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Editor’s Message: Were you aware that a child is abducted every 40 seconds in this country? Moreover, did you know that over 40% of these children are African American? If not, you are not alone because few people are aware of this epidemic. The truth is that African American children receive limited media coverage when they go missing. Sadly, without this exposure it is less likely that they will be safely found. The staff at Peas In Their Pods works diligently to spread awareness about this issue by alerting media outlets as needed when African American children are missing or abducted. The media play a critical role in getting news and information out to the public, maybe in the future the role of reporting will include the safety of our children by alerting the public when one of our children are in danger, especially our African American Children, the response time ; immediate. Our mission is to bring awareness to our communities the plight of these children, and to make them a national priority. Peas In Their Pods are concerned about all our children, the organization strives to bring awareness to any child missing, no matter, race color. The commitment is to keep the public on alert and aware. There are many organizations across this country who’s missions are to provide resources to families in helping to build stronger and healthier communities. Community based organizations are key factors in developing opportunities that will help our children advance to higher levels of achievement, without these additional support systems our children and families would lack the most. Peas In Their Pods is a not-for-profit organization that provides a specific service to those who have missing loved ones. The organization is self-funded, and is comprised of a team of volunteers who work diligently to assist families during their time of greatest need. We are here to help parents find their missing children. We do not take the place of the Amber Alert System. We simply pick up where they leave off or never engage due to program criteria. Peas In Their Pods Organizational goal takes pride in helping to find missing children of color, fight against child abuse, and provide information to the public It still takes a village‌!!! Denise Bethune, Editor-In-Chief Whitesboro, New Jersey http://www.peasintheirpods.com hfmbc@hotmai.com
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Featured Individual/Organizations The Black Man Can, Teen Moms Fresh Start “ AFTER THE RAIN”
Peas In Their Pods Staff ~~~ Janice Lowery Chief Executive Officer Gaétane Borders President/Training Specialist
Parenting Corner, The Credit Woman Sister Soldier Project” & Sweet Nature by Eddie H.O.W.S - Helping Other Women Stand
Mildred Nixon Vice President Lisa Sellers Treasurer
R.E.A.D. 25 COMFORT FOOD for the Mind, Body, and Soul Safely Ever After, Inc., Sistas United, Inc.
Denise Bethune Editor - P.E.A.S. Magazine Pattie Fitzgerald Safety & Prevention Advisor
She’s the First, Monthly Treat Play for Peace
Paula Whitebear Administrative Assistant
The Princess Within Foundation Confessions of a Welfare Mom: an urban anthology of personal experiences
Sherry Sophia Publicity Manager Nancy Fairbanks Webmaster
SISFI Blameless FaCeS Foundation
Teri Kendle Researcher
Hand in Hand Baltimore, Inc. Have You Forgiven Those Who Have Violated You? Racing For Education, LLC When I Was 15
*Contact Information* Peas in Their Pods P.O. Box 198 Grayson, Ga 30017 Business: 770-686-4612 Missing Kids: 916-451-6547 or 516-338-6873 or 301-501-7595
Women of Color Network (WOCN) HBCU kidz, Inc., Fully Committed 3
TheBlackManCan is one of my many ways of being the change I want to see. I came to a consensus that in the media I did not see many positive images of Black Men nor could I find a media outlet with just positive stories of Black Men. M.K. Asante says “If you make an observation, you now have an obligation.” My obligation was to create what I did not see. TheBlackManCan is the #1 Source for Positive Images and Narratives of Black Men. It is my mission to actively promote a positive Black Male Image. You can find over 200 news articles and 60 interviews on Black Men and Boys. I started the TheBlackManCan in April of 2010 and in over a year I have seen tremendous growth. We just added a new section Living Illustrations of Love to focus on the Black family, Black love and Black Men who are married. We will also be launching some other sections very soon to focus on black boys in high school and college.
Brandon Frame Chief Visionary Officer www.theblackmancan.org “Actively Promoting a Positive Black Male Image” theblackmancan@gmail.com Twitter: @theblackmancan
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Sean “Seanie” Lamont Jones II (Killed June 2011) Seventeen, died June 19, 2011, at Riverside County Regional Medical Center in Moreno Valley. Mr. Jones was born in Hemet and graduated from Betty G. Gibbel Regional Learning Center in San Jacinto earlier this month. He was a member of New Wine Ministries in Hemet’s drama department and young adults ministry. A MOTHER DEFENDING HER SON'S DIGNITY!!. Betty Balderas Jones (Mother) Seanie, (sister) eve, (parents) Betty & Sean Jones “My son was not gang affiliated, he was walking away from the boys that asked him what hood he was from, his cousin was showing off and when they shot, they shot my son in the back of the head, chest, and stomach, he went through two surgeries and didn't make it through the second. I am clarifying because the newspaper made it seem as if he was gang related. When I reached my son I prayed over his body before he went into the amblulance, he was speaking in tongues, he grabbed my arm and spoke in tongues!!! it was precious!! he had just rededicated himself two weeks ago. He loved the lord and was a normal teen. it was a gang that was at the graduation party, the only reason my son went was because his cousin begged him to go. I prayed for the lord to do his will and he did, I thank him for the precious 17 1/2 years, for choosing me to be that vessel to carry him, to see him graduate, and to see him speak in tongues again!!! forever grateful lord!! I just needed to do my son justice. Seanie & his sister eve A candelight vigil was held in Hemet California , Whitesboro New Jersey by Seanie’s family and the community. 5
Tanya L. Taylor Executive Director/Chair Teen Moms Fresh Start formerly Teen Moms' Friends Club Nonprofit 501(c)3 Tax-Deductible Organization 443-623-5297 Brief History: The organization was founded through the conception of my granddaughter. While I was in the hospital, surviving a life battle, my daughter became pregnant. I was not sure what was going to happen to me, so I decided to find whatever parenting classes were available for her to attend. I found very minimal. What I did find, she attended, received a certificate, and learned nothing. I became afraid that if something happened, she would not have anyone to turn to. So I began researching further about the problems within the teen pregnancy issues, as well as creating programs and a design to include other educational businesses and organizations, allowing the capability to provide various support and needs. In addition, this provides more employment opportunities to independent, local businesses.
It is important that we see each other as different. Respect those differences. We are all pieces of a puzzle. By combining our strengths, and working together on our weaknesses, we begin building stronger communities. Building Stronger Families, Builds Stronger Communities. Mission: Educate Teen Moms and Dads, through Educational and Life Skills Programs/Workshops/Activities, so they may live confident, successful lives as individuals, as well as being successful parents. Vision: Families living and working together. Local Communities free from the fear of violent crime, drug and gang warfare; as well as beautifully rehabilitated homes throughout cities and counties.
My partnering contact base, and business data base began growing with people in certain professional areas, that I still work with today, who also worked with me designing the organization. I have a great passion for working to make all communities places we can be proud to live in, without the violence, crime, drug and gang warfare. As a Mother and a Grandmother, I truly believe the more we work together to see what individual communities need to grow and thrive, the more families will be able to work together again. Communities are the families. When families have problems, the community has problems. The way I see things, as opposed to playing the Blame Game; let's see what it is that people need, and work on filling that need. Needs could be jobs, child care, educational issues, disability issues, food and shelter issues, and others.
Website Link: http://www.TeenMomsFreshStart.org I have also written a book that is coming out next month entitled "Is There A Doctor In The Country?"; I wrote a book entitled "A Life In Bloom", however, I am not publishing that until after I publish the one. I am donating a portion of the proceeds to the organization.
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“ AFTER THE RAI ” Wendye Savage Living inside gray clouds Moistened with my own tears; Blue skies beyond my finger tips Life’s storms are brewing here. Stirring up confusion And all types of strife in me; I know there’s shelter deep within So in it’s refuge I shall seek. I’m merely holding on to it A fine line that keeps me sane; Lord, I can’t cross over it There’s joy after the rain. Gifted by God, inspired by life,Wendye Savage, the 49 year old author of the self revealing book titled One Sweet Day and mother of five children and United States Army veteran uses her powerful gift of poetry to deliver life, hope and humor to catalze the movement of inspiration and inner peace. The author is known for being an inspiration to others through her zest for life and ability to be transparent without reservation. In her writings you will find humble notes of heartfelt inspiration. Wendye began writing poetry at the age of eight. Currently, she is a weekly poetry columnist for The Jasper County Sun, a newspaper based in Ridgeland, South Carolina. In 2010. She became a published author of a collection of inspirational poetry titled " ONE SWEET DAY". She is working on a second book titled " AFTER THE RAIN". Wendye also enjoys public speaking.
To get a copy: Amazon.com/After Rain/Wendye Savage
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Gaétane is President of Peas In Their Pods, and also a certified School Psychologist who works closely with the inner-city youth and their parents. She is an advocate of children’s rights and strives to help parent achieve healthy, harmonious, and emotionally stable environments for their children. She is a sought after media consultant, and is often featured in print, radio, and television.
What Would You Do? Here in the state of Georgia, most kids have traded in their swimsuits for backpacks and new sneakers because it is backto-school time. Despite this reminder that the summer has officially come to an end, I am still vacuuming sand from the carpet in my car. See, my family spent most of the summer lounging and playing on various beaches. As a non-swimmer (Yes, I know it’s pathetic), I have always been extremely@I mean über paranoid of my children swimming out of my reach in the ocean. That is why the story of Charles Ostrander immediately caught my attention. Charles, who goes by Dale, was visiting Long Beach, Washington with a church group a few days ago. Somehow he got caught in a very strong tide. Upon hearing his cries for help, a 12-year-old girl named Nicole Kissel defied her father’s objections and immediately paddled out to Dale who struggled to stay afloat. She managed to reach him, and helped him onto her boogie board. Reportedly, the two youths paddled in an attempt to reach shore. The water was extremely rough, and Nicole remembers thinking "We're going to die. I can't die like this!” A large wave knocked them both off. Although Nicole successfully climbed back on her board, Dale disappeared into the violent waters. Nicole eventually made it back to shore, but it took some time before rescue workers found Dale’s lifeless body about two feet below the surface of the water. CPR was immediately commenced, but Dale was lifeless. As imagined, his family braced themselves for the worst. But, his pulse returned once he reached the hospital, and a day later Dale opened his eyes. He soon uttered a few words to his family. Then, again later when Nicole visited him, he spoke. According to news reports, Nicole stated that Dale was having difficulty focusing his eyes for most of the 15-minute reunion. But as she left, he made direct eye contact for the first time and said, "Thank you." No doubt, Dale has a long recovery ahead of him, as he was underwater and without oxygen for approximately 15 minutes. I wish him the speediest recovery, and given how he has defied the expected@he most definitely has the fighter spirit needed to do so. Nicole’s actions were so completely selfless and heroic! She acted without hesitation because she saw that someone needed help. She can serve as an inspiration to those of us who stand in the background when we witness something that we know is wrong, or when we know that someone is in harm’s way. Here is clip from the popular TV show titled What Would You Do. This particular segment shows various scenarios in which a pedophile attempts to lure away a 10-year-old girl. Do you think all the adults present intervened and reported the attempted abduction? Watch and see@..then ask yourself “What would I do?”
P.S .. I often role play with my kids and pretend to be the “tricky adult.” But, I watched this video with them so they could see someone other than mommy or daddy being the “stranger” that tries to lure them. Their reaction was very moving to me. They were fixated on the characters that tried to harm the young girl because it made it very real to them. The discussion that we had after viewing the video was so very instructional and important. So, I strongly urge you to share this with your school-aged child. You might be surprised by their definition of the word stranger.
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$100k if you can’t handle $1,000. You need to get a prepaid credit card and/or a secured bank loan. These are great trade-lines to build credit. I am frequently asked how long does it take to improve your credit. Hmmm...how long does it take to lose weight? Well, it’s your effort, right? Breaking those habits. And so many other factors. Budget and desire to make changes is key. If you do not have the money to repay debt or establish a secured bank loan, it will take more time.
Tara Colquitt, The Credit Woman. I am here to help you make a brand new ending. Let’s first agree, credit affects everything. But death, divorce, health issues and our all time favorite un/under employment can cause anyone to have credit issues. However, credit isn’t cancer. You can live with poor credit. It is just more expensive and usually inconvenient. I am not here to make you feel less than Who You Are. I am here to help you move from Where You Are. If you are ready. I cannot do this without your full cooperation. May I have your cooperation?
I had a client in February I spoke to on a Tuesday and by Thursday she did everything I advised her to do and then I had a client that after two years, she and her husband were ready to purchase a home. But they both had plans.
Great! Then let’s do the following: * Check your credit at annualcreditreport.com. It’s free. And it shows the approximate date of removal from the report. Sometimes my advice to people with seriously challenged credit is to wait. They do not have the resources to get out of their situation but that is why you get a “do over” in 7+ years. But that does not mean to do nothing now.
Now, I am also passionate about making myself obsolete. Any young adult with a job has the ability to establish excellent credit and purchase their first home within five years of graduation (high school or college).
* Make a budget and stick to it. Find your “Why”. Home, Savings, Education, Retirement? * Save $20 a week.
You can do this yourself, and some people do. But most don’t and many don’t do it well. Did you pay the delinquent account without negotiating to have it removed from your credit report? Well, it is difficult if not impossible to do anything once you have paid the creditor. The hammer, your money, has been eliminated. Just as important to removing negative items is to build credit. No one is going to loan you
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The concept is simple. Remember that $20? $20/week, $80/month which is approximately $1000 a year. In 3 years that is $3000 and a starter home can be purchased with an FHA loan. This creates generational wealth. By the way, this concept works for anyone at any age. You must have a plan! So, let me leave you with this offer: If you will not for any reason, but desire to carry out the advice I have just given, I can help you do this. http://www.TheCreditWoman.com http://thecreditwoman.blogspot.com thecreditwoman@gmail.com
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I am super excited to announce that I have teamed up with The Sister Soldier Project. The way the program generally works is; major hair care companies donate products to the project and then individuals like you and I go in and purchase shipping and handling for them to be shipped off to a Sister Soldier. Because Sweet Nature isn't a large corporation, we have customized a way for the troops to get some of the other "good stuff". While trying to decide how she could contribute in some manner to support our "Sistas" serving in the military overseas, Myraline learned through the website www.anysoldier.com how difficult it is for Eddie Simpson "Sistas" to maintain their hair while deployed in such places as Iraq and Founder/ Sweet Nature Afghanistan. It was clear that they no longer had access to the "good stuff", the critical products to manage their kind of hair. The Sister Soldiers were requesting hair care products from home more than any other single product! Myraline began by shipping to various Sister Soldiers any unopened hair care products she had purchased for herself, then she began to go out an purchase specific brands they wanted and shipped to more "Sistas". Then she asked members of her book club to donate similar products. Their support led to group packing parties.
To learn more about the “Sister Soldier Project� & Sweet Nature by Eddie products visit: http://www.sweetnaturebyeddie.info
H.O.W.S - Helping Other Women Stand Our Mission is to become part of the solution in our local communities and the world. To reach young girls, teenagers and women. To assist them in discovering their personhood, purpose and passion. To provide encouragement and hope. We serve as lecture facilitators, mentors, and motivational speakers. For more information, please contact CEO/Founder Sharon Whitfield-Hawkins or Robyn Leath, Consultant. msrobyn@mail.com Visit H.O.W.S on facebook 13
www.READ25.org The No B.U.L.L. Anti-B “Preparing Our Youth Through Educatio Greetings:
Many students possess a sincere desire to realiz success and achievement. However, few of them to truly attain this heartfelt aspiration. The No B.U and education to instill a message of non-violenc ences. We address topics such as bullying, confl development, and life skills training.
This instructional and motivating event provides l Leadership, Educational Development, and Socia anger management, the value for relationship bu with valuable life skills techniques as a productive iors.
R.E.A.D. 25 is headed by me, Dexter Humphrey, staff with over 25 years of educational and life sk few years alone using various platforms of keyno
The No B.U.L.L. Anti-Bullying Campaign Tour is conducted professionally and effectively and has proven s ductive, positive and entertaining educational environment. By working together and partnering with us, you warding opportunity for our students that will leave an indelible impact on their lives. For more information o Campaign Tour event, please contact us via email at JasaMediaGroup@gmail.com. We so look forward to of your school and/or organization! Sincerely, Dexter Humphrey R.E.A.D. 25, Inc- Founder & CEO www.RE Dexter Humphrey is currently the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of JASA Enterprises.
JASA Enterprises is a youth service organization that specializes in empowering individuals through educa After several years of employment with Delco Electronics, Dexter made the determined decision to pursue ently overseeing various companies, products and projects that include: R.E.A.D. 25, Anti-Bullying Campai Items, Educational Bookmarks, JaSa Wear Apparel, Music Consulting & Management, Modeling Managem ant and Lecturer, and JaSa Media Group, a Business Marketing Firm.
To address and bring about change to the violent behavior that is plaguing our youth today, R.E.A.D. 25 ha Campaign Tour. Community leader and academic activist, Dexter Humphrey and his Not For Profit R.E.A.D entitled The R.E.A.D 25 Initiative. Their goal is, with the assistance of influential community leaders & educ street basketball and entertainment, to ENCOURAGE the youth of our nation to EMPOWER themselves by skills necessary to find SUCCESS in life. One of these vital skills is SOCIAL LITERACY, the ability to intera conflict non-violently.
As founder and CEO of R.E.A.D. 25, Mr. Humphrey has dedicated his professional and personal life to help of academic success and personal fulfillment. Through TOUR events and others like it, he is performing an but also to the community members and business professionals, as the youth of today are truly in control o 14
Bullying Campaign Tour on, Entrepreneurship & Entertainment�
ze their dreams and potential in order to produce a life of m have the knowledge, insights, and basic life skills needed U.L.L. Anti-Bullying Campaign Tour utilizes entertainment ce, multiculturalism and academic achievement in our audilict resolution strategies, the importance of education, career
learning opportunities in cross-curriculum instruction in al Awareness. Components of our Tour event that focus on uilding, image, and entrepreneurship, provide all students e alternative to violence, crime and other destructive behav-
, an academic activist, intellectual strategist, and national keynote speaker. I, along with a qualified support kills development experience, have empowered and mentored over 500,000 young people during the past ote speaking, sports and music entertainment.
success in development techniques that excites students, encouraging them to embrace learning via a prour school or organization can provide a reor to schedule a No B.U.L.L. Anti-Bullying sharing this experience with the students EAD25.org
ation and entrepreneurship. his entrepreneurial aspirations. He is presign, Inspirational Greeting Cards and Gift ment, Educational and Motivational Consult-
as launched the No B.U.L.L. Anti-Bullying D. 25 Inc. has a national literacy campaign cators, along with the exciting world of y developing the ACADEMIC & SOCIAL active peacefully with others and to resolve
ping these students reach the ultimate goal n invaluable service not only to the students, of the future success of our country. 15
Living on Purpose By: Sharon Fox Who am I and what am I doing here? Sometimes as we are going through a rough storm in our life, we often wonder if there is a purpose for even being here. When you're having a bad moment it's very easy to feel all alone. Just keep in mind that the winds from your storm are actually blowing your right into your destiny. The economy is in terrible shape, unemployment is rising, and your neighbor's dog just bit you! There are so many dreams that linger in your heart, but you wonder if there is any hope left for you. Don't think that you are the only person who ever feels like this. We all have had those days when all hope seems gone. Just remember, if you have a pulse, you have a purpose in your life. We were all created with a divine plan that was laid out just for each of us individually. Compare your storm to an actual tornado. The winds blow and destroy everything in its way. Sometimes large items are moved from one location to another. When we go through life's storms, we feel as if everything is gone. Destruction on every hand. Our friends have turned away, the possessions are gone, and it seems like we're in the wilderness all alone. Let me tell you something. Whoever is not with you when the storm is over, was not on your side anyway. That storm was God's way of blowing things and people out of your life that weren't meant to be with you in your destiny. We have to learn to listen to the inner voice that says, "It's going to be alright. I can make it just a little while longer." I was reading a scripture that says My grace is sufficient, My strength is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9. So when you fall short or feel like you don't have the strength to go forward, remember that's when God's grace kicks in and carries you. So now that you've encouraged yourself enough to weather the storm, let's find out why you're here in the first place. We were all placed here for a reason, a great purpose. There is no such thing as being here by accident. We all have something planted within us that makes us "tick". There is a special gift placed there by the Creator. The tricky part is finding that Gift and using it to the best of our ability to serve others. It's not there for you to be rich and famous, although you may turn out to be rich and famous! Just remember, the Gift is from the Creator, and how you use it is your gift back to Him. Finding your purpose is easy for some people and very confusing to others. You may have to spend a lifetime searching or going through hoops. Just know that you have a divine purpose. Now remember, I am not a doctor or psychologist. I just want to share with you my personal experience of how I found my way. I'm sure there are many techniques that professionals may tell you to search your soul, and that's fine. But for me, this is what worked. Take some time to sit down in a perfectly quiet place and meditate. Think as far back as you can remember. Write down all the things that really make you happy. I don't mean just a temporary smile, but something that makes you happy from down deep in your soul. What do you absolutely LOVE to do? It may be a hobby, surroundings, or actually putting your hands to work doing something. Whatever this thing is that makes you happy from your soul, is actually your connection with God and your purpose! Think of how you can use this Gift to not only bring happiness into your own life, but also bring happiness to others. Proverbs 13:12 says, When dreams come true, there is life and joy. Don't let obstacles stop you from finding your inner peace and joy. You endured all those afflictions so that you can help others endure theirs. God comforts us in our afflictions, so that we in turn may comfort others. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.
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You can only get stronger if your weight is a little heavier. This is why some of us are stronger than others. So the next time you feel as if you are carrying a very heavy burden, just remember that it will only make you stronger. Don't give up, because the outcome will be well worth the endurance. If you do nothing in a difficult time, your strength is limited. Proverbs 24:10. Hold your head up, find your purpose, and serve others with love in your heart. Your life will be filled with joy and happiness. Sure, you'll still have some struggles along the way. But living on purpose is so much better than just surviving in the wilderness! For more recipes from Sharon Fox visit her blog at http:// www.authorsharonfox.blogs pot.com/
Check out Sharon’s recipes on the next pages..!! http://goodcookin4u2.webs.com/
COMFORT FOOD for the Mind, Body, and Soul is now available nationwide at Barnes and Noble and Books a Million Bookstores. 17
Fish Tacos 1 pound whitefish cut into 2 inch pieces (Mahi Mahi or whatever you prefer) Avocado Relish: 1/2 cup diced tomato, 1/4 cup diced jalapeno 1 tbsp chopped cilantro, 1/4 cup diced onion 1/2 cup diced avocado, fresh lime, salt, pepper White Sauce: 1 1/2 tbsp plain yogurt, 1 1/2 tbsp mayonnaise, fresh lime, dash hot sauce Beer Batter: 3/4 cup beer, 3/4 cup flour, 1/2 tsp salt Garnish: 1 cup finely shredded cabbage, 8 corn tortillas, your favorite hot sauce, fresh lime wedges Make the Avocado Relish: In a bowl combine tomato, jalapeno, cilantro, onion, avocado, fresh lime, black pepper and salt. Stir together. Set aside. Make the White Sauce: In another bowl combine yogurt, mayonnaise, a dash of hot sauce and a squeeze of lime. Stir together until smooth. Set aside.
Prepare the Fish: In a third bowl combine flour, salt and your favorite beer (or sparkling water if you don’t care to use beer). Stir together until smooth. Batter will have the consistency of thickish pancake batter. Add fish pieces to flour mixture. Coat thoroughly. Heat canola oil in a tall-sided heavy pot/pan over medium-high heat. Slowly add battered fish to oil and fry 3-6 minutes total. Remove from oil and drain on a paper towel. Sprinkle with sea salt. Assemble the Fish Tacos: On a warmed (preferably a little charred) corn tortilla, spread the yogurt mixture. Add a few pieces of fish. Top with a sprinkling of cabbage. Serve with lime and avocado relish. Squeeze lime over cabbage and top with avocado relish. Makes 8 tacos. 18
Balsamic Strawberries Dessert 1 cup balsamic vinegar 1 – 1/8 cups packed dark brown sugar 2 pints Florida strawberries 2 cups crème fraîche (Italian sour cream) 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 4 sprigs of fresh mint for garnish (optional) Over medium heat, combine balsamic vinegar and brown sugar stirring regularly. Remove from heat when the sugar has dissolved into the vinegar and the mixture has been reduced to about half the original volume. Allow mixture to rest. Rinse, hull and cut the strawberries into halves and quarters and then place into four martini glasses. Pour balsamic reduction over strawberries, taking care to coat each one until each glass is approximately half full. Whip crème fraiche until stiff. Place a dollop of the whipped crème fraiche on top of the strawberries in each glass. Garnish each dessert with a sprig of mint and enjoy! Yield: 4 servings
SHARON'S OMG! CHOCOLATE CAKE 1 (8-oz.) package semisweet chocolate baking squares, chopped 1 cup butter, softened 1 1/2 cups sugar 4 large eggs 1/2 cup chocolate syrup 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/8 teaspoon salt 1 cup buttermilk garnish: powdered sugar Microwave chocolate baking squares in a microwave-safe bowl at HIGH 1 minute and 15 seconds or until chocolate is melted and smooth, stirring every 15 seconds. Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer 2 minutes or until creamy. Gradually add sugar, beating 5 to 7 minutes or until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until yellow disappears after each addition. Stir in melted chocolate, chocolate syrup, and vanilla until smooth. Combine flour and next 3 ingredients; add to butter mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed just until blended after each addition. Pour batter into a greased and floured 10-inch tube pan or a 12-cup Bundt pan. Bake at 325° for 1 hour and 10 minutes or until a long wooden pick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack 10 to 15 minutes; remove from pan to a wire rack, and let cool 1 hour and 30 minutes or until completely cool. Garnish with powdered sugar if desired. 19
Why? Because one of the most important things we can teach our kids when it comes to their personal safety is to LISTEN to their inner voice, their INSTINCT… a.k.a. “The Uh-Oh feeling”
“The Uh-Oh Feeling” Our Child’s Best Instinct
It’s not about being suspicious of every relative who wants to hug our kids. It is about letting your child decide HOW they want to express affection and to whom, rather than forcing them to please others.
Patti Fitzgerald Founder/ Safely Ever After, Inc.
Why? Because they may be getting an “uh-oh feeling” that you’re unaware of. Maybe earlier in the evening Uncle Johnny said or did something that felt “yucky” to your child which you’re unaware of. Later on, when it’s time to go home, you insist that your daughter kiss Uncle Johnny goodbye, demanding it when she flat out refuses.
Pattie Fitzgerald is the founder of Safely Ever After, Inc. and is recognized as a leading expert in the field of childhood sexual abuse prevention education. She is certified as a Child Safety Educator and Child Visitation Monitor, and has been working in the field of child advocacy for over ten years. As a former preschool teacher, Pattie blends her expertise as an educator and, more importantly as a MOM, to teach parents and kids every where the most effective, up-to-date safety strategies WITHOUT using fear tactics.
The message your child gets: 1) Don’t trust your own instincts. 2) You have to obey the grownups no matter what. 3) Mom/Dad will not believe you if you tell them about an uncomfortable feeling or touch because you haven’t got the right to speak up for yourself.
Her published works have appeared in newspapers, parenting magazines, and trade journals throughout the United States, and she has been featured on Good Morning America, CNN Headline News, MSNBC, KCBS, KABC and KNBC news as well as countless national radio programs. For more information, please visit www.safelyeverafter.com
The message Uncle Johnny gets: Jackpot! Here’s a target — a child who’s been taught to be polite no matter what the circumstances. Here’s a child who probably won’t know how to resist an inappropriate touch or have the ability to tell anyone about it! At the next gathering, he decides he may be able to go a little further with his behavior because you’ve basically laid the ground work out for him already.
How many times have you told your child to always obey the grownups? Have you insisted that they hug or kiss “Uncle Johnny” or that family friend or relative who visits every holiday, even though your child obviously feels uncomfortable doing so? Of course every parent wants to make sure they aren’t raising rude, obnoxious kids.
And so… the grooming process begins. Clearly, there will be times when your child just doesn’t want to hug or kiss someone. It doesn’t necessarily mean it’s because the person’s a child molester. Maybe Uncle Johnny smells funny, maybe he hugs too tightly and it hurts. Maybe Grandma is simply wearing too much lipstick or perfume today. Or maybe it’s something more serious.
But it can be a dangerous message we give our children when we insist that they deny their instincts, and force them to be polite or physical with another adult, just so that we, the parent, can save face. It can be especially risky to insist that they express physical affection when they are clearly uncomfortable doing so.
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Whatever the reason… your child should have the right to decide for themselves. Instead, what usually happens is that we’re “on the spot”, we don’t know what to do, so we force our child to give a kiss and get it over with so we can go home already! Or we try and rationalize an adult’s inappropriate behavior even after our child tells us about something that felt “weird” or “yucky”. Have you ever said something to your child like: “Oh, that’s just how Uncle Johnny tickles/hugs/kisses.” “Give Uncle Johnny a kiss or he won’t give you special presents anymore.” Blech! Imagine being that child, hoping Mom or Dad is going to help them out of this sticky situation only to find that you won’t. Even worse… from now on here’s a child who may question herself, not trusting her own instincts because she’s been instructed not to. A Different Approach If we really want to give our children a gift … Let them decide how they want to express affection and to whom. Ask them if they want to kiss or hug a friend or relative. Don’t force them to, because it makes you feel better. There are other ways to express affection that don’t have to be as physical… a “high five”, a wave, or simply using their words to say “Goodbye, Thank You, etc.” And back them up when they need it. That’s the gift of a lifetime. http://safelyeverafter.com/
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Sistas United, Inc. was created in 1997 right after the historical Million Woman March in Philadelphia. The founder of Sistas United, Inc. (Wessita) was the Public Relations person for the DC Metropolitan area, in which she was vital in organizing the women in the DC Metropolitan area to Wessita McKinley attend the Million Woman Founder/Executive Director March. Sistas United take pride in being a grassroots nonprofit organization, encompassed with diverse women all coming together with one goal in mind: to make a positive difference within self, others, and the community! The initial mission was to only assist Adult African American women, however through time and the urgent need for "ALL" to receive assistance, we currently service all mankind: all ages, races, genders, religions, cultures, educational and economic levels. What makes Sistas United, Inc. standout is our desire, willingness and ability to go into at-risk, drug infested, high crime neighborhoods and assist the individuals that dwell within. The current mission of Sistas United, Inc. is to serve, inform, educate, motivate, and empower all mankind all around the world! Sistas United, Inc. is a community based nonprofit 501(c) (3), grounded in Christ, operating on faith, passion, and love for all mankind. We are a “Pro-Active� group ready and willing to lend a helping hand to those in need and the entire community, while promoting the awareness and unification of diverse heritage and cultures.
Sistas United, Inc., P.O. Box 34 Cheltenham, MD 20623-0034 E-mail: info@sistasunited.net www.sistasunited.net Expressions of Life - Poetry With A Message" will make you laugh, cry, love, forgive, be inspired and recognize how blessed you are!
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Once a recipient of New York Women in Communications’ Glamour Ruth Whitney Scholarship, Tammy now is the youngest-serving board member of the New York Women in Communications Foundation. Ruth Whitney, the legendary editor of Glamour who upheld a mantra of “style and substance,” is one of her most powerful inspirations.
Tammy entered the not-for-profit world through the journalism field, when her final reporting assignment in college opened her eyes to the dire needs of children in post-war Liberia. In 2003, she started as a college newspaper reporter, and then became a magazine intern. Upon graduating Phi Beta Kappa from The College of New Jersey, Hearst Magazines hired her as its youngest web site editor. She’s now the social media voice of the largest teen magazine. Tammy works full-time while leading. She’s the First full- time; among her many duties, she works on the business model of She’s the First and is pursuing funding to make it her sole focus in 2012. Before She’s the First was even a thought, Tammy volunteered as Director of Operations for a foundation that sponsored children in Liberia. Her travels to Liberia–mixed with the experience of launching DonateMyDress.org in her day job, the reporting of Nicholas Kristof, and the videos of The Girl Effect campaign–inspired her to create shesthefirst.org, to campaign for girls’ education and connect donors with quality sponsorship programs. In 2010, Tammy co-founded the GIRLS WHO ROCK concert, benefiting She’s the First, with Cynthia Hellen, which grew from her experience launching the Ultimate Prom concert video series for Seventeen.
President/Founder Tammy Tibbetts
In 2010, Tammy and She’s the First were recognized at Glamour‘s Women of the Year Awards at Carnegie Hall, just one year after She’s the First’s launch in November 2009. Tammy was also named a Social Change Ambassador for Levi’s Shape What’s to Come campaign and writes regularly for the Huffington Post Impact section. She’s the first in her family to move to New York City and travel to Africa, two adventures that completely changed her life.
Our Mission She’s the First is a not-for-profit that sponsors girls’ education in the developing world. We encourage people, especially Millennials, to creatively fundraise for girls’ sponsorships with their online and offline social networks. For sponsors, She’s the First provides community, leadership opportunities, and a sense of global citizenship. For underprivileged girls, a sponsorship is life-changing: Most will be the first in their families to graduate. www.shesthefirst.org tammy@shesthefirst.org
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Monthly Treat Lemon Raspberry Muffins by Pat Holmes
2 Cups of flour 1 Cup sugar 3 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 2 eggs 1 Cup half and half (cream) ½ Cups vegetable oil 1 teaspoon lemon extract 1 Cup fresh/frozen unsweetened raspberries or blue berries Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a bowl. In another bowl combine eggs cream, oil and extract. Stir into dry ingredients just until moist. Fold in the raspberries. Put in muffin tins and bake 375 for 10 minus. Cool before removing from pan. If using frozen fruit do not thaw before adding to batter.
Play for Peace, was founded in 1999 on a core belief that few things can provide a common link between people like laughter and cooperative play. We are dedicated to connecting the world's youth to peacebuilding cooperative play training with a primary focus on regions in conflict. In the form of extra-curricular after-school programs and community-based groups, our activities provoke youth-led cross-cultural understanding and community development as well as create a global learning community of young leaders forging pathways of peace.
founder, Michael Terrien, with the Dalai Lama
Play for Peace makes a difference in the lives of teenagers who cherish human life and stand up for what they believe in. Play for Peace youth leaders, most of whom are considered youth at-risk due to living in areas of high violence and conflict, dedicate their time and skills to teaching respect, tolerance and communication to elementary aged children through activities called Play Days. Adults and community organizations join in the effort as Play Days involve into volunteer community improvement events. Play for Peace seeks to prevent violence in conflict-torn areas by teaching people to live together, play together, and work together. We are a global organization that works locally through community leaders and youth facilitators to teach children, teens, and adults to trust and respect others, and to break down generations of cultural barriers. Beyond violence reduction at the community level, participant benefits of Play for Peace include improved social behavior and educational achievements. Our Objectives: To promote positive relationships among the people of societies in conflict. To foster leaders for a peace around the world. To build self-sustaining learning communities in which all of our regions work interdependently to build a more peaceful world. To create a non-threatening environment, free from fear, in which people of all ages can experience the joy of play. This is our link to our website: www.playforpeace.org
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ings, anger management workshops, domestic violence prevention programs, HIV/AIDS education awareness. Our extensive list of program offerings sets us apart from other foundations and mentoring programs. Bernada Nicole Baker, MBA, MPH, MDiv
The Princess Within Foundation works on a national level to empower girls to discover their purpose, while equipping them with the necessary tools to excel academically, personally and professionally. The mission of The Princess Within Foundation is to "Empower girls to become pregnant with PURPOSE and NOT BABIES!" The Princess Within Foundation was founded 7 years ago by Bernada Nicole Baker. The Princess Within Foundation aims to increase girl’s self-esteem, while also cultivating leadership & character development skills. The program teaches girls the value of social awareness, self control, conflict resolution and responsible decision making. The primary goal is to encourage the academic, social, emotional, physical and artistic development of tomorrow’s future leaders. The foundation’s target audience is underprivileged and disadvantaged teenage girls and young women between the ages of 8 and 24. The Princess Within Foundation also offer a myriad of services that include but are not limited to mentoring, counseling, life coach ing, professional development, legacy building activities, social skills training, academic advising, entrepreneurship development train
Bernada understands first hand the value of having influential role models, mentors and people in your life to help encourage, support and push you towards achieving your dreams. As a result of her personal experiences, struggles and pain, Bernada’s primary purpose in life is to help empower young girls across the nation by sharing her testimony and helping them to overcome the obstacles of life, to excel academically and to maximize their potential. The Princess Within was birthed into the world in 2004. With a great deal of fortitude and a zeal for working with young girls, Bernada began facilitating the program by herself in local community centers and churches out of a compassionate desire to play an intricate role in helping to positively impact the lives of young girls who were in need of positive role models in their lives. The Princess Within Program has afforded Bernada the opportunity to pursue her purpose with a relentless passion and commitment to serving as the change that she wishes to see in the world. Her sincerity and zeal towards encouraging and equipping girls to maximize their potential and become the quintessential model of the princess in which they were created to be, is indeed a notable pursuit. A native of Chicago, Illinois, Bernada is a sought after motivational speaker, educator, pastoral counselor, author and life coach. She is a leader
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and a passionate advocate for community issues and positive social change. Bernada is the Founder of The Princess Within Program and the President of Empowered to Excel Consulting. She is also a member of The National MBA Association and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. She most recently completed the Volunteer Improvement Program sponsored by United Way of Metro Atlanta. Bernada is the quintessential model of a tenacious, anointed and influential leader of the Joshua Generation. Having earned her dual Master’s of Business Administration and Master’s of Public Health Degrees from St. Xavier University at the tender age of 23. Bernada received her Master’s of Divinity Degree from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois and is currently pursuing her PhD in Counseling. Bernada acknowledges that she was created to serve as an agent of social transformation in the world. She is affectionately known as the Midwife of Motivation, because of her commitment to helping others give birth to the potential that lies within. Bernada has traveled across the nations to Ghana, West Africa and various states motivating and empowering girls to overcome the obstacles of life, embrace their identity and discover their purpose and to pursue it with passion. 606 East Woodland Park, Suite 505, Chicago, Illinois 60616 Phone: 773-425-0890 Visit the Princess Within Foundation at www.theprincesswithin.org
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Confessions of a Welfare Mom: an urban anthology of personal experiences
My name is Kiwan N. Fitch. I am the CEO of The Kiwan N. Fitch, LLC. I created my company with a simple mission: to equip “women in transition” with the resources needed for VICTORY! I want them to ACHEIVE success in all areas of your life: mental wellness, physical wellness, education, parenting and economics. I am proud to present “Confessions of a Welfare Mom: An Urban Anthology of Personal Experiences”. As a nation we are experiencing record numbers of women who are reaching out for assistance, it is a great time to LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD. Confessions of a Welfare Mom is a book that spotlights women who are currently or have at one point in their life time been on any form of public assistance. This includes: TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), FI (Family Independence), FOOD STAMPS, GENERAL ASSISTANCE, MEDICAID, and OTHER STATE AND COUNTY RUN PROGRAMS. The book will be a composite of the many faces of welfare. As the Co-Founder and Executive Director of a Nonprofit Organization, I created welfare to work program for women who were assigned to our program as a “work site” as a condition of their obtaining benefits. My coordinator and I made sure that our activities were all in line with assuring the full success of the women who we came in contact with. I began this project first as a way to help them see where the cycle of dependency began and identify where, when and how it will end for them. Then as a way to share my personal story; I too now qualify for Food Stamps for the first time in almost 14 years. As the project progressed, I later opened it up to include women who were no longer receiving assistance and are now business owners or career women who are role models for using the systems available to them in order to achieve success in their own rite. I am honored that so many women were able to search their lives and decide to share their stories. It is the hope of this project that women will read the
stories and get hope. Hope for a future, hope for success, and that they will know that there is always hope. This project was also designed with a business model in mind. I wanted women who submit to the project to be able to share in the profits. All contributors are invited to purchase the book at wholesale price in order to sell it at retail price, thus keep the difference for their own profit. I am also compiling submissions from women for future books: Confessions of a Teen Mom, Formerly Incarcerated Mom, Lesbian Mom, Formerly Addicted Mom, and Military Mom. If you would like more information about the book please feel free to contact me at Kiwan@kiwanfitch.com or www.kiwanfitch.com. 28
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Brett A. Scudder - President/Chairman
SISFI is a non-profit organization that provides societal, emotional intelligence of sociological a tion, Technology and IT Security across all leve
We host workshops, presentations, training, lun parents, youths, administrators and C-Suite executives to help in addressing these issues across the board. O verticals and markets that allows us a wide visibility of how much these issues are deeply integrated into our
We have a keen eye and interest in delivering this intelligence from the lower school levels up for our youths tant resources for our global infrastructure by offering free and affordable training, education, awareness, de
Our technology, internet and IT security, social media intelligence education, awareness, training and develo lives at home, work and play through the internet transport and impacts the social, societal and emotional an
We conduct extensive research and development on these issues to ensure that the proper and effective solu more alert and aware.
Over 20yrs of experience working with people a to know for a fact that technology, internet and our lives in many ways causing many of the hum today, and that it requires the proper education tively understood.
Now more than ever we need to embrace the in and see how dependent we are on their values a world right to our finger tips with the simple lim with it.
SISFI's Annual Abused and Bullied Victims and The goal, to raise more education and awaren lence and suicide and the real impacts they hav http://sisfi.org/abused_apprecilove_day Our web infrastructure: Website - http://sisfi.org Ask@sisfi.org Twitter: http://twitter.com/SISFI http://twitter.com/SISFI_Radio http://twitter.com/SISFI_News Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sisfi.inc www.facebook.com/sisfi.abusedtributeday www.facebook.com/sisfi.radio www.facebook.com/sisfi.abusedresourceguide
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s education, awareness, training, support, development and research on the social, and psychological abuse, bullying, domestic violence, suicide awareness and prevenels of our infrastructure (people, processes and technology).
nch-n-learn and personal/professional development workshops to schools, business, Our international network of partners and resources spans across many industries, r daily lives and what are the needed resources and solutions to fix them.
s who will be tomorrow’s business executives, professionals, parents and other imporevelopment and counseling of/for all on and about them.
opment programs shows how humans are the new technology gadgets and tools that connects our daily and what are the best practices and methods behind them.
utions and resources are provided to save lives, secure our communities and education our people to be
across all vertical, markets, industries and countries d IT Security are global people problems that affects man abusive, callous, selfish and violent issues we see nal training, awareness and resources for it to be effect
ntegration of technology and the internet in our lives and resources, and the ways in which they bring the mitation of our minds and what we can use it for or do
d Survivors Apprecilove Tribute Day on October 7th. ness on the issues of abuse, bullying, domestic vio ve on the lives of people, families and communities.
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Blameless FaCeS Foundation As founder and CEO of Blameless Faces Foundation, I bring more than twenty years of entrepreneurship, marketing and managerial experience. During my transitioning phase, I considered other alternatives and questioned myself as to how I can be of benefit to a community, country and a society from a global prospective. These thoughts lead me to embark on those considerations mentioned with respect to my organization. I was born and lived in Liberia, West Africa for fifteen years. My father was a Liberian and mother’s an American. One could categorize this as having the best of both worlds. Lisa D. Houston Because of a fourteen year civil war which ended in the year Blameless Faces Foundation, President/CEO 2005; it left the entire infrastructure of Liberia in ruins and thereby leaving over six hundred thousand killed and more than three hundred thousand displaced. Families were degraded, women & babies raped, children exploited – unimaginable suffering. I reflected on my childhood, the people & its culture. A place I remembered of tranquility, unity, love & respect for one another. A sentimental urge of comparison, encouraged and inspired my direction; a desire to become a ‘Change Agent’ by which I can now be a part of a worthy cause that allows me to make an impact towards positive social change worldwide - a journey for children has been set . Henceforth, Blameless Faces Foundation (BFF) was formed in 2008. What’s in the ame: Blameless Faces can be associated to all walks of life; specifically to individuals that have experience or are experiencing situations such as: illness, abuse, violence, poverty and so forth. In this context; they are FAULTESS; this is a universal/global view. Objectives: Our projection is to reduce high levels of poverty, illiteracy, health & behavioral issues within the rural and urban areas in Liberia, West Africa, United States and other global communities. Our goal is to train in poverty stricken communities/countries (educational skills, nutrition, counseling & character building programs). Purpose: To integrate families back into a society where they too can become a part of an economic growth process. It will enable self-sufficiency, an ability to maintain a sustainable household while learning skills that generates income. Our Function(s): •Collaborate in a timely and efficient manner with donors •Present a yearly Gala Event in efforts to continue to promote awareness •Continue to distribute goods/supplies to children in need Contributions: •BFF have had three successful Gala Events to promote our cause. •Distribution - clothing, toys & basic supplies to disadvantage families (US & Liberia) Our Mission: What we say and do is merely a reflection of how we chose to live our lives. TELEPHONE: 336-695-4561 E-MAIL: blamelessfacesfoundation@gmail.com http://www.wix.com/ldhouston64/blamelessfacesfoundation 32
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Hand in Hand Baltimore, Inc. was founded in September 2009 by Jessica Turral in response to the lack of re-entry services for youth charged as adults in Baltimore City. Before founding Hand in Hand, Ms. Turral surveyed her potential students and staff to see if a program like Hand in Hand was necessary. The overwhelming response was yes. With the support of the community and the young men of BCDC, Hand in Hand enrolled its first 10 students in 2009 and has been running ever since. Hand in Hand was founded on the belief that mental health support is crucial to the success of young men who are reentering the community after having been detained. From its beginning, Hand in Hand has focused on providing mental health services (individual and group counseling) and re-entry services to youth who were awaiting trials and were likely to be back in the community within a year. The Hand in Hand Re-entry program began in 2010 with three students and Hand in Hand worked feverishly to create partnerships between employers, educational systems and the community to provide these young men with varied opportunities to remain in their community and be successful. In 2010 Hand in Hand realized the necessity of including academic, case management and employment services for young men to effectively prepare them for their journey to success once they returned home. In 2011 Hand in Hand also incorporated trauma sessions (specific counseling regarding traumatic experiences) into the pre-release program. This enables the youth to be “healed,” in that some of the lasting pain was resolved, and they could work on their future plans. A more “whole” approach, one focusing on multiple aspects of the self rather than solely the traumatic event, is also important to us. Hand in Hand is constantly evolving to fit the needs of our young people while remaining true to our mission to partner with young people charged as adults to create change not only within their lives but the lives of their families. 34
Our website is: www.handinhandbaltimore.org Open Society Institute Baltimore 2010 Community Fellow Executive Director Hand in Hand Baltimore Inc “Connecting Youth With Opportunity”
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For more information or to vend at this event please email srudd@ladydiva.org
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SISTERLOVE, INCORPORATED HER STORY SisterLove, Inc., founded in July of 1989, can trace it’s beginnings to a volunteer group of women interested in educating Atlanta, and especially communities of women, about AIDS prevention, self-help and safer sex techniques. With a personal understanding of the barriers that kept women out of the forefront of HIV/AIDS education and treatment, Dázon Dixon Diallo initiated a collaboration with a local women’s organization to improve access for all women and especially those of color. In 1987, the Women’s AIDS Prevention Project (WAPP) was formed.
Dazon Dixon Diallo, Founder SisterLove, Inc
In 1989, the lack of support for WAPP inspired Ms. Diallo to found SisterLove Women’s AIDS Project with the help of WAPP’s women of color advisory board. Three years later, in 1992, the organization’s name was officially changed to SisterLove, Incorporated. The dedication and compassion of countless women and men have contributed to SisterLove’s stability and growth. Our very existence is a reflection of the women who have shared their struggles and their wisdom with other women in the name of love and survival. We will continue to draw upon the energy of our sisters’ and brothers’ contributions and will remain steadfast in the struggle to combat HIV/AIDS. Our commitment is to the lives of women. Our fight is for the future beyond their lives. Dázon Dixon Diallo is Founder and President of SisterLove, Incorporated, established in 1989, the first women’s HIV/AIDS organization in the southeastern United States. She is also adjunct faculty in women’s health at Morehouse School of Medicine’s Masters of Public Health Program in Atlanta, Georgia. Ms. Diallo is a founding board member of SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective. She currently chairs the Fulton County HIV/AIDS Services Planning Council (Ryan White Council)and the Steering Committee of the Global Campaign for Microbicides, and she co-chairs the Community Advisory Board of the HOPE Clinic, Emory University’s HIV Vaccine and Microbicides Research Center.
www.sisterlove.org 37
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Have You Forgiven Those Who Have Violated You? Angela M. Smith
H.O.W.S - Helping Other Women Stand I can't answer this question in the position of one who has not forgiven. What I can offer as support is this: forgiveness is only as difficult or painless as a person makes it to be. When a person finds it hard to forgive, they basically find it hard to be anything other than a victim. What is a victim? One who is harmed by and subject to oppression by another, or suffers injured by involuntary undertakings. Anyone in a victim's stance can become seated in a comfortable rut because a victim requires constant sympathy and attention. When a victim is not or "feels like" they have not been vindicated by the person who should have protected them, the position of I am the victim, coupled with not forgiving, becomes a way of life that is absolutely right to them. The memories connected to your spirit about the offense and the addiction to not forgiving the wrongdoer will bring you destruction. In the book of Job 3:25, Job stated, and I paraphrase, that the thing he greatly feared and was afraid of is exactly what came upon and unto him. Fear is filled with such evil energy and it draws to you that which you really don't desire. Healing and forgiveness does take time, but you have to determine that time with your own actions and ability to daily affirm that "I will not hold them captive for what they did to me...I release them from me." When you have truly forgiven the offender, you will remember the pain, the situation, the degradation, but you will no longer hurt. You can eventually forget the pain and will know that you have forgiven because your heart will flutter with freedom from heaviness and shame; your entire expression and aura will change the space you dwell in. What I have discovered over the years is that “from conflict, love and unity are possible.” I recall the events that have left me victimized; however, “I AM, is not a victim.” Selah! We are exceptionally wonderful and beautiful creations; take hold of the positive things in life and let love abound. I encourage all of us to kill that slave called fear and unforgiveness - - and live!
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has been assembled bringing together a combinationtion of talents from motor racing, education and the financing world to create, promote and manage the initiative and the awards that will be generated from the program. This is a venture which begins with a race car on a NASCAR track, but evolves into the development of a national brand and the weaving of various constituencies into a network of concerned Americans dedicated to assuring access to higher education for those less fortunate. This is Racing For Education.
Terrance Alton Cox III (The Industrialist) Mr. Cox is the CEO of Diversity Motorsports Racing and one of the creators of RFE along with Dr. Bethune and Bob Schacht. Racing For Education, LLC ("RFE") started as an initiative and developed into a campaign to provide supplemental funding for our schools and students derived from the exciting and dynamic platform of motor racing initially in the NASCAR series of events. Employing the expertise and success of Diversity Motorsports ("DMS") and the proven race shop of seasoned racer and engineer Bob Schacht, RFE developed in-house recognizing the need to provide quality education for children throughout the country. While this is the original aim, there is no reason to believe that this initiative cannot spread worldwide and RFE seeks to ensure it is first to market with its aims and successes to ensure its longevity in spearheading the program. Securing the expertise of Dr Evelyn Bethune, granddaughter of Dr Mary McLeod Bethune, the founder of renowned Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida, as the "Face" of RFE, a team
Dr. Evelyn Bethune is the Principle owner of Racing for Education, LLC. Diversity Motorsports Racing ("DMS Racing") brings an opportunity for the Historically Black Colleges & Universities ("HBCU"s) and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities ("HACU"s) to develop a funding stream that is not held hostage to the political climate. Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune is quoted as saying: "Education is the key to freedom and knowledge is the prime need of the hour”. If that is true, then the opportunity for a quality education cannot be diminished by lack of funding. All people deserve a chance to achieve at the highest levels, no matter their circumstance or economic status. Both of these organizations, the HBCUs and the HACUs, provide access to higher education that for many may only be a dream. In these precarious economic times, funding for education at all levels is being cut by city, county, state and Federal governments. Both of these two groups (HBCUs & HACUs) must develop diverse and creative “out-of-the–box” methods of funding that are available no matter what the circumstances are. Racing For Education ("RFE") is just that method. racing4education.com 40
When I Was 15 Anonymous When I was 15 yrs old I started dating a guy who was 18 yrs old. We dated for 3 yrs. The first year was wonderful. I thought we were inseparable, no one could come between us. Well..going into our relationship the... 2nd yr things started to change. I noticed he started asking me where I was going, how long I would be gone, who I was with etc. I thought nothing of it. I actually thought it was out of concern. Then one day out the blue he found out I wasn't where I said I would be at the time he was looking for me. He came to my friend's house yelling for me to come out. At this point I was scared to go outside because I had never seen him act this way. Eventually I went outside and he grabbed me and put me in the car. He proceeded to yell at me and then before I knew it he reached over and hit me right in the eye. I couldn't belive it! He told me he was sorry and would never do it again. His reason was "I love you" and didn't want me to leave him.From that day forward he continued to get worse with his possessiveness and jealousy. This continued on for months with us fighting back and forth, him following me where ever I went, harrasing my friends, stalking my parents' home. His apologies didn't mean anything anymore.My parents ended up filing a police report and talked some sense into me. It took me awhile to get over him because he was my first love. Ladies, please don't allow a man to tell you what to do, run your life, put his hands on you. Love yourself! I was a victim of domestic abuse and thank God I had moral support in my corner and woke up before it was too late.
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Tonya Lovelace, MA, WOCN Project Manager Tonya draws upon two graduate degrees, a former role as adjunct instructor for several accredited universities, and years of direct service, systems change, project coordination,and national, state, and local anti‐oppression and cultural competency trainingexperience to lead the overall development and growth of the WOCN Project. She alsooversees the national training, technical assistance and suport provided to WOCNconstituents and colleagues by
Mission… The mission of the Women of Color Network (WOCN) is to provide and enhance leadership capacity and resources that promote the activities of women of color advocates and activists within the Sovereign Nations, the United States and U.S. Territories to address the elimination of violence against women and families. WOCN has broadened its mission beyond the fields of domestic violence and sexual assault in order to address a broad range of violence affecting communities of color such as human trafficking and police brutality, and to refocus its theoretical lens to more readily examine a global context of colonialism, imperialism, capitalism, racism, sexism, heterosexism, and other forms of oppression that intersect with violence against
Constituency: WOCN serves women of color from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds, including women who self‐identify as being of Asian, African, Latin and Native descent. Network: WOCN is made up of program staff and national mentors, advisors, membership, and program participants who, through ongoing dialogue, meetings, teleconferences and face‐to‐face events work collectively to determine programming and service areas for national, regional and local implementation. Goals: • • • •
To decrease isolation, build multicultural alliances, and to develop culturally‐relevant approaches to better assist communities of color in ending family and gender violence. To challenge systems and institutions that create barriers for women of color and their communities to achieve violence free lives. To promote the development of women of color led initiatives that are more likely to reach and effectively serve communities of color. To examine local, state, federal and tribal policies and provide opportunities for women of color to organize and exercise their voices regarding issues of family and gender violence.
www.womenofcolornetwork.org Rebecca Balog, WOCN Project Specialist 717‐545‐6400 or rjb@pcadv.org 42
HBCU kidz, Inc. targets communities that contain children 0-6 years old to sell UNITY GEAR, SPIRIT KITS and EDUCATIONAL BOOKS because 90% of the human brain is said to be developed by age 6 years old. The more WE KNOW the better our FUTURE DREAMERS, LEADERS AND ACHIEVERS CAN and WILL GROW! www.HBCUkidz.com
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Fully Committed In the last encouragement letter I told the world that “I Desire More”...well to desire more means that you have to be fully committed…fully committed to what? Let me break all of this down so that my message is clear. When you decide that you desire something more for yourself, you have to be willing to go the extra mile to obtain the results, right or wrong? When one decides that they want to be healthier, you have to be fully committed to becoming healthier. That means that you have to eat healthier, you have to exercise, you have to put good things in your body to achieve the result of becoming a healthier you. When you decide that you want to be a better student at school, you have to fully commit yourself to the task of making sure that your work is in on time, that you participate in class 100%, you have to make sure that you give it everything that you have to get that end result of an A for the course. On an even heavier level, when you decide that you no longer want a worldly life, you have to be fully committed to making changes to no longer have that worldly life. For me, I told the world that I desire more of God, meaning I have to be fully committed to the tasks that I have to complete to achieve that. Being fully committed is not just about words, it is about actions, it is about doing what is necessary to ensure that what I desire more of is achieved. It is so easy to lose focus, and so hard to fully commit yourself when you have so many other things going on in your life that seems to pull your attention its way, but I’m here to tell you all, in the midst of your worries, in the midst of your sorrows, in the midst of your financial troubles, in the midst losing jobs, in the midst of losing homes, in the midst of being so beat down that you feel like you can no longer keep pushing forward, know that GOD IS WITH YOU! If you question that bold statement, go to someone who has won their battle against a disease that doctors told them would take them out within a year, go to someone who has been through more downs than ups and felt that they no longer deserved God’s love…oh that is me. I made it through abandonment, I made through being abused, I made it through a violent relationship, and I’m still making it through. Even when I want to give up because the enemy was whipping me down so bad that I could feel it in my body, I am reminded of these things. God was fully committed to making sure that I had a place by His side in the end, He was so committed to all of us that He gave us His only son to die in our place so that we would not have to, so why can’t we fully commit to Him? I cannot tell you enough how good God has been to me, how He loved me even when I didn’t love myself, when I didn’t want to go any further because I was so blinded by the worries of my circumstances that I almost gave up and let the enemy have my life. I have to say again that I desire more…I desire more of that feeling, of that love, of that comfort, of that security that only comes from God…and for that reason, just like I’ve committed myself to everything else of this world that will one day come to an end, I want to fully commit myself to God my Father…I am Fully Committed. Much Love and God Bless, Paula Whitebear-Burton
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Peas In Their Pods
Thank You..!
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