Stand Tall, Be Not Afraid, Go All The Way! - Connie Atkins at CAAO Youth Innovation Graduation - 12-2-2017

"Stand tall, be not afraid, go all the way!"

Connie Atkins

Delivered to graduates of CAAO's Youth Innovation Forum in Cleveland, Ohio - Saturday, 12-2-2017

To View Photos of this event, CLICK HERE! 

Everyone Can Rise . . .

Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.

Nelson Mandela – 1918-2013
Former President of South Africa

Association of African-American Cultural Gardens

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To access the information below in PDF Format
for easier viewing, sharing or printing, please CLICK HERE!
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To access the information above in PDF Format

for easier viewing, sharing or printing, please CLICK HERE!

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Association of African-American Cultural Gardens

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Simply Going To Breakfast While Black

Another reminder of why your vision, your vigilance, your voice, and your vote matter . . .

Life Without Black People

Life Without Black People!

A very humorous and revealing story is told about a group of white people who were fed up with African Americans, so they joined together and wished themselves away. They passed through a deep dark tunnel and emerged in sort of a twilight zone where there is an America without black people.

At first these white people breathed a sigh of relief.

'At last', they said, 'no more crime, drugs, violence and welfare.'

All of the blacks have gone! Then suddenly, reality set in. The ‘NEW AMERICA' is not America at all - only a barren land.

1. There are very few crops that have flourished because the nation was built on a slave-supported system.

2. There are no cities with tall skyscrapers because Alexander Mils, a black man, invented the elevator, and without it, one finds great difficulty reaching higher floors.

3. There are few if any cars because Richard Spikes, a black man, invented the automatic gearshift, Joseph Gambol, also black, invented the Super Charge System for Internal Combustion Engines, and Garrett A. Morgan, a black man, invented the traffic signals.

4. Furthermore, one could not use the rapid transit system because its procurer was the electric trolley, which was invented by another black man, Albert R. Robinson.

5. Even if there were streets on which cars and a rapid transit system could operate, they were cluttered with paper because an African American, Charles Brooks, invented the street sweeper.

6. There were few if any newspapers, magazines and books because John Love invented the pencil sharpener, William Purveys invented the fountain pen, and Lee Barrage invented the Type Writing Machine and W. A. Love invented the Advanced Printing Press. They were all, you guessed it, Black.

7. Even if Americans could write their letters, articles and books, they would not have been transported by mail because William Barry invented the Postmarking and Cancelling Machine, William Purveys invented the Hand Stamp and Philip Downing invented the Letter Drop.

8. The lawns were brown and wilted because Joseph Smith invented the Lawn Sprinkler and John Burr the Lawn Mower.

9. When they entered their homes, they found them to be poorly ventilated and poorly heated. You see, Frederick Jones invented the Air Conditioner and Alice Parker the Heating Furnace. Their homes were also dim. But of course, Lewis Lattimer later invented the Electric Lamp, Michael Harvey invented the lantern, and Granville T. Woods invented the Automatic Cut off Switch. Their homes were also filthy because Thomas W. Steward invented the Mop and Lloyd P. Ray the Dust Pan.

10. Their children met them at the door - barefooted, shabby, motley and unkempt.  But what could one expect? Jan E. Matzelinger invented the Shoe Lasting Machine, Walter Sammons invented the Comb, Sarah Boone invented the Ironing Board, and George T. Samon invented the Clothes Dryer.

11. Finally, they were resigned to at least have dinner amidst all of this turmoil. But here again, the food had spoiled because another Black Man, John Standard invented the refrigerator.

Now, isn't that something? What would this country be like without the contributions of Blacks, as African-Americans?

Martin Luther King, Jr. said, 'by the time we leave for work, millions of Americans have depended on the inventions from the minds of Blacks.'

Black history includes more than just slavery, Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and Marcus Garvey & W.E.B. Dubois.

Savannah Hameed - Triple Medal Winner

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Savannah, Congratulations and Best Wishes that your blessings will continue!  A big thank you to Akil Hameed for sharing this great news.

Affirmative Action - Then and Now

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Playlist Length - Approximately 20 minutes

Tamla Oates-Forney - Because of Them We Can

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- Photo Credit to Terrell Clark - 

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Congratulations, Thank You, and Best Wishes to Tamla Oates-Forney!

Because of Them We Can

Visit: https://www.becauseofthemwecan.com/ 

WiiildFlower Music

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While attending a Family Reunion, Dianne and I were blessed to catch these classy young ladies doing some song and dance rehearsal (and they are great at both) across from the Cincinnati Westin Hotel.  Check out WiiildFlower Music.  See contact information at the bottom of this post.

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On Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/WiiildFlower/

On Soundcloud at: https://soundcloud.com/user-153607925

Booking Inquires at GiiirlpowerWiildFlower@gmail.com

Recommended Reading from Author Jenine May

Recommended Reading from Author Jenine May

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Jenine May is the Author of Why Can't We Be Friends?, actress, public speaker, and aspiring singer. IG jmay2013

Black Expressions - Thursday, April 27, 2017

True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.

Arthur Ashe
Was an American World No. 1 professional tennis player.
Winner of three Grand Slam titles.
1st black player selected to the United States Davis Cup team.
Source: Wikipedia

Black Expressions - Wednesday, April 26, 2017

The first step is you have to say that you can.

Will Smith

Black Expressions - Monday, April 24, 2017

Education should never be denied to anyone nor should teachers ever abuse the trust of their pupils and their parents. An effective education is liberating and opens the doors to opportunities and life altering experiences.

James “Jay” Rogers, Jr.
1st African-American named National Teacher of the Year (1972)

Source: https://www.museumofdurhamhistory.org/learn/history-groves/james-jay-marshall-rogers-jr/

Black Expressions - Friday, April 21, 2017

Despite everything, no one can dictate who you are to other people.

Prince Rogers Nelson "Prince"
June 7, 1958 - April 21, 2016

American singer-songwriter, actor, multi-instrumentalist,
philanthropist, dancer and record producer.

Black Expressions from Sidney Poitier

I decided in my life that I would do nothing that did not reflect positively on my father's life.

Sidney Poitier
1st Bahamian and 1st African-American to win an
Academy Award for Best Actor (April 13, 1964)

Black Expressions from Serena Williams

The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other up. Make sure you're very courageous: be strong, be extremely kind, and above all be humble.

Serena Williams

Black Expressions from Rev. 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.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Inspirations from Oprah Winfrey

Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping stone to greatness.

Oprah Winfrey

Inspirations from Leontyne Price

I prefer to leave standing up, like a well-mannered guest at a party.

Leontyne Price

Inspirations from Coretta Scott King

Women, if the soul of the nation is to be saved, I believe that you must become its soul. 

Coretta Scott King

Check out our Women's History Page at
http://successisyou.blogspot.com/p/womens-history-lin.html

Inspirations from Marian Anderson

As long as you keep a person down, some part of you has to be down there to hold him down, so it means you cannot soar as you otherwise might.

Marian Anderson
Singer, delegate to the United Nations Human Rights Committee, "goodwill ambassadress" for the U.S. Department of State, Civil Rights activist, singer at the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963, recipient of numerous awards and honors including; Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1963, the Kennedy Center Honors in 1978, the National Medal of Arts in 1986, and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1991.

Source: Wikipedia

Inspirations from Carol Moseley Braun

If we can rebuild Iraq, we can rebuild Illinois and Indiana and if we can do Baghdad, we can do Baltimore.

Carol Elizabeth Moseley Braun
American politician and lawyer who represented Illinois in the United States Senate from 1993 to 1999.

Source: Wikipedia

Check out our Women's History Page at http://successisyou.blogspot.com/p/womens-history-lin.html

Robyn Hill

Recognizing Robyn Hill
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Photo is property of Robyn Hill
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Robyn Hill wears several hats, and they all fit her well.  

She is the Owner of Robyn C. Hill Counseling and Professional Development Services.

Robyn understands that winners step forward and do those things that others will not do, at least not with passion and consistency. Sunday evenings at 6:00 PM while much of the country is winding down from a busy or lazy weekend, Robyn is "cranking it up" with her Mind Healing Conversations Radio Show.

In addition to counseling and professional development, Robyn "gives back" as Executive Director of Virtue Inc for Women in Shaker Heights, Ohio.  Virtue Inc. is a non-profit, faith based organization providing community programming for women, adolescent and adult, of low to moderate income for the purpose of improving self-esteem and self-efficacy.

Our congratulations to Robyn and best wishes for her continued success.

Jeneen Ford

Recognizing Jeneen Ford
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Photos are property of Jeneen Ford
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Jeneen Ford's current Facebook Cover Photo sums it up in a single word . . . DETERMINED! Her favorite Quote is in alignment with the life she leads . . . 

"Seek those who find your road agreeable,

your personality and mind stimulating,

your philosophy acceptable,

and your experience helpful.

Let those who do not, seek their own kind."

-Jean-Henri Fabre

This Glenville High graduate of the Class of 1992 doesn't let grass grow under her feet.  She has earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Finance from Myers University, so she is not intimidated with that "Female Stereotype stuff."  Jeneen went on to earn a Masters in Business Administration / Organizational Development from the University of Findlay.  So how does she look like she is 19 years old?  One look at her mom (below right) should offer a clue.

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There are numerous comments on Jeneen's Facebook Page that attest to her kindness, charming personality and determination.  

THANK YOU Jeneen for being the role model that so many are in need of. 

Inspirations from Harriet Tubman

I freed a thousand slaves. I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves.

Harriet Tubman
American abolitionist, humanitarian, and an armed scout and spy for the United States Army during the American Civil War.

Source: Wikipedia

Check out our Women's History Page at http://successisyou.blogspot.com/p/womens-history-lin.html

Inspirations from Mary McLeod Bethune

The drums of Africa still beat in my heart. They will not let me rest while there is a single Negro boy or girl without a chance to prove his worth.

Mary McLeod Bethune
American educator, stateswoman, philanthropist, humanitarian and civil rights activist best known for starting a private school for African-American students in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Source: Wikipedia

Check out our Women's History Page at http://successisyou.blogspot.com/p/womens-history-lin.html

Inspirations from Shirley Chisholm

The emotional, sexual, and psychological stereotyping of females begins when the doctor says, "It's a girl."

Shirley Chisholm
American politician, educator, author.  1st black woman elected to the United States Congress.  1st black candidate for a major party's nomination for President of the United States.  1st woman to run for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination.
Source: Wikipedia

Check out our Women's History Page at http://successisyou.blogspot.com/p/womens-history-lin.html

Inspirations from Barbara Jordan

What the people want is very simple - they want an America as good as its promise.

Barbara Jordan
Lawyer, educator, an American politician, and a leader of the Civil Rights Movement.
Source: Wikipedia

Check out our Women's History Page at
http://successisyou.blogspot.com/p/womens-history-lin.html

Inspirations from Maya Angela

Recognizing Women's History Month

If you have only one smile in you give it to the people you love. 

Maya Angelou
American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and was credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning over 50 years. Source: Wikipedia

Attention Authors & Others - Close out Black History Month with Award Winning Everett Prewitt

Below was the scene last night at one of Everett's gatherings.

Join Everett on Tuesday, Jan. 28th 

Authors wanting to know more about writing groups can hear my presentation along with two other authors at the Lit Cleveland Winter Mixer tomorrow in the Spotted Owl bar, 710 Jefferson Avenue starting at 6:30pm.

Black Expressions - Tuesday, February 28, 2017

I'd like to state that Spike Lee is not saying that African American culture is just for black people alone to enjoy and cherish. Culture is for everybody.

Spike Lee

Akira Armstrong, Founder & CEO of Pretty Big Movement, LLC

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CONGRATULATIONS Akira Armstrong, Founder & CEO of Pretty Big Movement, LLC

For information, visit http://www.prettybigmovement.com/ceofounder.html

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Martin Luther King Nobel Peace Prize Speech from Oslo, Dec. 11, 1964

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FORECAST in Concert - Fri., March 3rd - MITCHELL'S Ultra Lounge

FRI. MAR. 3RD, 2017 MITCHELL'S Ultra Lounge 24900 Euclid Ave. Euclid Ohio 44117. For more info call 216-323-1608. 8PM
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For more information about FORECAST, visit http://www.musicbyforecast.com/ 

Black Expressions - Monday, February 27, 2017

The need for change bulldozed a road down the center of my mind.

Maya Angelou

Black History - Langston Hughes Tribute - Feb. 25, 2017 - Twinsburg Public Library

Our sincere thanks to Angela Gillespie Winborn and Greg White for a memorable program honoring Poet Langston Hughes.  Thanks also to the Twinsburg Public Library as they continue to promote informative and inspiring educational programs.

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Photos also available on Facebook (press here):

"WHO ARE WE" - A Journey Through Truth and Triumph - By Twinsburg High School Students

I Believe I Can Fly - R. Kelly

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Yvonne Braithwaite Burke

Courtesy of California State Library -

Yvonne Braithwaite Burke was one of the first African American women admitted to the University of Southern California School of Law. After graduating from law school, she went into private practice.

Ms. Braithwaite was the first African-American women to be elected to the California State Assembly. She served in the Assembly from 1967 - 1973. In 1973, she was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where she served from 1973 - 1979.

Rihanna named Humanitarian of Year Singer to accept Harvard Foundation’s award next week

News from the Harvardgazette: 

Rihanna named Humanitarian of Year.

Singer to accept Harvard Foundation’s award next week.  To view article PRESS HERE! 

Leon Ware - Rockin You Eternally - Shared by Bill Randle

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Thank you to Bill Randle for sharing this moment in Black/American Music!

"Back in the Day" - Leon Ware and Bill Randle

(Photo - Courtesy of Bill Randle)