Genma Holmes Talks Christmas and Volunteering to Jacque Reid on the TJMS

For several years, I have spoken to Jacque Reid on the Tom Joyner Morning Show about my role about as Ms. Santa. Each year, we have discussed the trendy toys and how to give back to others during the holiday season. Tune in to hear us share about www.livingtogivenow.com

Our time is the most important treasure we can give to anyone. Our volunteer time goes a long way in a child's life and makes a difference in their formative years. I volunteer to read to children as often as I can. During the holidays, it is my number one gift I give. Along with reading to children from all backgrounds, I give elementary schools books that shows positive images of African Americans. Baby Santa And the Missing Reindeer is a wonderful book that reflects diversity that is perfect to read this time of year.

Eastside Story presented Ms.Santa this book by author M. Maitland DeLand

Ms. Santa and her annual visit to Nia House Montessori

The season's hottest toy items are still the basic. Some thing never change. Girls and women are embracing dolls more and more and toy manufacturers are answering the call to make dolls that inspire our girls to be the best they can be.

www.prettybrowngirl.com

The Pretty Brown Dolls sold by the Pretty Brown Foundation are as cute as their owners. I recommend this doll because of the work of the The Pretty Brown Foundation. The Pretty Brown Foundation is a movement that empowers and inspires girls and women to celebrate their shades of brown with a simple yet powerful message. By developing positive self esteem, confidence and leadership, girls are empowered to dream their biggest dreams and live the lives that they imagine for themselves. 

For women who are young at heart or doll collector, the Ava DuVernay Barbie doll by Mattel, if one can be found! Proceeds from the doll goes to a charity. 

With the push to get kids moving again, bikes and skates, should be at the top of the list for boys and girls alike. Riding a bike helps kids get unwired from technology and gives them much needed excersie. Many family are taking biking trips, the Christmas break is a good time to take a trip that will allow riding together. Don't forget to get helmets as well.

Speaking of exercise, women are asking for FitBit to track their steps. This would make a perfect for adults who are seeking to get healthy in 2016. 

The hoover boards are the rage teens for teens. They can be pricey.

As Ms. Santa,  I am a giver. But even without my suit, I love to see "Black Gives Back." Look for non-profits that are doing amazing works and good deeds in your community and send them a check or find ways to volunteer. I am involved with non-profits that help make the world a brighter place, especially in the arts community. 

 
One of my favorites is the Frist Center for the Visual Arts. Gifting a membership to a family or individual is an awesome year round gift that will used often. Everyone can write a check at the end. It does not have to be a large amount. But every dollar counts.

Lastly, this was busy year for me behind the scenes with many wonderful endeavors to serve others. Two that will stay with me for years to come were seeing my friend Lt. Colonel Daphne Young being recognized for her service to our country. To often, we leave our women who serve out of recognition programs for the military and veteans. It was an honor to watch her peers, sorority sisters, and other organizations particpate in her surprise retirement ceromony. The beauty of being Ms. Santa is the spirit of giving last year round.

The other special moment happened this month. I spent the time at Ty's House in Franklin, TN. Ty's House was named in honor of Ty Osman, II. Ty gave the gift of life by being an organ donor. Many individuals are alive because of him. I am encouraging everyone to give the gift of life by registering to become an organ donor.

When A Grandmother Calls

My maternal grandparents helped shape my thoughts, values, and paved paths for me even when I was not aware of them doing so. They gave me the audacity to dream and prepared me to take giant leaps in life by being loving and supportive. Now that I am a grandparent, I want 'Grand Prince' to have that same confidence to dream big and know he is loved. Being a grandparent has taught me a love that I would have never known existed and helps me appreciate the relationship I have had with my grandparents all my life. The love of a grandparent is like no other.

Being a card carrying member of the grandparents' club now, I know from first hand experience, when a grandmother is deeply involved in a child's life, the sky is the limit. The child is going to soar because a grandmother can will it to be. Or at the very least, try to pull the sky closer for her grandchild to reach it. Do not believe a grandmother  would not grab a corner of the galaxy to make things happen? Keep reading.

I received an urgent call from a dear friend who has a grandchild who has sickle cell. She said in a very determined voice, "I need you to get the word out about the petition on White House.Gov to declare sickle cell a national priority. We must let others know more about sickle cell disease. We can not let any more funding be cut from research. Nor can we let any more clinics be closed. This is very important!" In the next breath, she reminded of the power of a grandmother's love. "You know my grand-baby has sickle cell. This is not an issue or cause, it is my grand-baby's life we are talking about."

My friend, a grandmother of a young free spirit with sickle cell, was prepared to organize a ride to moon if that was what it was going to take to get enough signatures to get the attention of the President. On the day of the call, the petition had around 22,000 signatures. The petition needed 100,000 and the deadline was looming a few days away. With sickle cell affecting 90,000 Americans and 3 million individuals are trait carriers of the sickle cell disease, this petition was important to many families.

Sickle Cell Disease is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders. Normal red blood cells are round like doughnuts, and they move through small blood tubes in the body to deliver oxygen. Sickle red blood cells become hard, sticky and shaped like sickles used to cut wheat. When these hard and pointed red cells go through the small blood tube, they clog the flow and break apart. This can cause pain, damage and a low blood count, or anemia.

Sickle Cell Disease is a major public health concern causing critical healthcare impacts in the nation. After talking through a strategic grass roots plan with my friend, I promised her that I would share her message and the information she had sent me with others. Within a few hours of us working our Rolodex, emails, and social media accounts, there was a noticeable increase in the numbers. Two days later, every Bam Mom, Big Mom, Gramma, Grammy, Grams, Grandma, Grandmama, Grandmother, Grandma, Grannie, Ma, Maw, Memaw, Mom-mo, Nanas, and one Grand Diva were contacted to sign the online petition. If they were not internet savvy, we suggested getting a grandchild to walk them through the process.

Alaira with her mother and grandmother.

 

Two days before the deadline and three days after the call, the Sickle Cell Disease Petition to the White House had met the required numbers and then some. It is amazing what happens when a community comes together for the greater good and the effectiveness of social media. It is even more amazing to see the love of a grandmother in action. It is a beautiful site to behold.

Thank you for signing the petition!

The little angel above thanks you as well as her grandmother (and the rest of the family) who loves her dearly!

Genma Holmes Shares Highlights from Fort Campbell's Black History Program

It was an honor to be the keynote speaker at Fort Campbell's Black History Month Program. The room was packed with not only men and women in uniform but there was a large number of veterans and many members from the Clarksville Area community.

I was met at the door by a number of soldiers who expressed their thanks for keeping their family and the life of an enlisted member in the public eye through my broadcasts on Living Your Best Life Radio. Not only was I surprised by their heartfelt words but deeply humbled.

I heard the wonderful sounds of the Fort Campbell Band before I saw them! The lively music set the tone that we were assembled to celebrate the accomplishments of Americans whose contributions help make our country great. We were there to shine the spotlight on well known as well as unsung heroes, like my grandparents, who gave their all for the betterment of mankind.

We were warmly welcomed by the staff of Fort Campbell's EEO and EO office. After a beautiful opening prayer, we watched a brief film that was made by the US Army in 1944.  The film recognized the many contributions of African Americans prior to the film's debut. To see the Army, which at the time was dealing with the executive order to desegregate, produced a film that not only profiled the many pioneers from the African American community but also showed Army's appreciation of the "Negro Solider" was truly inspiring. The film was truly ahead of its time and one I highly recommend everyone to watch.

I was introduced by my dear friend, Dr. Gregory P. Stallwork, who I met several years ago in Leadership Middle TN. The introduction made me feel as if  I had won an Oscar and had me choked up before I even said one word.

I shared with the packed room at Commons Park about my life growing up in rural Mississippi and not seeing the division that I see today in our country. I remember two kinds of people: "poor and po". The economic plights of the poorest county in the country, Jefferson County, united Blacks and Whites, Jews and Gentiles, Catholics and Protestants. Working together for the greater good of all was the mantra of my grandfather's politics that still influences me today.

My only views of the world growing up were the ones my grandparents and parents showed me. They showed me that everyone mattered and that we all have something in common if we take time to get to know our neighbors and fellowman. Of course, as a child you really do not understand what is being taught to you but the foundation that was given to me by my family was paved with Godly intentions and that took root in my life. It is my guiding source today that allow me to lead from behind and to not rush to judge others, what I may not know, or understand.

Sharing pest control stories usually gets me a few laughs and this day was no different. I shared with the audience who were beginning to feel like family half way through my talk that being in the pest control industry was not an easy endeavor. But I have no regrets. I have learned more about people by being in industry that is not glamorous or sought after but is very much needed. My customers are friends who have been with us through the good, bad, and ugly. The Holmes Pest Control has allowed my family to raise our kids, has funded several other ventures and gives me an opportunity to give back to many worthwhile endeavors.

I also shared how much I enjoyed working in the media representing clients as well writing and allowing Living Your Best Life to bring to the airwaves stories like the Montford Point Marines and men like USMC Vietnam Veteran Bert Watkins who received a Purple Heart for his heroism in the Battle of Operation Swift.

I challenged the audience to take a moment to spend time with someone who do not look like them. I asked them to deposit a few words of kindness in that person's life and find a way to make our world a better place. The service of the men and women in uniform unites our country not to divide it. We can show our appreciation for the many firsts made by Americans by being a united country. Instead of focusing on what divides us, let us become more determined to find common ground. I ended sharing about my son, Lance Corporal Roger Cornelius Holmes, II, who became a Marines was a hard pill to swallow at first but because of him, I too. serve my country, proudly, as the mother of one of "The Few, The Proud, The Marines."

 For more photos of my wonderful day at Fort Campbell click here.

Photo credits: Otis Toussaint

Small Business Saturday: Windsor Neckwear on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes as we profile organizations and leaders who lead by example. With extraordinary acts of kindness and charitable giving that help countless lives daily, these organizations and leaders embody "Be the change you want to see in the world".

Throughout 2013, listeners have heard from presidents of organizations who are global change agents. We will also hear from CEOs of social enterprise businesses who are changing communities and college educators who are taking their students out of the classroom and into surrounding neighborhoods to learn and serve others.

On Small Business Saturday, November 30, 21013, tune in to hear the founders of Windsor Neckwear, Michael McPherson and Mace Neal, III. Listen as the duo, who started their company with $80.00 and a necktie pattern in 2008, share their company's highlights of 2013.

They will also share how they have conquered selling menswear without a brick and mortar store and the power of successful social media marketing campaigns. Also, listen as McPherson and Neal share insights on their business best practices, lessons learned from setbacks, family and work life balance, and giving back to the community.

McPherson and Mace have become synonymous with rallying the community to come together. From their highly successful launch party at Lexus of Nashville to their community family reunion, tune in to hear about their goals to continue to provide events and engagements with a purpose in 2014.

Living Your Best Life, a radio show that empowers, inspires, and motivates us to live our BEST life, is heard on 760AM The Gospel in the Middle-TN area, Tune In, Inspirational Networks, military bases and on Ustream.TV worldwide from 9:00-10:00am CST.

More About Windsor Neckwear

What began in 2008 as a common passion for men's neckwear has become a rapidly growing business venture between Michael McPherson Jr. and Mace Neal III.  The concept for Windsor Neckwear was first thought of on one of many shopping voyages between Michael and Mace.  One day while shopping for a new tie in a popular men's store the duo walked away disappointed in the lack of variety and similarity in a sea of what looked like repetitive ties!  After a brief discussion about the lack luster experience Mike said "we should start our own necktie line" and Mace simply responded "yeah we should".  From that day forward the duo never looked back.  Windsor Neckwear began with a total $80.00 investment between Mike and Mace who purchased fabric and a quick sew necktie pattern.  Initially they began making hand made ties, ascots, and pocket squares.

The plan was to always have their line manufactured on a larger scale so they spent the first year and a half learning the manufacturing business and building capital to develop their first line.  In late 2009 after garnering the support of a manufacturing facility they made their first line of four designs.  There were several issues with their first experience but they managed to sell out of all four designs in three weeks!  From that point Windsor Neckwear has expanded to offering a vast array of beautiful neckties each unique in their own way.

To not fall into the pit of "designers block" and creating a basic collection, Windsor Neckwear made it their practice to produce limited quantities per design.  The most they will produce of any one tie in a specific color is 50 pieces, they do this to constantly introduce new products, keep their items exclusive and to always keep the creative juices flowing.  This has worked well for Windsor Neckwear and because of this they always tell their customers "if you see it and like it then get it, because it won't be available long".


More About Small Business Saturday 

First there was Black Friday, then Cyber Monday. November 27, 2010 was the first ever Small Business Saturday. Small Business Saturday is the day we celebrate the Shop Small movement to drive shoppers to local merchants across the U.S.

More than 200 organizations have already joined American Express OPEN, the company’s small business unit, in declaring the Saturday after Thanksgiving as Small Business Saturday.

Dr. Annelle Primm and Siane Wilson on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes as we profile organizations and leaders who lead by example. With extraordinary acts of kindness and charitable giving that help countless lives daily, these organizations and leaders embody "Be the change you want to see in the world". 

Throughout 2013, listeners will hear from presidents of organizations who are global change agents. We will also hear from CEOs of social enterprise businesses who are changing communities and college educators who are taking their students out of the classroom and into surrounding neighborhoods to learn and serve others.

Dr. David Satcher

On Saturday, November 16, 2013 join us to hear from nationally renown psychiatrists, Dr. Annelle Primm, of the American Psychiatrists Association's Office of Minority and National Affairs (OMNA). Dr. Primm will update the audience on OMNA's partnership with the American Association of Community Psychiatrists and the Alabama Psychiatric Physicians Association event “Transcendence and Resilience Following Trauma.” The special event was held at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, to celebrate the triumph of African Americans after the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, an act of racial hatred that killed four young girls 50 years ago. The event's keynote speaker was former U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher, M.D., Ph.D.

Also on today's show, Disney Performer and native Nashvillian, Siane Wilson. Siane will discuss how she beat out thousands who competed for the "role of a life time" to perform for Disney. She will share her resiliency in not giving up when others doubted her and advice on staying focused on your goals that may seem unreachable to others. She will also share what it is like to travel the world performing for one of the most iconic brands known around the globe. 

 Living Your Best Life can be heard on 760AM in the Middle Tennessee Region, on Tune In, streaming live online at UStream.TV, and on military bases on Saturdays from 9:00-10am CST. This show will also air on the HBCU Network.

More About Annelle Primm, M.D., MPH

Annelle B. Primm, M.D., MPH is the Director of Minority and National Affairs for the American Psychiatric Association. She is also an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. From 1993 until 2004, she served as the medical director of the Johns Hopkins Community Psychiatry Program, a community mental health center, where she has developed and overseen a variety of mental health services for adults. 

 Dr. Primm is a graduate of Harvard-Radcliffe College and Howard University College of Medicine. She completed her residency in Psychiatry, fellowship in Social and Community Psychiatry, and Masters of Public Health degree at Johns Hopkins. She is a nationally recognized expert on cultural issues in psychiatry and co-occurring psychiatric illness and substance abuse and has written and lectured widely on these topics. Dr. Primm has been a leader in collaborative public educational outreach and mental health screening initiatives focused on medically underserved populations.



More Siane Wilson

(Excerpt from Mocha Market and GenmaSpeaks)

Siane Wilson was attending Clark Atlanta University in the spring of 2012. Having always wanted to follow her dreams of performing on Broadway, she began researching performing arts’ auditions at the school’s library. Siane, a longtime lover of all things Disney, was looking for Disney’s Lion King auditions.

“All it takes is Faith and Trust” - Peter Pan

To her surprise, Disney was holding auditions. Unfortunately, the auditions were being held in New York City. Traveling to New York would mean missing two days of class but she continued searching. By chance, Siane saw a link for www.disneyauditions.com. As luck would have it, they were holding auditions in her hometown, Nashville, Tennessee. With great anticipation, Siane printed the information and dashed back to her room to call her mother, Seanne Wilson. The mother-daughter duo discussed plans for Siane to attend the Nashville auditions. Two days later, Siane was on a bus home as the auditions were that weekend. She would be able to audition for Disney without missing classes. (Click here to continue reading.)

H.O.P.E. Scholarship Third Anniversary and #50for50 Kick Off on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes as we profile organizations and leaders who lead by example. With extraordinary acts of kindness and charitable giving that help countless lives daily, these organizations and leaders embody "Be the change you want to see in the world".

Throughout 2013 listeners will hear from presidents of organizations who are global change agents. We will also hear from CEOs of social enterprise businesses who are changing communities and college educators who are taking their students out of the classroom and into surrounding neighborhoods to learn and serve others.

On Saturday, September 29, 2013, tune in to hear us celebrate the 3rd Anniversary of H.O.P.E. Scholarship. Listen to the founders, Jeffery Chance and Michelle Nealy, share about their passion to help make quality education affordable to deserving students.  Hear how they have stayed inspired to continue to give to others while still pursing their career and educational goals. We will also hear from H.O.P.E.'s fundraising chair, Brandy Jackson, who will give us input on how we can all "bloom where we are planted" to help others stay in school. And to help keep the motivational party flowing, we will be joined by everyone's favorite college President, President Michael J. Sorrel of Paul Quinn College.

In 3 years, HOPE has given away several scholarships and raised nearly $10,000! HOPE’s blog readership boasts 31,000+ views and we have a social network of over 5,000. HOPE has made the thoughts and views of university presidents, Phi Beta Kappas, and alumni accessible to current students. HOPE is helping to change the face of philanthropy through the H.O.P.E. Dealer movement by challenging millennials, ages 18 to 34, to give their time, money and talents to empower their communities.

 Living Your Best Life, a radio show that empowers, inspires and motivates one to live their BEST life, can heard on 760 AM in the Middle-Tennessee Region, on Tune In, military bases, and streamed live on U-Stream.TV from 9-10AM CST. This show will also be aired on WTST, a member of the HBCU radio network.

More About H.O.P.E.

Since their inception in 2010, The H.O.P.E. Scholarship team has worked diligently to lighten the financial burden on college students by providing need-based scholarships. We understand the serious financial challenges that college students face. For that reason, H.O.P.E has raised nearly $10,000 and awarded five scholarships.
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​ We have resolved to be HOPE DEALERS, individuals committed to sustaining historically black colleges and universities by empowering the students who attend them financially, physically and emotionally.

Please consider giving a gift to The H.O.P.E. Scholarship. Your donation provides more students with the opportunity to thrive in our competitive world. You can change the world by providing others the gift of a college education. Start with H.O.P.E. The impact is everlasting.

The H.O.P.E. Scholarship Initiative is a non-profit organization designed to empower college students facing financial hardships. The organization was founded by two Howard University alumni committed to serving their communities.

Photos from H.O.P.E. Scholarship 3rd Anniversary Party can be found here.