Christian “Cece” Worley. A woman who faced discrimination by her employer. Ms. Worley requested time off from her employer when she experienced pain, due to a medical condition called endometriosis. It is a condition affecting women that causes severe pain.
Denied accommodations is what led her to file a lawsuit. She was told that her condition does not meet the requirements for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
What
Ms. Worley won a case, the first of its kind that now qualifies for accommodations for endometriosis under the ADA. To her surprise, she won the case, against the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, by representing herself. Perseverance and knowing that so many other women experience the same condition is what motivated the filing.
Although, Ms. Worley initially lost her suit, she did not let that stop her. Advice from various legal counsel told her that this was not a case that was likely to win in court. Ultimately, successfully winning a ruling has proved otherwise.
Who- Najah Aqeel, a teenager who was not allowed to play in a volleyball match. Why? Because of her hijab. A hijab is a head covering worn by Muslim women as part of their religious beliefs. It holds the meaning of identity, faith, and modesty, among other things. She turned her disappointment into triumph.
What- At that time, a rule by the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association was in place. The rule stated prior approval was required by the National Federation of State High School Association. Prior approval to wear any type of head covering.
Can you imagine! Needing to get permission to practice your religious beliefs. Najah and her family, along with the American Muslim Advisory Council has changed the ruling.
Najah Aqeel has affected change, and now student athletes are free to participate and wear their religious head coverings.
Where- Valor Collegiate Prep, Nashville, Tennessee
David Price a young man who was taught as a child to be aware of his surroundings. Especially when it comes to traffic stops for the Black community. A traffic stop is a very tense moment for Black drivers. David saw the need to come up with something to help make it safer. The release of his product cameduring a time of heightened police brutality.
What
The Safety Pouch holds documents needed at a traffic stop. A tool invented by David Price to aid in making interactions between Black drivers and law enforcement safer. The Safety Pouch is hung from the visor or driver side window and provides increased visibility. It eliminates having to reach for registration, license and insurance from the glove compartment or middle console. It is only available in one color, Orange. The bright color makes it easily seen and less mistaken for a firearm.
Where
The Safety Pouch is available to buy on the site. You can buy it at online stores like Amazon and at national retailers like Walmart. Reasonably priced too.
When
The product was made available to the public in May 2020.
A traffic stop is a high anxiety exchange. The invention by this young man is needed and can help to make these stops safer for all involved. It does not provide all the answers or solutions. Although, it is a step in the right direction. Kudos to David Price for his ingenuity.
The bright color of theSafety Pouch is a smart idea. Often times, wallets or other document holders are dark colors which law enforcement can mistake as a weapon. The bright orange color leaves no mistaking for a weapon.
Who-
Claudette (Austin) Colvin was an unsung civil rights activist. She helped to end segregation on public transportation, as one of the four plaintiffs in the federal case of Browder vs Gayle.
No stranger to the plights of Black people in an era when racism plagued the African American community. She was one of the first to protest for her rights. As did Rosa Parks, who also stood up for what she believed in.
What-
As a teenager during a time of segregation and oppression, she bravely refused to give up her seat on the bus.
Where-
Montgomery, Alabama
When-
March 1955
Claudette demonstrated her refusal of injustice by standing up for her rights. She lived until the age of 86. May she rest in love and peace. 🕊️
"I always tell young people to hold on to their dreams. And sometimes you have to stand up for what you think is right even if you have to stand alone-" Claudette Colvin
Mama Ayo made Black Love Day February 13th Kings Queens
Commemorate love, family Self, people, don't forget Show heart
Thank you to my readers for stopping by. The poem Black Love Day is to highlight a day that was founded in 1993. The woman who started this day is D.C. native, Ayo Handy-Kendi aka Mama Ayo.
Black Love Day is about loving the creator, love for self, love of family, the black community and the people. It is a day to spread love to each other, no matter your race. Also, this day seeks to stop violence and racism.
You can share your stories and experiences with the black community on your social media platform. Write about the things that you admire and any positive reflection that is personal to you. Positivity is the general theme and purpose of the day.
Some ways to celebrate the day are to connect with the culture, strengthen relationships with each other. Uplift a loved one, support black-owned businesses and/or causes. Wear purple and black to show your solidarity.
February 13th is also an alternative to Valentine’s Day. Show your loved ones, family, friends and lovers just how special they are by spending time and showing your love, in a way that is uniquely you.
The day is less than a month away. Look out for different activities in your area. How will you celebrate?
Welcome to part 2 of Music and How We Listen. In this video I will talk about vinyl records, CDs (compact discs) and streaming music. The way we listen to music in today’s world is mostly streaming. But streaming is not the same for the listener or the artists who are creating. The distribution is different and how quickly we can hear new music has changed.
Vinyl records are not as popular as they once were. The “older” generation can tell you that vinyl has a crisp, clear and better sound than some of the other forms like CDs and cassettes. Whatever is your preferred method of listening to music, it is interesting how times have changed.
CDs are still a popular way to hear music too. The discs are small, and you can still enjoy the artwork in the case of your favorite artists. You can also easily skip ahead or back for the songs that you really love and want to hear without having to play the entire CD.
Thank you for taking the time to stop by! I appreciate your support, as always! 💖🙏
The universal language which we know as music has changed over the decades. Who remembers 8 tracks??? We also had cassette tapes, vinyl records, CDs and now the new age of streaming.
In Part 1, Music and How we Listen I will delve a little into the way we listened to music back in the days of 8 tracks and cassette tapes. Also, how to fix that cassette when it either pops or gets tangled.
In addition to the sound of music, I also enjoyed the artwork that came in the package. The case of the cassettes, and CDs. Also, album covers. You get to really see the visual creativity along with hearing the way the artist creates with their lyrics and sounds.
Music and How We Listen will continue in Part 2. The next part is more about vinyl records, CDs and streaming music.
Vinyl albums- Public Enemy, Duke Ellington, McFadden & Whitehead
Music is a universal language. Jazz, rhythm and blues, rap, gospel, house, soul, rock and roll, disco and go-go. Some of these styles of music are a fusion from multiple genres. While some don’t want to admit that, just read the credits and you will discover. Groups that you thought might have been considered a “black” group, have some origins from other cultures.
Nonetheless, June is Black Music Month or African American Appreciation Month. President Jimmy Carter declared it in 1979. However, it wasn’t until 1998 that it was officially acknowledged.
Music has a way of getting a message across in song. Some people use it as a way to express their feelings. A way to release and purge. Music also brings about feelings of happiness. Others use it as a way to promote consciousness or bring awareness to the injustices going on in the world. Music has a way of uniting and bringing people together, no matter where you come from. It is so uplifting to hear the right song and it gets you singing along or dancing.
It amazes me how much music has changed over the years. New styles and artists emerge. Languages change too. Meaning the way artists enunciate in their music, sometimes you can’t understand a word. Some songs sound like the chorus is just on repeat and not many lyrics to it.
The one thing that I noticed is that songs in today’s time are much shorter. Back in my day, songs were an average of 8-12 minutes. Today, songs are averaging less than 5 minutes. To me, that is a snippet! Oh well, what do I know right?! Music can make you dance, cry, sing, smile and so on.
Shopping in peace is all we want to do. Why is it that African Americans and the Hispanic populations get followed around the store? Racial profiling exists and it is time to put these stores on notice. Why Are You Shadowing Me? is a video message about just that. What can we do to stop the discrimination and unfair treatment?
Share your thoughts about this issue.
As always, thank you for watching! 🙏 Stay well and be blessed! 💕
Challenges of Black Maternal Health, Not Being Valued or Understood
Expectant Mother
Having a child and starting a family is a monumental and happy occasion. Although, it is a happy time for most women, it can also be stressful for some expecting mothers. Ensuring she receives the best possible care for not only herself but also the baby is very important. Black women have faced challenges in this area.
The United States is still seeing a rise in maternal deaths among Black women. Challenges of Black maternal health are increasing due to the changes in laws. Ending of diversity, equity and inclusion programs, abortion bans in certain states, lack of respect, and in some cases racism in medical settings for expecting mothers of color has all contributed to this issue.
Oftentimes, concerns about pain in pregnant Black women are ignored and reduced to the premise that they are just seeking drug medication. Unfortunately, the stereotype that people of color have a high pain tolerance still exists. Women in the past, have and still do exercise their right to assert their choices, as it relates to the birth of their child by using alternate forms of birthing support. Midwives and doulas are options for those families who no longer have faith in the care they receive in medical facilities.
Midwife
What is a midwife and what do they do?
A midwife is a healthcare specialist who is trained in pregnancies, childbirth, newborn care and postpartum health. A midwife has medical training and can deliver babies. They can also prescribe medications. Although, they do not carry out any kind of surgery.
Having a midwife on your side can help in reducing the risk of preterm births. The need for cesarean sections can be lessened if a midwife is a part of your healthcare team. Other benefits include lowered use of anesthesia and rates of labor induction and augmentation.
Different Types of Midwives
Certified Nurse Midwife-medically trained and licensed. Also, must obtain a Bacher’s degree. The scope of a CNM includes gynecologic exams in addition to the childbirth process.
Certified Professional Midwife-medical training, including internships and education. Usually providing care in settings other than hospitals.
Direct Entry Midwife- Provides care without having education in nursing first.
Lay Midwife- no certification or licensure. Has experience with previous births and self-study.
Doula
What is a doula and what do they do?
A doula provides emotional and educational support. Also, a doula can help position the mother during childbirth to make the delivery more comfortable. A doula is similar to a midwife minus the medical training. However, doula’s do not deliver babies. Midwives do.
A doula can assist in overall maternal satisfaction. By providing emotional support and coaching, it makes the birthing experience less stressful. Doulas may also be called a labor assistant, birth assistant or a labor support specialist. The family can decide just how involved a doula’s role is in the decision-making about the birth.
Benefits of hiring a doula include:
reduce in the need for a cesarean birth
shorter labor times
reduction in anxiety for the mother
knowledge about the process of labor
advocate for the family’s needs
Women of color can feel empowered in the type of care they receive by having a midwife or doula during this precious time of life. Most often, the pregnancy and postpartum outcome is a happier one. For those women who want to have their baby at the hospital, as opposed to a birthing center or at home, both midwives and doula’s can be used.
The battle is uphill with restoring hope and trust in receiving medical care for Black women. Hopefully, in the foreseeable future some initiatives will take place to educate and change the direction in a positive way to improve the disparities. During such a crucial, precious and fragile time in a women’s life. She wants to know and feel assured that she can find the comprehensive care and trust that her concerns will be heard and taken seriously.
A cure for edge control is still sought by many. Looking for something that will keep those edges in check? Try this product that I have recently found. It does what it is supposed to do. Maybe it will work for you too.
Happy New Year! 2025 is here and I am grateful to see another year! I hope that this year brings everyone what they need. Whether it be love in your life, understanding, a roof over your head, financial blessings, mended relationships with family, friends, or loved ones Wishing this in abundance for you all.
The Six Triple Eight is a movie, inspired by true events. It pays homage to the black women who showed great strength, grace, beauty, humility and resilience. For those who are familiar with the story, what did you take away from it? A must see for those who have not seen it.
Much respect to the people who were there and served in the Six Triple Eight. Thank you to the producers, actors and everyone involved for telling the story.
Video message-Being multi-cultural, where do you fit in?
Being of multiethnic/cultural heritage is great. You get to enjoy the best of it all. However, it can be challenging. Acceptance by your peers may present a problem.
How do you overcome rejection from one or the other culture? Do you try to fit in or just live your life. If you can relate and have experienced rejection of this kind, please share in the comments. Tell us a little about it. Your experience may help someone overcome it and move past it. ❤️
National Hispanic Heritage Month starts on September 15 and ends October 15, 2024. Even though, it is officially a month-long celebration, contributions are felt and made all year long. Many Latino and Hispanic communities feel a sense of honor throughout this special holiday. The timing of NHHM marks dates of independence for several Latino countries.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you? If you are not sure what it is all about take some time to research more about it. Afterwards, you can share and spread the word about what you have learned. Use this time to learn Spanish, if you choose to. Check out some local events in your community. There are many ways to celebrate and show support for the Latino and Hispanic communities and all they have done for the betterment of America.
The theme for 2024 is Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together
Let us take our hats off to those who have helped make positive strides in Latin American Countries and all over the world.
August is National Black Business Month. If you are a business owner this may be a good time to look for opportunities to boost your business. During this month consider marketing your business more. Showcase your services or products. Networking with others can give your business that added edge to increase revenue.
The month of August we celebrate and support Black businesses. You can also use this time to encourage aspiring business owners to start their entrepreneurial projects. Sharing and connecting with people who want to start a business is another way to network.
Being a Black business owner does not come easily. It is not all glitz and glamour. The extra work has to be done in order to make it possible to be able to work for yourself. A sense of accomplishment is felt when you can provide a product or service to help people and contribute to the successes of the economy.
Did you know?
The top three places with the highest numbers of Black owned businesses are New York, Atlanta and Washington, D.C.
How do you celebrate National Black Business Month?
You can spread the word about any products or services that you like.
Shop Black owned businesses.
Research about Black entrepreneurs.
It is important because we can encourage these businesses to keep going and continue to contribute to the economic wealth of not only minority communities, but also the world abroad.
