Currently, HuffPost is doing a 25 city tour called Listen To America. Reporters are traveling and taking the time to listen to the citizens of each chosen city. Stop #4 was right here in Memphis. I was asked what I was doing in Memphis. I shared my thoughts in a 45 second voice recording and had my photo taken. I am so pleased to share that my thoughts were one of several featured. The link is attached at the end of my blog post.
You all have no idea how cool it was to wake up Sunday morning and see an email from HuffPost that included my name, my thoughts and my actual recorded voice. So many things I wish I’d said in hindsight. But, the most important thing I wanted to say is the very thing I did say. That is wanting to be found helping survivors of abuse to find ways to heal. Through our nonprofit, Walking Into A New Life, Inc. as well as my personal speaking and training efforts as my own brand, I’d like to believe in my own way, I am making a difference in the lives of others. Here’s what me and a few others had to say about Memphis and why we are here. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/there-is-so-much-that-needs-to-be-done-meet-the-people-of-memphis_us_59c14d09e4b0f22c4a8cf6ab
I found out a couple of weeks ago the Huffington Post was coming to Memphis as part of their Listen To America bus tour. They’re stopping in 25 cities, talking with its citizens about the issues that matter most to them and their communities. I have always enjoyed reading the HuffPost. And, I love to write. It has always been a goal of mine to have some of my writings published with them. I wasn’t going to miss the opportunity to meet some of the staff and learn more about how they came into the work. I was also intrigued to learn more about why they had chosen to do the bus tour.
What started out as an opportunity to learn turned into an opportunity to sit on the bus and give a short interview about who I am, why I do what I do and why I feel as I feel. While waiting for my turn to be interviewed, I talked with a lovely young lady named Chloe, a reporter for HuffPost. She in turn shared my thoughts with the editor of their daily newsletter. The link you will see at the end of this blog is my conversation with her! I am both excited and appreciative to have my thoughts shared with others who read HuffPost.
My interview on the bus was great! It was a very comfortable discussion, and I appreciate the fact I was able to speak freely. I don’t know what, if anything, will be used down the road with regard to their bus tour. But, just doing it was an awesome experience. It was super hot that day and my air wasn’t working in my car. My hair is frizzy and my makeup, which consisted of eyeliner and lip gloss, was completely gone due to me constantly wiping my face. But, I am happy with the results and Damon Dahlen, the photographer, did a great job of taking a photograph of me that I can be proud of.
I’m super excited to say I was just featured on Mogul, an online publication. I’m featured in it’s Love and Relationships section. Thank You, Heartbreak is an awesome article written by Chelsea Leigh Trescott. I would love for you to read it. Feel free to leave a comment and give it an upvote! https://onmogul.com/stories/thank-you-heartbreak-spotlighting-creatives-11
I had the privilege of being able to share a few insights as an invited guest for the Culturally Relevant Victim Centered Approaches training in Nashville, TN. It was hosted by the Women of Color Network, Inc. out of Pennsylvania. I’m a graduate of the LEAP Cohort 3 Fellows program WOCN developed along with CALCASA (California Coalition Against Sexual Assault). While I’m glad to have had the opportunity to share my perspective from a personal as well as professional perspective, I learned a great deal of useful information & a deeper appreciation for the need for such programs to be implemented and discussed on an ongoing basis.
One of the most interesting parts about the training was our discussion on biases and the exercises we did surrounding those biases. There were some attendees who were a bit uncomfortable. I think it’s a good thing. In order to better understand how to effectively assist victims and survivors, we must be honest with ourselves about how we view people as well as how we view ourselves when interacting with them.
I am hopeful to have the chance to facilitate training on this subject and will be pushing for agencies, businesses and anyone working with abuse survivors to take part in the discussion. I believe it will also prove to be helpful for personal development and the ability to work more efficiently with staff/fellow co-workers.
This year, I have been nominated for a Tri-State Defender’s Best In Black Award in the category of Best Author/Writer. Voting can be done once a day until July 28th by going to the following link: www.bestinblackawards.com. I’m in category #6.
It’s always an honor to be acknowledged for the work I do. I enjoy every opportunity I receive to speak and present. But, writing is something I’ve done off and on since I was in the 3rd grade. It’s been a wonderful way for me to express myself, connect with my feelings and keep up with the peaks and valleys of my life. I don’t think people really know just how writing means to me. So, to have an opportunity for others to take notice of this side of me is an awesome feeling. I want to win, well, because I just do!LOL But, just being in the company of the others in this this category means a lot.
Tri-State Defender is a weekly newspaper published in print as well as a daily online presence in Memphis, TN. Started in 2012, the Best In Black Awards is one of the ways in which they celebrate the work of African Americans in business and community involvement.
If you’re reading this, I hope you’ll vote for me and spread the word! While you’re voting for me, check out the other categories and cast your votes. You may find you know others whom I’m sure would also appreciate your support.
