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. She was the real backbone of the family unit and personified its foundation. These days, there is a void of this type of influence in the Black family and in Black culture. Is it just me or are they few and far betwe
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 years. In November of 2013, he was appointed the school’s newest Principal. Gabe’s journey is an inspiration and we are proud to relay it here. Gabe is the oldest of five siblings. He was born in Leonville, Louisiana in
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 those have been blocked from acknowledging their history because they have never been privy to the information. The years following World War I in the United States saw devastating race riots around the nation: in small
"...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 at the White House. Sujari Britt is making history … by showing a preternatural understanding and passion for music. Britt, who has been studying the cello at least three hours a day since the age of 5, wowed first lady
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 world is tough on our kids, therefore we have to balance it out for them. This does not mean to baby a teen child, but it does mean that you must always put their character first. Build their character instead of helping
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 groups. Ouch! I will hand this section back over to trained professionals in the field next month. Hit up the blog and let me know what exercises you are working into your own routine. As a person that's two months into sta
A glimpse at a hub of Black culture in Los Angeles, CA, Liemert Park. As seen through the lens of photographer Karesha Crawford.
