Genmaspeaks

The Unsung Heroes Behind the 105 Voices Of History

2012-01-26T21:25:00.001-06:00

The powerful angelic sounds of the 105 Voices of History Choir made their inaugural performance on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. The diverse students from various corners of the country performed with heart and soul. Months of regional practices and five days of nonstop rehearsing on the campus of Tennessee State University were evident in every solo and group performance.

The students even outperformed the megastar headliners who have been performing for years to sold-out arenas and packed audiences around the world. Students performed every genre of music including Jazz, Gospel, Pop, Spiritual, and Classical. Their classical sounds were by far my personal favorites. The students were truly the best of the best who shared their God given talents with those in attendance.

Much was said about the various sponsors of 105 Voices of History Choir. They were uplifted often. Who were not mentioned with the same reverence (and frequency) were the choral directors who were the sources of the training and teaching the gifted students received while preparing for the Nashville's debut.

Each director teaches music and has been directing choirs for many years. All have performed on stages around the world and are extraordinary musicians in their own right. They arranged the music, chose the musical selections, auditioned the students, gave vocal coaching to the soloists, and conducted the choir. Many 12-14 hours day went into preparing for the 105 Voices of History Grand Ole Opry's performance.

In addition to the preparations for Nashville concert, the directors teach full schedules at their HBCU schools, travel nationally and internationally for their individual choir concerts, and perform professionally on renowned stages.

The choral directors were truly the unsung heroes of the evening. They embodied servant leadership. They showed the students class and dignity at every turn by their speech and actions with students before the curtains were lifted. They taught their students that being talented is one thing; but talent combined with an education, dedication, and a desire to succeed are the ultimate keys to opening doors long after the lights of Opry stage have dimmed.

To each choral director who traveled to give Nashville one of the grandest performances ever heard, the city of Nashville salute. You truly deserve a standing ovation.

(Full Bios of Conductors Below)

A. Jan Taylor-National Conductor

A. Jan Taylor, educator, pianist, singer and choral conductor, is Director of Choral Music Activities at Prairie View A&M University. A native of Houston, Texas, she received the Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Houston, and the Master of Arts degree from Prairie View A&M University. She is currently completing requirements for the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Choral Conducting at the University of Houston, where she studies with Charles Hausmann.

Prior to her appointment at Prairie View, Taylor taught general music, piano, and trained choirs in elementary, middle, and high schools in the Houston Independent School District. She has served as adjudicator and choral clinician for numerous choral competitions, festivals, and regional choirs across the state of Texas. As an authority on the African-American spiritual, Taylor frequently lectures on the performance practices and preservation of the genre.

She is the founding director of Intermezzo, a professional vocal chamber ensemble, and has traveled throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia as a singer with such premier professional choral ensembles as the Houston Chamber Choir and the Houston Chorale. As Assistant Conductor of the Houston Symphony Chorus from 2003 until 2006, she assisted in preparing the chorus for world-class conductors in performances of such choral-orchestral works as Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem, Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis, the Verdi Requiem, and Leonard Bernstein’s Kaddish Symphony. She has prepared choruses and collaborated with such renowned conductors and composers as Barbara Baker, Roland Carter, Nathan Carter, Moses Hogan, and Adolphus Hailstork. For the Houston Ebony Opera Guild, she coaches and accompanies singers, and conducts the Guild’s Chorus in performances of spirituals, African-American concert music, and operatic works.

Under Mrs. Taylor’s direction, the Prairie View A&M University Concert Chorale and PV Chamber Singers have performed to critical acclaim throughout the United States and abroad, including performances at the Texas Music Educators Association convention, and the International Festival Wratislavia Cantans, a prestigious music festival for choirs and orchestras in Poland. Her choirs have performed with the Houston Symphony, the Acadian Symphony, and have collaborated with several professional and community choruses in the Greater Houston area.

Taylor is a member of the Board of Directors of the Bay Area Chorus, and holds memberships in the Texas Music Educators Association, American Choral Directors Association, Texas Choral Directors Association, and Sigma Alpha Iota, a music fraternity for women.

D'Walla Simmons Burke-National Conductor

Maestra D'Walla Simmons-Burke is a native of Fort Valley, Georgia and was educated in the public schools of Peach County (GA); Hampton Institute (University) (VA); The University of Illinois of Urbana-Champaign (IL); The University of South Carolina of Columbia (SC); and has pursued doctoral studies in Music Education with triple minors in Research Methodology, Administration Leadership and Music History, at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

She has studied voice with Anna L. Lumpkin (GA), Vernon Holliston (GA), Princess Brown (GA), Shelia Maye (VA), Samuel Roberson (VA), Dodi Protero (IL), William Warfield (IL), and mentor Roland M. Carter (TN). Simmons-Burke has held teaching positions in the Fulton County Public Schools (GA), Voorhees College (Denmark, SC) and presently at Winston-Salem State University where she has been the Director of Choral &Vocal Studies of the Fine Arts Department for 22 years.

Simmons-Burke is the founder of three of the four choral ensembles currently existing within the Fine Arts Department at Winston-Salem State University (Winston-Salem State University Women; Winston-Salem State University Men and the renowned Winston-Salem State University Burke Singers). She has performed frequently as a soprano and in such operas as Lost in the Stars, LaTraviata, Amahl and the Night Visitors, The Telephone and The Old Maid and the Thief.

February 2004, Burke debuted (soprano) with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra in a celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday Holiday Celebration. In April, 2008, she conducted Gabriel Faure's Requiem with the New England Symphony and New England Symphony Chorale at Carnegie Hall. She returned to Carnegie Hall, January, 2010 to conduct the Winston-Salem State University Choir in concert. Burke has also traveled internationally with her choral ensembles. The Winston-Salem State University Choir has performed and recorded (Somewhere Far Away; Albany Record Label) with the Dvorák Symphony in Prague, Czech Republic. This recording, featuring the Winston-Salem State University Choir was nominated in 2010 for a Grammy Award in several categories. The renowned Winston Salem State University Burke Singers have traveled and performed in West Africa and have performed with Grammy Award Winner Patti Austin in concert. Maestra Simmons-Burke's Choirs have recorded and produced seven compact disks (In Silent Night; Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing; I Wanna Be Ready; Hold Fast To Dreams; Pieces of A Dream; Joy To the World; 20th Anniversary Celebration In Honor of D'Walla Simmons-Burke).

Under Simmons-Burke's baton, her choral ensembles have performed for such regional and national dignitaries as President George W. Bush; Kweisi Mfume; Susan Taylor; former North Carolina Governor James Hunt; Maya Angelou; Dick Gregory and Pope John Paul II, to name a few. Her exceptional and diverse vocal and choral pedagogies are continuously demonstrated through the outstanding students she has produced. As a result, Simmons-Burke has been the recipient of several teaching awards such as the Winston-Salem State University Patterson Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award (1996) and the Winston-Salem State University Cedric Rodney Service Award (2006). D'Walla is also the recipient of many community service and performance awards. Just recently she was honored by the National Women of Achievement for her national achievements in music with the "Keepers of the Dream Award".

D' Walla is listed in Outstanding Young Women of America and holds memberships in many other organizations such as the Music Educators National Conference; the American Choral Directors Association; the National Association of African American Studies; the National Association for the Study and Performance of African-American Music; The Intercollegiate Music Association (board member); the National Associations for African American, Asian, Hispanic, and Latino Studies; The Intercollegiate Musicians Association (board member); The Piedmont Opera Theatre (former board member); Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., The Moles, Inc. and The Links, Inc.

She is often sought after as a sacred music and multicultural music clinician/ lecturer and soloist. Burke has also made numerous guest appearances as a guest conductor and adjudicator for several High School and Middle School All-State and All-County festivals and collegiate choral festivals and workshops. She is married to Fred A. Burke and they have two daughters and two grandsons.

Jeremy Scott Winston-National Conductor

Jeremy Scott Winston, a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a notable musician, educator, clinician and scholar. He recently taught at University of California at Berkeley’s renowned Young Musicians’ Program in the summer of 2011. Jeremy currently serves as the Ray Charles Distinguished Chair of Sacred and Choral Music at Wilberforce University and Director of Music Ministries at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. Appointed to the distinguished chair position by former congressman, Floyd H. Flake, at the early age of twenty-four, Jeremy sought out to recreate the nation’s oldest private Historically Black College music program to become a haven for multi-talented musicians. Jeremy has taken huge strides over the past eight years of his appointment to this distinguished position. Breathing life anew into Wilberforce’s music program, Jeremy has increased enrollment of music majors over 700%, hired four world-class faculty members, put students in touch with renowned musicians including Kathleen Battle, Adolphus Hailstork, Donnie McClurkin, Roberta Flack, Rachelle Ferrell, Take6, and more. As the conductor and director of The Award-Winning Wilberforce University Choir, Jeremy has taken this ensemble to new heights. After being hailed as “The Best Collegiate Choir” and “The Best Overall Choir” by The National Association of Negro Musicians (NANM; oldest African-American music association) in October of 2005, The Choir has been in high demand throughout the country. Regularly performing in New York, NY; Baltimore, MD; Detroit, MI; Los Angeles, CA; and Las Vegas, NV; this choir is poised to begin the ‘next big thing’ in choral music. In October of 2006, Jeremy made history with the University by arranging and conducting The Choir on the title track of the major motion picture Amazing Grace with gospel vocalist, Chris Tomlin. Under Jeremy’s direction, The Wilberforce Universtity Choir has performed with opera star Angela Brown (Oakwood graduate), Wynton Marsalis, The Lincoln Jazz Orchestra, The Ohio Players, and recently performed the full production of Porgy and Bess with The Dayton Opera Company. Spreading his wings in the local community, Jeremy sits on the Board of Trustees for The Dayton Opera Company and Unified Health Solutions.

Leading the musical ministry at United Theological Seminary, Jeremy started one of a few fully certified music ministry programs in the nation. The Floyd and Elaine Flake Music Ministry program at United combines technological capabilities of online instruction with outstanding musical experiences and in-class education. In its first year, the certificate program hosted renowned composer Mrs. Carol Cymbala of The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir and scholar Dr. James Abbington, Chairman of hymn committee for the recent hymnal Total Praise.

Jeremy attended Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Vocal Performance in May 2001. Jeremy was reunited with Professor Lloyd Mallory. Under his tutelage, Jeremy had many opportunities to grow his musical talents. He served as assistant conductor of the world-renowned Oakwood College Aeolians, a traveling tenor soloist with this same choral ensemble, and as am interim choir director at the local high school, Oakwood Academy in 1999. In 1998, Jeremy took full leadership of the Aeolians during their summer session when Dr. Lloyd Mallory took ill. While completing only one year of study at Oakwood, Jeremy led the choir in concerts at Riverside SDA Church in Nashville, TN; Brinklow SDA Church in Aston, MD, and Community Praise Center in Alexandria, Virginia.

Jeremy was the recipient of the Departmental Award from the music program in 2000 and the coveted Alma Blackman Scholarship in 2001. Jeremy formed his own group that performed gospel and acapella tunes in the tradition of Take6. Jeremy graduated from Oakwood College with honorable mention in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Continuing his education at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland, Jeremy received his Master of Arts Degree in May 2003. Jeremy was a graduate assistant to master conductor, arranger and composer, Dr. Nathan Carter. As a graduate assistant, Jeremy worked alongside Dr. Carter, preparing and conducting the choir in numerous concerts and special performances. While at Morgan State University, Jeremy worked with many legendary musicians and orchestras, such as Wynton Marsalis and The Lincoln Jazz Orchestra, Kurt Masur and the Paris Symphony, Vladimir Valek and the Czech Philharmonic and Leonard Slatkin and the National Symphony Orchestra. As a tenor soloist with the Morgan State Choir, Mr. Winston performed with Raleigh Symphony Orchestra and the Baltimore Symphony.

Jeremy is married to the former Angelique Samuel of Queens, New York. They have two beautiful girls, Jordyn Sherrell and Joelle Simone Winston.

Travis W. Alexander- Concert Organist, Conductor, Pianist, Tenor

Travis W. Alexander received Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in performance from the School of Music at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Presently he serves on the music faculty at North Carolina A & T University where he teaches Piano, Music History and directs the University Choir and Chamber Singers.

Maestro recently conducted the NC A&T State University Choir in a concert performance at THE WHITE HOUSE in Washington, DC on February 26, 2011. He also was chosen to select and conduct the music for the combined choirs for the October 2011 Inauguration of the University of North Carolina State System President, Tom Ross. Also in September 2011, he served as Regional Conductor for the HBCU 105 Voices of History National Concert Choir and official concert organist for the choir’s annual concert at the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, playing the historic Aeolian Skinner Pipe Organ. He also served on the initial HBCU Conductor’s Summit Team and as a workshop facilitator for the 105 Voices of History at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Maestro Alexander has worked extensively with Maestro James Meena and Opera Carolina in concert with Denyce Graves, Mezzo-Soprano and in a production of AIDA. In October of 2007, he served as conductor for a premiere performance of musical excerpts from the Lion King at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center in Charlotte, NC. As a conductor, he has coached with Sir David Willcocks, former Organist and Master of the Choristers at King’s College, Cambridge, England. He has given organ recitals in the Long Library of the Blenheim Palace, Quedgeley Parish Church, and Bristol Cathedral in England.

Mr. Alexander is the founder of the Gethsemane Concert Choir of the historic Gethsemane AME Zion Church in Charlotte, NC which tours internationally. He has conducted choral concerts in Rome, Florence and Venice, London, Wales, Africa and Canada. He and the Gethsemane Concert Choir were presented in a joint concert/organ recital on Venice Island with the Coro Monte Peralba at the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta.

Since his brief tenure at A&T, Maestro has developed a comprehensive choral program with a repertoire that is wide and encompasses music of all styles and period. Both choral ensembles have doubled in size and perform a minimum of 20 concerts a year. Recent choral performances have been presented in NY, CT, FL, GA, SC, DC and MD. The University Choir has performed for Julian Bond, Maya Angelou, Julianne Malveaux, Susan Taylor, Rev. Jessie Jackson, Roland Martin and Douglas Miller, Donna Brazile & Charles Bowden.

Maestro is also noted as a singer and for his helden tenor quality voice. He has sung both tenor and baritone repertoire. He has performed as a singer/conductor throughout West Africa, culminating in a recital at the National Theater in Ghana. He has performed annually for Maya Angelou and the United Negro College Fund Women Who Lead Extravaganza, and given a recital in the Mozart Room at the private resort of the Von Trapp Family in Stowe, Vermont. He continues to sing for weddings, oratorio performances, and for various religious, social and civic functions.

Maestro Alexander is a member of the American Guild of Organists, American Choral Directors Association, Royal School of Church Music, Organ Historical Society, College Music Society and Music Educators National Conference. He is listed in Who’s Who Among American Educators and as Scholar All American. He is also a life member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., where he serves as Sixth District Accompanist and Basileus of the Phi Chi Chapter, where he was named Omega Man of the Year 2007.

Damon H.Dandridge-Dean of Students

Damon H. Dandridge is currently a doctoral candidate at Michagan State University where he is the conductor of the Collegiate Chorale. He previously served as Director of Choral Activities at Cheney University of Pennsylvania. He holds the Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from Florida State University and the Bachelor of Music Education degree in Choral Music/Voice from South Carolina State University. Professor Dandridge has worked with The 105 Voices of History since its inception, serving as a National Conductor in 2008. He has had the esteemed pleasure of working with some of the most influential African-American composers of our time including Brazeal W. Dennard, Roland M. Carter, Dr. André J. Thomas, and Moses G. Hogan. As an artist, Dandridge's choral arrangements have been met with worldwide acclaim. From across the United States to Korea, Australia, and Italy, his pieces have been featured at various all-state festivals and international festivals. He is a past winner of the National Association of Negro Musicians’ Brantley Spiritual Arrangement Award.

Dandridge is an active member of ACDA, NANM, Phi Mu Alpha, and Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, Inc.

Gloria Quinlan-Vocal Coach

Gloria Harrison Quinlan, a native of Houston, Texas, received the Bachelor of Music Education degree in Voice from Texas Southern University, the Master of Music in Voice from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado and the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Voice from The University of Texas at Austin. After a position as Assistant Professor of Music at Knoxville College in Knoxville, Tennessee, she was Associate Professor of Music at the University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and later served as Chair of the Music Department. She also served as Chair of the Humanities and Fine Arts Department at Huston-Tillotson University, Austin, Texas, and is currently Professor of Music, Voice/Choral and Director of the Huston-Tillotson UniversityUniversity Concert Choir.

She studied Voice with Ruth Stewart (Texas Southern University), Larry Day (Colorado State University) and the late Martha Deatherage (University of Texas), and coached with Gerard Souzay, the late Darryl Hobson-Byrd and the late David Garvey. Dr. Quinlan studied choral conducting with the late Ruthabel Rollins at TSU.

Dr. Quinlan has enjoyed success as a performer, in opera, as a soloist with ensembles, and as a recitalist, throughout the United States and the Caribbean. Significant performances include: Soprano soloist in a performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with the Caribbean Chorale and Puerto Rico Symphony; Soprano soloist with the Austin Civic Chorus and Symphonietta in a performance of the Brahms Requiem; Soprano Soloist with the Capitol City Men’s Chorus; and Soprano Soloist with the Austin Singers in a performance of the Brahms Requiem. She recently recorded with the Trombone Choir of The Butler School of Music, University of Texas at Austin. She has also performed with the Scott Joplin Orchestra of Houston, Texas.

Dr. Quinlan has received acclaim as a choral conductor. She founded the Concert Choir of the University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Her choir at Huston-Tillotson University performed for President Jimmy Carter. President George W. Bush invited the Huston-Tillotson University Choir to perform at the opening of the Texas State Museum (a performance broadcasted nationwide). Dr. Quinlan was also selected as the choir conductor for the Lady Bird Johnson funeral service. She served as Minister of Music for Ebenezer Baptist Church from 1997 to 2008. She served as a Regional Conductor for the 105 Voices of History Historically Black Colleges and Universities National Concert Choir in 2009 and 2010, and made her conducting debut at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in September, 2011, directing the 105 Voices of History. She currently serves as the Vocal Coach for the 105 Voices of History.

Her University choir performed the Duke Ellington Sacred Concert with an All Star Jazz Band in 2009 and 2010, in collaboration with the Austin Chamber Music Center. In 2009, members of her choir also appeared in a production and recording of Duke Ellington’s opera, Queenie Pie, in collaboration with the Opera Department of the Butler School of Music, University of Texas at Austin.

Honors include the Danforth Compton Fellowship, Graduate Opportunity Fellowship, and a Graduate Scholarship Award from General Conference, Seventh Day Adventist Church. She also received the Fine Arts Award as an outstanding Music Educator by the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc., Delta Beta Chapter, and the Outstanding Achievement in Fine Arts award from the National Women of Achievement, Inc. She is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, Music Educators National Conference, Texas Music Educators Conference, American Choral Directors Association and Texas Choral Directors Association. Dr. Quinlan is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Dr. Quinlan and husband Quincy Quinlan make their home in Austin, Texas with their son Mykal.

Edryn J. Coleman-Regional Conductor

Mr. Edryn J. Coleman is the Director of Choral Activities at Lincoln University. He holds a wealth of knowledge and experience in the fields of Choral Conducting and Choral Music Education respectively. Mr. Coleman, a native of Montgomery, AL, holds an undergraduate degree in Vocal Performance from Stillman College (Tuscaloosa, AL), one of the nations oldest HBCUs, and a Masters in Music Education from Florida State University (Tallahassee, FL). He is currently pursing his doctoral degree from The Shenandoah Conservatory of Music (Winchester, VA) in Music Education.

Mr. Coleman has numerous years of experience in music education. He has worked with choral students from kindergarten to college. Mr. Coleman is recognized for his numerous guest conducting appearances. He has conducted over sixteen honor choirs across the states of Maryland and Virginia. In addition to his guest conductor vitae, Mr. Coleman has presented numerous workshops for MENC, NANM, and various school districts on choral music topics such as sight-singing, and repertoire selection.

While in the public school system, Mr. Coleman served in many leadership roles in the Maryland Music Educators Association of MENC. Before leaving Maryland, Mr. Coleman was voted President-Elect of this esteemed body of Music Educators. He also served as the membership chair for the Maryland Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association. An organization dedicated to the teaching and preserving of choral music.

Gone Too Soon: Professor Marcellus Brooks

2012-01-25T21:00:00.001-06:00

On January 21, 2012, I announced on air the passing of Fisk's beloved Professor Marcellus Brooks on Living Your Best Life radio show. Texters and emailers from North Carolina to California expressed disbelief and sadness long after the show was over. I called his wife, Lula, to tell her one story after another about her husband that was shared with me by former students near and far, fraternity brothers, and members of the community.

Many students shared how Professor Brooks impacted their lives in profound and lasting ways. His students talked about their diversity and culturally infused hands on lessons taught by their respected teacher and mentor. One former student said, "Professor Brooks would breath life into lessons by taking us out of the classroom. His teaching exposed me to many culture experiences that have remained with me 20 plus years later."

Professor Brooks was not only a strong, positive influence in the lives of his students but he embodied servant leadership in every way in the Nashville community. An Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity brother said, "He lead by example. Always."

Professor Brooks lived life to the fullest and will be missed dearly by his loving wife, Lula, and son, Marcellus, his relatives and close friends, his church family, the Nashville community and his students that he taught with passion and zeal.(Obituary below.)

Gone Too Soon: Professor Marcellus Brooks

Marcellus Brooks was born on June 24, 1941 to Roosevelt Brooks and Beatrice Hibbler Brooks, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded by two sisters, Martha Disroe and Katie Brooks. He is survived by his spouse of 38 years, Lula Vaughn Brooks, son, Marcellus Vaughn Brooks, two sisters, Elnora Hill and Corean Jackson, numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws. He is also survived by his "brother from another mother", and main "road dog", Lucius Turner Outlaw, Jr.

Marcellus was graduated with honors from Hamilton High School of Memphis in 1960 and from Fisk University in 1964 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He earned a Master of Arts degree from The University of New York in conjunction with the University of Madrid.

Marcellus spent his entire professional career at Fisk University, where his most recent assignment was Assistant Professor of Spanish. Prior to curtailing his activities at Fisk, he served as Chair of the Modern Language Department and Director of the Division of Humanities and Fine Arts. He also served for many years as University Marshall. Marcellus originated what is now the Fisk Study Abroad Program in 1974 when he took a group of students to Mexico City during the "Interim Period" of the 4-1-4 semester plan. Since that time, he has taken students to Africa, the Dominican Republic, South America, Egypt, Italy, and for the past few years he and his students have spent a summer semester at Estudio Sampere in Salamanca, Spain.

Marcellus was also very involved in the community at large. He was a founder of Metropolitan Interdenominational Church. He helped to establish the North Edgefield Organized Neighbors (NEON) in his community and served as Board Chair. He also served as Cub Master for a Cub Scout troop at NEON. He was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, The Agora Assembly, the Optimist Club, The Nashville Sons of Africa, and the Meharry, Fisk and TSU Faculty Breakfast Club.

Special thanks to Dr. William C. Penley of Tennessee Oncology and the entire staff of 6 Stringfield at Baptist Hospital.

Visitation, Sunday, 1:00 P.M., January 29, 2012 at the Fisk Memorial Chapel. Alpha Phi Alpha Omega Service 1:45 P.M. Celebration of Life 2:00 P.M. A repast will follow at Metropolitan Interdenominational Church at 4:00 P.M.

Photo credit: Lou Outlaw

When Cavemen Learn to Use The Computer...They Usually Send Sexist Emails

2012-01-23T14:20:00.000-06:00

I have written several posts about emails that can leave stains on a city, an institution, an organization and a person’s character. An email sent without regards to the consequences usually reveals much about the ignorance of the sender. Emails with contents immersed in racism or sexism can be the most damaging to a sender’s reputation.

Past emails bursting with racism sent by individuals in the Nashville area have all made national headlines. Where one form of “ism” exists, there are others, simmering in the same pot of shame. Recently, a Metro Nashville Public School (MNPS) male supervisor sent an email to female subordinates that has gone viral. In the food service department, the female to male ratio is 9 to 1. An email with a cartoon depicting a caveman telling another caveman that he has decided to teach the woman to talk and asking “what harm can it do?” is not funny. Period. With the caption above the cartoon titled, “The Original Sin”, one wonders will folks ever learn.

I contacted several MNPS food service staff members at area schools to ask them about their work environment which the email made me question right away. No one wanted to go on record for fear of losing their jobs but all agreed that email that I read was a glimpse behind the drawn shades of a school system that has become synonymous with devaluing its support staff like the janitors and bus drivers.

Hopefully, this post will encourage Dr. Register, director of Metro Schools, to round up all the cavemen at MNPS and teach them what actual harm an “ism” email can cause when the send button is hit without regards to consequences.

Joseph W. Walker III and Stephaine Walker and Eddie and Tamara George on Living Your Best Life Radio Show

2012-01-14T07:20:00.000-06:00

Join Living Your Best Life in partnership with Hope For Women Magazine as we help 2012 be YOUR year to live a healthier life. As many discuss weight loss resolutions at the beginning of the new year that go by the “waist” side by the second week of January, we are encouraging our listeners and readers to focus on the mind, body, and spirit all year long.

Living Your Best Life is a show that "empowers, inspires and motivates you to live your best life". It can be heard on 760AM The Gospel in the Nashville-Middle Tennessee Region, Inspiration Network, military bases and streams worldwide on Ustream.TV from 9-10AM CST.

On Saturday, January 14, 2012 couples authors, Joseph W. Walker III and Stephaine Walker and Eddie and Tamara George, will discuss how to have a healthier relationship with your spouse. They will draw from their personal lives and share how God is using them to impact others to live an enriching, fulfilling and purposeful life.

More About The Walkers

Dr. Joseph W. Walker lll is Bishop of 25,000-member, Mount Zion Baptist Church in Nashville. A notable media presence, Bishop Walker appears on six weekly television broadcasts and a daily radio ministry airing across the country on the Impact Network, TBN, and 760 The Gospel. He is author of several books including Love and Intimacy: Five Ways to Get Together and Date with Destiny: Find the Love You Need.

Dr. Stephaine Hale Walker is Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Clinical neonatologist at Vanderbilt Children’ Hospital in Nashville. Dr. Walker is founder of Full Circle Health Community Coalition, created to help improve health conditions for at risk-individuals.

The Walkers are also founders of the Dr. Joseph and Dr. Stephanie Walker Foundation .

Becoming a Couple of Destiny

How can you be more together than either of you are on your own? In this powerful new book Joseph Walker and his wife, Stephaine Walker, share their stories of becoming a couple who are not only happily married but also committed to doing and being all God calls them to be. This is not just a love story, but a story of living and growing together. As you share in their journey, the authors encourage you to have more and be more through a godly relationship. Here you will see how choosing to wait upon the Lord and seek His plan first will lead you toward fulfillment and your true purpose.

More About The Georges

Eddie George’s NFL career included four Pro Bowl appearances, first-team All-Pro selection in 2000, two Super Bowl touchdowns and more than 10,000 yards rushing. He is the all-time leading rusher in Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans franchise history. In addition, Eddie won the Heisman Trophy while at Ohio State University. In 2011, Eddie was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Eddie’s companies include EGX Lifestyle, working to help people develop healthy lives, and EDGE, the planning and design firm helping create healthy communities. Eddie is also pursuing endeavors in the entertainment world. He recently shot a film scheduled for release in 2012 and he has established Actors By George!, a theater company based in Nashville. Currently, Eddie is playing Caesar in the play Julius Caesar. He received a Master of Business Administration from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. For more on Eddie visit www.eddiegeorge.com.

Tamara “Taj” Johnson-George is a singer, actress and author. Best known as one-third of the multi-platinum selling R&B group Sisters With Voices (SWV), the Grammy-nominated singer co-wrote a number of SWV songs, including “Right Here,” “It's About Time,” and the Top 5 hit “You're the One.” Tamara is also known for having competed on the CBS hit reality show SURVIVOR in the 2009 season "Survivor 18: Tocantins — The Brazilian Highlands," on which she was voted a fan favorite. In July, 2008, she published her first book, Player HateHer: How to Avoid The Beat Down and Live in a Drama Free World (Amistad/Harper Collins), which she co-wrote with her best friend, Katrina Chambers. Tamara holds a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from Belmont University. For more on Tamara visit www.tajgeorge.com.

Married For Real

In Married for Real: Building a Loving, Powerful Life Together, Eddie and Tamara will mentor and guide readers to a more successful marriage. Using their own personal stories as examples, each chapter illustrates a typical situation that every couple faces, including: money, sex, power, spending quality time together, faithfulness and getting over hurts from former relationships. For each situation Eddie and Tamara give their individual perspective and then, together, address how that situation can deepen your relationship and help you grow as a couple. The principles illustrated in this book have helped them build a strong, fulfilling relationship; they can help you too.

TEXT INSPIRE to 99000 for a chance to win autographed copies of the authors' books and a chance to hear both couples speak on Saturday, February 25, 2012 from 11:30-1:00 at Cool Springs Marriott in Franklin, Tennessee at the 5th Annual Literary Luncheon of Les Gemmes, Inc. All proceeds from sale of the tickets benefit "Lighting The Path For Girls", a mentoring program for girl tweens & teens.

Tickets maybe purchased at The College Crib, 760AM The Gospel, and The Tribune office for $50.
No tickets will be sold at the door.
Limited seating.

Sundays with The Nashville Sunday Jazz Band

2012-01-08T15:02:00.002-06:00

My friend Ellen asked me several times last year, “What are you doing on Sunday evenings? If you are not working, I would love for you to come hear a great jazz band.” Knowing I had one thing or another on my schedule, I made a commitment to come at some point. After many attempts, I was finally able to get a Sunday free.

What I thought was an invitation to hear a great jazz band turned out to be an invitation to not only hear a great band but to become part of a closely knitted group of loyal jazz lovers who felt more like family.

The Nashville Sunday Jazz Band performs regularly at the restaurant Eat located in the Lowes Vanderbilt Hotel on Sunday nights from 5-8. The band started by the late trombonist Louis Brown is considered a Nashville institution and has been performing traditional jazz and swing on Sunday evenings since 1991. The band has moved from one venue to another but with the help of a very devoted group of regular attendees, the band formerly known as The Original Nashville Sunday Afternoon Jazz Band has been playing at its current location for the last several years.

My first visit was unannounced. I popped into Eat with a friendly hello to the surprise and delight of Ellen. She quickly introduced me to several individuals who embraced me warmly. After initial greetings, I began to recognize a few folks whom I knew from other encounters. As I was seated at an end table, I was handed a pristine white cloth by a young woman named Gale.

“This will help you get into the swing” Gale told me as she made sure I was okay. Two songs later, I understood exactly what she meant. When the band started playing an old favorite of the crowd, everyone began waving their cloths and singing along.

“My, my, what do we have here? This swing is contagious.” I mused to myself with a small chuckle. Reaching for my always present camera, I knew pictures would be able to tell this story better than I could ever write it. As I snapped away, the surprises kept coming.

Gale reached over and pulled an item from her bag. Like magic, an elaborate parasol opened, and Gale started a second line around the room as the band kicked up the sound two notches. As if on cue, others joined in twirling their parasols. They were second lining as if Lowes Vanderbilt Plaza borrowed the French Quarter from the streets of New Orleans. Not one to miss a good second line when I can, I marched, whirled and twirled with the best second liners in Nashville. When the song ended and the band took a break, I sat down delighted but breathlessly as if I had run a country mile. When Ellen whispered to me that Gale was 93 and was just getting started for the night, I was speechless for a few seconds. Determined to keep up with dancers, I took a gulp of water and got ready to follow Gale’s lead. What a night!

When the band stopped playing at exactly eight, I had become an official member of the fan club of the Nashville Sunday Jazz Band.

The cover charge is $10. Eat's menu is great and reasonably priced. And Gale leads the line every time.
(See ya there!)

Dr. Thomas Williams on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

2012-01-07T07:36:00.004-06:00

Join Living Your Best Life in partnership with Hope For Women Magazine as we help 2012 be YOUR year for a healthier lifestyle. As many discuss weight loss resolutions at the start of the new year that go by the “waist” side by the second week of January, we are going to help our listeners and readers try to stay focused by covering health issues that will cover the body, mind, and spirit year round.

On January 7, 2012, we will discuss an over often overlooked health issue, our oral healthcare. Dr. Thomas Williams, DDS, a new contributor to the show, will share his expertise and educate us on the importance of maintaining healthy oral habits. He will give us the latest in the healthcare technology as it relates to the practice of dentistry. Dr. Williams will address why so many fear going to the dentist and how he keeps his patients relaxed and stress free during visits.

Dr. Williams will also share about his life away from his dental practice. A serial volunteer and an avid sport enthusiast, we hear how about Dr. Williams love of family, his community, and ALL things Titans.

Genma Holmes has been documenting her visits to his office since 2010.

Living Your Best Life can be heard in the Nashville-Middle Tennessee Area on www.760thegospel.com from 9-10am CST, on Inspiration Networks, military bases and Ustream.TV world wide.

More About Dr. Williams
Dr. Williams has a long history of helping others in many capacities beyond dentistry. He is a native of Nashville where his father, Dr. Robert Williams, practiced dentistry for over forty years.

He attended Johnson C. Smith University in North Carolina for his undergraduate studies and attended Meharry Dental College. After graduation from Meharry in 1999, Dr. Williams joined his father’s practice for several years before opening Premier Dental in 2006.

Premier Dental offers general dentistry with a caring staff and uses state of the art equipment. Services range from teeth cleanings, white fillings, crown and bridgework, root canals, extractions, implants, and partials/dentures. Dr. Williams is especially gifted in cosmetic work to transform your smile to THE one you have always wanted!

Dr. Williams is affiliated with the following organizations:

National Dental Association
Pan Tennessee Dental Association: President
Capital City Dental Association: Past President
Better Business Bureau
Middle Tennessee Football Officials Association
National Football League Auxiliary Official

And, if you are a Titans fan, you just might spot him on the sidelines as one of the “chain gang” that are there for all home games!

Text INSPIRE and your dental questions or concerns you may have for Dr. Williams to 99000.

Merry Christmas Catherine Ramsey

2011-12-25T21:28:00.000-06:00

As Ms. Santa, I get wish lists and special requests from children all during the holiday season. Over the years, the requests have not all been about receiving toys at Christmas time. Children often share their hopes, dreams, and wishes for others and ask for reassurance that all will be right in the upcoming year.

As Ms. Santa, I am not just a giver of gifts but also an encourager-in-chief. Wishes and dreams shared with me are taken to heart.

Children are not the only ones who share their hopes, dreams and wishes with me; adults make wishes and special requests that are equally as charming and memorable. I have been asked to drop off presents to friends in the hospital, visit an elderly parent at a nursing home, and deliver a meal to a new mommy. The smiles (and sometimes looks of disbelief) on the faces of people I see elicit chuckles and roars of laughter from the folks who sent me. Everyone ends up with a Christmas memory to share over and over for years to come. This year, a small request from Catherine (Cathy) Ramsey created a memory that will stay with me long after the trees and lights have been put away.

Cathy and I are in a small book club together. Other members of the clubs are Diane, Jackie, Joyce, Pat, and Vernon. We began reading books over the summer and now meet once a month over dinner to discuss our views and opinions about our reading selections. Our books have taken us on journeys to the Jim Crow South, the backwoods of Virginia, the inner city of Baltimore, the Middle East, New York City, and Cuba. Our mutual distaste for drama and love of reading and traveling seem to be the common thread that runs among this group of diverse personalities.

At one meeting, Cathy shared a desire to share her love of reading with a group of girls. “It has always been a longing of mine to give girls books to encourage them to read. I want them to learn to love reading. I want to give them books without any strings attached. I want to share my story about how I learned to love reading”, Cathy said wishfully as she continued to talk about her long held dream. “Wouldn’t that be neat to do for Christmas?” she asked the group with determination.

I was not surprised that Cathy, a lifelong educator, wanted to help young girls to learn the joy of reading. Her passion was heard clearly through her soft tones. “This is something I have dreamed about for a long time,” she said as her voice trailed off while still smiling.

As the group dispersed to various corners of town after our book club meeting, Cathy’s smiling face stayed with me. Hearing her enduring wish that will have a profound effect on young readers for years to come left me agitated with excitement and anticipation.

By the time I made it home, Joyce had already texted suggestions for us to consider. Within a few days, a Girl Scouts Troop in the Edgehill area was chosen to receive the books. Naturally, I volunteered to wear my finest Ms. Santa suit. When Cathy asked if I would also read a few stories to the girls, I agreed without hesitation. For reading and Ms. Santa go together like gift wrap and bows.

The group agreed to keep everything sweet and simple. Cookies and cocoa would be served for refreshments. Jackie, Vernon, Diane, and Pat bought books, prizes for games, and Christmas décor to make our time with the girls festive. There was no committee meeting to determine who was going to do what. Everyone simply served with heart and soul.

On Wednesday, December 15, with my favorite Christmas stories and Santa figure in hand along with my freshly pressed suit, I met the rest of the book club members at the center.

Upon entering the room, there was ample proof that this party was being thrown by reading enthusiasts. Books for different ages were stacked front and center. The titles seemed to jump off the covers! The books reflected the personalities in the book club. Books about adventures and travel to other countries were plentiful. Books about instilling confidence in young girls were also in abundance along with timeless Christmas stories. And to my delight, one about bugs was included! These books were chosen to capture the imagination of girls.

At ten before five, Cathy gave us a signal that the girls were on their way. With a quick sweep of the room by club members and a few adjustments to my Christmas cape, everyone was ready. With a dramatic swing of the doors, in walked several Brownies and one tiny Daisy from Troop 5082. The girls were curious about the visitors at their troop meeting. As the girls were greeted by club members with hellos and smiles, Ms. Santa gave out hugs. Little faces filled with curiosity were replaced with oohs and ahs as they touched my red suit.

Our meeting was quickly brought to order when Cathy effortlessly put on her educator’s hat. She had dreamed of this day for a long time, and it was obvious she was ready. She walked to the front of the room and told the smiling faces that she wanted to give them books and had been anticipating meeting them. Cathy shared her love of reading and expressed her desire for them to learn to love reading. After we were introduced, Cathy asked each girl to share a personal tidbit. With some shyness, every girl gave her name and the name of the school she attended.

After the introductions, Cathy cued me to start reading. With all the drama of an overlooked Oscar nod, I gave my best reading performance to date. With animated hands and changes in voice to match the story characters, I read one of my favorite stories to the girls, “I’ve Seen Santa”. As I read, Cathy watched with twinkling eyes. With each turn of the pages of my book, the girls waited eagerly to hear what came next in the story. This was to Cathy’s delight who saw what she wished and expressed several weeks ago come to life.

When the story ended with thunderous applause and laughter from everyone, we could see that the seeds had been planted to enjoy reading. After story time, Cathy escorted the girls to the table to choose books that appealed to them. They looked over the titles carefully and excitingly picked books that fit their personalities. Some even started reading right away. With books in hand, they snacked and discussed their choices with each other. There was endless chatter about reading. However, no smile was bigger or brighter than Cathy’s.

As our time together came to a close, there was no way one could miss Cathy’s glowing face. It was very obvious that Cathy was having one of her very best Christmases. Her sweet and simple request helped create memories for everyone present. Cathy’s sharing her passion for reading was a spark that will ignite and burn brightly for years to come. The girls left with gifts that will not disappear after the tree and lights have been put away. Cathy also left with a gift—a wish fulfilled, and she thanked club members profusely.
As I drove off into the night to my part of town, I repeated several times, “Merry Christmas, Catharine Ramsey. Merry Christmas.”

The Tolk Family on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

2011-12-24T08:16:00.002-06:00

Thank you for continuing to join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes during the month of December. We are hearing amazing stories of faith that will "empower, inspire, and motivate you to live your best life". Hear powerful individuals with diverse backgrounds from around the country share how their faith have shaped their lives as well others.

Tune in as we hear how they have soared and taken others with them. We will also hear how they have overcome personal struggles that affected their leadership and personal lives. Living Your Best Life can be heard every Saturday on 760 AM in the Nashville-Middle Tennessee region and on worldwide on Ustream.TV from 9-10AM CST.

Join us on Christmas Eve for a very special show with the Tolk Family. Hear from Tennessee's Music Teach of the Year and Tolk family matriarch, Marilyn Tolk; her son, pianist, composer and legal eagle, David Tolk; and her son-in-law, renown painter, sculptor and children author, J. Kirk Richards. Hear each of them share about their deep faith and staying grounded while in the spotlight. Listen as they share about their individual lives and how they draw strength from each other. This show promises to empower, inspire, and motivate one to live a better life as we look forward to the upcoming New Year.

More About the Tolk Family:

David Tolk

A gentleman unafraid to admit his mother's influence in his life, David H. Tolk is a pianist and keyboardist highly esteemed by his peers. The son of a mother who is a graduate of the Juilliard School of Music and a father with a doctorate in Physics, Tolk was exposed to an academic environment that included piano instruction by his mother. Talented enough to be a musician for a living, he instead chooses to balance a dual career as lawyer and musician. He admits enjoying both. “I very much enjoy combining a career in music with a career as an attorney. These two fields have blended quite well to create a wonderful harmony in my life," Tolk says in an online interview. “People always ask when I will give up being an attorney to pursue music full time. My music is a reflection of my life, my travels, my family and my experiences. I will continue to seek to maintain a balance among all of those different areas."

Finding a harmonious balance between his careers and his family is an important part of his life's melody. Married to Lisa, David has two daughters and one son. Apparently he's successful in achieving the balance as artists he's worked with describe him as a classy guy. Independent recording artist Peter Breinholt says that Tolk has “unreal" musicianship, “but it's been his personality that has endeared the band (Big Parade) and the audience the most to him. He's a huge part of what we do now, and his wit and integrity are part of why he's been able to have success with his own albums, I think."“As a person," says Colors member Russ Dixon, “David is one of the most sincere individuals I know." Tolk plays piano, synthesizers and acoustic guitar in the band Big Parade, his studio work and on his own albums; but the piano is his first love. His mother's influence included intensive exposure to classical masters and his compositions reflect this as they are a blend of New Age and Contemporary Instrumental genres.

Davids' educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from Brigham Young University, and a degree in law from the University of Utah. As of 2002, he and his family made their home in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains near Salt Lake City, Utah.
www.davidtolk.com

J. Kirk Richards

Figurative artist J. Kirk Richards is becoming increasingly known for his accomplishments as a painter of Judeo-Christian themes. While not all of his paintings are overtly religious, the majority of his themes stem from spiritual ideas and narratives. He continues to work in a surprising variety of styles, but most of his paintings exhibit a love for the human figure, general use of symbolism and metaphor, and an emphasis on lyric composition.

Kirk is the fourth of eight musical children. He attributes much of his love for the arts to an early emphasis on musical training in the home. As a teen, his interests turned from music to visual arts. He took private lessons from artist Clayton Williams to supplement his public school studies. Upon graduation, Richards was accepted into the B.Y.U. art program where he studied with artists Bruce Smith, Hagen Haltern, Gary Barton, James Christensen, Wulf Barsch, Joe Ostraff, and others.

Kirk took a break from University studies to briefly apprentice with Swiss-born symbolist Patrick Devonas. Richards attributes his learning of classical realist skills to the instruction he received from Devonas in Princeton, New Jersey.
www.jkirkrichards.com

Marilyn Tolk

Marilyn Tolk, 2011 Tennessee Music Teachers Association's Music Teacher of the Year, was born in Canada and at age twenty-one moved to New York City to attend the Juilliard School of Music where she studied with Irwin Freundlich and Adele Marcus. She also received a degree in music education from Teachers College at Columbia University. She taught briefly at the New York Institute for the Blind in the Bronx, and then moved to Mendham, New Jersey where she performed and taught for sixteen years. In 1984, she moved to her current home in Nashville, TN.

Her students have received many superior ratings in local and state TMTA auditions, in addition to awards in Federation, Guild, and Clavierfest. She was one of the founders of the Nashville Piano Achievement Competition and served as its President for ten years. Several of her students have gone on to major in music. She has served as an adjudicator for Federation, NAMTA, Winterfest and Guild.

Marilyn is also a composer, arranger, organist and choral conductor. She has recently taken up the art of storytelling, which has become an inspirational vehicle for sharing her love of music and of life. Marilyn is celebrating her 50th Anniversary this year to Vanderbilt Physics Professor, Norm Tolk.
For more info about Marilyn Tolk click here and here

Eliza Donahue Shares her Family's Adoption Journey on Living Your Best Life

2011-12-17T07:04:00.000-06:00

Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes during the month of December as we hear stories of faith that will "empower, inspire, and motivate you to live your best life". Hear powerful individuals with diverse backgrounds from around the country share how their faith have shaped their lives as well others.

Tune in as we hear how they have soared and taken others with them. We will also hear how they have overcome personal struggles that affected their leadership and personal lives. Living Your Best Life can be heard every Saturday on 760 AM in the Nashville-Middle Tennessee region and on worldwide on Ustream.TV from 9-10AM CST.

On Saturday, December 17, 2011, we will hear eleven year old Eliza Donahue and her journey to help adopt a sibling from Haiti. Hear how she was spiritually impacted and her family lives altered by the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti on January 12, 2010. She will share how she helped family friends Mike and Missy Wilson who soon to be adopted daughter Tia was in an orphanage the day of the earthquake. Without being asked, Eliza counted all her money and gave it to the Wilsons to help them bring Tia home. Her decision to give her all to help the Wilsons put Eliza on the path to travel to Haiti herself. This powerful story from an eleven year old will leave you empowered, inspired, and motivated to look deeply within our hearts and beyond our borders to find a calling in life.

More about Eliza Donahue's Journey

The months following the earthquake, after Tia and her sister, Naika, were safely in the U.S., Eliza began asking to go to Haiti herself. She wanted to see Haiti in person and meet the children from the Creche run by Dr. Joseph Bernard and New Life Link. Because of the Wilson family, Eliza had grown to love the children of Haiti deeply even though she had not been to the orphanage. She persistently talked to her parents about going to Haiti. For Christmas, instead of asking for presents typical of tweens, Eliza asked to go to Haiti. At that point, her parents knew this was not a phase; their daughter was determined to go to Haiti.

Eliza received a certificate for Christmas giving her the opportunity to go to Haiti, but she would have to raise the funds. Without hesitation, Eliza began to raise funds through a letter writing campaign themed, "I have a Heart for Haiti". She raised the necessary funds through generous donations from friends and family. In July of 2011, Eliza and her mom, Laura, traveled to Haiti.

To say that the experience changed both of them would be a huge understatement. It was transforming; heart, mind and soul! Eliza was so touched by the children and people of Haiti that she was asking to adopt a sibling even before leaving Haiti.

Upon returning from Haiti, Eliza (and Mom) gathered the family and asked everyone to consider adopting from Haiti. Because of the family's experience with Mike and Missy Wilson, Haiti held a close place in each person's heart even though not everyone had traveled there. After a month of praying, discussing and praying some more, the family all agreed that the Lord was calling them to adopt.

Isaiah prophesied that "a little child will lead them"... and so Eliza has listened to the voice of the Lord and has led her family on the journey of adoption.

To read more about the family's journey and to help contribute to their adoption click Here

Eliza is the youngest of four. Her older siblings are Baker, 16, and 13 year old twins, Brennan and Cara.

Author and Speaker Regina Prude on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

2011-12-10T06:40:00.000-06:00

Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes during the month of December as we hear stories of faith that will "empower, inspire, and motivate you to live your best life". Hear powerful individuals with diverse backgrounds from around the country share how their faith have shaped their lives as well others.

Tune in as we hear how they have soared and taken others with them. We will also hear how they have overcome personal struggles that affected their leadership and personal lives .Living Your Best Life can be heard every Saturday on 760AM in the Nashville-Middle Tennessee region and on worldwide on Ustream.TV from 9-10AM CST.

On Saturday, December 10, 2011, Genma will be joined by the speaker, author, syndicated columnist and business woman Regina M. Prude. Hear about her extraordinary life as a partner in the ministry with her husband, Dr, Floyd Prude Jr., and the challenges, spiritual and emotionally, that came with his unexpected passing in 2009. Her message of overcoming and fighting the good fight promises to leave you empowered, inspired and motivated.

About Regina Prude
For over thirty-six years, she served as First Lady of Emmanuel Baptist Church, of Beloit, Wisconsin, where her late husband, Dr. Floyd Prude, Jr., was Senior Pastor. She provided “behind the scenes” leadership and support, serving in ministries such as Christian Education, Stewardship and Evangelism. She was also founded and facilitated a prayer and support ministry, Titus II Women's Ministry.

She has been invited to speak at women’s events at many churches and faith-based organizations' events around the country and worldwide like Wisconsin General Baptist State Convention and the Sovereign Grace Bible Conference. In August 2010, she lectured in Mannheim, Germany, for the German Baptist Association. In January 2010, she delivered the King Convocation message at Beloit College (Wisconsin), a school often called the “Yale of the Midwest.”

As an inspirational writer, she has been a contributor to the devotional magazine, “Alive, Now!,” published by The United Methodist Publishing Board. Her weekly syndicated newspaper column, “Everyday Joy,” appears in several publications across the country, including The Madison Times and The Chronicle in Wisconsin, The Tennessee Tribune, and in Maryland and New York publications. While living in Wisconsin, she hosted a weekly inspirational radio program.

As an overcomer, she has relied upon the power of God, her personal faith and the power of prayer after being diagnosed in 2001 with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. The results has been a miraculous miracle of healing which she continues to proclaim! In Regina's upcoming book, Zero Fear, she will share about her victory over illness and her steadfast belief that healing scriptures and her joy in Christ (along with her doctors) helped her defeat the disease.

In addition to her speaking and writing, Regina is the founder, President and CEO of NEW DIRECTIONS Management Services, Incorporated, a small business she established in 1983. In that role, she has provided oversight for the diversity consulting and management training services offered to clients. She has managed contracts awarded by federal agencies, including the U. S Departments of Defense, Energy, Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency. For the U. S. Department of the Army, she directed a Minority Student Internship Program, which placed over 50 students from Historically Black colleges and universities into Defense internships.

In August, 2010, she relocated from Wisconsin to Nashville, Tennessee.

Text INSPIRE to 99000 to win a copy of Dr. Floyd Prude Jr.'s Book Lessons From The Prophets: Elijah, Jeremiah & Elisha [Kindle Edition] Vol 1 : or to ask a question or share comments.

We will also be giving away copies of Belmont University Christmas CD

Impact Church on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

2011-12-03T07:23:00.000-06:00

Founded January 2007, Impact Church is a multicultural gathering of people who come together regularly with one common purpose--to share the love of Christ. Throughout their journey, they have impacted schools, community organizations, and the lives of countless individuals. They have been committed to making a global impact by sticking to the basics and taking the "churchiness" out of church.

Impact Church was recently featured on CNN for allowing members to text in church and having social media infused services. Hear how the church leaders have embraced technology and uses it throughout their ministry to grow their church and to connect with the “unchurch”.

Olu Brown is the founder and lead pastor of Impact Church. He is married to Farrah Brown and they are the proud parents of Daya Brown. A native of Texas, Olu graduated from The Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta and was Associate Pastor at Cascade United Methodist Church for six years prior to starting Impact Church. Pastor Olu can be contacted at olubrown@impactdcd.org.

Sunday Worship Experiences are held in Brown Middle School, 765 Peeples Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30310. The church can be contacted by phone at 404-577-2826

Looking for a gift idea for the holidays? Impact Church has a wonderful Christmas CD and published book by Pastor Olu Brown titled “Zero to 80”. Living Your Best Life is giving away ten sets of the Book and CD. Text INSPIRE to 99000.

Fran Zinder, Joy Mckenzie, and Charlotta Janssen on Living Your Best Life Radio Show

2011-10-29T05:27:00.013-05:00

Living Your Best Life Radio Show with Genma Holmes celebrates Artober Nashville with the Frist Center. Tune in as we shine the spotlight on art, culture, community and the Frist Center’s leadership that "inspire people through art to look at their world in new ways." Each week, we will hear from individuals who will share how the Frist Center carries out its mission to present and originate high quality exhibitions with related educational programs and community outreach that have been recognized throughout Middle Tennessee, nationally, and around the world.

Living Your Best Life Radio Show can be heard on 880 AM from 10am-12noon CST in the Nashville-Middle Tennessee Area or on UStream.TV worldwide.

Join us Saturday, October 29, 2011 as we meet two fascinating and adventurous teachers, Fran Zinder and Joy McKenzie, who spent part of their summer vacation teaching students enrolled in SMART Moves (Skills Mastery and Resistance Training), a six-week summer program for kids at risk, designed to broaden their experiences and to help them in decision-making. Fran Zinder, an art teacher at Apollo Junior High School, and Joy McKenzie, a Professor at Watkins College of Art, Design, and Film, will share about their summer adventure with Apollo's teens that included a trip to the Frist Center to examine the work of photographer Vesna Pavlovic'. To learn more about their collaborative work with the teens click here.

Charlotta Janssen

We will also hear from artist Charlotta Janssen. Ms. Janssen's, Threads of a Story: History Inspiring Art, opened in Nashville on June 18, 2011 at the Nashville Public Library. Hear how the Freedom Riders mug shots (normally a sign of shame and criminality) inspired Janssen to work for a year and a half to tell their story of epic courage with paint, rust, and collages. Jannseen work has received great reviews in Nashville and is featured on Oprah.com.

To purchase copies of prints or giclees from this exhibit go here.

On Saturday, November 5, 2011, the Nashville chapter of the NAACP will host its annual Freedom Fund Gala fundraiser. This year, 11 Freedom Riders from the Nashville area will be honored by the NAACP for their bravery and enduring hardships that paved the way for desegregated travel in America.

Five other influential individuals from this time period are also being honored; Mr. George Barrett, Justice A. A. Birch, Jr. (posthumously), Rev. Dr. James Lawson, Mr. John Seigenthaler, Sr., Rev. Dr. Kelly Miller Smith, Sr. (posthumously). For more information about the event, contact 615-414-0618.

Michael McBride and Michael Brechner on Living Your Best Life Radio Show

2011-10-22T03:44:00.025-05:00

Living Your Best Life Show with Genma Holmes celebrates Artober Nashville with the Frist Center. Tune in as we shine the spotlight on art, culture, community and the Frist Center’s leadership that "inspire people through art to look at their world in new ways." Each week, we will hear from individuals who will share how the Frist Center carries out its mission to present and originate high quality exhibitions with related educational programs and community outreach that have been recognized throughout Middle Tennessee, nationally, and around the world.

On Saturday, October 22, 2011 we will be joined by renown artist, educator, and a member of the Frist Center Board of Trustees, Michael McBride and Director of Design & Operations for the Frist Center, Michael Brechner. Michael McBride will share how his background as an artist and an educator help guides the vision and mission of the Frist Center. Michael Brechner will take us behind the scenes and share about the implementation of an exhibit at the Frist Center. He will share details about the Frist Center exhibits that are not found in the pages of an exhibition guide.

In the Nashville-Middle Tennessee region, Living Your Best Life Radio can be heard live on 880AM and on Ustream.TV worldwide from 10am-12pm CST.

Michael McBride

Michael J. McBride, a native Tennessean, earned his undergraduate degree in art, from Tennessee State University and his graduate degree in painting from Illinois State University, where he credits Dr. Harold Gregor with providing a world class artistic mentorship. Currently, he is an instructor of art at Tennessee State University. McBride has also taught at Watkins College of Art and Design and Film school. McBride's commitment to the Nashville art world's future has always been at the forefront of his own career.

McBride has been the lead artist on many community-based projects in Nashville like the Sister Cities Mural Projects as well as Nashville International Airport's Arts in the Airport program. In addition to serving as a Trustee for the Frist Center, McBride also serves on the Board of Family and Children Services.

McBride's work was featured in Visions of My People: Sixty-years of African American art in Tennessee, an exhibit organized by the Tennessee State Museum. One of his pieces is part of their permanent collection. He was one of twelve Nashville artists selected by The Tennessean newspaper for inclusion in the Millennium 2000 Collection, a signal honor. McBride was was also chosen for Side by Side Sister Cities exhibition with Belfast, Northern Ireland. This exhibition featured 17 artists from Nashville and 17 artists from Ireland. In the summer of 2005, McBride completed a ten weeks artist in residence program in Bermuda with the Master Works Museum of Bermuda Art. His current body of work titled “Too Black Too Fast” is a traveling exhibition of art about African-American jockeys and trainers. McBride’s work is included in both private and corporate collections in the US and abroad. His work has been featured on television sitcoms, such as "Living Single", "The Wayans Bros. Show", and "The Jamie Foxx Show". McBride has also illustrated children's books and book covers for several publishing groups. To see more of Michael McBride's work click here and here .

Michael Brechner

Michael Brechner is the Director of Design & Operations at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts. Mr. Brechner joined the Frist Center staff in 2004 as the Exhibition Designer. He has over 30 years of museum exhibition design experience. Before coming to Nashville, he was employed as the Chief Designer of the Cincinnati Art Museum. He has also served as the head of the design and installation departments at The Speed Art Museum (Louisville, KY), and the University of Kentucky Art Museum (Lexington, KY).

A Divine Light: Northern Renaissance Paintings from Bob Jones University Museum & Gallery; Tracey Snelling: Woman on the Run; Maria Magdalena Compos-Pons: Journeys; The Quest for Immortality: Treasures of Ancient Egypt; Lyrical Traditions: Chinese Paintings from the Papp Collection; and The Golden Age of Couture: Paris and London 1947-1957 are among the many exhibitions that Mr. Brechner has designed for the Frist Center.

Photo Credits: Frist Center for Visual Arts, Michael McBride and Genma Holmes

Other stories and radio interviews:
Dr. Tommy Frist, Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville and Professor William Luis

Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons, Neil Leonard, and Emily Harper Beard

Dr. Susan Edwards Knighted By Consul General of France

Susan Edwards

My Very Special Frist Center Adventure

Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons, Neil Leonard, and Emily Haper Beard on Living Your Best Life Radio Show

2011-10-14T10:59:00.030-05:00

Living Your Best Life Radio Show with Genma Holmes celebrates Artober Nashville with the Frist Center. Tune in as we continue to shine the spotlight on art, culture, community and the Frist Center’s leadership that "inspire people through art to look at their world in new ways."

On Saturday, October 15, 2011 we will be joined by world renown artist, Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons, one of the most significant artists to emerge from the Cuban post-revolutionary era, and her husband, Neil Leonard, an internationally recognized composer. The powerful artistic team and founders of G.A.S.P Gallery of Boston will share about their week-long residency at Vanderbilt which has included dual exhibits of Campos-Pons work at the Vanderbilt Fine Arts Gallery and the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, panel discussions, receptions, and a family collaborate intimate performance art piece. The individual lectures by the artistic duo and residency are sponsored by the Vanderbilt University Department of Art, Center for Latin American Studies, Department of History of Art, Vanderbilt Fine Arts Gallery, Program in African American and Diaspora Studies, Atlantic World Seminar, Frist Center for the Visual Arts, Curb Center for Art, Enterprise and Public Policy, Neil Leonard, and the College of Arts and Science.

We will also hear from the Frist Center’s go too, hands on, out and about, Community Relations Manager, Emily Harper Beard. Emily will share how she and the Frist Center’s Education outreach team, Shaun Giles and Rosemary Swain Brunton, take the vision and mission of the Frist Center beyond its Broadway address to classrooms, non-profits, groups and organizations, and to various events throughout the Middle Tennessee region.

Living Your Best Life Radio Show can be heard on 880 AM in the Nashville-Middle Tennessee area and on Ustream.TV worldwide from 10am-12pm CST.

Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons

Born in 1959, Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons was raised in the Cuban province of Matanzas. Campos-Pons was educated in Cuba at the National School of Art (1976-1979) and Instituto Superior de Arte (1980-1985). She graduated from Massachusetts College of Art in 1988 and now lives in Brookline, Massachusetts, with her husband, Neil Leonard and their son.

Campos-Pons creates photographs, video, and multimedia installations that tell the story of the survival of African cultures by evoking rites, myths, and narratives that have evolved through generations. Her work symbolically follows the history of the slave trade from her family’s origin in Nigeria to Cuba, where they worked in the sugar industry, to present-day Boston, where Campos-Pons now works and teaches.

Her works have been exhibited in the United States, Canada, Japan, Norway, France, Italy, and Cuba. She was represented in the Johannesburg Biennial and has had a solo exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Campos-Pons’ powerful attachment to her cultural African heritage is one that she has never experienced directly but its presence in the rites and myths of her childhood make her a Cuban transplanted in the United States, an exile twice over.

Most recently, the Guangzhou Triennial in China hosted her work. A 20-year retrospective of Campos-Pons’ work, Everything is Separated by Water: María Magdalena Campos-Pons, opened in Indianapolis in 2006 and traveled to the Bass Museum in Miami.

During her life, she has received many awards and recognitions like the "Mention of Honor", in 1986 in the XVIIIème Festival International de la Peinture, Château Musée, Cagnes Sur Mer, Francia. In 1990 Painting Fellowship, The Banff Centre for the Arts, Alberta, Canada, in 1992 Foreign Visiting Artist Grant, Media Arts, Canada Council, Canada, in 1994 Bunting Fellowship. Mary Ingraham Bunting Institute, Radcliffe Research and Study Center, Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S.A and in 1995 Art Reach 95 Award, National Congress of Art & Design, Salt Lake City, Utah, EE.UU.

While in Nashville, the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce recognized Campos-Pons for her contributions to international cultural with an award for "Outstanding Hispanic Professional Achievement Award in Art" at its 7th Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration and Awards Ceremony held on Thursday, October 13, 2011.

For more info on her dual exhibits at the Frist Center and Vanderbilt go here. A list of exhibitions can be found here.

Neil Leonard

Leonard is one of the most inventive and adventuresome artist in new music today. Leonard's work has ranged from traditional jazz performance, solo concerts for saxophone and electronics, collaborations with top Cuban musicians, works for orchestra as well as sound and music for dance, theater, performance and installation.

Leonard's collaborative work with visual artist Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons was featured by the 49th Venice Biennial, Museum of Modern Art (NYC), purchased by the National Gallery of Canada and presented by the U.S. State Department at Dakar Biennial. Leonard composed the music for Relatives, by Tony Oursler and Constance DeJong that was featured by the Whitney Biennial and the ICA (Boston).

His ensemble and collective projects featured Marshall Allen, Bruce Barth, Don Byron, Uri Caine, Kenwood Dennard, Robin Eubanks, Frank Lacy, Oriente Lopez, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Badal Roy, Jamaaladeen Tacuma. Leonard’s "Dreaming of an Island", (for orchestra, electronics and live-video) was premiered by the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra. Leonard's composition Totems was premiered at Carnegie Hall by Byron and Caine. Leonard's "Echoes and Footsteps" was featured by the Tel Aviv Biennial for New Music, Issue Project Room (NYC) and the Auditorium di Roma. To learn more about the composer click here and here.

Emily Harper Beard

Emily Harper Beard, formerly Communications Coordinator at the Frist Center, recently moved into the Community Relations Manager position where she works with a variety of community groups and audiences to help promote the Frist Center’s mission. Prior to working at the Frist Center, she received her B.A. in graphic design from Middle Tennessee State University and worked at Animax Design—a puppet shop in Nashville which creates characters for live shows, film, and television. She continues to be an active artist in and supporter of Nashville’s growing arts scene.

To learn more about community partners, educational programs, and affinity days at the Frist Center click here and here.

Photos: Neil Leonard,Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons, Susan Edwards, and Katie Delmez;Joesph Mella and Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons; and Emily Harper Beard courtesy of Genma Holmes

CD cover, art, and photo of Campos-Pons and Leonard courtesy of Campos-Pons and Leonard

Article written by: Chuck Beard
Chuck Beard is an active volunteer in the Nashville community. He works tirelessly to bring attention to those in need by bringing the music and art community together to raise funds and awareness to causes near and dear to his heart.

Dr. Tommy Frist, Chinese Arts Alliance Nashville, and Professor William Luis on Living Your Best Life Radio Show

2011-10-08T06:06:00.027-05:00

Living Your Best Life Show with Genma Holmes celebrates Artober Nashville with the Frist Center. Tune in as we shine the spotlight on art, culture, community and the Frist Center’s leadership that "inspire people through art to look at their world in new ways." Each week, we will hear from individuals who will share how the Frist Center carries out its mission to present and originate high quality exhibitions with related educational programs and community outreach that have been recognized throughout Middle Tennessee, nationally, and around the world.

On Saturday, October 8, 2011, we will be joined by Dr. Tommy Frist, Jr., Chairman of the boards for The Frist Center and The Frist Foundation and Chairman Emeritus of Hospital Corporation of America; Jen-Jen Lin, Director of Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville; and Dr. William Luis Professor of Spanish at Vanderbilt University and Editor of Afro Hispanic Review. In the Nashville-Middle Tennessee region, Living Your Best Life Radio can be heard live on 880AM and on Ustream.TV worldwide from 10am-12pm CST.

Dr. Tommy Frist, Jr.

Dr. Tommy Frist will share from the annals of Nashville’s history about the Frist Center's early years. Hear how his family and the Frist Foundation embarked on a venture to transform an old post office into an art museum that started in the 1990s. They implemented an interesting public/private venture between the Frist Foundation, the U.S. Postal Service, and the city of Nashville. The Frist Center opened its doors as a non-collecting museum to the public in April, 2001.

Chinese Arts Alliance Nashville, Director Jen-Jen Lin

The Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville (CAAN), a Frist Center community partner organization, was organized to promote the awareness, understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of Chinese visual arts and performing arts by presenting fine Chinese visual arts, crafts, performing artists and culture to the public. Their activities include seminars, art exhibitions, classroom teaching, educational workshops, and public programs for children and adults.

Jen-Jen will share about her involvement with the Frist Center’s Connecting Cultures Exhibit and the upcoming show at the Nashville Public Library, We Are One. We Are One celebrates the diverse ethnic groups in Chinese culture with various dances. This presentation includes dances representing Han people, Manchu people, Mogols, Chinese Muslims, and Tibetans.

To learn more about CAAN click here

Afro-Cuban Chinese Heritage

William Luis is the Gertrude Conaway Vanderbilt Professor of Spanish at Vanderbilt University. He has held teaching positions at Dartmouth College, Yale University, Washington University in St. Louis, and Binghamton University. Luis has published thirteen books and more than one hundred articles. His authored books include Literary Bondage: Slavery in Cuban Narrative (1990), Dance Between Two Cultures: Latino Caribbean Literature Written in the United States (1997), Culture and Customs of Cuba (2001), Lunes de Revolución: Literatura y cultura en los primeros años de la Revolución Cubana (2003), Juan Francisco Manzano: Autobiografía del esclavo poeta y otros escritos (2007), and Bibliografía y antología crítica de las vanguardias del Caribe: Cuba, Puerto Rico y República Dominicana (2010). Also, Luis is Editor of the Afro-Hispanic Review. Born and raised in New York City of a Chinese father and a Cuban mother, Luis is widely regarded as a leading authority on Latin American, Caribbean, Afro-Hispanic, and Latino U.S. literatures.
Read William Luis Curriculum VITe here

Photo Credits: Dr.Tommy Frist with Genma Holmes and Terriance Moody, CEO of Dream Systems, LLC courtesy of the Frist Center
We Are One-CAAN
Professor William Luis and Mayor Karl Dean-Vanderbilt Press

Hal Cato's Farewell to the Oasis Center: The Crazy Ones

2011-10-03T08:29:00.018-05:00

The Crazy Ones from Hal Cato on Vimeo.

Dr. Susan Edwards Knighted By Consul General of France

2011-10-01T04:12:00.019-05:00

The Frist Center's Executive Director, Dr. Susan H. Edwards, was decorated as a Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Arts et Lettres (Knight in the Order of Arts and Letters) in a ceremony at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts. The medal was presented by the Consul General of France, Pascal Le Deunff.

Dr. Edwards was recognized for her significant contributions to the art and the culture of France.

Consul General Pascal Le Deunff remarks to Dr. Susan Edwards at Chevalier Award ceremony held at the Frist Center on September 23, 2011:

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Friends,
Dear Susan,

It is both a pleasure and a privilege to be here in Nashville with you today to honor a truly exceptional woman, visionary, ambassador of the arts, and precious friend of France, Dr. Susan Edwards.

Susan, your passion for art has been a driving force in every step of your professional career, which is clearly reflected on your curriculum vitae, but even more so in your community. Before arriving in Nashville, you spent a considerable amount of time in New York where you received your PhD in Art History from City University of New York in 1995. During your time as Curator at Hunter College of the City University of New York from 1987 to 1998, your drive and artistic vision was exemplified by the over twenty art exhibitions that you originated, and was affirmed in 1997 when you were named a Founding Fellow at the Liguria Study Center for the Arts and Humanities in Genoa, Italy.

You further honed your skills as Executive Director of the Katonah Museum in Katonah, New York from 1998 to 2004. But of course, your exemplary commitment to the arts spread far beyond the walls of museums. In addition to your book, Ben Shahn and the Task of Photography in Thirties America, you have also published numerous articles on modern and contemporary artists, material, culture, and photography-- of which you are a specialist -- as well as several exhibition catalogues, further establishing yourself as a known expert in the world of visual arts in the United States. You have also brought your knowledge and expertise to many schools and universities, including New York University, Queens College/CUNY, School of Visual Arts, New York, and Vanderbilt, where you are currently Adjunct Associate Professor.

As a recognized member of the art community, you continue to make contributions, serving on the advisory boards of the Bogliasco Foundation, Harvard University Art Museums and Collection Committee, and the Stephen Taller Archive at Harvard University. And all of these eminent accomplishments and contributions to the art community are only the half of it.

Your work at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts here in Nashville, Tennessee has been in a league of its own. From the very onset of your career as Executive Director in 2004, you’ve offered Nashville and beyond an ambitious, diverse, and multicultural program that has truly lived up to the vision of the Frist Center of “inspiring people through art to look at the world in new ways.” In addition to the spectacular array of art exhibited, your programming has demonstrated and reinforced an exceptional friendship with France. In only six years, you’ve consecrated more than ten expositions to French culture and artists. From “Les Chemins de l’Impressionisme, paysages français et américains du Worchester Art Museum” to Matisse, Picasso and the School of Paris Masterpieces from the Baltimore Museum of Art, Rodin, A Magnificent Obsession, sculpture from the Iris and B Gerald Cantor Foundation to Twilight Visions : Surrealisme, Photography and Paris”, your high, your high quality exhibitions have been both multi-disciplinary and extremely tangible, offering educational programs and community outreach activities that have brought French culture closer to the Southeast.

Most recently, it is thanks to your efforts that the Frist Center became one of only two institutions in the United States – making Nashville one of three cities in the world to present the exhibition "The Birth of Impressionism: Masterpieces from the Musée d’Orsay”. Displaying 100 paintings from the permanent collection of the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, you’ve provided the Southeast with an unparalleled cultural experience. This further demonstrates your excellent intuition and entrepreneurial sensitivity. Indeed, the echoes from exhibitions and events have reached far beyond the boundaries of Nashville and Tennessee. Your leadership has brought the Frist Center to new heights, giving it national visibility and recognition and turning it into one of the premier art centers in the Southeast.

Your remarkable contributions to advancing cultural relations between France and the United States are commendable and worthy of the distinction that you are receiving today. It is a great honour partnering with you and we look forward to strengthening this relationship with you and with the Frist Center for the Arts in the years and projects to come.

Dear Susan, to render homage to your commitment to artistic efforts and actions, au nom de la République, nous vous faisons Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.

Dr.Susan Edwards Acceptance Speech

"Consul General Pascal Le Deunff, Honorarie Consul Madame Amelie De Gaulle, Madame Chevalier Hazel Joyner-Smith, et invités distingués. C'est mon honeur d’ accepter la medaille de Chevalier de l’ordre des arts et lettres de le part du comité administrateur et du personnel du Frist Center. Merci beaucoup. Maintenant, je voudrais continuer in anglais, s’il vous plait"

Consul General Le Deunff, Honorary Consul Amelie De Gaulle, fellow Chevalier Hazel Joyner-Smith and distinguished guests, I am deeply honored to accept the medal of the Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters on behalf of the Board of Trustees and the staff of the Frist Center. I am grateful to M. Frederic Mitterrand, the French Minister of Culture and Communication and the people of France. I thank Consul General Le Deunff and Carole Scipion, the French Cultural Attache in Atlanta, for placing my name in nomination, and Ellen Pryor and Angela Butler for keeping my nomination secret -- even from me – for the past year.

I am pleased to receive a Chevalier at this point in my life and career, after youthful arrogance has mellowed. It is not false modesty to acknowledge the role of many others in this award. Great accomplishments are rarely the result of one person’s endeavors, rather they come about through the combined efforts of visionaries such as Tommy Frist, the relentless promotion of a Ken Roberts, the steady direction and leadership of Billy Frist, as well as the assistance and professionalism of colleagues, co-workers, and friends.

The Chevalier acknowledges my passion for all things French and a twenty-year history of working on exhibitions, film series, and literary projects that promote French arts and culture. There is no doubt in my mind, however, that the pinnacle of my visibility was our 2010 exhibition "The Birth of Impressionism: Masterpieces from the Musée d’Orsay."

I am grateful to Guy Cogeval, President of the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, for allowing their extraordinary 19th-century paintings to be presented in Nashville. The exhibition would not have come to Nashville without the support of Tommy and Trish Frist, Janet and Jim Ayers and Marlene and Spencer Hays, who made the lead gifts that gave us the courage to move forward with the project. Mark Scala, Chief Curator at the Frist Center, worked closely with Stéfane Guegan at the Musée d’Orsay to refine the checklist for our venue. For considerable efforts on « The Birth of Impressionism » and their devotion to our mission, I remain eternally grateful to our founders, trustees, members of our advisory councils, and the entire staff at the Frist Center.

For assistance on previous projects devoted to French culture, I should like to acknowledge colleagues and collaborators here at the Frist Center and from New York: Thérèse Lichtenstein, Jane Roos, Catherine Bernard, Laura Schor, Alice Zimet, Annette Blaugrund, Jeanine Plottel, Philippe Lalliot and Annie Cohen-Solal.

I want to thank Ellen Pryor, Kathy Demonbreun, Angela Butler, Brandon Gnetz, and Karen Gwaltney for planning this day for us. Thank you for being here. Please stay and join us for some refreshments.

Once again, I thank Cultural Attache Carole Scipion, Consul General Pascal Le Deunff, and the French government for this great honor.

Richard Diggs and Tia Brewer-Footman Share How A Bleak Economy Did Not Stop their Determination to Succeed

2011-09-24T05:16:00.016-05:00

The more the well paid television pundits feed us hype that the sky is falling, the more individuals are coming forward to inform us that the sky is really blue and does not have a ceiling! Join Genma Holmes on Living Your Best Life Radio Show as we continue to talk to entrepreneurs who are soaring in the big blue yonder and taking quite a number of individuals with them.

Meet savvy individuals whose walks of faith have lead them down the road to success and garnered national attention by being steady and determined when others said it could not or should not happen. They have taken their success and served their communities by teaching others with heart and soul. Listen to Richard Diggs, CEO of Alexandria Pest Services and Tia Brewer-Footman empower, inspired, and motivate you to live your best life. Saturday, from 10am-12pm on 880 AM, The Big Mouth, in the Nashville market with Genma Holmes and on Ustream.TV

Richard Diggs, CEO of Alexandria Pest Services
(On cover Genma Holmes, Richard Diggs, Lenny Carter, and Ka Tsu)

Richard Diggs is the owner of Alexandria Pest Services, Inc., a growing pest and termite control business located in Alexandria, Virginia. Mr. Diggs has been employed by the pest control industry for more than 25 years. Rising from an entry level field technician to owner of a business employing more than 30 individuals. He is an accomplished corporate strategist and marketer with extensive experience in commercial, construction, governmental and residential contracts for pest, turf, ornamental birds and wood destroying pest control services.

Mr. Diggs began his career at a major pest control company as a commercial and residential technician. He quickly rose up the ranks as a regional sales manager and technical adviser. His rapid accession to high sales closer did not go unnoticed, he won several awards as Sales Person of the Year. In December, 1993, he established Diggs Pest Control in Arlington, Virginia. From 1994 thru 1999, Diggs Pest Control grew from a single employee to a staff of more than 20. Without commercial advertising, Diggs Pest Control contracted with over 3100 residential and commercial clients. In December, 1999, Mr. Diggs sold Diggs Pest Control to a leading Fortune 500 Company. In 2000, Mr. Diggs, together with his son Richard Jr., formed Alexandria Pest Services, Inc. (APS). Today APS is a leader in the local industry with over 3800 residential, commercial, state & local, and Federal clients in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area. APS employs more than a dozen certified and registered technicians, on-staff entomologist, outstanding accountant and clerical staff. APS has achieved market share as well as recognition in a highly competitive industry. In 2009, Alexandria Pest Services spun off Asian Pest Services, a pest control company that services the undeserved Asian community on the East Coast. both companies have seen exponential growth within the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area as well as exploding into the national marketplace. Utilizing the latest technologies and research, the Mr. Diggs companies are well placed to make an impact not only in the local market, but nationally and international.

Mr. Diggs is a member of the National Pest Management Association Inc., co-founder of Minorities in Pest Management (MPM) Council, Chairman of MPM mentoring group in the U.S, a member of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, a member of the National Register's Who's Who, member of St. John Baptist Church Board of Trustee, Executive Committee, and the recipient of various community and industry awards. His ethical values form the cornerstone of his business practices. Mr. Diggs sponsors numerous events to train individuals interested careers in the pest control industry and entrepreneurship.

Mr. Diggs companies have ab "Outstanding" rating with the GSA. Mr. Diggs has been recognized nationally for his work with Minorities in Pest Management and has received numerous awards for his work in Fairfax County and Washington, DC inner cities. Read more about Alexdrian Pest Services here and Asian Pest Services

Tia Brewer-Footman has worked as an award winning journalist and television news anchor. Her community appeal and passion for her work helped to create one of the highest rated CBS-affiliated morning shows in the country. Her media experience spans across nearly 10 years in the industry as a former radio personality, reporter and television anchor for such affiliates as CBS, ABC and FOX.

After transitioning from television news, Tia and her husband Gerald
Footman founded Footman-Brewer Enterprises, LLC (FBE).This multicultural marketing consulting, publishing and special events firm produces a southeastern African American beauty and healthy living publication entitled “Hair Etc. Magazine.” Marketing consulting and special event coordination support has been provided to current and past clients such as McDonald’s, Johnson Products, Soft-Sheen Carson and Mizani (L’Oreal’s ethnic brands), American Heart Association (AHA), American Cancer Society (ACS), Clear Essence Cosmetics, the National Association of Black Female Executives in Music and Entertainment (NABFEME), the BET Foundation, University of South Carolina’s Center for Cancer Research (USC-CCCR), etc.

In addition to helping other companies succeed, specially created FBE initiatives such as the Beauty Barber Network, formerly the Shop Talk Movement was founded. This evidenced based initiative trains African American hairstylists and barbers on the latest in health and industry information in an effort to educate and save the lives of beauty professionals and their clients. The latest FBE project is the McDonald’s Choir Showcase Tour, a multicultural faith-based consumer relations program conducted in key southeastern US markets.

Aside from the work Tia produces under her company umbrella, she is no stranger to the camera or the stage as she has made guest appearances on the CW’s (formerly WB) “One Tree Hill”, featured in Walt Disney commercial print ads and videos, Steve Harvey national campaign ad, Mercedes Benz campaign ad, numerous commercials, infomercials, PSA’s, radio and online campaigns for corporate clients throughout the US.

As a State Finalist to the 2000 Miss Georgia USA Pageant and former Miss Savannah State University(1998), Tia’s love for pageantry is what prompted her to also own and direct both the Mrs. South Carolina United States and the Miss Black Teen Charleston Scholarship Pageant along with creating ”T-Time Girls”, a non-profit etiquette, leadership development and public speaking program for young ladies.

Tia is passionate about the community and has received numerous honors for her involvement. Tia was recently recognized by the Charleston Regional Business Journal as a 2011 Top 40 Under 40, Post & Courier's Newspaper’s Top Influential Woman under the Age of 40; the Bethune Leonard Section of the National Council of Negro Women’s Young Innovators under 35 Award and featured in the June 2008 edition of High Profiles within the Post & Courier. Also under her belt is a day named in her honor. Mayor Joe Riley proclaimed October 8, as "Tia Brewer Day" in the City of Charleston, South Carolina.

Tia is the founder of the Live 5 News Golden Apple Award and recipient of the Georgia State Department of Education’s School Bell Media Award for Best News Series on School Violence.Her community work spans from serving as the National Ambassador to the inaugural Power to End Stroke Campaign (American Stroke Association), Susan G. Komen’s Circle of Promise Ambassador, Member of the Medical University of South Carolina’s Center for Community Health Partnerships Board, University of South Carolina’s Health Disparities Research Network, Charleston’s Minority Business Development Advisory Board (appointed by Charleston Mayor Joseph Riley), Board of Directors for the North Charleston Housing Authority, Advisory Board Member to the Women’s & Children Shelter S.O.L.D. (appointed by North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey), former member of the Harbour Clubs’ Young Executive Council, Jr. League of Charleston, Charleston County Safe and Orderly Schools Advisory Board, YWCA Board of Directors, United Methodist Relief Center Board of Directors and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.

For more information about McDonald's Choir Show Case here
Read more about previous Hair and Health Expo here
Order Copy of Public Speaking Super Powers book featuring Tia Brewer-Footman here

30 Days to Losing Weight brought on by Emotional Eating

2011-09-22T10:16:00.023-05:00

I have never blogged about losing weight. I have read numerous posts over the years from other bloggers sharing their weight loss stories, but I never thought it was an issue I would write about for my readers. But surely as a blogger lives, a blogger grows; mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and sometimes, to my dismay, physically.

I have worked out and walked regularly to stay healthy and slim all of my adult life. I have many reminders from my family tree of what obesity looks like and countless ill family members. Having modeled off and on for many years, I know that staying fit is necessary to getting booked. After I turned 40, being healthy overshadowed vanity. Now, well into my 40s, I am learning that my fight with weight is often a fight with eating for emotional comfort. For the last ten years, several family crises led me to late-night snacking that contributed to spikes in my weight. Family issues like my older son’s surprising marriage, a teen daughter's determination to see the whole family all in hell, along with the devastating loss of my grandfather in 2007 contributed to weight gains that I fought and won over the years, but my weight gain pandemonium reached its highest level this past year.

In 2010, my youngest son, known affectionately as Baby Boy, abruptly decided to join the Marines and the family’s drama queen came on with all the fury of Hurricane Katrina. Again. Not to mention my beloved grandmother has been ill throughout the year. I internalized all my frustrations and anxiety without realizing it. Working late at night and reaching for "something" crunchy became a nightly habit.

My weight crept up slowly on me. I was walking but not being attentive to working out. I learned some time ago that in order to prevent genetic health issues and weight gain, I needed more than walking to keep my weight down. I added Zumba and weightlifting to my workout routines. When I became an empty nester, my beloved workout plan included exercising in the mornings and afternoons. That time was carefully carved out and rarely interrupted. All of that changed when my adult children came home this summer.

In May, my baby boy, returned from Camp Legumes. Elated to have him home, I was at his beck and call. Who says no to a Marine? In June, my drama queen moved back home for a few short months. Within a few days of everyone dropping their bags in the middle of my living room floor, I became a taxi driver, a caretaker, and "mommy" again to grown children. Add worrying about my grandmother to my tornadic family life and I was a perfect storm for gaining weight. “God help me”, became my daily plea. My little home became too small for my own shadow. Claustrophobia started settling in, quickly. The pressure from all the issues happening at once got to be unbearable. Did I share that I started a radio show somewhere in the middle of all of this mayhem?

Over the summer, I became a size thick a term I learned from my sons. Nothing’s wrong with being thick, they reassured me often, but I saw someone in the mirror who has gained enough weight to make two of me. When the children eventually left home for school and work, I challenged myself to lose my "baby boy" weight, 25 pounds. I got my doctor’s approval last week.

I thought I would share my routines and goals with Genma Speaks readers and to my radio show, Living Your Best Life, audience.

When I was at my desired weight, I walked five to seven miles a day, rain or shine. Often, I combined a Leslie Sansone's Walk Away the Pounds walk indoors with a two-mile walk outdoors, if the weather cooperated. I also worked out three times a week on my gazelle. Last year, I added Zumba on Monday evenings. Zumba was fun and gave me time to spend with others having sweaty fun. I was not a workout fanatic by any means, but my stress levels were kept at bay. Running two businesses comes with an anxiety clause. Anxiety has been a key issue in my gaining weight.

I have kept journals for years that soaked up the ups and downs of my life, but today is my first time blogging about my weight. I was motivated by other women who have blogged about their weight loss journey. I was never one to follow the crowd, but why not share? Public scrutiny can have its downside. But publicly engaging others on an issue that many struggle with can have many positive outcomes, if not for me, for those who are in the same situation.

I was encouraged by reading others’ weight loss journeys on the web and attending Cindy N. Landham’s class two summers ago, which I want to take a second time this fall.

Wish me luck as I find my figure (and sanity) and put a summer of stress behind me.

Day 1, Monday, September 19, 2011 my workout included a Leslie Sansone Walk At Home five mile fat burning walk and 20 minutes on my Gazelle. I worked up a serious sweat and felt the burn.

Here is a website that I spent days reading: Black Woman's Weight Loss Blog

P.S. No, I do not expect to lose 25 pounds in 30 days...I am hoping to update my blog for 30 days about losing weight.

Scott Gordon, Ellen Cagnassola, and Chip Ivie on Living Your Best Life Radio Show

2011-09-17T06:04:00.013-05:00

Join Genma Holmes on Living Your Best Life Radio Show. During the month of September, we will feature entrepreneurs and business leaders who will offer solutions and inspirations for those in the marketplace who are searching for jobs or needing motivation to follow their heart (and head) to start a business.

Downturns in the economy maybe just the motivation one needs to seek another career path and or a second income. On today’s show, hear from those who have turned off the “jobs, jobs, jobs” doomsayers on the punditry circuit and turned on the power of seeing an opportunity instead of fear.

We will look at the booming tech industry where jobs are plentiful but often overlooked with Scott Gordon, 2010 Nashville Blogger of the year and Partner at Vaco, Sweet Soap’s sensation and marketing maverick, Ellen Cagnassola and MLM Wine King and realtor, Chip Ivie. Living Your Best Life can be heard on Ustream.Tv and on 880AM in the Nashville Market from 10-12CST.

Scott Gordan

Scott has 10 +years of recruitment experience specifically with senior level software developers, CIO’s, CTO’s architects and DBA’s. He's managed and produced in a Top 5 office of an IT staffing and Consulting division of a global Fortune 500 strategic staffing company (100+ offices). While assisting and training recruiters around the United States, he was chosen as one of twelve recruiters nationwide to develop policies and procedures for recruitment and retention in an information technology market. Scott was also recognized as one of the Top Fifteen individual producers worldwide for the same global Fortune 500 staffing firm. He escaped the Fortune 500 company in 2004 to assist in opening an office for Vaco and has been a Partner since joining in 2004. Scott holds a B.A. from Henderson State University.

He brings his 14 years of experience in “buying and selling people” for some of the nation’s most successful sarcasm to deliver some real “ah-ha” moments. Scott's real-life examples and insights will demonstrate how existing relationships can go miles deeper through the use of social networks and social media.

Scott is a lover of things social media, a diligent student and an excellent communicator. Scott has shared secrets with internet superstars like Zappos CEO, Tony Hsieh, Alltop’s Guy Kawasaki and Gary Vaynerchuk, the star of Wine Library TV. Top exec’s at companies like Publix, Disney, Universal Studios, Sears, Gaylord Entertainment and Electronic Arts have learned from Scott. He’s not for the faint of heart, though. His in-your-face views of the misnomers and best practices of the world will leave you smiling and nodding.

You can find out more about one of country's most provocative thought leader here : http://theanitpimp.com

Ellen Cagnassola
Ellen Cagnassola, owner of www.sweetsoaps.com, creates unique soap and candles for the craft and gift industry. Ellen designs product and packaging for mid sized and large companies in the US and Canada. Sweet Soaps product development is cutting edge due to Ellen’s unorthodox approach to artistic expression.

Cagnassola’s ability to generate media interest for herself have landed her media coverage. Television placements on MSNBC “Your Business”, The Verizon Channel “Push Pause”, Daytime TV,NBC,CBS, and The Ellen Degeneres Show. Print publications that have also featured Sweet Soaps are Woman’s Day, Real Simple, Entrepreneur, Promo, Pitney Bowes “Priority Magazine”, The Newark Star Ledger, Bride and Groom and the American Express Executive Travel Oct. 2011 issue. Ellen Cagnassol has also been featured on many websites including; Patch.com, Foxnews.com, Trendhunter.com (1 of 33 most creative candles),CBS.com.

Sweet Soaps has designed and manufactured for the following well known branded companies; Neiman Marcus Catalog, Horchow Catalog, Solutions Catalog, Touchstone Catalog, Nike, and Warner Brothers Studios. Ellen has also marketed her products into the hands of celebrities such as Howard Stern, Kevin Gillespie of Top Chef, cast and crew of Two and a Half Men (2005), and Ellen DeGeneres.

Ellen Cagnassola has leverage her branding of Sweet Soap’s by partnering with Horizon Group USA, the number one wholesaler of kids craft kits in the US. Sweet Soap’s and Horizon Group USA announce their partnership to bring consumers innovative soap programs for kids and adults this month to national retailers.

Cagnassola will share her insight on how to find partnerships that are mutually beneficial for a small business owner and how to overcome negativity in the marketplace.

Read more about Ellen Cagnassola www.sweetsoaps.com

Having Fun Making Money in a Networking Marketing Business

Chip Ivie, an Atlanta Realtor, is also a successful networking marketing business owner. He will give listeners a new look at Multiple Level Marketing businesses. Chip is a successful wine consultant with WineShop At Home. He will share his secrets to being prosperous in a venture that is taking the country by storm.

WineShop At Home is the premier direct seller of handcrafted, artisan wines. The company is a bonded California winery headquartered in the famed Napa Valley and is the only direct seller to offer exclusive wine brands available nowhere else. Our Independent Wine Consultants throughout the country, present in-home Wine Tastings, where guests can taste our wines and learn about, experience and buy wines directly from the Winery. WineShop At Home epitomizes a whole new generation of direct selling -- offering an exceptional consumer experience, an unparalleled and exciting business opportunity for both women and men, and unequaled quality, service, and style.

To learn more about an opportunity to become a consultant or to plan a home tasting contact Genma by email at bugsact@gmail.com

Back to School advice for MBA Seekers, Single Moms, and Large Families

2011-08-18T13:39:00.041-05:00

Genma Holmes and Living Your Best Life Radio will share that going back to school includes a growing segment of the population who have not seen a classroom in a few seasons. Many are considering going back to school for their first, second, or third degree. In this economy, having an edge on other job applicants includes being prepared with work experience and a secondary education.

Also hear from moms who believe going back to school means being organized, prayed up, and not afraid to ask (or hire) help. You wouldn't want to miss this exciting show that is guaranteed to empower, inspire, and motivate you to live your best life!

On 880AM in the Nashville Market on Saturday from 10am-12 CST and Streaming Live on Ustream.TV August 20, 201

Getting Your MBA Maybe The Best Investment in This Economy

Professor of Accounting and Director of Owen Entrepreneurship Center at Vanderbilt, Germain Boer will share about transforming students into self-driven entrepreneurs. Hear about many of his students who have become dynamic business leaders with out of the box thinking.

More about...Dr. Germain Boer

Preparing Your Family For A Successful School Year

Hear successful super model, actress, and spokesperson Dawn Montgomery Greene share how she managed work life balance after returning to college full time while raising her son. Dawn completed her college goals and managed to pull off the wedding of her dreams during her last semester of school to Atlanta's super lawyer Reggie Greene.

Dawn has been featured in numerous magazines around the world. She was featured in Essence
And on Genmaspeaks Blog

Meet The Malone Quads of Georgia

Columbus, Georgia's Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Michael (Kelly Collier) Malone family of three grew by four in one day on August 20, 2007. Kelly delivered four beautiful boys who have become known as the Malone Quads. Hear how super mom along with dad raise five boys in a wonderful environment that Kelly calls "organized chaos" with a smile. Michael and Kelly will share how they manage to get their rambunctious brood of five out the door during the school year. We will learn "it takes a village" truly applies to this inspiring family!

Read more about the famous quads here... The Malone Quads and here

Community Colleges: Preparing Students for Tomorrow's Marketplace

2011-08-12T10:04:00.008-05:00

Join Genma Holmes for in-depth dialogue with educators from diverse backgrounds who teach and touch the lives of our students from K-12 and college. Also hear from parents and students throughout the month of August as well prepare our minds and bodies for back to school on Living Your Best Life Radio Show. Saturdays from 10-12 on 880AM, the Big Mouth!

Dr. Janet Smith
President of Columbia State Community College

Dr. Janet F. Smith was named president of Columbia State Community College in late November 2007, and officially took over the presidency on February 18, 2008. Smith returned to her native Tennessee following a distinguished career which has taken her to North Carolina, Tennessee, New York, Kentucky, and Arkansas.

Smith grew up in Houston County, near Erin, Tennessee. She attended Austin Peay State University where she earned a Bachelor’s degree with a major in health and physical education and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction. Following Austin Peay, she earned a Doctorate in higher education from George Peabody College for Teachers, Vanderbilt University. She has participated in post-graduate studies at North Carolina State University, Indiana University, Mississippi State University and Harvard.

Prior to becoming President of Columbia State Community College, Smith was President of Rich Mountain Community College in Mena, Arkansas; Dean of Academic Affairs at Hopkinsville Community College in Hopkinsville, Kentucky; Director of Extension Services at Dyersburg State Community College in Dyersburg, Tennessee; and Instructor, Department Chair and Division Chair at Isothermal Community College in North Carolina.

Dr. Smith is very active in the communities that Columbia State serves – she has presented at area and state conferences, clubs, organizations and events. She currently serves on the Impact Center Inc. Board, Workforce Investment Board, Maury Alliance Board of Directors (Executive Committee and Chamber Council Chair), Williamson County-Franklin Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Maury Advisory Board to First Farmers Bank, Nashville Symphony Advisory Council and the Family Support Center Board. In addition, Smith is Vice President of the Tennessee College Association and a member of the national advisory board for the Higher Education Research and Development Institute.

Smith is married to James (Jim) W. Fowler, who is a retired community college Librarian. They reside in Columbia, Tennessee with their daughter Alexandra Hiles.

“Education has been my lifelong work,” said Smith. “I am not just a believer in the value of education but a walking example of the impact of an education on opportunity and life enrichment.”

Dr. Stephen Jones
Author and Educator
Dr. Jones is currently Associate Dean of Students and Strategic Planning at Villanova University and CEO of SAJ Publishing. For thirteen years he worked at Drexel University as Director of the SUCCESS/ACT101 program. He is trhe former director of the ACT101 program at Philadelphia University and Director of the Metropolitan Career Center Computer Technology Institute. He has received numerous awards for his dedication to thousands of students. Some of his awards include Distinguished Toast Master, Toastmasters District Award Winner, National Society of Black Engineers Award and Black Engineer of the Year Award.

My Goal: My vision to reach 1 million students and parents to help them to attend college. My first book is titled "Seven Secrets of How to Study" and my second book is " Parents Ultimate Education Guide, Seven Secrets of How to Study Special Edition."

Living Your Best Life Radio can be heard on on 880 AM "The Big Mouth" and on Ustream.tv @ http://bit.ly/liEfqO

Join 880 AM, 760 The Gospel and Harper's Resturant for Back 2 School Drive

2011-08-05T11:11:00.003-05:00

Scholars Raising Our Social Consciousness

2011-08-05T04:51:00.013-05:00

This week, On Living Your Best Life Radio Show with Genma Holmes:
Scholars Raising Our Social Consciousness

Dr. Boyce Watkins of Syracuse University, Dr. Norma Burgess of Lipscomb University and Veterans Liaison David K. Hughes

Dr. Boyce D. Watkins is an American author, economist, political analyst, and social commentator. Formerly a member of the finance faculty, and currently a Scholar in Residence in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Syracuse University, he also is a Distinguished Scholar with the Barbara Jordan Institute for Policy Research, and was previously a Visiting Fellow at the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics and the Center for European Economic Research (Mannheim, Germany). Watkins is also a faculty affiliate with the College Sports Research Institute at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He has authored several financial advice books, including "Financial Lovemaking 101: Merging Assets with your Partner in Ways that Feel Good", "Black American Money," as well as "What if George Bush were a Black Man?"; his work has also appeared in such publications as the Journal Of Small Business Management, and The Journal of Economics and Business.

In addition to publishing scholarly articles on finance and investing, Watkins is an advocate for education, economic empowerment, and social justice, and has made regular appearances in various national media outlets, including CNN, Good Morning America, MSNBC, Fox News, BET, NPR, Essence Magazine, USA Today, The Today Show, ESPN, The Tom Joyner Morning Show and CBS Sports. He is also a frequent guest on, The Wendy Williams Experience radio program. Watkins is also a frequent contributor to theGrio and TheLoop21.com.

Norma Burgess
Dean

Dr. Norma Burgess is the founding dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Burgess previously worked at Chatham University, Pittsburgh, where she was founding dean of the College of Graduate Studies. In that role, she was responsible for every aspect of graduate education, including new program development, faculty evaluation, budgetary management, academic management, and faculty and support services.

From 1993-2007 at Syracuse University, Burgess earned the rank of full professor and chair of the Department of Child and Family Studies and was academic co-chair of the Bachelor of Professional Studies program. She has also served as a visiting professor for the University of the Aegean in Rhodes, Greece, and as a member of the summer faculty at Cornell University. Dr. Burgess is a widely published scholar with a focus on work and family and leadership development.

Burgess has served as chair of the women’s caucus of the American Association of Higher Education and is currently a board member at-large of the National Council on Family Relations. She is co-author of African American Women: An Ecological Perspective and numerous articles and other writings on work and family life, leadership, faculty development and workplace diversity.

Burgess holds a doctorate in sociology and a master’s degree in public affairs from North Carolina State University as well as a bachelor of arts degree in political science from the University of Tennessee. She is a native of Stanton, Tenn.

David K. Hughes,
The Yellow Ribbon Program

An active member of the military for more than ten years, David K. Hughes is Lipscomb University’s Veterans Liaison. Hughes, a retired Captain who served with United States Army Special Forces in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, brings his unique experience to this role. Hughes works as an advocate for all veterans who enroll at Lipscomb University to ensure quality and efficient negotiation of the undergraduate pipeline.

Living Your Best Life Radio can be heard on on 880 AM "The Big Mouth" and on Ustream.tv @ http://bit.ly/liEfqo
Show Airs Saturday, Aug. 6 from 10-12 CST

A Life Changing Encounter with a Homeless Woman

2011-08-05T00:40:00.010-05:00

A year ago, I volunteered to help with a project for women cancer survivors. I have participated in several events over the years that were geared to help restore or uplift the spirits of cancer survivors through pampering, empowerment or patient advocacy. Diving in heart first, I was excited to volunteer to help stamp out the stigma of cancer. At this event, I met women from diverse backgrounds on various stages of their journey with their cancer diagnosis. Some of the women had recently completed their treatments and some of them were a few years down the road. Some were well known in the community and supported by family and friends. A few were still in treatment but only one was homeless.

Enter Wanda.

Wanda was in a battle for life with no place to call her own. She was referred by her oncologists who knew about the special event. When Wanda entered my makeshift dressing room, she was a bit nervous as she gave me a once over and checked out the surroundings packed with designer clothes and jewelry on loan to me from personal friends from around the country. As I introduced myself, I promised her we were going to have a fantastic time as I pulled my “stylist” title out of the box for her makeover and photo session. I shared with her about my grandfather who was the motivation for me volunteering that day. Wanda countered my icebreaker conversation with words of her own as she told me how she wanted to look. “Not shy, this one”, I thought to myself with a smile. After our intro, Wanda tried on clothes while preparing for her photo shoot. During that time together, we shared about each other lives. Wanda did not hold back her thoughts and gave me quite a few old school zingers about her observations about life from a street perspective. Her words were honesty on steroids. She shared her thoughts about “people wanting to help others when their own lives are messed up.” Hearing her priceless commentary had me roaring with laughter and deep in thought. Wanda talked about her cancer diagnosis and her chemo treatments that seemed endless. She did not hold back about the physical and mental pain. She expressed her gratefulness for the Madison Church of Christ congregation that befriended her and took her under their wings. The more I inquired about how she was taking care of herself, the more she shared about her life and background. "Cancer was the last thing on my mind,” she said softly at one point. She had seen many trials before cancer, I was told. But those trials produced one of the most courageous women I have ever met.

When she was photographed, her inner strength and beauty that I saw firsthand filled the camera lens. Wanda was radiant and proud. My tears flowed uncontrollably as the photographer kept telling her how stunning she was as he was encouraging her to give him her best smile for the camera. By the end of the shoot, Wanda was ready to sign with the Ford Modeling agency!

As we were calling the day a wrap, I introduced Wanda to my friend, Daphne, who was volunteering also. I told Wanda that Daphne was a dentist. With all the frankness that only Wanda can deliver, she pulled off her well-coiffed wig that was used in her beauty transformation and said, “A dentist! How come you did not introduce her to me first? I really need to visit her!” With a jerk of a wig, Wanda gave me a dose of reality. Just like that, Wanda told us in her own way, what her real needs were!

A homeless woman taught me to make sure "my good works" met the needs of those I am trying to serve. Giving a winter coat to a man who lives in the desert is an exercise in futility. A homeless woman showed me that true compassion and a willingness to listen to those who need to be heard should be at the heart of volunteering. A homeless woman had me reevaluating if my volunteer hours were making any difference. A homeless woman had me questioning if my "good deeds" were actually meeting real needs. It might be a city flooded or hit by a tornado or a cancer patient who has no place to lay their head: in the end, we all need each other. Listening to Wanda, I learned the importance of knowing the true need of those who I am trying to serve. Wanda taught me to listen for the real answer when I ask, "How can I help?"

I stayed in touch with Wanda and her church members. They became her adopted family and friends. They all have endless stories about the goodness of Wanda. She is well. They say she has an apartment of her own and is finishing school. Everyone that knows her tell me exactly the same thing, “Wanda changed my life!” Wanda changed my life too. Because of Wanda, I have learned nothing in life is without purpose or meaning, even an encounter with a homeless person.

Originally published on Blogcritics

Blogcaction is over!

2011-07-23T05:00:00.004-05:00

Whew! My did the time fly. My blogcation was much needed. Every now and then, this blogger needs a lil 'cation. Family life, bugs, movies, launch of a new radio show, Life Beyond Cancer conference being planned for November and a TV show being "discussed" leave a girl with much to write about but so little time to post and tell you.

I am baaaack!

Genma!

The 50th Anniversary of Tennessee State University's Freedom Riders

2011-05-06T06:07:00.009-05:00

The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Boynton v. Virginia (1960) gave travelers the legal right to disregard local segregation ordinances regarding interstate transportation facilities. But it was the ruling itself which was blatantly disregarded by local segregationists who refused to relinquish their “whites only” signs and other vestiges of discrimination in bus terminals and train stations throughout the South.

It was this fervent disregard for the law which called the Freedom Riders into action. Led by the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), and inspired by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., hundreds of students and other activists rode interstate buses into the segregated South to assert their rights. During the initial rides in May 1961, the riders, who were armed only with their commitment to nonviolent protest, were met with nonstop violence and persecution. The buses were frequently intercepted by mobs and riders were brutally attacked. When the buses were able to arrive at their destinations without incident, riders were arrested for violating local segregation ordinances – a direct violation of the Boynton decision.

Throughout the summer of 1961, more than 60 different Freedom Rides took place across the South. It is believed that nearly 450 individuals participated, with more than 300 being arrested. Included in those numbers were 14 students from Tennessee State University. They were members of the Nashville Student Group, a local group of students who had successfully desegregated the city’s lunch counters and movie theaters.

What were the Freedom Riders able to accomplish? In September 1961, bowing to public pressure, the Kennedy Administration finally convinced the Interstate Commerce Commission to issue another desegregation order. The new policies took effect November 1, 1961. As a result, passengers were allowed to sit wherever they pleased on interstate buses and trains, “white” and “colored” signs were removed from terminals, separate drinking fountains, toilets and waiting rooms were consolidated, and lunch counters served ALL customers regardless of skin color.

What did the TSU Freedom Riders receive for their courageous efforts? They were expelled by the university under a year-old law created during the administration of Tennessee Governor Buford Ellington, an avowed segregationist. The students were informed of the ruling via letter while they were still incarcerated in Jackson, Mississippi. Afterwards, a number of people – both black and white – picketed the Tennessee State Capitol on behalf of the Freedom Riders, and sought an audience with Governor Ellington. Their request was denied.

Vindication is seldom swift. Instead, it often takes months, even years. For the 14 TSU Freedom Riders, it has taken nearly half a century. After much debate and public outcry, on April 25, 2008, the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) reversed an earlier decision and agreed to award honorary Doctor of Humane Letters to the 14 students (four will be awarded posthumously). In doing so, TSU was given the opportunity to not only right a grievous wrong, but also, in the words of TSU’s President Dr. Melvin Johnson who helped lead the efforts to recognize the Freedom Riders, “will serve to remind this generation of students of a time when young people were willing to risk reputations, careers, their freedom and their lives for a higher cause.”

Fifty years later, the bravery of the Freedom Riders show us the numerous contributions that students of TSU have made to society to bring about positive change that influences us today and our future leaders of tomorrow.

Original published in the Big Blue Issue

Living Next Door To A Hero

2011-04-21T06:11:00.008-05:00

Understanding My Legacy.
Guest Post By Franz Stringer Holmes

The Pittsburgh Steelers should have won the Super Bowl.

Whew, I had to get that out of the way. I have heard the old saying “if you don’t know your history, you are doomed to repeat it”. I prefer, “If you don’t know where you’ve come from, then you don’t know where you going." Without knowing our history, it is hard to appreciate those that have paved the way for you. I have always been taught to stand on my own two feet and blaze my own trails. However, the influence of my parents, especially my father, has been tremendous to me throughout my life. I heard that having a father figure in your life is the closest thing we get to seeing God in the flesh. I could not agree more.

As a "youngster", I found myself holding my father up as the standard of how I wanted to live my life. Anything that was good enough for him was certainly good enough for me. I was taught to at least give things a try. He doesn’t know this but hearing his stories of his childhood gave me hope and justification in mine. If he could act a fool in school and still get good grades then surely I could go to school and excel. I had no choice in the matter. Mentioning good grades brings back to my first statement. Yes, the Steelers should have won the Super bowl this year!

Steeler Pride runs deep at my father’s house. I’m not even big on football but I always enjoy watching the Steelers play. Steeler Pride is so deep in my family blood that even when my former TSU track teammates played against them, I still rooted for the Steelers. To know why is a bit of a history lesson. In high school, my father played football and dreamed of going to the league. He told me once that in his day, TSU was known around the world for bringing the best black football players to the NFL. I am not going to try to name all the names of NFL greats that have played football at TSU that my father knows personally but the name that stands above all names is Joe Gilliam, the first Black NFL quarter back.

Joe Gilliam Jr. played football at Pearl High School and led his team to the very first integrated city championship in 1966. I know that well because I attended middle and high school at Pearl now known as Martin Luther King Magnet High School. There’s a small shrine to Joe Gilliam in a room behind the auditorium that stays locked. How I know this is a subject for another story. The Gilliam name came to mean much more to me as I graduated and prepared for college. I visited numerous schools and I received many offers to attend other colleges but TSU was my first and only choice. My only financial concern regarding school was my books. Imagine my surprise after being enrolled at TSU that my book purchases were paid for by a third party. I later learned that it was billed to the Joe Gilliam Foundation. It was then I began to piece my fathers lover of the Steelers, the Gilliam name and my family together.

Coach Joe Gilliam Sr. served as defensive coordinator at TSU and most likely one of the most influential men in my father’s life. My father, Roger Holmes, played football for TSU.The Gilliam name that I heard throughout my childhood was Joe Gilliam but I had no idea that from the time I was knee high to an ant that my father was talking about Joe Gilliam, SR!

I heard every story about every game, every long night at practice, about every “boy you gonna be a man when I get through with you”, every and all things Coach Gilliam. The very idea of disappointing Coach Gilliam, my father’s hero, MADE me go to class even when I did not want too. After all, he was paying for my books! I had no choice.

After a few semesters, I moved off the yard. As fate would have it, I moved across the hall from none other than Coach Gilliam. I suddenly understood every conversation I heard my father tell about curfews. Living across the hall from Coach Gilliam was an experience I will never forget. I read every book he read. I ate what he ate. I watched every football game ever played by anyone that was suited in a Big Blue uniform. And no matter how I tried, I could not leave my apartment without his door opening to make sure I was alone. Living next day to Coach Gilliam I definitely learned perseverance.

Living in my father's house, on campus and across the hall from Coach Gilliam, I understand fully what it means to love TSU. I know without a doubt that I stand on the shoulders of those before me. I wouldn’t be where I am without my family. And my father would not be who he is without having men like Coach Gilliam who made sure he did not have to walk on grass but on the road that was paved by their sacrifices. The day I met Coach Gilliam, I understood what legacy meant. My father’s legacy became mine as well. Coach Gilliam, as we celebrate TSU’s past, present, and future in the Big Blue Issue, I want to say thank you for every lesson you taught me about being a man in the game of life. The evenings spent with you, I will always treasure. God bless you!
Your neighbor,
Franz Holmes

Originally published in the Big Blue Issue

A Honest Dialouge About "Food Desert" Legislation

2011-04-20T08:55:00.013-05:00

In February and March, several organizations that I am a member of had legislative days at the state and national levels. For many years, I have participated with the pest control industry and women business owners’ legislative days in DC. Coincidental, both are usually held within days of each other every year. Because of my hectic schedule last month, I did not attend legislative events in DC that pertained to issues that regulate how I do business as a pest management profession or a woman owned company.

But I did visit our state legislators to address issues that I felt strongly about professionally and morally. The voter registration ID bill reminds me of Jim Crow's Old South and legislating when a mother can breastfeed her baby sounded too much like “big government” overstepping. Because I blog about issues on the hill often, I was right at home with our state legislators, even this new crop of politicians. Many issues cherished by my family because of my grandfather’s contributions on civil rights battlefield have been stem rolled by this group. I have shared my thoughts with many bill authors by phone, email and in person. Bills regarding voting issues have wiped out years of voter rights activism.

Although not as important as bills pertaining to voting issues, the Food Desert legislation bill, left me with mixed feelings. It is a good idea but I do believe more education around food deserts is essential as well as the community of color needs to be informed of the role it plays it getting this type of legislation momentum.

The food desert legislation has been a hot topic since our First Lady, Michelle Obama, kicked off her initiatives to tackle obesity in children. Food deserts are neighborhoods and areas of the country without supermarkets that sell fresh fruits and vegetables. Mrs. Obama, like all first ladies before her, picked a cause that is close to her heart. Mrs. Obama is raising awareness about childhood obesity and using her platform as First Lady of the United States to influence others to become involved to make a difference in stamping out childhood illness related to obesity.

The initiative named “Let’s Move” is celebrating its first year of raising our country’s consciences about what our children eat and how it impacts their health long term. Mrs. Obama kicked off her Let’s Move program by inviting children to the White House to plant a vegetable garden and to learn healthy eating habits from the White House Chef.

Mrs. Obama's program has stated statics that show one out of three children is overweight or obese. In African American and Hispanic homes, the number jumps to 40% of the children are dealing with obesity issues. As children have gotten bigger, the number of children diagnosed with adolescent diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, and even cancer has increase significantly as well. Disease and chronic illnesses that are usually found in adults, thirty years ago, are plaguing kindergarten age children.

Thirty years ago, most school age children walked to school and played outside almost daily. Today, recess programs have been cut from most school budgets and children spends hours indoors playing video games or watching TV. With less physical activities and more children eating processed foods, Mrs. Obama addresses obesity and unhealthy eating habits among children by cheering for more outdoor play and exercise and stressing to families and schools to cook more nutritional meals.

Mrs. Obama have also encouraged more fresh vegetables be made available in Metropolitan inner cities and rural communities that have no grocery stores. Mrs. Obama drew the ire of conservatives when she spoke about lunch cafeterias serving more salads and baked foods. This was touted as being part of the President’s socialist intent to introduce the government into every aspect of our lives by suggesting healthy eating to school age children.

When Mrs. Obama spoke at an event in Philadelphia last year, many took note of her suggestion on how to deal with food desert areas of the country. She offered this solution:

"Let's move to ensure that all families have access to healthy, affordable foods in their community," she said. "(W)e've set an ambitious goal here: to eliminate food deserts in America within seven years.

"To do that," she said, "we're creating a Healthy Food Financing Initiative that's going to invest $400 million a year -- and leverage hundreds of millions more from the private sector -- to bring grocery stores to undeserved areas and help places like convenience stores carry healthier options."

Mrs. Obama offered a financial suggestion to help deal with an issue that is layered with many systemic problems. A broad idea that must start on the local level loses traction when we look at the issues that must be apportioned by state and local governing bodies and the mindset of neighborhoods and the communities that it will affect. Stating that we need a grocer to service a neighborhood so that the community can buy fresh vegetables and fruits sounds like a simplistic solution. But often, we overlook at the reasons why a neighborhood is without a grocer even though you have a buying customer base. I compare these scenarios to putting a cart without wheels before the horse, it is not moving…period.

If the community of color is honest, most minority neighborhoods without grocery stores are riddled with crime. This is the case even here in Nashville. At one point, almost every area of town had a grocery store. When busing became law, the suburbs started to flourish leaving inner city areas without businesses. As the businesses grew in surrounding areas like Brentwood, Nashville neighborhoods became more and more crime infested. Stores were less and less willing to remain open in those areas. Business owners moved out. It is widely known high crime rates coincide with the lack of unemployment. High unemployment is usually encrusted with high school dropout rates. Trying to figure it out is like trying to decide if the chicken or the egg came first. Crime, lack of education, and no jobs spin off situations like food deserts.

According to www.letsmove.gov, when low income areas are food deserts, families tend to spend more money on calorie laden fast foods or convenient foods found at corner markets that do not offer healthy choices. As more and more politicians are picking up the Let’s Move mantra, they must understand that addressing how to make a food desert area more attractive to business owners should be part of the dialogue as healthy lifestyles are discussed. They must be worked on simultaneously. That shows potential stake holders that every angel of the problem is being thoroughly addressed and not just throwing more money into another government program that will not transform a community, a corner or even a child.

Trying to entice large conglomerates to invest millions into opening a neighborhood grocer takes years of planning. Marketing must be done to attract companies and communities must prepare an educated workforce for employment. This is as critical as getting the children to eat healthy foods to prevent childhood obesity. At www.letsmove.org, seven years is cited as a time frame to change an area. Putting all the pieces together takes a few years. That part is rarely cited by the critics of Mrs. Obama or food desert advocates.

I commend the First Lady for making eating healthy as a goal not only for children but for families in general. Healthy families lead more productive lives. Mrs. Obama is a role model for many women across the nation. Personally, she has encouraged me with her dedication to exercise and healthy eating. As many organizations begin taking up Mrs. Obama’s cause to fight childhood obesity issues, the groups need to be engaged in those community. Being known for meeting the needs of a community is vital to addressing systemic issues in a community. As more people become aware of food desert legislation, let’s move with determined steps to break the cycle of crime, unemployment, and lack of education in our communities as we promote healthy lifestyles. Grassroots activists can transform lives and create changes that can be seen thirty years from now. One cannot be done without the other. For more info go to www.letsmove.org www.letsmove.gov
Article first published as Honest Dialogue about "Food Desert" Legislation on Blogcritics.

MSNBC's Black Agenda: Perms, Afros and Ed Shultz

2011-04-13T10:55:00.014-05:00

In January 2010, MSNBC aired a highly promoted town hall with Tom Joyner and Chris Matthews hosted at Texas Southern University. The show was billed as a measurement of the state of America in the era of Obama. “Obama’s America: 2010 and Beyond” was part of MSNBC’s Martin Luther King Day observations.

Chris Matthews moderating was awful. He had very little restraint and could converse with anyone, Black or White. His constant interruptions and Tom Joyner’s snarky radio commentary did not translate well on TV. Both Matthews and Joyner were cheerleaders of the Obama Administration so it was hard to see objectivity. The event was on the heels of the first anniversary of our country’s first elected Black President. The summer of 2009 town hall meetings from hell, healthcare legislation debates, and “Skippy Gate” are incidents that exposed attitudes about race relations and the need for more ongoing dialogue. Those types of discussions need to be done with precision and care not ratings boosters for networks. The usual suspects of Black “leaders” known as speakers from Tavis Smiley’s once lucrative now defunct annual Negro super bowl, State of the Black Union (SOTBU), were itching to talk race relations. The SOTBU was once a coveted event where many were given a platform to strut their knowledge about all that ails black folks. Once Senator Obama became President Obama, the media gave the world a new coded label, “post racial America”. It was touted as the end of racism but many saw it as the beginning of cable news race-baiting at opportunity.

The "post-racial America" label popped up everywhere, while race-baiting became a carefully crafted art form that has induced more fearmongering than the Jim Crow South for all races. The word “racist” has been used like toilet paper, describing anyone and every situation. Every network has tried dissecting the new terminology and the repackaging of racism in one way or another. CNN’s "Black in America” series hosted by Soledad O’Brien left many wondering: who worked at CNN? Surely not people of color. Some of the segments only further cemented the harsh stereotypes of blacks, and many criticized the network for not being fair and balanced with the stories portrayed.

On the "Fair and Balanced" Network, Fox’s Glenn Beck, accompanied occasionally by Dr. Martin Luther King’s niece, Alveda King, had several panels about race on his now cancelled show. Dr. King’s niece read biblical passages while Beck, a Mormon, gave commentary about visions revealed by God to him in the shower, in the limo, or at the bank. One of the visions left Beck with the belief that the President was a racist and had a “deep-seated hatred of white people.” Beck even had a town hall meeting of Black conservatives who had voted for Obama but later loathed their decision, or did not vote for the President because they detested socialism, Marxism, non-Christians, and/or anything that threatens Democracy according to the original intent of the Founding Fathers.

On Sunday, MSNBC’s Ed Shultz stepped into the arena of racial moderation via media outlet depictions as the host of "The Black Agenda." Thousands on Twitter asked “Why?” and “Where is Tamron Hall?” Last year, "The Black Agenda" was hosted by Ed Schultz and Tamron Hall. This year MSNBC decided to drop the Black co-host and let Ed fly solo.

That was an ill-advised flight for MSNBC. Those who tuned in to watch shared their thoughts across the World Wide Web without mercy. The usual suspects from the Negro bowl were front and center, while Sam Cooke’s “Change is Gonna Come” and James Brown's “Living in America” were played at commercial breaks. “The Black Agenda” gave viewers clowns on parade and coonery at every turn. The show was part of Al Sharpton’s National Action Network week-long conference in New York that was kicked off with the President as the keynote evening speaker. Earlier on the same day, the President launched his reelection campaign via the Web.

The MSNBC "Black Agenda" televised panel came at the end of the National Action Network’s annual summit. It was advertised as featuring prominent African American leaders from across the U.S. who are committed to furthering progress on critical issues impacting their community. Schultz and the panel will discuss pertinent topics affecting African Americans such as politics, modern civil rights, healthcare, education, and ways to help build a stronger African American community. MSNBC will ask the tough questions: What is the Black Agenda? What can the African American community do to help itself? How does the Black Agenda help to further the overall American agenda?

If reading the tweets on Twitter was an indicator, the show encountered turbulence after the opening credits. Hearing Ed Schultz from North Dakota rewrite Sharpton’s history showed Ed did not do his homework. Sharpton was given “a gift to the Black community” slant. The media loves contrived storylines. However, all that ails black folks were not changed to fit Sharpton’s new edit. No daddies, unwed mamas, no education, no houses, many jail cells, and only a few slices of government cheese were the usual problems seen through the same lens and told by the same voices whose protests and shouts are nothing more than punditry of another color. No solutions were given, no success stories to model were told.

When Rev. Sharpton and Princeton’s Cornel West began to sharpen their talking points, the plane dropped 30,000 feet for MSNBC’s new race relations expert, Ed Schultz, and the Sunday camera guy with no instructions on how to steer the debate back to a “give black folks more help” viewpoint. When the talk turned to how the President can help the Black Agenda, Sharpton and West had an on-air collision for the whole world to see. The carnage was ugly.

Two Black men, one with a perm and one with a blown-out Afro, yelling and shouting about who was doing more to help the Black Agenda was disastrous. The part of the exchange that has gotten the most attention was:

Sharpton: “Too many of us are putting it all on the President, if I see a [Paul] Ryan in Congress, where is the counterpoint to Ryan? That’s not President Obama’s job...He shouldn’t lead the civil rights marches against himself. Eveybody’s sitting around acting like we can’t do anything, Obama’s going to do it. That’s hogwash.”

West: “They have a black constituency and there’s a context in the nation that a criticism of President Obama is an attempt to support the right-wing vicious attacks of Fox News and others.”

Sharpton’s hood-lined Ralph Lauren White House makeover and West’s displeasure at not being in the inner circle and lover of all things Obama was evident. Both men made a mockery of anything good accomplished by people of color before or after their births. Sharpton’s “I’ll cut ya” tirades are becoming famous and West’s “my brother, I love you” while stabbing you with his dictionary of words that conceal hate are distractions.

The media folks' biannual specials promoted as forums to discuss the status of race relations while putting on race-baiters 24/7 are futile and create further divisions. Media outlets need to examine how they have contributed to the decline of race relations in our country and look closely at the makeup of their staff, reporters, and anchors. Out of 815 newsrooms across the county only 64 have people of color at a management level, according to www.Root.com’s publisher, Donna Byrd. If more people of color were working in newsrooms, outlets like MSNBC would have known beforehand that a panel with Sharpton and West talking about a Black Agenda would crash and burn quickly.

On Monday, a less publicized Aspen Institute Symposium on the State of Race in America was held in DC. The panel was diverse and included women and younger demographics that gave solutions on how to show America’s diverse makeup, thoughts, and lives without preconceived filters. MSNBC’s Richard Lui was the moderator. However, this event was not advertised at every break throughout the day for weeks. The panelists spoke truth to power about the role the media plays in the dilution of the news and how the media has stoked racial flames at every turn, including the media’s influence on Donald Trump’s pretend run for president. As of yet, there has been no coverage of Lui’s role at the conference on MSNBC.

In the meantime, steer clear of cable news specials featuring old angry men with Jheri curls, permed hair, or blown-out afros discussing race issues, moderated by folks from culturally diverse states like North Dakota. They are only going to leave one with the foul taste of outdated government cheese thinking, which should be discarded for the sake of the country’s agenda of moving forward not backward.

Article first published as MSNBC's Black Agenda: Perms, Afros, and Ed Schultz on Blogcritics.

House on A Hill Interviews Genma Stringer Holmes

2011-04-06T11:35:00.010-05:00

House: Genma, you are beautiful inside and out. My grandmother used to tell us "Pretty is as pretty does". What lessons were you given to balance your overall disposition?

Don't read your press. Life is short and one must live it to the fullest. I am a hard worker by nature. I am learning to slow down...some. Getting up at 4:30am instead of 4:00 is not so bad after all! All kidding aside, I kill roaches for a living. The job is not glamorous at all, I just make it look that way!

House: You often speak of your family's influence on you growing up, what was your most important or memorable message from their battles and plights?

My grandfather was the most humble person I knew. But he was very proud as well. He was humble about being influential and well known but proud of being able to take care of his family and provide my mother and aunts and uncles with an education against all odds. He only had a third grade education but was the most intellectual person I knew. Those opposites taught me that your weakness can be your greatest strengths in life.

House: Entrepreneur, model, writer - I am interested in learning more about your passions! Madame C.J. Walker recipient, safe and effective pesticides, and socially conscious, please share with us your motivation.

I am motivated about being able to help and serve others. Deposit some good in someone's life and watch how it blooms in your back yard!

House: You are also a parent. Describe how you instill value of life and love into your little people.

My little people are not so little anymore. My oldest is 24. My baby boy is 20 and my daughter, the youngest, is 19. Now that my babies are not babies anymore, I am in a different phase of my life. Last year, was my first year not homeschooling and I literally was at a lost with myself because I was so use to that structure that teaching gave me. It took me a minute to find myself after the kids were gone. I realize that my babies are now teaching me more about life. I have taught my kids the exact same things that were instilled in me; hard work never killed anyone, accept no one 'no' to your dreams and goals, treat the 'little' people like kings because they are and it is the right thing to do, and always do what is right when no one is looking. I don't expect them to be perfect because no one is perfect but I feel strongly they were taught right from wrong. I talk less and listen more and pray intently for them. Wisdom does come with age, I must admit. By the time my youngest left home, I was a different mother for sure.

House:Genuine, smart and sassy, you never back down from a challenge - nor do you flinch when it is time to do or say what is right, how do you stand firm with courage?

I believe that speaking truthfully to power with respect. Recently, I share my perspective to a CEO about an event that had very few minorities in attendance. The room grew quite because I spoke up and shared that if you wanted more people of color to be his team would have made sure they were present. He did not take my observations or boldness very well. But what I noticed a few weeks later that the next event included more people of color in his marketing. Now, he is still pissed that I shared my point of view but when he starts to count his money, a year or two from now, he will be just find and thank for me for my honesty. I spoke to truth to power and in love. I didn't attack him or his company. The lesson here is sometimes you have to just say it. That boldness has been tempered with grace over the last few years. I did not always have grace with my courage.

House: What does Black History mean to you?

Black History is American History. Black History is everyone's history. We all reap from learning from individuals that have made this country great. I try not to regulate American History to one month out of the year. I believe in celebrating the contributions made thousands every day of the year. I teach my history, my Black History, which is American History every day. I speak often about my grandfather. He marched, he protested, he served, he gave...not in February but every day of his life until he took his last breath. When we don't know our history, we suffer as a people, a nation, as a country. The further we get away from our history; we are running from the lessons that were learned from that history. Lately our country is going in a direction that reminds me we are forgetting American History and substituting it for a type of history that all Americans know is not the country’s history. That is dangerous grounds for everyone to be walking on.

House: How does Genma move forward? What do you see for yourself and your projects in 6 months?

I have come full circle in my life. I am back working in the film industry behind the scenes. I have been working on a movie project for the last several months with good friend and film producer, Curt Hahn of Film House. I filmed all winter with him so that kept me busy. As for the pest control industry, I want to help take the hype out of the bedbug frenzy and making sure more education on prevention is what people are learning. There is too much fear and not enough education. That is high on my priority list list. And I am also working to give two minority scholarships to students interested in the pest control industry in 2011. Several of us who were very active in Minorities in Pest Management from 2005-2010 have gone back to the drawing board and looking to put the organization with a foundation that focuses on scholarships. I have also am startling a PAC as well. Politicians pay closer attention to issues when PCAs are addressing the issues. Sad but true. They serve you better for some reason!

I am blessed. God has been good to me. I want to make sure I am giving back. I want flowers blooming in my yard from the seeds I have planted in others!

(Thank you Houseonahill.org my Twitter Buddy)

Zetas Doing Good In the Community

2011-04-05T12:47:00.022-05:00

I celebrated the last weekend of Women’s History Month not traveling but with the women of Pi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta. I knew several Zetas from other organizations and the invite was special on so many levels. My mom is a Zeta. One of my favorite aunts is a Zeta, my son is a Sigma and his wife is a Zeta. (No, I am not Greek). I called home to tell my mom that I would be attending the Pi Zeta’s 75th Diamond Jubilee Anniversary Blue Revue. Her response to me was what I expected, “It’s about time you attended our events. You better blog about it too.” I reminded my mom that she told me years ago; “keep my life off your blog”. I only complied with her wishes. Since being a Zeta is a big part of her life, I knew I could not mention the Zetas without writing about her.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc was founded in 1920, on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. as the sister organization to Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. Five women chose not to embrace the tenets of established black sororities, and chartered Zeta Phi Beta Sorority to encourage through scientific, literary, cultural, and educational programs; promote service projects on college campuses and in the community; foster sisterhood; and exemplify the ideal of Finer Womanhood. A private nonprofit organization, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority is incorporated in Washington, D.C. and in the state of Illinois.

Since its inception, the sorority has chronicled a number of "firsts" among the established black sororities. In addition to being the only organization constitutionally bound to a fraternity, the sorority was the first to charter international chapters, those in West Africa and Germany; to form adult and youth auxiliary groups, the Amicae, Archonettes, Amicettes and Pearlettes; and to organize its internal affairs within a central, national office administered by a paid staff.

My mom pledged Zeta many moons ago at Jackson State University. Many family members and friends are in one Greek organization or another but I have seen a Zeta, literally, from my first moment of life. After speaking to my mom, I became really excited about attending the Blue Revue because I knew secretly, in her heart, she was proud that I called to say I was attending. I was invited by a woman who I respect tremendously and has always represented quiet strength in the Nashville community, Mrs. Veonie McKinnie aka “Miss Veonie”. I have mentioned her on many occasions to my mom. If my mom was to visit Nashville, I would take her straight from the plane to her Soror, Miss Veonie. Both are strong advocates of higher education and serve their communities without the need to be out front.

Miss Veonie called me twice to make sure I was not traveling and each time I reassured her wild horses could not stop me from attending. Besides, I couldn’t back out because I shared the info with my mom. She was going to want an update to share with the Zetas in Mississippi. The event was on a rainy Saturday afternoon. But the rain did not stop the room from being packed from corner to corner with Zetas and Sigmas. I felt at home and thoughts of my mom, my grandmother, my son and my aunt kept invading my head. They would have been in blue heaven!

I noticed everything from the moment I stepped through the door. I took in every detail; soaking in the atmosphere of the room, delighting in the décor, marveling at the Zetas in their ornate hats, and the students with their proud families. One of the things that stood out to me at the Blue Revue event was the focus was on the scholarships and students and not Greek organization. For a non-Greek, this was so refreshing! Education was stressed at every turn. I sat right next to Dr. Judith Presley not realizing she was a judge. She had a hard job along with Michael Green and Cynthia Dirkson who were judges also. I did not envy their tasks. The competition was tough. The seniors competing for cash prizes were: James DeShawn Lovan, East Literature Magnet; Remo Weaver, Hunters Lane; Harvae Herod, Whites Creek; Jocelyn Jones, Hume Fogg; and Tiffany Vann, Good Pasture Christian.

The Pi Zetas’ scholarships are the stuff of legends. Every participant receives cash for college. The Pi Zeta Chapter has a history of providing scholarships to high school seniors as a way of assisting these students with an opportunity to continue their education. Started in the 1950s, the Blue Revue was introduced as an annual scholarship fundraiser for high school girls. However, in the early 1960s, this event was opened to first year college women. Olivia T. Brown is noted as a winner of the Blue Revue as a college freshman. She went on to join Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated and serve as president of the Pi Zeta Chapter.

The Blue Revue has evolved from a means to help raise funds for college to an outlet by which participants can interact with other like-minded, college-bound youth and attend enrichment workshops that will aid them in future endeavors. Though the Blue Revue moved to a bi-annual schedule in 1976, it still remains one of the biggest and most successful events hosted by Pi Zeta. Currently, this event is open to young men and women who are high school seniors. Pi Zeta regards itself as the premiere graduate chapter of Nashville in continuing to aid our youth in achieving the goal of higher education while exemplifying the sorority’s long-standing ideals of Sisterhood, Scholarship, and Finer Womanhood. On the Pi Beta’s website the word Scholarship is before Sister and Service. You know I love that.

The students were not only talented orators but showed us grace with their dance skills. No hip hop clowning here! My mom would have been beaming like a lighthouse. The students were coordinated, poise, and proud. You could see and feel it. Since the Blue Revue was open to young men as well, they announced the Mr. Debonair winner first. Jamal DeShawn Lovan won. It was mentioned at my table that he also won the Top Ladies of Distinction Bowtian Crown in December. At the rate he is going, college will be paid for by the time he graduates from high school. He is a member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church and wants to major in Criminal Justice. His speech, titled “Obama Haters”, had the women and men in blue saying "amen" throughout his presentation.

Tiffany Janielle Van won the oratorical contest and the title of Miss Blue Revue. She is a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church and wants to be a pediatrician. Her speaking skills and grades will take her where ever she wants to go in life. Her family was so proud and rightly so. All of the contestants were wonderful and not one left without monetary funds to help them on the higher education journey. Nearly $10,000 was split between five students. God is good!

I left on a high note and did a little research about the Pi Zetas once I got home. Since Pi Zeta's inception, the chapter has grown tremendously. Presently, there are over 75 active financial members. (Translation…dues paying folks). Pi Zeta was the first female Greek letter organization to sponsor a chapter on the campus of American Baptist College with the help of Soror Melvia Russell. To date, Pi Zeta sponsors five undergraduate chapters. They are:
• Epsilon Alpha (Tennessee State University)
• Kappa Gamma (Fisk University)
• Mu Theta (Middle Tennessee State University)
• Gamma Nu (Austin Peay State University)
• Phi Nu (American Baptist College)

There is no denying that the Pi Zetas are “doing good” in the community. Miss Veonie reminds me often that she sponsored the hardest grant writer ever, Dr. Pat Mitchell-Juarez’s chapter on Fisk campus. After leaving Miss Veonie’s house, I would carry my mom straight to Pat’s kitchen! I always nod my head as if I heard her story about Pat for the first time. When Miss Veonie is proud of you, she tells the world!

Well as you can see, I truly have something to write home to my mom. Dr. Debra Smith, principal of Jones Paideia Magnet School ended the evening with “It’s a great day to be a Zeta”. My mom would have said, “Amen”, loudly without hesitation. I want to say "thank you" to all the Greek organizations who contribute much to the quality of life in our community and who keep the education of our youth at the forefront. We are in tough times and young people need more and more role models every day. And I want to say a big special "thank you" to my mom, Dr. Stringer, a proud Zeta who I love dearly!

(pics from event will be added this week)

More Political Observations

2011-03-24T03:48:00.014-05:00

Since I last posted a week ago, we are now at war with Libya. The President says our military engagement is a “humanitarian mission” to aid the rebels from Khadafy’s violence. Really? We have watched for over a year several Middle Eastern countries rulers beat and fire upon their citizens protesting in the street. What made Khadafy’s violence against his people any different than what in Iran a year ago or Egypt a month ago? That is not being explained thoroughly in the punditry world of cable news. And very few minority media outlets are informing their audiences about the issues surrounding the decisions to use military force against Libya. Surprise.

On the morning talk shows, several women guests have questioned why the United States have not intervened in the Congo where genocide, rape and violence against women and children are the preferred government’s weapons of choice to squash rebels fighting dictators. The panels of usually former male government insiders go silent or change the conversation and ask why the “lefties” are not screaming out more about the President’s decision to “aid the rebels” in Libya. In the Congo, rescuing women and children from warring rapists would be way too much “humanitarian aid” for our country to give under any administration whether it is led by a Republican or Democrat President. No oil, not humanitarian aid.

When it comes to Republican or Democrat politicians, being a hypocrite seem to be an absolute requirement to hold office. Getting elected by keeping voters angry with any controversy necessary helps keep the focus off what was promised on the campaign trail and what is being delivered once an office and staff are acquired in Washington, D.C. The President is proving to be no exception to the rule. Our newly minted Speaker of the House, John Boehner, is also serving up a mouth full of contradictions. After speaking into every microphone for over a year about “jobs, jobs, jobs”, he has shown us that the last thing he is doing is creating jobs. His tears that were once on auto pilot are starting to dry up. More legislation time is being given to women reproduction rights (or wrongs depending where you stand on the issue). “Jobs, jobs, jobs” creation is getting the least amount of the Speaker’s emotional teary eyed political rhetoric.

Political rhetoric is not limited to subjective tears. We can rarely go a week or two without an “ism” overflowing from the heart to the mouth that reveals more about a candidate running for office. This is so common place now that it is becoming acceptable on the campaign field. Take Congressional candidate Jack Davis who is replacing disgraced shirtless, picture taking, Craigslist infamous seeking woman ad cruiser, New York Congressman Chris Lee words that has been under the radar for a few weeks until recently:

Congressional candidate Jack Davis shocked local Republican leaders in a recent interview when he suggested that Latino farmworkers be deported — and that African-Americans from the inner city be bused to farm country to pick the crops.
Several sources who were in the Feb. 20 endorsement interview with Davis confirmed his comments, which echo those he made to the Tonawanda News in 2008, when he said: “We have a huge unemployment problem with black youth in our cities. Put them on buses, take them out there [to the farms] and pay them a decent wage; they will work.”

When Davis repeated those sentiments in the recent interview, the Republican leaders — who later delivered the party endorsement for the vacant seat in the 26th Congressional District to Assemblywoman Jane L. Corwin of Clarence — said they couldn’t believe what they were hearing.
“I was thunderstruck,” said Amherst GOP Chairman Marshall Wood. “Maybe in 1860 that might have been seen by some as an appropriate comment, but not now.”

Davis spokesman W. Curtis Ellis acknowledged that Davis’ comments “may not be politically correct and … may not be racially correct.” Geez.

If Jack Davis is sharing these golden nuggets on the campaign trail, imagine what is going to come out once he takes office. No in-depth coverage of this is on cable news channels and very few minority outlets have even raised an eyebrow. At a conference meet up, it was all the online community was talking.

Contradictions that leave you scratching your head are not regulated to a political party or a certain group. This week’s actions by some members of Tennessee Black Caucus are examples of saying vs. doing. Several weeks ago, the Chairperson of the Black Caucus, Senator Harper, arranged a forum with students and the community at Tennessee State University (TSU) to educate the community how the caucus supports TSU's educational mission. The HBCU campus, based in Nashville, has been on a steady rebound from internal issues that stemmed from public grievances of some with the previous administration. The Tennessee Black Caucus was one of the groups that heard from disgruntled academia regularly.

The well attended assembly was highly anticipated. Elected officials, students, staff, faculty, and the community came prepared to be engage with solutions to take the university to the next level. You could feel the excitement in the air. As a parent, I was enthusiastic because this was the first time I was aware that the Black Caucus had a meeting of this type at TSU. I came with my mommy-blogger hat firmly on my head.

The meeting started on time (yeah) and TSU’s diversity was on full display. But one could not help but notice that Black Caucus was short on members. To my dismay, it was announced that the Governor had dinner planned for the Black Caucus and several members of the Black Caucus would be leaving for the dinner. Almost half did not attend the forum and the ones who did attended cut their time short to leave early to dine with the Governor. Huh? Senator Harper apologized profusely to the students and the administration. You could feel and hear her disappointment. But she promised to come back and give the students and the community a chance to ask probing questions.

Representatives present were Joe Armstrong, Tommie Brown, Karen Camper, Barbara Cooper, John DeBerry, G.A. Hardaway, Larry Miller, Antonio Parkinson and Joe Towns. Senators Jim Kyle, Lowefiney and Andy Berke were also present.

As I write often, young people look at our actions not what we say. Those who spoke gave insightful information regarding legislation that was impacting the students. Hearing from those who actually fight to keep money at TSU will be a lesson many will not forget. Caucus members discussed healthcare legislation that will allow students to stay on their parents insurance while they are in college and SB1360 that is being proposed so that students may vote using their student id card. Several other legislative bills were also discussed. These were important issues for college students to hear firsthand from the legislators. Several of the Black Caucasus members praise their interns that were TSU students and reminded the students that in years gone by, there were no Pell grants or HOPE scholarships to aid one’s pursuit of an education. These forms of financial assistance can be taken for granted by young people who are not aware of the history that took place to get financial aid for them to attend college.

Overall, the meeting was a good for TSU and the Black Caucus. Since Senator Harper stayed behind to meet with students, I had to asked about the scheduling conflict and why not a full turn out from the Black Caucus. “They are having dinner with the Governor,” I was told with a pointed glance. “Is that where you are headed”, I asked quickly. She gave me a look only a Diva who was not taking any sass from me could give and said, “No, I am meeting with students from OIC.” Well, she set me straight, huh?

What was more vital, dining on “chicken wangs” with the Governor or following through on commitments to discuss significant education legislation with students at TSU? In 2012, who do you think the Black Caucus members are going to ask to help campaign and vote for them? I hate to inform folks but the Governor will not be campaigning for them in 2012. Meeting with the students had far greater value on many levels. The Governor’s dinner could have been rescheduled, I am sure of it. When will folks learn? Here’s another political observation that resembles chicken wing with hot sauce and prayers on the side!

Article first published as More Politcal Observations on Blogcritics.

Observations From The Road

2011-03-21T12:02:00.004-05:00

I am blogging from the road again. Being a guest speaker, I get to speak the truth in love while everyone smiles knowingly grins and nod sheepishly. I have gotten quite a few “preach it sister” and a very loud “shame the devil” the other day. I am sure if some of the things I have said to several organizations were told by a local member, mayhem would have ensued. What I am learning from my road trips; no matter where you go, there you are. Our stuff is the same from city to city. The clichés and the groups’ dynamics maybe different but folks are pretty predictable. Most of the audiences have been very diverse with education and economic empowerment questions dominating the Q & A time. But when I am in the front of my own people, the question that is asked at every single event is, “Why are black people becoming our own worst enemies?”

From New York to Houston, the question has been asked. In Houston, women wept openly about the savage rape of an 11 year girl by 15 or more Black men and high school boys in a trailer that was videotaped on cell phones and shown at her school. When I arrived, my driver was giving me the word on street version of the horrific event. He warned me not to be surprised because the topic was being discussed everywhere. The November incident has made national news but it was the talk of the Houston area before being picked up by mainstream media. The mug shots of the men and teen boys were all over Houston. Instead of my prepared words about Black Women Trailblazers, we had a town hall meeting of sorts to allow folks a chance to vent. I asked the group to use their anger as a wakeup call. I suggested cutting back on galas and fund counseling for the young girls that have seen the videos. (You know I am not going to leave a group of people with hearts bleeding without mentioning counseling). Anyway, I also suggested partnering with men organizations to teach men how to become protectors of women and girls and not ferocious predators. The well-heeled women were in obvious shock. The title sponsors agreed to put up money for counseling and mentoring activities for girls at the elementary school. This incredible act of generosity was met with a member giving an I-am-the president-elect speech along with the by-laws surrounding the pledged donation. Yep, she did. Pitiful.

My whirl wind month of March is becoming book material fast. The story above had a very obvious teachable moment; put the children first, your title and agenda could have waited. But how often have we seen the sugar taken out of a sweet act of kindness with sour words? I did not bother to hide my disappointment with the “president- elect” and neither did others. How do these folks get elected anyway?

Speaking of elections, Memphis was one of my stops. The state of Memphis City schools was all everyone was talking about at recent meeting. There was no shortage of stories pro and con about the aftermath of dissolving the city school charter. Criticisms were passed around like a collection plate in church. Folks were up in arms about what was going to happen. You would have thought the world was coming to an end because of the deep passion. My suggestion to that group was to put their passion into action by organizing rides to the polls to make sure folks voted. I told the group, “Getting Black folks to stop speculating about what’ they say’ and actually vote for decent leaders is the key to addressing many issues in our community. Black folks must get loud and proud again about voting!” Ninety percent of the dialogue in Memphis the day of my visit was peppered with “they say”. I suggested to several business owners to rent vans for the organization and I volunteered to contact the press to highlight their company and organization efforts. When I left, everyone was excited about getting the word out to vote.

Why was I surprised when I read only 17% of registered voters showed up to the polls? All the meetings, talk, distrust, and infighting about how the merger will help or hurt Black children, very few Black folks even bothered to vote. Memphis as a whole was heavy on emotion and sound bites but after a yearlong discussion about the school system did very little to show that education was valued by the very community that needs it the most. White kids are enrolled in excellent public schools in the suburbs or in private schools that keep their fees high and restrict admission. When you view what is happening with public school systems around the country, Black kids dominate the school rolls. Yet, we continue to complain and not vote. God help us.

After the elections, I called to check about rides to the polls. I was informed that they had an education committee meeting scheduled on Election Day and were unable to get the vans. I am still staring at my cell. Pray.

In Atlanta, I was asked about ideas to engage younger women to become more involved in historical Black organizations. The topic was a follow up to remarks about Rev. Bernice King declining the presidency of SCLC which was co-founded by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I pondered my response slowly. My grandmother (Mother) taught me that discussing Dr. King should be done respectfully, so I treaded with thoughtfulness. I leaned on an earlier conversation with Mother to explain my perspective. Mother felt strongly that Bernice King was chosen because of the history that came with her name. “She’s his daughter but she has her own mind. Folks think she is going to quote her father speeches all day”, Mother said in hushed tones. “When she gets to talking about babies having babies, babies killing babies, and babies can’t read or write, they are going to tune her out”. Hmm. Bringing older established groups current with the issues of the day while upholding the legacy of a group, is often met with blank looks or outright disdain. The Black community has used up much needed capital on protesting things that were reactionary, airing grievances in the white media that reflected badly on a group while not dealing with accountability with each other and sat on the sidelines snickering at other folks fall from grace while becoming clowns in a parade. Those actions have come back to haunt the Black community politically and economically.

“We have lost clout politically and economically because we are not using our social and professional positions to bring clarity, civility, and accountability to the table. Many of our organizations are viewed as outdated because of long winded meetings with no substance, leaders who have not always listened to their members, and very little training for younger leadership with outside the box thinking. The old teaching the young is biblical”, I said after sharing my grandmother’s words. Surprisingly, everyone clapped! This is happening in the Black communities around the country and in Nashville. Geez.

There is much to tell; with so little space. Hopefully, by sharing my encounters from the road, it will help us to be more insightful. Do our social groups actually serve the community with service above self mindset? Do we talk about the importance of public schools but are absent when it truly matters the most? Do our older brand groups teach history while embracing change? Are elders willing to teach the young folks leadership skills by more action and few words? Hmm. Our young folks are watching. And waiting!

I really, really, really, love Southwest Airlines

2011-03-20T05:19:00.010-05:00

During the month of March and April, I travel heavily speaking at various events around the country. This year, I am booked for twenty two engagements. March is Women History Month and April is National Pest Control Month. This post comes to you from the road. Being a woman of color in the pest control industry keeps me talking about glass ceiling issues. There is no glass ceiling over my head but this topic seems to be associated with women who work in non-traditional fields. I give groups what they want with clarification of how I view the glass ceiling.

I originally planned to blog about women in business figures but I was side tracked with my original thoughts with my travel adventures that started at the Nashville Airport. When you are a frequent traveler, you learn to just be a trooper and get to your destination. Everything else will work itself out, I tell myself to keep me pumped. I usually fly Southwest Airlines who are by far the best deal for my traveling budget. When speaking at conferences, they usually have a conference sponsored airline. I have learned to work my way out of them if all possible if I can get Southwest as an option.

Last week, I flew Delta. I felt trepidation early on and could not shake my thoughts that the next week of traveling was going to be awful. That emotion hung over me and my feelings of dread was birthed into reality. After preparing for weeks for life on the road in twenty two cities, I left Tuesday headed to the airport to catch my five o’clock flight to New York. I got there an hour ahead since I did not fly Delta regularly. “A quick trip to New York and back”, I thought to myself. A piece of cake, right? Wrong. My smugness came to an abrupt halt before my trip even got started.
The gentleman at Delta’s curbside check-in took about twenty minutes with two women ahead of me. I waited patiently by spending my time tweeting and fidgeting with anything that was not really something. When my turn came to check in, he pulled out a red tarp and started to lock down his stand. Stunned, I started tripping over my words trying to ask a question as if English was my second language. “What’s going on,” I managed to ask without sounding too alarmed. Without hesitation he said, “My shift is done.” Just like that, he walked away. In total disbelief, I checked my watch and rushed inside and that is when things went from awful to downright disastrous. Enter Richard W. (That was the name on the badge that is burned into my memory.)

Richard W. started with a “You are not going to make your flight.” No, “now let’s see what we can do for you” or a “wait let’s call the gate”. Not even a status check of the flight. He started with a no and he never left that mindset. It was “no” from the beginning and he was running the show. I tried not to sound too agitated but I asked, “Could you check to make sure the flight is on time?” Skeptically, he looked at me and then at my mink coat in my hand, insulted that I asked him a question and said, “That’s not fair to have others waiting on you.” Damn, I should have left the mink coat at home. Richard W. was not feeling me or my mink in Nashville with the bright sun shining. I brought my coat because my New York weather reports were forecasting snow.

I wishfully glanced down at the Southwest counter and wondered if Shirley was on duty but my ticket was booked by my agent and I needed to get on the flight so I stayed put. Richard W. sensing my pondering using another airline started searching flights. He mumbled a few words every few minutes and had to check with his supervisor several times because something was “not working”. I stood quietly knowing that if I showed out with this guy who was showing a lack patient with his own equipment, my butt would be sitting in Nashville another night. Stick with me; I am getting to a point.

As Richard W. went through several Delta employees for help, he bumped heads with a “Nigerian fellow” behind the counter who was not as patience as I was trying to be. The Nigerian sent over his supervisor to straighten out Richard W. She asked Richard W. if he could have handled whatever occurred between the Nigerian and Richard W. three kiosks down better. Richard W. was not having any of that check your attitude talk. Right in front of me, Richard W. gave his thoughts about his co-worker. His thoughts were very ugly.

Yep, Richard W. was ready for a strait jacket after an hour of banging on his computer keyboard. No doubt about; his issues kept coming. His printer did not work. He had no change and he did not know what to do about putting me on a flight that would not put me in first class. My mink would have clashed with the folks in first class, I assumed from Richard’s demeanor. Richard W. was a piece of work for sure. Two hours and $75 later, I was rerouted to tour the US’s other 49 states. What was supposed to be a night of prepping me for my media blitz with my agent was spent on one flight after another one. Thank you, Richard W.

I made it to my New York hotel at one in the morning. By the time I was able to catch my breath, emails for a story I had promised a publisher once I landed in New York was being sent with my epithet attached. Jennifer, a graphic designer, who was covering for me about my delayed story was wondering how long she was going to keep making up excuses for me. As for those waiting for me in New York, their concern prompted two phone calls home that sent everyone into frenzy. I am very adamant about checking in when traveling alone. I also missed two radio interviews. Ooy. Loving that Richard W., huh?

So what’s my point, you are wondering? We are living in crazy times. I don’t know what was going on with Richard W. but something was definitely out of sync with him. One person’s bad day can have a ripple effect. And when you are in the business of traveling as part of your living, you are always at tipping point. I kept reminding myself not to become drawn into the negative energy that was swirling around me at every turn at the counter. I thought about how many people who are in need of jobs right now who would have sold an arm to stand behind the counter at Delta. I thought about all the protests happening in the Middle East and the number of people in our country that were protesting to hold on to their jobs and livelihoods and the last thing I wanted to do was to add toxic fuel to the energy that is permeating the air globally.

Instead, I found myself trying really hard to focus on why I needed to be grateful. Being able to travel to share about things I am passionate about in life is manna from heaven. Meeting people from around the world and being able to sit at the table with others who care about the little things that go unnoticed but are important to how we perceive the world we live in is a blessing to me. Looking for the good and not allowing someone else’s really, really, really bad day pull me down is growth for me that I recognized immediately while standing captive at Delta’s counter. I could visualize me in days gone by throwing a hissy fit few years ago and taking the toxic energy from one airline counter to another one.

I took to twitter on Wednesday morning, to share with others about my eventful day with Richard W. that left others laughing and sharing their travel experiences. I hope next week is not as eventful and my decision to not participate with Richard W. in his moments of madness gave me time to think about the energy that we send out to others. On my way return trip home, I encountered Janet Soto at the Delta counter at LaGuardia. Her day was just as bad as Richard W. By the time I made it back to Nashville, I had written several thank you notes to Southwest Airlines.

I really, really, really love Southwest Airlines.

Photo Credits: Southwest Airlines Collen C. Barrett - President Emeritus and Gary Kelly, CEO

Author note: This story was originally published in The Tennessee Tribune Newspaper
P.S. I have read every book written about Southwest Airlines published and I believe Ms. Barrett is the ultimate case study for Women in Business!

National, State, and Local Political Observations

2011-03-18T05:40:00.016-05:00

With all the turmoil over Japan’s tragedy, many political stories have been knocked off the radar, but within the online community those conversations are alive and ongoing. Often, when visiting other cities I attend meet-ups with other bloggers and Twitter enthusiasts. The info shared from social media platforms usually scoops mainstream press nowadays. Most stories, unfortunately, are rarely reported in ethnic media outlets. This week, many discussions about the number of politicians who ran on the taking-back-the-country mantra and gave President Obama a "shellacking,” are appearing to be worse than the politicians that were ousted last November.

A blogger from Wisconsin sent me several stories about Wisconsin state Senator Randy Hopper's wife, who informed a group of protesters that Hopper is living with his 25-year-old mistress in Madison, Wisconsin. The morally righteous public servant ran his campaign on family values while shacking up with his girlfriend in a house that is not in his district. Bloggers had a field day with this story when it broke. The scandal was reported by mainstream media two weeks later.

While the mainstream media was giving us endless clips of Charlie Sheen "winning”, folks were discussing whether Sen. Randy Hooper actual lived in his district at all when he ran for office last fall. This was not a Democrat vs. Republican or Governor Walker vs. worker’s rights storyline for me. What I found more intriguing about the Sen. Hooper hoopla is that many are admitting they knew he was living with his girlfriend for nearly a year while he was running for office and no one in his community challenged him publicly about his dual residence. The anger against the White House had blinded everyone to overlook the obvious. Now that Hooper has voted for a bill that the majority of the state workers including both Republicans and Democrats hate, his personal life is now on the ballot box. Cheating is okay until you vote crazy. Interesting. No, not judging, just an observation.

In Tennessee, political observations are always interesting. The birther legislation has hit the Volunteer State with a thud. In several states, the birther legislation has been introduced but has gotten little traction. Mother Jones gave the online community a golden nugget that sent bloggers to mixing drinks at what transpired when this news item below, published in Mother Jones, went viral:

Last month, Tennessee state Sen. Mae Beavers introduced SB 1091, a bill that would require presidential candidates to present a long-form birth certificate in order to qualify for the ballot in the Volunteer State. Beavers, a Republican, is in good company: Nearly a dozen states have now introduced similar legislation—part of national campaign mounted by the birthers, those conservatives who believe that President Barack Obama was not born in the United States. To date they haven't had much luck; a bill proposed in Arizona looked the most promising but was scuttled in committee; on Wednesday, New Hampshire GOPers knocked down a similar proposal.

Law makers introducing bills that do not create “jobs, jobs, jobs” are becoming the norm but the head turner to this story was Sen. Mae Beavers’ actions after she introduced the bill. Wanting to strut her stuff and show her passion and zeal, she went on a Blogtalk internet radio show, Reality Check, to discuss protecting our country from a Manchurian candidate who could harm our country by running for President. Have mercy.

Below are excerpts from the transcript of the show that make the entire state of Tennessee look like everyone repeated 4th grade twice:

RC: What are the specific requirements in the bill?

MB: That they have to have the long form birth certificate.

RC: What is the long form birth certificate?

MB: Now, you're asking me to get into a lot of things that I haven't really looked into yet.

(Sen. Mae Beaver was promoting a bill that affects how we vote but did very little research about her own bill; its gets better or worse depending on what you are drinking!) Keep reading.

The host then asked the obvious follow-up: why put a term into the bill, if you don't know what it means? Beavers responded, "Well, we are following some of the bills that have been filed in lots of other states, and you know how it is, you file your bill and, you know, you prepare before you go to committee."

File first, understand later? Dumb.

Beavers went on to state more clearly, "I'm not entirely sure what long form means." She seemed genuinely surprised by the news that not all states even print long-form birth certificates anymore. "I only know about Tennessee," she explained. As for her motives for introducing the bill, Beavers didn't declare herself as an outright birther, but she noted, "I think people have raised questions about [Obama's birth] enough to make everybody wonder." Although the state of Hawaii has produced a certificate of live birth for Obama that has been widely distributed, Beavers said proof of Obama's citizenship must have gotten buried in her inbox: "I get emails all the time with things in them, you know; I can't honestly tell you that I read all of them, because I get so many." Geez.

Whether you are love or hate the President, electing officials with this kind of intellect to public office should be illegal.

Speaking of criminal behavior, is it a crime to ask legitimate questions of those who are running for office locally? In an effort to not make anyone look bad, Nashville-Metro Council members are not being challenged about their voting record. All members of the Black Caucus hemmed and hawed and voted against a multi-billion construction project, May Town, that would have been built with private funds in favor of the Mayor’s blessed and highly favored Music City Convention that was funded with taxpayer dollars based on property taxes.

Yes, local elected officials who represent the poorest residents in Nashville voted to fund a project to bring visitors in a down economy with tax payer dollars based on property taxes when a large number of Nashvillians have lost their homes to foreclosure. Brilliant!

The MCC Project has had its share of controversy which is being swept under the rug now that 2011 elections are around the corner. We are being given the three-piece-chicken-and-biscuit-special speeches while ignoring what the community of color has really gotten from the project. A wing, a dash of hot sauce, with prayers on the side. “We are getting 20% in minority spending”, I have heard a few potential candidates say lately. No one has asked the obvious follow up, “20% of what actual dollar amount?” Please.

The Mayor’s chief cheerleader for the MCC, Walt Baker, was revealed as a racist, at least in his emails. The PR firm debacle was all over the place. And very recently, Metro Finance Director, Rich Riebeling, one of Mayor Karl Dean's top advisers, failed to disclose fully personal business dealings with a prominent attorney and a local engineering firm, which have both won large contracts for the downtown convention center project. Wonder if any color folks bid on those contracts? There have been protests about hiring locals on the nightly news, yet, we allow council members off the hook by not questioning them about any of this. Why? Are accountability questions felonious? No one is perfect, but we should not dodge the obvious. For some, running for office is a hobby. Folks love to talk about what they have accomplished but no politician, Republican or Democrat, Black or White, long or short form supporters, should have an expectation of not being challenged about legislation they supported or bills they voted on, especially when it was not in the interests of the very people who voted for them.

In a media environment where followup questions have become obsolete, very little research is done on conflicts of interests in government dealings, and the cost of elections keep skyrocketing; politicians will say whatever it takes to get in and stay in office. This hurts the voting public, breeds voter apathy and puts out the fire of the next generation of voters who can really make a difference. I am just a blogger, but like it or not, I am going to do the unpopular thing; ask questions. Asking questions is desperately needed, especially in the color community, because a hot wing and prayers will not bring “jobs, jobs, jobs” to the communities of color in Tennessee.

Article first published as National, State and Local Political Observations on Blogcritics.

Why The Big Blue Issue

2011-02-22T05:31:00.011-06:00

This space has always been used to address mayhem and madness while being uplifting to the readers of my blog. Writing negativity week-after-week is not my cup of tea, nor do I want to hear about others' negativity. For 18 months or more, my eyes and ears have seen and heard things that left me perplexed about my sons' beloved Big Blue. My efforts, in trying to sort fact from fiction, were for their benefit. The outcome of that sorting was shared with you in newspapers and blogs that carry my column, Genmaspeaks. Now, after almost two years of seeing and hearing, here is what I know to be true: the TSU community must be reminded of why our blood bleeds blue!

My oldest son tells me often, “Mom, TSU is a really good school. It has some of the best programs in the country, but we have to do a better job of telling our story.” (I have told you before my child’s a genius.) And, he is right. The TSU community has to do a better job of telling about its storied past that is rich in cultural heritage, and continue to celebrate the diversity of thinkers, teachers and students who are part of the university today. One will find programs only unique to TSU. Many TSU alumni are the first in their fields representing diverse professions such as medicine, engineering, business, politics and the arts community, to name a few. TSU also has professors and researchers who are nationally recognized. Even the students are making positive news nationally before they graduate from the university. We must celebrate those gifts.

I could have written an entire series on TSU football standouts; and not just the ones who went to the NFL. Richard Dent has given us much to shout about by becoming the first TSU football talent to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2011). Further, I wanted to do an entire section on the famed Tigerbelles, then and now. I could have filled pages about the accomplishments of Coach Chandra Cheeseborough, who I interviewed two years ago, Edith McGuire-Duvall, Martha Hudson, Isabelle Daniels, Barbara Jones Slater, Wyomia Tyus, Lucinda Williams, Willye B. White, Wilma Rudolph and, of course, legendary Coach Ed Temple. They were not overlooked by any means. At TSU, we love our sports, but we also know TSU is not only a sports school.

TSU now receives a matching land grant for agricultural research, forestry research and cooperative extension funding in excess of $9 million per year. As of this fiscal year, this will generate nearly $39 million in state and federal matching funds for land grant activities. TSU’s College of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences dean, Dr. Chandra Ready, advises President Obama. That is an honor. And speaking of honors, in spite of being beaten black and blue in the local mainstream media, TSU achieved high honors by receiving the Carnegie-Engaged University Classification status, winning an award for community engagement and landing on the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. Yes, TSU has made an intentional effort to teach young people the value of being part of the solution; not the problem. With these awards for service to the community, it is no surprise that the school is part of Tennessee Campus Compact. The Tennessee Campus Compact provides leadership, resources and advocacy to enhance student learning by increasing the capability of Tennessee institutions of higher education to embed civic engagement. The more we shape our future leaders about the role they play in giving back to the community, the better alumni they will make when it's time to give back to the university.

TSU also fought and won honorary degrees for 14 Freedom Riders expelled 50 years ago. The fight to recognize their efforts in helping to desegregate the South was a reminder that racial issues are systemic and it is important for us to continue to have dialogue and conversations that keep us moving forward and not backwards. TSU's Freedom Riders revealed and changed the hearts of men and women then and now.

The arts have always been respected by the TSU community as well. Two alumnus', Jeff Carr and Barry Scott, have poured their passion into the community by opening theater companies that attract diverse audiences from around the country. Carr has expanded his platform to engage young people internationally with trips to Africa and Haiti. Additionally, TSU’s choir was in the spotlight when they participated in a stirring tribute to one of TSU’s most famous alumni, Oprah Winfrey, during the 33rd Kennedy Center Honors, which was nationally televised. TSU also has a vibrant campus newspaper, radio station and television studio - all strong media programs designed to train the Oprah of tomorrow.

Not to be left out, TSU’s scientists and engineers have global impact. Dr. Levi Watkins, a cardiac surgeon, is known for the creation and implantation of the Automatic Implantable Defibrillator (AID). The AID detects irregular heart rhythm and shocks the heart back to life. Engineer Jesse Russell played a major role in shaping the wireless communications industry through his visionary leadership and innovative perspectives for standards, technologies and innovative new wireless service concepts. TSU's College of Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science alumni continue to aggressively support the college raising more than $2.250 million for their endowment.

TSU has much to celebrate as it continues to address deficiencies that need to be corrected. Campus customer service issues are being made top priority and the students are being reminded often that they are the purpose of the university.

As I close, let me thank several people who were the backbone of the Big Blue Issue. TSU alumna Mrs. Rosetta Miller-Perry, thank you for allowing the Tribune to be the source for the Big Blue Issue. Certainly, black media has a responsibility in not only telling of our greatness and good deeds, but to also call out the bad and the ugly when necessary. Thank you again for the Big Blue Issue.

K. Dawn Rutledge, who was the first person I shared the idea of highlighting TSU's accomplishments in the Tribune. Her only words to me after a lengthy breathless five-minute presentation were, “I love it!” She became the go-to person for stories that fit the theme of the issue. She volunteered her time and was not afraid to give critique and did not hold back praise. There was no way this could have been done without Dawn. No way at all.

David Walker was my ninth-hour angel with blue wings. A TSU graduate, who has a flare for dealing with me when I am at my worst at 3:00 a.m. in the morning, gave his heart and soul to this project. It took a TSU graduate to see the vision of where this could go. His love of Big Blue is evident. I said, “I need your help,” and he never looked back.

Lastly, my children are the source for my passion for life. My sons love their Big Blue. A hard fought for degree should not be devalued by mayhem. I am so proud of them for making decisions to not only better their lives with an education, but to make a difference in the lives of others. They keep me on my toes and keep me tapping at my computer. Although not perfect, I hope all of you enjoyed the first Big Blue Issue. It was birthed out of love for my family and my community. Go Big Blue!

(A big thank you to all the contributors and supporters who also made this happen.)

Charles Sueing: Service Above Service

2011-02-19T07:30:00.015-06:00

(From the Big Blue Issue)
Charles Sueing is the principal agent and President of The Sueing Insurance Agency; a full service insurance and financial services agency with Nationwide Insurance & Financial Services. Sueing began his career with Nationwide over 18 years ago and moved through the ranks of corporate management before taking a leap of faith to start his own agency here in Nashville 13 years ago. His business is a full services insurance agency that offers insurance solutions and financial services including auto, homeowners, business and life as well as a variety of retirement and investment vehicles.

Charles is known for his commitment to serving others in the Nashville community. With his numerous roles on several prominent boards to his dedication to supporting his son’s little league sport team, the UNA Bears, Charles is the first to step up to lead to make a difference. When the floods disrupted many lives in the Bordeaux community, Charles decided to work with the North Nashville Flood Relief efforts to provide education and insurance services to those in the community who are still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s flood.

The community of Bordeaux is filled with many established neighborhoods and businesses, yet the area was undeserved by national reputable insurance companies. Charles thought he could fill the void and meet many needs by opening his second office in the middle of one of the most damaged areas of the city. In fact, Nationwide’s The Sueing Agency is the only national insurance company in Bordeaux.

Not only did Charles open his office in the area to meet the insurance needs of his Bordeaux customers but Charles plans to use his office (and network) to help Youth About Business, a local non-profit that mentors young people to become future business leaders. He will facilitate intern opportunities for them and educate them on the insurance industry.

A big believer in mentoring, Charles, who was a mentee of Dr. Melvin N. Johnson, serves as the Program Chair and Vice Chair of The 100 Black Men of Middle TN, whose mission is to nurture and enhance the growth, development and opportunities for young, Black males of Middle TN. Additionally, Charles also serves on the Board and Executive Committee of the Nashville Chamber of Commerce. When asked about his definition of success and prosperity, he said, “By my definition, prosperity has to do with the overall quality of life – a diversity of people, a welcoming business environment and people who care about helping others become more successful.”

Charles' love of the Nashville and TSU community was reciprocated when he opened his office in Bordeaux in October. Members and customers from every corridor of the city came to the grand opening. Charles' grilling skills were put to the test as he grilled for hundreds who filled the parking lot to celebrate his new location. During this event, a local radio station was on hand for a live remote broadcast and lots of great prizes were given away. Nationwide also showed their support of Charles' commitment to service with a sea of faces from South Central Sales, Diversity and Inclusion and Supply Management team members.

Charles hard work has not gone unnoticed by his customers and his colleagues. He has been recognized by Nationwide Insurance Co as the 2007 Regional Community Service Award winner and 2009 District Community Service Award winner for his outstanding community and customer service work. Additionally, Charles received the 2008-2009 Spirit of the Chamber Award for his efforts in leading Small Business initiatives.

TSU's President Dr. Portia Shields: Change Gonna Come

2011-02-19T05:15:00.010-06:00

Dr. Portia Holmes Shields is officially at helm of Tennessee State University. Dr. Shields reminds every one of her favorite song when she addresses concerns about Big Blue; “Change is Gonna Come.” The first female president of the 99-year-old university was named interim president in mid-December and officially began her duties on January 2. Dr. Shields has 18 months on the job and is not wasting a moment. She is determined to turn things around.

At a recent general assembly meeting attended by more than 400 faculty and staff members, Dr. Portia Shields gave updates to the campus on a number of upcoming changes, including more visitor parking, a reduction in force, the installation of a SACS Leadership Team, implementing Saturday make up classes, community engagement, inference from individuals regarding reaffirmation and security issues. Shields also announced the appointment of Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Assessment, Dr. Pamela Burch-Sims, as the University’s liaison to SACS.

Shields called the meeting to order and asked members of her cabinet to provide updates on a number of upcoming changes that would affect the campus. Cynthia Brooks, vice president for business and finance, announced a reduction in force (RIF) and explained how the RIF would be conducted. Dr. Dennis Gendron, vice president of communications and information technologies, gave an overview of how the newly adopted Tennessee Complete College Act would effect performance funding dollars. Finally, Dr. Michael A. Freeman, vice president of Student Affairs, gave an update on how reserved parking would be eliminated in favor of increased visitor parking.

Shields also introduced the installation of a SACS Leadership Team, headed by Burch-Sims, who has been appointed the University’s liaison to the SACS Commission on Colleges. The other members of the SACS Leadership include Dr. Peter Nwosu, special assistant to the President for institutional planning, and Dr. Timothy Quain, a faculty member in the Department of Language, Literature, and Philosophy. The trio delivered a plan and timeline for the report the University has to submit for reaffirmation.

Change is coming. Get ready.

The Woman Beneath the Hats

2011-02-19T03:39:00.023-06:00

Senator Thelma Harper is a 1978 graduate of TSU and the Chairperson of the Tennessee Black Caucus; she is known as much for her sense of style as her politics. Senator Harper is the first African-American woman to be elected to the Senate, the first woman to preside over the Senate and the first Senator to lead the Black Caucus. Harper is known for not focusing on the fluffy stuff and for speaking her mind about the nuts and bolts of political issues. Harper has been in public service for thirty plus young years.

Thelma Harper has served as a state senator since 1991. She has chaired many committees including; Senate Government Operations Committee and a member of the Senate State and Local Government Committee, the Senate Correction Oversight Committee, and the Select Joint Committee on Children and Youth.

For eight years, Thelma Harper served as a member of the Nashville-Davidson County Metropolitan Council. She also was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1980, 1984, 1988, and 1992.

As a proud alumnus of TSU, Senator Harper has fought many battles for Big Blue that will never make the news. Her support of TSU keeps her engaged in many events that happens on the campus and in the community. The numerous meetings times may overlap and she maybe not please everyone but she wears grace under fire well. That is the public Senator Harper that many know.

But the woman beneath the beautiful and colorful hats that are worn literally and figuratively pales in comparison to the hats she wears behind the scenes as nurturer, consoler, and compassionate counselor. Away from legislative corridors, senate hearings, political debates about the rights of women and fighting for children, cameras, and ribbon cutting ceremonies, Senator Harper swaps her public political hats for her Miss Thelma hats. The Miss Thelma's nurturer hat is worn on Thursday nights to tutor young kids who have been labeled special needs because they need a firm but loving hand in their life to help them with school work . “Helping eight year olds keeps me young,” Senator Harper says with a laugh. That hat is also worn to read to elementary children several times a month at schools in North Nashville. The Miss Thelma’s consoler hat is worn to visit in women prison and to see the sick and shut often left behind.

The Miss Thelma's compassionate counselor hat is worn to meet with young girls who made mistakes early in life but still need to know they “uniquely and wonderfully” made in God’s eyes. The hat is not trimmed in colored judgment or scorned flowers. That special hat was worn to take a group of women on a field trip of sorts to see the play “Dream Girls” last fall. The women were treated to an impromptu meeting with the actors backstage to hear one of the lead actors confess about his painful past that lead to him spending time locked up. The meeting arranged by Miss Thelma showed the women that they too can rise above their circumstances. There are no public policy hearings on compassion and loving others. That incident was brought to my attention by one of the cast members who shared it with me. She was so touched by the meeting that she asked to remain in contact with the young women and Miss Thelma. As she told me the story, we both cried. TPAC’s “ Dream Girls” play left Nashville many months ago but the influence of that backstage encounter has remained with the women and the actors from the play.

Those hats worn by Senator Harper aka "Miss Thelma" are as vital to the good of the community and state as the legislative issues that often can be trivialized in political sound bites on the nightly news.

The hats of wife, mother, sister, aunt and businesswoman that Miss Thelma wears cannot be forgotten either. As we go about our daily lives, let’s look closer at the hats that are worn by trailblazers not on the public stage but the ones worn behind the curtains that not only will have impact today but for years to come.
(From the Big Blue Issue)

Transforming cubs into "Big Blue" Tigers

2011-02-19T03:19:00.006-06:00

(Originally written for the Big Blue Issue)

Between my two sons, I have learned much about college life through their eyes and experiences. The TSU’s campus has changed a lot in twenty five years but the pride and love my sons feel about TSU have kept me engaged in all things Big Blue.

My eldest son’s college experiences were vastly different from my younger son’s experience. Sending one son to school that graduated not once but twice earned me my Tiger mom survival badge of honor and unofficial "Chairmama" of all blessings from the TSU community. He was a model student that stayed on target and worked various jobs while maintaining his presidential scholarship. He was involved in many activities on campus, ran track and he graduated with honors. He even pledged a fraternity. Busy young man, huh? With my proud mama badge, I boldly thought that I could produce the same results from kid number 2.

“Lord hear my cry” became my prayer of choice when my youngest son stepped on the yard. Baby boy was not a bit of trouble in high school but turned my life upside down trying to figure out what to do about his idea of college and my idea of him being in school. My drama free kid was nothing but a production from getting him enrolled, room assignments, registration, financial aid, shots and physicals…you get the picture. You name the issue, I got a time and date for it. Not one to run from problems as a family, we were not prepared for baby boy’s first year of college.

Same family, community, and college. What was the problem? Two very different young men. I think I nursed somebody too long. To be transparent, I assumed that because big brother had a model college life with few issues, his success would be duplicated just by sheer osmosis in kid number 2. My youngest son was still a baby that I had not let go. He had an easy going spirit and personality and he gave order to my life. I placed more emphasis on baby boy not getting into trouble than preparing him to live away from home. I took care of everything for him which came back to haunt me and hurt him.

Leaving home to attend college is one of the first steps many take on their journey to adulthood. Whether the school is stamped on your child’s birth certificate, across town or two thousand miles away, college life can often distract young people from an education that college offers. Preparing your child for college life should start no later than the 9th grade. Some educators have recommend starting as early as 4th grade. Teaching teens financial literacy, time management, good work habits, personal safety tips while visiting several colleges helps with transforming your college bound teen.

Making sure conversations about college life is talked about often in preparation for school is important. Not just parties and no parental supervision slants but more dialogues about responsibilities as a student. Students will not know everything but it is important that they know the school is a learning environment and not a place to goof off.

With more first generational students attending college, colleges are now having workshops to prepare parents for college life. As I learned, when your child attends college so you attend as well in many aspects. Baby boy was well connected within the TSU family but he needed more help to get focused. We weren’t afraid to pull in others for input. Learning to get paperwork in on time and teaching him to become more responsible about his education were steps to getting him on the right track. We learned he became overwhelmed easily. Overwhelmed? Really? Who knew?

If you have a young person considering college, surround them with positive role models, reasonable accountability, and make sure their focus is education and not school activities. Sometimes hearing from someone other than mom and dad can help with life adjustments. College life can be overpowering when students are not prepared academically, mentally, socially or physically. Start sooner than later and expect the unexpected. I have learned that no two kids are alike in life or in college.Transforming a cub into a Big Blue Tiger takes prayers, patience and preparation.

Doing Good in the Community

2011-02-09T15:13:00.010-06:00

Last week, “doing good in the community” struck a chord with many. We must be willing to adjust our lens while bringing solutions that can be implemented sooner than later. Often times, servant leaders can see the issues but they need the support of others for efforts to spread the in community. They make serving others look effortless but much time, patience, and tenderness go into laboring for the greater good.

My grandfather often said, “Show me your deeds and I will show you your heart.” Let me share with you a few deeds that reveal the heart of someone who is trying to make an impact and who is trying to light a path for young girls very quietly.

At the beginning of last summer, Miss Gloria approached a group of women about mentoring young ladies. Everyone thought it was a nice idea. Gloria was dead serious. She went to work (and worked and worked) on outlining plans and activities for the girls for the school year. When we reconvened from our summer break, Gloria was ready for everyone to implement the program that we agreed we would do. (You know where this is going). In jeopardy of getting kick out of the group, I will limit the details of the fireworks behind the scenes, but I will share that a two hour meeting turned into six. “Miss Gloria” held us hostage until “she finished!” I have seen Divas show out; I was raised by several aunts, my mom, and my grandmother, so I know when to just listen and let them “finish”. Since we were not going anywhere until we agreed to agree, we agreed to move from nice idea to rolling up our sleeves.

Gloria held us accountable for taking on a project that she was very passionate about and had devoted her summer to planning activities for us to do. Since the fall, several outings have been experienced by everyone with the teen girls and their families. Last month was my turn to help out. The lesson planned was about table setting and manners. I offered to prepare lunch for their meeting. It was one of the coldest mornings in January. The Mayor’s neighborhood walking tour was scheduled and a brisk walk with our city leader was incorporated into the day. Charlotte and Carolyn also volunteered that day. Everyone in the group stepped up to the plate in some meaningful way; there was enough food and juice to feed an army for breakfast.

After the walk, the morning was spent engaging teens about manners. That was straight old school thinking and teaching. Gloria came with her table décor and finest china. She gave them a tablescape presentation that resembled a Martha Stewart’s creation. Her three helpers even asked questions and gave quick tips to remember what goes where. We also learned a few things ourselves. While talking about manners, we heard about the challenges of today’s teen.

After serving soup and salad, I packed to leave and bumped into other girls walking through the door. The day ended with lessons on walking like a lady. (Steve Harvey cannot teach that folks). When I followed up with Charlotte and Carolyn, we all mentioned how blessed we felt from that fateful day. Gloria inspired us with her dedication and we gave that precious commodity called “time” to young ladies who taught us as well. Even though the idea was Gloria, everyone shared the fruits of her planning that made it meaningful to the group.

Remembering the night we were taken hostage, Gloria was actually fighting for the good we can do in the community that is so desperately needed. She did not want us to meet with each other; she wanted us to meet with the girls. It takes a warrior to cut through cotton candy and push folks to be their best and to bring their best to the community. The seeds that are being planted in the lives of the young girls will bear fruit. As I look at photos from the Civil Rights period, young folks were often pictured with current leaders of the time. Those pictures foreshadowed their futures and showed us how an encounter can propel a person into their destiny. I have no doubt that the girls who walked with the Mayor and were taught by an activist and college professor, an attorney, and a state official on that freezing cold morning will go on to become remarkable young women in the future.

As we are seeing more and more of our culture fall by the wayside with basketball game fighting mamas and kids leaving the court to fight with mamas, we need more Glorias to be hands on examples of what a warrior means. Demeaning yourself and your community by having your entire school become synonymous with mayhem because of the actions of a few is not going to be an issue that celebrity “do gooders” will touch. Mamas and daddies cannot come to the school to discuss the situation, because the parents are trying to post bail and are banned from school properties! This is not a local problem, this spectacle is happening around the country.

Sports have long been a spring board for our young men to go to college. When some have come up short academically, but performed well in sports, they were given another avenue to enter college. Now, when your school is banned from playing sports for a few years, where does that energy and drive go now? This is not criticism or judgment; this is reality folks.

As we continue to celebrate Black History, let us not be shy about resurrecting old school thinking and teaching that can be used 365 days a year. My grandparents might sound primitive by today’s standard but their hands on approached included the little things like teaching manners and respect of person at every turn. They did not hesitate to pull in others to keep us in line. Those lessons were backed up by a pop to the lip when rules were not followed. “Yes ma’am” and “No sir” were some of our first words. Women like Gloria, Carolyn, and Charlotte attended games and would have taken pleasure in whipping us if we acted up.

I know we are living in different times and physical violence is becoming a pastime but we need more warriors now than ever to remind us of our past, to help our present day young folks look forward to having a meaningful future. We can make a difference, one child at a time.

Mary Harvey is Making Black History by Starting to Think Like a Man

2011-02-05T07:57:00.013-06:00

This is the first week of Black folks’ holiest time of the year, Black History Month. As Civil Rights heroes’ sacrifices are remembered, Blacks and white folks are at their best and unified. The finest and brightest are trotted out for twenty eight days before mayhem resumes March 1. White folks give Blacks all the air time they are going to get for the year in February. I was going to blog about the many local unsung heroes that work tirelessly every day of the year to honor the past, deal with present day challenges, and help prepare young people for the future who often hidden in the community. My thoughts were thrown out after l heard Tom Joyner tell Mary Harvey that her ex-hubby, radio host Steve Harvey, was “doing good in the community”. The ugly history of Steve and Mary Harvey’s marriage that has spilled over to You Tube, Twitter, blogs, and now morning drive time is history of sorts that reveals much about the community of color.

I have often shared with individuals that greatest influences in my life were my grandparents. I was raised by country people who believed strongly that what is said and done in their house, stayed in their house. But living in Nashville has taught me that my grandparents thinking come with a price. Interacting with individuals with bottled emotions from yesteryear has led to a subgroup of folks who can come unglued socially because they have unresolved wounds and hurts. Black folks DONOT embrace counseling; they are told by church leaders to pray about it. So many go to church and shout. Steve and Mary Harvey’s very public feud is a byproduct of many issues that face the community that is glossed over by Essence cover stories.

Before I go any further, let me confess, Steve Harvey is an unimpressive comic to me and his wife shows a martyr’s loyalty- till-I- die mentality that I loathe. With that out of the way, let’s move on to the viral video “he said, she said” saga that has gone mainstream.

On January 31, Mary Harvey sat in Tom Joyner’s studio to tell him why she has gone public with her private family drama. Tom is Steve Harvey’s morning show competitor and friend. Tom waded into family counseling waters by declaring:

“I did not invite you on the show to continue talking about your personal business. There are more things that are of paramount importance to our community. We want to deal with this and move on."

He stressed how important Steve was to the community and the community did not need to be distracted by their public spectacle. Hmm. Aren’t you glad Tom does not have a counseling degree? Anyway, Tom said, “I just hate mess”. Never mind the fact that Tom discusses mess everyday on the show except his closes friends’ mess. “Oh, oh, oh, that is how it is on the Tom Joyner Morning Show”. I love Tom even when I do not agree with him. Mary Harvey stood her ground with Tom and replied,

“It took a long time for me to get to this point. The reason I’ve been silent this entire time was because I did take into consideration what it would do to both of our families, what it would do to the community. Keeping quiet hasn’t served me physically. It hasn’t served our son. I have suffered physically because of it. I’m not in good health right now.”

Tom offered to broker a truce with her and Steve.

Mary Harvey said her speaking out was not about receiving another settlement, “This is not about money,” she repeated several times. She wants an apology. She went on to say,

“I think the apology should be given to the women who have been deceived into buying the books and who have perceived him as being a pillar of the community.”

(I would want a refund if I bought one of his books but that’s me). She went on to say that Steve’s treatment of her was equivalent to rape. I don’t know if she has been raped but that was her comparison.

Steve and Mary were divorced in 2005. They were together for 16 years, married for ten of those years. They have a 13 year old son who lives with Steve full time and is not in contact with his mother. Steve is married to his third wife, Marjorie, who Mary said was his mistress when they were married. Mary claims she suffered mental and physical abuse from Steve. After reaching her breaking point, she left the marriage. She also states Steve’s lawyer cheated her in settlement from the divorce. They used the same family lawyer.(That was dumb). She mentioned the number of pills she was taking because of numerous health and mental issues. What was not said on the TJMS was why Mary decided to go the You Tube exposure route and posted videos that millions can’t stop viewing. Steve and his third wife posed for January Essence cover and in the article he miscalculated Mary’s silence. Here is Mary's statement about the cover story.

My name was in that article. The article said in Steve’s words that ‘I’m finally happy and that I haven’t been this happy since 2005 and I was in the company of the wrong person.’ My name mentioned in any way was offensive to me; why mention me at all? I would think that he and Marjorie have plenty to talk about, as opposed to bringing me into an article that has nothing to do with me.

Steve Harvey is a household name, makes millions from his clothing line and two bestselling books, TV and church appearances, has a pending deal with Oprah, a radio show in 60 markets and God knows what other revenue streams. Steve has a team of lawyers and staff to do his bidding but he could not resist making a dig about his ex-wife. Hell has no fury like a woman that has been belittled in Essence! Mary decided to show the world the other side of Steve Harvey. The future mogul, author, radio host, family man and relationship guru family issues did not stay in the house. Penniless and broke, Mary sat before a two dollar camera and posted three You Tube videos. That was how she came to everyone’s attention including Steve Harvey’s legal team. Because of the videos, Steve Harvey is now suing Mary to regain his Essence cover story image back. Sounds like Mary has started to think like a man. She has no lawyers advising her or agents booking her but she is making the rounds and is in high demand. When I heard her in January, I was reminded of the power of a dam’s broken levee. Rarely can someone out swim a dam overflowing it banks. The ugliness of Harveys’ union and divorce is out there. Their real life mayhem gives us a peep into Black culture issues that usually get swept under the rug. So what does all of this have to do with us? Nothing. But there is much to learn from this sad epic.

Nothing is wrong with highlighting success. But as a people, we idolize individuals quickly and will label an idiot a community leader without hesitation. We are a forgiving group that will overlook obvious character flaws for the sake of a feel good moment. Folks will shut down Black women who are traditionally the backbone of the family and the laborers in the community if one dares to challenge Black folks’ leadership identification system while Black women have been trained subconsciously to be the sacrificial lambs for the family, the community or a man’s reputation. Remember how folks turned on the women who were underage girls at the time over R. Kelly? Or the very recent Bishop Long’s scandal that started with muscle shirt texts? The cries from the saints were deafening. R. Kelly is back performing and folks are still packing the pews at New Birth. R. Kelly is supposedly writing a book. Folks ignore the fact that he has publicly admitted he is illiterate.

Maybe history can be made by looking at the criteria for what “doing good in the community” means. An honest examination of our value system is long overdue. There are ways to bring up community leaders without creating monsters. Every group has hero worshipitis but when it happens with color people, the backlash is felt by all. No one is perfect but we must quit playing crazy when it comes to dealing with real issues that we face daily. As we honor the heroes of past, let’s study more about their characters that made them the men and women that we should celebrate 365 days a year. Hopefully, next Black History Month, we can celebrate by using You tube to talk about soaring graduation rates among Black males, decrease in teen pregnancies, an increase in folks being hired in our community and more entrepreneurs living their dreams . Now that would be news worthy of being highlighted and truly honor the proud heritage of those who have broken so many barriers regarding race relations in our country throughout the year.

The Harvey's photo credit: I don't know but I couldn't find very many of her smiling

From Rages to Riches to Rehab: Lessons Learned From the Ted Williams Story

2011-01-28T12:26:00.007-06:00

The story of Ted Williams captivated the hearts and imaginations of millions this month. The rags-to-riches story of a homeless veteran with a golden voice took him off the street corner begging for change to the sets of the Today Show, The Tonight Show, The Early Show, Inside Edition, Entertainment Tonight, and Dr. Phil. He had a tearful on-air reunion with his mother and a public talk-show-inspired meeting with his children.

Lucrative voiceover contracts with Kraft, MSNBC and others were given to him within days of his story going viral. The video of him being interviewed by a local reporter has been seen by 15 million viewers and counting. His rise to stardom in less than two weeks was remarkable. The glare of the spotlight showed us his talents but it also showed us his demons, which made the media, who took him to the high heavens in one swoop, quickly throw him back to earth with a crashing thud.

There are several lessons that can be learned from the Ted Williams story. Most comeback stories are filled with ups and downs. There are many Ted Williamses in Nashville and cities around the country waiting to be "discovered," looking for an opportunity to prove they can earn a living and leave the life of the streets behind. They may not have a golden voice, but many have skills and abilities that have been buried under the hardships of homelessness.

Homelessness affects a person physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Many are looking for a second or even a third chance to correct the mistakes of the past. For every Ted Williams who needs a break, a Pat Waggoner is equally important for guidance, support and long term stability.

In Nashville, Pat Waggoner is known as a quiet and gentle man who loves his family, his church, and his community. He volunteers at the Criminal Justice Center and is the go-to guy for the local men's baseball and basketball teams. He teaches fifth and sixth gradeboys on Wednesday nights. In the world of real estate, Pat Waggoner is known as the realtor who sold Donald Trump Trump Towers.

In a community where generosity and serving others are part of our DNA, Pat Waggoner serves with a human touch. When I first read about Ted Williams, I immediately wondered if he had a support system in place that would go beyond the splashy media headlines. I prayed that Ted Williams had a Pat Waggoner in his life, more so than an agent. Pat helps many who have fallen on economic hard times by helping with housing needs, serving meals, and keeping extra clothing in his sales office “just in case.”

Known for housing, feeding, and clothing the homeless, he also helps find them jobs so they can become independent and self-sufficient. Pat is a strong advocate for rehabilitation to make sure that individuals stay drug- and alcohol-free after they leave the streets. He keeps a list of individuals he knows from his real estate transactions, various networking and civic groups, and church members who aid him in his passion for helping others.

Pat initiates help with such deeds, but he makes sure that for long-term wellbeing he mentors men and families about financial literacy, and makes sure sure they have someone to call when stressful situations occur that can push a person over the edge. He encourages group therapy and spiritual counseling and believes strongly that counseling is one of the greatest keys to personal growth. No, Pat Waggoner is not Superman, but he is dedicated to deflating homelessness one person at a time. That takes dedication, and the understanding that getting a Ted Williams off the streets does not stop the struggles instantly. Unlike our culture's demand for instant gratification, Pat is patient and believes that with faith, perseverance, and hard work, lives can change for the better.

Being around Pat is contagious. You become an advocate for the homeless without realizing it. He recruits you with one story at a time about individuals he has met over the years. He shares the goodness of men and women who just needed a break. His stories are filled with hope, compassion, and hurdles that were overcome in order to stay sober or drug-free.

Not every story ends on a high note, but he does not allow disappointment to deter him from reaching out to others. All too often when a very public rags-to-glad story falls short of our expectations, it has a chilling effect on us, and cynicism can creep into our giving and serving others. Pat’s actions can teach us to give to those in need and step out on faith and build relationships with individuals who may stumble and fall on the road to recovery. Leaving a life on the streets can happen with just one fateful encounter, but the emotional scars can follow one into one's new dwellings or lifestyle. We must not allow national scrutiny of one person's circumstances to affect the work we do in a city like Nashville known its generosity, or anywhere. If you come across a Ted Williams today, help him find a Pat Waggoner before he finds an agent. A life can be changed for good.

Article first published as From Rags to Riches to Rehab: Lessons from the Ted Williams Story on Blogcritics.

Also seen in The Nashville Contributor February Edition.
Photos Credit: Ted Williams AP
Nashville Contributor Vendors

Is Being In a Movie on Your Bucket List?

2011-01-28T08:13:00.010-06:00

Ever wanted to be an extra in a movie?

If being an extra in a real movie is on your bucket list, you can check it off this weekend. Deadline needs unpaid extras for several pivotal scenes on both Saturday and Sunday. Our lead actors Steve Talley and Eric Roberts will be on set both days. The weather will be beautiful, so bring a carload of friends for a once in a lifetime experience!

On Saturday, January 29 we’ll be filming a major crowd and protest march scene at 4366 Skelley Road, Santa Fe, TN 38482 (Between Leipers Fork and Highway 7, at the intersection of Leipers Creek Road and Skelley Road). The location is approximately 35 miles from downtown Nashville. Extras for the morning scenes need to arrive at 9 a.m. Extras for the afternoon protest march need to arrive at 12:30 p.m. We’ll be finished before dark. Extras can be in either one or both scenes.

On Sunday, January 30 we’re filming the climactic courtroom scene in the beautiful, historic Giles County Courthouse in the heart of downtown Pulaski, 75 miles south of Nashville. Extras can arrive at either 8:30 a.m. or 9:30 a.m. and will be needed until dark. Extras who are with us all day will be provided lunch and memories that will last a lifetime!

If you’re interested, email extras@filmhouse.com. Please provide your age, race and contact information.

Please help us spread the word by forwarding this announcement to any friends and family who might be interested.

Thank you very much!

The Deadline Team
www.DeadlineFilm.com

The updates will keep you posted on the film's progress, including when Deadline will be released in your area. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose.

Michael Steele's Coonery Tour Has Ended

2011-01-27T09:42:00.011-06:00

Michael Steele was elected as the first African American Chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC) in January of 2009. He was elected shortly after President Obama became the first African American President of the United States. Many believed that Mr. Steele would be the Republican’s answers to President Obama. Mr. Steele could attack the President without it appearing racial. Mr. Steele promised that during his reign of the RNC, he would make sure the Republican Party reached out to more ethnic minorities across the country.

But Mr. Steele’s leadership seemed to cause more division among conservatives and was not inclusive of minorities. The RNC lost a chuck of its base to the Tea Party. The Tea Party organizations from around the country ran candidates against not only incumbent Democrats but Republican as well. The Tea party members called Republicans out in many races and promised that once they got to Washington they were not only going to hold the President accountable, but Democrats and Republicans to their vision of how they want the government work.

Down South, my grandparents used a term to call intelligent Black folks who played down their abilities and mocked their communities coonery. In many conservative circles, Michael Steele’s coonery was blamed for helping topple the RNC. Nothing prepared Republicans for his antics and out of control foolishness that came out of Steele’s mouth often. Not only was he an embarrassment to old school Republicans but many Black folks did not know what to make of Steele’s constant ignorant outbursts. His love of self-promotions made in him a comedy routine regular on The Daily Show. A Muppet like character was created to depict Steele using his street slang. His made up homeboy sayings had even people from the streets scratching their head questioning what he was talking about. Nothing from Steele’s background would have predicted how badly he would lead the RNC.

Steele was adopted by a Democrat leaning working class family as a baby. He lost his farther at an early age but his mother later remarried and had a second child. His half-sister, Monica Turner, later married and divorced Boxer Mike Tyson. Steele attended Catholic schools and even studied to become a priest. He graduated from John Hopkins University with a degree in International Studies and later received his law degree from Georgetown University Law School. Steele was employed as a corporate securities associate at the Washington, D.C. office of Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen, & Hamilton. From 1991 to 1997, he specialized in financial investments for Wall Street underwriters, working at Cleary's Tokyo, Japan office on major product liability litigation and at its London office on corporate matters. He left the law firm and founded the Steele Group, a business and legal consulting firm. He was active in politics.

Mr. Steele severed as Lt. Governor of Maryland and was the first African American to hold that title. He was instrumental in helping establish Minorities Business Enterprise program and made education a priority.

Several minority business owners that I know personally from the DC area have credited Steele for helping them establish their businesses. But they quickly point out did not recognize the Steele that was chair of the RNC. Steele, a bright and intelligent person prior to becoming a national political figure, became someone who played up the worst stereotypes of Black in mainstream media. He became a caricature from the hood that put on a suit and a bow tie that made white folks chuckle with glee and Blacks folks hold their breathes in dismay. Watching him tell his humorless jokes on TV would leave me baffled but hearing him in person left me wondering why I was even trying to comprehend his logic on the occasions I heard him speak. He truly reminded me of an Amos and Andy routine. He attacked the President as his paycheck required him to do but rarely did any of his attacks stick.

Steele could have used his talents from his previous careers to convert independents who became disillusioned with President Obama. But he could not even get ants to an outdoor picnic. He allowed racial rhetoric go too far too long. Steele’s justified statements that he knew were inflammatory nightly on cable news. He only countered it when RNC members started complaining about his lavish spending, questionable nightclub outings, and how he seemed to pocket money from his book tour instead of giving the money to the RNC. When he came under scrutiny, he ran to Black radio crying racism in the RNC. Hmm, how convenient.

Steele had no shame. Folks on Coonery circuits usually don’t. Being the head of the RNC, Steele showed us classic coonery. Right out the bat he tried to bring hip-hop to the RNC in order to reach the youth. Who say hip-hop anymore? Publicly feuded with Rush Limbaugh only to back track and kiss Rush’s Ring. And other parts. Didn’t know pro-choice did not mean pro-life. All Catholics know the difference. Swore that white folks were afraid of him. Really? In January 2010, predicted that the GOP would not win very many seats. They won 63 House seats. Said he wrote his book before he was Chairman of the RNC. Lied. Claim Afghanistan 'Was A War Of Obama's Choosing. Nope, President Bush took us to war. Twice.

Steele ended his gaffe filled two year coonery tour this month with a response to a question at the RNC chair debate. The candidates were asked what their favorite book was. Steele said his favorite book was War and Peace by Tolstoy, and then quoted: "It's the best of times and the worst of times," triggering laughter throughout the hall at the fact that Steele had in fact quoted A Tale of Two Cities by Dickens. Shameful. Thankfully, the tour is over!

Article first published as Michael Steele's Coonery Tour Has Ended on Blogcritics.

Since Loughner didn't have a prayer rug...the Media refuses to call him a Terrorist

2011-01-12T06:38:00.023-06:00

The tragic shootings in Tuscon, Arizona have left our country shaken to the core. I sat glued to my television on Saturday afternoon, flipping channels as I soaked up the coverage. Representative Gabby Giffords was originally pronounced dead by several media outlets but she miraculously survived a gunshot to the head by gunman Jared Lee Loughner. Representative Giffords was holding her regular “Congress on your Corner “ with her constituents at a Safeway grocery store. Six were killed and 13 wounded on Saturday.

The dead identified by the Pima County sheriff's office are: U.S. District Judge John Roll, 63; Dorthy Murray, 76; Dorwin Stoddard, 76; Christina Greene, 9; Phyllis Scheck, 79; Gabe Zimmerman, 30. Ironically, 9 year old Christina Greene was born on September 11, 2001. She was excited about the political process since the election of President Obama. Christina was newly elected to her school’s student council. She went with her neighbor to meet Rep Giffords’ to learn more about the political process. Along with Rep. Giffords, 12 others are still hospitalized.

The attempted assignation of the Representative Giffords is very similar to the Fort Hood, Texas mass shooting that took place on November 5, 2009. A gunman, Major Nidal Malik Hasan, killed 13 people and wounded 30 others. Both shooters were struggling with mental issues. Automatic weapons were used to shoot innocent individuals. Both men were loners and many stated they acted weird and express anti-government sentiments. Thankfully, Jared Lee Loughner was denied acceptance into the Army because of drug use and Major Nidal Malik Hasan, an Army psychiatrist, was becoming increasing agitated by an upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.

Both men committed unthinkable acts but one glaring difference between the two is the how the media has depicted both men. Major Nidal Malik Hasan was called a terrorist from day one. Terrorist experts and military talking heads saturated the networks discussing Hasan minutes after the shootings were reported at Fort Hood. Jared Lee Loughner has been painted as a “troubled youth” who did not get the mental health he needed. Every mental health care professional and parents of mental patients have discussed mental healthcare issues while the media has pondered what could have added to his “stressful” life. Not one cable talking head has called him what he is; a deranged terrorist.

According to the United States Law Code, terrorism is “premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant targets by subnational groups or clandestine agents.” New evidence alleges that Loughner possibly planned for years to assassinate Gifford. But a whole host of major media outlets seem to disagree.

Cord Jefferson helps us take a look at what other media outlets are reporting and the language that is noticeable absent.

The Wall Street Journal stated Loughner “raged against the government” and “discussed terrorism,” which, when you actually think about it, is a vague, nearly meaningless sentence. (Since 9/11, everyone has talked about terrorism.) In The Atlanta Journal Constitution, the main story is that Loughner was denied entry into the military because he failed a drug test, while the only talk of terrorism comes in a confusing quote from a blog posting from Loughner himself: "If you call me a terrorist then the argument to call me a terrorist is ad hominem.” And, in The Los Angeles Times’ lead story on Loughner on Tuesday, the word “terror” doesn’t appear once.

Compare this nebulous coverage to that on Nidal malik Hasan in November 2009. Hasan is Muslim, a fact every news outlet would not let you forget while speculating about his terrorist ties.

Four days after the attack on Fort Hood, the Wall Street Journal published two stories suggesting that Hasan was a terrorist, one of which included the assertion that it was a terrorist act because Hasan spoke Arabic while he shot. The Los Angeles Times spoke to counter-terrorism experts for an article on Hasan. And, in The Atlanta Journal Constitution, blogger Kyle Wingfield actually gave credence to a Forbes argument claiming that Hasan “went Muslim.”

Some will argue that Hasan’s terrorist intentions were proved by communications he had with radical cleric Anwar al Awlaki, but, in fact, experts who reviewed the pair’s e-mail exchange deemed it totally innocuous.

It should be noted that the FBI Director Robert Mueller has said he's not ruling out terrorism charges against Loughner, but nothing's certain yet. In Dubai, Hillary Clinton called Loughner an "extremist," though, like the media, she stopped short of calling him a terrorist. From the sidelines, the message this sends is pretty obvious and very insidious: When a white man executes a political attack, he’s likely crazy. If he’s black, he’s a dropout from a single mom home with an incarcerated father. When it’s a Muslim doing the shooting, he’s a terrorist.

Folks must call the Arizona shootings exactly what they are; acts of terrorism. Whether the shooter is white, black, or brown equal scrutiny should be given to a person who commits crimes of this nature. A person’s religion and the length of his name should not determine how the crime is reported. A terrorist is a terrorist. Because many allow the media to shape their thoughts and drive the conversation, the media helps facilitate racial flames at its leisure. The political pundits are carefully picked for their skills at stroking the audiences depending on what outlet you watch. Dumb pundits are chosen to play down a point and hateful pundits are picked to create more intolerance. They play us like puppets. People of color must not allow the media to soft ball crimes contributed by white terrorists. White people must see that Jared Lee Loughner is what he is, a terrorist, and should be discussed just like Nidal Malik Hasan or Nene’s son who robbed the corner liquor store. As a country, we should take a serious look at the actions of the media and the political atmosphere that they profit from that may have fueled the actions of a crazed man’s terrorist acts.

Mattie Bates: Cancer Survivor and Community Role Model

2011-01-09T07:13:00.043-06:00

Nashville is a city of community leaders in action. Most of those leaders are women on divinely inspired missions. They are determined to fight for causes that impact not only our city and region but our country. One of those leaders is Mattie Bates. Mrs. Bates has been a warrior on the battle field in the fight against cancer. In the Nashville community, she teaches women to take charge of their health and to be strong advocates for cancer awareness. Ms. Bates uses her personal battle with cancer as a catalyst for her mission to educate women to be survivors by early detection.

Mrs. Bates is a ten year breast cancer survivor. She retired from BellSouth after 34 years of service and now describes herself as “semi-retired.” She is the coordinator of Davidson County’s Witness Project, the first in Tennessee. The Witness Project® is a culturally sensitive breast and cervical cancer outreach effort presented by cancer survivors and lay health advisors to increase awareness, knowledge, and access to screening and early detection among the African American population in an effort to reduce cancer incidence and mortality.

Mrs. Bates'work with the Witness Project® programs are presented in churches and community organizations by Witness Role Models (WRMs) and Lay Health Advisors (LHAs). Witness Role Models are African American women who are breast or cervical cancer survivors. Their presence as survivors is seen as a blessing and proof that cancer is not a death sentence. Lay Health Advisors are not cancer survivors themselves, but are women who want to work with the project to organize and publish programs, network with community people, give facts about breast and cervical cancer and available resources, teach breast self-examinations (BSEs) and encourage preventive services (mammograms, clinical breast exams (CBEs), pelvic exams, Pap tests and breast self-exams (BSE).

During a program session, the WRMs witness by talking about their experience with cancer, stressing the importance of early detection and answering questions about their personal experiences, fears and concerns. The educational session addresses the fears and beliefs many women hold about cancer, demonstrates that the diagnosis of cancer is neither a death sentence nor a punishment. Following a session, LHAs teach BSE using breast models.

Mrs. Bates work does not stop with her advocacy in churches and the faith base community. She is seen often at major cancer walks and events, health initiatives, cancer awareness seminars, and survivor celebrations promoting women health. The cancer community is a very close nit community in Nashville and Mrs. Bates’ work, heart and determination are known throughout every corner of Davidson County.

In addition to her work with the Witness Project, Mrs. Bates is also a member of the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center’s Cancer Queens. The Cancer Queens are a group professional educators and cancer survivors who perform A Cancer Prevention Musical Revue. The shows are 45 minutes of skits and song and dance routines set to popular music with new educational lyrics that are consistent with the educational messages of the American Cancer Society, the Centers for Disease Control and the National Cancer Institute.

The performances inspire women to treat themselves like queens and take care of their health. Audience members laugh and tap their toes while they learn about the importance of breast and cervical cancer screenings and the healthy lifestyle habits that can help reduce the risk of developing certain cancers as well as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. Since their October 2008 debut, the Cancer Queens have entertained and educated more than 3000 women of all ages in Tennessee and delivered 15,000 individual cancer prevention and risk reduction messages. Often attendees leave asking about future dates to bring back family and friends. The impactful performances have sold out quickly. Many come to see Mrs. Bates become her stage persona "Miss Patty"! Mrs. Bates said, ”Since joining the Witness Project and the Cancer Queens, it has been an interesting journey and I feel that I have embarked on another career—sharing my story to let others know you can be a survivor if cancer is detected early. Being part of the Cancer Queens allows me to share that message.” Mrs. Bates aka “Miss Patty” biggest fans are her husband and her son and daughter. They are usually on the front row cheering her on!

Mrs. Bates' work through The Witness Project® is made available through a grant from the Greater Nashville Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation to promote breast cancer screening. The Witness Project® in collaboration with the Bridges to Care program provides mammograms to clients who do not meet the criteria of the Tennessee Breast and Cervical Screening Program through the Tennessee Department of Health, who are uninsured. Specifically, the program will target 150 Davidson County women age forty to sixty-four that are asymptomatic. The Cancer Queens! A Cancer Musical Revue is funded by Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center.

For more information about volunteering as team member or to schedule a program with the Witness Project, Mrs. Mattie Bates can be reached at (615) 340-5680. To schedule a performance with Vanderbilt’s Cancer Queens you can contact Jennifer Murray at jlm287@bellsouth.net or visit www.cancerqueens.net or www.facebook.com/cancer-queens

Photo Credits: Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center and Mrs. Mattie Bates.
Cancer Queens
Mattie Bates in the community
Genma Holmes, Mattie Bates, and Navinta Gunter

The College Trust Fund To Host Fundraiser for Nashville's Four HBCUs

2011-01-08T07:16:00.012-06:00

The United Negro College Fund’s (UNCF) President and CEO, Dr. Michael L. Lomax, will speak at the MILLENNIUM MAXWELL HOUSE on historic Rosa L Parks Blvd., January 14, at 7:00 pm for the College Trust Fund. The College Trust Fund is celebrating its 29th year raising funds for Nashville’s four Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs): Fisk University, Tennessee State University, Meharry Medical School and American Baptist College.

Since 2004, Dr. Lomax has been President and CEO of UNCF, the nation’s largest private provider of scholarships and other educational support to minority and low income students. Prior to UNCF, Lomax served as President of UNCF-member institution Dillard University in New Orleans and was a noted literature professor at UNCF member institutions Morehouse and Spelman Colleges. Dr. Lomax was also the first African American elected to serve as chairman of the Fulton County Commission in Atlanta.

Throughout his career, Lomax has worked to provide educational opportunities for underrepresented Americans. As UNCF’s leader, he oversees UNCF’s 400 scholarship programs, including the UNCF Gates Millennium Scholars Program, a 20-year, $1.6 billion program whose 14,000 low-income minority recipients have a 90 percent college graduation rate. He also launched the UNCF Institute for Capacity Building, which helps UNCF’s 39 member HBCUs become stronger, more effective and more self-sustaining in such critical areas as fund-raising and building strong academic programs that prepare their students for careers in the global economy.

A leading advocate for the importance of cradle-through-college education for all Americans, Dr. Lomax is co-chair of the Education Equality Project, a member of the Aspen Institute’s Commission on No Child Left Behind and a member of the governing board of Teach for America, the KIPP Foundation and the National Alliance of Public Charter Schools. Dr. Lomax also serves on the boards of the Smithsonian Institute’s Museum of African American History and Culture and the Studio Museum of Harlem. He is the founded the National Black Arts Festival.

In addition to his numerous board duties, Dr. Lomax is also a published author and educational columnist. He is the author of the widely read, The Morehouse Man and he contributes frequently to the National Journal’s Education Experts blog.

The College Trust Fund has raised nearly a million dollars since its inception for Nashville’s youth. Your attendance and donation would be greatly appreciated. Monetary donations are accepted year round to support this worthwhile endeavor.

THE COLLEGE TRUST FUND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Reverend Marcel Kellar, Chairman
Bishop George W. Price, Jr., Secretary
The Reverend Dr. Norman Reed, Treasurer
The Reverend Dr. John G. Corry, General Counsel,
Mrs. Rosetta Miller-Perry,
Dr. Sheila Peter
Mr. Robert S. Poole,
The Reverend Edward L. Thompson,
Dr. Jayme Coleman-Williams.
RECEPTION: 6:30 P.M.
BANQUET PROGRAM: 7:00 P.M.
ATTIRE: BUSINESS

$75.00 Tickets can be purchased from
College Trust Office
Tennessee Tribune Bldg.
1501 Jefferson
Street, Suite 103
615 321 3268

2011 Will Bring New Challenges and Opportunities for Tennessee

2011-01-05T12:46:00.012-06:00

2011 will bring new challenges and opportunities for many. All too often, the challenges are emphasized and the opportunities are minimized when we view circumstances through old lenses. Past missteps should be revisited only to learn from them while embracing the future with a positive attitude. Many have expressed concerns about what is next for Black folks with several new leadership roles all beginning at the same time; a new Governor, a new Chancellor for the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) and an Interim President for Tennessee State University (TSU). All of the new leaders will have a profound effect on Tennessee, especially the state's community of color.

Governor Bill Haslam has to govern all of Tennessee not just the folks that voted for him. By all assessments, Haslam ran a good campaign with very little competition. This past election cycle, the Democrats placated the fringe elements of voters and alienated their base. At the same time, Black folks played crazy and did not even show up to the polls to vote. Out of habit, color folks have often elected Democrats that are afraid to deal with them, let alone shake hands without sanitizer in their pockets. Those days are vaporizing. More voters are voting their interests and not party lines. To Haslam’s credit, he did not repeat psycho talking points from Arizona and feed into the dread and doom headlines that shaped many campaigns across the country. Most Tennessee voting Blacks voted for Haslam. (Quit pretending like folks did not). Governor Haslam was a successful businessman prior to public office. There is a natural assumption that he will run the state like a business. Haslam stated often on the campaign trail that he would make a “thousand small cuts” to the state’s budget while overhauling the state’s procurement process and wasteful spending. This should give more Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs opportunities to do business with the state. The previous administration embraced trips to China to do business overseas but had a hard time paying an invoice to a business owner on Jefferson Street five blocks from the state capitol. Folks need to get over their fear of a Republican Governor and visit the newly renovated Governor’s mansion that the Democrats left behind. Governor Haslam will shake your hands. Hopefully, his appointments as Governor will be as diverse as his Knoxville’s administration.

TBR, Tennessee's higher education governing body, new Chancellor, John Morgan, came to office with mess and mayhem in tow. He is a gift from Bredesen and he is not going anywhere anytime soon. Behind closed doors, many admit that the hiring process WAS ugly but Morgan knows what Morgan knows. It may be challenging to overlook how he got the job but with new found wisdom to the games that were played under Chancellor Manning’s leadership, Morgan appears determined to tackle higher education deficiencies that need attention desperately. Hearings and headlines have educated folks about the role of TBR and Mr. Morgan must be willing to offensively engage the public about our colleges and universities. At the state senate's education committee hearings, several Regents stated their role on the board was to show up to a few meetings a few times a year. Mr. Morgan may need more heart and soul from the Regents. A lot more. TBR is one of our most powerful boards in the state that is responsible for billions of dollars as well as thousands of students’ educational endeavors. That responsibility should not be taken lightly. After Tennessee won half a billion dollars in Race to the Top Funds, critical lenses have now turn to review how Tennessee educate students. All of our students, at every school. Everyone must invest in efforts to make education one of our top priorities in our state. Those investments will pay off by attracting more commerce to Tennessee because of a highly trained and educated workforce. College graduation rates are declining statewide not just at one or two schools. TBR should use private school marketing skills to promote Tennessee public higher education schools. TBR can no longer be viewed as a political appointment door mat. Regents attending college graduations would be a small effort to show that TBR is a partner not an enemy in educating students. Mr. Morgan is not only a new administrator for TBR but the new Cheerleader-in-Chief for higher education in Tennessee.

One of those schools he must cheer for is my boys' beloved Tennessee State University. TSU’s new interim President, Dr. Portia Shields, has her work cut out for her. The school is accredited but was denied reaffirmation. In 12 months, TSU must resubmit ongoing compliance and institutional effectiveness to SACSCOC. All the foolish diversions during the last few years have distracted the school from doing its main job, educating students. The students should be the focus and purpose. Recruiting the best and the brightest to attend and graduate from TSU and giving those who would not be given an opportunity elsewhere, the chance to get an education should be front and center. No matter who is at the helm at TSU, everyone need to be reminded that students are the beginning and the end of the road. Madame President is now leading the students. The TSU community needs to support that mission without distractions and commotions.

Sometimes, Nashville's social groups, clubs, and church folks can hinder leaders with a specific mission. In Nashville, social groups can take a simple assignment to help others and turn it into happy hour. Little ladies in clubs colors can behave as if they are the Crips and Bloods. And church folks will pull voodoo dolls out of their purses if you do not agree with them while quoting scripture. (Only speaking truth folks). Dr. Shields represents an opportunity to bring fresh thinking to the business of educating our students while honoring TSU's heritage of excellence in education. The focus should be what is best for the students who want to be educated at TSU. Governor Haslam, Chancellor Morgan, and the TSU community are all stake holders in the success of TSU educating students now and in the future. Let us look for ways to emphasize the excellent opportunities before us and begin 2011 with a new pair of lenses.