Friday Four: Welcoming a Baby While Starting a Business: How to Do It

By, Leslie Campos of Wellparents.com

Being a business owner means working through various challenges and issues. But operating a startup when welcoming a baby into the world comes with a unique set of difficulties. In fact, most entrepreneurs who experienced this say that having a baby and starting a business simultaneously is daunting — but entirely doable.

Founders who launched a business while welcoming a baby are usually committed to creating company cultures where everyone can enjoy family-friendly benefits like paid leave and flex time. Although it’s definitely not an easy feat, both can be done. Read on to find not just four but five tips from QC Supermom on how to balance these two unique experiences.

1.Register Your Business

If you have yet to do so, it’s critical to determine the type of business you’ll be running, whether it’s a sole proprietorship or a partnership, but many small business owners opt to form a limited liability company (LLC). As an LLC, not only are your personal assets protected, but there are tax advantages, and less paperwork is required. By visiting a formation service’s web page, you’ll save a lot by not having to pay an expensive attorney to complete the process. You’ll also learn all you need to know about starting a new business.

2.Create a Schedule

Although some days are less productive than you would like, it’s essential to take advantage of your peak energy hours. Whether you’re a morning person or a night owl, you should learn to carry out the most critical tasks during the period you’re most active. Creating a schedule can also help tremendously, especially since both the baby and the business are relatively new things you need to get used to. Establish work hours, time to spend with your partner, and alone time. By setting up a schedule, you’ll be able to balance the needs of your newborn and also take care of your venture.

3. Keep Perspective

​An unexpected benefit of welcoming a new baby while starting a business is how easy you’ll find it to let things go. Starting a family or adding to it gives you a fresh and incredible perspective on what really matters. You won’t stress about having every answer, closing every lead, or the day-to-day setbacks that come from being your own boss and a new parent. Stay focused on the bigger picture, and don’t beat yourself up over small mistakes or things you believe you have to do. Simply stay attentive to your needs and your baby’s while doing your best for your business.

4.Be Flexible

​You don’t know how it is to have a baby at home until you have it. A schedule will help you break your days into doable steps, but you also need to be quite flexible throughout the day. The exhaustion and chaos that comes with welcoming a new baby into the family should be put out by naps and alone time that allow you to recharge, maintain your mental and physical health, and relax.

Besides taking a nap when you’re feeling tired, wearing comfortable clothes can also help you feel more relaxed in your new double role as a mom and business owner. A pair of leggings, cozy maternity tees, and oversized sweaters can help you feel comfortable yet presentable enough to work on your business from home.

BONUS: Say Yes to Help

Friends and family members will probably want to support you after the baby arrives. Don’t refuse their help, especially since you also have a business to run. Relying on friends and family for postpartum support gives you a chance to breathe more easily and also shows you that you are loved and cared for.

If your family lives far away or cannot help you with your baby, consider hiring an experienced babysitter. You can also use various smart technologies you set up in the baby’s room to keep an eye on them while you work in your home office. It’s essential to learn to outsource both in everyday life and in business.

The Bottom Line

Times have changed. The more moms dare to start and run a business, the more people realize that they don’t have to choose between having a baby and launching a startup. Thanks to numerous resources online like the tips above, you can even learn how to balance the two daily.

The QC Supermom blog is your source for combined mom-and-entrepreneur wisdom. Follow Us today for more informational topics!

Friday Four: Congresswoman Alma Adams presents, The State of Black Maternal Health during COVID-19

It was a good night to be in! LOADS of valuable information was shared about saving black pregnant moms. I had the honor of sharing information about Momsrisng and how effective doulas can be during this intense time.

But first things first, please go sign up for updates and action posts from Momsrising.org! I can’t tell you how much I love that organization! Then go sign up for updates for Representative Dr. Alma Adams office. She ‘s like the mom I would want if I didn’t have the wonderful one given to me! SERIOUSLY. Now…….. back to the symposium. It was GREAT! I learned so much. North Carolina and the United States as a whole gotta do better for our black pregnant moms. Rep Adams office did and amazing job putting together a powerhouse of industry and community advocates that shed so much light on these disparities and vile practices.

Representative Alma Adams 5^th Annual Women’s Symposium took place at 6:00 PM Thursday, April 16. via Zoom: click image to watch. I’m in there some where.

She and her staff was joined by other Black Maternal Health Caucus Co-Chair, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood, as well as Senators Kamala Harris and Cory Booker. I kid you not! Cory Booker even complimented me on my Momsrising t-shirt that I had on! #HowSway right? I truly gained nuggets of value from every panelist and look forward to teaming back up with them in the future if the opportunity arises. But right now, I wanted to offer four ways a doula can help a pregnant mom during COVID-19.

Since many people still don’t know what a doula is, I will explain it. A doula is an unmedically trained birth worker. We exist to make a pregnancy smooth and easy for everyone involved. We provide a wide range of supplemental services before, during and after labor. We are there from preconception to post delivery to answer questions, make connections, help moms find her own voice, and provide customized services that make moms life empowered. If our practice was on a flow chart, It would be right under midwives. Only because we work outside of the labor and delivery room, not legally covered to deliver babies in most states, and in most states, our fees are covered privately.

But most doulas know it’s time to call the dr. when the baby is measuring too small for your pregnacy, (smaller fetal height), too much cramping, bleeding, severe back pain, funky- bloody discharge, little fetal movement in late pregnancy, and possible ongoing fever just to name a few alarms.

To learn more about my birthing services, please click here. The uncertainties of the Coronavirus automatically puts pregnant moms in a high risk category. Which is understandable. Most would also understand how frustrating it could be as well. And that’s my friend where your doula could be a God send for you! Here’s four ways a doula can help RIGHT NOW:

1. Via Video Call – Your Personal Workout Buddy.

A. Your doula can help your prepare your body for delivery. The moves she share will help you get pregant, stay pregnant, ease delivery and assist in getting your body back in shape after delivery.

B. Counseling. Most doulas are moms. Not all are moms or women, but most are. They understand how you are feeling. Even if it’s something she isn’t familiar with she has a listening ear to offer solutions and comfort.

C. How – To’s – Get the best information for your birt of choice! What to putin your diaper bag, Practice how to communicate with the hospital staff, Learn how to wrap your hair,/& belly, how to pick out car seats, and more.

D. Spiritual Health- DISCLOSURE – not all doulas rely on the ways of their African ancestors as a resources, but I do. I sing, I touch, I hmm, and truly connect with my moms to ensure she is confident in her new role as much as possible.

2. Via Phone. – A Caring and Resourceful Voice

2A. Affirmations. You can get affirmation read to you to help start your day or help you get through it.

2B. Verbal Check Ins – You’re quarantined. Your mate will be in your face. You have zero desire to get dressed or much less brush your teeth. Neither do I . Use the magic of voice. Your doula can sense how you’re doing with particular questions and cues. If needed she can make suggestions and referrals to assist you remotely.

3. Via Email/Text- Get It In Writing.

3A.Your doula can send you reminders to workout, help complete your birth plan, remind you to call your boss for paid leave*, assist you in order your exercise ball, etc.

4. Via USPS, General Delivery – Rain, Shine, Sleet or Snow……. it’s Coming To The Do’ (door)!

4A. Let’s all admit it. There’s something exciting about getting mail. Many doulas create/ & sell birthing supplies like bath salts , aroma therapy, herbal blends for lactation and more.

4B. She can have a healthy, non – contact, locally sourced meal delivered to your front door.

As you can see, a doula is loaded with resourcefulness. Some more than others. The key is to ask questions, and be flexible. She wants to help. She’s certified to help and because everyone is quarantined….she’s available to help! Shucks, I’m available- Call me!

P.S.

Protect Our Election and Postal Workers- Click here please!

Tell Governor Roy Cooper: We need mass release NOW. Our community is counting on you to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

Being safe at home has never been more important. Unfortunately, fear— fear for our health and for our families— has motivated the panic buying of firearms, particularly by first-time gun owners.[1][2] But fear-purchasing firearms isn’t a way to safety. In fact, research shows the opposite: Bringing a gun into a home makes the home less safe, and this is particularly true in the current moment when domestic violence is increasing.[3][4][5]

→ Sign on to our letter to governors, urging them to address panic gun buying and reduce the risk of gun violence as part of their efforts to secure everyone’s health and safety in the face of pandemic (scroll down to see the entire message that we’re sending to governors). *When you click, you’ll automatically sign on if we already have your information. 

We’re Going Back To DC!

Yup, on July 11th, we are headed back to DC! 2019 PlayIn will be the best one yet! So Call All Of Your DMV folks and tell them to get here! It’s always worth the trip.

The Play in 4 Climate is a fun day to get the kids to help tell our policy makers that kids want to play outdoors in a safe environment. Not stuck indoor with respiratory issues.

Air pollution isn’t just unhealthy to breathe – it threatens our children’s future. That’s why moms across the country want to participate in a meaningful action on climate

And kids play a really big part. Not only are they getting to play right there* at the US Capitol in Washington, but they are also learning first hand how simple it is to be an effective advocate. My children grew up on Capitol HIll! It’s okay if they get a little cranky!- Trust Me!

(I still think Wheeler is wrong for the EPA- I wrote an article about it. Read it here. WRAL article here.)

That’s why moms (and kids, and poppas, and grandparents, and everyone in between) across the country want to see meaningful action on climate.You really should join in! Here’s more details:

On July 11, 2019, parents and kids from across the country will gather near the US Capitol in Washington, DC to call for climate action. This family-friendly protest against the air pollution that causes dangerous climate change showcases exactly what’s at stake as temperatures and sea levels rise: our kids. Moms know that kids can’t sit still, so we are ditching a traditional sit-in and holding our sixth annual Play-In.

The event will include exciting speakers, kids’ activities and music by Latin-GRAMMY-award-winning children’s musician, Mister G.

And If you see me there, please stop by and sign my gigantic bill—-

What: PLAY-IN FOR CLIMATE ACTION

Where: National Mall, Washington, D.C. For more details contact: Moms Clean Air

Register HERE!

Friday Four: Black Maternal Health Week

Black women are up to four times more likely to die than white women from pregnancy-related causes, including stillbirths, premature births, lower infant birth-weight, and miscarriages. And that’s why I’m celebrating with many other organizations, legislators, moms, and dads for the second Black Maternal Health Week! Our goal is to improve african american mothers’ reproductive justice, and birth justice frameworks. As a holistic doula, and mom of nine, I couldn’t be any more grateful for these efforts!

Doing a quick search online, I’ve seen a lot of federal and local support. I was pleasantly surprised to see our very own congresswoman Alma Adams putting in ground breaking work.
BLACK MATERNAL HEALTH ADVOCATES RESPOND TO RESOLUTION INTRODUCED TODAY BY CONGRESSWOMAN ALMA ADAMS OFFICIALLY DECLARING APRIL 11-17 AS “BLACK MATERNAL HEALTH WEEK”

On April 9, freshman Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (right) joined Rep. Alma Adams and co-launched the first first-ever Black Maternal Health Caucus

“It’s unconscionable that in United States, one of the world’s wealthiest countries, we are seeing the rates of illness and death during pregnancy continue to skyrocket. For Black women, the statistics surrounding maternal mortality and morbidity are especially alarming,” said Black Mamas Matter Alliance Co-Directors Elizabeth Dawes Gay and Angela Doyinsola Aina. “Two days after BMMA joined Reps. Alma Adams and Lauren Underwood in launching the first Black Maternal Health Caucus to address this urgent crisis, we’re excited to see Senator Harris and Rep. Adams introduce a resolution officially recognizing April 11-17 as “Black Maternal Health Week” — a nationwide effort to amplify the voices, leadership and scholarship of Black women working to improve maternal health, rights and justice for Black mamas. Now it’s time for other lawmakers to follow suit by enacting policies and legislation at the state and federal levels that empower and support Black women before, during and after pregnancy.” – Black Mammas Matter Alliance

Although there is a lot of work to be done, we have gained strives by highlighting the birth stories from stars like Serena Williams and Beyoncé — Williams, 37, underwent an emergency c-section and endured a a pulmonary embolism and Beyoncé, 37, suffered from preeclampsia and also had an emergency c-section. Truth is, there are more blacks moms out here suffering than these two, and it’s great to see so many public figures, organizations and legislatures getting on board.

The health and well being of women before, during, & after pregnancy demands our undivided attention now. Proud to be a Founding Member of the Black Maternal Health Caucus as we celebrate – Rep A. Pressley

Ayanna Soyini Pressley is an American politician who is the member of the United States House of Representatives from Massachusetts’s 7th congressional distric

I believe everybody should be able to get equitable health care. – Kelle Pressley

So as you can see, awareness is growing. For those who do not have a reliable, knowledgeable community, or family support, we doulas provide this information and support for you. Here in Charlotte, I will continue doing my part. It takes a village. I hope you will contribute to your village by sharing this information with someone who needs it.

Here’s what I found online. Sunday April 14th Death By Delivery -Brought to you by
by Rock Hill Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Wednesday the 17th Birthing POC’s Webinar Brought to you by yours truly, Jabela the doula.
I will be sharing very candid snippets of my nine births, why I wanted to be a doula and work in community activism. I will also have other providers of color throughout the day covering everything from why we are needed, how we work in your birthing team, to exercises for pregnant moms. Write down a few of your own questions and join in! My practice is privately funded but I often discount or donate many hours to low income moms both online and locally. (Well, until I get my medical provider number from Medicaid) Right now many of my white clients sustain my birthing business. They confidently buy most of my lactation teas, salves, etc and hire any referrals offered to them. They are usually quicker follow my diet plans to the letter. My mothers of color come to me with built in fear and uncertainty. Affordability, necessity and relativity are their biggest reservations at first. Once we are past those hurdles, I see how much they appreciate my presence as a provider that looks like them. Much of what they feel I can understand to a certain degree, because I speak their language, and understand things that another provider might not. I’m their voice, a powerful link to local resources and favorite sister. Getting past everyday stress, connecting her to essential resources and access to proper care is detrimental. My moms enjoy soothing back massages, answering “odd” questions, troubleshooting pregnancy woes, birth plan creation, belly casting, hip pushing between contractions, help with new baby latch on, make a fresh post delivery recovery smoothie right after birth,cooking a delicious hot meal once home, officiate her welcome to the world celebration, come back by your home for a few hours for her to get uninterrupted rest, all of which, means so much more to my moms of color.

No doubt, it’s hard to change practices that have been done a certain way for many years. But it can be done. Join in, get out of your silo and encourage birth workers of color and our work, inclusively doulas and midwives. Support the efforts of organizations like Momsrising.org and Black Mammas Alliance, because BLACK MOMS NEED DOULAS.

The Black maternal health crisis deserves more media attention. If you have maternity pictures you would like to share, please drop them on my facebook or Instagram page. Find me @qcsupermom EVERYWHERE!
I’m changing birth one birth at a time. Join me!

Here’s Four Additional Things I Offer In My Holistic Doula Service: 1. Officiate Welcome To The World Ceremony.

2.Live Workouts with Online Mommies

3. Fresh,Organic post Delivery Smoothies

4. Free Childwatch during Labor & Delivery until discharge.

Breastfeeding mom asked to leave public library computer room – UPDATE

I wanted to share a quick update. I’ll make this long story short- So back in August of 2012, Noah was just 2 months old when then Beatties Ford Regional library, librarian manager, Ms Iris, asked me to stop feeding Noah where I was seated.

This the exact shirt, day, position, and hour with which Noah’s feeding was violated.

“Wednesday Wow!  Breastfeeding In the QC,” by Kelle Pressley, qcsupermom, 22 August 2012:

I thought this would be a quick visit, but it wasn’t so I shift [my two month old baby] inside my white, thin, cotton shirt to feed him.  The only thing visible was his soft curly brown locks.  Seconds later a library volunteer approached me(twice),then the female security guard (twice), and finally the older female supervisor.  The message was consistent, plain and clear.  I cannot nurse at the computer.  I had to stop, get up and go into their 8x10ft nursing cellar.  I refused each time telling them I knew my rights and not only were they violating my rights as a library patron, but also as a breastfeeding mom.

The coverage with Dan from SafeLibraries was interesting as well –

SafeLibraries @CMLibrary, which harassed #bfing @QCSuperMOM, has blocked me from reading its @Twitter feed! So much for #FreeSpeech! http://t.co/EwWrSABw 9/4/12 9:05 AM-Tuesday, 4September2012

.

cmlibrary @SafeLibraries Untrue. ^jd 9/4/12 9:10 AM-Tuesday, 4September2012

(Click here to read it all)

So yeah, I was heated for a long time. But got over it as the feeling of accomplishment

 

filled my spirit. Knowing that standing my ground would definitely encourage other moms to breastfeed with pride as well. And it did. The story traveled further than I have traveled so far.  I could never be hushed for something I believe in- I’ve always been

stubborn like that.  But here’s the update.  

That little dark stuff room is now a nicer place to nurse.  Of course if you want to let the liquid gold flow in the lobby you can, but, I thought I would share that with you.

I was there this week and ran into a long time employee of the library.  She,  Ms Vivian shared with me that it was created after my breastfeeding incident in 20I2. She then invited me to tour inside the newly updated nursing moms space. What was a flex space for small storage is now a intimate, cozy, tiny silo for all nursing mom’s.

I’m okay with that, but more importantly interested in ensuring more staff*, understand the importance of not breaking breastfeeding moments.

Breastfeeding is normal. It can be done in public by women who ARE more comfortable with it than I was with no problem. And the fact is, in most place, they’re protected by law to do so. – CafeMom

Breastfeeding is normal

-To all the new moms that a fearful, ashamed and any other way un-encouraged to feed your baby your liquid gold, please read this and understand that you are everything your baby needs to survive! It was given to us as a gift from God. Before there was formula, there was breast milk. And if you truly want to give your child the absolute best, go on and slide a boob up in your little ones mouth.

12 most Ridiculous Places Moms Have Gotten Smacked for Breastfeeding

Today, Noah is a water loving, homeschooled, world traveling,  garden sowing, basketball playing, Discovery place going, ChickFila eating, superhero!

National HomeSchool Spirit Week

We have been homeschooling for 13 years now! It works for us! Right now we have four boys homeschooling and I recently (get this) started teaching again out side of the home. For  three years I taught SES in the Charlotte Mecklenburg School system with MasterMind and Centipede Math tutoring companies. And even now, I tutor privately (moonlight) with Wyzant.  (I know- what don’t I do- right?) But get this, it’s at the local YMCA and it their African american homeschool  group. And it’s something we do here for our class study, Urban Horticulture. { Growing produce, flowers, and other plants in small spaces scientifically and aesthetically}  I make a little change AND my boys get to attend other classes at a big discount! It’s a when win as I see it!

Now, my question to you is – have you heard about National Homeschool Week? Neither did I, but that’s okay. Here’s what it looks like:  National HomeSchool Week is a nonpartisan, nonpolitical public awareness effort to support homeschooling families, share homeschool resources, and to amplify homeschooling parents voices. Granted, homeschooling is legal in all 50 states now. Yet, the battle for public opinion is where we have more work to do.

It is celebrated September 17th – 21st each year.

Monday-> Selfie With Your Favorite Teacher-  Dress alike, move alike, Ask her/him to                                                                                   look like you. Just take a really nice                           picture    and share it Use hash tag —>                                                                                                                       #HomeSchoolersBeLike

 

Tuesday -> Make A Law            No Written Homework on Thursdays, All A’s reward of                                                         5 day beach vacation. Pizza for your birthday week.                                                               You get the picture. Take one for the team and Think                                                             Big !

Wednesday -> Create It!           Get your sibling together and make an obstacle                                                                      course. Create an outfit out of colorful duct tape or                                                             your old graded homeschool assignments, make                                                                       some fun jewelry from old fabric, paint your own                                                                 selfie. Design your own ‘spirit wig’ with ribbon from                                                            the local Family Dollar store

Thursday –> Go Green.                    Recycle your stuff, Reduce your waste,—find a                                                                          smart a fun way to reuse your school supplies! 

Friday –> Give Back Friday             Visit a senior living center, go read to shelter                                                                             pets, deliver needed supplies to the homeless. 

Those are just a few example of what to do on those days. Make those days yours. You maybe lucky enough to get a nonprofit to work with you or a few donations from local businesses if you need financial support.- Kelle Pressley

I love this daily missions.

They all reflect the quality, and progressive education we parents provide in a fun way. As you see homeschooling is slowly buy surely gaining credibility, traditional traditions and performance standards. Our goal is to create options that make it easier for all parents. Help us show some of the faces of homeschooling–and homeschool groups.

Join us and even tell someone about this upcoming fun week!

 

 

Black Men Rock! Tickets Give Away

The 2nd Annual Black Men Rock Awards Show is happening on Saturday, April 28th 2018, Hosted by Latise Howie at Johnson C. Smith Universitys Biddle Hall. Doors open at 7pm. Showtime is at 8pm. For more information please visit www.blackmenrock.biz .  

Contrary to negative media generated stereotypes, I personally believe that Black men are poised to experience unprecedented levels of success in America today. Never have the doors of opportunity been open wider for us to follow our passions and create the life of our dreams.

When I heard the news the first thing came to my mind was

“Brotha” by

Angie Stone.

Ooh girl

He is my king (she is my woman)
Yes he’s my father, yes he’s my son
I can talk to him ’cause he understands
Everything I go through and everything I am

He’s my support system, I can’t live without him
The best thing since sliced bread
Is his kiss, his hugs, his lips, his touch
And I just want the whole world to know
About my

Black brotha, I love ya
And I’ll never try to hurt ya
I want you to know that
I’m here for you, forever true

‘Cause you’re my black brotha, strong brotha
And there is no one above ya
I want ya to know that
I’m here for you, forever true
You’re my

He’s misunderstood, some say that
He’s up to no good around the neighborhood
Well, for your information
Alot of my brotha’s got education
Now check it

You got…

 

This event honors black men. 

It especially addresses how black men view themselves after centuries of negative imagery and drives the message that black men are in control of their own destiny and can transcend the limitations some want to put on them because of skin color.

Buy tickets here CLICK HERE

“We want fewer young men in jail; we want more of them in college. We want fewer young men on the streets; we want more in the boardrooms. We want everybody to have a chance to succeed in America. And it’s possible if we’ve got the kind of team that we set up today.” – President Barack Obama

Now, here’s how to win them. Be sure to like our other pages –> use QCSupermom on

Twitter,    Facebook,   Instagram  and Periscope. On one of the tag a friend and list your favorite song that uplifts the black man. That’s it! Easy right?

1. Like /follow at least 2 of our social media pages.
2. Tag a friend  (from our page)
3. On our page, list your favorite song that uplifts the black man.

See you there!!

 

Friday Four: Seaside Memories

Easter weekend 2018

My aunt summoned us early the previous week. She requested all the small kids to be at her house in Conway for dinner and a egg hunt. We accepted and started looking for our fancy church- like clothes.

Our trip home began at  8am. It us three hours to get there. It sun was kissing our face in the sun roof of the Buick Encore. The closer we got the more I thought about the beach. Growing up, it was our family refugee from the busy work and school week.  It was almost like it was calling me, calling us all. Because the boys, one by one, began asking to go the Pawley’s Island before returning back to Charlotte. We made it through a plate or two of my cousins and eldest aunt dinner plates, catch up conversations with the aunts, impromptu haircuts from cousin Lamont and even the trash talking in the background from the men folks playing cards for quarters in the driveway. As we got ready to issue our so-longs, the requests began once again.

 

Awe shucks………. I knew there was no way I could be that close to the beach and not go. Sure the water wouldn’t be warm enough to go surfing but it was perfect to watch the boys play on the beautiful sand, sit and watch the ocean waves dance and even build sand castles.

And it’s just what we did. Of course we took pictures and chatted with the locals after our quick stop at the beach store for floats, sand pails, and salt water taffy.

 

We had a wonderful time and hope to return soon for more vitamin Sea.

I’m sharing all of this because in the next coming years, I do not know if we will have moments like this again. Under President Trump, the plan Aims to Open Up Almost All of America’s Coastline to Risky Offshore Drilling.

Drilling for oil on our coast is risky. A spill/leak will happen as it has in every other occurrence. Here’s four reasons from a mom, homeschooling, business owners and beach lover’s point of view why you should say no to the Trump administration and pro-drilling members of Congress:

 

 

1. There are other sources of energy available that would be less abrasive to retrieve and cheaper to use. I found 8 right here online.  Click HERE to see them.
2. If we can’t go to the beach, why would we shop the local stores? Business would suffer.
3. There’s something special about the ocean. You can’t get the peace of mind, wind, and freeness anywhere else.
4. The beach is a huge classroom. There you can learn about the history and exploration of the ocean, geography, science, math and marine biology. Your children can learn to name the oceans and continents, learn bodies of water, know aquatic terms such as bay, peninsula, sea, marsh, pond, river. Study all living sea creatures and learn about ocean exploration. 

At this point, the plan is still preliminary; it won’t be finalized for a year or more. This offshore drilling proposal will be very real for many people who might not have been involved in politics before. They are getting involved now. The Trump administration may not have listened to state and local stakeholders yet, but soon the president won’t be able to ignore the chorus of voices demanding that he keep offshore drilling out of the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic Oceans, and the eastern Gulf of Mexico.

Now is the time to take a stand and demand change. Add Your Voice, Click here to say NO Drill NC!

And it is an interesting biological fact that all of us have, in our veins the exact same percentage of salt in our blood that exists in the ocean, and, therefore, we have salt in our blood, in our sweat, in our tears. We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch it, we are going back from whence we came.  –John F. Kennedy

 

The Power Of Children – Dr. MLK Jr. Birthday Celebration

Royalty free from  thefamouspeople.com

Momsrising knows how to party. We also know recognize the power of Children. On the weekend of Martin Luther King Jr. birthday we celebrated his legacy with some of Charlotte’s most amazing people, the youth. Did you know that Martin Luther King, Jr. was born January, 15, 1929 as “Michael King Jr?”

However, his father changed their first names to Martin and added “Luther” to his name as well as his son’s name. And both his father, Martin Luther King, Sr., and his mother, Alberta Williams King, were reverends.
Though he had a generally good childhood, from a young age, King saw firsthand the tough realities of the Jim Crow laws: the King family was ushered out of shoe stores because of their race, and he lost a young friendship due to racial differences.
He was a great student. He was admitted to Morehouse College at the age of 15. King graduated from Morehouse College in 1948 with a B.A. in sociology.
After graduating from Morehouse, King enrolled in Crozer Theological Seminary in Chester, Penn., and then also enrolled in the University of Pennsylvania. He was very successful at both schools and received many recognitions and awards. After graduating from Crozer, he began doctoral studies in Systematic Theology at Boston University in 1951, and then completed his doctorate in 1955.     

Can you imagine raising a child like him? I often wonder what his parents did to support such a powerful child despite the social distractions.

This Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, our community came together to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the power of children. Our goal was to share a fun, kid focused, educational and most of all intentional day with our greatest and most powerful asset, our children.

To set the kid friendly tone, we played Dr. Kings speech,” If I Had Sneezed.”  Following was a storytelling by 12 year old Sybirah. Yes, I said a 12 year old storyteller.

Storyteller Sybirah- Anasi And The Snake

Her powerful story was about the notorious Anasi. She was poised, articulate and engaging! The children listened to her every word! After that, children’s book author, S.Cherie read ‘Freedom On The Menu’ and ‘If Kids Ruled The World’. Those books proved to be a great lead into the on going craft workshop with Flo, of We Chic’d It.

It almost looked like an elf workshop, as paint, rocks, slabs of wood, and stencils filled tiny hands. Parents assisted in creating inspiring and beautiful pieces of art worthy to be posted on the families wall. Peek at some below.

 

 

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Later we enjoyed music performances by Brandy. and Niles, a 5 year old trombone player. You can watch both original videos online. Click here! And here!.

 

 

 

Like any good party, it is not complete without the birthday song and cake! One word, YUMMY! Oh, and Stevie Wonder would have been so proud to hear the children singing his song, that he wrote for his friend Martin. It was so harmonious! (listen to Stevie here.)

Before I end, let me give a big thanks to Momsrising’s generous co-sponsors and community supporters: Flo of We Chic’d It, The Black Ferris Bueller, Queen City Stay At Home Moms, Memorable Moments By Lee, and Imagine Publishing! Together we followed the blueprint of creating powerful children.

MLK Birthday Celebration in The QC!

Hey Charlotte, are you looking for a meaningful way to celebrate MLK with your child?  Then plan to join us for a FREE kid-friendly birthday party to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.!  

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.- MLK

MLK Day and the days surrounding it provide the perfect opportunity to talk with our kids about justice, service, and the ability of people working together to change things for the better. But it can be hard to find an event that speaks to kids at their level.

That’s why we’ve created a special birthday party on MLK weekend (Sunday, January 14th) geared to kids and families in Charlotte. Can you join us? RSVP here! 

At this year’s party, we’ll also be celebrating the power of children. While their contributions are often left out of the history books, children and young people played a critical role in the struggle for equality.

Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.

-Martin Luther King Jr.

From the thousands of children who marched and were jailed in the Birmingham Children’s March to Ruby Bridges and the many other children who bravely integrated schools to Claudette Colvin who at 15 refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus nine months before Rosa Parks and so many more, our nation’s history is filled with brave kids who stood up for what was right.

At this year’s MLK family birthday party, we’ll celebrate their contributions in kid-friendly ways while encouraging all of our community’s children to think about how they too can help make our world a kinder, more just place.

There can be no deep disappointment where there is not deep love.

-Martin Luther King Jr.

At this FREE celebration, we’ll have story time, crafts, activities, and top it all with birthday cake as we sing “Happy Birthday” to Dr. King.

Celebrate Dr. King’s legacy in a way that your children will understand. Mark your calendars and plan to join us! RSVP here.

Here are all the details:

What: Join us for a free story time, crafts, activities, and birthday cake as we celebrate Dr. King’s life and legacy in a way that kids can understand.

When: The party will take place on MLK weekend, Sunday, January 14th from 1-4 pm.

Where: Beatties Ford Rd. Regional Library, 2412 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, NC 28216

It’s going to be a lot of fun! Will we see you there? RSVP here so we’ll know to look for you.

Celebrating MLK and those who stood alongside him is great way to teach our kids that they too can make a difference. We hope you’ll join us and help spread the word about this free event!

-Beth, Kelle, Ruth, and the whole NC MomsRising.org team

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Thanks to this co-sponsors, special guests :

Queen City Stay At Home Moms, We Chic’ it, Black Ferris Bueller, Brandi Alexandria, Dr, Jerry Bowman, and Author S, Cheree.

*****Last year was good. This year will be even better—–>

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