The Life and Times of a Queen

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2010-02-04T15:38:00.001-06:00

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Memoir Writing...

2009-05-15T22:59:00.003-05:00

So...one day last month, I was sitting and thinking about my life and all of it's hangups and disappointments but also some of the more happier times. It was then that I've started to think about my years spent at my beloved HBCU - Xavier University. For the last 5 years, I've resided in New Orleans and attended this school and feel like through those years, I have alot of experience and alot of things to write about. I've decided to write a memoir about my life including interpersonal relationships. I'm so passionate about this that I've already started to brainstorm. Now that I am coming upon completion of my degree, I've now added this project to my list of goals and won't stop until it's finished. My story may not mean the world to everyone. But I know that SOMEONE out there will relate to it and enjoy it. And hopefully, every person who reads it will take away something from it. That's my ultimate goal.

I am a novice writer and I've already found FOUR things that a Memoir writer need in order to be a writers via Writing Time

1. Stubbornness. To be mule-like in your stubbornness; not absorbing one logical thing your family or friends tell you about the impossibility of becoming a writer (hours wasted, no way to make a living etc).

2. A passion for books and language to the point of addiction. You cannot live without reading. And your life isn’t real and filled with meaning unless it’s written down.

3. The ability to sit in a room all by yourself making up people or writing about yourself while the rest of the world is out there wearing real clothes and acting like grown-ups.

4. The courage to risk making a total fool of yourself on paper. (And always remember: no one else will know of your foolishness until you’re ready for them to read about it. And then most likely they’ll identify with it.)

I've already been born with three of these qualities.

Gulf-South Summit Conference

2009-03-31T18:46:00.008-05:00

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?

2009-03-29T14:50:00.002-05:00

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.

Domestic Violence Hotlines and Resources

2008-12-05T13:45:00.003-06:00

If you or someone you know is frightened about something in a certain relationship, please call the following:

National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224.

Other resources: (from feminist.org)
Click here ----> Link to Resources

My Plans to Start a Non-Profit

2008-12-01T16:48:00.005-06:00

Here are some of the reasons why:

Domestic Violence: It Kills
By: Britney Francis

Domestic violence is a crime that is committed to not only women, but men and also innocent children. As it is a learned behavior and a vicious cycle, the heinous acts of domestic violence occur to a wide spectrum of people, the numbers show women as the main victim. According to the American Institute on Domestic Violence, numbers show that between 85% to 95% of the victims are women. Domestic violence can affect more than just the victim but also the workplace, families, and can even lead to death.

On the night of October 30th, an unreported case of domestic violence took the life of a 17 year old Morgan City high school student headed for college. Kim Gobert, Jr. was known as a respectable young man who was about to finish high school a semester early. He was also a talented football player who had dreams of becoming a football star. Unfortunately, his mother’s boyfriend had other plans for his life. According to a neighbor and Kim’s former teacher, Darris Dorsey frequently beat Kim’s mother and had broken her arms twice. Dorsey had gotten into fights often with Kim while he was trying to defend his mother and younger sister. While they were traveling in a car on the way to the store that fateful night, Kim was stabbed in the stomach during an altercation then rushed to the hospital where he later died. Dorsey has since been charged with first-degree murder.

According to the American Institute on Domestic Violence, 5.3 million women are abused each year and about 1,232 women are killed each year by an intimate partner. Domestic violence is also the leading cause of injury to women. Break the Chain Against Domestic Violence reports that 70% of men who abuse their partners abuse their partners’ children as well. Only 3% of domestic violence cases reported are against men. Higher percentages, 83% and 75% were those of men who were husbands and boyfriends.

In the African American Community, African American women experience domestic violence at higher numbers than white women. The top murders of African American women are committed against them by a current or former intimate partner. The Africana Voices Against Violence reports that 17% of African American women actually report abuse to the authorities.

There are a vast array of organizations against Domestic Violence. These organizations provide help for those in crisis and provide recovery opportunities for those who receive their help. The organization encourages those who know of any cases of domestic violence to provide a way of intervention and most of all -- PREVENTION. Ways of intervening would be to tell someone that is trusted, call Domestic Violence hotlines, direct the abused to a Domestic Violence website, or simply call 911. By helping, even a little bit, could save a life.

His story inspired me so much that I've decided to start a non-profit in his honor. All of his peers, family members, close friends and friends of the family including myself have taken it quite hard. I'm determined to start this non-profit so that no other mothers would have to go through what his mother has been through. Hopefully I can be up and running by 2010...

PLEASE PEOPLE!!!
If you or someone you know is frightened about something in a certain relationship, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224.

Black Unity, does it exist?

2008-11-06T18:26:00.002-06:00

So, today I was in Walmart picking up some items and this random guy just comes up to me, shoves a magazine in my face. Barack and Michelle were in an embrace and he was kissing her cheek. He said, "This is the president" and we both smiled. It's like, Black people have been floating on Cloud nine since November 4th. Everyone's smiling at each other, nodding, giving each other that look like "you know whats up". LOL This guy at the post office yesterday did that to me. So I'm wondering is there such thing as Black Unity? Did it ever really exist? And will there be this renewed Black unity now that we have Barack in office? I guess only time will tell.

RIP Kim Gobert :(

2008-11-01T15:52:00.006-05:00

Teen allegedly killed by mother's boyfriend
The Associated Press
Published: Friday, October 31, 2008 at 12:31 p.m.
Last Modified: Friday, October 31, 2008 at 12:31 p.m.
MORGAN CITY, La. - Morgan City Police Chief Jim Christy says a woman's boyfriend stabbed her 17-year-old son to death.

Christy says Kim Gobert was stabbed in the stomach after an argument turned physical. Gobert died at Teche Regional Medical Center in Morgan City, where he was taken for treatment.

Christy says officers called to the hospital Thursday night learned that Gobert and 49-year-old Darris Dorsey were traveling in a vehicle when the argument began. Christy says Dorsey, who apparently was driving, stopped the vehicle and began walking away. The chief says Gobert then pursued Dorsey and a fight started.

Christy says Dorsey was booked Friday with second-degree murder and on warrants for contempt of court and failure to pay probation fees.

He went to my aunt's preschool when he was a kid and I remember him. He was a sweet child. I caught a glimpse of him in his teen years a couple of months ago heading to prom. From the looks of his MySpace page, he was a well-liked kid. RIP KIM! :(

WHY? RIP Julian King 2001-2008

2008-10-28T00:05:00.005-05:00

So today, I woke up and didn't check my email immediately because I told myself I'd check as soon as I got to school. I logged into Twitter as soon as I got to school and saw that an SUV was found with a child's body inside. They wouldn't confirm it right away but deep down, everyone knew it was Julian. I shed a tear in thinking that I couldn't imagine losing three close family members in such a heinous, heartless way. I'm deeply saddened by the events and tragedies that have befallen upon the Hudson family. I mean, I just don't understand how things like this happen. I know they happen but, why did they have to kill those people? Why did they have to shoot that innocent child? Now he won't experience a high school graduation, his first love, his first day of college, or marriage. Who in their right mind would want to rob someone of those advantages? Of life? I'm just so fucking angry! I'm also angry that people in that neighborhood on the West Side of Chicago saw that car parked there since Friday and didn't utter a single word until today. I mean, the AMBER Alerts were issued. When will Black folks stop listening to all this foolish shit these rappers are talking about!? The NO SNITCHING Clause has got to be stopped! When it comes to someone's child, "SNITCHING" shouldn't be an issue with anyone, I don't care what it is.. this is someone's CHILD. I prayed that child would make it back to them safe and sound. Jennifer, my deepest condolescences goes out to you and your sister. I know you guys are both strong and will be able to pull through. You are in my prayers and thoughts!

Folks, take this time to hug your mothers, aunts, uncles, and cousins, nephews, nieces, closest friends, and significant others. Show them you appreciate them because you never know when the Lord will see fit to take them away from you. If they don't live near you, call them and tell them you love them.

National Association of Black Journalists

2008-10-16T22:34:00.003-05:00

..were at my school tonight and I must say, it was a life changing experience. I mean, sure, I've come across black professionals plenty of times before but I must say I am excited to say that I will soon be a member of the NABJ! We've had it at our school before but with Katrina hitting and everything not coming back full circle right away, we've been missing it for a couple of years. Tonight, I've met the president of the NABJ, Ms. Barbara Ciara, Kathy Times, Gregory Lee who is Xavier alum and a sports editor for the Boston Globe, ahh.. just so many great people! I hope to attend their conference next year as well as the NBPRS conference this coming February. I'll keep you all updated!

Professional PR 101 Multi City Conference

2008-09-30T12:09:00.003-05:00

Got this from an email that one of my professors sent me... so to all you young PR folks in New Orleans and beyond, you might want to check this outo. There will be PR seminars on Oct 8th! First 100 to sign up will be able to attend for free:

The producers of BET's 106 & Park's Wild Out Wednesday & Free Style Friday are coming to New Orleans to seek the next contestants to compete against other aspiring artists from around the world in New York City!

This is your chance to secure national attention to your rapping and r & b abilities.

The performance opportunity will be Oct 8 @ Gallier Hall. There will be an invite only Welcome to New Orleans private VIP reception Oct 7 for the producers from BET, MTV News, XXL Magazine and more!

The performances will be held Oct 8 during the Professional Public Relations Conference to be held at Gallier Hall from 9am - 9pm.

To register and secure a performance opportunity visit www.divadendentertainment.com and click ppr 101 or call us at 404 816 6000.

Good luck representing your city!

IKE!?!!!? Ike Turner?

2008-09-08T10:32:00.003-05:00

I can't believe after 3 days of being back in New Orleans, I gotta worry about Ike's ass! Is Ike Turner coming back in Hurricane form to come kick our asses? Only time will tell. Luckily, I didn't lose power from Gustav, and I didn't lose my boyfriend either even though I was really worried about him because he didn't leave Louisiana. And even more, I'm glad Gustav didn't turn out to be the "mother of all storms" as our wonderful Mayor Ray Nagin made it out to be. I really think he tried to scare the bejeezus out of New Orleans citizens to get them moving out of the city this time. Everyone knows New Orleanians could be the most stubborn when it came to evacuating the city.. either that or lack of funds. But at least they took the initiative this time to use the resources provided to them to get out of the city. Now that that is out the way, let's hope I get this internship with the New Orleans Hornets!!! Ike, go away!!!! Or better yet, go to Texas! lol

Unorthodox Vacation

2008-09-04T10:16:00.003-05:00

So thanks to this Gustav and New Orleans not having power back up in the city and so on and so forth, I've gotten the vacation from the city I've been wanting for the past 2 or 3 months. But damn, it's time to go home! I'm 22 years old, in college, with my own place and when I come home, my mom makes me feel 12....lol I hate to be repetitive, but I miss my bf! He's become an important person in my life and I never thought I'd be without him from days at a time.. but hey I guess shit happens.

I can't wait to graduate so I can move back to ATL!

Hurricane..

2008-09-02T17:15:00.002-05:00

Thank God this Gustav shit is over! I was scared because my boyfriend didn't leave the city right away and now he's all the way back home and I'm still here. But oh well, at least this storm's destruction wasn't as catastrophic as Katrina. Thank God!!! School starts back Monday.. I can't wait! it'll be like starting the school year all over again....lol

In other news, Karrine Steffans called to check on me after I evacuated! She's a cool chick.

Workplace Beef?

2008-08-06T22:07:00.004-05:00

Have you ever had someone at work who you just wanted to curse out so bad? It's bad enough some people at my job don't have workplace etiquette as it is. But being 22, and 23 years old, you're too old to be faking it with people! And I have a coworker who is so fake and INSISTS on conversing with me when I could care less about her doing so. This totally sucks but I know it won't be the end of me being surrounding in a workplace with people I don't like, so I'm not trippin... unless I work for myself but that may be waay later down the line.

Xavier University's Communications Department

2008-08-05T13:32:00.003-05:00

Check out our MySpace page! Hasn't been updated in a while, but still look at it! Also XPRO coming soon

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=333871266

Xavier Public Relations Organization

(and hopefully soon i'll be in prssa)

To anyone's who is interested...

2008-08-05T13:10:00.000-05:00

Hey bloggers, this is my new blog... i used to blog frequently but that was on MySpace... i'll try to update as much as possible