Good evening friends! I am just one step away from turning my book, American Dreamer, into a movie. American Family Insurance and The American Black Film Festival said they will back me. My book is complete and the manuscript is ready. The only thing I need to get my movie green-lighted is YOUR VOTE! If you believe in me, please show your support by voting for my dream.

First click here: https://www.throughablacklens.com/. Then click on the picture with the big YELLOW HAPPY FACE entitled, “American Dreamer.” To cast your vote, you’ll need to enter an email address and a password. Once you’re logged in, you’ll be able to click the check mark and your vote will be counted.

Please spread the word by sharing this post. If it’s God’s will, I will win. When I win, I will be sure to include the names of every single person who voted for me in the credits of my movie. I really appreciate your help! God Bless!

PURSUIT OF GREATNESS: Our Youth. Our World. Our Future.
By Sharon Stinson Gray, M.P.A

Saturday School. Suspension. Referrals. Expulsion.

What do these have in common? They coexist in our public school systems. They are ultimately defined and denoted as consequences, absent of counter incentives, for our youth and in particular our young urban African American youth, meted out by public school administrations across the United States of America.

This is an epidemic in one of the most basic forms. Locally. Socially. Worldwide.

Knowledge is power. Our youth is our future— these truths are without a doubt the essence and underlying foundation of our society as it relates to the future— our future, people of color. Our examination, from an educator’s point of view, proves there is a necessity, more so an urgency for intervention— from our communities, guardians, parents, churches, social workers, social groups, sororities, fraternities and the general public.

Education should exemplify our youths’ accomplishments, their rich achievements. It should embrace their unique and alluring creativity versus using a figurative tourniquet as a replacement, which ultimately has had horrific, often deadly consequences. This is not to say that public schools and administration are purposely or maliciously destroying our children and the education system; this is, rather, a careful examination of policy and methods used for behavior modification. This article is for the sole purpose of positive elucidation from our community so that solutions can be realized.

Positive reinforcement, as theorists confirm, is a powerful tool for our youth. On the flip side, studious students or students whom are mainstreamed for various special education needs should not be subjected to class disruptions and other deviant and unacceptable behavior. This, by all means, should constitute a consequence. The education process shall not be interrupted. Penalties are a necessity when extreme cases arises, but, as educators have examined and statistics continually prove, these penalties are less likely to reoccur when they are combated and supplemented with incentives and positive reinforcement. There are solutions. We are the solution.

All kids have a right to learn. Let us embrace this right and provide the most viable resources available for— our kids, our youth, our future. There are solutions. There are interventions. We stand as a community, iron-gripped and build vigorously from the ground up to make our world a better place for our future.

Below is a list of some intervention suggestions and other resources. It starts with education. It starts with caring.

* After school tutoring

* Sylvan Learning Centers

* Homework Hotline Educational Services, LLC

* School Notes

* Family Involvement with School Education

Our youth, our seeds shall be watered in order for them to flourish and blossom, most beautifully and uniquely. We shall groom, enhance and promote their greatness as we, the community, the adults, the educators, the learners, the parents, the churches, the providers, will continue energetically and enthusiastically to push forward relentlessly in the pursuit of greatness.

03/12/13
Allison Martin
You can choose your friends, but you can’t choose your family

 

“You can kiss your family and friends good-bye and you can put miles between you, but at the same time you carry them with you in your heart, your mind, and your stomach because you do not just live in a world but a world lives in you.” –Frederick Buechner

As the quote states, as you progress in life and elevate to new heights, your family will always be with you.  These are the individuals that have been by your side since day one, and sometimes know you better than you know yourself.  I should also mention that a family member doesn’t necessarily have to be a blood relative.  It could simply be someone such as an adoptive parent or sibling.

In many instances, immediate family members tend to have the greatest impact due to life long bonds that originated from birth.

Let’s take a look at some tactics families should incorporate into their everyday lives to strengthen the relationships amongst its members.

1. Good communication. This can really make or break any family.  It’s important for all family members to be on one accord.  In the event of a discrepancy, those with varying perspectives should be able to openly communicate their concerns and work together to come up with a solution.

2. R-E-S-P-E-C-T.  With strong communication comes respect.  All family members should treat others like they want to be treated.  Lack of respect indicates to others that there are no clearly established boundaries for behavior.

3. Forgive and forget!  Holding grudges does not facilitate bond-building; it hinders it!  Immediate family members typically have your best interest at heart.  Don’t ruin it all over a simple conflict; it’s just not worth it.

4. Family dinners.  Nowadays, everyone seems to be so busy with their own private agendas; families are no different.  Mom or Dad has to work late while the kids have extracurricular activities to participate in.  This leaves no time for good ol’ traditional family dinners.  However, dinnertime is an integral part in bond-building as it allows everyone to sit down together to discuss their day and other significant things taking place in their lives.

5. Game night.  A game of Scrabble is the perfect highlight to spice up game night.  Ditch the friends, co-workers and neighbors and join in on a fun-filled game night with your loved ones.  As time ticks away, these precious moments will disappear and you may only see your family members once per year.

6. Tone at the top.  If you are a parent, be sure to set a positive example for your children.  The tone at the top ultimately determines the climate of the household.

7. Hugs!  Don’t be afraid to embrace your loved ones every opportunity that you have.  Hugs tend to create some sort of warmth inside of most of us.  Tomorrow isn’t promised, so give your family members a hug today.

Whether you like it or not, you can choose your friends, but you can’t choose your family.  With that being said, it’s best to accept (whole-heartedly) the family members God blessed you with and develop positive relationships with them.  It will make your life a lot easier.

March 11, 2013
Charlotte Marshall Murray
Keeping our Children Safe is Paramount

Do you remember when it was fun to be a kid? As children we loved to play outside with our friends after school. Summer time was a big treat because there were endless ours we had to play all of our favorite games. Games such as tag, one, two three, red light/green light, hot bread and butter, and the infamous hide and go seek were all time favorites. We loved to get into the water plug on those extremely hot days and wet each other up. As the cars drove pass we sat on the water to make a sprinkler so that the passing car could get wet. Life was great. We felt safe as we wandered our neighborhood going on other blocks or streets if you called them to play with the other kids. Our parents did not have to worry too much about our safety because everyone looked out for each other. Communities were truly communities and it definitely was a village raising its children. Unfortunately things have drastically changed. Violence has plagued our communities and instead of hearing the sound of children playing and laughing, we hear the sound of silence.

Physical activity has been replaced with items such as cell phones, Xbox 360, PlayStation systems and hand held games. The days of children playing outside have become a distant memory. The reason for this change in behavior is the increase in violence on our streets. Children across this country are being hurt and even killed. Unthinkable acts of violence against our children have parents fearing for their safety. Because of this fear it is easier to keep children in the house and entertained by technological devices.  With the lack of physical activity comes a lot of other problems that the child has to face, one being overweight.

There is an epidemic in this country where we are seeing more of our children suffering from obesity than we have ever seen. This is a huge concern and problem that the first lady Michelle Obama has addressed on a national level but we have to come together on a local level to save our children from harm.

One of the biggest things we can do is bring back the old school way of how communities used to be. We have to report violence we see, be accountable for each other and help each other when needed. Children should be able to go outside and play and if they need to be protected for whatever reason by someone other than their parent then they should. We cannot continue with the thinking that “it’s not my child so I don’t care.” Everyone should care about the well-being and safety of every child that is reared and living in our neighborhoods. Our streets have to be safe for them to walk upon and play on. If they are not we fail them as adults because they look to us for guidance, protection, security and love.  There are too many sites in our neighborhoods that are made into floral memorials because the life of a child has been lost. We should not have to see teddy bears, balloons and candy to honor the memory of another slain child. We have to honor our children now and the way that we do that is making them feel safe and protected.  As citizens in our communities we have to make our streets safer for our children so that they too can have wonderful childhood memories of fun and not violence.

Date: 03/09/2013       
Name: Donnell Hicks
Title: From Boys to Men

Young black teenage males between the ages of 12-17 years old have a difficult time growing up to become prominent young black men in society. For some, they are bred in the rundown, rough, and desolate inner cities throughout America with a sense of no belonging or no way out but down. These young black males have to deal with less economic opportunities, high violent crime, becoming a drug dealer, lack of jobs, and living in rundown tenements. Some have to deal with living with a single mother who works three to four jobs just to make ends meet; others are living with grandmothers who are on a fixed income. With more young black males dying in the streets every day, there is a high demand for income equality and most of all a decent adult role model to reach out to them and show them a way to prosperity. 

We all understand that for some black males it is hard for them to complete high school. So, they put their faith in sports like football and basketball, or hanging on the street corner selling drugs, or better yet becoming a rapper. They believe these are the paths to success and hold true to the idea that these pathways will be their guiding force. These young black males are starting to become lost in a world filled with intense crime, technology, and the urge to get rich quick that many are ending up in jail or dead in the ground without any guidance whatsoever.

It is evident during the summer months when school is out of session. The streets in the urban cities become intensely crazy. Every day and every night the news broadcasts images of our young black teens killing one another, ending up in jail, or dropping out of school just to sell a few crack rocks on the street corner hoping to have a better life for themselves all in the name of MONEY. Little do these young black males know, they’re only hurting themselves in the process.  The lack of positivity in their lives will clearly hinder their future and will turn them into men living behind the prison walls.

Most of these young black males have grown up in a household dominated by single mothers; the fathers are not around or some just show up occasionally. It is imperative fathers must be in their children’s lives from the time their infants all the way through adulthood. We all know the young black males will look to their peers in the streets for a sense of kinship and positivity.  Truth be told, our young men are yearning for someone to show them how to be men, how to be tough and stand in the midst of courage; and they need that guidance to show them a better way to a brighter future. This is the reason why I salute comedian Steve Harvey for gathering other prominent male actors a million young black teens to his secluded ranch to help them gain a better life. Of course, they would have to take responsibility for their actions regardless of their socioeconomic status. Our young men need help getting to the promise land. 

Lastly, local, state, and federal governments must come together to form a bi-partisan effort to help these African-American teens - to help them by giving them more jobs in the inner cities, more after school programs, and more after school recreational centers. And the end, they will definitely be BOYS TO MEN.

Date:  March 7, 2013
Name:  Nanette Buchanan
Title:  A Business or a Hustle

 

A dream becomes reality when dedication and commitment couples with the craft of an entrepreneur. It can also become a lucrative business when presented publicly. Unlimited time is spent developing a business plan, marketing strategies, and promotions. There are guidelines and rules to adhere to when acquiring a license, securing a building to work from and securing finance. These are the main goals. Product development, identifying customer’s needs, and managing supply and demand is also necessary.

In today’s society there are many reasons for those with an idea, a talent, a craft or a yearning to run their own business to seek Incorporation, a LLC or Sole Proprietorship. The lack of job opportunities, advancement within companies, and longevity is no comparison to owning your own business, while providing a financial balance. However, it’s more than a business mentality needed, you have to know how to hustle.

The definition of a hustler is one who sells or promotes energetically and aggressively. The negative connotation of a hustler is what comes to mind: one who is deceptive, forceful, and propelled by greed. It is understandable that there is a competitive element in business. It may be the same product or service sold by many, under a different name or with additional benefits or rewards. Discounts, promotional advantages, and the personal touch will put the entrepreneur at an advantage. The hustler takes it a bit further.

One would think the term “the early bird catches the worm” applies to the hustler. The business minded individual who works from sunrise well beyond sunset to get that deal. There are many that follow this assumption, but the growth of fraud (scams), misleading advertisements, and empty promises leave one to believe that entrepreneurs are looking to get rich quick. Customers hold no value to the hustler who focuses on the interior of their wallets.

A true businessman/woman must have the hustler’s mentality without solely focusing on financial gain. Branding their business and themselves, they have to be energetic and aggressive. Having a forceful approach may be necessary but knowing when to enforce it is priceless.  The foundation of the business must be intact, a process that entrepreneurs often take for granted. There are those that make their own rules, draw up fraudulent contracts, and seek the unexpected to buy into their ideas. Small stores often mix products to generate business and cash. When these businesses fail, it leaves the community at a disadvantage. The hustler will take the business to the street, the internet, or door to door. The hunger mounts because the need of the hustler is to survive.

The competition changes the need of the business. If it is to survive, there has to be a hustler or one with the hustler’s mentality. Every opportunity must bring business. Promotional ads, a website, the social media, press releases, newsletters, and any other written or oral communication should be utilized. Discounts, gifts, and promises of future benefits will increase the contact list and lure in the curious buyer. Offers made must be kept because it is what makes the difference in the hustle. Greed need should not be the goal. Advancing, branding, and upward mobility is the lifeline to a successful business. An entrepreneur is comprised of both, being a business conscious person as well as being a hustler. The success of many Fortune 500 companies was built by the hustling business minded CEO.

Supporting small businesses is a focal point for government and community leaders. The support of the consumer is diminishing. Regaining the support is an ongoing fight for small businesses that have barely survived and for new businesses another obstacle, another challenge. The hustler is everyone who is in business and everyone who seeks success.

02/11/13
Felecia Williams
Title: A Family in Agreement

 

A good family bond is important in today’s society. With all of the distractions in our world today, keeping our families as our first priority can help to ensure a better future. Prayer, love, patience, communication, support, counseling and trust are among several factors that can increase the unity within one’s family.

Families are built upon different principles and may be nothing like the ‘cookie cutter’ families that you see on television. It’s not always a mother, father, two kids and a dog. Even though this may be true for some, not everyone’s household is made up that way. Regardless of the type of family one has, each one must maintain a certain level of unity.

Prayer is a top factor that should be utilized fervently to strengthen one’s family bond. Prayer amongst the family as a whole as well as individually, gives growth and unity a place to start. Prayer sets the stage for love and patience. Trusting in God for support first enables better trust, communication and support within one’s family.

A 15 year old boy lost his parents at the age of 9. His parents were on their way home from the hospital with their new born daughter, but they never made it home due to a fatal accident. The boy was left in the care of his grandparents and uncle. Losing his parents and new sister was hard for all of them and his uncle seemed to take it the hardest by having a nervous breakdown. With the loss of his parents, his uncle’s hardships and grandparent’s old age, you might think that he was left in an unfortunate situation.

The reality is that even though they may be what some consider a ‘make shift’ family, they are family none the less. They pray together daily and not just at dinner time. They sit and talk about each other’s day; no matter if it was good or bad they communicate. Counseling is not something they go out in search for; it’s done right at home. Trusting in each other’s opinions and actions shows the support that they have for one another. Patience has to be practiced constantly, especially due to the three generations cohabitating as they are. The differences amongst them are many, but overall their love for one another compensates for anything that may try to break their union.

Family equals unity and to strengthen this unity should be what we strive for daily. Our families are who and what we make them. The young man lost his birth parents and his only sibling. He did not choose this fate but he wouldn’t dare imagine his life any different now. He misses his mother and father but he also loves his uncle and grandparents dearly.

His story reminds us to communicate with one another, give support, counsel when needed, and pray together. Set an example by exhibiting a patient, loving, and trusting nature. The family structure can only stand as strong as the foundation set in the beginning. So, no matter how your family is pieced together; make sure you have a firm ground to stand on.

Date: 02/10/2013
Title: Royal Queens
Name: Donnell Hicks

African-American women are precious gems. They are royal Egyptian queens, fierce battle warriors, and beautiful all around. Egyptian Queens have been considered the most influential women amongst other women.

Four thousand years later, the evolution of black women has constantly changed overtime. During the slavery era, some black women stood with valor while taking care of their children and themselves; especially in Hollywood films when black women weren’t even considered actresses.

A few black women starred in Hollywood films alongside Hollywood’s heavyweight actors. One prime example is Josephine Baker. She was the first black woman to ever star on television dancing in front of the cameras. Madame CJ Walker was the first black woman to ever become an entrepreneur; and Bess Coleman later became the first African-American woman to star in films during the twentieth century. These women along with other black women such as Lena Horne, Dorothy Dandridge, Zora Neal Hurston, and others broke down the barriers with their charm, beauty, and talents.

Young and old women right now today in the twenty-first century, don’t realize the importance of being a royal queen descending from a long powerful history of African-American women who have conquered white America at a time when the Jim Crow-era was in full effect. Truth be told, many young women simply don’t care about getting a decent education. Too many black women have struggled to maintain for black people, yet many young women don’t take good care of themselves and appreciate the sacrifices that have been made; they just think it’s all about the hairstyles, the makeup, and the tattoos.

Some young women do take to heart some of the struggles the women had to go through for equal rights starting with the right to vote led by Susan B. Anthony in the 1920’s. Influential women have paved a way for young women right now today not to sit around and expect a hand out, but to go out into the world and make a difference; and to become role models for their daughters and nieces seeing that Josephine Baker, Lena Horne, and Shirley Chisholm made a difference in America.

Evidently, young women and girls are precious jewels that look up to some female hip-hop and R&B artists like Nicki Minaj and Rhianna as role models. I’m not holding any hate towards Nicki Minaj and Rihanna or any other hip-hop and R&B artists; all I’m suggesting is that mothers must do everything in their power to let their daughters understand it is more to life than just watching video girls in the music videos dancing in front of the camera wearing skimpy outfits. Mothers have to tell their daughters that they’re royal queens, teach them self-confidence in their beauty, and inform them of the rich dynamic history of their royal queen ancestors, and that they too can make a change in society starting from within.