No Struggle, No Progress
No Struggle, No Progress
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I hate to see abandoned vehicles along highways. I instantly empathize with the driver and always wonder what happened to force someone to abandon their car. I am always confused when I see a nice shiny car idly sitting because I feel like it should not have any reason to break down. If it looks new, it should be void of imperfections and problems. On the flip side, when I see a dated or dirty car stranded, my thoughts are often around assumptions that it is not getting the maintenance it needs to operate or that it is so raggedy it does not...
Although I do not always agree with all the laws and rules that the government imposes, I understand that in theory the rules are in place to keep us all safe. Difficulty ensues when rules change for individuals who get more lenient punishment when disobeying the rules. A few weeks ago, the governors of Texas and Mississippi made the shocking decision to lift restrictions recommended by the Center for Disease Control. The states’ top leadership announced masks are no longer required when out and about and that businesses can operate like in p...
I remember the feelings I had when I was younger and experienced heartbreak, embarrassment, or shame, and thought surely my world is about to end or that I would never be able to recover. I felt the pain of what I experienced was so great that it would paralyze me, and I would no longer have the desire to do the things I did in the way that I did them ever again. I remember reliving everything in my head, over and over, seeing people laugh or taunt me. I could even hear people’s commentary, and that made it worse. When my grandmother was a...
Last week the world watched as Republican extremists walked through the United States Capitol building wreaking havoc after receiving marching orders from the country's current leader. To date, the 45th president has not owned up to telling his supporters to march to the US Capitol. Despite his denials, his rally speech shares that he did give rally-goers a directive to storm the capitol and disrupt Congress from certifying the 2020 election and giving the ok for the Biden inauguration. What we witnessed Wednesday, January 6, 2021, was yet...
This year I have thought a lot about faith. What it is, how it works, and why I need it are a few of the many questions I have been asking myself. I believe I have been called to gain a deeper understanding of my faith in this season. I know I am not alone in my thoughts as I have shared many conversations about faith with many people throughout this year. Through Bible study, devotional readings, and conversations with other Christian believers, I have come to understand that we cannot have a breakthrough in our lives without faith; the only...
Years ago I saw a gorgeous hairstyle on a woman who worked in the same office building my company was housed. Each morning I saw her I would admire her hairstyle. It was cut in a long bob and she would style it in many different ways. After a few months I decided I wanted to take the plunge and cut my hair in a bob like hers. I asked her for her stylist's information. After a consultation with her stylist, I pulled the trigger and cut my hair. It was bad and looked nothing like I expected. I was so disappointed. I wanted to achieve a look like...
Two weeks have passed since this year's Presidential election and the current sitting president, Donald Trump, still refuses to concede. The electoral college count is now 290-Biden, 232-Trump. While everyone, including Trump's current White House staff, are preparing for what their work will be post-White House, Trump is ignoring his advisory team and critics. Earlier this week, Michelle Obama tweeted a photo of herself alongside President Obama on their final walk from the White House. In her caption that accompanied the picture, she talked...
I enjoy the holidays because it's a time of year when the pressures of life are subdued and I get a little reprieve from the norm. Since I am home more, I have more time to do things I enjoy like cooking. I presume most Americans are like me during the holiday season and are in a cooking frenzy, especially because tv networks develop and devote more time to shows about holiday baking and cooking. I relish in being at home baking cookies, drinking a sparkling beverage, and watching Christmas movies on TV. I am no Top Chef (yet), but I can burn!...
The scriptures teach us that, “pride comes before a fall”, which is a lesson that one shouldn’t place so much emphasis on themselves as someone who claims to be a “self-made” individual. There is a modern-day expression that convey that thought, which is, an individual is “full of it”. It is always about “me, myself and I,”, hardly ever about “us” or “we”, indicating that all of the credit, accolades should be showered upon that individual because he “did it” his way. Often times, an individual who takes that much pride in himself, will find n...
As a child, I remember seeing movies and documentaries about racism and the civil rights era, thinking they were horror stories. Graphic scenes depicted Blacks being hung, raped, severely beaten, tortured, and shot dead as they fought for simple rights like the ability to sit and enjoy lunch in a restaurant, or vote to elect a politician who promised to represent them. I would have nightmares of those traumas, re-living people’s suffering all because they had the desire and will to want better for themselves and their children. As I sit and r...
By Jessica DeTiege We have come a long way in the fight for equality as it relates to voting rights. Our rights have come after lots of sacrifice, mainly carried on the backs of our ancestors, who endured much adversity and abuse. Despite many tactics of voter suppression, generations and generations of Blacks have exercised their right to vote to evoke change in representation, because the risk has always exceeded the reward. The unfortunate truth is some of us have dropped the torch by not participating in the political process. This has put...
Last night the United States presidential candidates were seen on the world stage in the first debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden. The entire country took a collective sigh as the debate went from 0-100 within the first question, leaving viewers stunned and appalled. The current president especially alarmed many with his outbursts, interruptions, and entanglements with not only the Democratic nominee Biden, but even with the debate’s moderator Chris Wallace too. President Trump went on to deny the severity of the Coronavirus pandemic, d...
So much has happened since the founding of the United States of America over 200 years ago. There have been changes that are necessary and inevitable. After all, life – our personal lives and collective lives and experiences that shape our world – is ever-evolving. Change is vital in order to grow and expand the vision our Creator has for us all. Our one responsibility is to be on the positive side of change. To do that, we must work together and implement good that will benefit the entire nation. As much as things have changed, not all tha...
Many types of voter suppression tactics were implemented in the U.S. during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries as outlined in my column in last week's Monroe Dispatch. Despite the progression of time and significant advancements provided by Black citizens of our country, the nation still struggles with providing equitable political gain and true rights to all of its Brown and Black citizens. Can you imagine waking up on Tuesday, November 3, excited to exercise your right to vote after ten years of not participating, only to get to your polling...
Another innocent black man was shot by the police. On Sunday, August 23, 2020 Jacob Blake, an African-American man, was shot by police as his attempted to enter his car in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Eye-witnesses revealed that Jacob was seen trying to break up a fight between two women. Things then quickly escalated when police officers followed him to his car, and as he tried to get in his car, they opened fire on him. Blake’s three sons, 3-, 5-, and 8-years old, were in the vehicle at the time and witnessed the shooting. Despite being shot seven t...
Do The Right Thing I want to think that very few people wake up feeling their day’s work should include hating or harming another person. The reality, however, is that crimes based on hate are committed every day. Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing, is one of many movies that tell the story of racial tensions between different people of varying nationalities. The film especially exposed police brutality issues that often go unnoticed, like the death of Radio Raheem. Even then, a movie depicted the disheartening image of a Black man’s body being...
Home training can and will take one a long way in this world. It has opened many doors for many successful people and is considered by many of those to be a gateway to opportunity. When one has home training, they possess the ability to interact with a variety of people, being polite and pleasant to those whom they encounter, whether it be a stranger or friend. They, most importantly, treat everyone with the respect they themselves would like to receive. Someone with home training is never loud and obnoxious to beg for attention because they...
Before making a substantial purchase, I always do a thorough assessment of a product. My first assessment is to check reviews for the product in question. In some cases, reviews are subjective, meaning they can be influenced by one's personal feelings, tastes, and opinions. Plainly put, one could write a good or bad review depending on the day, how they are feeling, or based on what they thought they would get, not what something actually is. Other reviews may be objective, meaning they are...
Have you ever tried cutting something with dull scissors? Or try cutting thick meat like steak with a butter knife? Despite all of the tugging or manipulation one may try, the wrong knife or scissors aren’t a bit of good. As a young girl, I would often spend the summers with my grandmother Rosie, who is a master cook. When her knives were dull, she would dig to find what looked to me like a giant needle. She would hold the handle of the “needle” and slide the knife up along the metal until she knew it was sharp enough. I couldn’t underst...
The most important question I have asked myself in these last few weeks is what message God is trying to send to us in all of this we are facing? I ask this question because I try to make Christianity the most important thing in my life. Although I often fall short, Christianity has given me principles by which I have chosen to live my life. I understand and accept that all people are not Christians (even if this is something that they proclaim). I accept that we all have a choice to believe what we chose. What I have seen and experienced is...
In the summer of 2002, I picked up the book, This Little Life of Mine, a biography of Mrs. Fannie Lou Hamer (1917-1977). At the time, I was entering my sophomore year at Wossman High School, and I had reached a point in life where I longed for more education on things that I thought were important. As I searched my parents' library, I eventually found Hamer’s book. Author Kay Mills shared many horrific and sad stories of Hamer’s life. Hamer rose from picking cotton for a sharecropped farm to become a leader in the fight for Blacks' voting rig...
We always seek to eat fresh things. When we reach for an apple at the grocery store, we always feel around to make sure we grab one that isn’t bruised or spoiled. Processed foods, including canned foods, crackers, juices, cured meats, and breads also come with “use-by” dates stamped on them. Most foods either mold or taste horrible if you try to eat them after the expiration date. Not only do expired goods taste awful, but they can also make us extremely ill. On the other hand, some foods will keep well if they are preserved or kept frozen, but...
Lately, I’ve observed mannerisms and attitudes from both my parents that mimic the same as their parents. I’ve noticed that my dad can fall asleep on the couch seconds after he’s sat down and how he scratches the top of his head the same as my grandfather did. I’ve noticed that my mom walks leaning over for a few steps when she’s getting up from being seated, and she keeps everything, the same as my grandmother does. Whether they realized it or not, they do these and many other things the same as their parents have, and it is often funny to...
There are many resources in the world that can enhance our lives. Resources are granted to those who have access to information. Information is shared through educational opportunities, involvement in social and civic programs, and networks. In addition to that, we now have amazing technology. With the evolution of technology, we can no longer use time and space as a variable to not having the information or resources we need. Within the realm of technology and communications, we can create groups of networks using communications devices, appli...
We are facing some pretty trying times as a community here in Monroe. Not only are we dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic that is affecting the world, but some are also now left to clean up after a series of tornadoes struck our community, damaging homes and businesses. We are projected to get more severe weather during our peak tornado season, which typically runs March through August, and can possibly further threaten our health and well-being. Having more time at home is helping me drill down on things, including things I am doing to help me...
We are living in very interesting times. COVID-19 (or Coronavirus) has disrupted the entire globe, forcing us to take many precautions as we continue to live our lives. New restrictions around how we live and interact with one another can be summed up with the phrase called social distancing. Social distancing means measures taken to prevent the spread of a contagious disease by maintaining physical distance and reducing the number of times people come in close contact with one another. Social distancing calls for people to spend weeks away...
Many challenges come with a global pandemic. Not only is our health at risk, but our economy is also very vulnerable. Both will take a hit. Perhaps the hardest hit will be the hundreds of thousands of small businesses and self-employed Americans across the country. I am bracing for the financial hit since I, too, am a small-business owner. Researchers with Upwork, a website that connects contracted and self-employed individuals with credible jobs and resources, reported freelancers make up to about 35% of working Americans. These workers,...
A lot is going on in the world in which we live. The Coronavirus has now traveled around the globe, disrupting travel plans and canceling annual events. More importantly, the virus is killing thousands of people with a fury that is causing people to panic in ways I have never before seen. Before the Coronavirus, it was hard for me to conceive something like this happening. Some movies and books tell the story of catastrophic disasters happening. The films and books paint the picture of how one accident or intentional act by a vengeful person...
I remember watching tv shows like the Jetsons and thinking a lot of the technologies they had would be nice but never actually saw them really happening. The Jetsons were based in a 2060 futuristic era, and we are now in 2020. Our reality is that we have arrived near the Jetson-like present and future faster than anticipated thanks to inventors with creative imaginations and the engineers who can make those visions come to life. A simple modern efficiency that has always been used is the tv. I remember when I first begin watching tv, shows...
I believe while we are on this earth that we should strive to have peace in our lives. Peace comes from many different things, but peace mainly comes from being a whole complete person. When we are whole, we are well and possess a balance of spiritual, emotional, intellectual, physical, social, environmental and financial wellness. When we possess spiritual wellness, we acknowledge that there is a higher power in control over our lives, and we surrender. Spiritual wellness keeps us grounded and comforted at all times. Emotional wellness is...
In the early 1900s, African-American author, educator, and activist Nannie Helen Burroughs published “12 Things The Negro Must Do For Himself”, which was a comprehensive list of important values and ideologies deemed necessary for Blacks to understand and implement to create success for themselves and implement as newly freed people of America. In honor of Black History month I believe it is imperative to share Ms. Burroughs’ writing because her words are still extremely valuable and pertinent today. —— 7. The Negro Must Stop Charging...
In the early 1900s, African-American author, educator, and activist Nannie Helen Burroughs published “12 Things The Negro Must Do For Himself”, which was a comprehensive list of important values and ideologies deemed necessary for Blacks to understand and implement to create success for themselves and implement as newly freed people of America. In honor of Black History month I believe it is imperative to share Ms. Burroughs’ writing because her words are still extremely valuable and pertinent today. —— 1. The Negro Must Learn To Put First Thi...
There’s an old adage that says, “You never know where you are going unless you know where you have been.” In the spirit of Black history month, the Monroe Dispatch will highlight stories and history of Black people that are not commonly known. In 1312, a man by the name of Musa became Emperor of the Mali Empire. Given the Mansa, meaning “King” he went on to have a glorious reign. Mansa Musa was thought to be an extremely intelligent man, knowledgeable in Arabic and many other various subjects. He was a devote Muslim and was known as the first...
There’s an old adage that says, “You never know where you are going unless you know where you have been.” In the spirit of Black history month, the Monroe Dispatch will highlight stories and history of Black people. It is no secret that many Blacks have made many advances in a variety of fields that include architecture, sports, and engineering among many others. Daniel Hale Williams contributed vastly to the American medical field. Daniel was born in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, January 18, 1856 to Sarah Price Williams and Daniel Hale Willi...
I used to think empathy was a horrible character trait to have. I once thought it wasn't good for me because I could easily receive the feelings and the energy of others around me. I have grown to realize that empathy can be one of my best character traits. This past Friday (January 24, 2020), social activists and Mississippi residents shared their disdain for the cruel treatment in the state's prison system during a Prison Reform Rally held right outside the state's capitol. I could feel the emotions of the people as soon as I walked up. Many...
Prison reform has become a grand topic of conversation in mainstream media over the last several years as celebrities have begun lending their voices to spread awareness about the inhumane conditions of which some prisoners are forced to live. Inhumane conditions include harsh weather conditions and unethical essential health and human rights are just a few issues that have been shared, peeling back layers of the American prison system. Inmates who are also Monroe Dispatch subscribers have shared their frustrations with the conditions of which...
Visiting New York City is always an exciting adventure for me that births creativity and enlightenment. In the city that never sleeps, there’s always something to see and do that one has never experienced before. When I visit, I often go to the same places, but the each time they’re never the same. On my last trip, I discovered a district completely dedicated to lighting. There were blocks and blocks of nothing but stores that sold lighting fixtures. Some only sold one style, and others sold a variety of styles and sizes. I would imagine som...
My grandmother Irma Hall DeTiege was a huge advocate for voting because she grew up in an era where elections meant life or death for some Louisianans who were low on the totem pole. I have read many of her articles, and a common theme she often wrote about was political issues, encouraging people to get out and vote. Although she is no longer here, I now carry the torch, sharing the same desire to remind Monroe Dispatch readers of the importance of their vote. A sad truth we must face is although time has passed, positive change is still hard...
I've always loved the thought of cooking. I watched cooking shows and watched my grandmother in the kitchen countless times. As I've gotten older, I've also come to enjoy the process. I most often learn to make things after I've tried it or after people reneged on making it for me. My most recent food obsession has been white chocolate cookies. Most stores sell them with macadamia nuts and I'm not a fan of those types of nuts, so one day a few weeks ago I decided to pull out my mixer a bake them myself. My white chocolate cookies came out...
I remember watching television shows like the Jetsons and thinking a lot of the technologies they had would be nice but never actually saw them really happening. The Jetsons were based in the 2060 future era, and we are only in 2018. Our reality is that we have arrived near the Jetson-like present and future faster than anticipated thanks to inventors with creative imaginations and the engineers who can make those visions come to life. A simple modern efficiency that has always been used is the TV. I remember when I first begin watching televis...
Last night my dad and I sat and watched Love Is ____, a tv show on Oprah’s OWN TV network. While we watched the latest episode we shared a conversation, and my dad made a comment that I can’t forget. “When I was growing up, you didn’t see Black people like this,” He said. He went on to elaborate on this comment saying that Blacks were rarely depicted on TV and when they were they were most often seen in a depressing, disadvantaged situation mainly as slaves, servants, criminals, drug users, or drug dealers. The depth in which we see Blacks on...
Years ago, I saw a gorgeous hairstyle on a woman who worked in the same office building as my company was housed. Each morning I saw her I would admire her hairstyle. It was cut in a long bob and she would style it in many different ways. After a few months I decided I wanted to take the plunge and cut my hair too in a bob like hers, and asked her for her stylist’s information. After a consultation with her stylist, I pulled the trigger and had my hair cut. It was bad and looked nothing like I expected. I was so disappointed. I wanted to a...
We experience four seasons each year - fall, winter, spring, and summer. Each season has a distinctive purpose. The spring is the transition between cold and hot weather and most often brings rain, but the rain does not last long. After the rain, beautiful flowers begin to bloom and leaves begin to sprout on trees and bushes. The temperature is normally pleasant. The summer, like the spring brings beautiful flowers. The summer is the season in which you would see most people out enjoying the summer air on the beach or in the park. The...
How do you start your day? Do you roll over to your phone and scroll news or social media? Do you begin by turning on the radio? Do you reach for the remote control to turn on your TV? How does your day end up going? Does it go smoothly or do you have small situations that consume you? Start your day by being reminded to whom you belong. God wants us to be in constant relation and communication with Him. The closer we stay to Him the farther we are away from sin, depression, and anxiety. Throughout the day as you would a close friend, call on...
This past summer NBA superstar Kevin Durant received lots of backlash after revealing he was behind a fake social media account, that shared his true feelings about his former team and coaches. Durant began his career as a professional basketball player in 2007 at age 19 with the Seattle Supersonics, and was named NBA Rookie Player of the Year. The next year the team was renamed and moved, officially becoming the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite his athletic star power, Durant and his teammates could not seem to win an NBA championship title,...
