Black History IS American History: Jesse Owens

Photograph: Courtesy Washington, D.C. Public Library

Although February is designated as Black History Month, I don't think telling the stories of the people who changed and continue to impact our Nation should be limited to only one month out of the year! Black History IS American History and should be celebrated Everyday! Although my Blog is usually shared once a month, during February I will present the story of an outstanding Black American every week. This week I'm sharing the life of Jesse Owens, a history making athlete and activist.

Jesse Owens is remembered as one of the world's greatest track and field athletes. He competed as a low hurdler, a broad jumper and a sprinter. Jesse was born in Danville, Alabama and would later attend The Ohio State University, in Columbus, Ohio. One of the most memorable moments in his athletic career happened at the 1936 Olympics in Munich, Germany. This was a time when Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler was in power. Prior to the Olympic games, Hitler had bragged to the world that no Black athlete would beat any of his Aryan athletes. However not only did Jesse Owens beat the Germans, but he won four gold medals as an angry Hitler watched. At that time, Jesse was the most successful athlete of the games and the first American to win four track and field gold medals at a single Olympics. And because of his decisive win, embarrassing and dispelling Hitler's racist beliefs, Hitler refused to present Jesse with his medals. 

Although Jesse had proven himself as an athlete and had represented America with honor and respect, when he returned to the United States he experienced some of the same racial prejudice that occurred in Nazi Germany. For many years, that racial prejudice made it very difficult for him to make a living. It wasn't until 1976, when Jesse was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom that his achievements were fully realized. Jesse Owens died in 1980 at the age of 66.

A Rewarding New Year

Welcome to 2025! I can hardly believe it! Only God knows what will happen this year, but it doesn't mean you stop planning for your life.

Making a few little changes can make a BIG difference.

Here are some suggestions that can turn 2025 into a Rewarding New Year!

Routines - Developing routines can help your family stay on track. According to the National PTA (Parent Teacher Association) having a shared family calendar where you identify schedules, appointments or meetings can help everyone know what they are supposed to be doing.

Reach out - Everyone feels overwhelmed sometimes. When life seems to be out of control, ask for help. Be honest with your emotions. Speak with your partner, a parent, counselor or pastor or a trusted friend. If you feel you may harm yourself or others, please call The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 for help. It's available 24/7.

Retreat - We hear it all they time, "Take Time for Self-Care". How many of us really do it? There is nothing wrong with taking time for yourself. It may be going on a solo weekend trip to relax; enjoying dinner with your Girlfriends to laugh. Even taking a bubble bath, with music and your favorite beverage can be soothing.  Don't forget to lock the door so the family won't interrupt you. Ask your partner to watch the kids for a couple of hours so you can unwind.

Discover what will make 2025 the very best year for you!

Find Your Melody

During this special season, many people are playing the music of the holiday.  But being surrounded by music isn't new for me, because, music has always been an important 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!

During this Christmas season hearing Nat King Cole singing "The Christmas Song" on my car radio brings back fond memories from my childhood.  And during my their childhood, I've played various types of music 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 benefits.  A study from St. John's University and Iona College states that music helps with memory development and retrieval as early as three months of age. That means, if you start playing music when your child is an infant, it could have a positive effect on their motor skills and creative thinking in the future! What type of music do you like? There is something for everyone to enjoy. Find your melody and add music to your family's life year-round.

Pillars of Productivity

Diva: A woman focused on her divine assignment, operating strategically and slaying her goals. This is a definition shared at the Momathon Conference, I recently attended in Atlanta, Georgia.  The event was a great opportunity to connect with Moms from around the country. Workshops focused on the importance of self-care, mental and physical health and how to start a business. There were Moms from various professions, including: lawyers, ministers, doctors and stay at home Moms. Although they may have come from different cities and different backgrounds, the conference coordinators hoped all would leave as members of the Momathon tribe who had an aversion to settling for less! 

The Momathon Conference was founded by Christina Garrett, an active wife, business owner and Mom of five. This international speaker and workshop presenter has been featured on various media platforms, including Essence, the Washington Post and Forbes. This was the 9th year for the faith-based conference and Christina hoped all of the Moms left encouraged and ready to go back home and share their divine purpose. "The Momathon Conference is all about you...When ladies say YES and come into this space, they are saying yes to more than just a weekend off or some workshop time, but instead saying yes to what's possible for them in the future". Women who attend leave empowered by the amazing speakers, conversations and the positive energy exhibited by Christina and her tribe of supporters and volunteers. "We have you surrounded, we want you to know you're supported and everything you want to accomplish is possible", she says

During Christina's workshop, she presented the Pillars of Productivity. These ideas could serve Moms well as we continue to problem solve with our family:

1. Create a Family Vision - The corner stone for all of your plans

2. Communicate Your Needs - Tell your loved ones what you need

3. Delegate Unnecessary Tasks - Ask for help

4. Elevate Your Movement - Where you are going will be Bigger

I left the conference excited to share ideas with Moms who are my family members, friends and co-workers. I was also blessed to meet new friends at the conference who are now members of my Tribe! 

For more information on the Momathon Conference go to: TheMomathonMovement.com

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Jessica's Story

Cancer: It’s a scary word that affects millions of families across the country.  No matter your race, your economic status or your zip code, most of us know someone, a family member, a friend or a co-worker who has been touched by cancer. Or maybe you have been diagnosed with the disease. Although it’s a sensitive topic, sharing our cancer stories, struggles and successes could encourage others. Knowing the signs and symptoms, knowing your family history and knowing how to make healthier choices could also make a difference. As we recognize that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to start the conversation. 

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recently reported that breast cancer is on the rise, especially for younger women. In the report the ACS says that since 2012, breast cancer rates have increased by 1%; and for younger women, breast cancer rates have increased by 1.4% since 2021.  

Asian women and women under 50 have seen a 50% increase since 2000.  

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States. Breast cancer in young women is more likely to be hereditary than breast cancer in older women. And breast cancer is more common among African American women.  

One young woman who has the courage to share her breast cancer story is Jessica. At 37 years old, being diagnosed with breast cancer took this active African American wife and mother of two young children by surprise. Especially since she has no family history of cancer.  An appointment to her dermatologist in June of this year for an unrelated issue is how her cancer was discovered.  “(My dermatologist) found a mass under my underarm. The cancer is in my milk ducts. Your milk ducts can go all the way in your underarms.” In September Jessica had a lumpectomy and is now awaiting her test results to determine her next level of treatment. “It’s also good to make sure you get a genetic test to make sure you don’t have any other types of cancer”, she said. Jessica says family members have given her strength through this challenging time. “My husband and family have been so supportive. By praying for me, bringing my family meals, because I can’t move my arms much. They also (are) checking to make sure that I’m ok.” 

In 2015 the CDC launched the Bring Your Brave Campaign to educate younger women about breast cancer. Through real life stories, the campaign shares information everyone can understand, if you are a Mom or a health care provider. The goals of the Bring Your Brave program is to: 

• Encourage young women to learn their family history of breast and ovarian cancer. 
• Educate young women on the risk factors for breast cancer before age 45. 
• Inspire young women to talk to their health care provider if they think they may be at a higher risk for breast cancer. 
• Encourage young women to live a healthy lifestyle and be aware of their own breast health. 
• Educate providers on the risk factors for breast cancer before age 45. 

Jessica adds that doing self-breast exams is very important at any age. “Doing your own breast exams at home is important and making sure that you feel any lumps or bumps in your underarms is great too, because you never know.” She adds, “Having a good support system is key to getting through it and your mindset has to be focused on just getting through all of it. No matter what the outcome is.” 

Friendship

Journalist Maria Shriver said this about Friendship:  “I really believe you are the company you keep and you have to surround yourself with people who lift you up, because the world knocks you down”. 

Friendships are a special part of my life.  Hanging out with my girls, talking, laughing & even crying can uplift my mood, knowing I’m in a safe space. Throughout my life, I have been surrounded by some great friends.  But through the years, I've also had to release some friendships, because our relationship became toxic, competitive and untrustworthy.  I’ve told my daughters, you don't need a lot of friends to be happy.  If you have one trusted friend who exhibits character and kindness, that relationship can be priceless. When friends work together and support each other, everyone is Blessed 💗

Avoid the Drama

Have you ever met someone whose life seems to always be filled with drama? Workplace...Drama! Friends...Drama! Baby Mama...well, you get the picture.

Some people may just need a little help to keep them on track. Speaking with a pastor, a trusted mentor or even a professional counselor could help them make better choices to turn their lives around.

All of us have made mistakes. One poor choice could be a game-changer. But, there is always hope. 

Be intentional. End the drama. Seek help and live the wonderful life God has prepared for you. Choices matter.