Today's History Makers: Judge Greg Mathis

Happy Black History Month! Although February is identified as the official "Month" set aside to acknowledge Black History, I personally feel Black History is American History and should be celebrated everyday. Sometimes, when we hear the word History, our minds may think that means stories and people way back when; times of our grandparents and beyond. But that couldn't be further from the truth. Think how in 2013 when activists and friends Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors and Opal Tometi started #BlackLivesMatter and that movement began! History happens everyday. Throughout my life I have been blessed to meet amazing people.  During this month I will share stories to prove that the 21st century is full of history makers.

History Maker: Greg Mathis

Greg Mathis was born on April 5, 1960 in Detroit, Michigan. After his parents divorced, Greg was raised by his mom Alice Lee Mathis, in the drug and crime infested projects of Detroit. In his youth, Greg  unfortunately succumb to the streets, arrested several times, labeled as a juvenile delinquent. He did not graduate from high school. While incarcerated a judge offered him a second chance: get your GED or stay in Jail. We know which path he chose that turned his life around and made him the respected person he is today. He became the youngest judge in Michigan's history and the longest-running African American male television judge. 

While I was a freelance reporter, I was asked to interview Judge Greg Mathis. What a joy to meet him. I'll admit, I was awe struck, since I watched him daily on his reality court TV show, Judge Mathis. He was very kind and it was pleasure to get the opportunity to interview him.

You can find books about Judge Greg Mathis at your local library.

Next week I'll have another story on Today's History Makers.

Christmas Everyday - A Message for the New Year

As we put away the Christmas decorations and have that last slice of pumpkin pie, many of us are already missing that warm Christmas feeling of kindness and fellowship we enjoy during this time of the year. There really is something special in the air. But as we get ready for a new year, it doesn't mean we must end having Christmas. We can experience the joy of the season all through the year.

During the holiday, a friend sent a Christmas card with a beautiful message, with a little help from Hallmark cards, that shared the same sentiment. It said:

"Every time a hand reaches out to Help, that is Christmas. Every time a person chooses Peace, that is Christmas. Every time we forget our differences and remember the Love that connects us, that is Christmas."

In 2026, I pray you will be blessed with a spirit of Peace, Love and Joy. And I hope you'll find ways to celebrate Christmas all year long.

Music in the Air

Almost every year, I share a message about music. Most of us would agree that music is such an important part of the holidays.  But playing music doesn't just start for me during this season. It has always been a part of my life. 

Growing up, if you walked past our house, you would always hear records playing on the stereo or the latest hits coming from the radio. My parents would take me to concerts, I sang in choirs and even learned to play the flute. And those experiences formed my diverse taste for various types of music today. From Country to Rock & Roll. I love it all!

And when I hear Nat King Cole singing "The Christmas Song" on my car radio in December, it brings back fond memories from my childhood.  And throughout their lives, I've tried to duplicate the musical exposure I experienced for my daughters. They have heard the sounds of Mozart and danced to the beat of MJ.  And over the years, I've learned sharing music with our children isn't just a great tradition, but it also has big developmental benefits.

According to an article written by Kidsville Pedatrics, titled "The Impact of Music on your Child's Brain Development", finding ways to boost your child's cognitive skills, language development and enhancing their memory doesn't have to be complicated.  Here's a few suggestions:

1. Play Different Genres: Introduce various types of music to your       child

2. Sing Together: Songs like nursery rhymes, lullabies or pop songs        can be a fun way to bond

3. Introduce Instruments: Start out with simple instruments like a        tambourine or keyboard

4. Enroll in Music Classes: Look for free or cost effect classes at            your recreation center or local library.

5. Create a Musical Environment: Keep musical toys and play            music at home regularly. 

There is something for everyone to enjoy. Find your melody and add music to your family's life year-round.

No Bullies Allowed

 Many of us have experienced bullies back in grade school; chasing you on the playground; asking for your lunch money or spreading lies. However, have you ever dealt with adult bullies? They may be a jealous coworker, the loudest voice at the parent meeting or that lady at church who must always be right, or there will be problems. Unfortunately, just like a child, these adult bullies have that same childish and tormenting behavior as they try to tear down your confidence and your character. And it can be a challenge to use logical techniques to handle their negative behavior, especially when they are rude, aggressive and illogical. So, what can you do? If you don't know where to start, Author, Speaker and Coach, Sandra Crowe, MA, PCC has the following suggestions:

*Stand up for yourself. Let the bully know you don't like their behavior.

*Ignore them. When you don't give bullies attention, it lessens their power.

*When interaction with a bully becomes too intense, leave the space. Don't stay in an environment with a bully if you don't feel safe.

*If their behavior goes past verbal insults to physical touching, report the bully to someone in authority, even the police.

Dealing with bullies can unfortunately happen at any age. Find ways to stay sane, stay smart and stay safe.

September Season

September is here. Can you believe it? It seems like only yesterday when we were celebrating New Year's Eve entering into 2025. Now we are only 3 months away from celebrating 2026. For me, September is a month of new beginnings: Summer vacations, cookouts and pool parties are ending as we begin a new fall season; students and teachers begin a new school year, wondering what may lie ahead. And since September is the BEST month of the year, I'm blessed to begin a new year as I celebrate my Birthday! September can also be a time to begin new traditions. Who says we have to wait until December 31st to write our resolutions.

                            Here's a few suggestions to start your September Season

1. Clean Out Your Closet: If you have a piece of clothing that you keep holding onto that is too small, out of style, or you frankly have never liked it, this is the season to release it. Donate it to a thrift store or a homeless shelter so someone else will enjoy a perfect fit to their wardrobe. 

2. Volunteer In Your Community:  We see it on the news everyday; many community programs are losing funding. We complain, criticize and even cry, but what are we doing about it? Your contribution doesn't have to be a BIG thing, but maybe you can do something.  Give to a local a charity, volunteer at a food bank or read to a child at the local library. You may not change the world, but you will help someone in your part of the world. 

3. Make That Call: Who has been on your mind for a while? You hear a song that reminds you of them; drive by a restaurant where you once caught up on some girl time. This person was your buddy; your ride or die. Nothing really happened, but time. Now you can't remember the last time you spoke. Make that call today. It may be a hard talk, but you have put it off way too long. Tomorrow is not promised, so please promise yourself you will contact them before next month. It may be the best conversation you have ever had.

                                                                   Happy September!

Swimming Safety - A Summer Reminder

Summer is here! And as we prepare for the season, many of us will enjoy going to the community swimming pool, hanging out at the beach, fishing or kayaking. And I'll be right there with you. I've always enjoyed being around water. I have such fond memories of my family going to Old Man's Cave in Hocking Hills here in Ohio, when I was a child and frolicking at the Lake Logan beach.  And through the years, I've spent vacations with family and friends and many of those trips included being near the coast, at a beach, water park or at a hotel pool. However with every trip I was actually living dangerously, because I had never learned to swim! It was only by the Grace of God I did not have a perilous experience. It wasn't until about 10 years ago when I finally took formal lessons and earned my certification. Although my daughters learned to swim when they were babies, I did not learn until much later in life. I believe it is never too late to learn to swim.

Every year around this time, we hear alarming reports on the news about people drowning.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 4000 people die from drowning in the United States every year. When it comes to children between the ages of 5 years and 19 years, drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury deaths. And drowning deaths are higher for Black children. It's so very sad yet, so preventable.  

As you have fun in the water this season, please follow these suggestions from the American Red Cross:

*Make sure everyone in your family learns to swim well;

*Learn the safety steps you should take before starting any activity in or near water;

*Know what to do in case of a water emergency;

*Watch out for the dangerous "Toos": Too tired, Too Cold, Too far from safety, Too much sun and Too much hard playing;

*Use Coast Guard approved life jackets when boating;

*Never swim alone

These are just a few recommendations. For a complete list of Swimming Safety Tips, go to RedCross.org

Have fun this summer and be safe!

 

Love Your Neighbor

It may sound like an "old school" philosophy, but I believe knowing your neighbor is a good thing. I often think back to a time when people knew who lived next door. Growing up, I lived in the house that was between the Garrison family and the Jackson family. The Redd family lived across the street. My best friend Rhonda Betton lived a few houses down. We all knew each other and looked out for each other. We weren't perfect, but it seemed to be a simpler time.

Times have definitely changed. In many communities you really don't know who lives in the house or the apartment next door. However, that shouldn't keep us from caring for our neighborhood.

Mark 12:30-31 (NIV) says, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these."

Even if we may not know the names of the people who live next door, you can still be neighborly.  Here's how:

*Pray for your neighbors; believe they are making good choices;

*Keep your neighborhood clean by picking up trash, mowing your lawn; recycling;

*Start or join a Block Watch in your neighborhood so you can get to know your neighbors and work with others to keep your neighborhood safe.

Some "old school" techniques still work in any season.