family - Forum/Discussions - TheBlackList Pub
2024-03-28T21:30:32Z
https://www.theblacklist.net/forum/topics/feed/tag/family
Kwanzaa
https://www.theblacklist.net/forum/topics/kwanzaa
2022-12-22T16:36:48.000Z
2022-12-22T16:36:48.000Z
Junious Ricardo Stanton
https://www.theblacklist.net/members/JuniousRicardoStanton
<div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Kwanzaa</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"> Junious Ricardo Stanton</p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10917863664,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10917863664,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="10917863664?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></p><p> From December 26<sup>th</sup> to January 1, millions of people around the world participate and experience Kwanzaa, a celebration based upon African and indigenous people’s values and traditions. Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga at a time when Diasporan Africans were breaking free from an oppressive Eurocentric hegemonic worldview and culture. It was designed to create and build a set of common core values, instill an appreciation for unity and build a foundation for empowerment and community renewal. Since its creation in the US, Kwanzaa is now accepted and celebrated as an established holiday all around the world!</p><p>Over the years the celebration has had its detractors. Some opposed it because they thought it threatened or competed with Christmas. Some said it was “a made up holiday”, some said or implied it was too Black, that it was not really African while others resisted learning about it, learning the words or they trivialized the principles behind it.</p><p>Others embraced the concept and have faithfully kept the Kwanzaa tradition despite its detractors. What the detractors fail to realize is all holy days (holidays) are man made, they are all invented or “made up”; every single one of them. Each and every holiday in existence is the creation of the ethnic groups, institutions and culture who invented them for their own particular reasons to meet their specific needs. Every holiday in every ethnic group and every culture was “made up”. They were created by that particular group to meet a specific need, to generate a common esprit décor among the people or to mold a belief or way of being within the group..</p><p>Christmas or the Christ Mass is a made up holiday. It was invented by the founders of the Catholic Church to reinforce their story about the birth of Jesus. The “Church Fathers” decreed that Jesus’ birth was on December 25<sup>th</sup>. The fact that December 25<sup>th</sup> coincides with the Winter Solstice which was also the stated time of the births of other avatars and savior gods which predated Christianity by hundreds of years is no coincidence.</p><p> Every holiday we celebrate in this country is made up. The Fourth of July is a made up holiday as are: Hanukkah, Easter, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Carnival, Bastille Day, Mardi Gras and Juneteenth. Yet we don’t question them or their significance do we? No. Many are based upon myths or other people’s culture yet we still acknowledge and celebrate them without question.</p><p> Kwanzaa is based upon African and indigenous traditions. It has no religious significance whatsoever, it is not a religious holiday, nor was it designed to compete with Hanukkah or Christmas. Yes Kwanzaa is African inspired and Black, so what? It was created at a time when liberation minded Blacks were attempting to assert our agency, encourage empowerment, and establish an identity free from our externally induced internalized self-hatred. What’s wrong with focusing on Blackness, Black empowerment, family, community and unity? What’s inappropriate about wanting a wholesome community, harmony, togetherness, cohesion and prosperity, especially in times like these?</p><p> Kwanzaa is not a threat to Christianity, your pastor, or your religious doctrines and dogma. Kwanzaa is no threat to your Imam or Koran’s teachings if you are a Muslim or any other religion for that matter.</p><p>As far as learning new words is concerned, we do it all the time! Black people are always making up slang words and phrases or changing the meaning of English words, its part of our rhythm, creative swag and hipness. Eventually our slang almost always becomes part of the American vocabulary and lexicon.</p><p>We should be open minded and willing to learn about our past, synthesize what we’ve learned and apply it for the betterment of our lives. This is the essence of wisdom, what our African ancestors called <strong>Sankofa</strong>; an Akan word which means “to go back and fetch”. Dr. Karenga was encouraging us to look back, to learn about and from our history, our greatness and apply it to our daily lives.</p><p>The word Kwanzaa means “first fruits” harkening to a time when African people were close to the land, planting, harvesting, raising animals and being thankful for nature’s bounty. But most of us are urban dwellers in a post industrial transitional society today, we don’t know much about agriculture or the deep significance of living and working close to nature. We need to learn about nature, the cycles of the sun, moon and stars because they are part of our legacy and traditions.</p><p>Another good thing about Kwanzaa is, it’s not a materialistic celebration; you won’t go into debt celebrating Kwanzaa. Kuumba is one of the seven principles which means creativity; we are encouraged to use our imaginations to make gifts rather than going to the store and buying. Kwanzaa tasks us to envision a better reality for ourselves as a people.</p><p>We are becoming too materialistic, too obsessed with gizmos and gadgets to our own detriment. We are becoming too detached from ourselves and our families. Technology is minimizing face to face, soul to soul interaction to the point we think pushing a button to like something means we’ve taken concrete action. We think joining a social network means we have real friends but the fact of the matter is, we don’t interact with these people on meaningful levels.</p><p>Kwanzaa is about gathering together, it encourages being socially engaged and interactive with family, friends and the community, sharing common values (the seven principles) and reinforcing a positive vision for ourselves and our community. During times like these the principles of Kwanzaa should make it even more attractive and valuable. Happy Kwanzaa!</p><p> </p><p>-30-</p></div>
Preparing For The Holidays
https://www.theblacklist.net/forum/topics/preparing-for-the-holidays
2022-12-08T15:14:39.000Z
2022-12-08T15:14:39.000Z
Junious Ricardo Stanton
https://www.theblacklist.net/members/JuniousRicardoStanton
<div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Preparing for the Holidays</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;">Junious Ricardo Stanton</p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10905934461,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10905934461,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="10905934461?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></p><p> As the holidays approach, it is important to remember this season can be especially stressful, sad or unpleasant for yourself and others due to the loss of loved ones, personal situations or the general melancholy shorter days and colder weather often bring on. Holidays are expected to be fun and enjoyable but often they are not. Don’t let the fact you are a little down stress you out even more.</p><p> Sometimes we just aren’t into it for whatever reason. Know that you are not alone, many are feeling the blues, the blahs and depressed during this time of year. If you are sad or depressed perhaps a change in thinking or refocusing your priorities will boost your spirits. You don’t have to keep up with the Jones, buy and spend beyond your means to enjoy the holiday. You don’t have to bust your budget to enjoy the season. Your worth is not based upon your bank account. Your value as a person; parent, friend, spouse or relative is not based on what you gave or what you received. Life is more than gifts or one day, life is beyond the holidays.</p><p>If you are not home or you aren’t able to get home for the holiday, find a way to stay connected with your family and friends. Use the technology to keep in touch. Reach out to family, friends and loved ones to stay connected to your sources of tradition, belonging, engagement and emotional well-being. If you don’t have anyone, don’t be afraid to venture into a new social circle or network. Be open to the possibilities of something different and the potential for new experiences.</p><p>If you are feeling melancholy or sad over the loss of a loved one or a breakup, remember you can control your thoughts and feelings. While images and feeling can and often do well up inside and pop out, you can get quiet and deliberately and consciously redirect your thoughts to something more pleasant, more tranquil and serene. Think of the fun times, the joy and happiness of past holidays, remember your loved ones fondly and think of them as being well and whole like they were during the best of times.</p><p>Sharing your feelings with a close friend, family members, a pastor, Imam or counselor may help lift y our spirits and help you refocus. Exercising may help and the new physical regimen will help you sleep better. Get up and go out, do something beyond yourself, volunteer, do something beneficial for others to take your mind off your troubles. Try something new, go somewhere different you’ll be surprised to see how many people are out and about in hotels, resort areas and the restaurants that are open.</p><p>If you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed because the dinner is at your place, ask for help. Ask friends or relatives to bring a side dish, a dessert or libations to help lessen the cost and lighten the work load. Get your rest and plan a schedule so you are not running around helter-skelter buying food, presents, cooking and baking at the last minuet.</p><p> Family dinners can be stressful for numerous reasons. Often we revert back to whatever role we played in the family when we were younger. Our relatives still want to see us the way we were back in the day and not as the people we are now. You may have to gently and lovingly remind them you are grown now.</p><p> If there has been tension, discord and disagreement decide to be the one who brings the peaceful spirit, be forgiving, be the mature one, and take the high road for the sake of having a less stressful event. Don’t allow politics, religious differences or current events to dictate the tone and mood of your gathering. Family ties and friendships are the common bond that unites you; let this be the guiding light. Focus on being together put the cell phones away; this is a time for genuine interaction and fellowship with family and friends.</p><p>You can always say no, if you are not feeling well, your schedule is too demanding or your home needs too much work to prepare for a big family dinner. Don’t allow expectations and requests to stress you out. The same goes for your kids, godchildren and relatives, best case scenario if you exchange gifts, learn what they want early so you can save for it, shop and get their gifts early rather than last minute</p><p>Be mindful of your and your family members’ health. Don’t compromise your health regimen. Don’t overload on alcohol, sweets or foods you know you’re not supposed to eat or that aren’t good for you, your family and friends. Introduce some new healthy items, they make like them.</p><p>We are social beings, holidays are a time we can come together to rekindle family ties and strengthen our bonds of friendship. Family, togetherness and love are priority one, don’t forget that. Don’t allow shorter days, reluctance to drive at night or past hurts to deter you from enjoying this season. Make up your mind to have an enjoyable and safe holiday season.</p><p>Peace,</p><p> </p><p> </p></div>
Black Children Learn What They See
https://www.theblacklist.net/forum/topics/black-children-learn-what-they-see
2013-04-27T04:29:06.000Z
2013-04-27T04:29:06.000Z
Deborrah Cooper
https://www.theblacklist.net/members/DeborrahCooper
<div><h2><span style="color:#802a00;"><b>Black Children Learn What They See<br /></b></span><span style="font-family:Ubuntu;"><span class="font-size-2">© 2013 by Deborrah Cooper / AskHeartBeat.Com</span><br /></span></h2><p> </p><p><span style="font-family:Ubuntu;">If black children see weakness, they learn to give up.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.askheartbeat.com/ahb2010/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/sad-child.png"><img title="" class="align-right" style="padding:6px;" src="http://www.askheartbeat.com/ahb2010/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/sad-child.png?width=288" width="288" alt="sad-child.png?width=288" /></a></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Ubuntu;">If black children see sloth, they learn to be lazy.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Ubuntu;">If black children see hitting, they learn to be violent.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Ubuntu;">If black children see stinginess, they learn to be selfish.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Ubuntu;">If black children see fearfulness, they learn to be afraid.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Ubuntu;">If black children see patriarchy, they learn females are less than.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Ubuntu;">If black children see bullying, they learn to feel vindictive.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Ubuntu;">If black children see negative judgements, they learn to criticize.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Ubuntu;">If black children see selfishness, they learn to feel entitled.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Ubuntu;">If black children see humiliation, they learn to feel shame.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Ubuntu;">If black children see pain, they learn the world is a dangerous place.</span></p><h3><em><span style="font-family:Ubuntu;">BUT</span></em></h3><p><span style="font-family:Ubuntu;">If black children see confidence, they learn anything is possible.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Ubuntu;">If black children see smiles, they learn acceptance.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Ubuntu;">If black children see ambition, they learn to never give up.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Ubuntu;">If black children see excellence, they learn to strive for greatness.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Ubuntu;">If black children see tolerance, they learn to embrace others.</span><span style="font-family:Ubuntu;"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.askheartbeat.com/ahb2010/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/black-girl-closeup.jpg"><img class="align-right" style="padding:6px;" src="http://www.askheartbeat.com/ahb2010/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/black-girl-closeup.jpg?width=288" width="288" alt="black-girl-closeup.jpg?width=288" /></a></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Ubuntu;">If black children see caring, they learn to be protective.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Ubuntu;">If black children see acceptance, they learn to like themselves.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Ubuntu;">If black children see pride, they learn to be dignified.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Ubuntu;">If black children see giving without an agenda, they learn to be generous. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Ubuntu;">If black children see truthfulness, they learn to be honorable.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Ubuntu;">If black children see uprightness, they learn integrity.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Ubuntu;">If black children see respect, they learn to show consideration.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Ubuntu;">If black children see love, they learn they are important to you and that their life has meaning.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-family:Ubuntu;">Copyright © 2013 by Deborrah Cooper of <a href="http://www.askheartbeat.com">www.askheartbeat.com</a></span></p></div>
More and More Black Family Reunions Held on Cruise Ships, Helpful Tips in Planning Yours
https://www.theblacklist.net/forum/topics/more-and-more-black-family-reunions-held-on-cruise-ships-helpful
2012-01-09T15:44:16.000Z
2012-01-09T15:44:16.000Z
SendMeYourNews
https://www.theblacklist.net/members/SendMeYourNews
<div><p style="line-height:17px;margin:0px 0px 1.35em;"><font style="line-height:normal;" size="2" color="#000000" face="verdana"><b style="line-height:17px;font-weight:bold;">CRUISE SHIPS - A POPULAR TREND FOR BLACK FAMILY REUNIONS</b></font></p>
<p style="line-height:17px;margin:0px 0px 1.35em;"><font style="line-height:normal;" size="2" color="#000000" face="verdana"><i style="line-height:17px;font-style:italic;">By Aubrey Williams</i></font></p>
<p style="line-height:17px;margin:0px 0px 1.35em;"><font style="line-height:normal;" size="2" color="#000000" face="verdana"><img src="http://www.blacknews.com/images/black_cruise_club.jpg" style="line-height:17px;" width="200" border="1" height="126" alt="black_cruise_club.jpg" /></font></p>
<p style="line-height:17px;margin:0px 0px 1.35em;"><font style="line-height:17px;font-weight:bold;" size="2" color="#000000" face="verdana">When reflecting on some of your most memorable moments, chances are that many of those moments involved family. Whether it's moms and dads, brothers and sisters, grandparents, kids, or cousins that stir memories for you, it's almost certain that good times and togetherness are common themes. Family reunions are one of the most popular forms of good times and togetherness for black families, but we've come a long way from having them at Big Momma's house or the recreation center. Where are we having them now?</font></p>
<p style="line-height:17px;margin:0px 0px 1.35em;"><font style="line-height:normal;" size="2" color="#000000" face="verdana">Now more than ever, black families are selecting cruises as the setting of choice for their family reunions, and for good reason. Cruise ships have all the necessary elements of a good black family reunion, including accommodations, food, music, games, entertainment, and great weather. Cruises offer all the same comforts of a typical get together, plus open ocean and some of the most beautiful islands and beaches in the world.</font></p>
<p style="line-height:17px;margin:0px 0px 1.35em;"><font style="line-height:normal;" size="2" color="#000000" face="verdana">Family reunions can overcome years of absence between family members with an instant bonding. Maybe it's been five years since you last saw Uncle Curtis, but as soon as you see him, the two of you pick up right where you left off. Hugs, smiles, and laughter quickly fill the room. Cruises somehow amplify this instant bonding by way of intangible special powers. There's just something in the air that puts cruise passengers in an extremely joyful mood. This permeating vibe contributes well to the atmosphere of black family reunion cruises.</font></p>
<p style="line-height:17px;margin:0px 0px 1.35em;"><font style="line-height:normal;" size="2" color="#000000" face="verdana">If you still think cruises are expensive, think again. In many cases, a four day cruise can be purchased for about the cost of an average airline ticket. On most cruises, the price will include accommodation, entertainment & activities, and an unlimited supply of great food. The all-inclusive nature of cruises makes them perfect for family reunions. This option often makes more sense than getting the family together in a hotel with the additional expense of meals. During the recent recession, cruises became a great overall value for families, hence the increase in the popularity of cruises over the last few years.</font></p>
<p style="line-height:17px;margin:0px 0px 1.35em;"><font style="line-height:normal;" size="2" color="#000000" face="verdana">If you're considering a cruise for your next family reunion, these helpful tips will simplify your planning:</font></p>
<p style="line-height:17px;margin:0px 0px 1.35em;"><font style="line-height:normal;" size="2" color="#000000" face="verdana">* Consider the audience of your reunion and pick a time that's convenient for everyone. If school kids are included, select a summer sailing when they are out of school.</font></p>
<p style="line-height:17px;margin:0px 0px 1.35em;"><font style="line-height:normal;" size="2" color="#000000" face="verdana">* Try to secure group rates or perks for the members of your group. These might include discounts, or things like on-board credits redeemable at the gift shops, bars, and spa on the cruise ship.</font></p>
<p style="line-height:17px;margin:0px 0px 1.35em;"><font style="line-height:normal;" size="2" color="#000000" face="verdana">* Book your family reunion cruise 9 to 12 months in advance. Not only does advanced booking get you better pricing, it also allows all the members of your family to make several small payments over time instead of paying all at once.</font></p>
<p style="line-height:17px;margin:0px 0px 1.35em;"><font style="line-height:normal;" size="2" color="#000000" face="verdana">* Take stuff! Cruise ships are filled with activities like swimming pools, theaters, casinos, stage shows, live music, and dance clubs. That doesn't mean you can't take things that have been a part of your family bonding over the years. Make room in your luggage for cards, dominoes, or anything else your family enjoys. While there's a lot to do on a cruise, the whole point is for family members to spend time together.</font></p>
<p style="line-height:17px;margin:0px 0px 1.35em;"><font style="line-height:normal;" size="2" color="#000000" face="verdana">* Don't book online - use a travel agent, preferably one who specializes in cruises, like<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=dinu5xbab&et=1107373905979&s=61981&e=0011jo2bpkpyk3P-jyG_TzP1B9xUMHTysZzxUj2sTM9K4Jn7T81o1YLlOISjfvXBljFSNUp0GyRgJY3CFZhtrEDo8IpxD8s16yV9-5m6zQ9_WFaSyYgNddUKQ==" target="_blank" style="line-height:17px;font-weight:inherit;text-decoration:underline;color:#0068cf;">www.BlackCruiseClub.com</a>. A good agent will ask a lot of questions to understand your needs and present only the options that work best for your family. Your agent will know how to get the best deals and have a wealth of knowledge to make your black family reunion cruise a success. They will also work with you to organize deposits, payment plans, announcements, and special arrangements. If you want a family reunion, but dread all the hard work, you can relax knowing your cruise agent will handle all the details.</font></p>
<p style="line-height:17px;margin:0px 0px 1.35em;"><font style="line-height:normal;" size="2" color="#000000" face="verdana">Cruise lines host hundreds of black family reunions each year, and the trend is increasing. The Caribbean and The Bahamas still dominate as the top destinations, but other options include Europe and Mexico. Whether you pulled the short straw or volunteered to plan the next family reunion, imagine your family together on a cruise. Cruises offer something for all, from the kids to the grandparents, and everyone in between. With the economy keeping cruise prices affordable, there's no better time to get your family on a cruise.</font></p>
<p style="line-height:17px;margin:0px 0px 1.35em;"><font style="line-height:normal;" size="2" color="#000000" face="verdana"><i style="line-height:17px;font-style:italic;">Aubrey Williams is a Travel Agent, Franchise Owner, and Professional Cruise Counselor. To contact him, visit<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=dinu5xbab&et=1107373905979&s=61981&e=0011jo2bpkpyk3P-jyG_TzP1B9xUMHTysZzxUj2sTM9K4Jn7T81o1YLlOISjfvXBljFSNUp0GyRgJY3CFZhtrEDo8IpxD8s16yV9-5m6zQ9_WFaSyYgNddUKQ==" target="_blank" style="line-height:17px;font-weight:inherit;text-decoration:underline;color:#0068cf;">www.BlackCruiseClub.com</a></i></font></p>
<p style="line-height:17px;margin:0px 0px 1.35em;"><font style="line-height:normal;" size="2" color="#000000" face="verdana"><br style="line-height:17px;" /><br /></font></p>
<center style="line-height:17px;"><table style="line-height:17px;" width="550" cellspacing="1"><tbody style="line-height:17px;"><tr style="line-height:17px;"><td style="line-height:17px;" valign="top" align="center" bgcolor="#EEEEEE"><font style="line-height:normal;" size="2" color="#000000" face="arial">This information has been distributed through<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b style="line-height:17px;font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=dinu5xbab&et=1107373905979&s=61981&e=0011jo2bpkpyk2Np1mRxTM6XEfbsju2ahtiuTYg7352sspXpeyK7KAPt3twIgycf-GtlTyi16uJGk3D26MOj1uqbsUnnezAV60TzPJP_e5pySA=" target="_blank" style="line-height:17px;font-weight:inherit;text-decoration:underline;color:#0068cf;"><font style="line-height:normal;" color="#0000FF">BlackPR.com</font></a></b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><b style="line-height:17px;font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=dinu5xbab&et=1107373905979&s=61981&e=0011jo2bpkpyk3-i5vcuP7GQwoXjDBX2DvgwZDTiE00MilypdZmghF_o8kMndj0jQ_K16nRvOKancMDgZDxjviAXeItV0xw2v17m0JAWoMkWR7iJCpEJ7CWQg==" target="_blank" style="line-height:17px;font-weight:inherit;text-decoration:underline;color:#0068cf;"><font style="line-height:normal;" color="#0000FF">BlackNews.com</font></a></b>,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></font></td>
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FAME: The 1st National Black Youth Empowerment Expo (Update)
https://www.theblacklist.net/forum/topics/fame-the-1st-national-black
2008-12-21T07:14:46.000Z
2008-12-21T07:14:46.000Z
R. Lee Gordon
https://www.theblacklist.net/members/RLeeGordon
<div>Good eve and blessings, sisters and brothers, and those to whom it should concern . . .As part of "my calling" to uplift the quality of life and learning for our young generation in a country and media-based society seemingly more intent on turning our children into prisoners and prostitutes rather than productive, positive people, I am currently organizing The 1st National Black Youth Empowerment Expo in New York City, spring 2009. And to ensure we consistently engage as many youth as possible, the expo is being planned as a quarterly event currently scheduled to be held in Detroit this August, Atlanta in fall / winter 2009, and then in LA or Houston, TX, spring 2010.The purpose of the expo is to enrich our children’s hearts, minds, bodies and souls; narrow achievement gaps and technology divides; and engage our young generation via the power and beauty of “the arts”, and the creativity of “edu-tainment”. I believe this event will prove to the world how smart and beautiful our children truly are.If we are supportive, strategic and creative in ensuring this first event is created to collectively benefit all those it engages, we will transform the way in which our communities support our children, and simultaneously arrive at better ways to reach and teach our younger generation.Currently, I am assembling a national committee to initially aid in establishing sponsors and funding sources, and then to assist me in creating the powerful education programming in a highly creative curriculum for the expo. We’ll also need the participation of fashion designers, models, artists and artisans, musical acts, performers, youth educators / “edu-tainers”, community and youth resource providers, vendors, etc., as well as promotional support via media and Internet resources.Your input and potential participation is valued as appreciated.For all our children truly need is all of us . . .R. Lee Gordon<a href="http://www.uniteedesign.com">www.uniteedesign.com</a><a href="http://www.betterdetroityouth.org">www.betterdetroityouth.org</a><a href="http://www.greaternewyorkyouth.org">www.greaternewyorkyouth.org</a> (just around the corner . . .)WHAT: FAME: The 1st National Black Youth Empowerment ExpoFAME: The 1st National Black Youth Empowerment Expo is the first event of its kind solely dedicated to uplifting African-American children and teens, and encouraging higher levels of youth and community activism.Event goals are to: transform the way our communities support our children; engage children using powerful forms of the arts and “edu-tainment”; assess and deliver better ways to reach and teach children; and help our children build stronger minds, bodies and souls. Participating youth will also be able to benefit from on-site mentoring and tutoring opportunities. Other important topics will include peer empowerment and community involvement.This two-day event will bring together a broad array of individuals and groups who want to enrich the quality of life and learning for our young generation. Through an appealing and comprehensive variety of youth “art-ivities”, forums, seminars and workshops, we will help to flourish the promise and potential that lives within each of our children. Every child will be empowered to establish goals, be engaged in productive and positive activities, and be inspired by his and her proud history, beautiful heritage and accomplished culture.The ultimate hope of the 1st National Black Youth Empowerment Expo is that every participating youth take home the inspiration and confidence to believe, achieve and succeed, and be committed to bettering our people and planet.This event will incorporate the FAME (fashion, art, music & education) model developed by The Better Detroit Youth Movement and UniTee Design, Inc. FAME helps to rally our communities; demonstrate to our children the power and beauty of the many genres of fashion, art and music; and create an “edu-tainment” event that uplifts participants and audience alike. FAME is an effective way to engage children and teens in positive, productive and constructive “art-ivities” that create critical-thinkers, and more disciplined and well-rounded academic achievers.The educational component of FAME actively supports the development of professional, social and business skills in our children via teen empowerment, rites of passage, health, fitness and nutrition topics, and entrepreneurial and professional development curriculums. In fact, because of the benefit FAME has delivered to children in Detroit, an after-school program is now being developed for several of its high schools.The Expo has been established for our youth, but created to benefit many others:• Provides vending, exhibiting and sales opportunities for local businesses, entrepreneurs, artists, artisans and others.• Provides promotional opportunities for community and youth groups, youth educators, motivational speakers and / or others (to share information, solicit involvement, financial support, volunteerism, etc.).• Provides promotional and / or sales opportunities for entertainers, fashion designers, models, hair designers and others.• Helps to educate the general public on ways to support youth activism in each event market and beyond.WHO: Those of us committed to working together to improve the quality of life and learning for our children and teens. A variety of individuals and groups will have an opportunity and forum to empower our youth at this event:• Artists and Artisans• Musicians• Vocalists• Comedians• Entertainers• Spoken Word Artists• Performance Artists• Dancers• DJs• Fashion Designers• Models• Hair Designers• Photographers• Videographers• Jewelry Makers• Video Game Developers• Community Groups• Youth Educators• Youth Groups• Health, Fitness and Nutrition Experts• Local Businesses and Business Professionals• Community Activists• Community Leaders• Politicians• Media• And More . . .WHEN: May, 2009WHERE: New York City (venue TBD)WHY: To prove Black America has all the resources necessary to uplift the quality of learning and life for today’s young generation.HOW: “If we can move a Black Man into The White House, just imagine where we can take our children!”If you’d like to be a part of this event, or for more information, please contact R. Lee Gordon at 734.395.3079 or rgordon@uniteedesign.com.UniTee Design is a Black Youth Education & Empowerment Enterprise. Our products and programs uplift our people, and inspire our children to believe, achieve and succeed.The Better Detroit Youth Movement is a volunteer-driven non-profit group that is bringing together caring citizens and providing them many ways to improve the future for Detroit’s young generation.</div>
Questions For Us All . . .
https://www.theblacklist.net/forum/topics/2055350-Topic-15152
2008-10-30T05:27:42.000Z
2008-10-30T05:27:42.000Z
R. Lee Gordon
https://www.theblacklist.net/members/RLeeGordon
<div>What will it take to rebuild Black Unity ?What will it take to empower our youth with better education ?R. Lee Gordon<a href="http://www.uniteedesign.com">www.uniteedesign.com</a> / <a href="http://www.betterdetroityouth.org">www.betterdetroityouth.org</a></div>