The Chronicle News Electronic Publication No 52 May 1st - May 15th 2024

Mental Health Awareness Month

"Empowering Others: RaShonda D. Jamerson's Journey as an Author, Mother, and Mental Health Advocate"

Photo-Cory and RaShonda Jamerson serve as marriage ministry leaders at Connection Church for almost 7 years. Cory is an ordained minister and RaShonda is a licensed professional counselor. For the past 20 years, Cory has spent his time in men’s, prison, and nursing home ministries, while RaShonda has spent time working in women’s ministries. They can’t wait to spend the weekend with couples building a greater community of Kingdom marriages!

BY YANICE Y. JACKSON

Meet RaShonda D. Jamerson, a Licensed Professional Counselor who has worked for over twenty years to encourage, educate, and empower teens, women, and wives. With a background in high school counseling and a master’s degree in counseling, RaShonda has helped individuals and couples work through difficult stages of life.

As a woman of faith, RaShonda

is passionate about sharing God’s love and helping others discover their purpose. Her latest book, Miraculous Testimonies: God Is Still Performing Miracles Today, shares inspiring accounts of present-day miracles performed by God.

RaShonda is a devoted wife and mother of three who shares a wedding ministry with her husband at their home church. She is committed

to Page 10  "EMPOWERING OTHERS...

Structural Racism Continues to be a Barrier for some BIPOC People Seeking Quality Mental Healthcare

BY YANICE Y. JACKSON

What causes the stigma for mental healthcare in BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) communities and how do we do away with it? The World Health Organization defines Mental Health as: the foundation for the well-being and effective functioning of individuals. It is more than the absence of a mental disorder; it is the ability to think, learn, and understand one's emotions and the reactions of others. Mental health is a state of balance, both within and with the environment. Physical, psychological, so-

cial, cultural, spiritual, and other interrelated factors participate in producing this balance. (Mental health (who.int))

For countless years Mental Illness has been a silent predator in BIPOC communities. Since the days of slavery, oppression and misinformation has continuously been seeping through marginalized communities. This can be attributed to many factors dating back to the times of slavery such as, the way African Americans were viewed in the antebellum period. The attitudes and treatment of blacks during this time has

Courtesy

The Chronicle News

The Legacy of Dr. Mar tin Luther King Jr Cebres Black History

Black Athletes That Broke the Color Barrier in Sports

Every sports record book should have asterisks riddled throughout the pages. How can we compare the game’s legendary names to the players in the sport today when athletes from yesteryear didn’t go against the top competition? Who knows how long it would have continued if it wasn’t for these Black athletes that broke the color barrier in sports?

William O’Ree (NHL)

The NHL is a diverse sport when it comes to its international appeal. You could throw a dart on a map and find an NHL player from there. However, the game is predominantly white, with nearly 97 percent of its active players Caucasian. Shockingly, there are only 26 Black players in the NHL, which should displease William O’Ree, the first Black professional hockey player.

O’Ree’s first stint in the league only lasted two games, but fortunately, his second go around three years later saw

him in 43 games for the Boston Bruins, scoring four goals and adding 10 assists. It took 13 years for another Black player to hit the ice.

Woody Strode & Kenny Washington (NFL)

Even though the NFL had a few Black players in the early 1920s, they didn’t have another for 20 years until World War II threw a massive wrench in the professional sports world. Many of the game’s best players hung up their cleats to fight for the U.S. overseas, leaving sports leagues short on players. The NFL responded by opening its doors for all, which was good news for Kenny Washington and Woody Strode. Washington and Strode were teammates at UCLA before they entered the NFL, so their transition to the Los Angeles Rams wasn’t too much of a culture shock. The back of their football card may lack the statistics of a legendary player, but their impact on the NFL

paved the road for legends like Jim Brown to dominate the sport.

Chuck Cooper, Nat Clifton, & Earl Lloyd (NBA)

The trio played a critical role in changing the NBA in 1950. Although the Boston Red Sox were the last team to have a Black player (Pumpsie Green) on their roster, the city did right with O’Ree in the NHL and when the Celtics drafted Chuck Cooper. The Duquesne star played for the C’s for four years before finishing his career with the Fort Wayne Pistons two years later.

Clifton was the first African American player to sign an NBA contract, leading the New York Knicks to the NBA Finals. Lloyd was the first to step foot on the court as a member of the Washington Capitols on Halloween.

‘Good Times’: 50 years ago, Norman Lear changed TV with a show about a working-class Black family’s struggles and joys

BY ANGELA M. NELSON Associate Professor of Popular Culture, Bowling Green State University

Esther Rolle, right, and John Amos starred in the pathbreaking 1970s Black sitcom. Moviepix via Getty Images

I loved watching Norman Lear’s trailblazing television shows when I was growing up in Dalzell, South Carolina, in the 1970s.

“Good Times,” my favorite, debuted on Feb. 8, 1974 – nearly 50 years ago. CBS aired the show about the daily struggles and triumphs of the working-class Evans family until Aug. 1, 1979.

Lear, who died at 101 on Dec. 5, 2023, for-

ever changed sitcoms. His characters were more diverse, and their predicaments included situations that had previously been out of bounds for humorous TV programs, such as child abuse, unemployment and alcoholism. As a result, they more accurately reflected modern life in America than their counterparts that predominated through the 1960s.

“Good Times” stood apart from Lear’s other successful comedies because it featured, as Lear put it, the “first full black family on television.”

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Esther Rolle, right, and John Amos starred in the pathbreaking 1970s Black sitcom. Moviepix via Getty Images.

Yednock, and Other Candidates Make Final Push for Votes

LANSING, MI - The May 7, 2024, Lansing City Charter Commission election is only days away and candidates like Ross Yednock are making a final push to both educate voters and encourage them to exercise their right to vote. Joined by several other candidates at a Silver Stone Apartments on Lansing’s southside, Yednock spoke with prospective voters about the city charter, the upcoming election, and why even people who usually don’t vote should show up to the polls.

“This is not the typical election where in two years you have a chance to vote for someone else,” said Yednock. “This election is for our city’s

the word out about this important election and answer questions for residents. We’ve been to Churchill Downs, the Lansing-Eaton neighborhood, Baker Donora, the Westside, and Eastside to listen and learn, ” said Yednock. “Unfortunately, most candidates are not doing this work. They are relying on endorsements to carry them to victory and that, to me, is a red flag. If elected, will they listen to the special interests that funded their campaign or Lansing families they chose not to engage?“

“I’ve gone door-to-door across Lansing with a handful of other candidates to get

constitutional election. It’s the most important election in more than 40 years and in two we will either have a charter that reflects how Lansing residents want to be governed into the future, or one that continues to put money, status, and power over people.”Unlike other city elections where voters select candidates to serve a term and make decisions on laws about parking, rental homes, and how to spend the city’s tax dollars, the Charter Commission will look at the rules the city government follows and if they are working, or not. Among other things, the Commission could propose to: change the number of City Council members; the number of districts and at large seats; the role and power of the Mayor’s office; the Board of Water and Light; how advisory commissions and boards are set up; and even if Lansing elections are held during presidential and gubernatorial elections, or continue on odd-number years.

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WKAR Named 2023 Michigan Public Station of the Year forTV and Radio

WKAR Named 2023 Michigan Public Station of the Year for TV and Radio The announcement was made April 6 at the Broadcast Excellence Awards Gala in Detroit

EAST LANSING, MI; April 6, 2024 – WKAR has been named 2023 Michigan Public Station of the Year for both Television and Radio Group 2 by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters. The announcement was made Saturday, April 6, at the Broadcast Excellence Awards Gala at the MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit. This year marks the twelfth time in thirteen years that WKAR has been named Michigan Public Television Station of the Year. This is the second time that WKAR has been named Michigan Public Radio Station of the Year, with the previous time being in 2018 in Public Radio Group 1. Shawn Turner, WKAR general manager, accepted the award for

Public Television Station of the Year.

“I’m incredibly humbled and thankful to accept this award on behalf of the entire WKAR team,” said Turner. “This recognition is made possible by the passion, expertise, and connection to our community that my colleagues at WKAR bring to work every day." “I want to thank every individual and corporate supporter whose contributions make it possible for WKAR to serve our capital region and mid-Michigan community in awardwinning fashion year after

year,” said Turner. “And finally, I want to express our gratitude to the Michigan Association of Broadcasters. This recognition from our peers strengthens our resolve and reinforces our commitment to fulfilling our mission to inform, educate, and inspire.” In addition to the Michigan Public Television Station of Year Award, these WKAR-TV wins were announced at the gala and contributed to the Station of the Year win: Station Excellence Essay Community Involvement Membership Appeal Ja-

mie Paisley, WKAR director of radio programming accepted the award for Public Radio Group 2 Station of the Year. “It's truly a privilege to accept this esteemed award on behalf of my colleagues in radio at WKAR,” said Paisley. “Their commitment to factbased, innovative journalism, as well as connecting with listeners through the music that they share, has made this recognition possible.” In addition to the Michigan Public Radio Station of Year Award, WKAR-FM also won the Station Excellence award, which contributed to the Station of the Year win. These honors add to the first round of Broadcast Excellence Awards announced in March. In all, across WKAR TV, radio, and digital, WKAR earned 25 Broadcast Excellence Awards for the station’s work in 2023. For more about the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Broadcast Excellence Awards, visit www. michiganmedia.com/broadcast-excellence-awards.

Representing WKAR at the Broadcast Excellence Awards Gala: (L-R) Eli Newman, Jamie Paisley, Shawn Turner, Amy Robinson, Al Martin. Credit: WKAR-MSU About WKAR Public Media

Courtesy Photo-(L to R)Ross Yednock, LaShawn Erby, Dedria Humphries Barker and Lori Adams Simon talking with south Lansing voters about the election and encouraging them to exercise their right to vote.

Meet Lori Adams Simon, Candidate for the Lansing City Charter Commission

My name is Lori Adams Simon, candidate for City of Lansing Charter Commission. My purpose has always been to serve others and my community. Because of this, I decided to run for the Lansing City Charter Commission to make a significant contribution to the City of Lansing.

By serving on the Commission, I would be a part of a team that will play a vital role in assessing and revising the city’s governance structure and together through community engagement could implement changes that will shape the future of Lansing for years to come.

I began my public service career in 1990 working for the Michigan House of Representatives as an intern and Legislative Aide for Nelson W. Saunders, District 10 (D) and subsequently became Chief of Staff. I worked for the Michigan Department of Community Health as a Contract Specialist for the Bureau of Medicaid Financial Management for 16 years.

In 2014, I joined Sparrow Health System, and I concluded my tenure there in 2023 as the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) and Civil Rights Coordinator. I am the President and Principal Consultant for SimonSez Consulting, LLC. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Science and a Master of Public Administration from Western Michigan University. I earned a certification in Diversity Management in Health Care from the American Hospital Association’s Institute for Diversity & Health Equity and a certification in Leading Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion from Northwestern University.

I have extensive work experience in government and community relations, and I have researched legislation and developed policies and procedures in accordance with federal, state, and local

laws. And as a community servant, I have served on various community boards and committees, including the City of Lansing Board of Ethics as President for two years and a member for thirteen years. The foundation of my campaign and service on the commission will be Collaboration, Respect, and Transparency.

I am committed to working collaboratively with the commissioners and city residents for the next three years; I will be respectful to everyone involved in the process, as well as listen respectfully to the diverse perspectives of Lansing residents; and I will demand and foster open and transparent dialogue to ensure that the city’s governance structure reflects the aspirations of Lansing residents. I also understand that representation matters, and I want to represent Lansing especially the 3rd Ward.

The Commission needs members with diverse backgrounds and perspectives who have strong interpersonal skills and who are culturally competent. I want to ensure that all Lansing City residents have a voice and that their voices are heard so collectively we can revise the charter in a manner that is equitable for all.

Courtesy Photo-Lori Adams Simon, MPA, CDM, CTA Candidate for City of Lansing Charter Commission.

2024 YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL PUBLIC PERFORMANCES

EAST LANSING, MI: Experience the live performances of the six 2024 Young Playwrights Festival finalists on Saturday, May 11, 2024, in Wharton Center's Pasant Theatre. These performances are free to attend!

No ticket purchase required. Wharton Center for Performing Arts and MSU Department of Theatre are honored to announce the six finalists of the 28th Annual Young Playwrights Festival:

- Abigail Grifka: Skeletons In The Closet

• Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy

- Daniel Luebs: The Death of a Cynic

• Dewitt High School

- Gabrielle Moulton: You're Hired

• Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy

- Ella Reid: Strangers Like Us

• Dewitt High School

Paulina Rivet: Roses are Red

• Dewitt High School

- Ella Schieding: Shades of Perception

• Dewitt High School

The Young Playwrights Festival is a showcase of six original works, written by high school students, produced by MSU Department of Theatre undergraduate and graduate students, and performed at Wharton Center on the campus of Michigan State University.

Michigan high school students were invited to submit a one-act play to a juried competition. Twelve semifinalists were chosen from the submissions, and from those 12, the jury selected the six finalists above whose plays will be produced. Each finalist has been assigned a professional theatre mentor to help the

playwright revise their play, and each finalist received a $200 cash award and a staged production of their play to be performed at the Pasant Theatre.

The other six semifinalists will receive a $100 cash award. For more information on Wharton Center's Young Playwright Festival, please visit whartoncenter.com/young-

Wackadoo! Emmy Award-Winning Phenomenon Bluey Brings First Live Stage Show to Wharton Center

EAST LANSING, MI – Grab the sticky geckos, break out the duck cakes, and alert the grannies! It’s time to meet the much-loved Heeler family, who will be coming to Wharton Center on Tuesday, May 28, and Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at 6PM with the Bluey live show, Bluey’s Big Play: The Stage Show! The Emmy Award-winning animated preschool series, which airs on Disney Junior, Disney Channel, and Disney+, will be “taking the show on the road” to Wharton Center. Tickets are on sale now through the official Wharton Center Ticket Office, online at whartoncenter.com, or by calling 517.432.2000 or 1.800.WHARTON.

Fans of all ages will get to see Bluey, Bingo, Bandit, and Chilli as they’ve never seen them before, as the Heelers embark on their very first live theater show in the U.S. featuring puppetry, live actors, and iconic sets. Based on an original new story written by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, Bluey’s Big Play: The Stage Show also contains new music by Bluey composer, Joff Bush.

“After seeing the amazing reaction,

the show received during its Australia run, we are delighted to bring this standout live theater show to U.S. audiences,” said director Rosemary Myers of Windmill Theatre Co.

ABOUT BLUEY

The series follows Bluey, a sixyear-old Blue Heeler dog who loves to play and turn everyday family life into

extraordinary adventures that unfold in unpredictable and hilarious ways, bringing her family, friends, and community into her world of fun.

Bluey has won the hearts of kids and parents around the world since it first launched in Australia in October 2018, and has quickly become a global hit.

In Australia, Bluey is the number one kids show on broadcast television

and is the most-watched series ever on ABC iview. In June 2019, BBC Studios struck a global broadcast deal with Disney to premiere Bluey in all territories outside Australia, New Zealand, and Greater China; it now screens in over 60 countries. In the US on Disney Junior, since March 2021, the show has been the #1 most watched TV series with kids ages 2-6. In the UK, Bluey was the most watched show on CBeebies in January 2022 and is also available on Disney+.

Bluey has also won multiple awards, such as the International Emmy Kids Award in the prestigious Preschool Category in 2020 and has picked up the AACTA Award for Best Children’s Program for three years running (20192021). Bluey recently won four Kidscreen Awards in February 2021. Bluey is produced by multi-Emmy award-winning Ludo Studio for ABC Kids Australia, co-commissioned by ABC Children’s and BBC Studios, and distributed internationally by BBC Studios outside of Australia.

Photo Credit: Darren Thomas

WORLD-CLASS CANCER CARE

IN YOUR HOME TOWN

Three teams, one home. Through our partnership, we have created an environment that brings top-rated cancer research and care to the greater Lansing region so you can beat cancer and heal faster closer to home.

For more information, visit karmanos.org/lansingcancer.

Take Action: Prioritizing Mental Health in May and Beyond

MJ. DOMONICK DIXIE

ay is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and the impact it has on our overall well-being. This year's theme is "Tools 2 Thrive," emphasizing the tools we can all use to improve our mental health and support those around us.

Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet it often receives less attention. Our mental health affects how we feel, think, and behave, and can have a significant impact on our relationships,

work, and overall quality of life. That's why it's crucial to prioritize our mental health and take steps to maintain it.

Here are five things you can do to take care of your mental health:

Practice self-care: Self-care means taking intentional actions to care for

your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This can include things like getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, practicing relaxation techniques, and engaging in activities that bring you joy.

Connect with others: Social support is an essential component of good mental health. Make time for meaningful connections with family, friends, and community members. This can be as simple as having a conversation, joining a group or club, or volunteering.

Manage stress: Stress is a part of life, but chronic stress can have neg-

ative effects on mental health. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as practicing mindfulness, taking breaks when needed, delegating tasks, and setting realistic expectations for yourself. Seek professional help: If you're struggling with mental health issues, don't hesitate to seek professional help. A mental health professional can provide support, guidance, and treatment options to help you feel better. Scan to read full story

How Will Emerging Technologies Shape the Future of Media and Communications?

BY YANICE Y. JACKSON

The future of media and communications is on the cusp of a technological revolution. Emerging technologies are poised to change the way we communicate with each other and consume information. As we embrace new tools and platforms, we must consider how they will shape our society and culture. By exploring the potential of these technologies, we can create a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come. So, how will emerging technologies shape the future of media and communications?

With the surge of internet use internet in the 1990s also came new communication methods, including digital media channels which allow users to share messages more quickly and across greater distances. These communication methods include social media, websites, blogs, email marketing, instant messenger, and streaming/ podcasts. Online Platforms continually innovate to make digital communi-

Image Credit-The Future of Media: Things you need to know (youtube.com)

cations safer, more engaging, and easier to use.

The future of media is continuing to turn to digital advances for entertainment, news, and business, which translates to major opportunities for businesses. According to the Pew Research Center, the digital media industry continues to grow, with about 86% of American adults consuming some of their news online. As the audience for

online media grows, so does the number of platforms. For businesses, maintaining an online presence that allows them to effectively communicate with their audience is critical.

The development of communications goes hand and hand with the evolution of media. Mobile video marketing is where I see the future. The future of marketing seems to in not only keeping up with consumer behavior but, yet

getting ahead of the curve to predict and set trends.

With more people looking online to consume news and messaging it looks like the future of marketing would be heavy in Vloggling and Videos shorts. These methods have proven an addictive and cost-effective way to market to the masses. Some examples of mobile video marketing include Social media videos, Product Marketing Videos (videos for B2B) email videos, and advertising videos.

It will be crucial to gather consumer data to continue to create marketing messages that help to drive new experiences and craft compelling content with Generative artificial intelligence. One way to approach this is by using competitive intelligence to gather information about the market. Businesses will be able to identify emerging trends and develop strategies to capitalize on them. This gives businesses a competitive advantage and helps them to stay ahead of the curve.

Simple Ways to Create a Welcoming Home Office Atmosphere

Crafting a space that supports productivity and envelops you in a warm, inviting atmosphere can be a significant challenge. As we spend hours on end in our home offices, it’s essential to create a haven that inspires, energizes, and feels like an extension of our personal selves. Learn how to make your home office feel more inviting so that you can enjoy the space you work in instead of resenting it, even when the workday gets stressful.

Enhance the Ergonomics

Ergonomics must be the linchpin of your home office design. Select a chair that offers proper lumbar support and one that you can adjust to suit your desk’s height.

If you’re prone to standing, consider a standing desk. Don’t forget about that desk set-up too. Your keyboard, monitor, and mouse should align with your body to prevent unnecessary strain. If you have the space available, consider adding a couch or some space where you can get up to take a quick break without having to leave the room entirely. When you walk into a home office capable of supporting your body through the workday, you will feel welcome every time you clock in.

Strategize Your Shelves and Additional Storage

An essential way to make your home office more inviting is to clear out the clutter. If it’s hard to move around the home office, then it will be hard to make it feel welcoming. Luckily, organization will help you reduce clutter with ease.

Eliminate clutter by choosing multi-functional furniture and installing shelves for easy storage. Keep your frequently used items on the top or most accessible shelves and store the rest in

decorative boxes or specialized cabinets.

An effective organization system ensures you can get up and walk around the office without stepping on important materials or tripping over supplies. Home offices aren’t always large, but clever storage implementations such as shelving units and desktop organizers take up little space but make a big impact on clutter.

Set the Right Tone With Good Lighting

Natural light is the gold standard for any office. Position your desk near a window so that you can bask in the warm, soothing natural sunlight while working. There are several great ways to make your space unique andcreate an instantly welcoming aura, but good lighting is critical to ensuring these décor choices shine beautifully.

Plus, you must balance ambience and function. Your light can feel cozy, but it should still help you work productively. For example, having the sunlight stream in from a window behind you may not be ideal if you’re working on a computer. Likewise, sunlight shining directly on your face can be a major annoyance while working.

Don’t neglect artificial lighting for those early mornings or late nights. Ditch the harsh overhead lights for a few table lamps with softer bulbs. This change will help balance a cozy ambience with a useful tool for completing work.

Whether you’re revamping an existing area or starting from scratch, these tips provide a solid foundation for designing and organizing a home office. Start designing your workspace today to craft an environment that promotes productivity and embodies a peaceful, positive mood.

Ways To Use Your Skills To Support Your Community

Communities thrive on the resources available to them and the strength and skills of their members. We each have unique talents that can significantly uplift our neighbors. Your talents can address some of the pressing needs within your area, from construction to legal advice. Explore these ways to use your skills to support your community for deeper insight.

Teaching

Education is pivotal in shaping the future of children and families. Consider volunteering as a tutor in your local schools or community centers if you possess skills in teaching. Your exper-

tise can also be invaluable in organizing educational programs, workshops, or career guidance sessions. For example, you may organize a workshop for young teachers and offer advice on teaching methodologies and classroom management.

Fundraising and Event Planning

Community causes, from supporting food banks to upgrading community facilities, often rely on funds raised through community events. You could guide community groups in planning and executing successful fundraising activities if you’re adept at fundraising. These activities could range from

charity runs to benefit dinners or auctions. Additionally, well-organized events can help raise funds while bringing people together and strength-

ening the community.

Woodworking and Construction

Community spaces like parks, playgrounds, and community centers are essential for fostering social ties. However, these spaces often require regular maintenance and improvements. Consider repairing furniture, fixing playground equipment, or leading projects to create new assets like community library boxes or benches if you’re a carpenter or residential construction worker.

Page 1 to relieving unnecessary burdens and encouraging people to stand in hope and live in God’s freedom. For those seeking inspiration and encouragement, RaShonda is open to speaking engagements at your upcoming events. For further details, please contact JamerSunPub@gmail.com. 

bled out and woven itself into the very fabric we call America. Some may call it systemic racism but, for some ignorance to this allows racism to be accepted as part of the norm.

“In 1848 John Galt, a physician and medical director of the Eastern Lunatic Asylum in Williamsburg, Virginia, offered that “blacks are immune to mental illness.” Galt hypothesized that enslaved Africans could not develop mental illness because as enslaved people, they did not own property, engage in commerce, or participate in civic affairs such as voting or holding office. This immunity hypothesis assumed according to Galt and others at that time that the risk of “lunacy” would be highest in those populations who were emotionally exposed to the stress of profit making, principally wealthy white men.” (Mental Illness in Black Community, 1700-2019: A Short History • (blackpast.org)

In recent months some have awakened to the longstanding effects of racism and bigotry, including the effects on mental health. Historical dehumanization, oppression, and violence against Black and African American people has evolved into present day racism.

The onslaught of COVD-19 in 2020 magnified Racism, an ongoing pandemic within a pandemic for BIPOC communities within the United States. This pandemic exposed, and heightened long standing health disparities in the U.S.

“The police killings of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd amplified the national dialogue on anti-Blackness and racial discrimination, but it's important to address the significant impact that systemic racism has had on the mental health of Black Americans.” (Racial Disparities Lead to Poor Mental Health Care for Black Americans (verywellmind.com)

Furthermore, segregation and bigotry have been built into systems that gov-

ern our nation, where we live work and play. This includes our systems of care which causes systematic oppression, which makes it difficult to be checked and frequently goes unmentioned. This can lead to the consequence of frequent misdiagnoses to BIPOC community member. In addition, cultural barriers can also lead to undiagnosed trauma and lack of understanding thereof.

Given the historical traumas African Americans have been subjected to because of racism, sexism, and economic exploitation and the enormity of our present stressors, it is imperative that we commit to our psychological health. Culturally Competent Health Care within BIPOC Communities is crucial to survival and success.

We must do more to bring awareness to this lack of equity in the controlling systems within the United States. More education around mental health is needed in the Black community, to combat

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the misinformation and ignorance that has lingered within this nation for an unacceptable amount of time.

It is imperative we continue to bring awareness to oppressive governing bodies and form policies addressing the harm that has already been done. This will require all Americans to take a candid look at white supremacy and implicit bias, and consider how systemic racism contributes to the racial inequities in health care.

BIPOC communities must have fair, equitable access to information and resources provided to improve overall living conditions within the communities. Mental health will not improve for Black Americans until more resources are provided to improve living conditions within their communities. We must work together to bring awareness to barriers faced by BIPOC communities, when seeking quality mental healthcare.

Why Continuous Education at Your Business Is Important

As a forward-thinking business owner, you understand the immense value of investing in your company’s growth and long-term success. One of the primary ways to ensure sustainable growth is by providing continuous education opportunities for yourself and your dedicated employees. This continuous education at your business is incredibly important, helping your team prepare and combat any challenges that emerge during dayto-day work. With the right education and preparation, you and your team can tackle these issues with ease.

Industry Changes

In today’s ever-evolving and fastpaced world, industries undergo constant shifts and changes. This dynamic environment requires businesses to stay updated with these changes in order to remain competitive and relevant. Continuous education plays a pivotal role in providing you and your employees with invaluable opportunities to learn about the latest industry

trends, cutting-edge technologies, and best practices. By actively engaging in continuous education, businesses can gain a deeper understanding of emerging market trends, identify new growth opportunities, and enhance their ability to innovate.

Preventative Maintenance

Continuous education goes beyond just staying updated with industry changes. It’s a vital component in preventing potential issues in the future.

By consistently learning, adapting, and honing their skills, employees can proactively identify and address problems before they escalate into major challenges for the business.

Team education helps you stay on top of preventative maintenance in a few different ways. Something like a packaging machine at your business can be complicated to handle, but with regular and extensive education opportunities, packaging machine preventative maintenance is easy. You can ensure

124th National Black Business Conference Returns to Atlanta

TUSKEGEE, AL , Monday, April 15, 2024 – The National Alliance for Black Business (2022), co-founded by The National Business League ® (1900), National Black Chamber of Commerce ® (1993), and The World Conference of Mayors ® (1984), is thrilled to cohost the NBL’s 124th National Black Business Conference ®. Set to take place from August 21-24, 2024, at the Hilton Atlanta in downtown Atlanta, GA, this highly anticipated event coincides with Atlanta Black Business Weekend ™, promising an exhilarating gathering of the nation’s foremost Black business leaders and community luminaries.

Building upon the success of last year's conference, which commemorated the 30th Anniversary of the National Black Chamber of Commerce founded in 1993 and drew over 1,900 attendees, this year's event holds special significance as it celebrates the 40th

Anniversary of the World Conference of Mayors. Established in 1984, The World Conference of Mayors serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Black Mayoral leadership and economic empowerment within Black communities worldwide. This year marks a significant milestone, as it pays homage to 50 years since the Southern Confer-

your team can handle the equipment correctly and spot and address issues before they worsen. Embracing continuous education empowers your workforce to stay ahead of the curve, seize new opportunities, and drive success in an ever-evolving business landscape.

Attract and Retain Top Talent

Investing in continuous education showcases your dedication to staying ahead in a competitive market. By providing opportunities for ongoing learning and skill enhancement, you create an environment that encourages innovation and fosters a culture of continuous improvement. This commitment to employee development enhances your business’s appeal to potential hires but also establishes your company as a desirable destination for top talent seeking long-term career growth.

ence of Black Mayors held its inaugural National Conference at the Hilton Atlanta Hotel. Notably, Daniel "Chappy" James, the first four-star Black general in the Air Force and a Tuskegee airman, served as keynote speaker, setting the stage for the remarkable journey of Black elected leadership in the years to come.

Mayor Johnny Ford, who also served as co-founder to the preceding Black Mayors organizations before founding The World Conference of Mayors, expressed his excitement for this year's event, stating, “As we celebrate the historic 40th Anniversary of The World Conference of Mayors, we acknowledge the pivotal role Black mayors play in the economic development of cities, towns, and historic settlements. These legacies trace their roots back to the visionary leadership of Booker T. Washington and pave the way for the future of Black Mayors all over the world.”

The conference agenda will spotlight the profound impact of Black mayors in fostering entrepreneurship, economic development, and community growth, echoing the visionary principles championed by Booker T. Washington. In 1881, Lewis Adams (Town) and Booker T. Washington (Gown) joined forces to establish Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute, now known as Tuskegee University, in Tuskegee Institute, Alabama. This institution was surrounded by a historic Black settlement, conceived by Dr. Washington, which, though never formally incorporated, was assigned its own zip code: 36088. This collaboration between "Town" and "Gown" laid the groundwork for further partnerships in central Alabama.