Queen City Stay At Home Moms

Seventeen years ago, I created Queen City Stay At Home Moms as an outlet for managing my sorrow. I had just lost my oldest daughter the year before and was preparing to give birth to my second son. All while homeschooling with low funds. Yes, I was married, but we were living off one income at that time. This group provided me with a way to meet up with other families, allowed my homeschooled kids to engage with other diverse children, and the opportunity to use my professional skills because we were highly structured with organized activities beyond the playground. Soon, it would be an additional blessing because I was sought out for ads, product review parties, and my entry into blogging!

Over the years, I have hosted over 20 thousand gatherings. Some from new business ventures,

They have included:

• Political playdates at local elected officials office
• Family Vegan Valentines Day Party
• Family photo days,
• Thursday group dinner at EarthFare
• STEM explorative play dates,
• Community outings,
• sports play-time,
• Swim days,
• museum tours,
• group baby showers,
• New Mom Speed dating,
• Total Children’s Wellness Fair,
• local garden visits,
• Shopping members’ new businesses
• Coliseum shows

and more! We have even helped staff our members new businesses as needed. It was perfect because my eight children were the ages of every child that became a member ( except for the newborns)! We even made write-ups in The Charlotte Parents (a local magazine ) a few times!

The moms that join came from various walks of life. I refused to limit it to just families that look like me. I figured the best way to learn about a culture is by befriending as many families as possible. Still amazed that we reached three thousand members.

Although we have never had all three thousand in attendance at any event, we always had a great time and built strong connections. I understood that change happens and once a mom hit a milestone her objective may not include our group anymore. Most times it was due to moving, going back to work, children getting older, or no longer homeschooling.

Today it still blesses my heart to have strong connections with many of those that have graduated from Queen City Stay At Home Moms. As I have. Our youngest is now ten years old and is currently in public school. I work more for grassroots nonprofits and myself. Although I work from home, I’m most in various states at any given time. And at 46, I have learned to live in spite of losing my eleven- year old daughter in 2005.

Queen City Stay At Home Moms will always be special to me, but it has served its purpose and deserves to end on top. This week, I said goodbye to 15 wonderful years to one of the best holistic support groups for moms in the Queen City!

Sis, is He Your Husband? – An Officiant’s Post

Hello friends, I’m back! Today, I’m sharing another part pf me. ….Go on call me “Jabela”, I’m a non denominational ordained marriage officiant. That’s a person who officiates at a wedding ceremony (among other things) I have been married for over twenty years. Over that time, I’ve accepted a few facts. And I want to share them with you.

• 

Before you get married, I need you to intentionally consider these questions. If you aren’t sure of all of the following tips….. don’t get married for love, support and legacy building. These tips are needed, so please share them. I also offer pre-marital coaching, so no excuses sis!

Before Getting Married

For many women, marriage is something she’s been looking forward to since knee high to a grasshopper.. While it’s undoubtedly an exciting and momentous experience in life, it’s far from the ultimate goal, it’s best not to rush your trip down to the altar. Below are a few of my top SUGGESTIONS for vetting a husband. As Judge Mayblean said, Look Deep, before you leap!”

• 

Does he pursue you? He should be articulating his intentions clearly. Not just how well he stroke. But does he truly believe that you are his wife- consistently?

Is he trying to learn you or trigger you regularly in a practical relational way? He hurts when he fails to protect you in certain situations.

He always honors you? How many pages he has and the two of ya’ll together in on none of them. Does he handle you in a certain way, If he doesn’t hold doors, look for ways to brighten your day, sis he ain’t your husband.

He enhances your femininity. He Heals your soul! Many woman running both roles. Now, I’m a Proverbs 31 woman myself. But your man should provide a safe place for you to melt all of that down when you hit the front door of your home. It’s your carefree time. Fall back sis. That 6’8 handsome , flashy man isn’t the move. He doesn’t compound trauma sis!

He lives in a way that his character demands respect. He don’t verbally nor physically demands it.

You don’t have to BUILD him. Instead you are naturally inclined to help him arrive to his assignment. But he already has the vision and putting in work. Your skill set is complimentary.This man is motivated to be the best he can be for ya’ll! He will never be content just hanging around unproductive.

I hope you aren’t attempting to coach him into asking him you to marry you. No number of child births, hot meals, sex, or family dates is gonna change his mind (& heart.) That’s a huge red flag. I have just given you many to consider. So save yourself the trauma. If it’s your intentions to be a wife and not just a “Friend with Benefits”, do not assume that he will ever make you his wife.

Sis, you are “The Prize” Don’t be confused anymore! Claim it, Walk in it a – put the work in and secure your hearts desires. Prizes don’t chase. Find out more about me here………(click 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.

Friday Four-Homeschooling In N.C.; Startup 101

87,978 students are homeschooled in North Carolina! Yes, my friends. homeschooling in is on the rise. We don’t stop at the basic curriculum because the world is our classroom!

GENERAL FACTS, STATISTICS, AND TRENDS

• There are over 2.3 million homeschool students in the United States.  That is, there were an estimated 2.3 million in spring 2016, and this was up from one estimate of about 2 million home-educated children (in grades K to 12) during the spring of 2010 in the United States (Ray, 2011). It appears the homeschool population is continuing to grow (at an estimated 2% to 8% per annum over the past few years).
• Homeschooling – that is, parent-led home-based education; home education – is an age-old traditional educational practice that a decade ago appeared to be cutting-edge and “alternative” but is now bordering on “mainstream” in the United States. It may be the fastest-growing form of education in the United States. Home-based education has also been growing around the world in many other nations (e.g., Australia, Canada, France, Hungary, Japan, Kenya, Russia, Mexico, South Korea, Thailand, and the United Kingdom).
• A demographically wide variety of people homeschool – these are atheists, Christians, and Mormons; conservatives, libertarians, and liberals; low-, middle-, and high-income families; black, Hispanic, and white; parents with Ph.D.s, GEDs, and no high-school diplomas. One study shows that 32 percent of homeschool students are Black, Asian, Hispanic, and others (i.e., not White/non-Hispanic) (Noel, Stark, & Redford, 2013).
• Families engaged in home-based education are not dependent on public, tax-funded resources for their children’s education. The finances associated with their homeschooling likely represent over $27 billion that American taxpayers do not have to spend, annually, since these children are not in public schools
• Taxpayers spend an average of $11,732 per pupil annually in public schools, plus capital expenditures. Taxpayers spend nothing on most homeschool students and homeschool families spend an average of $600 per student annually for their education.
• Homeschooling is quickly growing in popularity among minorities. About 15% of homeschool families are non-white/nonHispanic (i.e., not white/Anglo).
• An estimated 3.4 million or more U.S. adults have been homeschooled for at least one year of their K-12 years, and they were homeschooled an average of 6 to 8 years. If one adds to this number the 2.3 million being homeschooled today, an estimated 5.7 million Americans have experienced being homeschooled. [note 1]

Now my question to you is this? Are you prepared to dedicate 75% of your day to teaching?

• group field trips,park days and/or p.e. days – ( join QCSAHM; we might change the name if you join!)
• organized clubs such as geography club, 4H, chess, robotics, etc.
• book and curriculum exchanges- You will save SO much money by sharing resources!!! Here is video from homeschool graduation last year. Click Here! Many of the parents in this group share resources and community goodies.

Places like Home Depot Kids Workshops offers free instructions and play on building motor skills and creative engineering. And it’s free 1st Saturdays of the month!

• dedicated email loops or Facebook groups for sharing information (join my newsletter – HERE! in the subject line type Charlotte Homeschool News)
• organized athletic opportunities. (the YMCA is great for this)
• the opportunity to make new friends!! (Join my Facebook page. We gotta stick together- QCSupermom )

Contact the NC Department of Non-Public Education (NCDNPE)

The key requirements for homeschooling in North Carolina include:

• Parents must have at least a high school diploma (or equivalent).
• Families must file a notice of intent to homeschool with the NC Department of Non-Public Education (NCDNPE) between July 1st and August 15th
• Families should keep attendance and immunization records on file for each homeschool student.
• Homeschooled students should take a nationally standardized test each year and keep the results on record for one year.
• The homeschool should operate on a regular schedule for at least nine months of the school year. (Don’t worry, it’s easier to do than you think!)
• Families should notify the NCDNPE when closing their homeschool

For a full explanation of each of these regulations, including forms that will be helpful in staying compliant, visit the NC Home School Information Portal.

Homeschool Record keeping in North Carolina

The records that homeschoolers are required to keep in North Carolina do not have to be submitted to the NCDNPE unless specifically requested. However, it is a good idea to keep a detailed, accurate, and professional homeschool portfolio of items for each student. Information that you might want to include in your homeschooler’s portfolio could be:

• Subjects covered each school year
• Parent-administered or online school report cards or assessments
• Yearly standardized test scores
• High school transcript for any student in grades 9-12

Let Me Just Say This: Well Homeschool Children are SMARTER – Just kidding a bit here, but most tend to have more time to focus and recite things like this from Collin K.

We have been homeschooling since 2005. Here’s 4 Ways It Works For Us:

1. Flexibility – I don’t like getting up early on cold mornings, and sometimes, I like to go to the zoo in the middle of the week. To do that, I need my kids to go with me. lol. Seriously, the flexibility is a blessing! If my dad needs us to come to SC for his care, we can just jump up and go. And yes, spontaneous field trips are pretty cool too!
2. Protection– I know that anything may happen anywhere at anytime. But I’m sorry, some public schools are like Sodom & Gomorrah. The schools in our area are very rough. Having them with me in controlled, safer environments makes me stress less. At least I don’t have to worry about any teachers or other kids pinning them up for rape, bullying or anything else deemed ill favored. (Even the food at basic schools suck) And we can’t afford private school for 4 boys right now.
3. Diversity– I want my children to really be prepared for their future. There are so many topics not covered in public school that children need. For example, basic finance, urban horticulture, Real World cultures, home economics, Africa:pre slavery, and mechanics -just to name a few.
    So in short, our more tailored social interactions, support our values.
4. Empowering – I trust myself to do this. I honestly feel that they are thriving better with me as a teacher. And because I have my husband to help financially support us. I want to continue putting them first so that when we are older, they will be more inclined to take care of us, if needed.

Here’s a tiny clip from a trip to Discovery Place. (I can show you how to save a lot of money on local admissions through my coaching sessions)   

 

Disclosure: I am resourceful. Not the smartest. My husband, older children, wise friends, and technology helps educate our four young ones. When/if the time comes and proves our system no longer serves our best interest, they’ll go to public school with the quickness.

As a homeschool coach, I can hold your hand as you get started. It is time consuming. It requires organization skills. It requires patience. It also requires research. I’ve done a lot of that so you don’t have too. Hire me to help get you started and to be available for coaching sessions. Inbox me at
QCSupermomInfo@Gmail.com for more details.
Please use in subject line (The HomeSchool Coach ). I’d love to help navigate you through this new chapter of life.

To all my friends and family that refers people to me for home school coaching, thank you. I really appreciate that!

Get more statistics here on homeschooling.

In home music class snippet- here!                                                       

Play time with Chubby!

Showing manners with Rachel the Raccoon

Homeschooling with Hurricane Florence

First off, let me just say, “I survived Hugo”!

Hugo was scary. It was loud. It was confusing. And it was destructive.

I remember following it’s path. Noting what it was doing in each town it touched. My parents did everything they could, from boarding up the windows, getting tons of supplies, and even waiting in a gas line for 3 hours only to get 5 gallons. As it was the limit per car.  Then Hugo hit. We all slept together in our parent’s bed and oddly enough, we siblings fell asleep till the next day. That morning we woke up to many disasters. Starting with a big hole in the roof of our back porch and a fallen tree in the front yard. My dad wanted to go out to see what damages occurred in town.  And boy it was a mess!! Our little town of Hemingway is still recovering. From that experience, I’ve learned to be mindful but not fearful.

So when I heard about hurricane Florence, I knew what we needed to do, and what nonessentials to remiss

My husband purchased a generator months ago. That was the best investment yet. We purchased 2 cases of water, fruit, rice, beans and ordered pizza. We knew we wouldn’t get over a category 1 effects of Florence and that wasn’t enough for us to leave our home.    https://www.facebook.com/clt.stories/videos/729447094062156/

So it’s Sunday and Florence has done her damage, as she approaches Charlotte!!!!! 

Florence weakens to a tropical depression but flash flooding is far from over

Although flooding is still possible, I can take the rain. Heck, I LOVE the rain and wind flow. No problem there. But the kids are a whole different story. Sure we could have just cuddled up and watch movie galore and played a few cards games but we’re extra. lol

1. We did container gardens with our worn out Nike sneakers.
2. Played card games.
3. We cleaned up our closets
4. Researched hurricanes. We learned what causes them, what it is, and how they end.

My message is this, you control their world. Make it scary or make it empowered.  The difference is information and creativity. Neither of them are expensive. Okay, gotta go hide and take a nap. (((Hopefully)))

Florence Notes:

After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for at least 72 hours. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.

Check out these checklists while you have power/ WiFi -( click here! https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan  )

 

And we have a little stupidity (opportunist) Just read it.

Wednesday WOW- AAU, USBA, and the TBT

I need a vacation! This basketball life is a beast!

My four guys are determined to follow in their big brother’s path and who am I to refuse them? Jervon plays overseas and when he comes home he plays on a ProAm team. It helps keep him in shape and secures our family and friends the opportunity to see him play in the U.S.

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It seems like the season never ends because of all the traveling and tournaments. But each year, there are certain games, that can’t be missed. I’m gonna tell you about them right quick.

TBT-  They’ve been around since 2014. It’s the highest stakes basketball played anywhere in the world. Single elimination. A multi-million dollar prize. Winner takes all. TBT brings out the best in everyone. TBT champions have won $5.5M, including $5M by back-to-back-to-back Champions, Overseas Elite and $500,000 by the original TBT Champions, Notre Dame Fighting Alumni.  This years pot is $2 million dollars!

AAU-  is the largest sport in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) the oldest and one of the LARGEST non-profit sports organizations in the US since 1888. We have been involved in this organization since 2005. Jervon played on Team United and the boys started with them. But now they are on Grind Academy’s roster.

The USBA tournament  is an upper class, high quality basketball tournaments for youth travel teams throughout the United States sine 2006.)

This past tournament with USBA was super fun and affordable because it was in Charlotte. This year  Allen Iverson, Jeremy Lamb, Charlotte Hornets guard, LeBron James (he was there to support his son Bronny)

 

 

Check out 

The Basketball Tournament album: TBT 2018 Midwest Regional.

If you are in Atlanta this weekend, come hang with us this Friday!

Game Days (HERE!)

Next game Super 16 in Atlanta, G.A. at the Georgia State University.  Prime Time plays Friday at 9 p.m.

In closing, Jervon prayed for one brother, and was given 4. They all share the same love of the game and with his guidance basketball will continue to rule in this household.  Because he’s been through these  experiences, it help the boy navigate smarter towards their goals.

Raw Truth-> This didn’t happen over night. It didn’t happen without help from others. And it surely wasn’t cheap! We constantly use our creativity to save money and enjoy local activities when available. But it works for us. Our goal is to get all of our children free higher education.  And for us, basketball and tennis has been the key. Anything above that is a blessing.

FAVOR Please?—–> If you learned anything from this post, type ” #4MoreThanMe “. It’s a family hash tag! Thanks!

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.

NC SHEROES 2017 AWARDEES

It’s Woman History Month! Let’s celebrate the amazing contributions women make to our world and our future.

We are so fortunate to have several remarkable women from our community who are going to share their journey as we as answer any question you may have for them.

Come join  Momsrising THIS Saturday March 18th 2017   Beatties Ford Rd. Regional Library at 1pm; as we highlight and celebrate our selected SHEROES!

The award ceremony and roundtable includes a “Dress Up-Fantasy”  area for the children and a light reception following.This event is free! So come on! Ready to attend? Well it’ll be here  in no time. For now get to know more about each of them here.

Meet Chautauqua Ellison, NC SHERO

Chautauqua Ellison, NC SHERO

Born February 24, 1973, on a Saturday evening to Glenda Graves (American) and Herman Morris (Guyanese). A product of both the foster care system and adoption system. Adopted at the age of 15 after going from one abusive foster family to another and having experienced abuse with the family she hoped to have finally found love and her place of belonging only to feel the cycle of being not wanted, she came to understand what she wanted part of her journey to be. She understood she wanted to help little brown girls like herself.
A graduate of Marlboro County High School in 1992 and immediately went off to college. She attended Morris College in Sumter, SC, Commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army, April 1997 and graduated May 10th, 1997 with a Bachelor of Arts in English.
After graduating from college Chautauqua moves to Charlotte, NC and this is where she began her career in Early Education. Chautauqua has taught Early Education for 19 years. She is also a former HeadStart Educator.
Chautauqua became a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Queen Sheba #5 at the age of 21 and is still active with the Junior Eastern Stars affiliated with her chapter. At this time she began to have a full experience with SISTERHOOD.
Fast forward to the year 2010 and Chautauqua becomes involved with an amazing organization called I Am My Sister. She has facilitated evidence-based program pm Teen Pregnancy and Teen STDs/STI for 4 years for the organization. In 2013 Chautauqua started the first community-based club for the organization. In January of 2016, she became the Executive Director for I Am My Sister NC and SC chapter.
I Am My Sister is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides programs and resources centered around leadership development, healthy relationships, beauty and body image, career development, community service and support, entrepreneurship and workforce development, financial literacy, adolescent sexual health and teen parenting support, education and mentoring services for youth and their families.
I Am My Sister’s programs and services are available to youth and families in NC, SC, MD, NY, GA and CA.
I Am My Sister LOVES diversity! We’re PRO-YOUNG PEOPLE and don’t discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex or disability.
Along with being an active member of the OES (Order of Eastern Star), Chautauqua is also an active member of the Black Women Caucus of Mecklenburg , a member of the School Leadership Team at Lincoln Heights School (CMS) and a member of The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Chautauqua was also a nominee for the 2017 Mayor’s Mentor Alliance Award.
Chautauqua also lives by her personal motto: In order to teach life lessons, one must have lived the lesson beginning taught.

Meet Amanda Zullo, Founder + Owner

Amanda Zullo is the Founder and Owner of Pop Up Produce

Pop Up Produce

Amanda Zullo is the Founder and Owner of Pop Up Produce and a 2016 Emerging City Champions grant recipient winner, sponsored by 8 80 Cities and the Knight Foundation. A designer, community engager and food enthusiast, she has a passion for health and wellness, sustainable living and fresh food. Amanda earned her Masters in Urban Design with a Post-Masters Certificate in Real Estate Development, a Bachelors of Architecture, and a Bachelors of Arts in Architecture with a Minor in Geography, all from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. In both academic and professional realms, her focus has been to foster healthy communities through the built environment using design towards community activism. She has been involved in numerous local volunteer organizations, from educating the youth through various programs and work relating to community outreach.

 

Meet 2017 NC Shero: Nakisa Glover 

She is a mom, native of Charlotte, NC and holds a biology degree from UNC-Charlotte.
She has built a track record as a community organizer, with years of experience in corporate, community and service-based work. She has a passion for advocacy and contributing positively to the community. She is the co-host of TheAgenda, a local think tank dedicated to creating space built on four pillars to Inform, Discuss, Network and take Action. As a strong collaborator, she brings her perspective to her current role with Hip Hop Caucus as National Climate Justice Organizer. She is the former national field coordinator for the Justice Action Mobilization Network (JAMN), a group dedicated to advancing climate change policy using a fusing social justice and climate justice. Her deep local and national networks mean that Ms. Glover has resources and contacts for dealing effectively with such critical issues as climate, social and economic justice. She was recently recognized as an Emerging Leader in the Climate Movement and is the recipient of the Clean Air Carolina the 2016 Airkeeper Award, joining NC Governor Roy Cooper, Dr. James Kenny, and other business leaders.

Meet NC Shero; Je’lah Singleton.

D-Jé Boogie can be contacted via the following channels: Email – http://www.djeboogie00.com Instagram – @djeboogie00 Twitter- @djeboogie00 Facebook- D-Je’ Boogie Telephone – 980.202.3036

Jèlah Singleton, aka D-Jé Boogie, is a teenage female DJ who has presently been developing her craft for a little over a year. The idea of aspiring to become a DJ occurred when she realized how she could share her creativity and her love for music with others. D-Jé believes music has no boundaries or barriers. The art of being a DJ bridges gaps of age, ethnicity and various backgrounds.

 

Music has always been a huge part of D-Jé Boogie’s life. Sharing her craft allows her to share her love for the innocence and different moods of music. The variety of DJ engagements allows her to choose and ‘’play with” the appropriate genre of music for any occasion.

Becoming a DJ has required the investment in equipment, time and learning the art of the craft. She enrolled in classes, which enhanced her love for mixing and transitioning music. While attending the WTHands DJ Academy, D-Jé Boogie was selected to appear on WBTV for one their young DJ spots. That exposure improved her confidence to perform in front of crowds. Entrepreneurship has proven to be challenging and has also required discipline. However, entrepreneurship has also allowed D-Jé Boogie, as a teenager, to be her own boss. The God-given gift of her love for music will continue to reach people of all ages and allow her to share  their special moments.

Although DJ Boogie has been trained to provide the appropriate music for many occasions, she has been labeled as having an Old Soul. Her personal music of choice is different genres of music from the 1960s -1990s

 

Meet NC Shero; Flo Ward, We Chic’d It

Flo is a creative environmentalist and DIYer. She used her prior experiences to start  We Chic’d It!, a furniture upcycling company based in North Carolina with the mission to help keep usable solid wood antique and vintage furniture from going into our landfills.
After completing her undergraduate work in Fine Arts, she worked as a graphic designer for several publishing/marketing companies, such as AutoTrader and Pilot Media Companies, until switching careers and going back to school to become an educator/trainer of technology within the school system. Now, several years later, she uses her knowledge of color, DIYing (do it yourself crafts), and education to teach others how to refinish, refurbish, reupholster, and repurpose their home furniture and decor items. Becoming the Queen DIYer/Upcycling Creationist that everyone knows her to be. Always thinking outside of the box, and generating ideas on Facebook, Pinterest, and HomeTalk. She is a married, mother of three and lives in the Lake Norman area, near Charlotte, North Carolina.

 

Meet NC Shero; Judith Wilson, – Foodie4Access

Judith Wilson Burkes http://www.foodie4access.org http://www.sssmovement.com Facebook: #judielise #foodie4access #sssmoves #celebratec Twitter: @judielise, @sss_movement, Foodie4Accessclt

 

Judith Wilson Burkes is a nonprofit founder, author/blogger, internet radio host, community disability advocate and business owner.

Growing up in New York City, she developed a passion for the arts and all creativity. After attending an art high school against the wishes of her family, Judith tried to work for corporate America. She worked for various industries, usually finding a way to bring her love of creativity to the job, for more than 15 years, before her health made her leave the workforce in her mid-30s. She faced hardship in her relationships as well, as two marriages ended in divorce, leaving her to raise two sons on the autism spectrum virtually by herself. Despite her own health issues, Judith continued to work at home, first with her own graphic design company, and then virtually for technology-driven companies.

Moving from NY to MD, and now making Charlotte, NC her home, Judith formed her own nonprofit, Foodie4Access in 2016, to break down barriers of isolation faced by people and families touched by disability. Then, after meeting the founder of a local singles organization, Judith quickly saw the value of his idea to do for Christian singles what she was driven to do for people with disabilities.

With her two sons grown and independent, Judith now spends her time creating inclusive events that focus on changing lifestyles and mindsets.

Today, as President of The Single, Saved and Serious Movement and founder of Foodie4AccssCLT, she hopes to foster a sense of community among people who want to expand their social and entertainment horizons, while making a difference in local underserved communities, with small businesses and outreach organizations poised to make a difference.

 

“Do Not wait for someone else to come and speak for you. It’s you who can change the world”. -M.Y.

This gathering is in part sponsored by Momsrising. To RSVP and find out more information, visit our Facebook event at: https://goo.gl/NXoUDw   or follow along on Twitter with NCSheroes2017