tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81955760144897605552024-03-14T07:19:20.527-05:00Genma Speaks
Entrepreneur/ Writer/ Radio-HostGenmaspeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11721332536244226641noreply@blogger.comBlogger462125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195576014489760555.post-76720337421693692042020-04-22T11:44:00.001-05:002020-04-26T10:57:48.262-05:00Paging Dr. David Satcher; America Needs You<div data-contents="true">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5AoaAvJGXC0NwPHFCI9JO84Ph10LpE9dsDRjyXRDJ8Zofh9OT78Z_SrAq4NTQLW0mx823px3x3KTKWdRepZW6laVUYIHuXJzB3L7vEYhCZzYc4BmobAhPmgHm9n79u9DMAKJGeITXGFut/s1600/DavidSatcher_AP103014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="600" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5AoaAvJGXC0NwPHFCI9JO84Ph10LpE9dsDRjyXRDJ8Zofh9OT78Z_SrAq4NTQLW0mx823px3x3KTKWdRepZW6laVUYIHuXJzB3L7vEYhCZzYc4BmobAhPmgHm9n79u9DMAKJGeITXGFut/s400/DavidSatcher_AP103014.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. David Satcher/AP photo</td></tr>
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<span data-offset-key="m6mo-0-0"><span data-text="true">Paging Dr.<a href="https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/voices/events/satcher/"> </a></span></span><a href="https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/voices/events/satcher/"><span class="_247o" data-offset-key="m6mo-1-0" spellcheck="false"><span data-offset-key="m6mo-1-0"><span data-text="true">David Satcher</span></span></span></a><span data-offset-key="m6mo-2-0"><span data-text="true"><a href="https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/voices/events/satcher/">,</a> the 16th U.S. Surgeon General, former Director of the CDC, Assistant Secretary for HHS, President of </span></span><span class="_247o" data-offset-key="m6mo-3-0" spellcheck="false"><span data-offset-key="m6mo-3-0"><span data-text="true">Meharry Medical College</span></span></span><span data-offset-key="m6mo-4-0"><span data-text="true"> and humanitarian! Where is he? Can he speak to the public? The public needs to hear from a straight shooter who will not comprise his integrity with 'hypothetical' slight of words while hemming and hawing around the truth. Dr. Satcher's leadership wove honesty, healthcare, and humanity into a tightly threaded cord. He educated Americans on the importance of the public being totally informed and cared about the welfare of all individuals. </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="m6mo-4-0"><span data-text="true">The times were are in now are unprecedented in our history. And unrepresented times call steady stewardship and medical competency. But there is too much shuckin', jiving, sidestepping, and backtracking from those who are allowing their years of institutional knowledge to be folded up like a lawn chair after a picnic. And, their medical credibility is being used like a toy mouse for a trifling fat cat to dangle before the public. It is disappointing to watch the adults in the room literally sit in the corner hoping for the best while millions of American are being trying to do what is right by staying indoors to keep from spreading the virus. After millions watch exhausting press conferences that give conflicting medical information, the doctors run out night after night trying to explain on the COVID19 cable news cycle what should have been told to the public in layman turns at 5:00pm. Empty non binding phrases that are translated into "see what happened was" and "what I meant to say" looped into 30 sec sound bites that are stretched well into the next morning round of talk shows. The elevated level of misinformation is proving to be deadly. </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="m6mo-4-0"><span data-text="true">Whew! This is too much additional stress on a nation that is already feeling the effects of coronavirus fatigue! This is not to disparaged any doctor in particular. BUT doctors sharing information from a national platform during this pandemic words should carry weight, be truthful, and transparent. Americans need health experts who will not succumb to being political babysitters. Touting the medical expertise of Medical Doctors who are<i> playing </i>MDs for the press corp is medical malpractice at the least and criminal at the most when we see the daily number of deaths increasing in the United States and around the world. At what cost? Monetarily, emotionally and spiritual? The mental toll the pandemic is having on Americans will be felt for generations to come. We cannot allow a virus ratings to drive out a search for cure, compassion, care, and common sense. Public health officials, appointed, hired, or volunteering, must be held accountable for what they are telling the public in the role they are in without giving any agency of the government political covering. And the public and the media should all remind the doctors to do no harm. At this time, the misinformation and half truths are not only taking its toll mentally but is bad medicine being practiced in plain sight. </span></span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://track.mybloglog.com/js/jsserv.php?mblID=2008100309531503'></script></div>Genmaspeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11721332536244226641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195576014489760555.post-67126595011376858692019-03-20T10:15:00.004-05:002019-03-20T10:15:55.037-05:00Christmas Connections: Santa You Look Like Me<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Santa You Look Like Me" featured is featured in the in <i>Christmas Connections </i>Winter 2019.</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVbMx8u6zmDfqEiL2qW0ZufY6lOKgX_QbphzzBFeMShqZid00iLOYKWJ5oANqyDsc97uB5QpCdld67TqIGmdPV4WN2FZ3IQ0_EkdA5mBqTQ5gIal1WyDNcPMe9V0tjamQrpY7aOPK4gy-/s1600/IBRBS-2019-Winter-page-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVbMx8u6zmDfqEiL2qW0ZufY6lOKgX_QbphzzBFeMShqZid00iLOYKWJ5oANqyDsc97uB5QpCdld67TqIGmdPV4WN2FZ3IQ0_EkdA5mBqTQ5gIal1WyDNcPMe9V0tjamQrpY7aOPK4gy-/s320/IBRBS-2019-Winter-page-001.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi71oj50HPgJp9ZKst0PSSJmHBIW641ceE35Uppx85Sv-M-sj6myOAfsUlHrUUofx1EHExvijUmZJvwGmAWD_XUQl2UqnQrgYpg_HaZY0PQG1pP2QUtYkqasIMws6PAE-xMIlMnUWWn70Wv/s1600/IMG_9110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi71oj50HPgJp9ZKst0PSSJmHBIW641ceE35Uppx85Sv-M-sj6myOAfsUlHrUUofx1EHExvijUmZJvwGmAWD_XUQl2UqnQrgYpg_HaZY0PQG1pP2QUtYkqasIMws6PAE-xMIlMnUWWn70Wv/s400/IMG_9110.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ms. Santa photo by C-Suite Photography Pics </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />
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As a little girl growing up in rural Mississippi, my
grandparents were the ultimate lovers of Christmas and I inherited their love
for the season, year round. Their spirit of giving to and serving others were
their calling cards in my small community. On merger means, my grandparents taught their
grandchildren how special the most wonderful time of the year is by the lives
they lived daily. When I became a young adult, I ventured off to New Orleans
where I fell in love with the sights, sounds and palates of a city rich in
cultural at every turn. It is in Crescent City where I had my very first
Christmas experience away from my rural upbringing. I encountered the Christmas
legend, the Seventh Ward Santa, Fred Parker; an experience that left me filled
with awe and wonderment!</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirev51-JYro_ltRJIgjgcD3qj265BTD-wFVgvYLiJIZc9kaNkr52roZLdXAmai-lkOcnK1wFlaYJJEd8cMWFGPCUYyp3s1wNiGJvHk2Gos0r2KQwSplHXOFG5XJP9lc-dkkZEzl6C5fFEm/s1600/Santacloseup-758x999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="999" data-original-width="758" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirev51-JYro_ltRJIgjgcD3qj265BTD-wFVgvYLiJIZc9kaNkr52roZLdXAmai-lkOcnK1wFlaYJJEd8cMWFGPCUYyp3s1wNiGJvHk2Gos0r2KQwSplHXOFG5XJP9lc-dkkZEzl6C5fFEm/s400/Santacloseup-758x999.jpg" width="302" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Seventh Ward's Chocolate Santa, Fred Parker.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Fred Parker, ‘Nawlins’ world famous "Chocolate Santa," took
my breathe away when I stumbled upon him at an event. Even now, I can visually
recall his beautiful brown skin and silvery silky beard in a red Santa suit as
if it was yesterday. I stared at him for hours it seemed watching one young child
after another sit on his lap and smile for a photo with the
Seventh Ward’s Chocolate Santa. I literally wanted to get in line as well but I
was all too aware that most of the children were not much more than seven years
old. With me standing at 5’10, I would never be able to explain myself to the
mother and her children behind me I thought to myself. As I continued to stare
from my perch, I wanted to touch his suit and tell him how much he reminded me
of my grandfather with his kind words and sincere laughter. My world view of Christmas and
Santa Claus had just expanded several galaxies at the point. I could not wait
to tell my grandparents about the man in the red suit who looked like me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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The heart stopping exhilaration I felt that momentous day is
how I feel each time I don my red Christmas suit in the timeless tradition set
by thousands of Santas who have helped usher in Christmas with countless
children as they pose for photos and hear their wishes worldwide. As Ms. Santa,
I live for each opportunity to share the goodness of mankind that can be seen during
the most wonderful time of year. And beyond. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Santa Larry (North Texas Larry Jefferson) with Marines.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Santa Larry leading a Christmas Parade.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.3em;">Baldwin Hills Crenshaw </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.3em;">Plaza's</span></span><em><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></em><span style="font-size: small;">Santa a.k.a Langston
Patterson </span></td></tr>
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Like many children who have sat on my lap for nearly two
decades and stared at me in amazement, I, even as Ms. Santa, swell with pride and
get goose bumps whenever I see Texas’ Larry Jefferson, California’s Langston
Patterson and several others in the news for being Santa Claus. I know the
story is about being a Santa Claus but the focus is on the rarity of being a
person of color in the high profile role. I share often with my media friends what I have learned from my travels as Ms. Santa...there are diverse Santas throughout communities visiting schools and churches sharing the
joy of Christmas with children; they just may not be on the evening news. Thankfully,
through the lens of social media, the national narrative of who is portrayed in
the red suit (or green, blue,and even pink) in the media is beginning to change because we are visually <i>seeing
</i>Santas from various backgrounds in the spotlight for doing good deeds in and
out of their red suits. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">8th Guest Appearance on Urban Outlook with April Eaton.</span></td></tr>
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Whenever the spotlight is on me, I am usually asked what is
it like to portray Ms. Santa. I always share there is nothing like trying to
make a difference in someone’s life at Christmastime. Uplifting the spirits of a
family of a deployed member of the Armed Forces or creating a memory for a
family that will have more meaning in years to come is truly soul stirring. It
IS a blessing to be a blessing. And, I cherish the experience of a melanin
child looking into my eyes while touching my red suit and breathlessly saying,
“You look like me Ms. Santa.” I know all too well what that child is
experiencing especially when it is a first photo with me. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGzLTyevLiful0RwjeaAAaWTKOkCRJmGKPBDFykqcrPGI2Gyh6oNqBKv7NuHPIfgGLDIJflhRgsHyNPD0BYET_iQe1yiDqyy5dlFvgyBXn9hllVyTHzqYQbF2ma6BS0RFf8EsMP8uOJ8Zf/s1600/15590213_10155069027012780_3928732409394854567_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGzLTyevLiful0RwjeaAAaWTKOkCRJmGKPBDFykqcrPGI2Gyh6oNqBKv7NuHPIfgGLDIJflhRgsHyNPD0BYET_iQe1yiDqyy5dlFvgyBXn9hllVyTHzqYQbF2ma6BS0RFf8EsMP8uOJ8Zf/s320/15590213_10155069027012780_3928732409394854567_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">"I am Santa Too" Christmas Photos 2016</span>.</td></tr>
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I also love to encourage little girls that they too can grow
up and wear a red suit whenever I am asked if she can be a Ms. Santa or a Mrs.
Claus one day. “You can be whatever you want to be when you grow up. As a
matter of fact, I cannot wait for you to apply for my job as Ms. Santa. I am going
to retire when you get your red suit,” was my response to a little blonde blue
eyed five-year-old with a pony tail who could not stop hugging me at one of my
school visits in December. After our photos were taken, she whispered with glee to
her grandmother, “I am going to be Mrs. Santa Claus when I get real old.” Children
really do say the darnedest things!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwP4E2_si8LCLVxfSgRLtT7MKWEVpgcnWJp0U-om7yNPquyrobkggH_cNYk1MMMjkyXt9OtcMS8lB2bL63NXxesaLZqeKoIPS3e8WTBkzddvBfsTTWzFi_m0d6o0noFYahxQNRb-GgA74r/s1600/377562_10150530145582780_385062150_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwP4E2_si8LCLVxfSgRLtT7MKWEVpgcnWJp0U-om7yNPquyrobkggH_cNYk1MMMjkyXt9OtcMS8lB2bL63NXxesaLZqeKoIPS3e8WTBkzddvBfsTTWzFi_m0d6o0noFYahxQNRb-GgA74r/s320/377562_10150530145582780_385062150_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Breakfast with Ms. Santa 2015.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiymbPwwLTlgkphoo17Lg408_erOufzv_HLzhBjpLntjGXptaGVGxHHMEmw08HHIdA6sGBQ2567d4ZxeE23cKxmHZhvr6vs28hpZjcutpLcpIJVYSRB5-nJcl6K9AMqSheObNLV2yTwwqH3/s1600/25659752_10156239944537780_8881826710374046121_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiymbPwwLTlgkphoo17Lg408_erOufzv_HLzhBjpLntjGXptaGVGxHHMEmw08HHIdA6sGBQ2567d4ZxeE23cKxmHZhvr6vs28hpZjcutpLcpIJVYSRB5-nJcl6K9AMqSheObNLV2yTwwqH3/s320/25659752_10156239944537780_8881826710374046121_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ms. Santa @ Tulip Grove Elementary 2017.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9HRVPrgv4T6PLV1NaL1zGaNQauQvi04YqPBD_pz6ZjIzB4QAZdf-r8uMmsB6VTR5HoaXdFbdzeH-tczk2FAbNLpMooxqtZWm1DFBRFolYtIp2CupwxlGUKetIwK-C69U6COK8E1797nFg/s1600/48370159_2442599795755180_8256638008774623232_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9HRVPrgv4T6PLV1NaL1zGaNQauQvi04YqPBD_pz6ZjIzB4QAZdf-r8uMmsB6VTR5HoaXdFbdzeH-tczk2FAbNLpMooxqtZWm1DFBRFolYtIp2CupwxlGUKetIwK-C69U6COK8E1797nFg/s320/48370159_2442599795755180_8256638008774623232_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">5th Annual Holiday Visit to Nia House Montessori School 2018. </span></td></tr>
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I can hardly wait to see where she will be in a few years
and I look forward to the next generation of Santa Clauses, Mrs. Clauses, and
Ms. Santas in their red suits with great expectation. I know they will come from
diverse communities from around the globe so every child will be able to say
with awe and wonderment, “Hey Santa, you look like me!”
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://track.mybloglog.com/js/jsserv.php?mblID=2008100309531503'></script></div>Genmaspeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11721332536244226641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195576014489760555.post-29598471925388970092019-03-09T07:16:00.000-06:002019-03-09T09:40:13.930-06:00HERstory: Dr. Sylvia Whitlock, UN Global Citizen and Humanitarian <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsGESV84prIVxF5MwMjMPLjM2xhMEpnul0kWZWJAfNGv4MMdaJ02mz0g3p9LhrDQEiDmp4uPr4TLFrve4uTW_97Y7huon-zHhyphenhyphenSYYEEYp1i-BlDIAlqLMgbapTwzYAk6lqXM-BqdLiArY/s1600/Whitlock-Picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="599" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsGESV84prIVxF5MwMjMPLjM2xhMEpnul0kWZWJAfNGv4MMdaJ02mz0g3p9LhrDQEiDmp4uPr4TLFrve4uTW_97Y7huon-zHhyphenhyphenSYYEEYp1i-BlDIAlqLMgbapTwzYAk6lqXM-BqdLiArY/s640/Whitlock-Picture.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Alyce Henson</td></tr>
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<br />
Dr. Sylvia
Whitlock was born in New York City but was educated, through high
school, in Kingston, Jamaica. After returning to New York City she
earned a B.A. in Psychology from Hunter College. Sylvia worked for the
United Nations, as a Statistical Clerk, at the Secretariat Building in
New York, before moving to California to start a career in Education. In
California she went on to earn a Masters Degree, cum laude, in Education
from Cal Poly, Pomona, and a Ph.D., cum laude, in Education, from
Claremont Graduate School. Subsequently, she earned another Masters
Degree, in Marriage and Family Therapy, from Azusa Pacific University,
and began a second career as a therapist. She is licensed by the Board
of Behavioral Sciences in California. <br />
<br />
In 1982, while an
Elementary School Principal in Duarte, CA., she was invited to join the
history-making Ex-Rotary Club of Duarte. Dr. Whitlock became President of that
club in 1987, the year the United States Supreme Court ruled that the
club be reinstated, thus making her the first woman in Rotary International
to head a club as President. She has served as President twice,
Secretary, Treasurer, and Foundation Representative. At district level,
she chaired the Four Way Test Speech committee for six years, the
Ambassadorial Scholarship Committee for six years, receiving a Service
Award from DG Don Aikin, and Simplified Grants for two years. She has
been an assistant governor, presenter in Governors Institutes, and
speaker in Rotary Clubs conventions and meetings, here and overseas,
including South Africa, Jamaica.<br />
<br />
Other
community activities have included being a member of the Board of the
Spanish Trails Girl Scout Council, volunteer at Pomona Valley Hospital,
Recorder for the Blind and Dyslexic, and Commissioner at TriCity Mental
Health Agency. In 2000, she was named Woman of the Year by NAACP and in
1998 she was named Distinguished Alumna by Cal Poly, Pomona. She chaired Western Association of Schools and Colleges accreditation teams
and was, for eight years, a member of the Committee on
Credentialing for California State Department of Education. She attends
Trinity United Methodist Church where she is often a lay reader.<br />
<br />
Dr. Whitlock considers Rotary to be the best vehicle she knows for
humanitarian ventures in service to mankind. Some favorite club
projects, while in Duarte, have included sinking water wells in Nigeria,
setting up an AIDS Center in Jamaica, supporting an orphanage in
Mexico, <span id="yui_3_17_2_1_1552135917779_324">and raised almost $90,000 for Education for Girls in India</span>.<span id="yui_3_17_2_1_1552135917779_324"> She received the Global Citizen Award from United Nations Association</span>. She continues to be inspired by the many Rotarians who have
taken the organization to the edge of tomorrow and is committed to using
the opportunity she has been given to further the cause of Rotary, in
her community, in her country, and in the world.<br />
<br />
Dr.Whitlock is a
multiple Paul Harris Fellow and benefactor. She is the mother of three children
- Meredith - a Paul Harris Fellow, BG is a deputy county counsel in San
Mateo County, and Arlan (deceased). She considers raising her children the most
satisfying and enjoyable job she has ever had. She is now a proud grandmother of three who bring her much delight. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylKLuTOpYbvbpz9Ueysb6cgDd83TU_h4nBoH-xf4mRsnLicp2wMYOofQzY4HHuH3RlKe0iFDbsYlQ77aRzIhwMGcKKE-yRTG2_RKB9TjldswKoD89-D57zIWuS0qkoDqz7AOXm5zSmgBe/s1600/book+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="333" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylKLuTOpYbvbpz9Ueysb6cgDd83TU_h4nBoH-xf4mRsnLicp2wMYOofQzY4HHuH3RlKe0iFDbsYlQ77aRzIhwMGcKKE-yRTG2_RKB9TjldswKoD89-D57zIWuS0qkoDqz7AOXm5zSmgBe/s400/book+cover.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
The 1989 Council on Legislation vote to admit women into Rotary clubs
worldwide remains a watershed moment in the history of Rotary. Dr. Whitlock chronicled her journey as the first woman President in Rotary International in the world in her book titled <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Women-Also-Serve-Duarte-Invites/dp/1491760591"><i>WOMEN ALSO SERVE</i></a>,
PDG Sylvia Whitlock, USA. 9 March 2015.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Filled with facts and personal anecdotes, the first woman president in
Rotary International shares a fascinating glimpse into the journey of
the Duarte club. Dr. Sylvia Whitlock, who was present as the club enlisted
help from the American Civil Liberties Union and took the case through
the California court system until a landmark decision in May 1987,
details the circumstances of the case as women struggled to attain equal
rights, her role in the process, conversations with participants and
onlookers, and the benefits she has gained personally through her own
membership.</blockquote>
<br />
Proceeds from the sale of the book supports the Rotary Foundation. Dr.
Whitlock supports schools for girls in Nigeria, Mexico, India and Jamaica.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://track.mybloglog.com/js/jsserv.php?mblID=2008100309531503'></script></div>Genmaspeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11721332536244226641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195576014489760555.post-76686950293336303832018-12-20T12:42:00.000-06:002018-12-20T12:43:53.500-06:00Genma Holmes returns to Inside Her Story with Jacque Reid on XM Channel 127<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/genmastringerholmes">Genma Stringer Holmes</a> will return to Inside Her Story with<a href="http://jacquereid.com/"> Jacque Reid</a> on Friday, December 20, 2018 to talk all things Christmas on XM Channel 127 from 2-3!<br />
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This
segment has become a tradition for Ms. Santa who believes in helping
others not only at Christmas but year round. We will talk family and faith and how Christmas 2017 changed her after the loss of her grandmother. In 2018, she has been helping make Christmas memories for the elderly members of our community. Genma aka Ms. Santa has been more inclusive of our aging populations and being as attentive to them during the holidays as she is with young children.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCMy_GO47yP3aMTuWj9mWpuPikkHBY2_zJ_0zHvQvjYecbZcKiWwrUNVIdTBGL7ZnCyxZunM1DgAJajku28v2xB2yLNmCINGN2Bg0htpN7SkhVrjuQPoIajozBlFsm1gjRBxScadfRjE4/s1600/48959197_2442599765755183_8145103660922175488_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCMy_GO47yP3aMTuWj9mWpuPikkHBY2_zJ_0zHvQvjYecbZcKiWwrUNVIdTBGL7ZnCyxZunM1DgAJajku28v2xB2yLNmCINGN2Bg0htpN7SkhVrjuQPoIajozBlFsm1gjRBxScadfRjE4/s320/48959197_2442599765755183_8145103660922175488_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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She talks last minute gifts ideas for children that includes hot toys that will not
break the bank. Ms. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/livingtogivenow/">Santa also encourages ways to give back,</a>
building traditions by serving others, especially our military families, and supporting non-profits that
have proven track records for making a difference in our community!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://track.mybloglog.com/js/jsserv.php?mblID=2008100309531503'></script></div>Genmaspeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11721332536244226641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195576014489760555.post-35683237062605292032018-11-01T15:59:00.001-05:002018-11-01T16:12:58.531-05:00The Smiths and Watkins Families Updates<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">In the early years of <span class="il">social</span> <span class="il">media</span>, it was a tool used to
share stories that were under reported in mainstream <span class="il">media</span>. Now, <span class="il">social</span> <span class="il">media</span> is
where mainstream <span class="il">media</span> looks first for great stories, especially stories that uplift
and motivate us. Our sisterhood had a <span class="il">social</span> <span class="il">media</span> encounter that was not only inspiring,
but was informative and continues to give hope to the multitudes who are
waiting to receive an organ transplant. Our <span class="il">social</span> <span class="il">media</span> inspiration gave
the world a glimpse into the lives of two families who are truly living
out the meaning of friendships for life!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1c1sorUUuLwakZoUWegqeVle_7oXT4M0GmevB5H1TKj3isovr-ihduKiLa7s-qjT6toxDKoXqoCIpH0H1DkdikVaSP5-laDFgogBhzjOcwJbFXnfmr3Vsq0yuuZRTyulqz0R4j8oFhLG1/s1600/2018-NDS-FacebookCover_date_web.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="828" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1c1sorUUuLwakZoUWegqeVle_7oXT4M0GmevB5H1TKj3isovr-ihduKiLa7s-qjT6toxDKoXqoCIpH0H1DkdikVaSP5-laDFgogBhzjOcwJbFXnfmr3Vsq0yuuZRTyulqz0R4j8oFhLG1/s400/2018-NDS-FacebookCover_date_web.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">Life long friends, </span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"><span class="il">Sheryl</span> Sutton
<span class="il">Smith</span> and Angela Watkins, are not only members of several civic organizations but they are also sorority
sisters as well as Spellman College sisters. Their husbands, Clint <span class="il">Smith</span>, Jr. and
Judge David Watkins, are Morehouse Men.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">All
who love them know the depth of their friendship. But a post on <span class="il">social</span> <span class="il">media</span> made
their friendship known around the world and help energized many registration
drives during November and ignited hundreds to participate
in <a href="https://www.donatelife.net/nds/">Donor Sabbath</a>. The <span class="il">media</span> highlighted their friendships and how their collective impactful has change lives in their communities and beyond.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajon6Zj-1r9d_4slYu43YUJrmX_D-LuTi5-cc3yK0IVr96d8g9MNWRTAVbtXpfuS-DRYf4iu16_rjE6YnFwPEq7ZZVyyFbwx3HZ1ayaSwy3UskkD-I4E55ZXiin5dfLM6bjtk15zPkjhu/s1600/10KIDNEY-1457552877210-articleLarge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajon6Zj-1r9d_4slYu43YUJrmX_D-LuTi5-cc3yK0IVr96d8g9MNWRTAVbtXpfuS-DRYf4iu16_rjE6YnFwPEq7ZZVyyFbwx3HZ1ayaSwy3UskkD-I4E55ZXiin5dfLM6bjtk15zPkjhu/s400/10KIDNEY-1457552877210-articleLarge.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">On March 9, 2016, </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"><a href="ttps://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/10/health/kidney-transplant-desensitization-immune-system.html?recp=15&_r=0">The New York Times</a> featured Clint Smith, Jr. on the front page educating the
world about a new transplant procedure that saved his life. The link to the
story was posted on several <span class="il">social</span> <span class="il">media</span> pages and went viral throughout many national volunteer organizations within days. Mass m<span class="il">edia</span> outlets picked up
the story which led to thousands hearing for the first time from, Judge David Watkins, Clint’s donor. He shared his powerful story on<i><a href="https://soundcloud.com/genmaspeaks/judge-david-watkins-on-living-your-best-life-radio-with-genma-holmes"> Living Your Best Life Radio</a>.</i></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZBaBEnPAu8eHhw5v7H0wnC0Yh_5KDYH-3DmYAUOR57YUzxrEvHxeXkjen9_UP4BqJmthk5g9rMrbpqy7WBQ1ylU56OZ5e2-vYrPaLkPmHIwvh9hMq0qC2ytnua9ROlEYv7kQoJHyXeAQ/s1600/Document.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="188" data-original-width="150" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZBaBEnPAu8eHhw5v7H0wnC0Yh_5KDYH-3DmYAUOR57YUzxrEvHxeXkjen9_UP4BqJmthk5g9rMrbpqy7WBQ1ylU56OZ5e2-vYrPaLkPmHIwvh9hMq0qC2ytnua9ROlEYv7kQoJHyXeAQ/s400/Document.png" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Judge David Watkins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">Fueled by the number of shares on <span class="il">social</span> <span class="il">media</span>, several
<span class="il">media</span> outlets dug deeper into not only the history of the <span class="il">Smith</span>-Watkins close bond
but the importance of having advocates give testimony to life changing medical
breakthrough in layman terms. The powerful interviews of the donor and the recipient also gave many families and close friends an opportunity to have open and honest conversations about organ donation, healthcare, and wellness. The collective interviews
also revealed the power of faith in action.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdpddedBktm1ny7IyrhYM7a3cwy_RWuQlJAM6zKhoPIKmNSbWXhySGBLxSeOkxRG-aUOpYf0p-_eJojzyY2Lh_nHupsb0QxY9bo98zCBj12atCj1lAqGsZ8z-9gQDnGC81xiqpQGVWMX4/s1600/20841875_1907877482562714_1953722656046297888_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="929" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdpddedBktm1ny7IyrhYM7a3cwy_RWuQlJAM6zKhoPIKmNSbWXhySGBLxSeOkxRG-aUOpYf0p-_eJojzyY2Lh_nHupsb0QxY9bo98zCBj12atCj1lAqGsZ8z-9gQDnGC81xiqpQGVWMX4/s320/20841875_1907877482562714_1953722656046297888_n.jpg" width="309" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">The story of the Smith-Watkins families friendship has
inspired our many to be proactive on <span class="il">social</span> <span class="il">media</span> sharing positive stories about organ donation. Since the first reporting of their story, there has been a steady increase in online sharing of organ donor-recipient relationships in the communities of color that engage,
inform and educate readers around the world!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpyUjj7tgRmGspQxU7pXoy1DX9hdj184nZP0-uq95OUTqwsDphIJN5KLYiaq6nlS-F4Y6VUWL8oqLtze1nnwyW4OevGtxO02q8uGQO3Cirv4DABGLQAjmdMRueGn54x4gNRu7aZIsrq8vQ/s1600/24291584_10212911274969782_326646244555508151_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpyUjj7tgRmGspQxU7pXoy1DX9hdj184nZP0-uq95OUTqwsDphIJN5KLYiaq6nlS-F4Y6VUWL8oqLtze1nnwyW4OevGtxO02q8uGQO3Cirv4DABGLQAjmdMRueGn54x4gNRu7aZIsrq8vQ/s400/24291584_10212911274969782_326646244555508151_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">Since my initial writing about the Smith and Watkins families in 2016, there has been several weddings and grandchildren have joined the journey! Look at the power of love! Phil 1:3</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7J6OjjQJCxy4CjSQ-NObzkVhN9deUTiXe_QrTVbPS7DEPtmkydZbX3ifqrAUdWD8VRt2nGx4x0Gc2_8k_dLDDJ3fWhqVaU047qkH0lv9ZEczTEk5MnvlvXTbA4iHoktkDzUFXqFD0uWk4/s1600/21192437_10155904895972780_3058517547990481066_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7J6OjjQJCxy4CjSQ-NObzkVhN9deUTiXe_QrTVbPS7DEPtmkydZbX3ifqrAUdWD8VRt2nGx4x0Gc2_8k_dLDDJ3fWhqVaU047qkH0lv9ZEczTEk5MnvlvXTbA4iHoktkDzUFXqFD0uWk4/s320/21192437_10155904895972780_3058517547990481066_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After nearly two years of calls, emails, and texts, Clint, Jr. Genma, and Sheryl met for the first time in person in New Orleans on August 4, 2017.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> Photo credits: New York Times, FaceBook, and Genma Holmes </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://track.mybloglog.com/js/jsserv.php?mblID=2008100309531503'></script></div>Genmaspeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11721332536244226641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195576014489760555.post-929026694300165562018-11-01T08:22:00.000-05:002018-11-01T11:33:10.073-05:00Cerese D's Fall Must Haves with Genma Holmes <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihu_Mg3FASxslOM_u7SxjznEngTD6Mk_665liLVwG3f-YmiMgOOvze9xJNVsaPNyN0lkcTSVBvDjEla78MbwS8kuHaAd2V8OPzveApvhKmDdLtqkauLeNKca7plw9wEQRpROlGitWkwgYb/s1600/45163719_1752090681584601_1073920683618074624_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="747" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihu_Mg3FASxslOM_u7SxjznEngTD6Mk_665liLVwG3f-YmiMgOOvze9xJNVsaPNyN0lkcTSVBvDjEla78MbwS8kuHaAd2V8OPzveApvhKmDdLtqkauLeNKca7plw9wEQRpROlGitWkwgYb/s640/45163719_1752090681584601_1073920683618074624_o.jpg" width="466" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Genma Stringer Holmes graces the November cover of Cerese D! What a way to usher in the colors and fashions of Fall and the season of gratitude and giving! To read more about a serial entrepreneur and to shop the new bright colors click <b><a href="https://bit.ly/2QbT5mi">HERE.</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Jewelry: Cerese D. (Of Course!)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Photo: <a href="http://msdigphoto.com/">Ms. Dig Photography</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Suede Wrap Top: <a href="https://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/Shoes/All-Designers/cat203100/c.cat">Berdorf Goodman</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Hair: <a href="https://www.styleseat.com/m/s/salonolivia-nashville-tn">Salon Olivia </a></span><br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://track.mybloglog.com/js/jsserv.php?mblID=2008100309531503'></script></div>Genmaspeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11721332536244226641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195576014489760555.post-23163826118445079852018-10-31T16:32:00.002-05:002018-10-31T19:09:30.541-05:00TNJ's The 25 Influential Black Women in Business Class of 2018<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHuuVHtJb1-O0NyX7VTkcDL25OLQlTNqxqPE1wmQgurNBI0WB9r0EyY2mXt13QBx16zxgqUJDkmutafpKjnUPyR13o5tZ4Lhx9KfV4QdlnfFzNqMTLBWuQ9qmdrOMgragD4ltqZ0OdEOm/s1600/25-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="800" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHuuVHtJb1-O0NyX7VTkcDL25OLQlTNqxqPE1wmQgurNBI0WB9r0EyY2mXt13QBx16zxgqUJDkmutafpKjnUPyR13o5tZ4Lhx9KfV4QdlnfFzNqMTLBWuQ9qmdrOMgragD4ltqZ0OdEOm/s400/25-cover.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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On Friday, March 16, 2018, <i>The Network Journal</i>, New York's
leading Black professional and small-business magazine, presented it’s annual Influential Black Women in Business Awards at the
New York Marriott Marquis. <i>TNJ's</i> 25 Influential Black Women in
Business Awards is one of New York City's most prestigious events. For
the 20th consecutive year, this Luncheon event has been recognizing most
successful Black women.<br />
<br />
This year's 25 deserving women were chosen from hundreds of
nominations from the ranks of professionals and entrepreneurs. They were honored at an exciting program. Multi-Emmy Award winning journalist,
Brenda Blackmon, was the Mistress of Ceremonies. <i>TNJ </i>celebrated women who are redefining excellence.
As always, there was plenty of humor, anecdotes and the opportunity
to renew acquaintances and network. It was an afternoon many won't soon
forget!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_pUNj2HYj2_4RDX8dhaG8-7dHFngIePCvxKu5juDPpYneJMOiu5PPS_b2eCcWIKK-Z5N5M639ONLIDXk_2oMAGhCmBg3SyL9OR_7-89128IAds-DlkN7OIZSo0dbGfoj00KmbfjsQWpJ/s1600/Genma-Holmes_2365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_pUNj2HYj2_4RDX8dhaG8-7dHFngIePCvxKu5juDPpYneJMOiu5PPS_b2eCcWIKK-Z5N5M639ONLIDXk_2oMAGhCmBg3SyL9OR_7-89128IAds-DlkN7OIZSo0dbGfoj00KmbfjsQWpJ/s400/Genma-Holmes_2365.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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“The women we honored in the 20th year of the
awards span occupations, industries and expertise, and they share the
same traits when it comes to their career and community service:
passion, drive and focus. We salute them for achieving significant
levels of success in their businesses and professional careers and for
their myriad contributions to their community,” states TNJ Publisher and
CEO Aziz Gueye Adetimirin. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg95zF8fzlIb-xaBlyOoZYg4fi6r839EvcqhOmxTyu0u1g4qkYRkWgovntYlVdrbN4-AXH39Jw9daULy9BojyiNthxBb0fCg-lBORSQYonXPwH9fhij0qQ5DVrUBEsp_-ULmxsumidJUSH6/s1600/29249383_10156482866647780_7164499907837952000_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="960" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg95zF8fzlIb-xaBlyOoZYg4fi6r839EvcqhOmxTyu0u1g4qkYRkWgovntYlVdrbN4-AXH39Jw9daULy9BojyiNthxBb0fCg-lBORSQYonXPwH9fhij0qQ5DVrUBEsp_-ULmxsumidJUSH6/s320/29249383_10156482866647780_7164499907837952000_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Former <i>TNJ </i>40 under Forty honoree and longtime supporter of <i>TNJ, </i>Genma Stringer Holmes, owner of Holmes Pest Control and GSH Media, was in the class of 2018 honorees. "When my friend Azia contacted me to share the news, I could only think of my grandmother. I dedicated the honor to her and received it knowing she was there with me in spirit. I was deeply humbled by the recognition and was extremely grateful to be included in this year's class. You could feel the positive energy that flowed between us! I have was in awe of our collective network and how dedicated each one was in their community. I am so thankful to the committee and <i>TNJ </i>for such a wonderful experience," stated Holmes in a recent interview. </div>
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The 25 Influential Black Women in Business Class of 2018 are:
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Jan M. Adams
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President/CEO
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JMA Solutions</div>
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Vicki R. Brackens, ChFC
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President & Financial Planner
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Brackens Financial Solutions Network, LLC</div>
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Michele Bryant
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Senior Managing Director, Global Chief Procurement Officer
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Deloitte Global</div>
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Gabrielle Bullock
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Director of Global Diversity, Principal
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Perkins+Will</div>
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Kimberly Y. Chainey
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Associate General Counsel, Global M&A, Strategy & Innovation
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Avis Budget Group, Inc.</div>
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Roxann Thomas Chargois
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Co-Owner
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JMC Auto Group</div>
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Yolanda Conyers
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Vice President Global HR and Chief Diversity Officer
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Lenovo</div>
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Camille Chang Gilmore
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VP of HR & Global Chief Diversity Officer
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Boston Scientific Corporation</div>
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Michelle D. Greene
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Vice President , IT Business Partner – Global Functions
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Johnson Controls</div>
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Genma Stringer Holmes
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Owner
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Holmes Pest Control</div>
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Lesleigh Irish-Underwood
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SVP & Chief Marketing Officer
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United Way of New York City</div>
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Marachel L. Knight
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Senior Vice President-Technology Planning & Engineering
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AT&T Services, Inc.</div>
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Dee C. Marshall
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President & CEO
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Raise the Bar, LLC </div>
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Ghillaine Reid Melbourne
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Partner
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McGuireWoods LLP</div>
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Gail D. Morales
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SVP, US Project Efficiency Executive
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TD America's Most Convenient Bank </div>
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Trina Parks, MHA, FACHE
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Senior Vice President, Corporate Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer
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RWJ Barnabas Health</div>
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Joy Profet
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General Manager
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ESSENCE Communications, Inc.</div>
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Carla Hunter Ramsey
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Global Director Corporate Social Responsibility
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Global Procurement</div>
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Denella Ri'chard
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Sr. Director, Trade Communications & Engagement
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Holland America Line</div>
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Sandra L. Richards
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Managing Director
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Head of Segment Sales & Engagement Group, Wealth Management </div>
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Morgan Stanley</div>
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Nneka Rimmer
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SVP, Strategy & Global Enablement
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McCormick & Company</div>
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Nzinga Shaw
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Sr. VP of Community & Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer
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Atlanta Hawks & Philips Arena</div>
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Tamika Curry Smith
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Head of Diversity & Inclusion
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Mercedes-Benz USA</div>
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Alicia Thompson, APR
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Managing Director
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Porter Novelli</div>
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Cassandra Carter Wheeler
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Regional Director
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Georgia Power Company</div>
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This select group was profiled in the
Spring 2018 issue of the magazine, and was formally honored during
Women’s History Month at the 20th Annual 25 Influential Black Women in
Business Awards Luncheon, presented by Morgan Stanley, on Friday, March
16, 2018. This highly anticipated signature TNJ event was held at
the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel, located at 1535 Broadway in New York City.</div>
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This year’s sponsors include Presenting Sponsor Morgan Stanley.
Additional sponsors include AT&T and Bronner Brothers. </div>
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<b>About the 25 Influential Black Women in Business Awards</b></div>
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Launched in March 1999, The Network Journal's
25 Influential Black Women in Business Awards honors women whose
professional achievements have significantly impacted an industry or
profession, and who also have made an important contribution to her
community. A "TNJ25" honoree typically is a business owner, or a
partner, president, CEO, board chair, or other senior-management
executive with significant decision-making authority in the corporate,
nonprofit (including academia and medicine), or government sector.</div>
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<b>About The Network Journal</b></div>
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Founded in 1993, The Network Journal (TNJ) is
an award-winning magazine published quarterly. It provides news and
commentaries on issues that affect the growth of business and the
advancement of professionals in the workplace for an audience of
predominantly African-American professionals, corporate executives and
small-business owners. Engaging more than 98,325 readers per issue, TNJ
is distributed nationwide, with a focus on the New York tri-state area,
while its daily digital edition at tnj.com reaches a global audience. </div>
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Visit web site at <a href="http://www.tnj.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.tnj.com</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://track.mybloglog.com/js/jsserv.php?mblID=2008100309531503'></script></div>Genmaspeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11721332536244226641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195576014489760555.post-10296269859609119942018-10-31T14:33:00.000-05:002018-10-31T16:45:37.428-05:00IABC Nashville Announces Music City Gold Pen Awards 2018 Winners <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPIIwyLPvRI2UsXqNMInZ80w6MWI-mnywHpu7kxsqkvRme6FmmqShjyWGTO4jzQG_AwD4GxiLZz5ABYe8xQLylsKZt9QYPkc8V4WjdOrGylBYDDXrfCCaS5XEH1eHIohArkkNNcovPStx7/s1600/FLIPPEN+PHOTOGRAPHY-9000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPIIwyLPvRI2UsXqNMInZ80w6MWI-mnywHpu7kxsqkvRme6FmmqShjyWGTO4jzQG_AwD4GxiLZz5ABYe8xQLylsKZt9QYPkc8V4WjdOrGylBYDDXrfCCaS5XEH1eHIohArkkNNcovPStx7/s400/FLIPPEN+PHOTOGRAPHY-9000.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The <a href="https://www.iabc.com/">International Association of Business Communicators </a>(IABC) Nashville Chapter presented the 2018 Music
City Gold Pen Awards on Sept. 20, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. Pete Weber, the Voice
of the Predators who is beginning his 21st season as part of the
Nashville Predators broadcast crew, presented 28 awards in categories
ranging from internal communications to social media programs. Photos
from the event are posted on <a href="http://nashville.iabc.com/awards/2017-music-city-gold-pen-awards-event-dazzles-at-noah-liff-opera-center/">Nashville.IABC.com</a>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxtxetCzroxqolsJ3tqc19OaHKxkQ1tBG_JPASxDESgCfcaP4H0Sw1LR_z9r7oiyFLZ-QP92AWbDmXLtmLdc4Q1gq4GQcLhfazffXiYbrrmRI8NCbVJjVfRoYEjHr0v9eg19leW6wNb_J/s1600/FLIPPEN+PHOTOGRAPHY-9015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxtxetCzroxqolsJ3tqc19OaHKxkQ1tBG_JPASxDESgCfcaP4H0Sw1LR_z9r7oiyFLZ-QP92AWbDmXLtmLdc4Q1gq4GQcLhfazffXiYbrrmRI8NCbVJjVfRoYEjHr0v9eg19leW6wNb_J/s400/FLIPPEN+PHOTOGRAPHY-9015.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Genma Stringer Holmes and Pete Weber, the voice of the Nashville Predators.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGS_M9-ttcyv0fbeTmSB8u5m20ACV1wtqUREDBeB2q_XxEkBpvnbp4NmclzHHdxP-TXudK3I7czknbELJb8UQ9ckumo-fX02WG31_TqsPU2a6he3nOkyB6NnmdFDY8pELX5-xHzCOhUkC/s1600/FLIPPEN+PHOTOGRAPHY-9058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGS_M9-ttcyv0fbeTmSB8u5m20ACV1wtqUREDBeB2q_XxEkBpvnbp4NmclzHHdxP-TXudK3I7czknbELJb8UQ9ckumo-fX02WG31_TqsPU2a6he3nOkyB6NnmdFDY8pELX5-xHzCOhUkC/s400/FLIPPEN+PHOTOGRAPHY-9058.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lysa Rigo and Genma Stringer Holmes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YIelX3pW23T0jnspWVGW7FhuYBXQSsBmqJtdwDE40_Mu0jqt41eAHOCQMfLYiErxlaVP-sTz5Mosf6SrGmmFGuqdAq40rAmr9n_LJ-1PgTPdw7zS3STIGsqBmYM70oAS-93ptBjbi7j1/s1600/FLIPPEN+PHOTOGRAPHY-9084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1276" data-original-width="1600" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YIelX3pW23T0jnspWVGW7FhuYBXQSsBmqJtdwDE40_Mu0jqt41eAHOCQMfLYiErxlaVP-sTz5Mosf6SrGmmFGuqdAq40rAmr9n_LJ-1PgTPdw7zS3STIGsqBmYM70oAS-93ptBjbi7j1/s400/FLIPPEN+PHOTOGRAPHY-9084.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pete Weber</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuB2rKaqI3xKk4RZPSa7TEUMaE5x9SrUkwtAyGURHq3UD4fFIH_4BQBKlDXzEL1qPgGprZ5JMDN6ZmC-dhuODvCGvxvqH8VVEiWb2VRDD5pX_c-2LBbc3vXssKmVE7Xzh472ImoWCLJ1j/s1600/FLIPPEN+PHOTOGRAPHY-9094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuB2rKaqI3xKk4RZPSa7TEUMaE5x9SrUkwtAyGURHq3UD4fFIH_4BQBKlDXzEL1qPgGprZ5JMDN6ZmC-dhuODvCGvxvqH8VVEiWb2VRDD5pX_c-2LBbc3vXssKmVE7Xzh472ImoWCLJ1j/s400/FLIPPEN+PHOTOGRAPHY-9094.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gene Boulware, IABC Nashville Chapter President and Genma Stringer Holmes </td></tr>
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Award winners at this year’s event, which was sponsored by Exhibits
South, StagePost, Vincit Group, and Sollie Studios, represented a range
of industries, including strategic communications, education and
healthcare. 2018 year’s award winners are:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDaehVubbfzYsLZDnnGjkjmG6zhQD3zz2DsF4YIBdGz7MB3n_8Gg9_JJ135LEs2F42TY-T-iit9G59utP2Zk5E1UaDN606BKKt2ctr_jHGhGOLoBBSpPh4bE9_3dXmmcnOtD9RIWpq7lwn/s1600/FLIPPEN+PHOTOGRAPHY-8998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDaehVubbfzYsLZDnnGjkjmG6zhQD3zz2DsF4YIBdGz7MB3n_8Gg9_JJ135LEs2F42TY-T-iit9G59utP2Zk5E1UaDN606BKKt2ctr_jHGhGOLoBBSpPh4bE9_3dXmmcnOtD9RIWpq7lwn/s400/FLIPPEN+PHOTOGRAPHY-8998.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Angela Argiro, </b><i>MP&F Strategic Communications</i></li>
<li><b>Michelle Fowler, </b><i>MP&F Strategic Communications</i></li>
<li><b>Amanda Gambill, </b><i>MP&F Strategic Communications</i></li>
<li><b>Laura Haynes, </b><i>FirstBank</i></li>
<li><b>Genma Holmes, </b><i>The Ohio State University</i></li>
<li><b>Mich Michaud, </b><i>M*Modal</i></li>
<li><b>Mich Michaud, </b><i>Metro Nashville Public Schools</i></li>
<li><b>Cole Miracle, </b><i>MP&F Strategic Communications</i></li>
<li><b>Misty Moore & Mignonne Blair, </b><i>HCA Physician Services Group Communications</i></li>
<li><b>Ameerah Palacios, </b>APR, MBA<b>, </b><i>Metro Nashville Public Schools</i></li>
<li><b>Rosemary Plorin, </b><i>Lovell Communications Inc.</i></li>
<li><b>Jan Read, </b><i>Vanderbilt University</i></li>
<li><b>Rob Scobey, </b><i>World Christian Broadcasting</i></li>
<li><b>Javier Solano, </b><i>MP&F Strategic Communications</i></li>
<li><b>Millie Wert, </b><i>MP&F Strategic Communications</i></li>
</ul>
“It’s a great joy to recognize the most talented communicators in
middle Tennessee and southern Kentucky with the Music City Gold Pen
Awards,” said IABC President Gene Boulware. “The annual awards ceremony
not only recognizes great work, but also provides attendees with the
opportunity to connect with top professionals who are raising the bar
for excellence in communications.”<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8UZL0mhc7SCx2FdBanuvgtXRxDwSruE7G_9fctBWO6OTvapdZW1RujI5jZiaD7IM1aEzwJlU-p1g9N0g3VW4hyphenhyphen3Sg7kc-6p_gVk8Vn2nWsePxCaeEPjTnPr1g4UO-GtsN_OixlTMbtr8/s1600/FLIPPEN+PHOTOGRAPHY-9126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8UZL0mhc7SCx2FdBanuvgtXRxDwSruE7G_9fctBWO6OTvapdZW1RujI5jZiaD7IM1aEzwJlU-p1g9N0g3VW4hyphenhyphen3Sg7kc-6p_gVk8Vn2nWsePxCaeEPjTnPr1g4UO-GtsN_OixlTMbtr8/s400/FLIPPEN+PHOTOGRAPHY-9126.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Genma Stringer Holmes, the owner of Holmes Pest Control and GSH Media, won three Gold Pen Awards for Excellence in Communications for her work with <a href="https://www.osu.edu/">The Ohio State University</a>. She won in the division of communications research, digital communication, and social media. Genma shared later, "It was an honor and privilege to work with the researchers at the <a href="https://nursing.osu.edu/news/college-of-nursing-news-headlines/transformational-gift-to-establish-martha-s-pitzer-center-for-women-children-and-youth-at-the-ohio-state-university-coll.html">Martha S. Pitzer Center for Women, Children, and Youth at The Ohio State University College of Nursing</a>. I am so thankful for Dr. Karen Patricia Williams and her guidance throughout the project with the university and beyond. To receive recognition by IABC who sets the global standards for communicators is more than I ever hoped or imagined. It was a beautiful day and to have so many friends from near and far to be in attendance to show their support will always be cherished by me." <br />
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<br />
Visit <a href="http://nashville.iabc.com/">Nashville.IABC.com</a> to
learn more about the Music City Gold Pen Awards, IABC Nashville, and our
professional development luncheons and networking mixers. Connect with
us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/iabcnashville">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/iabc-nashville/">LinkedIn</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/IABCNashville">Twitter</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>ABOUT IABC NASHVILLE</u></b><br />
IABC Nashville is one of more than 100 chapters in 70 countries
providing learning opportunities for its members and professional
development sessions that offer new insights into the latest
communication trends, technology and issues facing the industry. The
chapter is diverse, with members representing area agencies, broadcast
stations, corporations, universities, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. IABC
Nashville also offers ties to job bank services and the annual Music
City Gold Pen Awards program. IABC is the only place to connect with
communicators globally.<br />
<br />
"Connect here. Go anywhere!"<br />
<br />
Photos by Earl Flippen <div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://track.mybloglog.com/js/jsserv.php?mblID=2008100309531503'></script></div>Genmaspeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11721332536244226641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195576014489760555.post-51512602612796898152018-10-31T10:01:00.000-05:002018-10-31T16:35:12.848-05:00GirlTrek's Stress Protest<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font: 400 15px/22px Ubuntu; letter-spacing: 0.2px; margin: 20px 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">On
a visit home to spend time with my grandmother last summer, she
lovingly took my hand after looking at me for what seemed like an
eternity and said, "Baaaaby, that stress is gonna kill ya. You are
looking like a worn out shoe. That stress gonna turn ya ugly from the
inside out. You hear me." My vanity kicked in immediately and I replied
back with a laugh, "Mother, well I need to make some changes quickly
because we don't do ugly, right? Our playful banter stayed with me long
after I left my hometown. If my grandmother was bothered, it was not
good!</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZAr85k3XhcAWfP0BoOtcjgRESanG0-Sxvw37zEOZISmxbGN7DATRGVm783fJd5vl6N08fejeWhGOTQwIYCMjePVhMmTVVKq4ijxowbmgB1i7UBslqR4QWEgrfvaujBjWb6pOOTTqhH5u/s1600/34110993240_d2a05b96b1_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZAr85k3XhcAWfP0BoOtcjgRESanG0-Sxvw37zEOZISmxbGN7DATRGVm783fJd5vl6N08fejeWhGOTQwIYCMjePVhMmTVVKq4ijxowbmgB1i7UBslqR4QWEgrfvaujBjWb6pOOTTqhH5u/s400/34110993240_d2a05b96b1_k.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My son at his graduation before being deployed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font: 400 15px/22px Ubuntu; letter-spacing: 0.2px; margin: 20px 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">At
that time, my family was in the middle of two deployments a few weeks
apart and we had a college graduation right in the middle. My youngest
son, USMC, and my nephew, Army, were headed overseas and I felt the
weight of the world on my shoulders. The aching in my heart had penetrated my bones. My baby boy was "chosen" for a special mission and
he needed his family support. I needed to be upbeat because he did not
need to see me falling apart.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font: 400 15px/22px Ubuntu; letter-spacing: 0.2px; margin: 20px 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">I
spent weeks wrestling with fear and worry and tried not to show it. I
would lock myself in my closet praying for his protection and safety. It
was during this time, fellow Marine moms called me up to tell me to
"walk it out." "You got to shake this and be strong," I was told. I took
my stress levels seriously and took inventory of what was bringing me joy
and what in my life that was throwing me out of sorts beyond my son's
deployment. I also went for my annual check-up. After my exam, my doctor
voiced sternly what I knew, "Stress and high blood pressure can led to a
stroke or heart attack. You must do better." She was right!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font: 400 15px/22px Ubuntu; letter-spacing: 0.2px; margin: 20px 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">I
immediately started corrective actions. I stepped up my game
and began walking with bolder, more determined steps to help decrease my
stress levels and to rid myself of the extra baggage in head. My extra baggage
came from many factors and I addressed them one by one. I put my
volunteering life on a diet and started managing who and what entered my
sacred space. I even paid attention to my media consumption. I could
only watch #Maddow twice a week!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzOrgfrPt3m8dsjG2H7x74VzmugdRgGPa_QzIkri7XYDRHa08KfKWtlSHw2r3rSsDmk5L1C4KkzeraABqSV3ZBtvKvJERRm0HPJqov3WJ_hvOpEpdiKVFs4PL-TTd9R9GI6VFBYPxbHI0/s1600/20374228_1508461139213755_2583380900002212518_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="709" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzOrgfrPt3m8dsjG2H7x74VzmugdRgGPa_QzIkri7XYDRHa08KfKWtlSHw2r3rSsDmk5L1C4KkzeraABqSV3ZBtvKvJERRm0HPJqov3WJ_hvOpEpdiKVFs4PL-TTd9R9GI6VFBYPxbHI0/s320/20374228_1508461139213755_2583380900002212518_n.jpg" width="236" /></a></div>
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<div style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font: 400 15px/22px Ubuntu; letter-spacing: 0.2px; margin: 20px 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">In my attempts to be very radical about my stress, on Labor Day Weekend in 2017, I joined hundreds of Black women in the mountains of Colorado to stage a #stressprotest. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">Members of<a href="http://www.girltrek.org/"> GirlTrek </a>flew to the
Rocky Mountains from all over the world! </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">There are no words to describe accurately the magic that happened
on that mountaintop.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuc6e2Ky0Drr80O3tpi63IHjGDkk95G7yXIvfkqAMbDtRNcL20L4S5vjD0psFwB9MRMx4jSrcW2KnBwOrndPYiA2OHsvvixujlBBdeWKjVb2BCLE_iwH-tZL6Rdrtk4exot3EJbGoOVGB8/s1600/IMG_9491%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuc6e2Ky0Drr80O3tpi63IHjGDkk95G7yXIvfkqAMbDtRNcL20L4S5vjD0psFwB9MRMx4jSrcW2KnBwOrndPYiA2OHsvvixujlBBdeWKjVb2BCLE_iwH-tZL6Rdrtk4exot3EJbGoOVGB8/s320/IMG_9491%25281%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">We
spent the four day weekend reflecting, being nurtured, resting our
weary souls, rejoicing at the breathtaking views, absorbing the serenity
of the
mountainside and relishing in the peace and tranquility found at <a href="https://ymcarockies.org/">Estes Park'sYMCA</a>. We vowed to take care of ourselves and to put health first.
Since my weekend in the mountain, I have traveled to meetup with several members of GirlTrek who have staged #stressprotest weekends on hiking trails
and mountains to reclaim their minds and health. For those who did not
attend the event in the mountains, they had hundreds of #stressprotests
in their own neighborhoods. The #stressprotest was covered by nation media outlets, online, print, and radio, and thousands on social media
cheering for women, Black women, wanting to take care of the themselves
by dumping stress! </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhk3_gLk0ctugD4kzODmnJmE8khESMKIOgc6aO2b9rKuphzpS1O7N9lZc-lc437IJsnSQRqJTtnrFeX_LYm6TQ-14nATNdfqD4cnQCkp4PzCrA7P1Y_BoT4zeNSERQ5zEaTWRbY-nD4dVD/s1600/IMG_0763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhk3_gLk0ctugD4kzODmnJmE8khESMKIOgc6aO2b9rKuphzpS1O7N9lZc-lc437IJsnSQRqJTtnrFeX_LYm6TQ-14nATNdfqD4cnQCkp4PzCrA7P1Y_BoT4zeNSERQ5zEaTWRbY-nD4dVD/s320/IMG_0763.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Living Your Best Life Radio Studio.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM8qi8Tg6q9JyghRyCBcyZTj1z9MbEUCoMzLp2XAw7P3uJ1AVxgP7acNzHurwiB2s7PKlC2YSkUi40wqBnbd6z6apZG3j2XCVXcA0P-7I4iecAlKnDBaJ8SDimg0ppFNyUZyf2c2tkjZGE/s1600/IMG_5885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM8qi8Tg6q9JyghRyCBcyZTj1z9MbEUCoMzLp2XAw7P3uJ1AVxgP7acNzHurwiB2s7PKlC2YSkUi40wqBnbd6z6apZG3j2XCVXcA0P-7I4iecAlKnDBaJ8SDimg0ppFNyUZyf2c2tkjZGE/s320/IMG_5885.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saturday after the show walk with Grand Prince.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">In the spring of 2018, </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">I joined
100,000+ Black women who took the</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <a href="http://harriettubmanbyway.org/girltrek-walk-100-miles-along-tubman-byway/">GirlTrek's Harriet Hall of Fame: 100 Mile Challenge</a></span> to take charge </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">of<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>our
health by addressing issues that maybe self-inflicted, environmental,
work related or relational that can take a toll on our physical and mental
health.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfuks9_eWf2GuTiguZinam5FxKZKVfZ-LvkGynJPbhgsSq9YCpT6tN_igxBNaSd6hzcXJUOq8vUfl2Z8qRxD66yUtqGC1qoYzPP27s8o0NonviV6GZmY_zZiippYyRKm5VlADnWtGMf21/s1600/IMG_3813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfuks9_eWf2GuTiguZinam5FxKZKVfZ-LvkGynJPbhgsSq9YCpT6tN_igxBNaSd6hzcXJUOq8vUfl2Z8qRxD66yUtqGC1qoYzPP27s8o0NonviV6GZmY_zZiippYyRKm5VlADnWtGMf21/s400/IMG_3813.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Marine cheering me on after a walk!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">I made 2018 my year to advocate for my mind, body, and soul, first, and to partner with others who are determined
to be change agents in our community for our sisters' health and well being. #stressprotest </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: small;">This story was previously published in February 2018. </span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://track.mybloglog.com/js/jsserv.php?mblID=2008100309531503'></script></div>Genmaspeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11721332536244226641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195576014489760555.post-40958760461956625292018-10-30T11:53:00.000-05:002018-10-30T12:30:48.654-05:00Change Agents are Inspiring Millions to Vote Early <!--[if !mso]>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I have</span><i><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">had the opportunity to meet and interview several amazing women who are change agents through the years. Here are a few who are political trailblazers who are making us skip, hop, run or drive to the polls to vote early like never before to exercise our most precious civic duty...voting!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></b><i><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></b></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Stacey Abrams, a native Mississippian who was raised in Georgia, is seeking to lead the state of Georgia as Governor. Her willingness to fight a political system that has been exposed as bias at every turn has many of us wondering what shoe will drop next. She has been fierce and steadfast through it all. And, she has inspired millions of to go to polls to vote early in Georgia and around the nation. </i></span><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></b><i><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Stacey Abrams</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></b></i>Stacey Abrams
and her five siblings grew up in Gulfport, Mississippi with three
tenets: go to school, go to church, and take care of each other. Despite
struggling to make ends meet for their family, her parents made service
a way of life for their children – if someone was less fortunate, it
was their job to serve that person. This ethic – and her parents’
unwavering commitment to providing educational opportunity for their
children – led the family to Georgia.<br />
<br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></b></i>Stacey’s
parents attended Emory University to pursue graduate studies in Divinity
and become United Methodist ministers. Stacey and her younger siblings
attended DeKalb County Schools, and she graduated from Avondale High
School. Stacey received degrees from Spelman College, the LBJ School of
Public Affairs at the University of Texas, and Yale Law School.<br />
<br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></b></i>She put her
education to work to better the lives of Georgians through the
government, nonprofit, and business sectors. Dedicated to civic
engagement, she founded the New Georgia Project, which submitted more
than 200,000 registrations for voters of color between 2014 and 2016.
Under the pen name Selena Montgomery, Stacey is the award-winning author
of eight romantic suspense novels, which have sold more than 100,000
copies. As co-founder of NOW Account – a financial services firm that
helps small businesses grow – Stacey has helped create and retain jobs
in Georgia. And through her various business ventures, Stacey has helped
employ even more Georgians, including hundreds of young people starting
out.<br />
(https://staceyabrams.com)<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When many women groups said 'no' when Tamika Mallory called in late 2016 to organize a women's march for early 2017, their "no, not now," did not deter her. She went to become part of the largest protest movement that was held in U.S. and around the world. Her vision and determination to stay focus has been an inspiration to women of all ages and backgrounds. </span><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Tamika D. Mallory</span></b></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Tamika D. Mallory is a mother to her
teenage son, an <b>esteemed social justice leader, advocate, activist and a
member of The </b></span>Metro-Manhattan (NY)<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">
Chapter.</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> A New York City native, this fiery,
outspoken advocate for human rights and liberty has remained a consistent
fixture in the civil rights movement throughout the years. The 36 yr old has
been applauded as an advocate for civil rights issues, equal rights for women,
health care, gun violence, and police misconduct. Tamika has been applauded as
“a leader of tomorrow” by Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama, Valerie B.
Jarrett and was selected to serve on the transition committee of New York City
Mayor-Elect Bill de Blasio. Her astounding, <b>integrity driven leadership and
campaign for equality and judicial reform</b> has deemed Tamika a significant
force amongst government officers, policy makers and other community advocates.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">From her position as the <b>former
Executive Director of the National Action Network</b> to her instrumental role
in creating New York City’s Crisis Management System, an official gun violence
prevention program that awards nearly $27 million to violence prevention
organizations annually; Tamika is stitched into the fabric of the new
revolution for civil rights. However, it was when Ms. Mallory stepped onto the
public stage as one of four <b>co-chairs for the Women’s March on Washington</b>
that she became internationally recognized as an integral voice for civil
rights, social justice and the new wave of feminism. The Women’s March was
recorded as having participation from <b>5 million people worldwide</b>, thus
landing Tamika on the <b>2017 Time 100 Pioneers</b> list as well as <b>Fortune’s
2017 list of the World’s Greatest Leaders.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b> </b></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(www.tamikadmallory.com)</span>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Speaking truth to
power in an era that has many of our seasoned leaders stating, “We have been
here before and we are not going back.” <span style="color: black;">Congresswoman
Frederica Wilson, D. 24<sup>th</sup> District has been that voice. Many
know of her work not only to her Floridian constituents but she has proven to
be a fierce supporter of military families, a difference maker and a role model
who gives voice to the voiceless.</span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUQ_jGo3FNR7Ofk3ESRDrIWHMvhWFJwkG6ICz392e0_VoaRQDyK7RtF741zZ3onsRZMkrrjq3wpWTWOCX6X1zQB08HtmmvfXUaD97k6t7EVBl9Pc_3cAZw1-dgTZQ6cg8a_-6BA_Peron/s1600/DSC_0172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUQ_jGo3FNR7Ofk3ESRDrIWHMvhWFJwkG6ICz392e0_VoaRQDyK7RtF741zZ3onsRZMkrrjq3wpWTWOCX6X1zQB08HtmmvfXUaD97k6t7EVBl9Pc_3cAZw1-dgTZQ6cg8a_-6BA_Peron/s400/DSC_0172.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson with Daughters of Destiny</td></tr>
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<a href="https://wilson.house.gov/file/voice-for-voicelessjpg"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span></span></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson</b>
proudly represents one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse districts
in the nation and includes parts of northwest Miami-Dade and southern Broward
counties. <br />
<br />
Recognizing her record of service and productivity, in 2010 voters
overwhelmingly elected her to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives. As a
former educator, elementary school principal, community leader, school board
member, state legislator, and founder of the 5000 Role Models of Excellence
Project, Congresswoman Wilson earned a reputation as a “Voice for the
Voiceless.” Her tenure in Congress, now in its fourth term, also has been
marked by her signature spirit of unrelenting advocacy on behalf of the less
fortunate.<br />
<br />
The Florida lawmaker has continued her mission to improve the quality of
life for her constituency by creating jobs with dignity, improving education,
stopping home foreclosures, safeguarding Medicare and Social Security, and
strengthening ties with Haiti and the Caribbean.<br />
<br />
As the Ranking Democrat on the Education and Workforce Protections
Subcommittee in the 114th Congress, Congresswoman Wilson introduced the
American Jobs Act of 2013.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
innovative bill that promotes full employment and boosts workforce development
opportunities; the Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights, which would provide
vital relief to overburdened student loan borrowers; and the Youth Corp Act of
2013, which reconnects youth with education, the workforce and their
communities. She has also sponsored legislation to reduce homeowners’ insurance
premiums, protect foster children, and defend Haitian women against
gender-based violence. In addition, the lawmaker, whose mantra is “Jobs, Jobs,
Jobs,” hosted one of the state’s largest job fairs, which connected thousands
of Floridians to more than 100 local and national employers.<br />
<a href="https://wilson.house.gov/file/portmiamijpg"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span></span></a><br />
<a href="https://wilson.house.gov/file/miami-assoc-of-realtorsjpg-0"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span></span></a><br />
Congresswoman Wilson is the founder of the Florida Ports Caucus, a
bipartisan coalition formed to help pass the Water Resources Reform and
Development Act. After being stalled for 12 years, the GOP-led Congress in a
bipartisan vote passed the bill in 2014. As a result, her district was awarded
billions of dollars in capital funding for major projects like the Port Miami
Tunnel, which created thousands of jobs. It also highlighted the lawmaker’s
ability to successfully work across party lines.<br />
<br />
Congresswoman Wilson has consistently secured resources for various projects
in her district, including a $1 million grant in 2014 to help reduce crime in
Miami-Dade County’s highest crime area, the Northside District. The Department
of Justice grant will bolster the Miami-Dade Police Department’s ability to
combat crime and violence and make the area a safer place to live,
work, and raise families. During her tenure, the district
has received $3.1 billion in grants, contracts, and other assistance. In May 2015,
Congresswoman Wilson was appointed to the advisory council of President Barack
Obama’s “My Brother’s Keeper” Alliance, a public acknowledgement of the
life-changing results for boys and young men of color that she has achieved
through the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project. President Obama often cites
this program, which she created nearly a quarter century ago, as an example of
the kinds of projects that his “My Brother’s Keeper” initiative is designed to
emulate and support. Congresswoman Wilson also is founder and chair of the
Congressional Black Caucus’s “My Brother’s Keeper” Task Force.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://wilson.house.gov/file/wilsons-war-twitter-sizejpg-0"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span></span></a>Congresswoman
Wilson understands Congress’ role as a global leader in human and civil rights
and has led its efforts to fight for the safe return of the 219 Nigerian
schoolgirls still missing since their June 2014 abduction by Boko Haram and to
aid in the defeat of the terrorist group. In addition to participating in two
fact-finding missions to Nigeria and passing two resolutions, she has been a
leading voice in a daily, international Twitter campaign to #BringBackOurGirls.
The Florida lawmaker also created “Wear Something Red Wednesdays,” a weekly
photo opportunity and press event with congressional leaders and lawmakers. The
initiative helps to ensure the girls are not forgotten by maintaining media
attention and pressure on U.S. and Nigerian officials to honor their pledge to
do all they can to rescue them. A leading political newspaper has dubbed her
relentless attention to this human rights crisis “Frederica Wilson’s War.”<br />
<br />
The Florida lawmaker has worked tirelessly to recognize Americans who have
made significant contributions to our nation. She ushered through legislation
in record time to memorialize a new Federal Bureau of Investigation building in
honor of Special Agents Benjamin P. Grogan and Jerry L. Dove, who were killed
in what is considered the “bloodiest shootout” in FBI history. Most recently,
she passed legislation to rename a Miami post office in honor of Father Richard
Marquess-Barry, a pillar of the community and one of South Florida’s most
influential and unifying faith-based leaders.<br />
After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Fisk
University and a Master of Science degree in elementary education from the
University of Miami, Congresswoman Wilson worked as a teacher and assistant
educational coordinator for the Miami-Dade County Public Schools Head Start
program. She quickly rose to become principal of Skyway Elementary School,
which was recognized as one of the best schools in America in President George
H. W. Bush’s “America 2000” plan to upgrade national education standards.<br />
<br />
In addition to raising academic standards and expectations, Congresswoman
Wilson taught her students the power of advocacy. Their target was a compost
plant built across the street from Skyway that emitted odors that posed a major
health and environmental hazard and distracted the children from their studies.
She and her students mobilized their community and lobbied government and
school board officials until they achieved their goal. The compost plant closed
its doors just short of two years after its opening.<br />
<br />
The experience highlighted the need for stronger local leadership and led
Congresswoman Wilson to successfully campaign for a seat on the Miami-Dade
County School Board in 1992. Her first legislative achievement was the
establishment of the 500 Role Models of Excellence Project as a
district-sanctioned program. The innovative mentoring program was inspired by
the extraordinary impact of positive male influence on the attitudes and
performance of the boys at Skyway Elementary during her tenure as principal.
Now known as the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project, the program has
flourished and earned much-deserved national acclaim.<br />
<br />
The 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project has awarded millions of dollars
in college scholarships to help hundreds of young men achieve their dream of
earning a college degree or post-secondary certification. In 1997,
President Bill Clinton honored the program, which today serves more than 8,000
students each year, with the Teaching Example for the Nation Award at the
Summit for America’s Future.<br />
<br />
As a state legislator, she worked with Governor Jeb Bush to remove the
Confederate flag from the State Capitol and passed a bill mandating HIV/AIDS
testing for prisoners upon their release and linking them to care in the
counties where they relocated. She also passed a bill that made rape in prison
a felony crime. Other legislative achievements and priorities included
relocating women in Florida prisons to facilities that would enable them to be
closer to their children while serving out their sentences; opposing
high-stakes testing; pushing for a ban of the term “illegal alien” in state
public records; and partnering with Governor Charlie Crist to restore voting
rights for ex-felons. <br />
<br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">We could not shine a
spotlight on women leading movements and speaking truth to power and not share
the historic and sheroic efforts of Black women in Alabama in 2017. They said no to institutional racism,
sexism, classism, pedophilia, homophobia, xenophobia and God knows what else,
by challenging the living and those who were spiritually dying to wake up and
hold elected officials accountable for their actions, past and present. Black women in Alabama showed our country that the clap back to systemic
racial discord will be addressed in the voting booth and our votes will not be
taken for granted. Our sisters’ voting power revealed that going forward, the
Black community and people of African descent are at the table not on the menu
in 2018</i>.<br />
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<i><b>Black Women Voters in Alabama (Past and Present)</b></i><br />
by Kerra Bolton<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26-nFDRL1HbCbVkfss5LtBhoxXuKNZJelBkgEyWTGXjrBEDGUcfr3zrDn-XU5-YjOIe36W7KuyVa5W5ayLeFP03qEkE6rmDSE-JG_9q0Bsvdo1hKkLDSwlpoaGmR1mt0_zoSfL5G3U6Yg/s1600/Rosa_Parks_smile_ap_img.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="1440" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26-nFDRL1HbCbVkfss5LtBhoxXuKNZJelBkgEyWTGXjrBEDGUcfr3zrDn-XU5-YjOIe36W7KuyVa5W5ayLeFP03qEkE6rmDSE-JG_9q0Bsvdo1hKkLDSwlpoaGmR1mt0_zoSfL5G3U6Yg/s400/Rosa_Parks_smile_ap_img.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQkbKcVYm7YtsuIpVaftqk8m7cAlONzCCN-LtwvTldEO88D3iEMwuJbQdFWRTONMgd-hfpZibAeXVv7qXjePuaaMO-roJQDyiZ0S6_KKL5i2v20UTVS5HpCWyNkOyDHuFCvQEc4lSX0_U/s1600/13-Doug-Jones-win-02.w700.h700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQkbKcVYm7YtsuIpVaftqk8m7cAlONzCCN-LtwvTldEO88D3iEMwuJbQdFWRTONMgd-hfpZibAeXVv7qXjePuaaMO-roJQDyiZ0S6_KKL5i2v20UTVS5HpCWyNkOyDHuFCvQEc4lSX0_U/s400/13-Doug-Jones-win-02.w700.h700.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
When Doug Jones won Alabama’s hotly contested Senate special election
on December 12, 2017, observers on Twitter were quick to point one thing out:
Jones’s victory was most likely due to high black turnout, <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/mbvd/people-are-praising-black-women-for-alsen-outcome?bffbnews&utm_term=.qhpREw04Ky#.lxj5d4Ap6B">particularly
among black women</a>.<br />
<br />
Despite fears of the reduced turnout often seen in an off-cycle elections,
belief that the Jones campaign made missteps in its black outreach, and
concerns that <a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2017/12/reports-of-voter-suppression-tactics-pour-in-from-alabama-election/">voter
suppression tactics</a> in the state could reduce the number of black voters
able to cast ballots, black voters made a commanding display of political power
on Tuesday night, according to preliminary exit polls. In a state where African
Americans usually make up one-fourth of the electorate, the initial exit polls
suggested that they <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/12/despite-the-obstacles-black-voters-make-a-statement-in-alabama/548237/">exceeded
that turnout</a> rate, with early numbers putting them at 30 percent of
Tuesday’s electorate.<br />
<br />
The numbers will be in flux for a while, <a href="https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/12/13/16771834/doug-jones-alabama-black-white-voters">as
Dara Lind writes for Vox</a>, but an <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2017/12/12/politics/alabama-senate-election-mainbar/index.html">exit
poll from CNN</a> found that 96 percent of black voters went for Jones in the
election. And a <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2017/politics/alabama-exit-polls/?utm_term=.08f6f656c9db">demographic
breakdown of exit polls</a> published by the Washington Post went viral on
Twitter, showing that black women, an estimated 17 percent of the Tuesday night
electorate, supported Jones by a 98-2 margin. <br />
Observers noted that the result was a powerful reminder of the power of
black women’s votes. The results also come months after the Democratic Party
engaged in a highly public debate about the significance of “identity
politics,” with some arguing that the party was <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2017/06/01/black-women-and-the-dnc/?utm_term=.3cceeec0b46a">taking
black women for granted</a> as it pursued the votes of working-class white
voters.<br />
<br />
Alabama’s Senate race isn’t the first election this year where a strong
turnout among black voters, led by black women, helped determine an election.
In a performance that closely matched their <a href="http://talkingpointsmemo.com/cafe/women-voters-aren-t-monolithic-terry-mcauliffe-can-thank-black-women-for-his-win">2013
behavior</a> in the state, black women in Virginia helped keep the governor’s
mansion in Democratic hands, with <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2017/local/virginia-politics/governor-exit-polls/?utm_term=.9dede5cf2f89">91
percent of their vote</a> going to Ralph Northam last month. They also showed
the <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2017-election/NJ">strongest
support</a> for the winning Democratic gubernatorial candidate in New Jersey.
And while Hillary Clinton did not win the 2016 election, black women
overwhelmingly supported her, backing her by a 94-6 margin over Donald Trump
and other candidates.<br />
<br />
On social media on election night, some observers noted that black women
were voting for Doug Jones in an effort to “save America,” which some critics
argued puts too much of a burden on black women.<br />
<br />
But in a state where a disproportionate level of<b> </b>African-Americans
<a href="https://www.thenation.com/article/black-women-in-the-rural-south-are-still-sick-and-tired-of-being-sick-and-tired/">face</a>
rampant poverty, poor education systems, and unequal access to healthcare, the
votes of black women were not about some altruistic mission to save America
from itself. Their votes were a very real attempt to make a change <a href="https://www.theroot.com/black-women-in-alabama-saved-themselves-last-night-1821254816">that
would help themselves</a> and their families.<br />
<br />
They were also counteracting<b> </b>a candidate who <a href="https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/12/7/16748038/roy-moore-slavery-america-great">argued</a>
that America was last “great” when slavery was in place,<s> </s>responded <a href="https://www.vox.com/identities/2017/12/11/16761348/roy-moore-racism-sexism">affirmatively</a>
when asked if constitutional amendments after the 10th should be abolished, and
was backed by a president who has engaged in <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2017/10/23/in-trumps-response-to-myeshia-johnson-many-black-women-see-a-pattern/?utm_term=.26bfc2724f8b">vitriolic
attacks</a> against prominent black women while pursuing legislation that would
harm them. The results outline why they were such a powerful political force
that should be focused on beyond election season.<br />
<br />
Alabama’s Senate race is only the latest election in which black women made
the difference. If their high levels of turnout remain surprising, it is
because we are not looking to them in the first place. <br />
<br />
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<br />
Photos: supplied<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://track.mybloglog.com/js/jsserv.php?mblID=2008100309531503'></script></div>Genmaspeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11721332536244226641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195576014489760555.post-63634783647419249522018-10-30T09:41:00.001-05:002018-10-30T11:55:23.506-05:00Stribling Becomes First African American 6760 District Governor<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGA-MoU9b9t2_916mzWzrpxfepdAPmpX6Yh-epIubhanDakIpwINmanpb9RK8WsfTDntgABIls9B99MnsQYXo7d-bsg8tmcEAu5gd_ONNk6CcN8764-JVIkFYIgtsCQwjFW-65qnx7bJ0G/s1600/nashville+rotary+club.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="960" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGA-MoU9b9t2_916mzWzrpxfepdAPmpX6Yh-epIubhanDakIpwINmanpb9RK8WsfTDntgABIls9B99MnsQYXo7d-bsg8tmcEAu5gd_ONNk6CcN8764-JVIkFYIgtsCQwjFW-65qnx7bJ0G/s640/nashville+rotary+club.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Members of the Rotary Club of Nashville</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"> As the Rotary International continues to recognize its 30th year of
<i>Women in The Rotary</i>, Laquita R. Stribling, became the first
African American installed as 6760 District Governor for Rotary
International 2018-2019. Laquita is a past president of the
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">Rotary
Club of Nashville</span>
</span>(2014-2015), the 3<sup>rd</sup> largest Rotary Club in the world
with nearly 600 members. Nearly 150 Rotarians and guests from Tennessee,
Arkansas and Georgia celebrated the historic occasion for the native
Arkansan on
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;"><span style="color: #1f3864;"><span style="color: black;">July
14</span>,</span></span></span> 2018 at the Music City Center. </span></span></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="m_778310775146368605m_-354074177500338510gmail-m_-89406827753020399aolmail_aolmail_gmail-m_-5311741089458522449m_746212142045831164gmail-im"><span class="m_778310775146368605m_-354074177500338510gmail-m_-89406827753020399aolmail_aolmail_gmail-im"></span></span></span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="m_778310775146368605m_-354074177500338510gmail-m_-89406827753020399aolmail_aolmail_gmail-m_-5311741089458522449m_746212142045831164gmail-im"><span class="m_778310775146368605m_-354074177500338510gmail-m_-89406827753020399aolmail_aolmail_gmail-im"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">No stranger to breaking glass ceilings in
<s><span style="background: yellow none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"></span></s>Rotary
and beyond, Laquita was the first African American woman president of
the Nashville Rotary Club, the second African American, and the fifth
woman to the lead the
club in its first 100 years. Francis Guess, a long time mentor and
friend, was the first African American president of the club and was her
champion in chief. </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="m_778310775146368605m_-354074177500338510gmail-m_-89406827753020399aolmail_aolmail_gmail-m_-5311741089458522449m_746212142045831164gmail-im"><span class="m_778310775146368605m_-354074177500338510gmail-m_-89406827753020399aolmail_aolmail_gmail-im">
<div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="m_778310775146368605m_-354074177500338510gmail-m_-89406827753020399aolmail_aolmail_gmail_default" style="display: inline;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">Laquita has been writing
<i>HER</i>story for several decades. She was the first female to be
awarded a full athletic scholarship at her Alma Mater, the University of
Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where she received a Bachelor of Arts
degree. She went on to obtain a Master of Public
Administration degree with a concentration in Human Resources from the
University of Memphis. In 1996, she joined Randstad USA in an entry
level position and is now Senior Area Vice President responsible for 4
districts, 9 offices across 3 states, over 1,300
employees and over $40,000,000 in revenue.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> In addition to her corporate leadership role and civic engagement in the community, Laquita expects to earn a doctoral degree
in Leadership and Professional Practices from Trevecca Nazarene University in December 2018. </span></div>
</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="m_778310775146368605m_-354074177500338510gmail-m_-89406827753020399aolmail_aolmail_gmail-m_-5311741089458522449m_746212142045831164gmail-im"><span class="m_778310775146368605m_-354074177500338510gmail-m_-89406827753020399aolmail_aolmail_gmail-im"></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="m_778310775146368605m_-354074177500338510gmail-m_-89406827753020399aolmail_aolmail_gmail-yj6qo m_778310775146368605m_-354074177500338510gmail-m_-89406827753020399aolmail_aolmail_gmail-ajU">
<div class="m_778310775146368605m_-354074177500338510gmail-m_-89406827753020399aolmail_aolmail_gmail-ajR" id="m_778310775146368605m_-354074177500338510gmail-m_-89406827753020399aolmail_aolmail_gmail-:2sj">
<span class="m_778310775146368605m_-354074177500338510gmail-m_-89406827753020399aolmail_aolmail_gmail-im" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">During her
tenure as president of the Rotary Club of Nashville, Laquita led the
effort to raise a record $300,000 to fund local community projects. She
also spearheaded the creation of a
strategic plan to intentionally and proactively seek and attract more
women, people of color, younger people, and individuals from more varied
industries. In a time when most clubs’ memberships were declining, the
Rotary Club of Nashville’s membership saw
net growth, and became a more diverse and inclusive organization. She
also established a Rotaract Club at Fisk University to engage students
in leadership and service.</span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><div class="m_778310775146368605m_-354074177500338510gmail-m_-89406827753020399aolmail_aolmail_gmail-adL">
<span class="m_778310775146368605m_-354074177500338510gmail-m_-89406827753020399aolmail_aolmail_gmail-im">
<div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">At her
installation ceremony, Laquita acknowledged her family and friends who
were in attendance as well as Rotarians who were trailblazers before
her; Jo Federspiel (1997-1998), first
female president of the Nashville Rotary Club; Rotary District
Governors, Dr. Linda Rudolph (2002-2003) and Judy Tryree (2013-2014);
and
<s><span style="background: yellow none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"></span></s>Suzanne Buchanan, executive director of the Nashville Rotary Club (1988-2018). Mrs. Federspiel expressed her pride in
seeing Laquita become District Governor and read a proclamation from Mayor David <s><span style="background: yellow none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"></span></s><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">
Briley</span><span style="color: #1f3864;">
</span></span>declaring July <s><span style="background: yellow none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"></span></s>14<sup>th</sup>, 2018, “Laquita R. Stribling Day.”</span></div>
<div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">Laquita made the evening a family affair by pinning her husband, Finis Stribling<span style="color: #1f3864;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">III</span></span></span></span>,
a Paul Harris Fellow, a recognition that shows appreciation for and
encourages substantial contributions to the Rotary Foundation of Rotary
International. </span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">Photo credit: Emmanuel Roland </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">Originally article written by Genma Stringer Holmes can be found<a href="http://tntribune.com/lifestyle/business/stribling-becomes-first-african-american-6760-district-governor/"> <b>here.</b></a></span></div>
</span></div>
</span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://track.mybloglog.com/js/jsserv.php?mblID=2008100309531503'></script></div>Genmaspeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11721332536244226641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195576014489760555.post-32018608334233609322018-10-30T09:30:00.001-05:002018-10-31T17:52:07.130-05:00Genma Holmes featured in StyleBlue Print<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5WXxlBbezvdcac3iH8_ufKY1jloiVMxrwW3_Bb8lh2BjZl_2l0Zc23bBlYaHI1v2js0AIH3GVRORebrhjfJJgBt_vpIsn7OKqs0nt-r_IZeczvJCBsnYIjQg5o8qOgk-8numJrtOEQl6v/s1600/Genma-Homes-FACES-of-Nashville-Influential-People-of-Nashville-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5WXxlBbezvdcac3iH8_ufKY1jloiVMxrwW3_Bb8lh2BjZl_2l0Zc23bBlYaHI1v2js0AIH3GVRORebrhjfJJgBt_vpIsn7OKqs0nt-r_IZeczvJCBsnYIjQg5o8qOgk-8numJrtOEQl6v/s400/Genma-Homes-FACES-of-Nashville-Influential-People-of-Nashville-5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<header class="entry-header"><h1 class="entry-title" itemprop="headline">
Genma Holmes: FACES of Nashville</h1>
<div class="entry-meta">
<span class="entry-author" itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="https://schema.org/Person"><a class="entry-author-link" href="https://styleblueprint.com/author/liza/" itemprop="url" rel="author"><span class="entry-author-name" itemprop="name">StyleBluePrint</span></a></span></div>
<div class="entry-meta">
<span class="entry-author" itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="https://schema.org/Person"><span class="entry-author-name" itemprop="name"><br /></span></span> </div>
</header><i><a href="http://genmaspeaks.blogspot.com/">Genma Holmes</a> is
her own force of nature. Her laugh alone can completely change the mood
of anyone around her, as her enthusiasm is completely infectious! And
in case you run into Genma, her name is pronounced Jon-ma. But she’ll
answer to any pronunciation, with a smile and a laugh. Find out more
about this writer, radio host, entrepreneur, actor, model, volunteer,
mother, grandmother and more!</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqDynlJuuLB9mhKDQEwUKqzy294F1VUdqWu-FVqQ_39glv1HBnCNH9simzI8BvQqGmz7Bw6ExM8Sgce49riOqgkjROc1PeWjrGjINwLovWWXHJ5zKqsISQcbL66oajuYSu68Gmajzzk8Rq/s1600/Genma-Homes-FACES-of-Nashville-Influential-People-of-Nashville-2-533x800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqDynlJuuLB9mhKDQEwUKqzy294F1VUdqWu-FVqQ_39glv1HBnCNH9simzI8BvQqGmz7Bw6ExM8Sgce49riOqgkjROc1PeWjrGjINwLovWWXHJ5zKqsISQcbL66oajuYSu68Gmajzzk8Rq/s400/Genma-Homes-FACES-of-Nashville-Influential-People-of-Nashville-2-533x800.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<i> Thank you <a href="https://styleblueprint.com/author/liza/">Liza Graves </a>for the great write up and </i><i>thank you Ashley Hylbert for the beautiful photographs. See more of Ashley's work at <a href="http://www.ashleyhylbert.com/">ashleyhylbert.com</a>.</i><br />
<br />
<i>Read the full story <a href="https://styleblueprint.com/nashville/everyday/genma-holmes-faces-nashville/">here</a>!</i><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://track.mybloglog.com/js/jsserv.php?mblID=2008100309531503'></script></div>Genmaspeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11721332536244226641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195576014489760555.post-4206642210244198432017-07-25T15:48:00.001-05:002017-08-02T10:03:09.430-05:00Slim & Husky's Owners are Intentional About Business in North Nashville<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNE0PLe6lo-yU7l1-0bY2X1rzzxom-IRUye9xVLn7QIOjy03qfRuz1NughgM6AugyoA4bJoxc0QMy8BE8TUdvF9I2FunAM8J86DYJOic6hkCjXUdOrr1Tajt3qUzlOVfmNoJafU94k3sRU/s1600/IMG_7650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNE0PLe6lo-yU7l1-0bY2X1rzzxom-IRUye9xVLn7QIOjy03qfRuz1NughgM6AugyoA4bJoxc0QMy8BE8TUdvF9I2FunAM8J86DYJOic6hkCjXUdOrr1Tajt3qUzlOVfmNoJafU94k3sRU/s320/IMG_7650.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emmanuel and Derrick at TSU's studios with Genma Holmes on Living Your Best Life Radio</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Childhood friends and proud <a href="http://www.tnstate.edu/">Tennessee State University</a> alums; Clinton Gray, III, Derrick “Mo” Moore and Emmanuel
“EJ” Reed, are no strangers to entrepreneurship. The trailblazing trio are owners
of GT Services, which operated Green Truck Moving, and are proprietors of
the much-touted <a href="https://soundcloud.com/genmaspeaks/slim-huskys-owners-are-intentional-about-business-in-north-nashville">Slim & Husky’s Pizza Beeria</a>. <a href="http://www.slimandhuskys.com/">Slim & Husky’s</a>, located in
North Nashville at 911 Buchanan Street, has become extremely popular to not only
the North Nashville corridor residents and area employees but also has garnered
a large following throughout Davidson and surrounding counties. With the
explosion of endless positive reviews on Trip Advisor and <a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/slim-and-huskys-pizza-beeria-nashville">Yelp</a>, visitors to the
Nashville Area have joined the chorus of singing the praises of eating Slim &
Husky’s delicious pizzas as they check off their bucket lists of <a href="http://www.visitmusiccity.com/visitors/thingstodo/10things">Things to Do while visiting Music City</a>. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfe2BIxgmm0ge9qr1qWQJ6-WIQW1UMO61HPqMT1k2vBzs6A7ZCX2r0uB7HADp8NulfUg9pNSkpouzKEPB4NoPXwa6qb0kFCINNiIR0on8R9UYogBa3tb9OjNaH_fbhyuSNhco2HeJC-gN/s1600/slimandhuskypizza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfe2BIxgmm0ge9qr1qWQJ6-WIQW1UMO61HPqMT1k2vBzs6A7ZCX2r0uB7HADp8NulfUg9pNSkpouzKEPB4NoPXwa6qb0kFCINNiIR0on8R9UYogBa3tb9OjNaH_fbhyuSNhco2HeJC-gN/s320/slimandhuskypizza.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emmanuel and Derrick with one of Nashville's pizza 'experts', Alex.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7lKO_WvCXakwJ8VCLv9ZucnL_kL1Uvgmb03rNrI21ikUiZesX3q54dVKaqrefD6Vqh48scj6yp2dkoNGKdpxsx-J2PP3t4BD29ojDiyVXittp6xUpUFFy7JOayTy8zRp1RTsMkuWxoM9/s1600/slimandhusky4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7lKO_WvCXakwJ8VCLv9ZucnL_kL1Uvgmb03rNrI21ikUiZesX3q54dVKaqrefD6Vqh48scj6yp2dkoNGKdpxsx-J2PP3t4BD29ojDiyVXittp6xUpUFFy7JOayTy8zRp1RTsMkuWxoM9/s320/slimandhusky4.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alex inspecting his pizza.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb5sfMWLy3XyegxQCH_a6SvS8kV6XsT21Kcp2k7o8Te9OMJ6sVZuEw_bdawsWZ-CJR79Flj6Oy1ZZLxV21vI07yBmBB_aIn2iRFW1fvhLwKju9hU_lGJvNyBA_PJEYtZUaLi3Z0MrAspym/s1600/slimaandhusky2%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb5sfMWLy3XyegxQCH_a6SvS8kV6XsT21Kcp2k7o8Te9OMJ6sVZuEw_bdawsWZ-CJR79Flj6Oy1ZZLxV21vI07yBmBB_aIn2iRFW1fvhLwKju9hU_lGJvNyBA_PJEYtZUaLi3Z0MrAspym/s320/slimaandhusky2%25281%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A happy customer!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Since Slim & Husky’s debuted in
early spring, the lines and loyal customers have grown very rapidly. To see
customers in line at popular restaurants like Pancake Pantry on 21<sup>st</sup>
Avenue near Vanderbilt is acceptable and makes for many <a href="http://www.nashvillescene.com/news/cover-story/article/20829064/28th-annual-you-are-so-nashville-if">‘You are so Nashville If’</a> jokes. Many see it as a badge of honor to stand in the line for hours for breakfast.
However, to see a line appearing around 10:30 am for an African-American owned
establishment barely six months old near TSU makes everyone take note and super
curious to bite into the custom made to order pizzas. The popularity of Slim
& Husky’s, with lines, has the new restaurateurs gearing up for another grand
opening in Antioch in the fall in the former Applebee’s across from Hickory
Hollow Mall and a carryout location with a retail store, The Rollout.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQvn7RxpcVLGO83Xoh78oW4xcIA1f52s0ayu9VJQIBOwb59OcGZoMuEql9Kwtsy3hSa6i-_oJXmTUeGZZ1rz9VCJdDbNcEXjZWy8v-T5-Sq_Vjc7kT8Nh5aPMl0Uam_zCTwUtm_fry_vZ2/s1600/IMG_7652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQvn7RxpcVLGO83Xoh78oW4xcIA1f52s0ayu9VJQIBOwb59OcGZoMuEql9Kwtsy3hSa6i-_oJXmTUeGZZ1rz9VCJdDbNcEXjZWy8v-T5-Sq_Vjc7kT8Nh5aPMl0Uam_zCTwUtm_fry_vZ2/s320/IMG_7652.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The carryout location will double as
a catering kitchen and will be located on Buchanan Street across from the
flagship restaurant. As if they are slaying all naysayers and putting to bed
any doubt that they know what they are doing, the dynamic trio are also capitalizing
on the Slim & Husky’s <a href="https://www.instagram.com/slimandhuskys/">social media </a>branding by opening a merchandising
store in the old James Otis hat store. The Rollout will give customers a “taste”
of Slim & Husky’s to wear. If you are
keeping count of the number of the real estate transactions, that is three commercial buildings to date.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little bit of This and a lot of That!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“</span>As
natives of Nashville, we are aware of the developments that have
contributed to the new 'It City' persona. In the midst of our excitement
for Nashville's growth, our team is still focused on providing creative
local concepts to communities that have been overlooked. North Nashville
and Antioch are great examples of these</span></span></span>,<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">”</span><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">stated Gray.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHn0FV1LzN7sVAW4Z5YhVqerAuC7Fw1K6-ux-zu5TY81CPIi_7aOEPMZx1tmsEbI29XJ7A7NQt3X0v3wFPuuR1ar8fv-foFQZ6vODAlqJSwpzTXy1Y2mwiKTk9IAok89B94MHh3OGBFIR/s1600/IMG_7638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHn0FV1LzN7sVAW4Z5YhVqerAuC7Fw1K6-ux-zu5TY81CPIi_7aOEPMZx1tmsEbI29XJ7A7NQt3X0v3wFPuuR1ar8fv-foFQZ6vODAlqJSwpzTXy1Y2mwiKTk9IAok89B94MHh3OGBFIR/s320/IMG_7638.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“We could have opened our
restaurants in any area in the city but we were intentional about being in the
locations that we selected. We want to be great entrepreneurs. But we also
focused on economic development. We wanted to bring jobs to North Nashville and
we wanted to be investors in the communities where we were raised and educated.
We are very proud of being able to show that opening a business can happen. Our
success will attract others to follow our lead,” said Moore. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When asked if they were jittery
about opening a restaurant? The answer was an immediate collective, “No, Ma’am!”
“This is not our first rodeo at owning a company,” stated Reed. “We have been
entrepreneurs and a team since 2010. We learned how to research the market. We spent
two years traveling the country learning from others who have been and who are still in the restaurant business. We had a passion and drive to open Slim & Husky’s and we love what we are doing.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their passion for business and their community shows. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">You can listen to their radio interview<a href="https://soundcloud.com/genmaspeaks/slim-huskys-owners-are-intentional-about-business-in-north-nashville"> here.</a></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
911 Buchanan Street</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Nashville, Tennessee 372018</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Mon-Sat 10:30am-11:00pm</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Sun Closed</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
615-647-7017 </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.slimandhuskys.com/">www.slimandhuskys.com</a></span></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/livingyourbestliferadio"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Living Your Best Life Radio</i></a><br />
<br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Photos: Genma Holmes </i></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://track.mybloglog.com/js/jsserv.php?mblID=2008100309531503'></script></div>Genmaspeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11721332536244226641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195576014489760555.post-4411408144324656912017-07-11T11:39:00.000-05:002017-07-20T06:59:24.632-05:00Genma Stringer Holmes: IABC Connect 17 Speaker <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzxOjetkCm9KsMo0XKW0d0sVBPFng59myaCxe1k20ejO2pCXy4GUX9mFHPfI80Ru4wcASzOiZqZ9XlZ5bASJcVwyMNiWyVq2hyphenhyphenbB-qWhMRTktoKD5xdyX1fY_zFpxxK8eEWKUm2Oary0w/s1600/Connect+17_2%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzxOjetkCm9KsMo0XKW0d0sVBPFng59myaCxe1k20ejO2pCXy4GUX9mFHPfI80Ru4wcASzOiZqZ9XlZ5bASJcVwyMNiWyVq2hyphenhyphenbB-qWhMRTktoKD5xdyX1fY_zFpxxK8eEWKUm2Oary0w/s400/Connect+17_2%25281%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">The <a href="http://iabcsouthern.com/connect/">IABC Southern Region</a> represents some of the finest business
communicators in the world. Join us for limitless career conversations,
networking and fun, at this year’s <a href="http://iabcsouthern.com/connect/">Connect17 Conference in Houston, Texas – The City with No Limits, October 25-27, 2017</a>. </span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">This year, I will be a speaker! I am look forward to sharing how to connect with influencers and brands with award winning campaigns, creative visuals and great story telling. </span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></h3>
<h3>
<u>All About Me:</u></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/10/prweb300381.htm"><span id="m_-1865939911818731480m_-1676475957865445595m_-8562244557394361684:2lw.1">Genma</span> Stringer Holmes</a> is a serial entrepreneur. She is the owner of Holmes Pest Control</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">, Executive Producer of <a href="http://www.facebook.com/livingyourbestradio">Living Your Best Life Radio</a>, and the Editor-in-Chief of <span id="m_-1865939911818731480m_-1676475957865445595m_-8562244557394361684:2lw.2">GSH</span> Publishing. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">She has created, managed and branded numerous award winning Social Media Campaigns for not-for profits and for-profit organizations. She has won several "Excellence in Communications" Awards and Merit Awards from <a href="http://www.iabc.com/"><span id="m_-1865939911818731480m_-1676475957865445595m_-8562244557394361684:2lw.3">IABC</span></a>,
International Association of Business Communicators, for her
editorial work with several print publications and digital communications.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="im"></span></span><br />
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</span></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="im"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">She has managed and created social media campaigns for The Ohio State University, MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Houston, Intercultural Cancer Council, University of Tennessee at Memphis,
<span id="m_-1865939911818731480m_-1676475957865445595m_-8562244557394361684:2lw.4">Meharry</span> Medical College, The Links, Incorporated and the National Day of the American Cowboy to name a few.</span></span></span></div>
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</span></span>
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</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span id="m_-1865939911818731480m_-1676475957865445595m_-8562244557394361684:2lw.5">Genma</span>
has also been recognized for her philanthropic endeavors by the <a href="http://www.afpnet.org/">Association of Fundraising Professionals</a> as a Difference Maker Honoree on
National Philanthropy Day for her work with military families in 2015. In 2017,
she was a <a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2016/12/29/nbj-announces-the2017-women-of-influence-winners.html"><i>Nashville Business Journal'</i>s Women of Influence Honoree.</a> Genma has been recognized for her work as the founder of the Military Fund at the
<a href="http://www.fristcenter.org/"><span id="m_-1865939911818731480m_-1676475957865445595m_-8562244557394361684:2lw.6">Frist</span> Center for the Visual Arts</a> in Nashville, Tennessee. Genma has helped raised over $600K for military
families during her annual Christmas <a href="http://www.facebook.com/livingtogivenow">#<span id="m_-1865939911818731480m_-1676475957865445595m_-8562244557394361684:2lw.7">livingtogivenow</span> social media campaign</a> and with her fundraisers that benefit veterans.</span></span><span style="color: #888888;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #888888;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Genma has been featured in numerous publications including the <a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2016/09/08/expandi-was-a-champion-of-diversity-until-i-wasn-t.html"><i>Nashville Business Journal</i>,</a> <a href="http://www.tennessean.com/story/insider/extras/2016/03/26/nashville-has-exciting-growth-uncertainty-city/81109814/"><i>The Tennesseean</i>, </a><i><a href="https://styleblueprint.com/nashville/everyday/genma-holmes-faces-nashville/">Style Blue Print,</a> Essence Magazine</i>, <i>Black Enterprise Magazine</i>, and <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/inside-the-office-with-genma-holmes-renaissance-woman_us_58a362fee4b080bf74f0417b"><i>Huffington Post</i></a>. She has been heard during the holidays on <a href="https://blackamericaweb.com/2016/12/23/nashvilles-genma-holmes-returns-as-mrs-clause/">Tom Joyner Morning Show</a> for nearly ten years. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #888888;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Photo credit:<a href="https://www.eyemaginationimaging.com/csuitepics"> C-Suite Pics </a></span></span></span></div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://track.mybloglog.com/js/jsserv.php?mblID=2008100309531503'></script></div>Genmaspeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11721332536244226641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195576014489760555.post-87194963829834353732017-07-10T20:52:00.000-05:002017-07-16T14:31:35.999-05:00Willie Stevenson Glanton: Tennessee State University Alum and Human and Civil Rights Trailblazer<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6h-Fz39VIPPJBGs6U9DgrD20USc6WEIupetBYZ5dNDGvlTDRQj-CIgbYA5h1EkHlAxjt_-jG6ydLqM_7weIPCjMH4pBlfSRvARWgbiw5YjSlAG_jpY7xcPMkWqo9e1LFD1hMfC7weVCjY/s1600/stevensonglantonlegisturepicture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6h-Fz39VIPPJBGs6U9DgrD20USc6WEIupetBYZ5dNDGvlTDRQj-CIgbYA5h1EkHlAxjt_-jG6ydLqM_7weIPCjMH4pBlfSRvARWgbiw5YjSlAG_jpY7xcPMkWqo9e1LFD1hMfC7weVCjY/s320/stevensonglantonlegisturepicture.jpg" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rep. Willie Stevenson Glanton </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">On July 6, 2017, Rep. Willie Stevenson Glanton, Iowa’s first Black female legislator died at 95. A Humanitarian and Civil Rights legend,
Rep. Glanton, had many ties to the Nashville community. She and her husband,
Judge Luther T. Glanton, were graduates of <a href="http://www.tnstate.edu/library/">Tennessee State University.</a> According
to TSU’s yearbook, <a href="http://www.tnstate.edu/library/documents/Ayeni42.pdf"><i>Ayeni,</i></a> Rep.
<a href="http://www.tnstate.edu/library/archivalholding/commencement/1942%20Commencement.pdf">Glanton graduated in 1942 </a>and her husband, Judge Glanton, graduated in 1939. The
Glantons were aunt and uncle to 1980 TSU alum and local attorney, <a href="http://www.glantonlaw.com/luvell-glanton">Luvell Glanton</a>. He credits them for being role models to him as well as other members
of the Glanton family.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">In the Ole South, when Black folks were still drinking from
colored only water fountains, could not enter the front door of many
establishments, or even marry outside their race; Rep. Glanton was blazing
trails as a woman and a person of color. <a href="https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislators/legislator/legislatorAllYears?personID=1253">She was the first woman elected to the Iowa General Assembly</a>;<a href="http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/2017/07/07/willie-stevenson-glanton-iowas-first-black-female-legislator-dies/458259001/"> the first woman to become assistant Polk County attorney; </a>the first woman and first Black person elected president of the Iowa Chapter of
the Federal Bar Association; the first Back attorney at the U.S. Small Business
Administration in 1966 and the first Black member of the Des Moines City
Council in 1985. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Rep. Glanton, a native of Hot Springs, Arkansas, was raised
by her father and mother, a businessman and a teacher, who were very active in
voter registration education with the Negro Civic League. Her early childhood educators
were influencers who encouraged her to attend college. Her abilities to speak and write well led her
to TSU. While at TSU, Rep. Glanton was an excellent student and was a member of
several clubs and collegiate organizations; Personality Torch Bearers, Alba
Rosa Club, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Secretary of Forensic Society, Student
Christian Association, Alpha Iota Business Fraternity, History Study Club and
Miss Arkansas 1941. After graduating with a B.S. in business, Rep. Glanton
spent seven years “having a great time getting to know Washington, D. C.” where
she met leaders like Mary McCloud Bethune. She earned her law degree from
Robert H. Terrell Law School and started working with the U. S. War Department. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Judge Glanton takes the Oath of Office</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">In 1942, when Rep. Glanton was graduating from TSU, her future
husband, Judge Glanton, was graduating from <a href="http://www.drake.edu/">Drake Law School</a>, where he was the first Black Student. Following
his graduation, Judge Glanton joined the U. S. Army and served as an intelligence
officer during World War II. After the war, he served on the staff of U.S.
chief prosecutor, Robert Jackson, at the <a href="https://www.ushmm.org/outreach/en/article.php?ModuleId=10007722">Nuremberg trials</a>, which prosecuted
prominent members of Nazi Germany who had participated in executing millions of
Jews during the Holocaust. Judge Glanton
remained active in the U.S. Army Reserves for many years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He later became Iowa's first Black judge in 1959.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">When the Glantons started their legal careers after TSU, segregation was deeply woven into the fabric of America. In 1939,
when Judge Glanton graduated, <a href="http://www.historyplace.com/worldwar2/timeline/ww2time.htm">World War II was beginning.</a> In 1942, when Rep.
Glanton graduated and Judge Glanton from Drake University, Blacks were being
lynched throughout the South. In 1948, <a href="https://www.trumanlibrary.org/anniversaries/desegblurb.htm">President Truman outlawed segregation</a> in
the military that Judge Glanton had already served in for six year. By then, Judge Glanton had helped take to trial the Nazis who started WW II. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">The Glantons were married in 1951. One year after Rep.
Glanton passed the bar in Iowa in 1953, she became the first woman assistant attorney
in Polk County, Iowa. Judge Glanton was the first Black assistant county attorney
in 1951. In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court Ruled on Brown v. Board of Topeka
Kansas. In August 1955, Emmett Till was murdered in Mississippi for allegedly whistling
at a white woman. And, in December 1955, the Montgomery Bus Boycott started. As
the Glantons were setting up their offices and would eventual become a legal power
couple, our country was bursting at the seams with the desperate need for legal
minds to fight segregation and racism in the courtrooms at the local, state,
and federal levels. The Glantons fought segregation and racism on all
fronts, at home and abroad. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQx7WS5MBhN_pkQtOH81jLa38UdyG_3m_Ven-ACnvhPyY5V9lFaj8-QHPEd9dMVDofHyah-kjQ-TrnP15oRZrdXKK5Klyp06DQbq9eqJsgfPs6HDNw4Hf4AM5xzr5ZLPVEqNDwlXNEz5a/s1600/93549b607a34ee9bc973cc837be1880b_six_column.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="400" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQx7WS5MBhN_pkQtOH81jLa38UdyG_3m_Ven-ACnvhPyY5V9lFaj8-QHPEd9dMVDofHyah-kjQ-TrnP15oRZrdXKK5Klyp06DQbq9eqJsgfPs6HDNw4Hf4AM5xzr5ZLPVEqNDwlXNEz5a/s320/93549b607a34ee9bc973cc837be1880b_six_column.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Montgomery Bus Boycott </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">In 1964, when Rep. Glanton ran for office for the Iowa
General Assembly, <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%;">Congress
passed the Civil Rights Act, declaring discrimination based on race illegal. The
24th Amendment abolished the poll tax, which originally had been established in
the South after Reconstruction to make it difficult for poor blacks to vote. Even
though those gains were momentous, the fight for equality was met with violence
and indifference. During that same year, three civil rights workers, Chaney,
Goodman, and Schwerner, disappeared in Mississippi. They were found buried six
weeks later.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHUP_YXT6zVhgUxMyHwgMgf6aMmXxh9mw91DQPHOHMIqgUBfV8PzFF2bLcv95faWpBHv52s02EVj1FGZc_E4xWuislUdQhbu0dAsIMnpowcVf2DkCCE_Cb35E1R682zgHQElYr9RmfMUH/s1600/clipping_12277594-page-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHUP_YXT6zVhgUxMyHwgMgf6aMmXxh9mw91DQPHOHMIqgUBfV8PzFF2bLcv95faWpBHv52s02EVj1FGZc_E4xWuislUdQhbu0dAsIMnpowcVf2DkCCE_Cb35E1R682zgHQElYr9RmfMUH/s640/clipping_12277594-page-001.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%;">At the time
she decided to run for public office, Rep. Glanton knew her race would play a major
factor in her bid. Nevertheless, it did not stop her. In a statement to the <i>Carrol Times</i> on July 11, 1964, she
stated, “I am a Negro and I think anyone would be conscious of this.” The paper
goes on to state that she deplored the inevitable speculation that she may be
running just to prove a Negro can be elected. “I think the only way to combat,”
she stopped and began again, “I would hope that the substance of what I had to
say would take care of that.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%;">She won, of
course. And made headline news around the world. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwrrW_08g-xOWoyw4HInpCzLcZrPzJRkcsBabWCF8Opwcxnkg9vpgUmKVYBjgU_UQ6Rhm-2lH_8Iz72aLE9X_2rsVL409DrMRL8WsGyXdETCwcVQtRFhENVY2uwQXzZD9nssX4Z4zow7F/s1600/luvellGlanton.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwrrW_08g-xOWoyw4HInpCzLcZrPzJRkcsBabWCF8Opwcxnkg9vpgUmKVYBjgU_UQ6Rhm-2lH_8Iz72aLE9X_2rsVL409DrMRL8WsGyXdETCwcVQtRFhENVY2uwQXzZD9nssX4Z4zow7F/s1600/luvellGlanton.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Luvell Glanton, TSU '80</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%;">When Luvell
Glanton was asked about his rich, family’s legacy and the gains they championed for
Human and Civil Rights vs. today’s racial climate of our country, he stated, “My
uncle and aunt would be having a fit! However, they would not be sitting on the
sidelines laying down. They would be actively protesting and helping to make
changes by challenging the injustices that we are seeing. We are not fighting
anymore. We are allowing what we are seeing to happen.” He further stated, “I
attended Drake University because of my uncle who was then a board trustee. He pushed me and made me do what
I needed to do to become successful. We are a family of lawyers and doctors. My son, Luvell, Jr. is a M.D., and my nieces, Jerice Glanton and Syeta Glanton, are lawyers. They followed their examples as well. My
uncle and aunt were very well connected throughout their careers. Many are not aware of this but Attorney General Robert Kennedy wanted him to serve in his
administration had he lived and won.”</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%;">According to Des Moines University website: </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixS-tg4uAcFltsPrEaq_4896k2RB1C2CfeAUte7C50hiBayKI4K0neYjIEJh7xvMkEBY6mN4NpN47s3Ai8TPz4L8X1Fzg2giBgr82FgIOtrKj_4rIyCAqtHtKpfhJrOz9O5t7LKeL1rk1c/s1600/Glantons-300x242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="242" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixS-tg4uAcFltsPrEaq_4896k2RB1C2CfeAUte7C50hiBayKI4K0neYjIEJh7xvMkEBY6mN4NpN47s3Ai8TPz4L8X1Fzg2giBgr82FgIOtrKj_4rIyCAqtHtKpfhJrOz9O5t7LKeL1rk1c/s1600/Glantons-300x242.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rep. Willie Stevenson Glanton and Judge Luther T. Glanton circa mid '80s.</td></tr>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span>In 2004, to honor the Glantons’ leadership, service and commitment to justice and education, Des Moines University established the Luther T. Glanton Jr. and Willie Stevenson Glanton Fund. With donor contributions, the fund provides scholarships for minority students, under-represented in health care, and supports programming that helps all DMU students become more culturally competent health professionals. DMU’s annual Glanton Dinner has since become a signature event that brings together hundreds of people representing civic, business and nonprofit organizations.</blockquote>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCz5mFuYpr41FhavPeucaG46p1YuZ8x-RRj2K-K5qzWZfxqGyBSt_aYiwKaN7OgJ2R5zp-yANiDwn3RCDzU8uaDg_tyRo7VkvJyM9VuyvGE6moWE8VDCn44ixRvjf8l2x-jSJQIsImNqFx/s1600/WillieGlanton_DrAngelaFranklin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="946" data-original-width="1600" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCz5mFuYpr41FhavPeucaG46p1YuZ8x-RRj2K-K5qzWZfxqGyBSt_aYiwKaN7OgJ2R5zp-yANiDwn3RCDzU8uaDg_tyRo7VkvJyM9VuyvGE6moWE8VDCn44ixRvjf8l2x-jSJQIsImNqFx/s320/WillieGlanton_DrAngelaFranklin.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span>Rep. Willlie Stevenson Glanton and Dr. Angela Walker Franklin, 15th President DMU</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%;">The Nashville
ties with the Glantons do not stop with family or TSU. Meharry has a connection as well. </span>Judge Glanton joined the DMU Board of Trustees in 1979; when
he died in 1991, Rep. Glanton took his place on the board and became its chair
in 1999 and served until 2012. When former executive Vice President and provost
of Meharry Medical College, <a href="https://www.dmu.edu/about/president/">Dr. Angela Walker Franklin,</a> became the 15<sup>th</sup>
president of DMU in spring 2011, a close friendship developed between the two women.
On the passing of Rep. Glanton, Dr. Franklin stated, “Mrs. Glanton was an
inspiration to so many. She was a trailblazer, an innovator, a champion for
women and minorities, and all around friend and mentor. She meant so much to me
as I assumed my role at DMU. I am there for many reasons. One in particular is
because she was there on the board, an encouraging and supportive spirit.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Rep.
Glanton was very involved in her church and many civic organizations. She received numerous awards over her lifetime and was
inducted into the <a href="https://humanrights.iowa.gov/willie-stevenson-glanton">Iowa Women's Hall of Fame in 1986 </a>and chosen as on of <i>Des Moines Registers'</i> "10 most influential Black Iowans of the 20th Century.<i>" </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">A wake will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. July 14, with tributes starting at 5:30. The
memorial service will start at 11 a.m. July 15 at <a href="http://westpres.org/">Westminster Presbyterian Church</a>, 4114 Allison Ave., Des Moines, Iowa followed by burial at <a href="http://www.dignitymemorial.com/mclarens-resthaven-chapel-mortuary/en-us/index.page">McLarens Resthaven Cemetery</a> in West Des Moines.
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Sources: Newspapers.com, <i>Carrol
Times</i>, TSU’s <i>Ayeni</i>, American Bar
Association, <i>Des Moines Register</i> and DMU.</span></div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://track.mybloglog.com/js/jsserv.php?mblID=2008100309531503'></script></div>Genmaspeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11721332536244226641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195576014489760555.post-32658485287082936302016-12-23T06:59:00.000-06:002017-07-16T14:41:55.497-05:00Genma Holmes on The Tom Joyner Morning Show 2016Genma Stringer Holmes, owner of Holmes Pest
Control, author, and host of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LivingYourBestLifeRadio">Living Your Best Life Radio </a>will return to <a href="http://blackamericaweb.com/category/tjms/">Tom Joyner Morning Show's </a>Inside Her Story with<a href="http://jacquereid.com/"> Jacque Reid</a> on Friday, December 23, 2016 to talk all things Christmas!<br />
<br />
This segment has become a tradition for Ms. Santa who believes in helping others not only at Christmas but year round. We will talk to choosing last minute gifts for children that includes hot toys that will not break the bank. Ms. Santa aka Genma also encourages ways to back, building traditions by serving others and supporting non-profits that have proven track records for making a difference!<br />
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Use you time, talent and treasure to help others. Visit www.livingtogivenow.com to support non-profits to serve communities in the Nashville area and beyond. Join Ms. Santa for her 12 Days of Christmas to support Nia House Montessori Christmas Wish List.<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://track.mybloglog.com/js/jsserv.php?mblID=2008100309531503'></script></div>Genmaspeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11721332536244226641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195576014489760555.post-4549685757879325432016-12-21T22:54:00.002-06:002017-07-18T20:43:02.439-05:00Reflections from Ms. Santa and Christmas 2016 <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reading at a school in 2015</td></tr>
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For many years now, I have worn a Christmas Suit to visit daycares and elementary schools filled with "wee ones" as <a href="http://genmaspeaks.blogspot.com/2009/11/so-in-style-dolls-of-color-are-big-hit.html">Ms. Santa</a>. When my son became a Marine nearly eight years ago, my visited expanded to military families and the veteran communities. My two months as Ms. Santa schedule expanded to several months a year to accommodate families who have love ones deployed. I learned that many families delayed Christmas celebrations until dad, mom, sister or brother was back home safely. Christmas was when they returned and not only in December. I have been called often to meet a member at the airport with the family to say welcome home and "Merry Christmas."<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Members of the Air Force dinning with me at Monell's.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.livingtogivenow.com/">www.livingtogivenow.com</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Precious #AO</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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My <a href="http://genmaspeaks.blogspot.com/2009/11/smiles-dolls-and-cars-hugs-and-tearsmy.html">Ms. Santa's duties are pretty simple; bring love and joy</a>. Love and joy have included toys, items needed and wanted, and, most importantly, ears that hear and listen. Being in character is not an act to me, I take my role seriously. Over the years, I have heard requests from children and the young at heart that have made me roar with laughter. I have shared special moments like handing first time grandparents their "new gift" wrapped in a Christmas blanket. I will always cherish witnessing the look on their faces. Every member of the military I have welcomed home, face is chiseled into my memory and every child who only wanted their dad or mom home from battle names are written on my heart. Those requests remind of the time when all I wanted for Christmas was my Marine home. Photo after photo, conversation after conversation, preps me for the wonder and awe of the New Year to come.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my hero, my son.</td></tr>
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With each year, I have learned to expect the unexpected and to be prepared to bring comfort to hurting children and families. In 2008, the economic crises and hardship heaped on families were etched in the faces of children. Instead of asking for the new hot toy of the year, little ones remarked about who was jobless in the family. Many children did not ask for a toy but wanted a toy for their younger sibling. My heart ached as I heard one story after another from wee ones about the financial woes of the adults in their lives.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grace Eaton Child Care in 2009</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In 2012, the tragedy of Sandy Hook landed in<a href="http://genmaspeaks.blogspot.com/2013/01/ms-santa-i-want-bullet-proof-vest-and.html"> Ms. Santa's lap</a>. A deranged gunman's actions had shaken the country to its core when he slaughted babies at an elementary school. Five and six year olds asked for bullet proof vests and back packs. A few wanted the vests for their dolls and action figures! I remember several asking me to teach them how to fight a bad guy. As I hugged each one to reassure them that they were loved and everything would be okay, I fought for control of my emotions. I gave out more hugs than toys the final days before Christmas that year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCatXfKCJbuGfb146tAtiLy8oU2BQfDJlbfQxTVpQX-0OCVywvls9n-303LxqbwAxmRO71WZJ2l3pHD1kfL86KajtraIk2xGJLY4rbht-BlN4ftOiuVu8E8g0ZsN0c6namtJ0GQ9SXBDM9/s1600/kids-school-537x402backpack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCatXfKCJbuGfb146tAtiLy8oU2BQfDJlbfQxTVpQX-0OCVywvls9n-303LxqbwAxmRO71WZJ2l3pHD1kfL86KajtraIk2xGJLY4rbht-BlN4ftOiuVu8E8g0ZsN0c6namtJ0GQ9SXBDM9/s1600/kids-school-537x402backpack.jpg" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM39I0NAtln2gAClzYs5dP1CWcDCEXLDhQBaqF3CaiRO4_TOmiX2dsmT2-HRji8cQxGZgGcaSK963f9lNI8iEuipkXW0EW5RCuL6EnysgGYxGXBiWOWxSlPJVjKIR1a_-i4AWFpNihAuXa/s1600/2013-01-04T234616Z_1089725222_GM1E9150LG101_RTRMADP_3_COLOMBIA-ARMOUREDBACKPACKS.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM39I0NAtln2gAClzYs5dP1CWcDCEXLDhQBaqF3CaiRO4_TOmiX2dsmT2-HRji8cQxGZgGcaSK963f9lNI8iEuipkXW0EW5RCuL6EnysgGYxGXBiWOWxSlPJVjKIR1a_-i4AWFpNihAuXa/s320/2013-01-04T234616Z_1089725222_GM1E9150LG101_RTRMADP_3_COLOMBIA-ARMOUREDBACKPACKS.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bullet proof vests for children.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This year, the tone and tenor of 2016 made its way to my ears and pierced my heart. In November, dolls in pantsuits were hot items. As a matter of fact, many little girls wanted pantsuits not only for themselves, but for moms and grandmas. Baseball caps were in high demand as much as trucks by the boys. As much as those requests made me smile knowingly, there were some requests that made me winch with pain. A little Latina angel confided in me that she did not want her Nana to be taken away from her. When I asked where was Nana going, she said, "I do not know but every one is saying on TV she has to go back." A hug was all I could muster in reply as I looked into her big brown eyes filled with worry. Children should not be worrying about life at five!<br />
<br />
One encounter with a child left me bewildered and wondering what will 2017 bring. As I was winding down school parties, I visited a school at the request of a teacher I have known for years. It was my first visit to her school. I brought my winning bag of age appropriate goodies that were engaging; my Santas from around world that I have collected over the years along with my favorite Christmas books that I love to read that are as unique as my Santas. When I entered the room, parents and grandparents were in tow to help celebrate the end of the semester and the start of the holiday break. As I set up my Santas, the children gathered around me with "oohs" and "aahs" that I have come to expect. Several wee ones stared at me with bright smiles that are given to Santas worldwide. As I counted enough ornaments to give away to the fast growing crowd around me, I noticed a family in the back with a child who was not sitting with the others around me. After I sat in the big chair after the teacher introduced me as Ms. Santa, I talked about my Santas from various countries and read several Christmas stories. After reading to the class, I asked about their holiday celebrations that included Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa ventures. I gave out Christmas cards for the children to sign for those who were less fortunate. While some students were signing cards, others stood in line to have their picture taken with me.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ms. Santa picture by Martin O'Connor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At the exact same time, the child who stayed in back with her family, inched her way towards me. Once she stood near my chair, she looked back over her shoulder at her family and then turned back to me and blurted out loudly, "You are not Santa Claus. You are Black. Santa Claus is White like my Grandpa!" She then turned back to her family who seemed to beam with prided at her bold declaration. But the other children gasped with shock. A hush hit the room. As the classroom became eerily quite, the howls of laughter from the family were deafening. Their back slaps made me physically ill as I watched babies watching their behavior. As their laughter calmed down, the room remained quite as all eyes turned back to me including the teacher and the other adults in the room. With all the fiber in my body, I looked at the child standing in front of me and reached for a Santa that may have resembled her Grandpa. With a smile, I said, "Your grandpa is very handsome if he looks like this Santa." I then handed her a beautiful White angel and shared about my friend who gave it to me. I said, "Her granddaughter looks like you. How old are you?" The more I engaged the child, the more the child talked about her beloved Grandpa to the dismay of her family. When she handed me the angel back, I said, "Please keep it, angles are very special. They protect us from bad things and are reminders to be kind to others."<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Villa Place Santa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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After regrouping, I began asking the other children if they saw a Santa that looked like their grandfather or grandpa. To their delight, and the relief of the teacher, the children turned their attention to Granddads, Grandpas, and Paw Paws who looked like Santa. The outburst from the back of the room seemed like a foul mist that dissipated quickly once we started discussing all things Christmas while photos were being snapped left and right. Several children gave me extra big hugs as if they were comforting me and a few parents whispered, 'I am so sorry' after they took their child's picture. I have never had an encounter like that with a child or adults as Ms. Santa and I was determined to keep my focus on my duties; to bring love and joy.<br />
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As the family who had encourage their child to remind me of how Santa suppose to look was leaving, their wee one waved bye with her new Angel clutched firmly in her hand. I waved back and blew a kiss. My wave and kiss must were doused with angel dust from heaven because suddenly the child ran over to me and gave me the biggest hug ever. That hug brought tears to my eyes as I heard her say boldly, "Have a Merry Christmas Mrs. Claus."As I hugged her back, my eyes locked with her mother. Look at God, I mused to myself.<br />
<br />
Later, on my way home, the words of my grandfather<i>, </i>a Civil Rights foot solider from Mississippi<i>, </i>flooded my thoughts, "Children are taught to hate. God does not teach us to hate anyone." I believe the wounds from 2016 will heal but the scars will be visible for sometime. My prayer is for adults to learn and believe words matter. What we say to and about about each other can affect generations to come. I learned from this year, more so than any other year, children not only hear our words but watch our actions and reactions intensively.<br />
<br />
Merry Christmas<br />
<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://track.mybloglog.com/js/jsserv.php?mblID=2008100309531503'></script></div>Genmaspeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11721332536244226641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195576014489760555.post-20195790656737680312016-12-09T16:41:00.001-06:002017-07-18T20:49:24.209-05:00Gone Too Soon: Derek D. Young<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">After missing a few frantic calls from my girlfriend, Veronica, I called her back Monday morning to hear that Derek Young had passed suddenly on Sunday. <span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Abruptly</span>, I cut my Christmas Military <span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">visits </span>short to fly back to Nashville. After speaking briefly to Dee, his sister, I knew I could not stay another day on the road. I needed to see her, right away. I caught the firs<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">t flight back to <span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Nashville.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Derek D. Young</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Derek was not just a dearly loved member of the Nashville Community but he was my maid of honor's only brother and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Young who were like <span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">surrogate</span> parents to me. Mr. Young walked me down the aisle many moons ago and Mrs. Young encouraged me as a young wife and mo<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">m</span> for years until she joined God's roster of Angels in heaven. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Youngs in the 80's.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">The Youngs have been fixtures <span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">in our lives</span> for over 30 years. Deirdre, affectionately known as Dee to me, babysat my crew, and was there for milestones in the lives of my children, the good and the bad. 'Aunt Dee's' brother, Derek, was part of the package <span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">of love that came </span>when you are friends with anyone from the Young Clan. You love one, you WILL get to know and love them all<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">!</span> You got two for one and rejoiced that you knew them both. Derek was the life of any one's party and had premium seats at every Holmes' TSU tailgate. He <span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">enjoyed</span> my daughter's delicacies and he did not hold back praise for the Bug man's culinary skills. He knew my love of all things Christmas and was not shy of sending me messages <span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">saying</span> "do you and do it well." My children often stated, "Mr. Derek was sharp as a tack and cleaner than Clorox." </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Clean!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Derek
and Deidre were the finest examples we could <i>show</i> our kids of how
siblings take care of each other and did we drum that point home often.
As recently as three weeks ago, we mentioned them as an example of pooling resources to make a dollar triple in value with two of the
Holmes. "Work together," I said. "Look at Derek and Deirdre, be like them," with
the <span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">firmness of</span> ma<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">ma who w<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">as not accepting of anything <span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">less</span>.</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deirdre and Derek </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">As so many of us are trying <span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">accept th<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">e reality </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">of </span></span>Derek's untimely death, let us hold deep in our hearts the <span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">wonderful </span>memories that many made with him through the years. Derek's love for his family, his adopted families, his church, his community and his fraternity will be with all of us forever. And ever! Like Derek, let us be committed to living life to the fullest and be intentional about helping others because it is not only right and pleasing to God but because it is a blessing to be a blessing to others! Derek believed with all his heart and soul in being a blessing to others. With purple and gold running through his veins and his trademark infectious smile, Derek will be missed. Dearly. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Derek D. Young's Obituary </span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Derek, 1961</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas 1963</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Derek
Dexter Young was born on November 17, 1960 to Robert A. Young and the late
Claudine H. Young.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He departed this life
suddenly on December 4, 2016.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Derek’s
early education began in the Wilson and Rutherford County schools and was
completed upon his graduation from Oakland High School. After receiving a
Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Middle Tennessee State
University, Derek began his professional career as a manager for Kroger in 1985.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While at Kroger, he built friendships that
lasted his lifetime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Often, </span>Derek spoke of
the good times he shared with the “Covington Crew.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 2001, Derek began working at Suntrust
Bank, where he matriculated to the position held at his death, an Officer Bank
Support Specialist.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">From
November 2005-2012, Derek was united in marriage to Granvisse Earl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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April 2000, Derek was initiated into the brotherhood of the Gamma Phi Chapter
of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated. Being a lifetime member of his
beloved fraternity was a major accomplishment to Derek. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Young and "the Aunties," Christmas 2015</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Derek
was known for his love of family! He put great effort into staying connected
with his loved ones and never missed family events and special occasions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether it was a gathering with the Young
Clan or a party for a member of his second family, The Blacks, everyone depended
on Derek to be there. His devotion to his parents was known far and wide. He
was big brother </span><span style="font-family: "adobe caslon pro bold"; font-size: 16.0pt;">extraordinaire</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"> to baby sister, Deidre. And he was a beloved nephew to “the
Aunties.” He made every effort to attend to their needs (and occasional wants).
Every Saturday morning at 9am, Derek would talk to his favorite cousin, Jackie,
to catch up on the week’s events. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Derek
loved attending the football games of his godson, Tyler Black, and he was
overjoyed when he learned that Tyler committed to play football at Tennessee State
University!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing that Tyler was on
the TSU team made his season ticket subscription that much more special.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Year, New Attitude! </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">In
his youth, Derek attended St. John United Methodist Church. He was currently a
member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where he served as a dedicated member of the
Mt. Zion Antioch Finance Team for over 13 years. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"> </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nashville's Best Dressed!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Derek
had a keen sense of style that he attributed to his Mother and Aunt Annie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would always say, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“My Momma and Aunt Annie always kept me dressed.” </i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter the occasion, you could count on
Derek being fashion forward from head to toe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His great attention to detail and quality was
not only apparent in his attire, but also in his home and his vehicles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He enjoyed nice things and took great care of
what he worked so hard to obtain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deirdre and Veronica</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phil 1:3</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Derek
will be lovingly remembered by his father, Robert A. Young; his sister, Deirdre
D. Young; his Aunts, Lillian Harding, Jeanetta I. Young, Helen M. Young, and Ida
F. Hicks; his godson, Tyler Black; a host of cousins and friends. </span><br />
<br />
Family visitation: Friday, December 9th at
HELLUM FUNERAL CHAPEL at 611 South Highland Avenue, Murfreesboro, TN
37130 from 5 pm to 7 pm.<br />
<br />
Homegoing Services: Saturday, December 10th at Mt. Zion
Baptist Church Antioch location at 2261 Murfreesboro Road, Nashville, TN
37217. Family visitation from 10:00 to 10:45 with the Omega Omega
Service commencing at 10:45 AM with funeral to follow at 11 AM. Bishop
Joseph W. Walker, III eulogist. Interment Mt. Lebanon Memorial Gardens,
Lebanon, Tn. <br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Photo Cre<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">dits: Keith Layden, Todd Boston, and the Young Family.</span></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://track.mybloglog.com/js/jsserv.php?mblID=2008100309531503'></script></div>Genmaspeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11721332536244226641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195576014489760555.post-63519657558533696552016-10-28T13:08:00.000-05:002017-07-18T20:34:21.386-05:00Congressional Gold Medal Recipient And Montford Marine, Ambassdor Theodore R. Britton, Jr. to Speak at Nashville Rotary Club<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The
Honorable Ambassador Theodore R. Birtton Jr. is distinguished among his
fellow Montford Point Marines by his presidential appoint as U.S.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary. The former Chief of
Mission to Barbados and to the State of Grenada, hails from Augusta,
South Carolina, where his early upbringing in good manners prepared him
for global achievement as "Ambassador For Peace."</span></div>
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<span class="im"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">From
1974 to 1977 Britton served as Ambassador, (Chief of Mission) to
Barbados and the State of Grenada, while simultaneously serving as the
U.S.
Special Representative to the States of Antigua, Dominica, St.
Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla, St. Lucia and St. Vincent.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ambassador
Britton has maintained a life-long interest in diplomatic affairs and
international activities from 1971 as shown by his extensive
participation in US Information Agency programs and the Paris based
Group on Urban Affairs. He has served as Co-chair of the US-China
Agreement on Housing and Planning and Executive Secretary to similar
agreements with Mexico, Canada, Japan, and the former Soviet Union
(USSR) Longtime Vice-Chair.</span></div>
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<span class="im"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">His
degrees in banking and finance enabled him to serve as an officer and
director in the savings and commercial banking arenas. He earned a B.S.
degree and graduate diploma from New York University and from the
American Savings and Loan Institute, respectively. And as a specialist
in housing and finance, his civilian service also includes a career at
the Department of Housing and Urban Development.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After
a career in banking, Ambassador Britton was elected president of the American Baptist Management Corporation. Then later, entering
into Government Service, his housing expertise was put to use as Deputy
Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology. His mission was to
improve the production of housing and the delivery of housing services.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A
veteran of World War II and Korea, The Ambassador offers a historically
unique perspective on health, housing, education and veteran's affairs.
He is a Life Member of the Second Marine Division Association, the
Association of former Intelligence Officers (AFIO), and the Montford
Point Marines. He is an advisor to the Hampton University Minority Men's
Health Initiative and the Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic
Development, in Atlanta, Georgia. He is the ranking recipient of the
Congressional Gold Medal, which honors 20,000 African American Marines
who trained at the segregated Montford Point boot camp in North
Carolina from 1942-1949.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ambassador Britton is married to the former Vernell Elizabeth Stewart of Jacksonville, Florida. They live Atlanta, Georgia.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ambassador Britton will speak at the Nashville Rotary Club on October 31, 2016 for the club's annual Veterans Day Program beginning at noon. Rotarians are welcome to attend. Members of the public luncheon fee is 35.00.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://track.mybloglog.com/js/jsserv.php?mblID=2008100309531503'></script></div>Genmaspeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11721332536244226641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195576014489760555.post-24666617429090417272016-09-10T07:41:00.003-05:002017-07-18T20:45:34.689-05:00All Things Marine Week on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Join <a href="http://www.facebook.com/livingyourbestliferadio"><i>Living Your Best Life</i> </a>with
Genma Holmes as we profile organizations, leaders, and volunteers who
lead by example. With extraordinary acts of kindness and charitable
giving that help countless lives daily, these organizations, leaders,
and volunteers embody, "<i>Be the change you want to see in the world.</i>"</blockquote>
<br />
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<br />
Join us Saturday, September 10, 2016, to hear from behind the scenes during #MarineWeek in Nashville. Hear from active duty Marines who are on the front line serving our country. They will sharing amazing stories about planning an event that has captivated not only Nashville and the Middle Tennessee Region but thousands who have traveled to see the world's strongest military force engaging with the community and glimpses of a day in the life of The Few, Proud.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9ol3fb41xYve5YdnwHnPXimxXXpBifCzvay_cQuGd15pApn03nqea1UP_I6e2LPjVxQwkwxWP5urpdNDzWbQUxoFSbm4CPg47PMOQDw2kwCySJHtO7ocrWSkeCDyG1N8Ky4WKmwOo_2a/s1600/StraightOuttaSomewhere%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9ol3fb41xYve5YdnwHnPXimxXXpBifCzvay_cQuGd15pApn03nqea1UP_I6e2LPjVxQwkwxWP5urpdNDzWbQUxoFSbm4CPg47PMOQDw2kwCySJHtO7ocrWSkeCDyG1N8Ky4WKmwOo_2a/s320/StraightOuttaSomewhere%25283%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The five-day free, public event kicked off with an opening ceremony on Wednesday, Sept.
7 at Public Square Park in Nashville. Mayor Megan Barry, daughter of a Marine, gave opening remarks. There were also performances by Darryl Worley, Mike
Corrado, Marine Band San Diego and the Marine Corps Silent Drill
Platoon. The crowds were mesmerized!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tune in to hear 1st Lt. Johnny Henderson share his Marine story. Listen to why Nashville was chosen to host this wonderful event. We will hear highlights from this week and the exciting scheduled slated for Saturday, September 10 and Sunday's 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
· Wreath-Laying Ceremony from 9–9:30 a.m. at John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge<br />
· Mural Unveiling Ceremony, 9:30–10:30 a.m., <a class="profileLink" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=140699302614945" href="https://www.facebook.com/Douglas-Corner-Cafe-140699302614945/">Douglas Corner Cafe</a>'<br />
· Dragon Boat Festival, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., Cumberland River<br />
· <a class="profileLink" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=61441666906" href="https://www.facebook.com/vanderbilt/">Vanderbilt University</a>t vs. <a class="profileLink" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=13178216234" href="https://www.facebook.com/mtsublueraiders/">Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)</a> Football Game, 3 p.m., <a class="profileLink" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=116016588446480" href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vanderbilt-Stadium/116016588446480">Vanderbilt Stadium</a><br />
· Marine Band San Diego’s “Sound Strike” at the <a class="profileLink" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/event.php?id=1065836953498683&extragetparams=%7B%22source%22%3A22%2C%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1065836953498683/?ref=22&action_history=null&source=22">Tin Roof Broadway, Marine Week Nashville 2016</a>, 7–10 p.m.<br />
· The <a class="profileLink" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=21979704736" href="https://www.facebook.com/fristcenter/">Frist Center for the Visual Arts</a>
exhibition Bellissima! The Italian Automotive Renaissance 1945-1975.
Museum's Saturday hours are 10:00 a.m-5:30 p.m. Special recognition for
World War II Montford Point Marine, <a class="profileLink" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=100004286684015" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004286684015">Mark H McCann Sr.</a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibc0-BPNviGqF9KV6DXYMVnJbXgal_MH8PTPXjmmMNfNHdklnSqiFXX1WwJrhMNfeHNBTrXAMBLHPGmKuWsR3Y1XbUA1Wu1R2bO9rE5MnGbI-lWblUfJDNGlpJQGmP-QsYERyZWbjq946A/s1600/1974_Ducati_750_Super_Sport_profile_Harholdt-624x450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibc0-BPNviGqF9KV6DXYMVnJbXgal_MH8PTPXjmmMNfNHdklnSqiFXX1WwJrhMNfeHNBTrXAMBLHPGmKuWsR3Y1XbUA1Wu1R2bO9rE5MnGbI-lWblUfJDNGlpJQGmP-QsYERyZWbjq946A/s320/1974_Ducati_750_Super_Sport_profile_Harholdt-624x450.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bellissima! The Italian Automotive Renaissance 1 </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We will also hear a musical tribute performed live in the studio from Belmont University Senior, Jason Earley!<br />
<br />
<i>Living Your Best Life</i> is heard on <a href="http://www.760thegospel.com/">760AM in the Nashville-Middle TN Region</a>, I<a href="http://player.radioloyalty.com/station/7889.html">nspirational Networks,</a> in military homes, and <a href="http://http//www.ustream.tv/channel/living-your-best-life-with-genma-holmes">Ustream.TV</a> worldwide.<br />
<br />
<b>More about #MarineWeek in Nashville!</b><br />
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<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YjVHsLzB2xUucFaVW8TQ_5K1a14XorHLuRVkAXFoj7mgD9JYjxKIYIvbAXjMdgF-JUZZgad8SDFJnvcXMpFoBC159M0P0dvF_m_65QL1zryr-fDZ0x1BHulGKFewcaWveXUFdX_YTZ_U/s1600/MWNASH16_Logos_OtherText-02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YjVHsLzB2xUucFaVW8TQ_5K1a14XorHLuRVkAXFoj7mgD9JYjxKIYIvbAXjMdgF-JUZZgad8SDFJnvcXMpFoBC159M0P0dvF_m_65QL1zryr-fDZ0x1BHulGKFewcaWveXUFdX_YTZ_U/s320/MWNASH16_Logos_OtherText-02.png" width="320" /></a></b></div>
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<div class="p1">
<span class="s1" style="font-size: 20px;">Marine
Week, hosted by the United States Marine Corps in one city per year, is
a celebration of Community, Country and Corps – providing the American
public the experience of directly connecting with hundreds of Marines.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="x-text cs-ta-left">
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1" style="font-size: 20px;">From Sept. 7–11,
Marine Week Nashville will feature hands-on static displays, live
demonstrations, time-honored Marine Corps traditions, musical
performances and other events to showcase the history, military
capabilities and community involvement of the Corps. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<b><span class="s1" style="font-size: 20px;">More about United States Marine Corps:</span></b></div>
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<span class="s1" style="font-size: 20px;"></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-16LVe7BmKuwquEaBG5unbhp1UqOYLiL7jg4duoRbiFDKx-ehvRUm1tT4k9f1fheGOX0fXp7X3FfF9Vo2rn0KujoOgomrtbSJZ5XKi-inZrcIByRQ3xCZqY6SaZhI8g1GTz-ddl5t5DUv/s1600/MarineCorpSeal255.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-16LVe7BmKuwquEaBG5unbhp1UqOYLiL7jg4duoRbiFDKx-ehvRUm1tT4k9f1fheGOX0fXp7X3FfF9Vo2rn0KujoOgomrtbSJZ5XKi-inZrcIByRQ3xCZqY6SaZhI8g1GTz-ddl5t5DUv/s1600/MarineCorpSeal255.gif" /></a></div>
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<div class="x-text cs-ta-left">
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1" style="font-size: 20px;">The
United States Marine Corps was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on
Nov. 10, 1775, and has been America’s expeditionary force in readiness
since. Marines are forward-deployed to respond swiftly and aggressively
in times of crisis from the air, land and sea.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1" style="font-size: 20px;">There are approximately 182,000 Marines actively serving today, with another 38,900 Marines in the Reserves.</span></div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://track.mybloglog.com/js/jsserv.php?mblID=2008100309531503'></script></div>Genmaspeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11721332536244226641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195576014489760555.post-22922151124470467802016-09-10T06:38:00.001-05:002017-07-18T20:50:12.520-05:00Championing Diversity From the Inside Out<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Having been raised by Mississippi Civil Rights foot soldiers (my grandparents, parents, and family) I was spoon feed diversity and inclusion. I knew
first hand that 'isms" of all sorts existed in many Southern, rural communities. But raising
my children in Tennessee taught me "isms" were not exclusive to rural communities
of my youth. I, like the two generations before me, have always embraced
everyone. My deep close personal friends in my private life backgrounds and
racial makeup are as beautiful as the rainbow and are uniquely and wonderfully
made as the boots I wear. My professional careers mirror my personal life. My
customers from my pest control business look like the UN and my radio audience
has grown to globally.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZ-nSsoDIn2QtYNKJg34zYgdh3b1ES423cl2Z9o1IAqmyCnJn7uQVxiDger5TwRLm21IKLYeWfFeVVwSXjyVPOcejyvnwi1FR6LYV1PIHk602miwNgmH6DQavo1Zb-S1sIKDt0TbamcLh/s1600/genmaholmesboots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZ-nSsoDIn2QtYNKJg34zYgdh3b1ES423cl2Z9o1IAqmyCnJn7uQVxiDger5TwRLm21IKLYeWfFeVVwSXjyVPOcejyvnwi1FR6LYV1PIHk602miwNgmH6DQavo1Zb-S1sIKDt0TbamcLh/s320/genmaholmesboots.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">My multiculturalism-loving lifestyle was giving a wake-up
call seven years ago when my son became a Marine. We were suddenly immersed in all
things Marine morning, noon and night. We drastically shifted many of our
focuses to support his desire to serve his county. We served along with other families
and suddenly realized how small the world is when you become part of The Few,
The Proud. At the exact same time, I started a radio program, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LivingYourBestLifeRadio">Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes</a>, that gave voice to
the veteran and active duty military communities and their families that grew listeners
rather quickly.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDQhQyQauKjG5BDD8lf3it4jXlJtmzZTNOgMMDboeAng-V3ZnVOB7ZPY0tO60oO_0hYfeK6xIO756wWp5XvUPAFqmJalWEyyGKw5akZGdtGgScbfUO0vGxteUj2hQzleYI33_Y0xvQ2Gs/s1600/GenmaStringerHolmes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDQhQyQauKjG5BDD8lf3it4jXlJtmzZTNOgMMDboeAng-V3ZnVOB7ZPY0tO60oO_0hYfeK6xIO756wWp5XvUPAFqmJalWEyyGKw5akZGdtGgScbfUO0vGxteUj2hQzleYI33_Y0xvQ2Gs/s400/GenmaStringerHolmes.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Initially, many of the voices heard on the show were of <a href="http://genmaspeaks.blogspot.com/2014/01/montford-point-marine-mark-h-mccann-sr.html">WW II MontfordPoint Marines</a> who were the first Black Marines in our country, <a href="http://genmaspeaks.blogspot.com/2014/06/founder-of-ebony-horsewomen-on-living.html">women in the Marine Corps</a>, and retiring Marines. I was booking guests that I knew well, Marines. The texters loved the
stories and gave positive feedback back after each show. One day as I browsing through my text messages, I ran across a text that
stated, "There are five branches of the military just in case you were not
aware." That simple truthful text reminded me of the many times I have sat
on planning committees and have had to remind the committee members of whatever
event was being planned more voices than their personal friends who looked like
them were needed. In many civic organizations, I have usually been the only
woman or person of color and my disdain for the lack of "flavor" for
any program is quickly known upfront. My observations at the lack of the
diversity are often met with indifference, defensiveness, or "Can you contact the<i> them</i> for us?"</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNTZxlp668kxhY-S4vylWVcQa1dh0aaQHZQ_LV0ksxAQKoXNLrUpccVwWObJjrWniKu03P8FQ6dBApxJp8MFqIF8EGmb0TWtciumFTR0xrwgktEAOGRFleXrZ9ZTaRRRYDCLaSIjOsfyYs/s1600/mccannatnia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNTZxlp668kxhY-S4vylWVcQa1dh0aaQHZQ_LV0ksxAQKoXNLrUpccVwWObJjrWniKu03P8FQ6dBApxJp8MFqIF8EGmb0TWtciumFTR0xrwgktEAOGRFleXrZ9ZTaRRRYDCLaSIjOsfyYs/s320/mccannatnia.jpg" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WW2 Veteran Mark H. McCann, Sr. welcome parade at Nia House Montessori School</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">After reading the text message, I
became the defensive one. I mulled over the comment for days and explained the
many reasons why there were only Marines on my program. Most of my points were
valid and I truly was not trying to omit any other branch. I was booking my
friends and who I knew. But to a member of the Army, Navy, Airforce or Coastguard
who are much larger in numbers and were loyal followers of the show as well, none of my of excuses sounded reasonable. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6cM0giueT4sdck1QWuVik_O2_QOei_JDC3dgcbkkjNXxWnjtzbP8vj6SKBMUdHqPKYAxEBwszZHK2uarzpss8HN0lpK61v1NcSWJnhlQJ1zm-8Z9vvNgh6KuSblxbtIH4ZX30lAlxGN8/s1600/milatary+seals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6cM0giueT4sdck1QWuVik_O2_QOei_JDC3dgcbkkjNXxWnjtzbP8vj6SKBMUdHqPKYAxEBwszZHK2uarzpss8HN0lpK61v1NcSWJnhlQJ1zm-8Z9vvNgh6KuSblxbtIH4ZX30lAlxGN8/s320/milatary+seals.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Taking a page out of my grandparents and parents book of life, I decided to be
intentional about immersing myself in lives of <i>them</i>, the “other” military branches. I spent
time with members of the military who did not say ‘ooh-rah’ until it was as natural for me to
contact the Army or Navy as it was the Marines for great profiles. The benefit of being intentional not
only grew my audience but my programs became rich with content that everyone
could relate too not just The Few, The Proud, The Marines. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Being diverse and inclusive are active ways to begin addressing race relations. Too often, good intentions start with awkward race relation initiatives before organizers or well meaning folks have tried one of the most effective means of breaking down barriers, being intentional in getting to know someone else, personally and professionally, first. We <i>must </i>be the change we want to see in the world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<br />
<i>(The Nashville Business Journal ran a special issue devoted to Diversity
and Inclusion. An edited version of my thoughts from above were posted on Friday, September 9, 2016
titled <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2016/09/08/expandi-was-a-champion-of-diversity-until-i-wasn-t.html">Expand: I was a champion of diversity, until I wasn't.</a></i></div>
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<i>Thanks NBJ!)</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://track.mybloglog.com/js/jsserv.php?mblID=2008100309531503'></script></div>Genmaspeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11721332536244226641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195576014489760555.post-61921766963649201562016-08-30T06:04:00.000-05:002017-07-16T15:06:11.337-05:00Angels with Tattoos and Their Acts of KindnessThe rain poured from the sky. It came with such a force that I was dreading the ride home after spending the day at a retreat. Before buckling in and turning on the ignition I called my family to let them know I was headed from downtown Nashville. I also called a friend who was driving back to DC to check in with her. The weather was on both of our minds.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9OJkmh-SZsCyrCBB95w4lYHNjPKYqIMYQZ4AS5k4RyC9c9EcFLHU72tU-RrPV1_gU8zMK04gx4mRNx5IbYFVXL6Afi7vSGVb4mwr5CKhFp0rmdscUICC6immtyLCiwM2vpp97U1QwDH1z/s1600/rain+cloudy+skies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9OJkmh-SZsCyrCBB95w4lYHNjPKYqIMYQZ4AS5k4RyC9c9EcFLHU72tU-RrPV1_gU8zMK04gx4mRNx5IbYFVXL6Afi7vSGVb4mwr5CKhFp0rmdscUICC6immtyLCiwM2vpp97U1QwDH1z/s1600/rain+cloudy+skies.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Getting on to the interstate proved to be tricky as I navigated streets that appeared to be ready to be declared closed due to flooding. I thought to myself, "Good thing I am up high in a jeep." The little beat up car I drive around town would have had water up to the seats. I managed to file into the long line creeping out I-40 East. Several cars sped by as if they were rolling on dry payment. The closer I inched out East, the more wrecks I noticed. Being a slow driver anyway, I was not in a rush to out run mother nature. Steady but nervously, I made my way home.<br />
<br />
As I was passing wreck number four on my drive, it had stopped raining as I started exiting off Hermitage A's lane near the Percy Priest dam. Less than two miles from home and feeling upbeat, I was not prepared for the sudden horror that I was about to experience. In all my years, I have never been in a car wreck. One hit from behind when I was pregnant with my Marine son 26 years ago but that was it. Not even a speeding ticket on my driving record. My record would suddenly change on Saturday with a gust of wind and a slippery patch of highway.<br />
<br />
In a split second, I was hurling through the air slamming into a concrete wall like I was a feather blowing in the wind. One roll after another, the jeep I was driving flipped over and over and over. Six times I rolled, I was told much later. As I was rolling, twirling like cars in the movies during a pretend tornado, I thought, this jeep is not going to stop so maybe it will turn into a transformer car that Grand Price, my grandson, talks about so much. Please transform I remember thinking because there are nothing but cars waiting to run over me if the rolling does not stop.<br />
<br />
When it ran out of rolling juice, the jeep popped upright as if it had burped. I began bracing mentally to be hit by another vehicle not knowing if I was dead or alive as the jeep filled with smoke. I did not know if I flipped onto the traffic below on I-40 or if I was dangling from the overpass. I heard a weird noise but I could not open my eyes. I managed to pinch myself to see if I could feel anything. When I felt nothing, I wondered if I had broken my neck or if I was a goner. As soon as death entered my head, I realize I did not scream Jesus' name. Or did I? So this is how it ends; in my son's jeep. I heard that weird noise again at that exact moment and started thinking about Grand Prince. Who is going to read to him? He is going to be raised without me. A loud popping sound invaded my thoughts and I heard voices yelling to get me out. <br />
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While I was musing about Grand Prince, a hand reached in through a broken window and touched me. Another hand touched my hand and I squeezed it. I manged to mumble "help." A voice said, "Don't open your eyes, you have glass all over you. It is going to be okay." As a total stranger's hand held my hand, I could feel tears on my face. Another voice said softly, "I am a nurse. You are going to be okay. " I could feel her touching me. When she asked me if I could talk, I said, " I think so." My eyes were still closed. More voices were heard. One even said, "Mrs. Holmes stay with us." Where am I going I thought and how do you know me? God, you are here with me? Right? The reality of the shortness of life was engulfing my thoughts with every breath I was taking.<br />
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What seemed like an eternity, the door was finally pulled opened. Two big hands reached in and gently felt my arms for broken bones and then asked if I could move my legs. If my neck is broken, then that would be impossible right? Right. I moved my feet slowly. Ah ha! They moved. A big shout from the big hands person letting everyone know. I heard sirens blasting and then that weird noise again. The nurse said, "I am answering your phone. Someone has been trying to face-time you." Is that what that noise is I asked myself? The nurse told the caller I was in an accident. I heard crying and knew right away it was Grand Prince and then I heard my daughter voice and her gasp. Hearing their voices made me determined then to get out of the jeep. I opened my eyes a wee bit and could see tattooed arms assisting me. As one tattoo after another reached in, I thought these tattoos are works of art. Picasso came rushing into my thoughts. My ears were tuned to the voices working together to help me out of the vehicle. They all sounded like a choir as they worked in harmony to get me out of my mangled metal and glass tomb. When I was finally unbuckled, I heard a voice say, "She's wearing her seat-beat."<br />
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As my legs were being pulled from under the crushed dashboard, I heard a firm voice reassuring me. "Do you think you can stand up," I was asked. The voice was one of the paramedics who had arrived. He took over as the nurse stood aside while continuing to answer calls that were pouring in. As if I was child following Peter Pan, I reached for him and noticed right away the huge tattoo on his right forearm. I glance at my nurse and noticed even <i>my </i>nurse had a tattoo too. Letting my 'palmist' hands go I grab the arms of the paramedic and prayed with all my might as my feet touched the ground. At that moment, my eyes were fully opened and I could see a clear sky and cars backed up for miles as they strolled past the wreckage . There were eyes peering from cars looking back at me. Trying to connect voices with faces, I realized I was surrounded by an army of mostly strangers. In my dazed and shaken state, I did recognized a few neighbors who pulled over after seeing me. Even two customers faces were in the crowd. An officer was making his way through the crowd as I was being helped one tiny step at a time to the ambulance that was
waiting. The short walk to the ambulance seem like a thousand miles.<br />
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As I was being put in the ambulance, my daughter and Grand Prince managed to make it the scene. Her face told me she was terrified. I could hear my sweet grandson crying from somewhere in the distance. My body was numb from shock as I tried to give the nice officer my name and the details of the accident. With each attempt at trying to tell him what happened, I could only managed a 'Dear God, I am alive." I finally gave up trying to tell him anything. The first voice that I heard when this saga begun belonged to a young man who held my hand. He wore a spiked hair cut and looked to be no more than a teenager. When he handed me my purse, I saw his tattoo and looked at him and smiled. He had gathered all of my items from my purse that were that were thrown everywhere and put them back in my purse. I whispered 'thank you so much' and he squeezed my hand again and left without saying word. My daughter identified me as her mother and shared my information with the officer. She group texted team Holmes and someone contacted the Wolcotts to let them know.<br />
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As the paramedics took my vitals, they kept looking at me then each other. As they were watching over me, I was looking at both of their tattooed arms. I broke the silence by saying through a teary voice, "I love your tattoos. I will never forget them." They both laughed. I heard one say as if he was my dad, "You walked away from a really bad accident. You are going to be sore for sure tomorrow. Do you want to go to the hospital?" No. I just wanted to go home. When he pressed that I go to the hospital, I pushed back and insisted on going home. The big armed paramedic touched my hair to rid it of a piece of glass and said as an after thought. "You were covered in glass. And you have no cuts." His counterpart started helping him remove more glass from my hair as they gave me instructions on how to use a paint brush to help get rid of the rest.<br />
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Summit Hospital was a stone's throw from the wreckage. But the thought of going there was too much. The paramedics kept me a few more minutes and asked for forms to be signed stating that I declined going to the hospital. As I sat in the ambulance, the Holmes cavalry arrived. The looks on their stunned faces told me everything. I lived. I had no words to say but to ask about the insurance. Later, as I was helped into my daughter's car, Grand Prince tears had dried but he had the look that all of the Holmes were wearing; confused, bewildered and thankful. He immediately reached for my hands as I sat back in the backseat with him still in a state of shock. My daughter shared as we were waiting for the wreckage to be cleared away, "Mom, out of the blue he started saying your name and was trying to face-time you. He just kept dialing and dialing you as if he knew something was wrong. Then I got the call. Can you believe that?" Yes, I thought to myself. I believe.<br />
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On the short drive home, questions galore came rushing at once. What happened? Who were all those people? Where did they come from? Where did the go? How do I say thank you? Did anyone get the nurse's number? The young man? Who are his parents? Were the paramedics with Engine 32? Will I ever see them again? Each question was followed by a thank you prayer.<br />
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My neighbors were sweet as they stopped by the next day. My closest friends are a phone call away. Texts from friends in the medical field letting me know when to come into their offices for appointments were responded too. The Holmes crew has been understanding and patience with me. My Grand Prince has told me a thousand times how much he loves his "Bam Mom." The voices of total strangers are still being heard during my naps and moments of silence. And angels with beautiful tattoos and their random acts of kindness shown toward me will remain in my heart and seared in my memory. Forever. Phil. 1:3<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://track.mybloglog.com/js/jsserv.php?mblID=2008100309531503'></script></div>Genmaspeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11721332536244226641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195576014489760555.post-89575504424071401592016-08-20T08:05:00.000-05:002016-08-20T08:05:30.593-05:00A Leiper's Fork Homeowner On Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Join <a href="http://www.facebook.com/livingyourbestliferadio"><i>Living Your Best Life</i> </a>with
Genma Holmes as we profile organizations, leaders, and volunteers who
lead by example. With extraordinary acts of kindness and charitable
giving that help countless lives daily, these organizations, leaders,
and volunteers embody, "<i>Be the change you want to see in the world.</i>"</blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDviQxW5RNZLJZdEYeV6vYDsYX2lQ32pWpKXyyRcfMVm6YC16PHiD2oDnlKEEH0XYTiP-fDlf6gP7uQtjfUFYDGRruzqygyHeeX0bj3tMQ6wzNv5oiGa2LOXUfNqJtWF6QoV880q1t3FMi/s1600/Beware_sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDviQxW5RNZLJZdEYeV6vYDsYX2lQ32pWpKXyyRcfMVm6YC16PHiD2oDnlKEEH0XYTiP-fDlf6gP7uQtjfUFYDGRruzqygyHeeX0bj3tMQ6wzNv5oiGa2LOXUfNqJtWF6QoV880q1t3FMi/s320/Beware_sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A Leiper's Fork homeowner will join us to discuss the pros and cons of selling a home in a cyber world. Selling a home a few years ago was simpler but definitely required the personal touch. Listen to a homeowner's lessons learned while trying to sell her home. <a href="http://genmaspeaks.blogspot.com/2016/08/sellers-beware-of-crooked-couple.html">Unfortunately, not everyone who sets up an appointment to view a home is actually there as a potential buyer. </a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHM-ffn-JTgexGdygbMaqhpZqIiFM9hgwjN27-XXMG7esvu91gJTytuFibtVwNS3XI313q8wWLZfOeWgzHNQ8JwC7QOq0Lan8ANw5ooF1nYOHKFOeZNoNStlbU6E2YRJ6ea6MGskixvkM/s1600/leipersfork16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHM-ffn-JTgexGdygbMaqhpZqIiFM9hgwjN27-XXMG7esvu91gJTytuFibtVwNS3XI313q8wWLZfOeWgzHNQ8JwC7QOq0Lan8ANw5ooF1nYOHKFOeZNoNStlbU6E2YRJ6ea6MGskixvkM/s320/leipersfork16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hear tips on how to spot an imposter posing as a buyer and when not to engage an offer based on one seller's experience.<a href="http://genmaspeaks.blogspot.com/2016/08/realtors-beware-of-crooked-couple.html"> Listeners will hear how one crooked couple from Colorado</a> has been determined to take sellers on an emotional roller coaster ride. No one knows why they have picked the Leiper's Fork area as their playground for their con-games but eight families have been snarled in their tangle web of lies and offers to purchase their homes.<br />
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This show will give potential buyers a list of items needed before searching for the perfect house to call home whether looking for a modest price range or multi-million dollar property in the Williamson County, Tennessee. This show promises to give insight and thought to purchasing a home if you a first time buyer or selling your fourth house!<br />
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<i>Living Your Best Life</i> is heard on <a href="http://www.760thegospel.com/">760AM in the Nashville-Middle TN Region</a>, I<a href="http://player.radioloyalty.com/station/7889.html">nspirational Networks,</a> in military homes, and <a href="http://http//www.ustream.tv/channel/living-your-best-life-with-genma-holmes">Ustream.TV</a> worldwide.<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://track.mybloglog.com/js/jsserv.php?mblID=2008100309531503'></script></div>Genmaspeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11721332536244226641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195576014489760555.post-3421931888526432802016-08-14T11:44:00.000-05:002016-08-14T11:44:38.559-05:00Realtors: Beware of Crooked Couple Posing as Multi-Millionaires in the Leiper's Fork Community<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsKfz7iPh91Z-0x3_8rHUH-Qp-bbqAMROq1VXmqUOnR9OQCyUHBFypr7swtKIYsUm-3w2WqTR89kc5ZBSV-ybX7F1UgWI3mRQ7QVGTGvj1XVJNt4ugQTJ7dYQLAsrWzAdmjTJHlMm1Dod/s1600/real-estate-agents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsKfz7iPh91Z-0x3_8rHUH-Qp-bbqAMROq1VXmqUOnR9OQCyUHBFypr7swtKIYsUm-3w2WqTR89kc5ZBSV-ybX7F1UgWI3mRQ7QVGTGvj1XVJNt4ugQTJ7dYQLAsrWzAdmjTJHlMm1Dod/s400/real-estate-agents.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://genmaspeaks.blogspot.com/2016/08/sellers-beware-of-crooked-couple.html">My previous post</a> about the Kimberly (Kim) and<a href="https://www.facebook.com/phil.mcdowell.376"> Phillip W. (Phil) McDowell</a> has generated many emails. And tons of commentary. More and more agents are coming forward stating they crossed paths with The McDowells in the last few years. From Colorado to Tennessee, the behavior of Kim and Phil McDowell was consistently odd and eerie.<br />
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Several agents made snap decisions and decided right away, this couple is not going to waste my time and dismissed their inquiries about viewing homes for sale. In Tennessee, the homes The McDowells were fond of viewing were immaculate multi-million dollar homes with every amenities imaginable on sprawling acres of land in Willamson County. The homes Kim and Phil McDowell put contracts on were off the beaten path, isolated and quite in the <a href="http://visitfranklin.com/see-and-do/leipers-fork">Leiper's Fork</a> community.<br />
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The agents who were not dismissive of The McDowells found themselves being not only realtors trying to broker a multimillion home sale but in need of impromptu therapy after trying to help this "uber wealthy" relocated couple navigate life altering challenges one after another. From Kim's sudden diagnosis of cancer, the day before closing, to their estate lawyer being in a car-wreck on the way to a closing with all of their paperwork to the federal government freezing millions of dollars in an off shore account, The McDowells had agents, buyers and sellers, wishing their inner voice that said 'something is not right' had been louder. Much louder!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-q-xu2PqDxMpq3hj_np_7ns6Ph0gJD9rER5s_uIoVfGDQnkXX_10CbfE5XoCbJ_S-vYMjcb5uxr3KTYT9PjR5L-HLr_bqKyWuSeQjif5k7yIQH-zSDfYvSt9OXuagNSOy5l1uxEoLsOZ7/s1600/204781_106266156129045_5168772_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-q-xu2PqDxMpq3hj_np_7ns6Ph0gJD9rER5s_uIoVfGDQnkXX_10CbfE5XoCbJ_S-vYMjcb5uxr3KTYT9PjR5L-HLr_bqKyWuSeQjif5k7yIQH-zSDfYvSt9OXuagNSOy5l1uxEoLsOZ7/s320/204781_106266156129045_5168772_o.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
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Some agents who engaged The McDowells commented that when dealing with the public, one should never judge a book by its cover. True. But The McDowells are not books. They are depraved conartists who claim to be from Wales, England (Kim) and Littleton, Colorado (Phil) with staff to help them mange their imaginary McMansion. And in this day and age of craze and deranged individuals being the new black, everyone in the business of selling goods and services to the public, must be extra deligient in protecting themselves (and clients) from individuals whose brazen petty crimes maybe an indicator of other hidden deviant activity or the beginning of them escalating into more sinister acts. By sharing The McDowells' con-games with the public, these posts are meant to not only inform sellers and agents but the public as well. <br />
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I am in the service business. Without the personal touch of face to face interactions, my 80% referrals from customers would die on the vine. But I have had a few encounters with potential customers that made my skin crawl. And made me grateful for the prayers of my grandmother covering me.<br />
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When asked what damages have The McDowells done if they only skipped out on closings, the dollars added up in my head immediately. When agents engage The McDowells, they are helping them continue to string along homeowners. And others. In the selling of a home, it is several companies involved in the transaction not just the sellers and buyers. The agents, inspectors, title insurers, painters, lawn care, and lawyers. Oh, let us not forget the pest control folks! Most of the services provided are paid at closing. But some services are paid along the way. <br />
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When The McDowells entered into pretend contracts knowing they were not going to consummate the deals, others, unknowingly, are pulled in as well. Even when Kim and Phil McDowells' devious games are realized early, if you are a Realtor or service provider to homeowners, time has been wasted. For most individuals in sales, their time is their money. Wasting others' time is not crimial but it is sickening to know that they gleem pleasue out of the attention they get by pretending to be super rich and lying about buying multi-million dollar homes.<br />
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Agents have picked them up from<a href="https://druryhotels.com/locations/franklin-tn/drury-plaza-hotel-nashville-franklin"> Drury Plaza </a>and drove them around Leiper's Fork to view homes for sale. WTH? Anyway, Kim McDowell called agents and became friendly by sharing stories about family, grandchildren, and life in England while constantly dangling the love of the property she is planning to buy. I have not known anyone who has ever been arrested for theft of time but entering into contracts with premeditated intent to defraud has given a number of folks a new warrobe of orange jumpsuits.<br />
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To date, a few who had dealings with The McDowells have contacted the authorities. Those who have shared information have been agents and sellers.There is an active investigation and the authorities need the public's help, especially realtors.<br />
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In the meantime, today is Sunday and realtors are about in droves showing homes. Please beware and be careful! The McDowells maybe calling you pretending to be a multimillionaires from a<a href="http://www.laquintanashvillefranklin.com/"> La Quinta Inn</a> needing a ride to a view multi-million dollar listing!<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://track.mybloglog.com/js/jsserv.php?mblID=2008100309531503'></script></div>Genmaspeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11721332536244226641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8195576014489760555.post-75008567919484266092016-08-12T20:07:00.000-05:002017-07-16T14:43:06.316-05:00Sellers: Beware of Crooked Couple Wreaking Havoc on Leiper's Fork, TN Families <br />
Follow up post can be found <b><a href="http://genmaspeaks.blogspot.com/2016/08/realtors-beware-of-crooked-couple.html">here.</a></b> <br />
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Open houses are usually held on Sundays for those who are selling homes. Buyers set appointments with their agent or the seller's agent to view a home or property. In communities with multi-million dollar homes, home owners and their agents set boundaries regarding who can view their properties. It makes good business sense to pre-qualify buyers so they will not waste agents or the home owners' time by viewing properties that a buyer would not be able to afford or even purchase. Right? Right!<br />
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"Were the buyers pre-qualified?," has been asked over and over by the owners of several multi-million dollar listings in the <a href="http://visitfranklin.com/see-and-do/leipers-fork">Leipers Fork Area of Williamson County, Tennessee</a> who became entangled in a web of lies spun by a crooked couple from Colorado named Kimberly (Kim) and Phillip (Phil) W. McDowell. The McDowells have wreaked havoc on unsuspecting sellers by posing as multimillionaire estate buyers who sail from Wales ready to relocate to Middle Tennessee. After putting a contract on the house, The McDowells never appear for the closing. Games similar to a cat toying with a mouse are played with the sellers that have caused several to shell out thousands in upgrades to the their property that is never bought. The games have lasted a few weeks and some have dragged out for months. All of the deals ended with The McDowells never closing on the property but remaining in touch with the sellers through texts messages and even phone calls to "check-in" with the sellers they tried to scam.<br />
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Here is how one real estate deal went down with The McDowells.<br />
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The McDowells visited one sellers' home on the pretense of buying a horse that was advertised for sell. While there to see the horse, Kim and Phil McDowell mentioned they were also interested in purchasing a home in the area as well. Interesting, the couple's home was listed by agent for sell. How convenient? After inquiring about the house, The McDowells returned a few days later with their agent to view the home. The 12,000 square foot home was so intriguing that The McDowells were ready to make an offer right away. To sweetened the pot, they wanted to buy some of the furniture with the deal as well. You want the house and furniture too? Yes, they wanted it all. <i>After</i> the staff had seen the home. The McDowells did not just want to buy a house for the McDowells' family to visit from Colorado but any home they purchased had to meet the approval of a house manager, a property manager and a chef who has been on TV. Once the "staff" inspected every crack and crevice and made recommendations, the new owners, Kim and Phil, would be as happy as the Bristish drinking tea and eating crumpets. In the meantime, while waiting for their staff to fly in, Kim and Phil made an offer in February 2016 with a closing date set in March, 2016 two weeks away.<br />
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Hang on, crazy is about to go into over drive.<br />
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The sellers' agent drew up the contract for the multi-million dollar purchase while waiting for the information from the buyers to be sent over along with their proof of funding letter. The proof of funding letter was to be emailed while the earnest money was promised to be wired from a bank in London. Good to go, right? Nope. Don't pack yet!<br />
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The proof of funding letter that Kim and Phil McDowell produced had a 615 area code. The funds were never wired from the bank in Wales. As a matter a fact, their lawyer or cousin or whoever she mentioned every other day, stated their assets were frozen at one point and that was the hold up. After failing to show proof of funding and setting the closing date back for a few weeks for everyone to regroup, The McDowells, mainly Kim, began texting and emailing one bizarre story after the next explaining the delays. From "I have been in a car wreck" to "I have cancer and now need chemo," the stories, lies, kept coming. And so did her hired help.<br />
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In a three week period, the McDowells sent over or met with property inspectors, estate mangers, and even a Home Shopping Network chef, named Renee, who was hired to cook for the McDowells. These individuals who randomly visited the home shared they were ready to start working for The McDowells once the home was sold.<br />
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This is the condensed version of a very awful saga that is still being played out. Kim McDowell still claims the money is on the way in a text sent to the seller on Thursday, August 10, 2016. The home owners have long stopped believing anything these people say but the creepiness of it all shows why it is so important to know who is walking through your doors when you are selling your home. <br />
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The McDowells has played this con game on many individuals. Some have come forward and reported them to the police but many will not out of fear or shame. Very few of us want to admit when we have been taken for a ride. And there is reason to fear someone who would go this far. <br />
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Why string families along like this? No one has been able to figure that out but here is what we do know after many couples have compared their stories with each other since the real estate non mogals' games have been revealed;.<br />
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Kim McDowell speaks with a British accent. Not sure if the accent is real or not but click<b> <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/jr205hthd7dyzft/voicemail-231.m4a?dl=0">here </a></b>for a recording of her leaving a message on a home owner's voice mail.<br />
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Kim and Phil McDowells have targeted a number of homes in Leiper's Fork including mentioning buying The McGraws' property. Really?<br />
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They cruise <a href="http://celebrities-staffing.com/">concierge sites</a> to find estate managers to employ. Several families relocated to the Middle Tennessee Area by registering with staffing firms who The McDowells claimed to use. No one has been able to determine if the staffing services are part of the rouse and to establish if "staff" are actors or actual workers who visited the sellers' home.<br />
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Every family that has been pulled into Kim and Phil McDowell's make believe world of real estate buying have underage children. The wives are young and beautiful. In the land of beautiful people, pretty is plentiful in Leiper's Fork but I thought I would share that bit of info because several law enforcement officers took special interest in those similarities. Scary!<br />
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The McDowells have been picked up from hotels in Franklin like<a href="http://www.hotelsone.com/franklin-hotels-us/drury-plaza-hotel-nashville-franklin.html?as=b&aid=6102351497&dsti=404229&dstt=8&label=bing-bh404229&akw=30923789899&akwu=drury%20inn%20franklin,%20tn&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=drury%20inn%20franklin,%20tn&utm_content=us-TN_bh404229&utm_campaign=us-USA-Tennessee-Hotels-oe-en"> Drurys</a> and<a href="http://www.laquintanashvillefranklin.com/"> La Quinta</a>. They are driving an older model jeep with an expired Tennessee tag. The vehicle registration address is one of the families that relocated to Tennessee to work for them. That family have reported this to the appropriate authorities.<br />
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Kim McDowell is known for playing the cancer card often. When she is cornered or confronted, she tells the sellers she has cancer and needs chemo. (Sick, sick, sick!) Upon hearing this, many couples back up. Maybe this grace given is why they are not in jail for <i>something</i>. They are also in lots of wrecks! If you fake cancer, you will fake anything!<br />
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Phil McDowell has been spotted working at Costco giving our food samples. His eyes twitch often. Phil was born in 1949 but there is no identification on Kim McDowell. When asked if background checks were run on the couple prior to bringing them in the sellers home by the buyers' agent, the details get sketchy. But independent background checks by a seller's agent reveals Phil has had numerous issues that would deem him unqualified to buy a tree house. <br />
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Since open houses are big on the weekends, agents and sellers should be aware that this couple is still actively trying to buy multi-million dollar homes. The McDowells have not harmed anyone physically that anyone know of but they have caused much damage. Their real estate shenanigans can be traced back to Denver, Colorado. <br />
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If you have any information to who they really are or if you have had an encounter with them, you can share your information confidentially. One couple feared for the safety of their children after their encounter with The McDowells. The details of that encounter has been kept private but it does make the creep factor surrounding The McDowells sky rocket.<br />
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Part Two: Dissecting the Crooked Couple from Colorado <div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type='text/javascript' src='http://track.mybloglog.com/js/jsserv.php?mblID=2008100309531503'></script></div>Genmaspeakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11721332536244226641noreply@blogger.com1