Being gay nowadays seems like it is worldwide trending topic where every person no matter what race, creed, or religious background chime in on this issue. Everyone has an opinion even CEOs from fortune 500 companies *grabs Chick-fil-a sandwich*. People are raising major hell about same-sex marriage when the truth is there are greater things at hand we need to considerate on like the education system, poverty, taxing the poor and letting the rich get away with murder, and making higher education impossible to afford.
Charity – generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy or suffering; also: aid given to those in need
I can consider myself a charitable and giving person. My heart bleeds whenever I see someone less fortunate than I am struggling to survive in this world. I was taught by my grandma to give to those who are less fortunate and pray for those who can’t pray for themselves. This October is a special month for me because I am involved in two charitable events which impact everyone.
Each year, I participate in the making strides for breast cancer walk sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Some people get it confused with Susan G. Komen annual breast cancer walk which is the end of October. This walk is in the beginning of October. It is held at Laurelwood Shopping Center located at 426 S. Grove Park Road, Memphis, Tn. This is time where thousands of people come with their teams, organizations, and families for one mission. The mission is to find a cure and provide a continuum care for those with breast cancer. According the American Cancer Society making strides website,
Making Strides against Breast Cancer is the American Cancer Society’s nationwide series of walking events to raise funds and awareness to end breast cancer. Nationwide, more than 270 Making Strides walks occur each year, and each one is a powerful and inspiring opportunity to unite as a community to honor breast cancer survivors, raise awareness about what we can do to stay well, and raise money to help fight the disease with breast cancer research, information and services, and access to mammograms for women who need them. Walks range in distance from 3 to 5 miles.
I decided to become hands on this year because I have lost family members and friends due to cancer. I hope we will have a day when everyone in this nation becomes proactive in finding a cure. We should not let another family go through the suffering of losing a love one to this disease. Let us find ways of prevention, continue to provide for those who are struggling and give hope to families in need.
Operation Stand Down Memphis, Inc Veterans Stand Down Event
What: OSDM Veterans Stand Down
When: Saturday, October 27, 2012 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: UT Health and Science Center Doctors Field 255 S. Dunlap (Enter from union and located behind the McDonald’s
Who will be participating: All Veterans and interested parties
As a fellow veteran, my heart goes out to veterans and their families because they go through a lot. I have experience both sides of military life being a soldier and a wife of a soldier. I will tell you personally it is not easy. It bothers to know there are homeless veterans whom exist here in the United States. It especially bothers me to know the homeless population now consists of veterans who are returning home from the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. In fact 23 percent of the homeless population in the United States is veterans. Operation Stand Down Memphis, Inc core mission is to help homeless veterans through transitional programs and services to become effective citizens in their community. Each year, OSDM host a stand down. What is a stand down?
A “stand down” is a one-day military event where veterans can come in a comfortable atmosphere to receive vital information about healthcare, benefits, housing, or to join supported veterans’ organizations. The organization will provide food, entertainment, and clothing for the veterans.
Last year, OSDM held a stand down on November 2011during Veterans Day and they were able to service about 150 veterans across the mid-south area. OSDM supports the veterans throughout the year by collaborating with other community and national organizations. Also, they host quarterly informational session for veterans who are in rehabilitation centers here in Memphis. I urge to you help a veteran in their time of need. They were there for us constantly defending our country and protecting our freedom we enjoy and sometimes take for granted.
This is a special message from me to you. If you have goal, try your best to aim towards that goal. Life is short but live it to the fullest. After you have accomplished your goal or purpose, you can rest in the fact that the work you did here on earth will live on forever. This video is dedicated to Sahara Davenport a true queen. RIP Sahara Davenport
Today is October 1st. It is a very exciting month for me to say the least because in five days I will celebrate my birthday. Go Libras!!! This day is special because one of the soul legends was born on this day. Mr. Donny Hathaway. If you have never heard any of Donny Hathaway’s music, you are missing true music artistry. He was to me a soulful musical genius. Donny Hathaway was born on October 1, 1945. While he was briefly attending, the prominently black college Howard University, he met his musical partner Roberta Flack. Later on they would make good music together and create one of the most tender soulful ballads, “The Closer I Get To You.” Hathaway was accomplished musician and produced a whole soundtrack for the movie “Come Back Charleston Blue” and he wrote the theme song to the television show Maude. Although, we lost Donny over 33 years ago, his musical influences still lives on through artists such as Musiq Soulchild, Kem, Raheem Davaughn, and even his own daughter Lalah Hathaway. Lalah to me sounds just like her father whenever she sings. I can’t help to smile and reminisce about her father. I want people to remember Donny as the true definition of what R&B music is and how it reaches the soul. Even though today, the musical genre known as R&B is being lost in translation, I hope Donny’s music would be the guiding map back to true essence of R&B soul music. Rest In Peace Donny Hathaway.
