Gulf-South Summit Conference

Darn! I wish I would have taken pictures! But of course, my memory card has yet to be replaced. Batteries too. But anywho...





This past Friday, (March 27th, 2009) I presented at the Gulf South Summit Conference on Service Learning in Baton Rouge, LA. The conference was spearheaded by Louisiana State University and the presentations took on to three glances: Rethinking Student Roles, Rethinking Faculty Roles, and Rethinking Community Roles.

Presenting during our timeslot of 2:00pm - 3:15pm along with myself and a fellow classmate were our adored Xavier University of Louisiana's Communications professors Dr. Kimberly Chandler, Dr. Ross Louis, and Dr. Dave Park (who had won an award by the way - way to go!) Also with us was our community partner Brandan from http://www.2-cent.com

During my time to speak, I described to the audience what my experiences were like while doing service learning. During a PR course we took last semester, we did two campaigns. One to save a historical church (http://www.savewesleyunited.org - designed by us!) and another to donate money to the Lower 9th Ward Village Community Center. (http://www.lowerd9thwardvillage.org - link below!)

This experience has definitely turned me on to community needs as well as preparation for my career as a Public Relations practitioner. I've learned that EFFECTIVE campaigns takes time and dedication. I've tightened up my press release writing skills and I'm taking with me an experience to remember for a lifetime.





So far, we've gotten incredible results for the church but still open for more generosity. :)

The Lower 9th Ward still needs money to fund their afterschool programs, computer labs, art studio, recording studio, basketball court and kitchen!

What I've learned is that hard work and dedication can have great results. I've learned that I can be an effective change agent and that I can make a difference. I'm glad that our PR campaign reached the audiences that it did. To find out that it went to the Netherlands and Holland as well as caught the eye of some big time businesses overwhelmed me to say the least. They will be donating materials and workers (for FREE) to help save the historical Wesley United Methodist Church!


To find out more, please visit:
Save Wesley United!

Lower 9th Ward Village

and our latest campaign :)

Re Grand Opening this Saturday, April 4th at 10am!The Wright Place!

Domestic Violence --- When is it too late?

I'm writing this blog because a common theme on my blog has been about the dangers of Domestic Violence. I'm definitely not trying to be on the bandwagon with it (although I made a Chris/Rhianna post. I ought to delete it because it's not as if everybody and their mom has put in their 2 cents about the situation). These are just my thoughts. But anyway, what are some of the danger signs? From what I've observed from victims, it starts out as verbal. Then it turned into a push here and a shove there. Then it's a flat out ass whooping.

I'm not trying to say that all men are dogs and women are the only victims in this situation because it's not the case. The posters on the ever so male chauvinist message board, The United Players of America, have made it quite obvious that they have not problem laying hands on a woman if she deserves it. (Visit www.unitedplayers.com .... it's a group of Tariq Nasheed followers who are living the "mack" lifestyle.... or so they think but I digress) I just want to say that for men to feel like they need to hit a woman to prove a point (whether she did something to you first or not) is completely weak. When you are at a greater physical advantage than most women, how can that be a FAIR fight?

I'm listening to "Hit on Me" by Syleena Johnson as I'm typing and she's a married woman in an abusive relationship praying to the Lord that her kids don't witness her getting abused. I mean, that is some truly sad shit. These men don't even think of the kinds of effects that this kind of abuse will have on their children. History always repeats itself and you learn what you live. Chris Brown case in point, witnessed his mom getting beat all the time and look what he did. I'm not saying EVERYBODY who lives in that kind of environment turns out that way but it doesn't surprise anyone when they do turn out that way.

In closing, I will say to the young women who may stumble across my blog and are in that situation, please get out of it. Love is not supposed to hurt and this form abuse can lead to DEATH. One day, he will beat you so hard and so long that you WILL lose your life. Get help now! Don't wait until it is too late.