The Death of The Matriarch
ma·tri·arch [mey-tree-ahrk] noun - 1. the female head of a family or tribal line. 2. a woman who is the founder or dominant member of a community or group. 3. a venerable old woman. There used to be a time when Black families, and some black neighborhoods, had a matriarch. This was the lady that everyone looked up to. She offered wisdom, history, guidance in child rearing, tradition, and just overall pride and dignity. She also handed out a butt whooping or two as needed.
GABE SONNIER: "...it's how you finish"
It’s impossible to meet Joseph ‘Gabe’ Sonnier and not feel changed. He has an aura of positive energy that is quite contagious. I took my 13 yr. old son with me on the road trip to meet Gabe so it was a fortunate windfall for him to hear Gabe’s story firsthand. Gabe Sonnier is a testament of perseverance, faith and focus. Thirty-three years ago Gabe was hired at Port Barre Elementary School in Port Barre, Louisiana as the school’s custodian. He held the position for 27 ye
BLACK WALL ST. MASSACRE: The Tulsa Race Riot of 1921
The Tulsa Race Riot Of 1921 is a glaring omission in American history. Not just Black History, but U.S. history. Americans tend to shy away from history that holds up a mirror to them and the atrocities they've carried out. This event earmarks the only time in U.S. history that government officials bombed U.S. citizens on U.S. soil. Unfortunately, the false accusation and lynching attempt that sparked the conflict was not uncommon. This post is an attempt at education of
Sujari Britt: Kid Cellist With White House Show Under Her Bow
"...all people can achieve and succeed. I celebrate this idea by working to do my best in all that I do, every day.” Author: Todd Johnson Most professional musicians dedicate at least a decade to their instruments before being invited to perform at high-profile venues in front of dignitaries. But at age 9, classical cellist Sujari Britt has already played for a packed house before President Obama and members of Congress, becoming one of the youngest musicians ever to perform
The Importance of Praising Children
How do kids know that they are wonderful if no one tells them? In a world where even our most esteemed celebrities are trying to be someone else, how is a small child to know? You have to tell them, that's how. Children will live up to whatever label you give them. You can call them bad or you can call them smart. You can call them creative or you can call them a dummy. What ever the child has grown accustomed to hearing is what the child will ultimately strive to be.
The
USING PROPER EXERCISE FORM
Now, I'm the LAST one to attempt giving out training tips. In absence of a contributing writer this month, I thought it would be helpful to post some information that would help those of us working our way back into an exercise and fitness routine. My only endorsement for the videos I'm posting is that I tried their recommendations myself. I can tell the difference between 'cheating' my way through a workout and using proper form to wake up and work the target muscle group
GALLERY: Liemert Park, Los Angeles Pictoral
A glimpse at a hub of Black culture in Los Angeles, CA, Liemert Park. As seen through the lens of photographer Karesha Crawford.
