Evolve October 10, 2011

I slayed you,

not by machete, or using tools of military warfare,

nor as a brazen warrior stealthily chasing a pray for slaughter,  

nor by forcefully launching into an ongoing sustained raging epic battle determined to defeat a self-proclaimed nemesis,

I slayed you,

by allowing you to be,… watching you,… sensing you,…

 and recognizing that you just are a small piece of my being,

Nothing More -nothing less.

I slayed you,

Because I refused to allow you cause me cease to be,

I slayed you,

By experiencing your unsuccessful repetitive efforts seeking to dictate my reality,

And in the process transforming and elevating me to full awareness.

I am awake!

You are primordial to the divine me.

In total surrender,

I stripped you of your power over me.

Thus I change,

You are of past, and I am fully present. Now I know,… now I LIVE!

 

What about the youth?… May 30, 2011

Never have I been more certain of the critical importance of the voices of young people in society than yesterday…I had the privilege of presenting the Threads of Our Fabric Project at the annual Lebialem Cultural Development Association (LECDA). The theme “3C Convention” (Culture, Committment, and Construction) complemented my project quite nicely. My project focuses on examining the unique attributes of the African Woman and showcasing all her wonderful qualities with world. Along the way changing the representation of her image and encouraging young emerging African women to *Dream*Create*Live*Inspire*

In many parts of the world, the voices of youth, particularly girls, are continually silenced. To most being young is often associated with rebelliousness, inexperience, and simply a happy-go-lucky carefree unreliable character. I believe that all these supposedly negative attributions are the trademark beauty and blessing of being a young person. For example, rebelliousness can endow a person with a daring spirit and a creative outside of the box thinking. Such qualities are useful in situations where the status quo is a false substitute for the desire to be part of a great story… The longing to be part of something grander than self…

I remember quite vividly my teenage years; rollercoaster emotions, casual attitude towards everything, and trapped in a perpetual war with a good number of adults who I believed were always meddling in my affairs. As a teen the yearning to be an adult was an all consuming maybe borderline obsessed wish…I saw freedom from the influence of parents, independence and employment. To me being an adult was like heaven. Now as I reflect on those years, there was a critical element that significantly provided a buffer against many negative influences…a few adults who believed in my potential and always saw the best in me.

Throughout the 3C convention, I kept thinking “What about the youth?“…I hope that some of the information I provided during my presentation will offer some guidance as LECDA develops more youth-friendly and youth-involved programs. From focus groups with African Immigrant Youth, most of them thrive in an environment that encourages creativity and utilizes interactive engagement. Many adults shy from working with young people, I don’t blame them…it’s a thankless, challenging, nerve-wrecking, frustrating, unpredictable, intense task…but the most rewarding experience in one’s lifetime ! The more adults invest time, energy, and love in the lives of young people…the higher likelihood that the reward will be phenomenal…It’s been proven true countless times over…How do I know?…I am walking proof.    

Reflection: How can one nurture a love for culture, tradition, and heritage in youth aside from creative arts?

 

Topic 4 – What if…? April 26, 2011

Lethee’ma Fireplace Discussion:Topic 4 – What if…?.

Women: Undervalued, Untapped, and Unaccounted for… April 21, 2011

Women often contribute to the world in many ways – mothering, beauty, nurturing, passion, sensitivity, intuitiveness, resourcefulness – which are oftentimes perceived as insignificant in the eyes of some. Women are continuously lost in the shadows without a voice to express their stance on issues that profoundly affect their lives. Women are also disproportionally affected by many of the world’s burdens today such as poverty, maternal mortality, HIV, war, and illiteracy.

 

The plight of women…undervalued, untapped, and unaccounted for…so what?

 

There is always hope…light that stands strong when darkness surrounds and threatens to overwhelm…Hope always remains…

Countless enties such as the USAID (United States Agency for Internationa Development),  International Center for Research on Women (ICRW), The Coalition for Adolescent Girls, CARE, UNFP (UN Population Fund), and PSI (Population Services International) stress the importance of investing in women, empowering them, and providing opportunities for self-development and financial sustainability as the surest methods to alleviate some of the problems in the world today.

Additonally, there are women who in simple yet powerful ways have taken on the responsibility of safeguarding the future livelihood of many women and girls. For example, I came across this blog today, Shakesville that shared a photojournal chronicling many women farmers globally, who are contributing towards alleviating the world’s hunger in their communities. According to Dorothy Okello, Director of the Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET), “approximately 85% of farmers in Africa are women”, yet sub-sahara Africa has a huge proportion of undernourished people. Why? Well for starters most of these women are subsistence farmers..tilling land and growing crops to feed a family and some to sell to purchase other household goods. According to Rebeca Grynspan, (United Nations Development Program Under-Secretary General and Associate Administrator) “Even talking only about the rural areas, women produce 50 percent of the food of the world. They receive only 1 percent of the credit but they produce 50 percent of the food.” I wonder what would happen if these women had access to resources, information, and entrepeneurial skills that will exponentially increase their output and elevate the income levels of their families.

How is the Threads of Our Fabric Project adding its strength to these efforts?…

 

 

As a woman, I believe that our greatest contribution to the world is our whole “Self”. We are gifted with innate qualities that are needed, important, and necessary to the vitality of societies and the entire world. When we are connected to our inner qualities that are “heart”-based, we can fully live from our complete potential. This is one of the many reasons why I created the Threads of Our Fabric Project, seeking to bridge the gap and share the feminine wisdom of influential successful African women with other African women and girls who have begun or are still contemplating beginning their unique journeys towards “Self” discovery. 

 

The Threads of Our Fabric Project will be helping African women in Ohio honor the many women who are often unrecognized, yet significantly affect the development of strong, confident, courageous, and amazing African women.

Mothers Day Contest - OHIO

 

On May 7th, 2011, the Threads of Our Fabric Project in partnership with Mimi 4 Christ, will be hosting a Mother’s Day reception for African mothers and daughters. We want to honor the many women who silently and selflessly give so much daily to raise and support families. A contest is currently being held and finalists will get the opportunity to be celebrated for being a “Sweet African Mother”.

The process is simple –

Tell us why you think your mother is AWESOME and we take care of the rest… GOOD LUCK!!!

 

**NOTE: If you are not in OHIO visit the African Girl Development in the U.S. Facebook Page for information on how to participate in weekly contest Mother’s Day gifts delivered within the continental U.S.

BONNE CHANCE!!!