No Struggle, No Progress
No Struggle, No Progress
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Last month controversy in pop culture surfaced after artist Chris Brown was axed from performing at this year's American Music Awards (AMAs). The R&B star was working on a performance for the show that would pay tribute to Michael Jackson in celebration of the 40th anniversary of his famed Thriller album. Chris' talent and stardom have been highly compared to MJ's and, in recent months, even sparked many debates among fans and critics. The comparisons set the perfect stage (pun intended) for Chris Brown to put on yet another stellar awards...
Watching the movie, The Preacher’s Wife is a holiday tradition that I have for myself. It is themed around Christmas time, so it is appropriate for this time of year. The movie is set in New York City and features an all-star cast featuring Denzel Washington, Whitney Houston, Courtney B. Vance, Loretta Divine, and Gregory Hines. The movie tells the story of a pastor, Reverend Henry Biggs, leading his struggling church and additional issues that arise when serving as a leader of a church congregation in a predominately Black community. The c...
I love fresh squeezed orange juice. Each Christmas my parrain would gift my brothers and me a large box of fresh oranges and apples. As young kids, we didn't always appreciate getting fruit on a holiday for extravagant gifts, but as the years passed, we sincerely appreciated our parrain's thoughtful kindness and consistency. I would use those oranges to make fresh squeezed orange juice. I would cut them in halves and use a glass juicer to extract the juice. The oranges were so sweet, and the juice was so good! I would drink about 4 ounces at a...
When tragedy struck the Black community in Buffalo, NY on May 14, 2022 it served as a harsh reminder of the intense hatred that still exists in this country. That hatred is fueled by racism and radical hate groups who encourage attacks on Black communities. The attackers carry out their heinous attacks in places where people are most vulnerable. Before the May 14 attack at a grocery store, another attacker targeted a Bible Study group at a Black church. What makes matters worse is that most cold-blooded killers who strike minority communities...
The start of a new school year is the mark of a new beginning for a child. During this time, they get new clothes, new shoes, new school supplies, and sometimes even a new hairdo all with the premise of starting with a clean slate. This is big for a child. The transition to a new grade signifies kid growth for them. The beginning of a new school year marks transitional periods that they can actually see. Before the school year officially begins, take time to talk with kids and provide perspective on the blessing of beginning something again or...
The past two years have been a stark reminder that life is short. I understand that we can all die in an instant, but COVID-19 has been such a powerful wake-up call to show that life and days are so fleeting. If I had only one week left on this earth, I would want to spend it doing the things I enjoy most. I would savor opportunities to spend time with the people I love, smiling, talking, laughing, cherishing memories, and creating new ones. I would challenge myself to step out of my comfort zone and do things I have always wanted to try....
In October 2021, Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg announced the name change of Facebook and the creation of Meta and the Metaverse, an extension of the social media organization into the virtual reality space online. Prior to the introduction of Meta, Zuckerberg staked a claim in VR gaming with the Oculus VR headset and gaming system perfectly paired with the Metaverse. Since its name and platform change, many have questioned if this new virtual world could be a potential detriment to people, namely children. Researchers partnering with the...
At Dazzle Dance, I begin the season by teaching the fundamentals of dance through a series of progressions. As the year progresses, the girls learn to comprehend quicker and, with deliberate practice, execute movement with precision and confidence. Some levels have challenges, and others allow a chance to catch a breath. The instructions are the same at any level - always do your best at everything you are given. If we remain committed to doing our best at each level, we will have developed mental and physical fortitude. That fortitude reminds...
Born in the 80s, I can honestly say I have had great childhood and coming-of-age experiences that spanned across significant decades. My house is musical, and I remember things like records and a record player, but the portable cassette player stood out to me most. I remember the yellow Walkman my dad wore as a symbol of pride and significance. I even remember my dad purchasing one each for my brothers and me and being bummed when I broke a button or lost my headphones. Then along came the cd player! I loved it because I thought it was so cool...
The pandemic has brought many changes in the lives of lots of people across the globe. The most significant thing that is changing is the way we work and the work that we do. The first computer in the US was created in 1946, invented by J. Presper Eckert and John Mauchly at the University of Pennsylvania. It took up about 1,800 square feet and weighed almost 50 tons. That is the size of a large two-bedroom apartment and the weight of about eight male elephants. Now in 2021, we have cordless computers in our hands that work using a network that...
This year marks the 10th year of Dazzle Dance, and I could not be more excited to present this year's showcase. This year's show is to pay homage to the ladies inspiring us to live life glamorously. When I began this journey, I had no idea what all was in store. I simply said yes to fulfilling a lifelong dream of opening a special studio space to train girls in dance and the arts. When I think back to all the incredible memories from over the years, I am well pleased with how far we have come...
When tragedy struck the Black community in Buffalo, NY on May 14, 2022 it served as a harsh reminder of the intense hatred that still exists in this country. That hatred is fueled by racism and radical hate groups who encourage attacks on Black communities. The attackers carry out their heinous attacks in places where people are most vulnerable. Before the May 14 attack at a grocery store, another attacker targeted a Bible Study group at a Black church. What makes matters worse is that most cold-blooded killers who strike minority communities...
A belief is having trust, faith, or confidence in something, an idea, or a thought. It is deemed as an acceptance that a statement or thing is true or actually exists. When we are asked what we believe in, the concept goes beyond our thoughts of if we believe a higher being exists. Our beliefs are our values and what makes us who we are. We were all given an individual mind for a reason. We were given our own brains to formulate our own thoughts about what we believe, creating insight and understanding based on what we believe. Our beliefs are...
Graduation season is upon us once again and after two years of restrictive living, it appears as if we can now live and celebrate more. I happen to know quite a few graduates this year. I am excited to see them switch their tassels and begin a new life in pursuit of their dreams. Some have decided to enter university in the Fall. Some have decided to take a gap year to figure out their next phase in life and others have decided to enter the workforce. Whatever the decision, there is so much hope and possibility for the future. What I admire...
I sometimes find it hard to believe how much technology has evolved over the past 20 years. In 2002, popular cell phones like Nokia or Motorola made the convenience of communication more accessible to the masses. Today we have moved past the technology of yesterday into video conferencing, dropping locations, and q&r sharing. With advancements in technology come upgrades for a strong reliable network. Over the past 10 years telecommunications companies have been busy installing more fiber optic lines below ground. Those wires all support a...
The pandemic has shifted a lot in our world, but nothing has changed more than the way we gather. Coming from a society that centers a lot of activities in and around the church, these past 20 months have changed my perspective on the body of Christ. I like most that we now see we can accomplish the same - if not more - without doing things the way they have always been done. It is probably best that there is more flexibility in worshipping. Some things in the church seem to be done out of obligation or tradition and, in some ways, have become...
Discussion about drug use within the Black community is a restricted conversation. Beyond hearing the occasional sad story of how someone overdosed and ended up in jail for explicit behavior or witnessing someone exhibit obnoxious erratic mannerisms, we don't like to talk about it. I can certainly understand why there are not any true and in-depth conversations about drugs and drug overdose. There are those who may judge and ridicule persons who made the decision to use drugs. Recovering users stand on the other side not wanting to experience...
This past January, Florida state GOP lawmakers introduced and advanced a bill prohibiting schools from 'encouraging' talk of sexual orientation and gender identity in some classrooms. On March 8, 2022, the Florida Senate passed the Parental Rights in Education Bill (HB 1557), and it will now be sent to the Governor’s hands to sign; after it is signed, the new law will take effect this summer. The bill prohibits education administrators, faculty, and staff from discussing or teaching about sexual orientation with its kids in grades k...
In October 2021, Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg announced the name change of Facebook and the creation of Meta and the Metaverse, an extension of the social media organization into the virtual reality space online. Prior to the introduction of Meta, Zuckerberg staked a claim in VR gaming with the Oculus VR headset and gaming system perfectly paired with the Metaverse. Since its name and platform change, many have questioned if this new virtual world could be a potential detriment to people, namely children. Researchers partnering with the...
There is an adage that states, “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 the history of Blacks that are not commonly known. Janette Hoston Harris was born September 7, 1939, in Monroe, LA, to her parents, Maud and Eluin Hoston. Her father, Eluin earned a living as a businessman who ran a print shop and opened the first shoe store in Louisiana for African Americans. Harris attended Carroll High School, where she excelled in Englis...
There is 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 the history of Blacks that are not commonly known. Donna Brazile was born December 14, 1959, in New Orleans, LA. She was the outspoken child of her family who was never afraid to be in charge and fight for things she believed. Her political aspirations began when she was in grade school. Growing up, she was inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s eff...
There is an 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 the history of Blacks that are not commonly known. Touissant McCall rose from an obscure area of the south to sing on many stages across the nation, serenading many with his smooth voice. Some records claim Touissant was born in Monroe, Louisiana, but those who really know him know his roots started in Delhi,...
Conversation about drug use within the Black community is a restricted conversation. Beyond hearing the occasional sad story of how some OD'ed and ended up in jail for explicit behavior or witnessing someone exhibit obnoxious erratic mannerisms, we don't like to talk about it. I can certainly understand why there are not any true and in-depth conversations about drugs and drug overdose. There are those who may judge and ridicule those who made the decision to use drugs. Recovering users stand on the other side not wanting to experience further...
The best way to truly know how you feel about the ‘hood (the sides of town that Black and people densely populate) is to visit a 'hood in another city. When I first enter a 'hood, I immediately realize I have entered a not-so-good side of town by what I see - overgrown grass, dilapidated homes, sketchy gas stations, potholes every 100 feet - I could go on. The most distinctive thing is the feeling I get within seconds of turning into a 'hood I am not familiar visiting. There is an uneasiness about what can happen at any moment and a rush to n...
Welcome to 2022! If you are reading this, you are in the number of the most fortunate to make it to a new year. As I prepare for what is to come for this new year, the story of Job comes to mind. Surely Job never expected what would happen in his life. He was recorded in the Bible as one of God's most faithful and humble servants who had a special kinship with God. Despite his favor, Job still faced much adversity permitted by the top man himself. I am talking unexpected and underserved blow after blow. God not only allowed satan to take all hi...
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...
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...
We use three simple ingredients: lemons, water, and sugar. Lemons, in taste, are very bitter fruits. The fruit is in the citrus family and contains high acidic properties. They are versatile fruits that can be used in cooking and even cleaning. Water is one of the things essential to living things' survival. When added, it expands the flavor. Sugar is sweet-tasting granulated molecules. Derived from sugarcane that grows from the ground, sugar is pressed and milled into granular crystals and then added to sweeten things. The sugar crystals are...
The scripture “For all things work” from the book of Romans takes on another meaning for me in the fall of each year. Fall is my favorite time of the year because it reminds me of God’s intentions. It’s so interesting to me how the seasons change. We have the Winter, where everything in nature goes into hibernation. There is a beauty in the stillness the Winter creates. After Winter comes Spring, where refreshing rains bring magnificent blooms. Then comes Summer with the energizing sun and peaceful starry nights. The way God makes the seasons...
My grandfather ( the late Frank DeTiege Sr.) loved gardening and grew lots of fruits and vegetables. In observing him doing his hobby, I realized gardening was a daily chore. He would put on his gardening uniform - old lightweight blue jean pants and a long sleeve plaid button-down shirt - and move from row to row tending to his growing goodies. I never asked him why he went outside so much; I always assumed he must have really enjoyed it. Now, as an adult, I can understand the appeal of nurturing something and watching it grow. I have not...
It is so interesting how a once taboo thing is now one of the most en vogue things to do. Weed is now one of the most popular topics of conversation, buzzing throughout entertainment, business, and health conversations heard throughout our country right now, while in some parts of our country, people are still getting charged with serious criminal charges for possessing it. The history of marijuana use goes back for thousands of years tracing back to Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean islands. The marijuana plant produces THC, which is a part of...
It is so interesting how a once taboo thing is now one of the most en vogue things to do. Weed is now one of the most popular topics of conversation, buzzing throughout entertainment, business, and health conversations heard throughout our country right now, while in some parts of our country, people are still getting charged with serious criminal charges for possessing it. The history of marijuana use goes back for thousands of years tracing back to Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean islands. The marijuana plant produces THC, which is a part of...
The start of a new school year is the mark of a new beginning for a child. During this time they get new clothes, new shoes, new school supplies, and sometimes even a new hairdo all with the premise of starting with a clean slate. This is big for a child. The transition to a new grade signifies kid growth for them. The beginning of a new school year marks transitional periods that they can actually see. Before the school year officially begins, take time to converse with kids and provide perspective on the blessing of beginning something again...
A few years ago I was able to travel to Cuba, a country located in the Carribean. The country is about an hour's journey from Miami, FL. Stepping off the plane revealed a small airport, with minimal modern efficiencies, but just enough that the snobbiest of travelers did not complain. Steps further out of the airport and one is met with a humid unsettling air. Old American cars serve as taxis awaiting visitors who need to move throughout the city. A drive around Havana, the country's most populated city birthed a nostalgic familiar feeling. Thi...
The pandemic has brought many changes in the lives of lots of people across the globe. The most significant thing that is changing is the way we work and the work that we do. The first computer in the US was created in 1946, invented by J. Presper Eckert and John Mauchly at the University of Pennsylvania. It took up about 1,800 square feet and weighed almost 50 tons. That is the size of a large one-bedroom apartment and the weight of about eight male elephants. Now in 2021, we have cordless computers in our hands that work using a network that...
It is so interesting how a once taboo thing is now one of the most en vogue things to do. Weed is now one of the most popular topics of conversation, buzzing throughout entertainment, business, and health conversations heard throughout our country right now, while in some parts of our country, people are still getting charged with serious criminal charges for possessing it. The history of marijuana use goes back for thousands of years tracing back to Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean islands. The marijuana plant produces THC, which is a part of...
Over the weekend, I counted coins that I have been saving over the past few years. As I went through the money, I sifted through each penny, checking the year they had been produced. Pennies made before 1983 are worth more than one cent because they were made with a higher percentage of copper. Pennies dated 1984 or newer hold no value higher than one cent. It was easy to assess some pennies that looked new and shiny as pennies that were made within the past 20 years. I had to read others more carefully because it was harder to tell if they...
After a year like last year, I knew we all could use a reminder of who God is. How he loves us all. He told me His people needed encouragement and a reminder of what is most important. Who is most important? JUBILEE! (this year's recital theme) was born as God encouraged me to keep going, remain positive, stay focused, and celebrate life - even during today's uncertain times. And a JUBILEE it was indeed! I cried big tears as the show unfolded. THANK YOU to all the wonderful Dazzle Dance dance moms and dance dads who have supported us this...
Last year brought many disruptions to our lives. The experience of living through a global pandemic has had a tremendous impact on how we live now and in the future. I am so glad we have turned a corner, and it is now safe to gather, travel, and be social once again. Operating a business that serves children has been a challenge in this past year. I was forced to shut down the doors to Dazzle Dance studio in March of last year. In an effort to mitigate spreading the virus, we shifted to online classes and completed the season with a virtual...
On yesterday Tuesday, April 19, 2021, Derek Chauvin was found guilty for the murder of George Floyd. I spoke to friends before the verdict was announced, and many were nervous to hear the outcome. We have been conditioned to mourn the many lost at the hands of police violence and brutality not only once but twice after those responsible for their lives receive little to no accountability in the court of law. We are used to having to carry the weight of being on the receiving end of cruel treatment with no punishment given to those who abuse the...
There are road signs that signal important messages as we drive. They are important to us because they give clarity on if we are going in the right direction or need to make a detour. They even sometimes alert us if there are pending obstacles in our way. Now and then when I travel to a place that is unfamiliar I can get lost no matter what the directions read or what the signs say. I sometimes second guess my map or my instincts and get off course. I then feel compelled to ask for help from some who, in my opinion, "looks like" they may know...
Whenever you go to take a test for a certification or graduate level education there is a test that you need to pass in order to prove you have what it takes to move to the next level of success. When you enter the testing facility, you walk into a cold, bland space made up of a waiting area and testing room, which features a line of cubicle computer stations. You cannot carry any personal belongings in the testing room and must present an government issued ID. The entire time you are there cameras follow your every move, to maintain that...
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!...
