Black History Month Remember our Historic Educational Institutions

We're on the verge of celebrating Black History Month.   I have to agree with many who believe that "Black History" should be celebrated and remembered throughout the whole year (as should other communities and their history).  Living in such a way where we can appreciate and celebrate the accomplishments of each other while still progressing in a common society can be an interesting web to weave, but  it can be done.

Education is a topic that is of importance today as in days gone by.  I am the granddaughter of grandparents that attended Bishop College in Texas (it was an Historic Black College that is now closed).  My grandparents migrated from the South in hopes of a better life in the West.   I am a California girl true and through, however, as I see the significant accomplishments of our forefathers, I feel we've lost ground when we don't support our African American educational institutions.

I recently saw a documentary about a school called Bordentown that was located in New Jersey.  It was a Manual Training Industrial School from 1886 - 1948 (I believe the doors actually closed in the mid 1950's).  Some referred to it as the "Tuskegee of the North."  It was a co-ed boarding school that trained its students in the various skills of the day.  The time period between the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement marked the height of these institutions such as Piney Woods in Mississippi, Pine Forge Academy in Pennsylvania, Boggs Academy in Georgia, Gilbert Academy in New Orleans, Snow Hill Institute in Alabama, Laurinburg Institute in North Carolina, Palmer Memorial Institute and Mather Schools in Beaufort and Camden South Carolina among others.  This list does not include the numerous HBCU's (ie: Howard, Hampton, Tuskegee, Morehouse, and Spelman to name a few) that have educated many of our leaders over the years.

Growing up in California, I was not as aware of the significance and importance of our historical higher educational institutions as I am today. (Even though my grandparents were products of such a school).  However, as a mother I exposed both of my children of the options that were open to them with these schools.  My daughter attended Spelman College (she is currently the Vice President of the Los Angeles Alumnae), while my son chose to attend a UC school here in Southern California.  I'm glad they knew they had options and choices.

In 2003 I had the honor of being the Founder's Day Speaker at Piney Woods for their 29th Annual Founder's Day and the 95th Anniversary Celebration.  Dr. Charles Beady was the President and I was so honored to partake in that historic moment.  So in celebrating Black History Month I encourage all of us to make a donation to an African American Educational Institution. If you're not sure how you can celebrate or honor Black History Month, get involved with "Our Authors Study Club" an affiliate of Dr. Carter G. Woodson.  For more information contact Mordena Moore at 310.745.8773.

Healing Without Hate:  It's a choice. It's a lifestyle. Pass it on!

 Visit www.WendyGladney.com &  www.forgivingforliving.org.   You can email her at wendy.gladney@gmail.com. Also follow her blog:  Wendygladney.blogspot.com. Wendy is featured on Radio Free 102.3 KJLH on Dominique DiPrima's Front Page Friday Mornings @ 5:00am.

The Day of the Girl

This week I would like to bring attention to and highlight that the United Nations established October 11th  as "The International Day of the Girl."  The purpose of this day is to bring attention, celebrate, discuss and advance the lives of  girls across the globe.  It is believed when girls (and people) come together to discuss what really matters to them and what is real in their lives, new ways of thinking , stereotypes, discrimination and other real issues can be confronted and eradicated.

We at Forgiving For Living, Inc., know the power that comes when young ladies believe in themselves and are able to become all that they are meant to be.  The campaign to establish October 11th as "The Day of the Girl," was led in the United States by School Girls Unite.  The leading parties encouraged girls and organizations across the world to unite on this day in some sort of solidarity to show that girls matter and that we care.

According to the official website of this project, "history shows that it hasn't ever been easy to be a girl, and despite awesome changes in the status and perception of women and girls, herstory is still a complicated and challenging one."  Issues that young ladies still deal with today are:  illiteracy, violence, abuse, abandonment, self image issues and sex trafficking to name a few.  The parent body believes that in order for us to tackle the issues that face our girls today, we have to identify them as barriers and actually put programs and plans in place to help them reach their potential.  Forgiving For Living, does such through our Ambassador Mentor Programs, Workshops and our Annual Conference.  Together we will stand across Southern California in our T-shirts showing that we care and they matter!

Ironically, "The Day of the Girl" falls on the birthday of Eleanor Roosevelt, who happened to be at one time the First Lady and Chair of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights.  I feel that both she and our current First Lady, Michelle Obama are wonderful examples and roles models for our girls!  There are many that we can proudly say have paved the way, but what are you doing to make a difference and touch the life of a young lady?

Healing Without Hate:  It's a choice. It's a lifestyle. Pass it on!

Visit www.WendyGladney.com &  www.forgivingforliving.org.   You can email her at wendy.gladney@gmail.com. Also follow her blog:  Wendygladney.blogspot.com. Wendy is featured on Radio Free 102.3 KJLH on Dominique DiPrima's Front Page Friday Mornings @ 5:00am.

A New Season is Around the Corner

Where did summer go?  I feel like we blinked and summer disappeared.  Isn't that just like life.  As the seasons ebb and flow and we transition from one to another, the same happens as it relates to the ups and downs or trials and tribulations that come our way.  Labor Day weekend seems to mark the end of summer (although with the school system starting earlier and earlier it seems like summer ends way before Labor Day).  As we bring the last sunny lazy days to an end and we prepare for Fall it's time for us to buckle down and get back on course with our dreams and goals. 

I like the visual scenario that shows Summer as light and airy, whereas Fall is when we pull out sweaters, jackets, long pants and covered shoes (ie. boots), why? The reason is because the  weather changes and it's time for us to cover up and "protect" ourselves.  I believe the same is true as it relates to some of the personal things in our life.   It's very important that we access what is ahead for us and then take inventory to prepare by protecting what we know is our purpose and calling. 

Oftentimes we see people that always look successful and we get a little jealous.  What I've learned is you have to put in the time.  There's no short cut to success.  No matter what it is you have to be willing to work your soil, plant, water and then you will be prepared when the harvest comes.  What is it that really touches your heart?  What do you feel you are called to do?  What is it that you keep saying you're going to do, but you keep putting it off?  STOP!  Today is the day for you to make good on the promises you make to yourself!  Love yourself enough to be good to yourself by fulfilling the desires of your heart.  It's a new season!

The key is to keep your focus.  Don't look at what other people are doing, that's their calling.  If you keep your eyes on your own dreams, you will receive the prize.  What do they say, "the grass won't be greener on the other side if you take the time to water your own grass."

Healing Without Hate:  It's a choice. It's a lifestyle. Pass it on!

Visit www.WendyGladney.com &  www.forgivingforliving.org.   You can email her at wendy.gladney@gmail.com. Also follow her blog:  Wendygladney.blogspot.com. Wendy is featured on Radio Free 102.3 KJLH on Dominique DiPrima's Front Page Friday Mornings @ 5:00am.

Work While It Is Yet Day

For the past several weeks it seems like every time I turn around someone close to me made their transition from this life to the next.  It's sobering because it really shows the brevity of life.  As I reflect on my childhood growing up with my grandmother she always seemed to be in full motion doing something.  In my childlike tone I would ask her, "why are you always so busy?"  She would respond by saying, "there's a lot of work that needs to be done and it will be night soon."

Of course I didn't totally comprehend what she meant back then, but as I continued to grow and progress through life the scripture found in John 9:4 where it says:  "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day; the night cometh, when no man can work, " resonated in my ears loud and strong.  What I also find hilarious is that now my children and various friends and family members often say to me, "Wendy go sit down somewhere."  Well, as my grandmother said, I can't because there's much work that needs to be done.

The problem I think with many of us is we are often "busy" but are we really taking care of "business?"  Do we have purpose?  Do we add value?  Do we make the lives of the people we touch better in some kind of way, or are we draining?  Are we negative?  Do we drag people down because in reality we're not really happy with our own lives.

This past week Forgiving For Living held a workshop in Riverside for young ladies between 13 - 18 years old focusing on health and life skills.  Interestingly on the very day we did our workshop a news story broke that stated a sex-trafficking ring was identified right in the Inland Empire.  The story said  "gang members used Inland Empire High Schools to recruit underage girls (12 - 15) to work as prostitutes in the Los Angeles area according to the FBI." 

If we want our lives to matter and mean something we must be mindful of our youth.  So many things that were fought for in previous generations are being destroyed right before our very eyes.  What does that say about us and what we are allowing to happen on our watch?  If you don't know where to begin or what to do regarding "working while it is yet day" start with a young person that crosses your path!

 

Healing Without Hate:  It's a choice. It's a lifestyle. Pass it on!

Visit www.WendyGladney.com &  www.forgivingforliving.org.   You can email her at wendy.gladney@gmail.com. Also follow her blog:  Wendygladney.blogspot.com. Wendy is featured on Radio Free 102.3 KJLH on Dominique DiPrima's Front Page Friday Mornings @ 5:00am.

Voter Suppression

Whatever happened to the "lazy days of summer?"  There's so much that needs attention and we shouldn't sit by and not help where we can.  Yes we have to pace ourselves and stay balanced, but I also want to encourage all of us to find something that we can get behind, be informed and help.
 

Recently I've been paying more attention to what's going on regarding "voter suppression."  Our ancestors fought and died for us to vote and now there are measures being taken to try and reverse those victories.  If we think about it the U.S. Constitution and the Voter Registration Act are both being challenged.  Several states across the country are dealing with  strategies to try and discourage voting.  The ones being effected the most are African Americans, Latinos, women and the elderly.  Think about it, who's left?

Part of the tactics being used are imposing burdensome regulations, restricting voter registration, and straight out intimidation. I can't help but wonder why all of this now?  Does it have anything to do with some not wanting  to see a black man serve a second term as President of the United States?  Could hatred today still run that deep?  We also know it goes back to money and power.

If you don't know what to do or how this may affect you and your ability to vote, call your local assembly person's office or your state senator.  You can also contact the voter registration office in your county.  Don't sit on the sidelines and let years of blood, sweat and tears be for nothing.  Ignorance is not an answer.  Dr. King once said, "nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity." 

My grandmother lived to be close to a century.  During her lifetime she was active in human and civil rights.  I wouldn't want to face her in heaven and she ask me why didn't I do what I was supposed to do and I then have to ask her for forgiveness.  Who in your life do you have to answer to?

Healing Without Hate:  It's a choice. It's a lifestyle. Pass it on!

Visit www.WendyGladney.com &  www.forgivingforliving.org.   You can email her at wendy.gladney@gmail.com. Also follow her blog:  Wendygladney.blogspot.com. Wendy is featured on Radio Free 102.3 KJLH on Dominique DiPrima's Front Page Friday Mornings @ 5:00am.

Summer Is A Great Time To Rest, Relax & Rejuvenate!

Last week I took a very needed vacation to Maui and  had a fabulous time.  There are things in life we are taught are "extras" and sometimes we have to convince ourselves we even deserve such things.  After dealing with so many ups and downs and even some real disappointments in life, I've learned to appreciate and enjoy what life brings whenever possible. 

Years ago I was hit by a truck in a car accident and I was  pregnant with my son Freddie (who is now 23) so you know it was a long time ago.  The Insurance company and my doctor made me get regular massages in order to "relax me and the baby."  Ultimately they wanted to make sure  I didn't go into premature labor and something go wrong with my child and I sue them.  Again, just like a vacation, I felt that a massage was an "extra"  only for special occasions.  However, I realized it was actually a real necessity to help me get through that situation so  I would have a positive outcome (a healthy baby).

I am blessed to travel from time to time and oftentimes it is tied in with work.  This is great, but when you travel for work, your mind is on work (or at least it should be) and you don't have the opportunity to really rest,  relax and  rejuvenate.  If we want to be our best on a regular basis we have to allow ourselves some time to let go and release.  In the 10 Steps of "Healing Without Hate:  How To Forgive To Live, learning to "Release" is step number 4.  I've learned during these times of rest I am able to reflect and take stock of where I am, where I want to go, what I need to do next to accomplish whatever it is on my heart, mind and list. 

Summer is in full swing and now is the time to take life a little slower, if you're not able to take a trip to some exotic destination, we are blessed to live in one of the most sought out destinations in the world, "Sunny Southern California."  Pack up your car, go to the beach, leave your cell phone behind and just enjoy you!  It's also a good time to take inventory of where you are personally half way through the year with the goals you've set for yourself.  It's not too late to get your groove back and finish the year strong, but take some time out to rest, relax and rejuvenate!   This may be the necessity you need in your life right now to get you through.  Release and just let it go!

Healing Without Hate:  It's a choice. It's a lifestyle. Pass it on!

Visit www.WendyGladney.com &  www.forgivingforliving.org.   You can email her at wendy.gladney@gmail.com. Also follow her blog:  Wendygladney.blogspot.com. Wendy is featured on Radio Free 102.3 KJLH on Dominique DiPrima's Front Page Friday Mornings @ 5:00am.

Obamacare Yes!

By now most of us have heard about the controversial Affordable Care Act introduced by President Obama that was passed in 2010.  The proponents of this Act guarantees that all Americans would have health care, but mandates that all Americans have health insurance.  We are familiar with this concept because we have to secure car insurance and proof of that insurance if we drive a car.                                                 

This past week the United States Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act, also known as "Obamacare."  What caught a lot of people by surprise in this decision was Chief Justice John Roberts, who's known to be quite conservative, served as the swing vote to make it 5 - 4.  Why is it that the parties have to be so divided on such a matter that is vital for all Americans?  Instead of focusing on repeal and replace can we figure out a way to come together as one and build a stronger health care for all under the current Administration.  

It was brought up and discussed this Act is just a disguise for another tax.  Well don't we have to pay taxes on just about everything in order to have the quality of life we all desire?  We've all heard that where much is given much is required.  We didn't get in this position over night and it won't go away over night.  Although this Act does not go into effect until 2014, we must start preparing now. 

Forgiving For Living, Inc., serves at risk and underserved women and girls that have experienced abuse and or abandonment.  Part of our mission is to help them in the areas of health and life skills.  What better way than for them to be provided a level of peace of mind through the guarantee of health care.

Healing Without Hate:  It's a choice. It's a lifestyle. Pass it on!

Visit www.WendyGladney.com &  www.forgivingforliving.org.   You can email her at wendy.gladney@gmail.com. Also follow her blog:  Wendygladney.blogspot.com. Wendy is featured on Radio Free 102.3 KJLH on Dominique DiPrima's Front Page Friday Mornings @ 5:00am.