Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Friday, September 8, 2017
Wednesday, August 9, 2017
Three Years After Mike Brown's Murder: A Day When The Inner Core of America's Soul Was Revealed
Three years ago on August 9, 2014 an 18-year old young Black male in Ferguson MO, whose name we MUST NEVER forget--Michael "Mike" Brown was killed by a police officer Darren Wilson. On this day and the days that followed the inner core of America's soul was revealed. We were forced to ask and continue to ask: What is the value of Black life? What is the value of Black lives to survival of America?
One of the most sobering and thought-provoking statements I have heard about police brutality and the "Blue" code of silence and complicity among law enforcement was proffered by a former police officer and is embedded here.
One of the most sobering and thought-provoking statements I have heard about police brutality and the "Blue" code of silence and complicity among law enforcement was proffered by a former police officer and is embedded here.
Systemic racism, targeted brutality—no accountability.— Splinter (@splinter_news) August 9, 2017
3 years after #MikeBrown's death, one former cop talks about why he left the force: pic.twitter.com/QSrWtzo6WA
Monday, June 5, 2017
HIV Continues to Have a Strong Hold NC
North Carolina is ranked 8th among the 50 states in HIV diagnoses in 2015, according to the CDC (2017). The faith community can play a major role in addressing one of the leading drivers for HIV risk among African Americans--stigma. All faith leaders (pastors, ministers, Rabbi's priests, Imam's) should work to create a culture of compassion and open and honest dialogue opposed to silence and condemnation.
I have said it before and still firmly believe that we worked to hard to deconstruct walls of oppression from a civil rights perspective to remain complicit in constructing walls of ignorance and intolerance when it comes to playing an active role in the fight against the spread of HIV and the poor treatment of persons infected with HIV or living with AIDS.
The question remains --what are YOU doing to remove the stigma and increase support for HIV services and infected persons and care providers?
https://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/stateprofiles/pdf/North_Carolina_profile.pdf
I have said it before and still firmly believe that we worked to hard to deconstruct walls of oppression from a civil rights perspective to remain complicit in constructing walls of ignorance and intolerance when it comes to playing an active role in the fight against the spread of HIV and the poor treatment of persons infected with HIV or living with AIDS.
The question remains --what are YOU doing to remove the stigma and increase support for HIV services and infected persons and care providers?
https://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/stateprofiles/pdf/North_Carolina_profile.pdf
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
We, The People Are "In It Together"
"We must learn to live (and progress) together as brothers and sisters or perish together as fools."
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
We are at that proverbial fork in the road. The results of the 2016 presidential election sent earthquake-like surface waves throughout America, breaking a part everything we thought we knew about the stability and reliability of our electoral process, the pillars of our government, and even the constitution. The destruction from a Trump presidency is mounting rapidly. Without question or ambivalence, once President Trump leaves office, Americans from all walks of life and political affiliation will have to grapple with finding ways to recover, repair and rebuild from the colossal social, economic, and human wreckage he will undoubtedly leave behind.
At this dangerous time in our nation's history no one can afford to be a silent bystander or apathetic witness. We all have a vital part to play because as Dr. King once said, "we are all tied together in a single garment of destiny."
I personally am going to do my part. I am exploring a run for public office and I want to hear from you. I don't profess to know the answers or even assume that I am "the chosen one" to lead the way. I am willing to listen and make the bold and courageous sacrifice of being a servant leader. This time around --we, the people, must choose our own leaders and not have any institution or a select group make the choice for us.
The Democratic Party must begin the hard but necessary work of strengthening the party from the outside-in (“outside” being the base and the “in” the establishment elite). We must make sure that if we indeed are a "big tent" party that we are not leaving anyone on the outside. We, The People are In It Together. Those who believe in the fundamental principles of justice, equality, and equal protection under the law must now stand with conviction and courageously fight with the resolve that President Abraham Lincoln articulated in his Gettysburg address on November 19, 1863: “It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us…that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
We need bold and new leadership to move us forward. Leadership that reflects the diversity of America and the Rising American Electorate. Leadership that is inclusive and innovative. Leadership that genuinely represents and is beholden to the will of "We, The People."
It all begins with having important conversations across communities and demographic groups. Support the "In It Together" campaign to start these conversations and begin to create a clear vision for the way forward and to explore solutions from the ground up to move America to higher ground.
You can help in several important ways:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScXDcztyc75f_yjzBT7F8UMeQuHatpdK6RZess0yNWGqAtA4Q/viewform?usp=sf_link
For more information send email to: init2gether2018@gmail.com
Help spread the word!
We are at that proverbial fork in the road. The results of the 2016 presidential election sent earthquake-like surface waves throughout America, breaking a part everything we thought we knew about the stability and reliability of our electoral process, the pillars of our government, and even the constitution. The destruction from a Trump presidency is mounting rapidly. Without question or ambivalence, once President Trump leaves office, Americans from all walks of life and political affiliation will have to grapple with finding ways to recover, repair and rebuild from the colossal social, economic, and human wreckage he will undoubtedly leave behind.
At this dangerous time in our nation's history no one can afford to be a silent bystander or apathetic witness. We all have a vital part to play because as Dr. King once said, "we are all tied together in a single garment of destiny."
I personally am going to do my part. I am exploring a run for public office and I want to hear from you. I don't profess to know the answers or even assume that I am "the chosen one" to lead the way. I am willing to listen and make the bold and courageous sacrifice of being a servant leader. This time around --we, the people, must choose our own leaders and not have any institution or a select group make the choice for us.
The Democratic Party must begin the hard but necessary work of strengthening the party from the outside-in (“outside” being the base and the “in” the establishment elite). We must make sure that if we indeed are a "big tent" party that we are not leaving anyone on the outside. We, The People are In It Together. Those who believe in the fundamental principles of justice, equality, and equal protection under the law must now stand with conviction and courageously fight with the resolve that President Abraham Lincoln articulated in his Gettysburg address on November 19, 1863: “It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us…that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
We need bold and new leadership to move us forward. Leadership that reflects the diversity of America and the Rising American Electorate. Leadership that is inclusive and innovative. Leadership that genuinely represents and is beholden to the will of "We, The People."
It all begins with having important conversations across communities and demographic groups. Support the "In It Together" campaign to start these conversations and begin to create a clear vision for the way forward and to explore solutions from the ground up to move America to higher ground.
You can help in several important ways:
- Sign up to support the "In It Together" people's campaign at:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScXDcztyc75f_yjzBT7F8UMeQuHatpdK6RZess0yNWGqAtA4Q/viewform?usp=sf_link
- Sign up to host a house party, coffee or tea chat, or people assembly in your local area.
- Sponsor an community issues forum.
- Provide technical support or consultation.
- Make a monetary gift to support our work through the GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/init2gether2018
For more information send email to: init2gether2018@gmail.com
Help spread the word!
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
If You Think As A Woman What You Chose To Do and How You Chose To Behave Doesn't Effect Young Girls Think Again
This story in Self Magazine by Sophie Hirsh (March 15, 2017) is solid evidence of how we chose to behave, what we say and what we do has major influences on girls--their unique identities, feelings of self worth, self-esteem, self-efficacy, and overall sense of empowerment.
Simply adorable and inspiring.
Copy and paste this link into your browser: http://www.self.com/story/girl-scouts-dress-as-iconic-women-womens-history-month
Copy and paste this link into your browser: http://www.self.com/story/girl-scouts-dress-as-iconic-women-womens-history-month
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
Saturday, January 14, 2017
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
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