Blacks Are Being Killed Daily - Water Needed Now!

It's been about one week since the 2010 Blog Action Day. This day was meant to ignite discussion about a world-wide topic. This year's topic: Water. Almost six thousand bloggers in 143 countries spoke up about our world's water crisis. Turns out that water is a global issue, a human rights issue, as well as a health issue. I had never taken the time to really think of all the ways affects all of us globally. But that's because, of my geographical displacement, I could afford to.

The average life expectancy in Central Africa is only 39 years old

Now that I have a deeper understanding, I can no longer afford to go forward the same way knowing that African relatives are dying from lack of access to water. This should be a poignant issue for people of all races and backgrounds, but African Americans can defnitely not afford to turn their heads on this one. I also didn't realize there were so many ways in which lil 'ol me could have an impact. Call it prissy. Call it realistic. But, I decided to start with a focus of 3 goals that I am sharing below:

So I will start the conversation by sharing personal resolutions derived from the water conservation calculator:

1. Bottled Water
Current Household Use: about 4 bottles per week Goal Usage: 0-1 bottle per week

2. Time spent at Bathroom Sink
Current Household Time: about 280 minutes per week Goal Time: 140 minutes per week

3. Use Greywater. I had never heard about this before but I could definitely see how we could implement this, especially in the summer.

Please use the comments section to chime in with other budget-friendly ways in which we can contribute to this worldwide issue.

...the courage to change the things that I can

So many times, we weigh heavy with all the people that don't act quite like we think they (or any human) should act, circumstances that are out of our control, and things that are too big to tackle. What if, for one day, we focused on the things in our life that we CAN change.

As an exercise, I have decided to spend my entire day today living in a conscious world where I fully comprehend every choice that I make. It is only 8 a.m., but just with this mindset I can't believe how many choices I have already made. I made the choice to get up when I naturally woke up, even though that was almost 15 minutes before my alarm clock goes off. On an average day, I would have laid my head back under the pillow and dozed off and then woke up irritated at the alarm clock for waking me up. Then, shortly after I woke up, I prayed and thought about what kind of day I was going to have today. On an average day, I would have woke up yelling to my son as to why he wasn't out the bathroom yet. Today, I got on a prayer call as soon as the lines opened up and patiently waited until prayer began. On an average day, I would have called just before I thought they were about to start praying, not understanding why my mind was still wandering. I am making a choice today to have a better than average day. Some days average is enough, but today I want more. Would you like a better than average day? Or are you okay with your days as they are..

N.A.A.P.I.D. - Monday, February 8, 2010

What are your feelings about National African American Parent Involvement Day (NAAPID). I am biased as this is a national holiday that has roots right in my home community, founded by retired educator, Joe Dulin. What ways do you support it in child's your school or, if you don't, why not?

"Every parent wants their child to have a better quality of life than they themselves had. It is the American dream; and for many African Americans, this dream has not been realized as a result of their child's failure in school. Education is the key to success and parents are educators' greatest allies." - Joe Dulin

New Social Networking Site

For our members:
http://blackglobalnetwork.ning.com/

I live in a University town. One of the most positive benefits of living in such close proximity to a University is the access to RESOURCES!! I once read a bumper sticker that said (something like) dissent is the ultimate act of patriotism. Similarly, although I fuss regularly about college town idiosyncyrasies, I still think that our area has a lot to offer and many opportunities for personal and family education and enrichment. Just by being part of this community, residents have a steady stream of researchers, libraries, museums, planetariums, discounted student law clinic, discounted student dental clinic, volunteers, health classes, and lectures on almost any subject one is interested in.

For instance, each year, many people work or volunteer many hours in effort to put on a comprehensive symposium that pushes the boundaries of the original dream of the late Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Jr. For over a month, the campus will be a host to history shaping and groundbreaking lectures, discussions, entertainment and programs - many of which are free. I am always entertained by the "reasons" people cannot make it. All the kids have school off and many employers give the whole or partial day off. Even without a nickel in your pocket, you can go downtown and park on an enforcement-free day, drop your kids (grades K-12) off so that they can learn, discuss, and have fun in lieu of the work of MLK all free with a courtesy lunch, and attend one of the 18 free public events including art, lectures, prominent speakers, and entertainment. What does one have to lose?? I don't get it!

I guess I must pose the following question: if, during the life of Dr. King, there had been a National Holiday to celebrate the life of Ghandi, what would he have done on that day to commemorate his life achievements?

Black Global Network

THE BLACK GLOBAL NETWORK

The Black Global Network is for industry and non-industry professionals, including college students who have a passion to network in the entertainment industry. The co-founders are socially conscious entrepreneurs who are building a network that is truly inclusive. African American, Afro-Caribbean, and African societies have survived and flourished through a kinship network system for them to share resources to have a strong community.

The Black Global Network is where artist and business professionals are able to network and create innovative projects. The network prides itself on its unique ability to build a sense of community in the arts. The Black Global Network provides leadership skills for its members, who will have access to professionals in the entertainment industry to assist with and consult on their projects. Professionals in the industry will provide commentary on the basics of producing a quality resume and increase interview techniques. The network is a mentorship program where seasoned professionals and recent graduates can build relationships and create innovation. College students will be informed of internships and will have access to work for various production companies within the network. Industry professionals that want to expand their experience in creative or business field will be provided the opportunity.

The power of the network is that the members are exposed to information and technology that would take years to learn. Members can learn online or at a networking event. Important information of how to start a production company and how to maintain the business is included. We provide legal assistance that prepares artists by providing legal consulting. The lawyers conduct workshops to explain about copyright law for intellectual property and negotiation skills to survive in the entertainment industry.

The purpose of the Black Global Network is to produce innovative projects in film, video, music, and print. The network consists of directors, producers, writers, publicity, set deign, audio, script supervisors and all the various departments in the film, TV, and print to create positive productions.

The Black Global Network is not responsible for connections. We provide an environment for where the creative can be nurtured and grown organically. The Black Global Network is a place where all dreams can come true in an unifying arts community to produce projects of passion and responsibility.

How do I educate myself?

Read. Talk. Listen. My father used to say God gave me 2 eyes, 2 ears and 1 mouth for a reason. Read books about history, the world, people. Read the news. Read about a subject you don't know. Talk to new people from backgrounds outside of your own; from a different ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, geographical location, age. Listen to more than the words, but to body language and the underlying message. Take it in, decide how it relates to you and how you can use it to move forward. Decide how you can impart your knowledge to others.