control and keep the victim in the relationship. He may act as if nothing has happened, or he may turn on the charm. This peaceful honeymoon phase may give the victim hope that the abuser has really changed this time. Fantasy and planning – Your abuser begins to fantasize about abusing you again. He spends a lot of time thinking about what you’ve done wrong and how he'll make you pay. Then he makes a plan for turning the fantasy of abuse into reality. Set-up – Your abuser sets you up and puts his plan in motion, creating a situation where he can justify abusing you
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The Full Cycle of Domestic Violence: An Example A man abuses his partner. After he hits her, he experiences self-directed guilt. He says, "I'm sorry for hurting you." What he does not say is, "Because I might get caught." He then rationalizes his behavior by saying that his partner is having an affair with someone. He tells her "If you weren't such a worthless whore I wouldn't have to hit you." He then acts contrite, reassuring her that he will not hurt her again. He then fantasizes and reflects on past abuse and how he will hurt her again. He plans on telling her to go to the store to get some groceries. What he withholds from her is that she has a certain amount of time to do the shopping. When she is held up in traffic and is a few minutes late, he feels completely justified in assaulting her because "you're having an affair with the store clerk." He has just set her up. (Source: Mid-Valley Women's Crisis Service)
Speak up if you suspect domestic violence or abuse If you suspect that someone you know is being abused, speak up! If you’re hesitating—telling yourself that it’s none of your business, you might be wrong, or the person might not want to talk about it—keep in mind that expressing your Do:
Don’t:
Ask if something is wrong. Express concern. Listen and validate. Offer help. Support his or her decisions.
Wait for him or her to come to you. Judge or blame. Pressure him or her. Give advice. Place conditions on your support.
concern will let the person know that you care and may even save his or her life. (Adapted from: NYS Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence) Talk to the person in private and let him or her know that you’re concerned. Point out the things you’ve noticed that make you worried. Tell the person that you’re there, whenever he or she feels ready to talk. Reassure the person that you’ll keep whatever is said between the two of you, and let him or her know that you’ll help in any way you can. Remember, abusers are very good at controlling and manipulating their victims. People who have been emotionally abused or battered are depressed, drained, scared, ashamed, and confused. They need help to get out, yet they’ve often been isolated from their family and friends. By picking up on the warning signs and offering support, you can help them escape an abusive situation and begin healing. Women don’t have to live in fear: In the U.S., call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE). UK: call Women’s Aid at 0808 2000 247. Canada: National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-363-9010. Australia: National Domestic Violence Hotline 1800 200 526. Or visit International Directory of Domestic Violence Agencies for a worldwide list of help lines, shelters, and crisis centers. Male victims of abuse can call: In the US, The Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men & Women specializes in supporting male victims of abuse and offers a 24-hour helpline: 1-888-7HELPLINE (1-888-743-5754). UK: Mankind Initiative offers a national helpline at 01823 334244. Source Authors: Melinda Smith, M.A., and Jeanne Segal, PhD www.helpguide.org
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Joanne was in a relationship with Tom for a matter of months.
Juan and Stacey were friends for over twelve years. They
From the door she told him how she felt, and what she wanted out
both had a very strong attraction for each other; how-
of a man. Not too soon, he became her everything that she
ever, they both were in a relationship, and they did not
thought she needed and endured. Tom was doing things for
want to cross boundaries. Juan would come over to Sta-
Joanne that she could not believe – he was cooking, cleaning, tak-
cey’s house, and they would go out to dinner and talk
ing her out, paying bills, working on her house; things were good.
about anything. Juan was very open with his relationship
They quickly passed the friend stage and went straight to relation-
with his girlfriend, and so was Stacey. One night they al-
ship mode. Tom told her she was all he ever wanted, and they
most took it to the level of passion. Stacey stopped, and
started planning for their future. Joanne was a Princess, and there
with Juan’s agreement they decided being friends was a
was nothing her Prince in shining armor would not do for her. Soon
better trade than confusing the strong friendship they
her Prince turned into a frog. Tom did a complete 360-degree an-
shared. Stacey did not want to be left singing “Mary J, Hey
gle; his feelings began to change as hers remained the same. Tom
lova Hi friend.” Both Stacey and Juan remain very good
had a passion she was unaware about; the passion was for other
friends, in separate relationships.
women. Meanwhile, Joanne thought she was the only one, the
Ladies, becoming a friend first with your man is
love of his life, his baby; he thought differently. She was so stuck in
the most essential piece of the relationship you have.
how good he treated her, she allowed him to mistreat her. Tom
Don’t get so caught up in the company of the man or the
began to dwindle away and see Joanne at his convenience. When
sex. If the man does not want to play your rules first and
he wanted to talk he would call; if she called him and he did not
become friends, compromising may leave you hurt, mis-
want to talk, he would not pick up the phone. Joanne could be
treated, and disrespected. Remember that friendships last
lying in a pool of blood in his house, he in the next room, her
forever, sex lasts for minutes – which one do you think
screaming for him to pick up the phone, and he wouldn’t. At his
holds the most weight?
convenience he would talk to her or do whatever he could to gain what he wanted. She soon became tired of being a convenience to “Ladies, becoming a friend first with
him and left.
your man is the most essential piece
They did not have a foundation to hold onto because they
of the relationship you have. Don’t
never developed a structure to hold in the time of a storm. If
get so caught up in the company of
Joanne would have taken her time learning him, she would have
the man or the sex. If the man does
been able to see this guy was selfish, and when he wanted her to
not want to play your rules first and
be in his presence he made it happen; on the other hand, when he
become friends, compromising may
was tired of playing with her, he would place Joanne on the shelf
leave you hurt, mistreated, and disre-
and play with another toy. As I stated before, Joanne allowed her-
spected. Remember that friendships
self to give him her power by making decisions when and how he was going to play with her. As a result, she had to come to grips and get her mind right, and no matter how bad it made her feel,
last forever, sex lasts for minutes – which one do you think holds the most weight?” -Stenell Greene-Myers
she had to finally let him go for good. When you really care for someone, letting them go is hard, but when she thought about how she was disrespected, she could no longer be mistreated, and all that caring went to the side for her peace of mind.
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Will You Jesus wept is the shortest verse in the bible but makes a profound statement about the condition of that present day in Society. At that time Jesus arrived at Lazarus grave, Lazarus had been dead four days and his body began to decompose. Now Martha Lazarus sister met Jesus as he arrived and said Lord if you were here my brother would not have died but now even if you willed it so he could still live. It was this statement by Martha that opened the door to the impossible.
Cause God To Weep From Your Unbelief?
24: Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. 25: Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? 27: She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
God was able. And it was this Jews also weeping which came with her, he faith that gives Jesus (God in groaned in the spirit, and was troubled. the flesh) the opportunity to call Lazarus from his death. Perhaps the groan gives some indication of We all know that God needs why? The dictionary a man or woman states: a groan is “a low in the earth mournful sound utWould God weep today? Will to declare tered in pain or you cause God to weep from his word grief�. The groan or your unbelief? We know that in the pain that Jesus the condition of the world as a earth was experiencing but was pain or grief whole has brought God to tears, why did of their unbebut have you? Jesus lief. This pain was so severe that it causes God weep? The to weep! bible mentioned Would God weep today? Will you that Jesus groaned and was cause God to weep from your unbetroubled in His spirit when He lief? We know that the condition of the world as a came unto Mary's home. whole has brought God to tears, but have you? We must examine ourselves and make sure John 11:33 (KJV) that our faith is in God!
Martha provided for God a vessel within the earth that believed that
33: When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the
John 11:24-27 (KJV)
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INSPIRATIONAL STORIES
We As Women Always Have A Choice
We As Women Always Have A Never wait for a man to save you from circumstance, it’s much to save yourself, and there is nothing more attractive Choice… cooler than an independent, strong-minded and brave woman.
I
am a 28 year old woman, proudly South African. About four months back I have ended a long-term relationship that not only intimidated my selfesteem; it also suppressed the pride I’ve once cherished within myself. I have moved from a small town suburb to a big city and sacrificed my whole life there in order to be with the love of my life. Although I knew nobody in this Big City except him, I was and still am very fortunate to be working with amazing and supportive people; I am a Legal Secretary at a Law Firm. Before the big move I have never noticed anything about my boyfriend that would stir any doubt with regards to the big decision that we have made. He’s always been spontaneous, generous and a loving, happy guy. About a month and a half after the big move, now remember, not only has it been bit traumatizing to change your whole life around with strange surroundings and unfamiliar people, it is a huge city, of which you’d need a map to just drive to your nearest shopping centre and back home, however we eventually settled in. On a daily basis he would come home from work with an empty V ISIT
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beer bottle or two, trashing it in the can, it never woke suspicion, I just thought, ok, the city is much different from the small town where I come from; maybe this is the lifestyle here, to relax with a drink or two on a daily basis. But wait, it got much worse. Sometimes he would use an excuse and come home at 02h00 in the mornings, sometimes he would just not come home at all. That is exactly when it got much, much worse. Confrontation time. “Each time when I’d try to approach him and ask him whether he could justify his actions, he would adapt to a more aggressive attitude towards me” sometimes he would pull me around, sometimes I would be less fortunate, sometimes I’d even get locked up in the little space I had to call ‘home’. I’ve had absolutely nobody to turn to, nobody to trust and to top it all, I was depending on him as my income wouldn’t have been able to have meet with the obligations to move to a home of my very own, I could not just pack up the courage and move back home either, because careerMA RCH
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wise, opportunities are very limited in a small town suburb and financially my parents would not have been able to support me either. So I was stuck in a whirlwind of emotions, thoughts and fears. One evening after work I went home as usual, I waited and waited and he would never come home anymore, he would not even let me know whether he would be late or not, we start living separate lives. Still I remained loving him, although I felt hurt, betrayed, confused, life starting to feel more bittersweet, although I’ve always managed to lift my chin up, at that point the fight was more within my mind and spirit over choices, over regret, over broken dreams and big decisions. About four months back, the whole routine repeated itself, I confronted him, begged him, pleaded, cried, yet his verbal and physical ways of abuse always repeated itself, except for the fact that he told me “I would love to shoot you coldblooded’’ “ I will get nine Nigerian men with aids to gang-rape you’’. I was frightened and had no idea what to do, because he knew and I knew that I had nowhere to go. I just kept praying. About a week after that incident, my boss approach me and offered me a promotion, which I’ve welcomed with open arms, one evening my boyfriend got locked up for drunk driving and as soon as he I-FEMA LE
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as he phoned me to let me know, I starting packing up my whole life, yet again to move to safer surroundings, I was relieved and excited all the same. I have moved without letting him know where I was moving to. I was frightened and had no idea what to do, because he knew and I knew that I had nowhere to go. I just kept praying. About a week after that incident, my boss approach me and offered me a promotion, which I’ve welcomed with open arms, one evening my boyfriend got locked up for drunk driving and as soon as he phoned me to let me know, I starting packing up my whole life, yet again to move to safer surroundings, I was relieved and excited all the same. I have moved without letting him know where I was moving to. About a month ago in a matter of two weeks I found out that he was cheating on me during that stage of all the abuse I had to tolerate and afterwards I bumped into the two of them as a couple, not once, but twice. I’ve come to terms with the whole experience and I’ve found the courage to Forgive. Life starts now and each day holds a promise of a new adventure. We as women always have a choice, when you remain in an abusive relationship, do not consider yourself a victim, because you only become a victim of your own choices at the end of the day. Never wait for a man to save you from circumstance, it’s much cooler to save yourself, and there is nothing more attractive than an independent, strong-minded and brave woman. Anonymous South Africa
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History of National Women's History Month By Molly Murphy MacGregor, Executive Director & Cofounder National Women's History Project
Local Celebrations As recently as the 1970's, women's history was virtually an unknown topic in the K-12 curriculum or in general public consciousness. To address this situation, the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County (California) Commission on the Status of Women initiated a "Women's History Week" celebration for 1978. The week March 8th, International Women's Day, was chosen as the focal point of the observance. The local Women's History Week activities met with enthusiastic response, and dozens of schools planned special programs for Women's History Week. Over one-hundred community women participated by doing special presentations in classrooms throughout the country and an annual "Real Woman" Essay Contest drew hundreds of entries. The finale for the week was a celebratory parade and program held in the center of downtown Santa Rosa, California. Mobilizing a Movement In 1979, Molly Murphy MacGregor, a member of our group, was invited to participate in The Women's History Institute at Sarah Lawrence College, which was chaired by noted historian, Gerda Lerner and attended by the national leaders of organizations for women and girls. When the participants learned about the success of the Sonoma County's Women's History Week celebration, they decided to initiate similar celebrations within their own organizations, communities, and school districts. They also agreed to support an effort to secure a "National Women's History Week." Presidential and Congressional Support
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The first steps toward success came in February 1980 when President Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation declaring the Week of March 8th 1980 as National Women's History Week. In the same year, Representative Barbara Mikulski, who at the time was in the House of Representatives, and Senator Orrin Hatch co-sponsored a Congressional Resolution for National Women's History Week 1981. This cosponsorship demonstrated the wide-ranging political support for recognizing, honoring, and celebrating the achievements of American women.
used as the rational to lobby Congress to declare the entire month of March 1987 as National Women's History Month. In 1987, Congress declared March as National Women's History Month in perpetuity. A special Presidential Proclamation is issued every year which honors the extraordinary achievements of American women.
A National Lobbying Effort
"From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended them, men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.
As word spread rapidly across the nation, state departments of education encouraged celebrations of National Women's History Week as an effective means to achieving equity goals within classrooms. Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, Oregon, Alaska, and other states developed and distributed curriculum materials for all of their public schools. Organizations sponsored essay contests and other special programs in their local areas. Within a few years, thousands of schools and communities were celebrating National Women's History Week, supported and encouraged by resolutions from governors, city councils, school boards, and the U.S. Congress. Each year, the dates of National Women's History Week, (the week of March 8th) changed and every year a new lobbying effort was needed. Yearly, a national effort that included thousands of individuals and hundreds of educational and women’s organizations was spearheaded by the National Women's History Project.
National Women’s History Month By 1986, 14 states had already declared March as Women's History Month. This momentum and state-by-state action was
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Presidential Message 1980 President Jimmy Carter’s Message to the nation designating March 2-8, 1980 as National Women’s History Week.
As Dr. Gerda Lerner has noted, “Women’s History is Women’s Right.” – It is an essential and indispensable heritage from which we can draw pride, comfort, courage, and long-range vision.” I ask my fellow Americans to recognize this heritage with appropriate activities during National Women’s History Week, March 2-8, 1980. I urge libraries, schools, and community organizations to focus their observances on the leaders who struggled for equality - - Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, Lucy Stone, Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Harriet Tubman, and Alice Paul. Understanding the true history of our country will help us to comprehend the need for full equality under the law for all our people. This goal can be achieved by ratifying the 27th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which states that “Equality of Rights under the Law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.” www.nwhp.org
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Our History Is Our Strength Builders of Communities and Dreams
Dr. Patricia Bailey-Jones has created tremendous impact for more than 30 years in over 133 countries around the world, bringing deliverance and salvation to countless thousands. Dr. Bailey-Jones is a lecturer, author, and founder of Master’s Touch Ministries Global, Inc. (MTM), a mission outreach with headquarters in North Carolina, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Georgia, South Africa, Belgium, Brazil and London, England. MTM has also founded Y.U.G.O. (Young Adults United for Global Outreach), GLTC (Global Leadership Training Center,
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which is a program designed to teach global strategies that will empower leaders to impact nations), and SEW (Sisters Empowering the World Intensive Training Center, a 5-day extensive training center designed to equip and empower women to become vessels of honor for their families and to ultimately transform them into World Changers that impact the nations). Global Leadership Training Center is a special mentorship program oriented toward high achievers, groomed to be 21st century Global Leaders. GLTC equips them in areas of foreign policy, international diplomacy, cultural etiquette and legal missions. She and her husband have served as consultants to Heads of States, diplomats, and other important government dignitaries in Uganda, Burundi, Congo, Western Sahara and countries in the Caribbean. She is a sought after lecturer and Board Member in such schools as Victory World Missions Training Center, founded by the late Pastor Billy Joe Daugherty. She is also the recipient of the Church of God in Christ prestigious Charles L. Moody award, bestowed by the Presiding Bishop Charles Blake, and the re-
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cipient of the Azusa Award for Global Leadership commemorating the historic Azusa Street Revival under the leadership of Charles Harrison Mason. She serves on the Board of Directors for several ministries in Atlanta, California, Tulsa and North Carolina. She has also been a General in the areas of disaster relief and humanitarian aid, responding to such crises as the South Pacific Asian Tsunami in 2004 and the Haiti Earthquake in 2010.
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To learn more about Dr. Patricia Bailey-Jones and her mission Visit www.mtmintl.org sisbailey@aol.com Contact: East Coast Address 615 coliseum Dr. Winston-Salem, NC 27106 Phone: 336-917-2630 Fax: 336-917-2631 West Coast Address 6329 Tarragon Rd., Ranch Palos Verdes, CA 90275
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