November/December Issue

Community Magazine

Colin Powell Quite A Legacy

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What’s your 42 Holiday Fashion?

Holiday Music & Movies

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November/December 2021 Issue

www.vandpmediaproductions.com

Patricia J. Morris 28

The Angel Heart of a Caregivers Heart

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Vision & Purpose Community Magazine

Contents 6

Inspirational Moments Accessibility

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Education is KEY! Relevancy, Reinforcemnet & Reward: What’s It All About?

14 Business & Enterpreneurship V& P Holiday Season Business Report

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Health & Wellness

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Fall is Finally Here

Cover Story

The Angel Heart of a Caregiver

20 Political Awareness Colin Powell: Quite A Legacy

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Community Outreach National Family Caregivers Month (NFCM) “Do You Have What It Takes?”

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Authors Speak Community Pastor of Grace: Written Words

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All Things Fashion What’s Your Holiday Fashion Vanity, Vanity, It’s All Vanity!

Vanity, Vanity

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Performances Arts

Holiday Music and Movies

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Sports Report

Family, Food & Football!

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Contributing Writers Inspirational Moments Marjorie M. Middleton

Education is Key Tory Livingston

Business & Entrepreneurship Karen McConnell-Jones

Novemer/Decmeber 2021 Issue

Health & Wellness Jason Greene

Political Awareness Marjorie M. Middleton Donna Harris

Authors Speaks

Editor-In-Chief Marjorie M. Middleton

Deputy Editors

Seth Washington Karen McConnell-Jones

Karen McConnell-Jones

All Things Fashion Karen McConnell-Jones Tony Turner Martina Tunrner

Performance Arts Seth Washington

Sports Report Karen McConnell-Jones

Cover Story Karen McConnell-Jones 4

Vision & Purpose Community Magazine

Layout & Design Krystal Glenn

Director of Graphic & Design Krystal Glenn

Director of Sales Karen McConnell-Jones

Photographer Dominique Massaquoi Stevie Gaymon

The V&P Team is here to be a positive voice for our community through the stories that are shared in our magazine. In addition, we would like to provide services for our community to continue to help build our community one VISION and one PURPOSE at a time.

For services and pricing please contact us at info@vandpmediaproductions.com

Karen McConnell-Jones Inspirational Speaker & Business Development Consultant (Marketing & Branding Specialist) Krystal Glenn Graphic & Design & Video Production Karen Clay Website Designer Stevie Gaymon Photographer Dominique Massaquoi Photographer Jason Greene Chef & Catering Service Kyonna Fields Brown Inspirational Speaker & Social Media Specialist Marjorie Middleton Writer & Editor Antonio Turner Hair Stylist & Hair Care Products Martina Turner Hair Stylist & Hair Care Products Seth Washington Vocal Artist & Master of Ceremony Donna Harris Tax Accountant Tory Livingston Educator Belinda Stevenson Speaker/Co-Host

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Inspirational Moments

Accessibility

By Marjorie M. Middleton

T

hen Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or your sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid.

But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” Luke 14:12-14 (NIV).

A friend recently told me the story of his mother’s time spent in a hospital. She was very ill and my friend had been at his mother’s bedside for weeks before she eventually passed away.

On one such day, he was relieved by a family member and took a much needed break. He went to the hospital garden to think and try relaxing. As he walked along the garden path, admiring the lush green, well-manicured bushes and brightly colored flowers, he heard someone, behind him at the hospital doorway, say, “Oh man, another place I can’t get to!” Turning, he saw a man in a wheelchair and realized the garden was not handicap accessible.

If we have never lost a limb or a body part, or if we’ve not been born without the usage of a limb, we can never know how it affects a persons’ navigation through life. We can only imagine or observe the journey. However, If the person is someone close to you, you do know how their experiences affect you.

The year before my father died he lost a finger to an accident.

The loss of that finger for an 84 year old man was profound.

The finger had to be surgically removed because gangrene had set in. The family discussion beforehand, about losing a part of one’s self, caused me to think over some things.

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We take for granted the things we possess, to the point that we believe we will always have them. My father was a provider and a teacher. As a Master’s Social Worker, he used his hands to console families losing children and homes—encouraging as lives were pieced back together, writing countless reports and recommendations with those same hands.

He simultaneously used those hands with his children, to comfort one who’d fallen, pull teeth and assist in correcting homework. When he retired, (moving from DC back to his birth home on St. Helena Island, South Carolina, a Gullah/Geechee low country Island, his hands, still taskmasters, grew indigo, fished, whittled, crabbed and reserved these gifts to share with his grandchildren.

His “soul” purpose in moving back to St. Helena Island was to preserve and restore. An excerpt from a book most notably expresses a small part of the impact my father had on his family and his community:

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“Middleton’s indigo represents a new kind of garden on St. Helena, a form of heritage garden that reconnects the pieces of a tradition torn apart by the Atlantic slave trade, when Africans for whom the production of indigo, like the growing of rice, was part of an honored heritage were compelled to share their expertise with the colonial planters who enslaved them. Indigo links Middleton to generations of his forebears who worked the indigo plantations of the Sea Islands. And it reaches further back, restoring a severed tie to their ancestral homeland in Africa.” (The Earth Knows My Name by Patricia Klindienst) Indigo, which was a cash crop of the Island was never seen again after the abolition of slavery in 1865. It was used to produce beautiful, natural dye for art projects and clothing and can be used medicinally, as well. On Saint Helena Island it was restored on my father’s property in 2003.

He used his hands to restore it. My father passed away in 2012 and the indigo plant has not been able to be grown by another since.

It takes time and effort to build your life so that you make a difference.

And, sometimes life will bring you to your knees. So, while you’re there, lift your head and thank God for the things you do have. Then get up and make a difference, love someone, teach someone. Be the change maker, no matter what “limb or body part” you may have lost along the way. It also takes time and effort to re-adjust your life, learning to live without the things you have lost or had taken away from you.

What price does that carry?

Well, as a believer, I have learned that the Lord never leaves me to my own devices because His weapons are stronger.

So, I use them I trust Him I have a daily conversation with Him (prayer) I follow His teachings (Bible) to attempt to make right decisions!

Once again, the Holiday Season is upon us. There are so many things we can do to make that Season accessible for everyone. The past almost 2 years, living with COVID, has certainly caused many celebrations and traditions to look different, but we certainly have many, many things to be thankful for!

We can:

Send Sing Handwrite word)

Christmas cards to nursing homes, shelters and to hospitals (doctors and nurses could use an encouraging

Christmas carols in your neighborhood prepare a meal for someone you know is going thru a difficult time (doesn’t always have to be financial. So many are suffering from depression)

some of your favorite inspirational bible verses and make a small booklet. Hand them out to people you encounter.

The world can be dark. You have the power to brighten it up!

I am learning that if I love and assist my neighbor as He assists me, God will honor my choices with His faithfulness.

Life does not have to be unbearable with Him by your side.

After all, we are all handicapped in some way or another, but God makes EVERYTHING accessible.

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Education is KEY

RELEVANCY, REINFORCEMENT AND REWARD What’s It All About?

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by Tory Livingston

or decades our political and community leaders have been wrestling with the issue of fair and equitable education for our children. We have been looking to government to fund our way out of the abyss of a poor, underrated educational system that is not producing enough thriving, socioeconomic independent citizens from our rural and urban areas. What’s it all about? Is our education system meant to liberate or incarcerate. Why can’t we get this education thing right? Let me suggest that we need to develop new models and deploy new strategies if we want to rapidly solve the inadequate, underperforming, underachieving problems plaguing education in our communities.

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Our Bright Minds + Sweat Equity = Successful Education We should stop looking to the government to solve the education equation for us. It is time for us as a people to roll up our sleeves and put some sweat equity in to achieve successful results that are beneficial to all of our children. New strategies have to be developed and implemented to maximize their educational experience.

It has been said that the 3 R’s of education are Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic. I believe that the 3 R’s should be Relevancy, Reinforcement and Reward. Using this 3R model is one strategy that can help us revamp our children’s educational experience.

Relevant

learning materials that are

practical, engaging and intellectually stimulating are imperative. Educational materials that teach our children about subjects that include finances, owning real estate, entrepreneurship, law, community environmental justice and the study of the magnificent human body with all of its systems are needed. Using some ingenuity, curriculum can be developed for each of these topics that incorporate practical mathematics, science, english, writing, the arts and music at grade appropriate levels.

Reinforcement

can be achieved by

having the students teach and apply what they have learned for the betterment of their families and community. Repetition reinforces what is learned. An each one teach one model not only solidifies what is learned but produces collaboration and embraces the ideology of being “my brother’s keeper”. It truly takes a village to ensure that none of our children are left behind.

Rewards

will be manifested by the

satisfaction of learning things that students can use in their everyday lives. Rewards can also incorporate monetary and other means to motivate the students to take their education seriously because their quality of life depends on it.

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The latest statistic for the school-to-prison pipeline predicts that 1 in 3 African American males will probably experience the inside of a prison cell in their lifetime according to a report generated by the Sentencing Project, a Washington, D.C.-based group that advocates for prison reform (https://www. sentencingproject.org/). The phrase school-to-prison pipeline in itself is an overt oxymoron that should have every reader asking, What’s It All About? Is our public education system designed to liberate or incarcerate.

What can we do now to stop, to nullify this dismal prediction?

In America, we have the National Black Everything: National Black Child Development Institute, National Alliance of Black School Educators, National Association of Blacks In Criminal Justice, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, National Association of Black Accountants, National Society of Black Engineers, National Urban League, National Action Network, National Black Teachers Association, National Association of Black Farmers, National Society of Black Physicists, to name a few.

Can you imagine what can be achieved if a collaboration was formed with the leadership of all of our National organizations, our Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s), representatives and Philanthropists for the purpose of developing online curriculum for grades K-12 that incorporates the 3R’s model? We would no longer have to ask, What’s it all about? We would know what it is all about.

It is about Success.

Contact educate@eazz-z.com if you would like to be involved in this effort.

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Business & Entrepreneurship

The V&P Holiday Season Business Report

by Karen McConnell-Jones

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s we are approaching the holiday season, taking a look at our economy post the COVID-19 Pandemic, we still find ourselves in a unique situation this season, even though it has been twenty months since COVID has hit. The economy is showing signs of improvement and, yes, we are headed in the right direction as the recovery phase is growing stronger.

However, despite the economic growth in the right direction, we are still experiencing some businesses having to close their doors for good which adds on to jobs being lost. The speculation is building on how the holiday season will really look in spite of the positive growth in the economy?

It has been reported that the holiday travels will spike some this season as we had experienced an all-time low last season due to COVID. In fact, the traditional holiday big family gatherings we are used to, office parties, private restaurant parties and/or any other large groups gathering will be affected again this season due to COVID. And, now a new strain of the Delta variant exists. This has left most merchants concerned with the effects that COVID and the Delta variant will have on the economy during this holiday season. They are hoping that the money not spent on office parties and big restaurant bills will lead to more retail shopping.

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The estimation is that retail shopping, especially online shopping, will be at an all-time high again this holiday season. Americans are getting a jump on starting early shopping to avoid last minute difficulties and last minute higher deliveries and shipping fees. Of course Amazon is amongst the top leading online places to shop during this holiday season. With safety still being a high priority for the consumers because of COVID and the Delta variant, stores will need to be on top of their game to draw shoppers in. One way has been by starting Black Friday way before the traditional day of being the Friday after Thanksgiving. Again, we will witness the high volume in curbside and mobile usage as many shoppers are avoiding stores due to safety concerns.

The needs for charitable organizations to receive donations are in demand for this holiday season. The struggle for area food banks and other outreach organizations to stay plentiful has been hard as we are still in the midst of a pandemic.

V&P Holiday Season Top 10 Trending Products

V&P Five Gift Rule When shopping for your loved ones’ perfect gifts, what should we know before going shopping? What should we avoid doing to have fewer returns afterwards? We all know how dreadful it can be when it comes to returning grifts.

Rule #1: Never guess on the person’s size when buying clothes.

Rule #2: Listen well as your loved ones will drop hints on what they want.

Rule #3: Get them something they really need.

Rule #4: Stop waiting until the last minute.

Rule #5 The best one of all, make sure you get a gift receipt so you don’t have to do the return, They can!

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Wireless Earbuds Personalize Masks Personalize Mugs The Latest Cell Phone (Androids or IPhones) Cell Phone Stand Wall Art Lounge Chair Massager The Newest Fitbit

Workout Clothing Exercise Equipment Vision & Purpose Community Magazine

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Health & Wellness Fall is Finally Here

by Chef Jason R Greene Fall is finally here, and that means Worldwide Food Safety month is upon us. This is the time where our style of food changes and some may say for the In the summer we tend to eat a lot of hamburgers with a side salad; Ribs with coleslaw; and bowls of fruit, with maybe some assorted nuts. The idea is you are more active in the summertime so you want your food choices not to weigh you down to help you maintain a healthy balance. This style of menu is mostly due to the weather being amazing, which allows us to grill more and not have to worry about intricate recipes that have not only many different ingredients, but some rules and cooking laws we would have to pay close attention to.

better.

Fall menus consist of soups, chili, legumes, potatoes, rice, as well as heavier meats. Basically foods that will keep us warm from the inside or what most like to call comfort food. Although the same ideas are in place in regards to thoroughly cooking and cleaning your meats and beans before preparing them, you still have to focus on the aftercare of the leftovers. Take a moment and think about your Sunday dinner. Everyone is sitting in front of the television watching their favorite team playing in a football game. You and your family eat your chili and cornbread and possibly some wings to go along with the Sunday traditions. There could also be a pot roast bathing in potatoes, peppers and veggies in the oven or crockpot, making your home smell very welcoming. Then you realize you have food left over once everyone has had their fill. Now, the wings are probably cool after a few minutes; however, the chili and the pot roast will take a little longer to cool off because they are so dense.

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This is where food safety comes into play and those critical questions you must ask yourself to properly maintain the great tasting food that was prepared.

How are we going to store it? Do you throw it in the refrigerator still warm or do you let it sit out and cool down? Well, let me help you out here. The best thing to do is to allow the chili or the roast to cool down.

And here is why. Although these items would be fine if you put them in the refrigerator while still warm, did you know the heat from the containers would make the refrigerator warmer and therefore put the food that’s already in the refrigerator in a temperature danger zone? The danger zones, if you forgot, are between 41 degrees and 127 degrees Fahrenheit. I know, it was a surprise to me also!

The Temperature Danger Zone is a very crucial component of food safety. Most cooked food that is stored or sitting for long periods of time between the temperatures of 41 degrees and 127 degrees fahrenheit will create a gateway for foodborne illnesses to become relevant.

The top 5 major foodborne illnesses are norovirus, Salmonella, Clostridium perfringens, Campylobacter and Staphylococcus aureus (better known as Staph). Though the symptoms can be very mild such as vomiting or diarrhea, who wants to actually become that uncomfortable while trying to digest actual comfort food.

So we must be careful in this season when preparing as well as storing our comfort food. We want to ensure that our food does not spend any time in the temperature danger zone and we want our meals to maintain their integrity. Just remember the key is to make sure you have plenty of space in your refrigerator as well as aking sure you have the proper storage items. Keep zip lock bags as well as clean Tupperware close by so that you can properly store and also reheat your items when it is time for the next go around.

Enjoy!

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Politicial Awareness

Colin Powell: Quite A Legacy

By Marjorie M. Middleton and Donna Harris

H

e left behind quite a legacy. Colin L. Powell was a Republican fourstar general who served as the 65th Secretary of State for the United States. He was the first Black Secretary of State. A man who made a difference for his race and country, Colin Luther Powell’s resume cannot be replicated but what his life stood for can be imitated. Son of Jamaican-born parents, Powell was born in Harlem, New York on April 5, 1937 and he passed on October 18, 2021 from complications due to his bout with cancer and COVID-19.

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Powell served as Secretary of State from 20012005. Despite the distinction of being the first Black person to serve in that position, Powell was also admired, ridiculed and even modeled after for his distinct, yet clear, views. Powell, foremost, believed in supporting the best laid plans (he believed) for the country at any given time. His views were controversial, so his support, or lack thereof, could also be controversial. He believed country always comes first over any political party. Powell identified as a Republican, but always supported foreign policies he believed would benefit the United States, no matter which side of the aisle they came from. He helped to mold foreign policy in the last years of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st. While attending City College of New York, he joined the ROTC – Reserve Officer Training Corps, and upon graduating was commissioned second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Powell was a decorated soldier.

During his 35-years service in the Army, Powell served two tours in Vietnam and was stationed in West Germany and South Korea. He was Deputy National Security Advisor for President Ronald Reagan in 1987. He then served as the first Black National Security Advisor from 1988 to 1989. Powell was promoted to the rank of General and appointed by President George H. W. Bush as the first and youngest Black to the position of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 1989. General Colin Powell presided over 28 crises throughout his appointment, which included operation Desert Storm in 1991.

He won the Presidential Medal of Freedom two times. Powell, later, did not like the Republicans’ rightward turning, and would use his political power to help elect Democrats to the White House, proving that the country is way more important than the party one belongs to. Most notably, Powell endorsed democrat Barack Obama, who won and became the first Black president. Retiring in 1993, Powell had founded the America’s Promise Alliance.

This is an organization which provides aid for children who are at-risk. It was a purpose dear to him and his wife, Alma Powell’s, heart. The man himself was not a myth, his life was not a fable! General Colin Luther Powell, husband, father and warrior statesman!

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The Facts To Know About Powell Powell had 13 Rules to Leadership, he used in service to his country, that seem rather apropos in the wake of his death:

Secretary Powell’s 13 Rules: #1: It ain’t as bad as you think! It will look better in the morning #2: Get mad then get over it #3: Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it #4: It can be done #5: Be careful what you choose. You may get it #6: Don’t let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision #7: You can’t make someone else’s choices. You shouldn’t let someone else make yours #8: Check small things #9: Share credit #10: Remain calm. Be kind #11: Have a vision. Be demanding #12: Don’t take counsel of your fears or naysayers #13: Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier

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Positivity and hard work certainly seem to be the theme throughout Colin Powell’s list. His legacy and his views should affect how Black Americans feel about the political power we have…or don’t choose to exercise.

Powell’s legacy attests to the fact that Black people and their communities must take that political power seriously and work hard to change the political scene, as necessary. We simply must get to the root of every issue facing us, from every level of government/leadership. We have to start in our homes, working our way through our neighborhoods and communities, our schools and the system that governs the schools; address county councils, city leaders and state boards…then, vote, vote, vote! We need to be proactive and not reactive. We have to make demands for change before decisions are meted out. Be the voice and the presence needed for change. Make an honest effort to be a part of the solution.

Don’t be the problem after the solution is solved by someone who doesn’t look like you, doesn’t live in your community nor cares about its’ concerns.

Everyone may not have had the same views as Colin Powell, but he got things done. Some may not support you, but get things done! Go to every meeting in town that concerns or affects your children, your family, your neighborhood. Keep up with the news; know what’s going on at all times. Vote, vote, vote! Most importantly in local elections, not just the gubernatorial or presidential.

Do you know who your Board of Elections (BOE) members are in your city, county or state?

In Prince George’s County, Maryland you can attend BOE meetings via a teleconference call.

Get to know the BOE members; get to know which elections are up and coming. Responsibilities of the BOE: 1. Promote voter education 2.Administer an efficient voting process.

3. Maintain an accurate voter registration database.

They make sure federal, state and county election rules are adhered to Any questions about when, where and why to vote call the Board of Elections of Prince George’s County or the Board where you live.

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The Angel Heart of a Caregiver

By Karen Mc Connell-Jones

Patricia J. Morris

As we celebrate National Family Caregivers Month during the month of November this is the time to show our appreciation to all the caregivers around the world.

Caregivers are the backbone of the family and show amazing strength within their journey of caring for their loved one. The heart of a caregiver is of courage, bravery and endurance for the path set ahead of them. Some will say a caregiver has the grace of an ANGEL HEART. A caregiver will say this is what they must do and will do it with HONOR. Mrs. Patricia J. Morris is one of those people.

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Meet Angel Heart Caregiver Patricia J. Morris

God fearing, loving, caring, strong, giving, selfless, and an advocate for others; these are some of the words that you will hear used to describe Patricia Jones Morris. Mrs. Morris started her higher education at Mary College in Bismarck, North Dakota earning her bachelor’s degree in social work. Having a passion for school and helping others, she then pursued and attained her Master’s degree from Tulane University School of Social Work in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Mrs. Morris has set an example of leadership, endurance, and prosperity with over thirty years of service in the fields of Social Work and Mental Health. As she consistently stays involved in her community, she has set and chaired many Boards and organizations. “I was Deputy Director in Washington, D.C., a program focused on working with the mentally ill, bringing patients out of St. Elizabeth’s Hospital who were ready to live in the community. I was there for 18 years as Deputy. I was truly fulfilled in my role there and enjoyed working with the mentally ill population.”

As a social worker Mrs. Morris thought that she would be able to navigate the system and locate the services needed for her mom that she took care of for ten years,, and father for three years but that did not happen. It was difficult locating services. As the only child after the loss of her brother at an early age of twenty seven, she needed help and a support group.

After personal experience and the passing of her mother and father, she decided to start a support group for caregivers.

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“I started my nonprofit organization in 2013, as the Founder and CEO of Hands of Hope, Inc. I used Hands of Hope to locate other caregivers. I started with one caregiver meeting in my basement, now I have 106 caregivers.

I went to churches, associations, sharing my story about Hands of Hope. Now, we have an annual conference which has been very successful. We average 250 to 300 people every year.

The purpose of the conference is to share information that would be helpful to the caregivers, for example respite care, dementia etc. The speakers we have are wonderful, very knowledgeable and informative on the subject matter as they too have a story to tell.”

“Over the years, we have formed many partnerships to broaden our reach and to be able to provide other services through AARP, Family Services, Coalition of a 100 Black Women, Maryland Coalition for Respite Care, Central Baptist Church of Camp Springs, Stephen Baptist Church, Visiting Angels, Maryland Respite Care Coalition, Maryland Commission on Caregivers, Sisters 4 Sisters Network, and we are blessed to say that we are still expanding.”

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Mrs. Morris shares that her biggest reward is being able to be of service to her community. Being able to assist the caregiver with services, talking with them and giving them the emotional support that they need has brought her great joy. However, letting it be known that her rock and biggest supporter that she can count on is Jesus and her loving husband Steven Morris. “Yes, I love being a worker bee for my community, yet the support from my husband and family keeps me balanced. Along with meditating daily, I ask my Savior to keep me balanced, and know how to let go and let God.” As the interview comes to an end Mrs. Morris leaves us with encouraging words from a voice of experience. Speaking in her lovely, sweet voice, she wanted everyone to receive her message by knowing that God is with us on this journey and he will never leave us. Get into a support group with other caregivers and get family involved. We must practice saying yes to receiving help so that we take care of ourselves and know that God loves us all.

“Just remember, you may be assigned this journey one day and knowledge is power. Be informed and surround yourself with support. Know that you are not alone.”

“God Bless you and Happy Holidays from the Morris Family”

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For more information about Hands of Hope Caregivers Foundation visit www.handsofhopecaregivers.org

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Community Outreach V&P COMMEMORATIONS OF THE MONTH FOR NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

Veterans

Day honors all of those who have served the country in war or peace — dead or alive — although it’s largely intended to thank living veterans for their sacrifices. It was originally called Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War I. Yellow is the ribbon color.

November Is National Family Caregivers Month“Across America, daughters and sons balance the work of caring for aging parents with the demands of their careers and raising their own children. ...

National Family Caregivers Month is a time to reflect on the compassion and dedication that family caregivers embody every day.

Purple is the ribbon color.

December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about the consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

Featuring the blue awareness ribbon as it means to show support for drunk driving awareness.

The red awareness ribbon shows support for MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving).

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November is National Diabetes Month, a time when communities across the country team up to bring attention to diabetes. This year’s focus is on taking care of youth who have diabetes. Many causes and conditions have a colored ribbon to symbolize the cause. In the diabetes community, we have done something very different—a blue circle. The blue circle is the universal symbol for diabetes.

December is HIV/AIDS Awareness Month, and VA wants to remind everyone about the importance of getting tested.

Red is the ribbon color.

NOVEMBER 2021 DECEMBER 2021 10th World Science Day for Peace and Development 11th Veterans’ Day (United States) 12th World Pneumonia Day 13th World Kindness Day 14th World Diabetes Day 15th World Philosophy Day 16th International Day for Tolerance 19th World Toilet Day 20th Universal Children’s Day 20th Africa Industrialization Day 21st World Pancreatic Cancer Day 21st World Television Day 25th International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 25th Thanksgiving Day (United States)

National Family Caregivers Month Epilepsy Awareness Month National Diabetes Adopt A Senior Pet Month November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and National Native American Heritage Month in the United States, along with the Great American SmokeOut Month.

Other United States recognitions include Recycling Awareness Month and Lung Cancer Awareness Month.

1st World AIDS Day 1st Giving Tuesday 3rd International Day of People with Disabilities 5th International Volunteer Day 5th World Soil Day 7th International Civil Aviation Day 9th International Anti-Corruption Day 10th International Human Rights Day 11th International Mountain Day 18th International Migrants Day 20th International Human Solidarity Day

National Car Donation Month * AIDS Awareness Month National Pear Month Bingo’s Birthday Month National Drunk & Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month National Human Rights Month National Tie Month National Write A Business Plan Month Operation Santa Paws (1-24) Root Vegetables and Exotic Fruits Month Safe Toys and Gifts Month Spiritual Literacy Month Universal Human Rights Month Worldwide Food Service Safety Month Advertisements In December Hanukkah falls on the 10th to 18th, the 25th is Christmas, and the 26th to January 1st is Kwanzaa.

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In Honor of National Family Caregivers Month (NFCM)

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We Ask, “Do You Have What It Takes?”

By Belinda Stevenson

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Our spiritual component is the foundation of everything. This is where your belief transcends what your everyday reality is. You have to dig deep and do a reality check and ask yourself, can you provide the care needed to your loved one without them feeling like a burden or feeling your frustrations on the days when you feel like, enough is enough? It is true that life is about trial and error because we do not have the blueprint, but every word you speak or decision you make can affect or cause irreversible harm to someone else.

People do not forget words spoken or how you made them feel but we all are human and living this human experience, which is never perfect.

e are all aware of the ails of getting old and possibly needing a caregiver or being a caregiver to your parent, spouse, child, family member or someone whom God called you to provide care for in a lot of cases, overnight. However, those of us who have not had to walk that journey rarely or never give any thought to those who unselfishly, willing and unwilling sacrifice their life and create a new norm to be of service to someone in need.

If ever presented with the responsibility of Caregiving and you decide to do so, make yourself a priority. Start recruiting your village, and express to them what you may need. Do not be afraid to ask for help even if they do not offer. You will be surprised who shows up and shows out for you. Take time for yourself and express to your loved one your need to decompress and recharge to better serve them but express it with love.

Communication is key.

When presented with such a life-changing decision for all involved, how often do Caregivers get the opportunity to carefully examine the spiritual, emotional, mental and physical consequences of their decision to take on such an unknowing or more often than not, unexpected task?

For those of us who have not crossed the Caregiver Bridge and are living life as we always have, do not stand in judgment. If you know a Caregiver personally or encounter one, show them some love with a simple act of kindness; just say, thank you. To be acknowledged can potentially brighten their day and provide that extra boost just when they wanted to give up. You never know, they may have to care for you.

Most of us rarely look at Caregiving on a cellular level because as human beings we are surface creatures. If the Caregiver is not complaining or wearing their “life is grand” mask, we assume they are just fine and have it all together. People rarely allow you to see behind the mask and that is where the suffering festers and resides; most of us suffer in silence.

We never know what God has written in our Book of Life. Nevertheless, what I know personally is if you believe in Him and do what is required with a heart of love, then He will show up in ways you could not have ever imagined.

And so again we ask, “Do You Have What It Takes?”

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Authors Speak

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Community Pastor of Grace Written Words

By Karen McConnell-Jones What do your written words say about your life? Are you willing to put it all on the pages? Page by page, speaking your truth as it stares you right in the eyes, knowing that the truth is in the eyes of the beholder. Writing your autobiography requires you to be at a real check point in your life and the willingness to stand in thy truth. This is exactly what our Community Pastor of Grace, Arnold M. McLaurin did while allowing us to be up close and personal with him.

Now known for being Bestselling Author, Pastor McLaurin has given us nine compelling chapters of his life story with a unique twist. He has given us a written sermon to follow each chapter to further put a scriptural theological message behind his life lessons that have now turned out to be his life blessings. As Pastor McLaurin so eloquently puts it, “HOLD ON AND DIE OR LET GO AND LIVE” is the title of the good book of his fifty year memoir.

“This book is intended to shed a guiding light (through my experiences) on when and how to discard, reject and release people, things, situations, and philosophies that are toxic to our system and laced with harmful bacteria and know: “HOLD ON AND DIE OR LET GO AND LIVE!” “It is my sincerest hope and desire that even in all of my pain and failures that my life’s experience will create a moment of reflection and change that will enhance the quality of life as God ordained for all even in the beginning.

That my pain and struggles would serve as a beacon of light that shines out in darkness and contributes to someone’s path becoming brighter.”

Pastor McLaurin goes on to share that he will continue to strongly promote the book and its contents to compel all of the need to rise above anybody or anything that would hinder them from enjoying and thriving in their pathway to Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

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He has already begun his next book, “THE MINISTRY OR ART OF ARMOR BEARING.” He will also concentrate on nine spinoffs’ from “HOLD ON AND DIE OR LET GO AND LIVE.” Pastor McLaurin has a Live-Stream TV show in the works which is in his near future. He is planning to use the platform as a lesson tool, to continue to inspire and to impact the lives of the people in his community and beyond. “Yes, I will use my TV show as a platform to share my work and to continue to promote God’s WORD, WILL and A WAY to all who will hear it. I am truly grateful to my Savior to be in this moment and to speak my truth.”

“I understand that right now the only family that I have to balance is God’s. Family is the foundation that God chose to build his Kingdom upon and I will continue to expound on its sacredness and importance to a thriving society.”

A Final Note to Know About Our Community Pastor of Grace

It has been said that our Community Pastor of Grace is best known for his unorthodox, complex and technical way of being, yet his caring and loving spirit goes beyond the church doors and straight into the heart of our community.

You can find Pastor McLaurin this Thanksgiving, as well as all the past Thanksgiving seasons, giving blessings to so many families that are in need by providing over 400 hot meals and turkey basket, which is always held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. This is followed by a toy drive for Christmas. The toys are given to foster kids, working closely with Concern for Kids Foster Care Services of Prince George's County, MD. Pastor McLaurin is inspired and uses the mentoring of the GREAT Dr. Martin Luther King to continue the journey of GRACE! “We shall wake up every day and give life all the good that is in us to give and everything else will work in our favor.”

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Mathew 18:20 (KJV) “For where two or three are gathered together in my name there am I in the midst of them” Pastor McLaurin’s daily scripture Vision & Purpose Community Magazine

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All Things Fashion

‘Tis the season to be fashionable fa-la-la-la-la-la-la!!! Yes, the holiday season is upon us and this is the best time of the year for fashion. You will see anywhere from the Glitz and the Glam to the Old Ugly Sweater. Waiting to see who will wear the best of the best to the holiday parties and please don’t let us catch you holding back on the fashion. You better wear it!

So, what’s new, what’s HOT for this holiday season? What will be your holiday look and the colors for the season?

The top six colors for this season are, of course your red, white, orange, green, grey, and yes, for the women our safety color black.

Here are a few tips on how to go from simple to chic for your next holiday party look; wear a shimmy or glitter dress with some funky boots, take your casual outfit and wear some red suede pumps, a cold shoulder angel sleeves dress with some open toe boots, and don’t forget to rock that personality hat that says I have just stepped into the room.

Let us not fail to mention, thanks to COVID, we had to step up our holiday zoom wear. Last season COVID had us have more holiday zoom parties then we could have ever imagined yet we were ready and everyone got into the fashion. And this year zoom holiday parties will not be any different. You better bring it! Yes, this year’s holiday zoom colors to wear are, of course, our red, gold, white, green, blue, and silver. Ladies, this is the time we must stay away from the go to black outfit on zoom. The black tends to wash us out on camera unless you use your accessories well.

You can wear a nice big bold colorful necklace with some colorful earrings to match, with the right touch to your makeup.

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What’s Your Holiday Fashion?

by Karen McConnell-Jones

Now, the last fashion tip for the season is the family pajamas sets. I don’t know about you but again COVID had made us step up the pajamas game. Every Christmas family postcards was the entire family in matching pajamas sets last year. This holiday season, 2021, pajamas sets will still be in the top ten gifts to buy.

V&P Top 10 Clothing Gifts: Turtle necks Sweaters Knitted clothing Hoodies Hat and scarf set Boot cut leggings Gloves set Bomber Jacket Workout clothes Family matching pajamas set Enjoy the holidays and look good doing it!

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All Things Fashion Vanity ,Vanity, It’s All Vanity!

By Tony Turner So, as I study, today's fashion has so much diversity.

There is the natural hair movement, then there is the 40 inch bundles crew. You know, hair to the floor with all different colors. There are the short hair divas, there's the beautiful curls crew. There's even the bald and beautiful crew. There is the big booty crew that will risk life and limb to have the brown round. There is the jeepers creeper crew. That's the super dooper long eyelash crew.

There is the man weave crew. They even wear fake beards and sprayed on hairlines. There is the super athletic crew.

Men and women that look like action figure shapes. They have amazing physics. There are billions of dollars being spent to acquire these looks. There are men and women having surgery to change their appearance and sex. Dave Chappelle's standup comedy is getting more press than the upcoming elections because of his statements about transgender lifestyles. What does this all add up to?

Vanity, vanity it’s all vanity. What will be has already been done. Nothing is new under the sun. We are just awakened to our perspectives. There are many gifts and sciences of beautification. Most fashion trends are spin offs of a previous fashion statement. However you decide to express yourself,ask yourself the question, what is it all for? Most times it is whatever makes us feel good about ourselves. There will be some who totally love our self-expression, and then there will be others who detest our creativity. Nature has a big effect on what motivates our fashion scene. If it’s cold we wear more, if it’s hot we wear less.

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Vanity 1. Excessive pride in one's appearance or achievement . 2 . worthless value.

Sex appeal seems to always have its’ hand in our fashion statements even if we are trying to be more conservative.

Some don’t like to show much skin in fear of looking too sexy. Funny how when we pass away all that jazz will turn to ash. What will remain is the spirit in which we did it and how it affected others. It all boils down to what you were doing while you were wearing it. Would I respect a transgender person who saved a child’s life, more than a heterosexual person who did nothing to try to save that child’s life? Honestly, I would respect the transgender person more. Ordinarily I would cringe at a man wearing a dress. But it’s what you do and what you stand for that ultimately gains my approval. I love beautiful women, so sexually I will always be attracted to beautiful women.

More importantly, my wife...she is the beautiful woman for me!! So looking at life though that perspective my fashion scene will generally be more like she looks good in that black dress. Or that’s a nice suit. But at the end of the day, what means most is what you stand for and what you do!

There are a lot of well-dressed racists. A lot of the most well named brands we support enjoy the benefits of white privilege.

Which brings me back to my point, vanity, vanity it’s all vanity. Our spirit will be judged by our intent and our actions. Not so much as what we are wearing. Mankind looks at the wardrobe. The Most High looks at the heart. The ugly duckling just might be the swan.

Peace Beloved.

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All Things Fashion

Vanity, Vanity

by Martina Turner

Vanity, Vanity, for the love of beauty. Isn’t it crazy how we can sacrifice the health of our hair just to achieve a certain look or hairstyle. It’s true when they say, when you look good you feel good. Ready to take on the world and be at your best? The only thing we may not take into consideration is the consequences to our actions. When you are dealing with the health of your hair, it may take one or a couple of times to see the damage of a certain hairstyle or chemical process. It could be that weave install or braids you decided to let your friend do at home.

Now your braids are so tight that you begin to get fine bumps around the frontal and nape area of your hairline. Let’s not leave out those lace frontal wigs, you are applying hair glue to help hold and lay your wig down nice and smooth for that natural finish look. While these hairstyles look nice on you, your natural hair is taking a beating. You’re now dealing with the possibility of hair thinning or worse, hair loss. Those three to four bundles of hair extensions or braids hanging down to your behind are weighing and pulling your hair strands, causing your hair density to get thinner and finer. Vanity, Vanity let’s stop now and save our Natural Crown!

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Traction Alopecia is hair loss caused by hairstyles that pull tightly on the scalp. This skin condition is highly diagnosed in African-American women, all ages from older to younger are suffering from this scalp condition. Traction Alopecia is commonly happens when wearing styles such as hair extensions, dreadlocks, braids, ponytails or even the type of headwear such as bonnets, hats or head wraps. They can also pull on your edges and cause thinness or breakage. It’s time for healing and hair loss prevention. Traction Alopecia can be prevented. When wearing protective styles, make sure your braids are not too tight; do not keep them in over six weeks; keep up with your retouch maintenance. Give your hair a break between braid and weave installs; protein treatment and hair trims are highly recommended. Buy 100% silk scarves, bonnets or pillowcases. It helps hair cuticles to glide smoothly which prevents breakage and friction around your hairline. Silk also helps keep your hair moisturized, soft, and protects against frizz and dryness. Lastly, if you see a difference around your hairline or any area of your scalp early, take a break and start treating your hair with vitamins such as Biotin or Vitamin E; protein-conditioning treatments and scalp massages around your hairline and scalp; helps to manipulate your blood circulation to the scalp which helps promote healthy hair growth.

Vanity is Vanity, let’s stop sacrificing our natural tresses. It’s okay to try something new, just make sure you have a licenced hair stylist that specializes in protective styles and prioritizes healthy hair care.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

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Performance Arts

Holiday Music and Movies

By Seth Washington

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t Summer’s end, a festive time of year begins.

School children celebrate the start of a new year, a new grade, freshly donned in new clothes eagerly greeting classmates on the first day.

Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) ignite October weekends, convening legendary homecoming gatherings. Nature joins with a grand invocation of change. Green tree leaves morph into a gold, bronze and rust mosaic, pointing the way toward November’s fourth Thursday opus.

Few event menus are as well orchestrated as Thanksgiving. Extended families usually know in advance, whose momma is bringing the ‘tato salad, mac n cheese, if dad is frying or smoking the turkey. Of course, auntees got the ham, candied sweets and cuz is making sweet potato pies. This one is bringing the stuffing, that one is bringing greens, pound cake, the kids got kitchen cleanup and so on. After dinner, football games on tv, chased with turkey sandwiches, power naps and a Black Friday later; it’s full speed ahead to celebrate Emmanuel’s day of birth, more endearingly referred to as Christmas.

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Herein, we are midway through Fall’s grand storytelling. Just now I’m beginning to think of songs that magnify the moment and movies that emphasize the essence of the holidays ahead. Some classic soundtrack and motion picture options I offer, below, as added compliments to 2021’s year ending festivities.

THANKSGIVING MUSIC . . .

Good vibes while baking the night before or setting the table the day of!

Feeling Good by Nina Simone Try the original version, as well as, the Verve records Joe Claussell Remix In the season of thanks, what a cherished time it is to be at peace, knowing as Queen Nina sang, “ . . . and I’m feeling good”.

Yes We Can Can by The Pointer Sisters If there is any doubt about making it through to the New Year, the Pointer Sisters confidently attest, “I know we can make it, I know darn well we can work it out”!

I Smile by Kirk Franklin Amidst family, friends, good food and good music, you smile, I smile, we smile.

Be Thankful For What You Got by William DeVaughn DC native DeVaughn rightly encourages us to give thanks for it all. Shall we also remember those less fortunate?

Rossiter Road by Ahmad Jamal (the whole album) Masterfully done by a piano and musical master, this jazz project was made to be heard in full, engineered with warm tones just right for Fall holiday consumption.

AFTER DINNER MOVIES . . .

Claudine, starring Diahann Carroll and James Earl Jones A true Black film classic about love, family, choices and hope within the modern world, brilliantly portrayed by Carroll, Jones and cast. It’s perfect viewing for a multigenerational gathering and pairs ever so well with a warm slice of pie and a scoop of ice cream.

Selma, starring David Oyelowo, Oprah Winfrey, Carmen Ejogo, Common and Tessa Thompson A moment of gathering, even a holiday, can be a great opportunity to share and remain connected to important cultural legacies. In this cinematic depiction of overcoming and the struggles therein lead by Dr. Martin Luther and Coretta Scott King Jr. along with the leaders of the SNCC and the SCLC we are reminded of powerful reasons to be thankful.

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CHRISTMAS MUSIC . . .

To be played, officially, anytime from November 26 thru New Year’s Eve, unofficially, whenever you please.

First and foremost . . .

This Christmas by Donny Hathaway Silent Night by the Temptations Santa Baby by Eartha Kitt The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole Let It Snow by Boyz II Men . . . each of the five songs above is as necessary as Christmas lights and extension cords!

Oh What A Wonderful Child by Shirley Caesar A perfect synergy of Christmas joy and Gospel praise performed to perfection by the great Reverend Shirley Caesar.

Santa Claus Go Straight To The Ghetto by James Brown In this season of love, Mr. Brown remembered to acknowledge everyone.

Soul Holidays by Sounds of Blackness This song is a pitch perfective telling of the modern cultural narratives surrounding Christmas, situated within the cozy confines of a Flyte Tyme Studios groove.

My Gift To You by Alexander O’Neal (the whole album) A timeless musical celebration of the holiday season, featuring the richness of O’Neal’s voice, the production prowess of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis along with the lush backing vocals from Sounds of Blackness, all offering up their Minneapolis best.

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CHRISTMAS MOVIES . . .

These films are distinctly themed for this season, showcased through memorable ensemble casts.

This Christmas, starring Delroy Lindo, Idris Elba, Loretta Divine, Regina King, Chris Brown, Columbus Short, Keith Robinson, Laz Alonso, Sharon Leal, Lauren London and Mekhi Phifer Familial love, unity and strength are pressure tested within a broad range of well scripted and well played drama that occurs as the Whitfield family gathers for the holidays.

The Preacher’s Wife, starring Whitney Houston, Courtney Vance, Denzel Washington, Gregory Hines, Loretta Divine, Jennifer Lewis and Justin Pierre Edmund A timeless holiday story, including scenes deftly stolen by Divine and Hines. While nicely wrapped in a bow, throughout; the blessed presence and anointed voice of Whitney Houston, true gifts that keep resonating.

If you’re still enjoying any or all of these come January, it’s not your fault.

Happy Holidays!

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The Sports Report with Lady K

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Family, Food and Football!

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by Karen McConnell-Jones

t’s the holidays and the NFL games, what a combination. Yes, that’s right. For me, it’s nothing more exciting than being in the holiday season but more importantly for us sports heads; it’s nothing better than enjoying the holiday season with family and watching sports, especially the NFL football games. Family, food, and football have been a tradition in most American households during this time of the year for decades.

Allow me to paint the picture! It’s Thanksgiving Day and every football fan knows there will be some turkey eating and some football watching going down. Two things we know for sure, the Detroit Lions will play the first game of the day and the Dallas Cowboys will play the second game on Turkey Day. So, let’s say our prayers, say what we are thankful for, and then let’s get to eating and watching those football games. lot of family smack talking (junk talking) will be going down!

Here are some fruitful facts for you. The Detroit Lions have played every Thanksgiving game since 1934, with the exception of 1939 and 1944. The Dallas Cowboys have played every Thanksgiving game since 1966, with the exception of 1975 and 1977. WOW, what history! But wait!!! There is more, we now have Thanksgiving night football and this year it’s a good one. We have the Buffalo Bills and the New Orleans Saints on Thanksgiving Day. So far the Saints are undefeated. Will their record hold up? Hmmm, I guess we’ll just have to wait and see. What a treat! We football fans didn’t always have a Thursday night game. Thursday night football games started in 2006, now allowing us football heads to have a third game on Thanksgiving night and we just love it.

NFL Thanksgiving Fruitful Facts Do you know out of 32 teams in the NFL that only one team has never played on Thanksgiving Day? The Jacksonville Jaguars began play in 1995 as an expansion team to the league and remain the only team that has never played on Thanksgiving Day. In the NFL Thanksgiving football history there are only four teams that are undefeated on Thanksgiving Day, the Baltimore Ravens (with two appearances), New Orleans Saints (with three appearances), North Carolina Panthers (with one appearance), and the Houston Texans (with one appearance).

In 1989, John Madden of CBS at the time awarded the first “Turkey Leg Award” for the games’ Most Valuable Player (MVP) to Reggie White. Since then Running Back Emmitt Smith has won the “Turkey Leg Award” five times, having Emmitt to hold the record, to this day as the top Thanksgiving MVP winner. So, there you have it, football, family.

Have fun on Turkey Day. Gobble, gobble!

Happy Thanksgiving from The Sports Report With Lady K and the V&P Team!

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