Florida A&M Graduation 2010

I attended my first Florida A&M University graduation.

My journey only took several hours, the accomplishments
of Darryl "TopShelf" McClenton his journey started after
graduation from Raines High School in Jacksonville, Florida.

I should correct myself the journey is not just his, but his
family that supported him to matriculation. His mother
Cheryl laboured, not just worked, but laboured to see her
sons graduate college and put aside her dreams of a college
diploma as so many mothers do to support their children.
The eldest is a graduate of South Carolina State University;
the youngest attends Tallahassee Community College.

The focus is on Darryl and his accomplishment, graduating
Cum Laude from Florida A&M University. What a testament
to the foundation of success laid by a solid education from
Raines High School, the prayers, sacrifices of a determined
mother who worked sometimes multiple 12 hour shifts as
a nurse and at times had two jobs. Driving to the University
a day early making sure Cheryl saw another son graduate.
Just as my mother saw me graduate from college, more
mothers need to see their children graduate and more
fathers need to support their children's quest to be educated.

There are too many mothers alone, while fathers "claim"
to help, do nothing, try to take unearned credit. Thank you
to the fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers and men that are
stepping in and contributing.

During our journey we talked about the achievements of
our children and sacrifices as parents. My oldest is a freshman
at Florida A&M and my youngest is a high school freshmen.
Cheryl and I share our hopes, dreams and expectations for
our children's success and paths in life. Somehow this has
stopped in many families, instead there is mutual disagreement
on the value for education. Thus the child suffers in the end
particularly when parents divorce or one parent is uncaring
and unwilling to help. As we traveled down I10 we listened
to music, it is amazing how musical lyrics perpetuate emotions
that bring about memories. The song that stood out from
melodies of Marvin Gaye, Luther, Temptations, Isley Brothers
and others was a gospel song "God Specializes". We gave
glory to God because he does specialize in supplying all
our needs long as we are faithful, hopeful and recognize
where our true strength as parents comes from.

President Barack Obama has stated, "In a global economy
where the most valuable skill you can sell is your knowledge,
good education is no longer just a pathway to opportunity -
it is a pre-requisite."

Fast forward to graduation day, we met up with family, friends,
this was not just Darryl's graduation, but the family's achievement
also. There are few events in a young person's life that is
interconnected to family. The accomplishment of earning a
college degree brings families together in a unification of spirit
and accomplishment.

There is a connection of family as a whole, each member
has contributed; has a vested interest in seeing that young
lady or young man earn their diploma. If there was more of
an emotional and energetic attachment to academic excellence
as there is to sports and entertainment there would be more
minority doctors, teachers, surgeons, engineers, entrepreneurs,
business owners, scientists and community activists.
More of our communities would flourish instead of crumbling
because of devaluing of education, lack of respect for self,
others, community and even God.

"Without education, you are not going anywhere in this world."
Malcolm X.

As an educator, African American male and parent my heart
swelled with pride, felt my soul would sing witnessing so
many young people of African American descent, and other
cultures accomplish this wonderful thing. Today their families
witnessed the fruits of their labour, tears, prayers, hard work
and sacrifices.

Viewing the ceremony gave me pause to the growing value
of education these young people realized. Obtaining an
education is not just learning the alphabet, the numerical
organization of numbers, deciphering the calculative formula
to perform mathematical equations. Education is not just
learning civics, biology, physics, world history and a foreign
language, all these are important.

Bill Cosby stated, "Education is the most powerful
weapon which you can use to change the world."

Obtaining an education is development of a person's mind,
to expand psychological perceptions, ideologies making
positive contributions in our communities and the world.
The lack of education proves "A Mind is a Terrible Thing
to Waste" because of the wasteful actions of youth
resulting from drug use, incarceration, multiple unprotected
sexual encounters.

Watching graduates enter; the atmosphere was electrifying
all over Lawson, Jr. Multipurpose Center. This graduation
shows not all African American males are on drugs,
incarcerated, or have death knocking on their doors.
That not all African American women are pregnant,
uneducated, on welfare, have low self esteem and only
aspiring to do hair, nails or work in Dollar General, Dollar
Tree or in a fast food establishment. There is
nothing wrong with employment at these places supporting
yourself and family, our young women and men need to
understand they can aspire to grow beyond these employment
positions; instead seek management or ownership of a business.

For their families they are the best, brightest, the talented
and guiding lights. The graduates are the extensions of their
families, communities, churches, and their respective high
schools. These young ladies and young men did not and are
not "Waiting For Superman or Superwoman" they are SUPER
in their individual and respective ways. They are motivated
to move forward in life and not to be stuck in a modern day
Lodebar in biblical terms. Lodebar is a dismal place of no
pasture and no hope, total desolation. There is a psychological
Lodebar when you were crushed by the storms of life and
believed that life is over for you because of tough economic
or physical challenges.

The Commencement Address by Donna Brazile spoke of
this generation's ability to access digital content online
using tools that were not available 10 years ago. This
generation and those to come not only read digital content,
but are creators of multimedia content that can be accessed
globally influencing future political, economic, social and
cultural changes in our world. As she spoke I could only pray
and have faith that my son and daughter and the kids I
teach will graduate from college and move on to advanced
degrees. The ironic twist my dreams as a parent and teacher
are contradictory to many others who only hope their child is
drafted in the NFL, NBA, etc counting only on money that is
an intangible commodity that can come and go, as fleeting
as the careers of many athletes who shine for a while, but
then subside into bankruptcy and poverty. This does not have
to be, as Brazile spoke that these graduates are an agitation
for change and have a duty for continued growth. The high
expectations are for these young men and women are to
defend what we as a country have accomplished.

The accomplishments of these graduating students are
setting the foundation for further social and cultural change.
These young men and women are role models for other
children in their homes, high schools, churches, and
communities. Just as Darryl is, graduating from Raines
which has received unfavourable media coverage about
the failing students, I ask what of the successful students,
why do we not hear more about them?

Brazile challenged the graduates to soar and grab hold
of the future to make the world a better place for everyone.
The foundation has been laid, the building blocks of upward
mobility and competitiveness in global economy, dynamic
political environments, operating rooms, courtrooms,
classrooms of our county, future scientific discoveries and
exploration in space and deep oceans are within the grasps
of graduates from educational institutions such as Florida
A&M University. Only time and God will tell how these
students use their talents for the betterment of mankind.

Congratulations to Darryl "Topshelf" McClenton class of
2010, who will continue his education at FAMU working
on his Master Degree in Educational Leadership.
Congratulations and God's continued Blessings upon all
the graduates and their aspirations.
God's grace on the families that support and will continue
to support these graduates. As my sister Dawn from Philly
uses the term, "Don't' get it twisted" African American
young people are making right choices in valuing the
power of education. Don't get it twisted parents, empower
your children with value for what education can do.
Written in the "Education of the Negro", by
Carter G. Woodson, page 172.
Almost every Colored person who could read and write
was a missionary teacher among his people.

This still applies in the 21st century; we are all
missionaries to our people and each generation.
We must Educate, Encourage and Empower (E3 motto)
each other as we grow so as a people others grow with us.

E3 @ The Speed of Entrepreneurial and Business Thinking

Applying the concepts of technology integration to
E3 business direction and support mechanisms for entrepreneurs.
As it related to Bill Gates “Business @ the Speed of Thought”
A synopsis in applying digital infrastructure and digital nervous
systems to the concepts of sharing dynamic information in the
digital age.

The application of community entrepreneurs has grown
proportionally to the change in the ideology of its members to the
collaboration of business and community services. Community
service, not just with a hand shake, a pat on the back and a smile,
but a commitment to affirmative change. To be involved in a cause
that elicits grassroots involvement to do something substantial in
the lives of others. The change must be unselfish and direct in
it application.

Applied in concert to the philosophical statement, paraphrasing
Mahatma Gandhi, “Be the change you want to see,” and the 20th
century rendition by Michael Jackson, “Start with the Man in the
Mirror”. Applies in Business @ The Speed of Thought the very
nature of business must change from product companies to service
companies that have a supportive and empowering service to offer.
That product may be a commodity or a tangible material possession;
more appropriately a service to “Educate, Encourage and Empower.”

E3 is moving forward in supporting businesses to be leaders
and empower them. What better way to empower and build
leadership than to become involved in the community. Business
leadership asks the question about this ideology WHY???
Why step out from the business side to the community side.
As Anthony Butler, Sr. Executive Director of E3 responds
WHY NOT???

What better way to build and empowered than to be involved in
ones community?

How can a CEO or Executive Director, President or head of
HR broker business deals and manage hundreds of thousands of
employees, but cannot volunteer for a cancer walk, attend a
forum to discuss racial diversity or share their knowledge
and experience in the application of ethics that even some of
our current City Council members struggle with.

Grassroots community involvement can be synonymous to
building a community nervous system. Just as Bill Gates talks
about the integration of technology into all aspects of information
sharing, Mr. Butler carries the application in a similar direction
with a personal touch of a community nervous system.
Where members of E3 who are entrepreneurs, business owners,
educators, fitness specialists, attorneys, law enforcement and
others are involved in their passion for community service, but
collectively nurturing resources for support.

The concept of Business @ the Speed of Thought is transparent
when our system of collaboration and connectivity supports true
collaboration. Using technologies to spread the Word about our
passion for community service initiatives that have a direct and
fundamental impact on children and families. We as E3 support
each other as a foundational family. Building each other up and
supporting ideas, initiatives, resources that bring people together
in a proactive and positive direction. The misconception that support
must come monetarily is erroneous, but comes in the Speaking of
success, the sharing of resources so the proverbial “Wheel” does not
have to be rebuilt again and again. E3 uses the “flow of information”
as Bill Gates has expressed to provide tools that would not have been
available singularly or as cost effectively.

E3 members have access to a web presence, social media infrastructure
on Facebook, Twitter and Webinators. The ability to record digitally a
face to face interview that promotes your business. Just ask Kevin Cobbin
about his interview. E3 members must avail themselves to these technologies.
If you do not realize this ask Bill David of Snow Owl about the benefits
of Social Media and Nicholas McClenton a rising star in technology.

Using technology as a social medium makes gathering information inclusive
and productive. E3 provides the access to information to “educate” seekers
of information not just giving links and web content. Borrowing the concept
of “an educated customer is a better customer” from Bill Gates. Information
technology balances the needs of the customer to the services of the business.

Balancing a web work style with a web life style. The building of communities
for personal and business use can be seen from the dynamic creation of Nings,
MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, Avatars, and other social networking sites.
Using the technology as to tool to teach others about what your business can
and will do. E3 has the tools to help you grow, use them the cost is too
high not to....

Apply the concepts of E3’s mechanism for the integration of technology to
build a solid business, entrepreneurial and community foundation.

E3 @ Warp Factor 10

William Jackson and Cheryl Williams
Vice President E3 Business Group North Florida Chapter
William_j@e3businessgroup.org

Bullying – Physical and Cyber in Our Schools

Bullying – Physical and Cyber in Our Schools
William Jackson, M.Ed.
E3 Business Group Northeast Florida and Boys2Men Symposium

Bullying and Violence Prevention
After attending a teacher’s workshop called Second Step-Violence Prevention
it has been brought to light how societies challenges with bullying are evident
in our schools in all grades. How bullying is affecting learning, the perceived
safety of students in schools and how students communicate in aggressive
manners and methods using Social Media.
The media has picked up on this as seen by the First Coast News presentation
of the Anti-Bullying Club meeting at Twin Lakes Elementary in May of 2010,
talking with students and educators about taking a proactive approach toward
bullying. The efforts of DCPS School Board member Betty Burney addressing
violence and bullying, working to prevent these behaviors and myself making
presentations at the Boys2Men Symposium and Black Expo South. Many
students and parents do not understand the results and consequences of bullying.

Addressing Bullying
The increase of bullying has resulted in DCPS School Board
member Betty Burney to host a community dialogue addressing
bullying and violence in Duval County Schools.
The sessions labeled "Enough" have been held at St. Paul AME Church
in Jacksonville, Florida. The question remains; What is bullying?
Florida statute defines bullying as systematically and chronically
inflicting physical hurt or psychological distress through teasing;
social exclusion; threats; intimidation;
stalking; physical violence; theft; sexual, religious or racial harassment; public
humiliation; or destruction of property. Mrs. Burney having done so in the past
started community meetings addressing bullying and violence in schools. Her
attempts are to see more students willing to tell what they're going through
before there is injury or worse. "Some kids are afraid they'll get hurt worse if
they report," Burney said. "We need to let them know they have a safe place
and it'll be OK" (May 31, 2010, Duval schools will start to track bullying complaints).
The facts are: Bullying begins in elementary school, peaks in middle school,
and falls off in high school. It does not disappear altogether. (The Facts About
Bullying, 1997) 61.6% of students who are bullied are picked on because of
their looks or speech. (U.S. News & World Report, May 7, 2001)

Physical and Digital Bullying
Several areas of concern are the physical aspects of bullying and the use
of technology to continue the behavior that has caused suicides. The curse
of technology has allowed for continuous communication between students
in an environment where information is permanent and accessible by mass.
Emailing, texting and social media are the tools students use to communicate
and exchange information. The most notable incidents are the “Hit Lists”
addressed later in this blog. The perception and concern is that violence is
increasing. In a 1993 survey of 720 school districts nationwide, 82% reported
an increase in violence in their school over the past five years. (Harvard School
of Public Health) In a 1993 survey of student’s grades 6-12, 79% said that
violence was caused by "stupid things like bumping into someone." Other
causes of violence included: boyfriend-girlfriend disputes, outsiders, racism,
and gangs (National School Safety Center).


Suicides are Growing
The tragic suicides in media reports has warranted alarms locally and nationally.
Nationally students as young as 15 years old have committed suicide because
of bullying from physical abuse to cyber. One of the most notable is Jeffrey
Johnston who took his life in 2004 after being bullied. Debbie Johnston the
mother of Jeffrey stated “Everybody is recognizing that bullying isn't a rite
of passage, it's not a part of childhood, and it doesn't build character." As a
result the act "Jeffrey Johnston Stand Up for All Students Act" was created.
The act requires districts to adopt new anti-bullying policies and spells out
that those policies must address "cyberbullying" -- taunts and harassing
messages delivered by computer, cell phone or other technology. On a
local scale, Duval County does not have the perceived dilemma as other
parts of the nation, but records are not kept so there is no hard data to
support numbers. Bullying begins in elementary school, peaks in middle
school, and falls off in high school. It does not disappear altogether.
(The Facts About Bullying, 1997) 61.6% of students who are bullied are
picked on because of their looks or speech. (U.S. News & World Report,
May 7, 2001). School Board member Betty Burney became concerned
about bullying after reading a survey of Duval County students. When asked
to anonymously report, about 16 percent of high school students said they'd
been bullied. About 14 percent of high school students admitted
they'd thought about or attempted suicide.

Student Code of Conduct
In the 2010-2011 Code of Student Conduct, bullying when there
are threats of physical violence is a Level 3 violation and taken
very seriously when reported (3.02 (TRE)).
No longer can bullying be ignored. These potentially explosive
and damaging behaviors cannot be blown off, or degraded to kids play. The
results have expanded beyond just hurt feelings, wounded pride and a child’s
emotional trauma. Students of school age are committing suicide, carrying
weapons because they are attacked verbally and physically in our schools,
harassed on school buses and the abuse continues in some cases digitally.
Disturbing chain of events have digressed to students killing students for sport
or fun.
At the time of this writing November 2010; Duval County Public Schools
officials say they currently have no way to track how many children
report being bullied when the school hasn't disciplined someone as
a result. DCPS is a 122,000 student district punished 35 students
for bullying in 2007-08 and 41 in the 2009-10 school year by numbers
provided to the Florida Times-Union (May 31, 2010 “Duval schools
will start to track bullying complaints.”)
The code of conduct should be clear, Burney said, that all children
who are reported should be punished equally.
Students because of violence, stress and concerns of safety feel
persecuted, threatened, and powerless. It is an overwhelming
feeling of powerlessness that can lead to depression, thoughts
of suicide, bodily harm (cutting), drug abuse and other harmful
actions. Parents are encouraged each school year to review the
Student Code of Conduct to understand existing policies and
procedures along with discipline results. Not only are there
policies and procedures in place in schools, but societal laws
are passing resulting from increasing numbers outside of schools.
The recent notable examples using electronic communication
are “Hit Lists” in local schools of Duval County.

Student Receives Hit List Text Message - Friday, April 23, 2010
http://www.news4jax.com/news/23246498/detail.html
Text Hit Lists Spread To More Schools- Monday, May 3, 2010
http://www.news4jax.com/news/23436099/detail.html
16-Year-Old Raines Student Still Recovering in Hospital - 4/19/2010
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=154991

Laws such as the Jeffrey Johnston Stand Up for All Students Act
(http://bullypolice.org/fl_law.html) addressing bullying, harassment, and
threatening, parents should take the time to review the site and its important
information. Parents need to talk to their children and find out their feelings
and impressions of bullying and possible bullying they may experience.

Preparing Teachers
Because of the increase of bullying school districts such as DCPS are
conducting workshops such as Second Step-Violence Prevention. Training
teachers to teach skills to students that parents are not teaching at home
or the environment is not conducive to nurturing. There may be lacking of
positive role models, evidence of violence and bullying in the home or
neighborhood community. These are contributing factors to students bullying.
These actions are an emotional need to feel empowered by making others
feel fear or subservient to the bully. Parents are left in the dark and caught
unaware of their children/teens online and cell phone activities that could
involve aggressive actions or even Sexting. The child is either being bullied,
engaged in bullying or aware of bullying going on.

Accountability
Technology is being used in the inappropriate manners described.
Parents are being held accountable by schools and by law enforcement.
What a parent must do on a regular basis is to check cell phone records
(either thru the phone or accessing the account online), text, data and
multimedia communication. Technology has advanced that gaming systems
now have access to social media so parents must still be proactive to their
children’s gaming activities. Parents create a foundation for their children’s
actions using technology. Technology is just another piece of the parenting
responsibilities, parents must manage their children’s digital communication
usage, not just provide a computer or cell phone and turn them loose.
Denial of potential cyberbullying, harassing, and Sexting can lead to the
involvement of law enforcement which can lead to criminal charges from
misdemeanors to felonies. The unfortunate truth is that students will not
always tell their parents what is going on in school because of pride, peer
pressure, or students feel they have no one to talk to. No matter how strong
a parent feels their relationship is with their child it is not as strong or secure
as they think. Parents keep talking to your children/teens every day and be
involved in their growth and development even with digital tools.
The technology of instant communication has opened a Pandora’s box of
behaviors that infect or invoke harassing, stalking and bullying
communications(cyberbullying).
In our society the misuse of technology has influenced law
enforcement to investigate digital bullying and forced the Florida
legislature to create policy changes and laws that discourage and
punish physical and cyberbullying actions of students. It will take
a village to raise and teach our students. Parents, teachers and
administrators working together for the safety of all students.
Online Resource
Stop Bullying Now
Interactive Cartoons for Kids
http://www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/kids/
Bullying.org
See, read, and hear the impact that bullying has had on people's lives.
http://www.bullying.org
PBS Parents Information
Bullying Education
http://www.pbs.org/parents/search/results.html?restrict=parents&q=Bulling
Moms Homeroom
Interactive Web Site by Moms and for Moms
http://momshomeroom.msn.com/?topicId=T7§ion=episode&dataId=1205844&source=search
Parents Connect
Links to bullying and other behaviors
http://www.parentsconnect.com/parenting/bullying.html?kw=bullying&xrs=paid-google-ChildBehavior-Bullying-PhysicalBullying-bullying
Education.com
This is an interactive quiz on bullying
http://www.education.com/quiz/bullying-myths
Engaging Families In Bullying
This is a 29 page PDF file
http://www.schoolengagement.org/TruancypreventionRegistry/Admin/Resources/Resources/EngagingFamiliesinBullyingPreventionEfforts.pdf
Youth Violence Statistics
http://youthviolence.edschool.virginia.edu/violence-in-schools/national-statistics.html
Bully Police
http://bullypolice.org/fl_law.html

E3: Entrepreneurial Growth in Northeast Florida

The growth, success and prosperity of a business is not by the bottom line,
but by the community activism, civic participation, mentorship, and
volunteering nature of its employees.

E3 Business Group has made significant steps to assist teens and
young adults by opening its collective arms and working in the
community. Members can be found in southern Florida, North Carolina,
Maryland and even in Texas.

E3 is spearheading the way with involvement beyond just the business
of doing business, but sharing its business knowledge and resources
with young adults that are future entrepreneurs from all walks of life.
Young business minded women and men that have a business mindset,
but also want to contribute to their communities by “giving back” as
mentors, role models and serving as a support system to boost self
confidence and self esteem for their peers.

Theme to: Educate, Encourage and Empower
E3 Business Group social hosted by the Beaver Street Enterprise Center
of Jacksonville, Florida. The semimonthly meeting attended by E3 members
in addition to their invited guests. To the delight of those in attendance,
it was pointed out where would you find such a diverse group that welcomed
each other like family, engaged in positive and productive dialogue that
focused on civic duty, civic precedence and growth in programs and
activities that touched the lives of young people.

The energy of the meetings besieged thoughts of economic down fall,
educational deficiency, unemployment statistics, or racial tension.
Respect, cordiality, honor, friendship and ethics where displayed by
African Americans, Caucasians, Hispanics, Latinos, Asians, and the list
goes on.

In these economic challenges, most businesses are slinking back from
community involvement, but E3 Business Group and its members have a
mindset for community development and supporting entrepreneurial growth
are forging ahead to do more. They are the forces of ethical and civic responsibility that coincides with E3 and its mission.

The meetings will be presided by William Jackson teacher with Duval
County Public Schools and teachology/technology instructor with Community
Education; Business, corporation, entrepreneur and individual are
invited to talk briefly about what they do, how they do it and its
collective impact on the community. There was no need to discuss bottom
lines, line items, budgets, HR challenges, this was a time to forge
ahead to support each other and the growth of E3 as a collective body;
as the body of E3 grows this allow all businesses to grow by its
collective strengths. Each business shared a desire to support more
mentoring, internships, their responsibility for civic accountability,
ethics in business, role modeling and sharing resources.

Anthony Butler, Sr. Executive Director of E3 enthusiastically shares
the achievements in the growing involvement with middle and high school
with the powerful “Accuse Yourself of Success” presentation. This
presentation is geared toward youth to show they have choices in their
lives and not to give into social and economic challenges that try to
keep them from being academically and socially successful. Using his
example of growing up in the roughest areas of Baltimore, Maryland
and showing the transformation from his tough inner city life to
developing into the successful business person he is today with a
mindset on business relationships, business development and civic
responsibility.

“The Accuse Yourself of Success” presentation is a tool for schools
to use to help achieve goals of ownership in education. It targets
youth between the ages of 11 and 18 who need to take ownership of
their educational success and social responsibility. ”Accuse Yourself
of Success” has already been performed at several middle and high
schools in Duval County. Recognition of additional business and
community awards and honors were shared with everyone present. These
community awards justify and solidify the positive work that E3 is
doing in the community, the recognition that it is receiving and
continued growth potential.

E3 Is It In You???? Come out and talk to E3 members in the community.

E3 – Educate, Encourage and Empower.. Mission - To enhance entrepreneurs
with the mindsets, skills, and processes which allow them to become
leaders of successful businesses and support their efforts to affect
change within their communities and lives.

“Real Talk… Real Change II – Are YOU Living COLOR” This event will
look at the mindsets and the issues which surround racism and
prejudice in NE Florida and how it affects our ability to do business
as entrepreneurs and as advocates in NE Florida.
The event will be held on Thursday, January 27, 2011.
Vendor opportunities and sponsorships are available for this event.
Attendance is expected to be 500.

For more information: Email: events@e3businessgroup.us
Phone: 888-525-2299 x119
Online - www.e3businessgroup.org
YouTube - www.youtube.com
Facebook - E3 Social Network

Black Expo South - Jacksonville Florida

Strength and Unity
The presence of strength and unity for minority businesses in
Northeast Florida was once again displayed at the Black Expo in Jacksonville, Florida.
The Prime Osborn was filled with heart thumping R&B music that permeated
the atmosphere. The electrifying energy was so contagious that young
adults in attendance minds were filled with the entrepreneurial spirit
that business owners at the Black Expo have already embraced.

Exposure and Empowerment
The Black Expo exposes businesses to opportunities to collaborate with
each other and expand their presence in other business networks and the
potential for joint ventures. Providing an occasion to put a face to the
name of their business for the public. Black Enterprise magazine, to
solidify the mission of the Expo, “that as businesses minorities with a
business mindset can bring power to the African American community.”
Not only was economic power displayed, but dispelling myths of the
minority community having a “crab mentality or slave mentality” of
pulling each other down as each works towards economic success. The
opposite was shown with businesses not only helping each other, but
sharing successful business ideologies, networking tips, future project collaboration and increasing the awareness of business to the youth/teens
that will be the future business owners of Northeast Florida.

History Made
The physical and vocal presence of up and coming E3 Business Group, Inc.
whose Executive Director Anthony Butler, Sr. established history at this
years Expo being the first entrepreneurial entity to have 6 vendor booths
under the E3 umbrella. The exposure of this type of presence allows E3
Business Group to show not only the business aspects of sharing knowledge,
resources and economic empowerment, but how businesses must embrace the
concept of participating more on the grassroots level of participation
in community endeavors. That being said, E3 made it known that their
presence is growing in Northeast Florida and inviting the public to the upcoming “Are You Living Color” forum that will be held on Thursday,
January 27th 2010, sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Northeast
Florida and other local businesses. RTRC II is an opportunity for fortune
500 companies, small businesses, churches, educational institutions, and
community oriented organizations to show their commitment to racial equity,
cultural competency, and economic diversity.

Importance of Minority Businesses
The importance of minority businesses is sometimes down played or not
addressed at all and is not fully realized by the public at large nor
some of the current political candidates that are running for the Mayoral
title. The only candidate that has been consistently recognized is Alvin
White whose presence at the Black Expo events, business forums and
participation has set him above others because of his understanding and
commitment to the growth and expansion of all businesses even embracing
minority businesses. Those business entrepreneurs that have a presence
in the African American community, the Hispanic, Latino, Haitian, Mexican,
and other diverse peoples of the Northeast Florida consortium of business
owners. Their voices should be heard because of the monies they contribute
to the City of Jacksonville, Florida. The current administration sometimes
turns a deaf ear to diverse organizations, down playing their influence in
our growing diversifying community.

Healthy Living Addressed
Blue Cross and Blue Shield brought to light the health aspects of healthy
living and awareness of being proactive to health concerns. Testing for
various health related conditions were available; on a personal note I
appreciated the dedication, hard work, and professionalism of the doctors,
nurses and other health professionals of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Northeast Florida, encouraging me to avail myself to their services to be tested for
high blood pressure, diabetes and prostate cancer. Being in the age range
of 45 to 55, and the changes that occur during the aging process,
minorities need to be proactive in their health awareness.
Our (minority men and women) chances of high blood pressure, colon cancer,
breast cancer, visual degeneration, and diabetes increases with age.
Cheryl Williams, RN states that minorities need to be proactive with their
health concerns. Even if they do not have complete insurance coverage,
the costs will be significantly higher if there is a
serious illness that needs to be addressed later. Ms. Williams has been
a professional nurse for over 20 years and has seen a decline in minorities particularly seniors and those in their early 20s and 30s going to the
doctors for routine checkups that can allow for early detection and early
treatment. Early detection lowers the cost of health care because of the
preventive aspects. The presence of the Department of Health reminded us
that testing for HIV/AIDS is imperative to protect oneself and loved ones.
The DEEN Fitness Center works to promote physical fitness in the community,
their diabetes classes being offered by Melinda Henry extends the
understanding of the personal treatment of diabetes.

Workshops
The workshops available were relevant to technology and business.
William Jackson of DCPS and E3 addressed Social Media and Social Networks;
The issues of Sexting, Texting and Cyberbullying. So well received and
needed for the community that Mr. Jackson has offered this workshop to
community groups, churches, schools and other entities that feel the
need to address this growing issue locally and nationally.
Blacksonville of Jacksonville, Florida as well presented a powerful
workshop in how businesses are using social media, social networking
to create avenues of partnership and collaboration.
The additional workshops addressed finance, Human Resource,
insurance, and obtaining capital to start or operate a business.


Diversity and Forward Thinking
The conclusion of the Black Expo should not be the end of business
connectivity, on the contrary it should be the start and continuation
of collaborative networking. The spark to increase business joint
ventures within the minority and non-minority community, to
encourage the connection of grassroots entrepreneurialship and
growing into mainstream enterprises.
Parents have a responsibility to encourage their children to dream
beyond just being involved in sports, but to foster a business
mindset early. The statistics show that the majority of athletes
do not make it into the professional realm so must fall back on
education and alternative career aspirations. To many minority
youth have tunnel vision in their careers for sports, when the
vision of business and entrepreneurial potential
should be made a priority. The need for students and job seekers
to redefine their careers according to values and passion is
important for growth in communities. The passion for sports needs
to be extended for education and business and recognized the
necessity for diversity in its ranks at all levels of age
development.

Conclusion
Quotes from notable African American such as W.E.B. DuBois'
states that “the most gifted 30% of the black population will
lead the rest”; as I feel as an educator, business consultant,
and mentor. If we can bring money to bear in our communities
and employ it with the right ideas and talent, we can build
businesses, create jobs and provide returns for investors either
Black, Hispanic, Latino, White, Asian, Haitian, or other ethnic
groups. We must all embrace each others vision so collectively we
can bring economic prosperity to the community as a WHOLE not
allowing parts to decay, decline and die. Ultimately this decay
affects the whole community, when one community hurts the whole
community hurts. ”I would tell young people to start where they
are with what they have and that the secret of a big success is
starting with a small success and dreaming bigger and bigger
dreams, I would tell them also that a young Black woman
or a young Black man can't dream too much today or dare too much
if he or she works hard, perseveres and dedicates themselves to
excellence.”
John Johnson, Johnson Publishing Company founder.

JCCI FORWARD

Civic and Community Service Empowers Northeast Florida

As an educator community service extends beyond the
educational value we give to our students in the classroom.
Our contribution is in proportion to the interaction with students
and parents we interrelate with and establish a professional
connection that in many cases extends to a civic connection.
This civic connection is the participation of the teacher outside
of the classroom in community events and activities sharing in
civic responsibility.

Teachers are part of religious organizations, fund raising
efforts, political campaigns and non profit organizations
like JCCI and JCCI Forward. They share their organizational
skill sets, leadership knowledge and community organization
resources.

The connection extending beyond the classroom grows
throughout the community. The advantages of being in
service to the community can be seen not only our schools,
but in the diverse businesses that are housed in Northeast
Florida. Jacksonville is moving to establish herself as a
major partner in national and international business and
counts educational attainment as a means to compete globally.
As is being taught in our schools, even in primary grades,
students are being groomed to think globally/internationally.

The infusion of technology allows for access of information that
encompasses a global mental frame work. In other words our
students are being provided a digital mental picture of potential
to connect beyond the limits of physical locality. To effectively
prepare our business and educational community to compete
in a world wide economy. These learning opportunities reinforce
or increase the presence of intelligent and forward thinking
business men and women.

JCCI Forward is raising standards by providing professional
development services in the areas of leadership, ethics and
social media to name a few in our forums, workshops.
The business and educational community standards are
being raised.

Shared areas of discussion and concern are focused on ethics,
values, principles, accountability and civic community connections.
Addressing the aspects of continuous life long learning what
better ways are there than being involved in civic engagement
in the community? Businesses just as in education calls for an
increased presence of leadership to guide, inspire, encourage
and motivate employees. This encouragement in many cases
extends beyond the workplace. Going out in the community and
sharing wealth of leadership knowledge, cultural understanding,
and financial experience from Fortune 500 and small business
executives, establishing relationships to create additional
opportunities to bridge cultural, ethnic, religious, gender and
educational gaps.

A comment from Rev. Kurk Bland (Antioch Baptist Church,
Albany, Ga.), that how can we walk together as a community
if we cannot agree. How can we continue to grow if we look at
each other with suspicion and doubt because of our differences?
How can we respect each other if we are unwilling to share our
knowledge and skills in the continued growth of our communities?
From a relational analogy our community of Northeast Florida is
similar to the river that helped to spawn it (St. Johns River).
If parts of the river start to die then eventually all of the
river will not be able to support life and slowly cause the
demise of local and distance communities that depend on it.

The statement provides a testament to the power of non profit
groups like JCCI Forward that services our community. The
application of a valuable resource in education and nurturing
our community in the form of networking socials, workshops,
forums, discussion groups, and a myriad of educational
events. The objective is to provide a means to empower,
encourage and invite growth in the intellectual aspects of
business, education and civic commitment.

Being a member of JCCI FORWARD is a great opportunity for people
of Northeast Florida that share business minds, a spirit of civic
commitment, an entrepreneurial outlook to connect with business,
civic and educational leaders in and around our community.
The quest is for the sharing of knowledgeable, creativity, and
forward thinking that contributes to the growth of others. Those
in business, education and even social avenues need to
diversify their relationships and open doors to unexplored
collaborative efforts that benefit our communities. What better
way to promote the positive aspects of lifelong learning and
cultivate relationships than to participate in organizations such
as JCCI / JCCI Forward that bring out the best in people of
diverse intellectual backgrounds with a desire of civic pride
and awareness.


Historically and traditionally education is a non profit
organization, the growth potential is immeasurable. There
is no profession in existence that does not require the
involvement of education, understanding this
small nugget of reality provides value to the service that
is provided to those who take advantage of the resources
that are available to them. Public education is free, but
what do you do with the knowledge gained to make the value
of education profitable? The same can be applied
with the JCCI Forward forums, upcoming is Ethics
(every Thursday in October),
what value in business, the current political environment within the
Mayoral races and City Council decisions that affect us all. How can we
understand and apply ethics in education, business, politics, and family life.
Come attend all the forums and find out…………..


The residual affects of participating in civic minded groups such as
JCCI Forward educational opportunities are available as dynamic
transformational effects because of the commuting of knowledge by
those who share their knowledge in business, finance, technology, ethics,
law, politics and social dynamics that shape and mold our cultural relationships
in Northeast Florida.

The service of JCCI Forward extends beyond their service in forums,
but extends in mentorship opportunities, collaboration, network connectivity
that can lead to business, educational and social connections that provide
dynamic partnership opportunities. These partnerships do not necessarily
extend into increase revenue sharing, just as in our educational system.
It is what you do with your knowledge that will determine your growth.
The building of self confidence, community awareness, civic pride and
community outreach extend beyond monetary values.


To be effective in community service extends in building a relationship within
the community and giving back resources in sharing experiences, knowledge,
and a passion for the believe in the community to grow. No longer can there
be tunnel vision or singularity of rule to just making money, but the far reaching
benefits of long range relationships that allow for stability and growth in a
people and community.

To diversity the connection to community; people are beginning to realize
that if there is not a connection with community they are in danger of neglecting
a powerful support mechanism. Opportunities provided in forums should not
be passed up especially when this provides a broader base connection to
social diversification that can lead to business partnerships and relationships.
These partnerships and relationships may be started with a handshake, business
card exchange, or attendance to a professional development opportunity that
JCCI FORWARD offers through is forums, workshops and socials
http://www.jcciforward.org/.

JCCI Forward is an initiative of JCCI that seeks to engage men and women
in civic involvement and to prepare them for their future roles as community leaders.
The community and business always benefits when both understand their civic
responsibility.


William Jackson, M.Ed.
JCCI FORWARD Executive Committee Member
www.jcciforward.org

The Value of Education Starts with Mothers

The Value of Education Starts with Mothers
Another school year is upon us, mothers should be determined to show
their children, especially daughters that they support their educational
development and advancement. Girls need moralsupport from their mothers
and fathers (if available) to excel academically as school curriculums
are increasingly challenging. FCAT assessment is not a true assessment
of academic growth and increasingly girls are facing challenges that
should be addressed in school and at home. These actions are becoming
distractions to learning and positive actions and choices at school.
The push is on for more students to graduate from high school and attend
college as academic requirements rise, but additional classroom help is
unavailable to rally round those that are already struggling. Observations
from schools especially in the elementary environment where I’m located
show that more young girls in fifth and sixth grades are satisfied with
not working to their potential and settling for a future working in menial
jobs, having multiple children, and involved in multiple relationships with
men or other women. These are the realities that many teachers see in our
schools and increasingly even in the elementary environment.


Foundations of Love Between Mom and Daughter
Daughters naturally love their mothers, love that is shared is a model
that can blossom into healthy and stable interaction at home and in
school. This relationship promotes academic success, a relationship
with daughters is built on trust and communication (verbal and nonverbal),
a trust that mom will be available to provide support and build self
confidence and self respect. If the father is not present then as for
millions of mothers they provide the necessary support that a father
would. Mothers are aware of the impact they have on their daughter’s
future emotional, psychological and relational development. There should
be honest truth about expectations for what they should be doing to
provide for their daughters. History judge’s mothers by the behavior
of their daughters, and what their choices are in life in relationships,
career choices, and educational accomplishments. Many girls choose someone
like their father for a potential mate, what kind of man a girl will be
involved in is dependant on their parental role models. Mothers must
understand that they are their daughters’ role model for life choices.
As a teacher I have heard young girls in first and second grade talk
about doing the things their mothers do at home, in the clubs and dealing
with men that are boyfriends, lovers, husbands, and even booty calls.
What values and morals do mothers bring to their homes when men are in
and out of the lives of girls? Young girls seeing their mother, auntie,
even grandmothers participating in multiple relationships will follow
behind these actions. It is not my job as an educator to pass judgment,
ridicule, look down on mothers but mothers must realize that their young
daughters will imitate and talk about their home lives at school.
Pointing out the realities of young girls and teens that are in our
classrooms and the behaviors some exhibit. Experts agree that a girl's
future relationships with men are often shaped by both her relationship
with her father and her father's relationships with the mother. How the
mother established relationships with other men and the importance or
stability in a relationship. In broad-brush terms, girls who see their
mothers behaving in certain ways will repeat behaviors, attitudes and
actions at home and in school.


Closer Hearts for Moms and Daughters
Mothers create an opportunity of connection when they spend positive
and productive time together with their daughters. Opportunities such
as going to the park, to get ice cream, going to the beach, going to
church, going for walks to talk. There will be times when your daughter
is older she will reflect and retake these journeys that you share
together that remind her of you and your wisdom. I can attest to these
because that is what my sister misses from our mother since she passed
away. The Bible gives us the key to raising our children in Proverbs 22:6.
"Train a child in the way they should go, and when they are old they will
not turn from it". Mothers teach your daughters now that she deserves
respect, teach her now to be confident, teach her now to be independent
and self reliant. Prepare her now for important life decisions. The key
to success is the respect and value that they place on education and
building from it.


A Daughters Educational Needs
The thinking or cognitive process for boys and girls is different in
the classroom and in life. Moms instruct your daughters that they are
smart, intelligent and creative, they are in fact unique and have their
own special gifts. Girls should understand that success is not always
making big sums of money, driving fancy cars or wearing expensive clothes.
Achievement means obtaining a good education to provide for self and
using education as the key to self growth and reliability on personal
skills that are not dependent on others. The Bible says in Hosea 4:6,
"My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge." Guard your daughters
away from negativity, ignorance and guided them to knowledge and
understanding. Malcolm X stated in the past as it applies to the 21st
century, “Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs
to the people who prepare for it today. "Daughters must be prepared for
the boardrooms, courtrooms, classrooms, conference rooms, presidential
rooms, mayoral rooms, senatorial rooms and surgical rooms. Bob Wise,
President of the Alliance for Excellent Education, “The best economic
stimulus package is a diploma”. As can be seen on many higher educational
campuses women outnumber men. Because of this more doors in business,
technology, politics, science, engineering and medicine are opening up.


Principles of Biblical Power
Don’t wait until disaster or death to teach your daughter about the
power of prayer, praise, worship and attending church, synagogue, mosque,
or chapel. There should be a foundation of spirituality and a time devoted
to worship and prayer. Modeling means attendance to church not just for
the sake of show or entertaining, but for the development and stability
for peace of mind and spirit. Practicing religious discipline and
attendance goes beyond hair styles, dress size, manicure and pedicure,
shoes and hats. Worship is not trying to impress the pastors or priests
or them to get your attention. The worship service is on a spiritual
level not physical. Mothers should encourage and model reading biblical
scripture to your daughters to show the importance of biblical order
in ones life and applying those to relationships. Reading biblical
scripture at an early age develops early communication skills,
cognitive processing and strengthening values, morals and spirituality.


Girls and Healthy Living
A parents teaching are responsible for their child’s sexual
behavior, this is why modeling and education are important.
Duval County has consistently been in the double digits for
AIDS related deaths from 2004 to 2008. In relation to Sexually
Transmitted Disease Duval County is consistent since 2006 (824)
to 2008 (976) cases and increasing. Reports of new HIV cases
have grown from 2006 (208) to 2008 (264). Infant mortality which
has been addressed by E3 Business Group, Inc from past forums
emphasizes that the data be made aware, because any infant death
is too many and in most cases preventable. Mothers must teach
their girls if there is a pregnancy it is important to have neonatal
care as soon as possible to cease any behaviors that are dangerous
to the unborn child and the expectant mother. From 2006 (12.7) to
2008 (13.9) the reports of infant mortality are overwhelming.
Young teen girls are having sex as early as 11 years old and the
ages fluctuate between 12 and 13 for girls engaging in direct
intercourse or oral sex.
Information from JCCI http://www.jcci.org/jcciwebsite/snapshot/atlas.html


Mothers Need Help Too
Mothers are not without available resources to help with their
daughters. As a teacher prevention and proactively addressing
issues, being prepared is better than being taken unaware of failing
grades, unplanned pregnancy, low self esteem or other challenges that
girls will face in their lives. The presence of community organizations
help to redirect, refocus and educate young ladies.
Empowering lifestyles which help in making relevant decisions in
education, community involvement, relationships and career choices.
The wrong choices can have life long dire consequences, and the
correct choices can help with a life filled with success and
achievement. These are just some of the organizations,
but there are many more available that have benefits to girls here in
Jacksonville, Florida:

Boys and Girls Clubs of America - provide both educational and
developmental activities that spark awareness to self confidence,
self respect and direction in careers and educational aspirations.
For more info call Phone: (904) 396-4435 or visit http://www.bgcnf.org/

First Coast Girls Initiative - To build the capacity of individuals and
organizations to serve girls more effectively and efficiently through
gender responsive education and advocacy.
For more info call 904 514-1610 or visit http://www.fcgijax.org/

Girls Incorporated - dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart,
and bold. Organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong,
smart, and bold. With roots dating to 1864, Girls Inc has provided
vital educational programs to millions of American girls, particularly
those in high-risk, underserved areas.
For more info call (904) 731-9933 or visit http://www.girlsinc.org/find/p7_florida.html

Elexia Moss - Empowerment Resources and the Journey Into Womanhood
Program. To make children and families stronger and empower them to
be successful leaders in the community today, for a better tomorrow. This
grassroots organization provides positive life skills and resources that
foster leadership development and self-sufficiency.
For more info call 904-268-8287 or visit www.empowermentresourcesinc.org

The National Council on Crime and Delinquency (NCCD) Center for Girls and
Young Women - focuses on advocacy, research, assessment services, staff
training and evaluation to address juvenile justice and child welfare systems
that are designed for boys and ill-equipped to meet the gender-specific needs
of girls and young women.
For more info call 904.598.0901 or visit http://www.justiceforallgirls.org/

Conclusion
There are many challenges and distractions for young ladies. Mothers must
be diligent to keep the lines of communication open between themselves and
their children. Daughters require a close relationship with their parents.
Traditionally girls are more vulnerable in many ways than boys, and are in
need of more guidance and to be taught to rely on their cognitive gifts not
physical attributes. Girls are inundated with television and magazine ads
about “how” they are supposed to look, feel, act, interact with others,
and seek to be older, but many girls are not emotionally ready to accept
this behavior, thus displayed in the classroom. A mother is to show their
girls that she is great just the way she is.
Mothers help your daughters make this school year better than the
last year and not to rely just on one test to show how successful she is.

You may be raising the next President, Senator, Supreme Court Justice,
Doctor, Civil Rights Leader or Corporate Executive.

William Jackson and Cheryl Williams
William.jackson@ewc.edu

Don't Stop Your Fatherhood from Divorce

Continue being a father...

Sorry this blog is longer than usual, but
this is an important message to men
experiencing divorce and have children.

Men are taught not to cry, nor be soft and show
emotions. Keeping emotional status to a minimum,
to stay in control. What I share is a contradiction
of emotional and mental states, a contribution to
being a father to encourage divorced fathers.
Men that are fathers, grandfathers and stepfathers
are important to children and need to stay involved.

My son is 18 years old and a recent high school graduate,
who was born on January 7, 1992 is in college. You may
wonder why is this important:

The important part that as a father being divorced from
my children's mother since 1999, divorce did not keep me
from being involved in my children's life. I did not use
excuses about child support payments nor excuses that
they lived about an hour away and I had to go get
them every other weekend, split my summer vacation
with their mother.

Excuses are easy, but sacrifice is a challenge to the
commitment to a cause importantly being involved
with children. Enduring to do the right thing is not
always easy.

My reflections as a father, I watched my son at
orientation at FAMU allowed me the enlightenment of
why I nurtured, taught, prayed, and yes I fussed
and cussed at times to get my children to do what
they needed to do. I had to be proactive to know what
my children were doing at school even though I was
no longer in the home.

I suffered baby mama drama in the form of no
communication, not being offered school pictures, not
being invited to PTO/PTA meetings. Not being told
of school plays and events that the children were in.
I had to find out for myself, which I did and did attend
as much as I could. As a father I encouraged my children
to be productive and successful in school, working hard
to do for my children so I would never hear that I was a
deadbeat father, give ammunition to my children's mom
and her family to talk about me in any derogatory way,
they still did, but I taught my children to judge me by
my actions not their words. Even though I have and still
deal with baby mama drama it is worth it because my
son is in college, a high school graduate.

The divorce process is neither easy nor nice, some of
the most primal emotions rise to the surface, but men
should understand that it is not about who bests who,
who is the better parent. It is about what is best for
the children, if children are involved.
At times the process is unfair and it feels like a war,
but many divorcing parents do not always look at the
future and the preparation of their children for higher
education. I do not have all the answers, but do
encourage parents to make preparations for your children
to attend college or vocational school while they are young.
Trying to put aside your pain, accusations, anger and
demeaning behaviour to communicate with each
other that your child's academic success is important
will be almost impossible. The turbulence of the divorce
process can be demeaning as accusations whether valid
or invalid are discussed.
The best way to ensure collage attendance is to start
a college fund and deem a certain amount of money
going into the account by both parents. It does not have
to be the same amount from each, since the majority
of the time the man will be paying child support.
The mother must agree that a portion of the support
goes into a college fund. Not using this to get more
money, but to make sure that the children are provided for.
This I had to struggle through and know very well it is hard.
Many divorcing mothers want control over everything, but
communication and negotiation is the key.

Negotiating this while the children are young and starting
a fund is a necessity now because tuition prices are
continuously rising. The most affected are divorced
parents when they see their children want to go to
high education, but realize they do not have the money
and kick themselves in realizing they should have done
this when the child was young.
The accountability and responsibility aspect goes to both
parents to stay connected with their children's academic
strength and weaknesses. Fathers need to be visible in
the schools, to follow their child's academic growth.
Not leaving it up to the mother and blaming her for any
failures, nor should an uninvolved father try to take credit
for any successes of the child. The father is held
accountable because that is their child also. If a father
is not involved in elementary, middle and high school,
don't expect a graduation invitation when the time
comes around. I have witnessed this to many times
as a teacher. This makes the father look even lower
and will face more rejection from the child and family.

Helping to continue to raise children does have its
financial challenges. I have and continue to struggle
through financial hardship paying child support. I have
at times worked 4 jobs just to make ends meet. Working
to provide extra for when I have my children with me for
visitation. Learning that my children will love me regardless
of the money because they know that I love them and want
to spend quality time with them. Fathers understand it
is not the amount of money that you spend, but the
amount of time that you put in you and your
child's relationship. No one wins when parents are
competing with each other for a child's love. Focus on
the importance of being a good, responsible and involved
parent. I saw the fruits of my labour when my son enrolled
in college and I helped him accomplish this goal. My labour
was in traveling every other weekend as many divorced
dads do to pick up their children. Taking days off
from work to go and visit my son and daughter in
school. Talking to their teachers and eating lunch with
the class. Sending cards, letters, emails and texts,
showing my children that I love them instead of giving
lip service and not backing up my words with actions.
These are the things true fathers/real men do for their
children. Being present and connected, I did miss many
events, but my children understood that I was doing my
best and I kept the lines of communication open.

It did not matter the unkind words that were spoken
by my children's mother and grandmother about me to
them. That helped motivate me to be a better father.
Men can be and are driven away by women because the
woman is angry, hurt and wants to get back at the man.
These actions in the long run hurt the children's development
when the mother denies visitation even when support is
being paid. The mother will talk badly about the father
and make unwarranted accusations to the male child that
they will be like their father. Even if untrue statements
are made mothers can destroy their young son's
mental security and confidence. Encouraging destructive
behaviour, enticing it, nurturing behaviour that is antisocial.
The resulting behaviour from the child accumulates into
academic and social challenges that did not have to happen,
but was encouraged and taught to the male child
because the mother was still angry even after years of
being divorced. As the saying goes heard that and see the
results in my teaching of young males, both black and white.
Dads may deserver a cussing because of mistakes and choices,
but the children should not have to hear about it from their
mothers.

I have seen my children's emotional state change because
of harmful words from their mother and grandmother, but
I persevere through. Words and actions have hurt my daughters
and I relationship because of what has been said and continue
to be uttered, but I continue to pray and still communicate to
my daughter.
One day I hope to re-establish a loving and caring relationship
with my daughter so I must continue to let her
know that I do love her and it is not always about money.

I saw the fruits of my labour when my son hugged me during
college orientation. I hugged him back not wanting to let him
go because of the years of his childhood rushing back through
my mind. I kissed him twice on his head trying not to be soft,
not wanting to embarrass him in at his new home away from
home. I said something similar to I Love You and proud of you,
he replied I love you to.. As a father, of course I gave some
last tidbits of words of wisdom; be careful, be safe, and he
replied OK dad...

As I turned to leave I had to fight the feelings to look
back because I know I would cry, but that did not work.
As I walked back to my truck the tears started streaming.
Fathers do need to cry; it does not demean you or make
you weak. It just proves that you are a human being, a caring
person, a parent that loves their child. I realized my
son, whom I carried in my arms when born, read to, taught
computers to, shared French fries with, mowed the lawn with,
taught how to drive. The little boy who was my traveling
partner to the store or conferences out of town. Who went
with me to work and helped me in my classroom. Whose
hand I held when walking in the store, who I carried on
my shoulders. I remember talking about sex, drugs, and
life in general and the looks I got from him.
The young man that I watched graduate from elementary
school, middle school, high school and now attending
college. We shared ups and downs, and I did not want to
give up. I did not want to be another statistic of a deadbeat
father so I persevered.

I say thank you God for allowing me the opportunity to
be a father. I'am not perfect, at times I messed up and had to
ask forgiveness.. I had the chance to shape and mold
a young man to be a benefit to society not a menace or
statistic in the juvenile justice system. I know my son is not
perfect, he has his flaws; I rest in the knowledge that
I taught him things that my dad did not teach me.
Put God first in everything, the value and importance of
education, being respectful, and honest. Do not let people
take you for granted, do not allow people to use you nor
abuse you. To have values, morals that you can be and
will be successful. To be of service to you community and help
others when you can.

As I leave the campus of FAMU I place my son in God's hands
and say a prayer.... To God Be The Glory.... I will be there
at his college graduation. God willing and the creek don't rise.

Fathers press forward to be the best father that you can.
To meet challenges head on and overcome them. Do not
give in to quitting or giving up, because the life you give
up on will be your children. Don't allow others
to put you down or talk negatively to your children
about you. Don't give people this ammunition, if you wronged
their mother in any way apologize for your mistakes and do
better. I did. It was not easy, but when I did it my spirit
was at peace. Your children will not be children forever.
They will grow up and they will remember how involved
you were, how you over came and persevered.
Your children will remember who was
there to help them. We as men no matter what color
or culture must understand if we can make a baby we
have to continue to be responsible to and for that baby.
Making no excuses......

Edited by Cheryl Williams
Graduate of Andrew Jackson High School 1979
Mother of Mario (graduate of SCSU '04)
Darryl (FAMU senior '10)
Nicholas (FSCJ)
Single mother with a purpose and a plan.

Jazz Unites Jacksonville

Jazz Unites Jacksonville

The Jazz Festival was able to accomplish what local
governmental officials and religious leaders claim to
be able to achieve, but fall short; it took music to
inspire unification of people, but for a brief time.

People of cultural backgrounds, families in our community,
and those visiting saw Jacksonville, witnessed a uniting
and bonding through the infusion of music.

It took music, JAZZ to be specific to fuse people in a
commonality of spirit, love and harmony. Hearts and
minds were touched embracing the smooth tones of local
and world reknown musicians and vocalists. A musicality
of cultural progression and recognition of the dynamics
to the origination and meaning of jazz. A fusion of jazz
from past to present, incorporating opera demonstrated
by talented artists from young and seasoned artists.

The musical anointing transcended cultural backgrounds,
shades of physical color, gender and season of those in
attendance. Through the ages music has been a defining
force that joins people together. Where two or three are joined
the opportunity of fellowship spreads throughout. The power
of the music was vocalized so passionately there were tears
in eyes and raised hands that paid ohmage and respect to
songstresses that captured and immobilized the audience.
Musical notes that held emotions so powerfully that nature
itself paused to eavesdrop and enjoy. There was not a drop
of rain to spoil the moment, but rain would have represented
passionate emotions that even the earth could not subdue.

Infants to toddlers, teens to seniors all were infused with
musical blessings that encouraged appreciation of auditory
caressing and orchestration. Youth were so captivated they
used whatever they could get their hands on to mimic and imitate
instruments to accompany artists. Playing their instruments whether
it be a straw for a flute or saxophone or sticks for drumming in
cadence to those on stage, imagining they too were creating
sounds that will resonate in minds and spirits for days on end.
These youth in attendance may one day be our future composures
and performers. Youth are the future of jazz, rhythm and blues,
opera and other musical genres. The Arts are an important tool
to expose children to culture, heritage and develop a respect
for the power to unify and inspire.

The unification of the Jazz Festival could be seen through the
families that where joined together. The time to reacquaint and
renew family values, traditions, hopes and dreams of better tomorrows.
Music used to create a stronger family bond that may have once been
weakened because of social or economic challenges. Seasoned seniors
reflected on the past and relationships. Music was used for our
youth to education them on the dynamics of types of music that
convey passion, soul, anointing, history and artistry in musical
copulations, traditions and style.

Jacksonville’s rich cultural diversity could be seen, respected,
even praise and worship could be felt and seen in musical artistic quality.
The Jazz Festival succeeded in not only bringing a city, a community
together, but rivalled the spiritual energies of church services. The
anointing of music was in effect for three days. Each day providing a
emotional and spiritual welcoming to the blessings to energies created.

To my three new brothers that I meet and shared moments and conversation
and a linking of similar past experiences, I salute you and hope to share
time as we had again next year.

Jacksonville’s rich cultural diversity could be seen in open respect,
dignity, and by the way people treated each other, the bonding of a city
through music. These are days that will long be remembered not only
mentally, but through emotional passions that will await next years
Jacksonville Jazz Festival.

A Fathers Role to Raise His Children and Help From The Church

So many senseless deaths of children, teens, and now parents.
Why does it take these tragic events to move men to protest, march,
pray, and attempt to have a closer relationship to their children and
families?

Why are houses of worship not providing seminars directed to
men and their children to help them communicate with each other?
With churches on just about every street corner and some having
worship services in our schools, why is there no outreach until
death comes? How can churches beg for monies for church anniversaries,
pastor appreciation dinners, deacon and deaconess events, etc when
we need services now for parents, especially men to learn how to
communicate to their children, involve in church activities and
encouraging men to bring their families to worship service?

Being involved does not mean trying to be holier than or secretly
seeking to impress women and friends or even trying to be noticed
because of clothes, hairstyles, or what kind of car is driven.
It is about learning the roles as fathers in a practical and
spiritual sense. Communities are suffering because many men are
not being men and fathers. Many men are waiting for others
to take the lead in their houses and communities. This is why
mothers are calling sons, “the man of the house” even at the
age of 6,7, 8 and older.

How many men will make time to attend graduation ceremonies at high
schools,middle and elementary schools in June, but struggled to
attend a school open house, PTA event, field trip or even eat
lunch with their children for 30 minutes. It is interesting NBA
playoffs and NFL draft have so many fathers know who will be in
the first, second or third round of the draft along with statistics,
but tussle to know who their children’s teachers are, what grade
they are in, what grade point average their child has and what
their child’s plans are after graduation.

It is sorely pitiful that some fathers still are not involved in
the graduation processes by helping in some capacity, but show up
at graduation and claim to do so much and have not done a thing.
Fathers should not be so transparent as to wait until graduation
to show up with their chest stuck out, they should already be involved,
concerned, proactive and vigilant; this can apply to mothers as well.

The summer break is coming, how many children will go a summer
with empty promises that daddy will come and see them, take
them on a trip, spend time with them? How many mothers will
be selfish and not let their children go visit their fathers,
because of their inner demons, past hurts that they want to deny
the fathers seeing their children even though they are doing the
right thing. Even if the father does want to be in the child’s
life sometime mothers themselves can be cruel and keep children
from the father. The lesson that I recently learned is that some
fathers are great fathers, but may be lousy husbands and some
husbands are great in their roles, but lousy fathers. Knowledge
and discernment is the key, be careful of who you lay with when
planning a family.

The responsibilities of a father are unique and divinely orchestrated.
(Matthew 1:20-25) Joseph took upon the role and responsibility of
an earthy father to Jesus as we learned. Joseph was a stepfather,
even in these biblical times there were surrogate fathers.
Stepfathers do matter and are important; one of our greatest Presidents
(Bill Clinton) had a stepfather. He praised him for contributing to
his growth and welfare. Jesus had a stepfather and a Heavenly father.
Being a mature and responsible man means making decisions not just for
ones self, but for others in our care. Men are models to younger
generations who watch, seek and need guidance. This guidance does
not always come in words, but in actions. Our actions speak volumes
and words are mute in the ears of young men who need to see consistency,
maturity, reliability and spirituality.

Father’s spiritual energies at times do not compare to emotional
energies displayed in sports teams and activities with friends.
How different would lives be as fathers and men if prayer and family
life is as strong as enthusiasm for sports teams? Men love to model
“manly behavior” for sons in sporting events and even partying
how many display the same amount of dedication and devotion in
raising of children? When fathers drink beer, wine or alcohol
watching football, hockey, basketball and think or say, “I can’t
wait for my son to be old enough to join me!” To coincide with
this when was the last time sons prayed and shared in devotion
with fathers and family? Do men anoint their sons with oil,
lay hands for protection and speak words of health, wisdom and love?

The world is changing daily, as in Revelation Chapter 1:3
The time is at hand now fathers; children and teens are killing
for drugs, sex, sport, and other things they view as momentarily
satisfying, but are easily fleeting. Children are killing mothers
and fathers equally because they are accustomed to getting what
they want, but when denied they cannot handle this and are
possessed by drugs and alcohol. There is always the silent or
vocal question; Where was his daddy and did they not teach or
train him the proper way to go?

Participating in the recent Real Talk… Real Change forum
(http://www.e3businessgroup.org/) concerning excuses parents
give for not being involved it shows an immaturity and
selfishness by men and in some cases women. No one is perfect,
but there is a detriment to being selfish with time and
energies when it is not directed in the correct way.
How much of a difference would it make in children respecting
and valuing education, valuing their mothers if fathers are
actively modeling respect and a respect for the power of
education? How many deaths could have been prevented if fathers
had been active in their sons and daughters lives, how many
acts of violence could have been prevented if mothers
would not have denied fathers from spending time with their
sons, even though the father left, but wanted to still see
their children? The children they helped to create together.

In Matthew Chapter 3:17 God says, “This is my beloved Son,
in whom I am well pleased”. Young men in today’s society need
to hear this from their father’s, members of our clergy need to
remind fathers of their responsibility, but also must model for
men in their congregations. Nothing is secret any more, it all
comes out in the light eventually so it is better to start off
right. Paul tells the Cortinthians that Jesus will expose
everything that has been hidden in the dark to the light.
He will draw out the motives of our hearts.

Maybe if this were demonstrated young men in communities would
not have as many violent deaths as they do or commit senseless
murders especially again their mothers and siblings. Fathers
must realize the responsibility of their place in a child’s
life regardless if they are in the home or not, regardless
of the “Baby Mama Drama” that sometimes happens that results
from disrespectful language and actions. It is cowardice of
fathers to neglect communication with their children; to make
excuses not calling, texting, Facebook, Myspace saying
“I love you” and “How are you doing”. It is unconscionable
for mothers to curse fathers when they get angry and tell
the sons they are just like their daddies. It is a detriment
for fathers to denigrate (To treat as worthless; belittle,
degrade or disparage) their daughters by calling them h***,
bit***, and have low expectations for their successes just
because they are female. Another Mothers Day is approaching,
how will families and churches celebrate mothers that bring
life into this world,nurture all of us even at times when
those they nurture are not of their own blood.

Several weeks remain in the school year, it is inexcusable for
fathers not to take time to eat lunch at school, talk to teachers,
check on grades and offer monetary and inspirational support.
Men can take the time to run with their Dogs to clubs, golf, and
social events, but struggle to have a conversation that brings
them closer to children. How many more cases of young men dropping
out of school, physical aggression towards women, drugs, crime and
violence will it take for more men to tell their sons, “I Love You”
and I’m proud of you and there is a better way to grow up.

Fathers shows daughters they are not ho**, bit***, punching
bags, baby making machines. It is up to fathers to tell their
daughters that they can be doctors, lawyers, teachers, mayors,
accountants, managers and entrepreneurs. Fathering is a balance
of discipline, love, negotiation, trust and communication.
It does not come easy as I can testify being a parent, a mentor,
teacher, and divorced father. I have had my share of Baby Mama
drama; but did not allow this to keep me from being a father for
my children. I have experienced setbacks, that challenged my money,
sanity and spirituality, but this only made my determination
stronger to be the best father that I can be. To show my children
how strong and resilient I’ am to being in their lives.

The responsibility of men as fathers in their respective roles;
men that respect women, respect community, respect the power of
education and respect and pray to an almighty God. There are
religious leaders that want to protest, yell, scream, blame,
curse and threaten just to see themselves in the spot light
when tragedy happens. Maybe we should allow religious leaders to
use their anointing to come into homes and anoint families so
tragedy maybe prevented. Help fathers gain discernment to see
evil before it happens, be proactive and not reactive to dangers
that possibly await our children. Members of our clergy, ministry,
churches must be right themselves if they are to lead their flocks.

How many men and women of God are willing to do this for the glory
of God and His kingdom and the service to his Word they preach on
Sundays and Wednesdays? Our religious leaders should go outside of
the church house and among their sheep to anoint them and their homes
to keep them safe, but fathers have to continue to anoint home and
families after the Pastor or Priest is gone. Pastors, bishops, priests,
come and bless the homes and family of your congregations.

This cannot be done from inside the church because the devil attacks
when we step outside of the church house and go our way home.

Support Physical Education In Schools

The current focus on obesity in children and teens has
society creating a national focus and governmental efforts
to get parents informed about the physiological, emotional
and psychological dangers of obesity in children and teens
which transfers to adulthood.

Prevailing understanding for the increase of obesity is two
primary factors; first, children and teenagers are not eating
the right kinds of foods, second; children and teens are
getting less exercise. Environmental circumstances and the
increased infusion of technology in daily lives contributes
to factors as the access to computers; gaming systems and
interactive television with access to more channels of
programming draws more attention from physical activity
outside of the home to a sedentary life style.

The goal should be reinforce the Physical Education
programs in elementary and middle schools nation wide.
Millions of dollars in advertisement, public service
announcements, sports stars talking about being active
and getting fit, interactive games that promote exercise
are inundating television, radio and online networks.

President Obama established a Task Force on Childhood
Obesity with a goal to “solve the problem of childhood
obesity within a generation...”
The First Lady Michelle Obama has launched a campaign
against childhood obesity. Her focus on this issue has
drawn national and international attention. “Let's Move”;
a nationwide effort to solve the obesity epidemic.
There are educated professionals already trained,
educated and motivated on station at schools throughout
this country.

If serious consideration is taken into account for
addressing obesity then serious action should be properly
funding the physical education programs at schools.
The misconception is that PE is Play Education, Ignorance
creates a false and dangerous prejudgment that those that
teach physical education are not educated professionals.
P.E. teachers are required to take not only educational
courses, but courses that are in the scientific and medical fields.

Physical Educators (men and women) are not just “dumb jocks” as
some people say, even our educational peers in the classroom
and some administrators are at times ignorant to the educational
requirements to be a professional physical educator and the
responsibility to educate and empower children and teens.
Physical Educators are required to be certified teachers and
many have certifications in other areas of education especially
in leadership.

In this time of educational budget cuts PE is sometimes on
the budgetary chopping block, but local and national school
district administrators and legislative members should
understand that not only are the physical needs addressed
in the physical education classes, but the self esteem,
self confidence and personal motivation of children and teens.

We may never know how many students attribute their success
in school and being able to graduate because their PE teacher
motivated them to press forward in the classroom. Through
personal observation and involvement with students that
are overweight from either medical conditions
(thyroid, diabetes, etc), the taking of medications and
genetic factors play some part in the development of
obesity in children and teens. Obese children are teased,
bullied and made to feel inferior physical educators turn
these feeling around to motivate students to work to
improve their physical conditions for a life time.

PE teachers are an important role in schools by encouraging
students, motivating them to be concerned and aware of
their physical nature, benefits of healthy eating habits,
health hazards to improper eating, the dangers of drugs
and alcohol. The importance of a good diet and exercise
not just through sports, but life long physical exercise
and even addressing sex in health education classes.

PE teachers encouraged, motivated and even made students
exercise for their benefit. PE teachers are often the first
person that children and teens talk to about sex, drugs,
and alcohol before they talk to their parents. There is a
trust and connection between students and their PE teacher.
Students feel they will not be judged, teased or put down,
because of emotional changes and the physical changes of
puberty. Sometime parents reaction and denial of their
child’s maturity and growth can dissuade open dialogue
and cause their child or teen to fear talking to them.
Many PE teachers fill that gap and guide students in
the right direction to guidance professionals and open
dialogue between parents, children and teens.

American’s spend billions of dollars on personal exercise
equipment, personal trainers, motivational exercise programs,
spa memberships, etc, but there are professionals already
available for our children and teens in schools. These
billions need to be put in the Physical Education programs
that are struggling now to address obesity in children
and have been for years before this current and urgent
governmental focus. The obvious is simple use the resources
that are available, the trained professionals that should
be supported more, respected more, funded more that already
have a direct impact on children and teens. Why create more
programs that only rely on temporary budgets or nonexistent
funds when support needs to go to professional educators that
are currently in place and making a difference in our schools.

William Jackson, M.Ed.
Physical Education Professional
DCPS Jacksonville, Florida