Monday, March 29, 2010

Women's History Month

This month comes to a close and I consider it an honor and a privledge to be among sisters who are doing their thing, without the attitude. Real sisters, making a real difference by sharing their lives and their love with us.

A few of my favs are Troi Tyler and Bonnie DeShong, Adrience and my girl Lalah Hathaway!!

Surround yourself with sisters on a mission and can help you in the process!

Let us remember the brothes along the way!
Derrick, PD of V103
Robin Thicke and last but never least
Tony Hogues, Host of MEN on Higher Learning!

http://MenOnHigherLearning.blogspot.com





Sunday, March 28, 2010

inspirational conversations you won't see..

You will never see this in mainstream media unless someone is shot, stabbed or killed!
Here it is just for you!

Will we see this on the news? NOT

Urban Prep Academy senior Keith Greer, along with his classmates, celebrates the news they will receive a free prom in Chicago because 100 percent of the graduating class was accepted into 4-year colleges or universities.

The entire senior class at Chicago's only public all-male, all-African-American high school has been accepted to four-year colleges. At last count, the 107 seniors had earned spots at 72 schools across the nation.

Mayor Richard Daley and Chicago Public Schools chief Ron Huberman surprised students at an all-school assembly at Urban Prep Academy for Young Men in Englewood this morning to congratulate them. It's the first graduating class at Urban Prep since it opened its doors in 2006.

Huberman applauded the seniors for making CPS shine.

"All of you in the senior class have shown that what matters is perseverance, what matters is focus, what matters is having a dream and following that dream," Huberman said.

The school enforces a strict uniform of black blazers, khaki pants and red ties -- with one exception. After a student receives the news he was accepted into college, he swaps his red tie for a red and gold one at an assembly.

The last 13 students received their college ties today, to thunderous applause.

Ask Rayvaughn Hines what college he was accepted to and he'll answer with a question.

"Do you want me to name them all?"

For the 18-year-old from Back of the Yards, college was merely a concept--never a goal--growing up. Even within the last three years, he questioned if school, let alone college, was for him. Now, the senior is headed to the prestigious Morehouse College in Atlanta , Ga. next fall.

Hines remembers the moment he put on his red and gold tie.

"I wanted to take my time because I was just so proud of myself," he said. "I wanted everyone to see me put it on."

The achievement might not merit a mayoral visit at one of the city's elite, selective enrollment high schools. But Urban Prep, a charter school that enrolls using a lottery in one of the city's more troubled neighborhoods, faced difficult odds. Only 4 percent of this year's senior class read at grade level as freshmen, according to Tim King, the school's CEO.

"I never had a doubt that we would achieve this goal," King said. "Every single person we hired knew from the day one that this is what we do: We get our kids into college."

College is omnipresent at the school. Before the students begin their freshman year, they take a field trip to Northwestern University . Every student is assigned a college counselor the day he steps foot in the school.

The school offers an extended day--170,000 more minutes over four years compared to its counterparts across the city--and more than double the number of English credits usually needed to graduate.

Even the school's voicemail has a student declaring "I am college bound" before it asks callers to dial an extension.

Normally, it takes senior Jerry Hinds two buses and 45 minutes to get home from school. On Dec. 11, the day University of Illinois at Champaign- Urbana was to post his admission decisions online at 5 p.m., he asked a friend to drive him home.

He went into his bedroom, told his well-wishing mother this was something he had to do alone, closed the door and logged in.

"Yes! Yes! Yes!" he remembers screaming. His mother, who didn't dare stray far, burst in and began crying.

That night he made more than 30 phone calls, at times shouting "I got in" on his cell phone and home phone at the same time.

"We're breaking barriers," he said. "And that feels great."

It just doesn't get anymore inspirational than that!

Sunday, March 21, 2010

sneeze...

This is classic! Enjoy!


THE SNEEZE

I think this is awesome!!!

They walked in tandem, each of the ninety-two students filing into the already crowded auditorium. With their rich maroon gowns flowing and the traditional caps, they looked almost as grown up as they felt.

Dads swallowed hard behind broad smiles, and Moms freely brushed away tears.

This class would NOT pray during the commencements, not by choice, but because of a recent court ruling prohibiting it.


The principal and several students were careful to stay within the guidelines allowed by the ruling. They gave inspirational and challenging speeches, but no one mentioned divine guidance and no one asked for blessings on the graduates or their families.

The speeches were nice, but they were routine until the final speech received a standing ovation.

A solitary student walked proudly to the microphone. He stood still and silent for just a moment, and then, it happened.

All 92 students, every single one of them, suddenly SNEEZED !!!!






The student on stage simply looked at the audience and said,

'GOD BLESS YOU'

And he walked off the stage...




The audience exploded into applause. This graduating class had found a unique way to invoke God's blessing on their future with or without the court's approval.

Isn't this a wonderful story? Pass it on to all your friends.........and

GOD BLESS YOU!!!!

This is a true story; it happened at the University of Maryland .

Sunday, March 7, 2010

inspiration for everyone's soul...

Social Worker Commits to Only Patronizing Black-Owned Businesses
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Lora McDonald
KANSAS CITY, Mo.

We all have New Year’s resolutions. Ultimately they all involve changing some habit into positive behavior. But one local woman’s goal benefits an entire community.

"I've made a commitment to shop only black-owned businesses for an entire year," said Lora McDonald.

As a social worker, McDonald found she was earning a living off working with blacks and wanted to find a way to put some of that money back into the black community. She decided to patronize only black-owned businesses for an entire year.

In two months McDonald has struggled with singling out those stores to meet all of her needs. She has, however, found the only black-owned grocery store in Kansas City - Leon’s Thriftway.

“Their service is incredible, like I never carry my own groceries to my car," said McDonald.

Leon Stapleton has owned Leon's Thriftway since 1968. He said when he started, there were several black-owned grocery stores in Kansas City.

He credits their commitment to good customer service for his successful business.

"I think it's just extra hard work on our part, and just taking care of our neighborhood. We have a neighborhood store," said Stapleton.

An avid shopper, McDonald’s choices are now narrowed when it comes to shopping for clothes. She often shops Micah’s in Crown Center.

"We started as a children's store in 1999," said Andrea Carnes.

Carnes owns Micah's clothing store in Crown Center. Carnes has owned a business in Crown Center for the past 11 years.

She feels the real secret to success is a solid business plan and the support of those around you. In addition to Carnes’ friends and family, she also credits Crown Center for providing an excellent atmosphere for opening a business.

"My advice to anyone starting their business is do their preparation, do their homework," added Carnes.

After a long day McDonald likes to go to Qudo’s Cigar Bar at 1116 Grand Boulevard.

As a new owner, David Lux also believes a strong business plan goes a long way. He also cautions future owners not to take advantage of beginning profits.

"If you make $4,500 dollars in a weekend, you don't just stick $3,800.00 in your pocket and go shopping. You put it back into the business. I think that's why a lot of businesses fail," said Lux.

McDonald has 10 months to go on her year-long journey.

If you know of any black-owned businesses she could add to her list,
e-mail NBC Action News Reporter Lisa Benson at benson@nbcactionnews.com.

McDonald's List of Black-Owned Businesses

Leon's Thriftway
Gates Bar B.Q.
Peachtree Restaurant
Rhythm Lounge
Lutfi's Fried Fish
Big Momma's Bakery & Cafe
Juke House Bar & Restaurant
Zarfar Salon
Niece's Restaurant
McDonald's Restaurants--owned by Ralph King
Micah's clothing store (Crown Center)
Ragz Design House
Wilson's Pizza (KCK)
Mama's House (KCK)
Boulevard Car Wash

Blacks and Technology!

I couldn't help but to share this one with you.
From one of our readers who love to share!


"Those who hate us love to stereotype African-Americans as ignorant, lazy and backward. Well, BET (of all people) has released a new study that puts the lie to these fallacies. According to BET and parent company Viacom, the study “African-Americans Revealed” shows that we’re primarily interested in “family dynamics, tech savvy/adoption, spirituality and education.” Which definitely resonates with me. I probably fall somewhere in and among the Striver, Conscious Sister & Tech-fluential categories below. I’m super-curious to know where you’d put yourself. Where would you put the First Family? Holla at me in the comments…!

Here’s some coverage of the study with more details. Still I rise, y’all. Still I rise. I hope this deep dive into the actual interests of their target audience leads to some positive changes in BET’s programming away from booty-shaking videos and ancient mediocre sitcoms.

MediaWeek:

…the study indicates that 93 percent of African Americans log onto the Web through their desktop or laptop computers, whereas 76 percent surf the ‘net and check their e-mail via mobile phone or personal digital assistant (PDA).

Per the report’s classification system, the Strivers are trendspotters and trendsetters in their 20s and 30s who are on their way up the corporate ladder. Strivers account for the largest segment, numbering 7.9 million individuals and making up 36 percent of the BET audience. Conscious Sisters are Gen Xers in their 30s and 40s who are culturally and spiritually aware; one in five BET viewers best align with this category. Tech-Fluentials and Bright Horizons are the youngest, most digitally savvy groups and when taken together, they account for a quarter of BET’s overall viewership.

MultiChannel:

According to a comprehensive BET survey of the African-American community recently released, African Americans in 2008 accounted for a 10% increase in population from 2008 versus 2000, while African-American buying power increased more than 55% during the same period to $913 billion. By the year 2013 black buying power will reach $1.2 trillion dollars, a 35% increase versus 2008.

The “African Americans Revealed” study of more than 80,000 African-American consumers on multi-media engagement and digital applications, shows African-Americans are very tech savvy, with roughly 31% of African American discretionary spending dollars, or $39 billion, going toward the purchase of computers, cell phones and electronics – a proportionally higher percentage when compared to non-African-Americans.

African Americans:

Spend more weekly time online (18 hours) than watching television (15 hours)
93% go online traditionally via their PC’s, while 76% access the web via their cell phones 60% have downloaded music, a TV show, movie or ringtone in the previous month
50% regularly update and access a social networking account
The included segmentation study revealed that African-Americans are not a monolithic group but rather break down into seven distinct groups defined by similar characteristics, including buying power and habits, media consumption, and influences:

The Strivers are mostly in their late 20’s to early 40’s and are adventurous, fashionable, social mavens and opinion leaders who have their eyes on climbing the executive ladder
Conscious Sisters are selfless women that are spiritually connected and highly conscious of their culture Tech-Fluentials are digitally savvy and travel in globally conscious circles

Bright Horizons are young adults in high school and college that are aware of all available technology and electronic gadgets
Inner Circle Elites are working women rich in their cultural, ancestral and spiritual roots

Urban Dreamers are young, urban adults who are social magnets and trend setters intent on and focused on living life to the fullest
Survivors are a group of risk-taking teen and young adult males who are hustling to keep their existence in check

A 2010 Census study, within “African Americans Revealed,” predicts that the upcoming
Census count will find that 42 million African-Americans reside in the U.S., a 13.4% increase from the 2000 Census – a higher growth rate than the projected 9.8% increase for the total U.S. population.

Matthew Barnhill, Senior VP of Corporate Research at BET Networks, says “African Americans Revealed shows us that the black community should never be referred to as one homogeneous population… We hope this report will help organizations better connect with an audience and intimately recognize all of its complexities.

for more info, check out this site!

Those who hate us love to stereotype African-Americans as ignorant, lazy and backward. Well, BET (of all people) has released a new study that puts the lie to these fallacies. According to BET and parent company Viacom, the study “African-Americans Revealed” shows that we’re primarily interested in “family dynamics, tech savvy/adoption, spirituality and education.” Which definitely resonates with me. I probably fall somewhere in and among the Striver, Conscious Sister & Tech-fluential categories below. I’m super-curious to know where you’d put yourself. Where would you put the First Family? Holla at me in the comments…!

Here’s some coverage of the study with more details. Still I rise, y’all. Still I rise. I hope this deep dive into the actual interests of their target audience leads to some positive changes in BET’s programming away from booty-shaking videos and ancient mediocre sitcoms.

MediaWeek:

…the study indicates that 93 percent of African Americans log onto the Web through their desktop or laptop computers, whereas 76 percent surf the ‘net and check their e-mail via mobile phone or personal digital assistant (PDA).



Per the report’s classification system, the Strivers are trendspotters and trendsetters in their 20s and 30s who are on their way up the corporate ladder. Strivers account for the largest segment, numbering 7.9 million individuals and making up 36 percent of the BET audience. Conscious Sisters are Gen Xers in their 30s and 40s who are culturally and spiritually aware; one in five BET viewers best align with this category. Tech-Fluentials and Bright Horizons are the youngest, most digitally savvy groups and when taken together, they account for a quarter of BET’s overall viewership.

MultiChannel:

According to a comprehensive BET survey of the African-American community recently released, African Americans in 2008 accounted for a 10% increase in population from 2008 versus 2000, while African-American buying power increased more than 55% during the same period to $913 billion. By the year 2013 black buying power will reach $1.2 trillion dollars, a 35% increase versus 2008.

The “African Americans Revealed” study of more than 80,000 African-American consumers on multi-media engagement and digital applications, shows African-Americans are very tech savvy, with roughly 31% of African American discretionary spending dollars, or $39 billion, going toward the purchase of computers, cell phones and electronics – a proportionally higher percentage when compared to non-African-Americans.

African Americans:

Spend more weekly time online (18 hours) than watching television (15 hours)
93% go online traditionally via their PC’s, while 76% access the web via their cell phones
60% have downloaded music, a TV show, movie or ringtone in the previous month
50% regularly update and access a social networking account
The included segmentation study revealed that African-Americans are not a monolithic group but rather break down into seven distinct groups defined by similar characteristics, including buying power and habits, media consumption, and influences:

The Strivers are mostly in their late 20’s to early 40’s and are adventurous, fashionable, social mavens and opinion leaders who have their eyes on climbing the executive ladder
Conscious Sisters are selfless women that are spiritually connected and highly conscious of their culture
Tech-Fluentials are digitally savvy and travel in globally conscious circles
Bright Horizons are young adults in high school and college that are aware of all available technology and electronic gadgets
Inner Circle Elites are working women rich in their cultural, ancestral and spiritual roots
Urban Dreamers are young, urban adults who are social magnets and trend setters intent on and focused on living life to the fullest
Survivors are a group of risk-taking teen and young adult males who are hustling to keep their existence in check
A 2010 Census study, within “African Americans Revealed,” predicts that the upcoming Census count will find that 42 million African-Americans reside in the U.S., a 13.4% increase from the 2000 Census – a higher growth rate than the projected 9.8% increase for the total U.S. population.

Matthew Barnhill, Senior VP of Corporate Research at BET Networks, says “African Americans Revealed shows us that the black community should never be referred to as one homogeneous population… We hope this report will help organizations better connect with an audience and intimately recognize all of its complexities.

Nuff said!

more at:
http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2010/02/blacks-new-influence-power-in-tech-media/

when you click on this link, if it doesn't go directly there,
simply COPY and Paste!