1
CELEBRATING
Juneteenth Juneteenth Juneteenth 1865 WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE
W.O.E
2
Table of Content 4
EDITORS NOTE
5
JUNETEENTH
7
MORE THAN A FATHER
10
SOUL TIES
13
ATHLETE OF THE MONTH
16
THE PROMISE OF THE WORLD
18
BROWN BEAUTY OF THE MONTH
19
SHE IS AFRICA
22
NATIONAL HIV TESTING DAY
25
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
27
FATHER’S DAY IS EVERYDAY
W.O.E
Deborah Risper Nyla Wright
Nyoki Lewis-Hunt Troia Butcher Jayden Malone
Mikkita L. Moore Darra Michelle
Christina Marie
Deborah Risper
Danyella Boutique Mitchell Risper
WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE
3
WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE
W.O.E
4
Editors Note Deborah Risper
Happy Juneteenth!!
I am very Grateful to share this month because my ancestors saw fit to fight for freedom over 156 years ago. You see my brown skin comes with a price; one that my ancestors paid in full. Juneteenth has been on the rise for quite some time for Blacks in America. Given many current events, Black Culture has decided to celebrate our true freedom versus the American tradition of July 4th. I believe that Blacks have celebrated far too long the traditions of other countries and the more we learn, we can pay homage to those who paved the way for us to stand bold in our freedom. My hope is that as this edition is shared, other nationalities will begin to learn about our daily fight and why quitting is not in our bloodline. My other hope is that other nationalities will educate their children on the true power Blacks possess versus what is being portrayed in the media.
Deborah
W.O.E
WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE
5
Juneteenth Nyla Wright
G
rowing up in Chicago, living in a predominantly black community and school district I prided myself on knowing a lot about black history as an African American. My parents, family, and the community also educated us with what they had been taught about black history. I was in shock when I attended college and took an African American literature class and learned so much more about my history that was not taught to me in school or even from my parents. When I moved to Arizona it was my first time hearing about “Juneteenth”. I thought how was this never taught in the schools I attended in Chicago or even by my parents. I then thought about how the slaves must have felt when they had learned that Abraham Lincoln had signed a bill to abolished slavery two in a half years before the slaves in Galveston Texas knew they were free. Mental health disorders are the effects of being enslaved and being lied to. Learning this gave me so much more clarity on why so many African Americans are affected by mental health disorders. African Americans due to slavery have endured numerous types of abuse from physical, mental, racial, and verbal. After learning more about my history, one of the reasons I decided to ob-
WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE
tain a degree in behavioral health is to help people, especially those of color, to make sense of what their mental health disorders stemmed from. Reach out to me, I have an AAS degree in Advanced Behavioral Health and also provide services as a Professional Organizer specialized to help people with mental health disorders . My contact info is listed below. Tips for help • Do your own research • Seek a culturally diverse therapist • ●Behavior modification techniques before medication • Educate others • ●Don’t allow others to teach you who you are Website: www.eyeforitorganizing.com Email:nyla@eyeforitorganizing.com Facebook: Eye For It Organizing Instagram: eyeforitorganizing
W.O.E
6
W.O.E
WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE
7
More Than A Father Nyoki Lewis-Hunt
J
une is the month that we celebrate fathers and it’s also the month ironically, that we celebrate Juneteenth if you are African-American. This year that hits so different for so many reasons! When you are the daughter, wife, and mother of an African-American man this month holds a different type of weight. Raised by the men we love we can’t help but get excited. But I want to take a moment to
recognize the man who then stepped in and stepped up just as they would if they had been gifted with biological children. And not just the man in my life but the men in my family that give without pause and pray without ceasing over their kids. For me, the first men that come to mind would be my husband, my brother in law and one of my cousins; who is very much like a big brother. Why? Because they all raised children, loved them unconditionally, supported them, and administered tough love even when it hurt. They made and continue to make the conscious decision to step in and love them with every ounce of their being! Let’s not forget the fact that they have to deal with the complexities of being married to women that are mothers, Alpha females, and women who are not afraid to follow their dreams; even when our loved ones may not understand our vision. See this type of woman is not easy to love, according to their standards LOL! All jokes aside, we also can’t forget that this month makes you very cognizant of why it’s so important to celebrate them when we think about
WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE
W.O.E
8
all of the racial inequalities that happen against our black fathers, sons, husbands, brothers, uncles, nephews, cousins and friends! I remember at one time our family getting together every year on the Fourth of July because all we wanted to do was be together with the people we loved most, watch the men fire up the grill, set off fireworks, and make sure that there were plenty of activities for the kids. I am proud to say that we no longer celebrate the Fourth of July and haven’t for quite a few years now. We have made the conscious decision to celebrate Juneteenth because that is the holiday that represents who we are as a people! Between this pandemic and police brutality so, many of the black men in our lives have lost their lives, been treated less than human, and harassed daily; and not even just by police but the people in our communities, our grocery
W.O.E
stores, at the car wash, etc. So remember to pray over your black husband every day, but don’t forget about your black father and your black son! Remember to celebrate those nephews, uncles cousins, and friends; because though we all face something on a day-to-day that we don’t speak of, they face something very different than society as a whole. And I honestly can’t complete this month’s contribution without also acknowledging the father of my children because without him I wouldn’t have them. Without him I wouldn’t be able to celebrate my husband every Father’s Day; may he rest in peace. To the Melanin’ King of my heart and home Gerald, Happy Father’s Day. Sending happy Father’s Day love all the way Puerto Rico to my Dad; along with my Brother-inLaw Terry and cousin Ronell; along with ALL OF the other men in my family, circle of friends.
WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE
9
WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE
W.O.E
10
Soul Ties Troia Butcher
T
he death of a loved one is never easy to go through. It is possibly the greatest loss that many people will face in their lifetime. Those we love to have become an integral part of our daily lives and our existence. When they have passed away, we often feel lost or confused. Moving through life without the ability to communicate or interact with them can be devastating. How we manage to cope with death varies from individual to individual. My relationship with death is slightly different than others, because of my upbringing in the church. I am the daughter of a pastor, and we were raised to place the needs of others above our own, especially when it pertained to the death of someone’s loved one. When I became an ordained minister, one of my responsibilities was to help bereaved family members cope with the death of their loved ones. We attempted to be a source of comfort and strength during their time of loss. We learned to separate ourselves emotionally from the relationship we may have had with the deceased to support the family. I did not take lightly my responsibility as a minister during these times and being a shoulder for
W.O.E
those in need is an integral part of my ministry. Because I learned to separate my emotions from serving, I did not fully grasp the emotional toll that death could have, until I experienced several significant deaths of my own. It was then that I understood how devastating death could be. Even though my ministerial training prepared me to minister to others, when my best friend passed away, I was at a loss. I could not completely wrap my mind around the fact that he was gone. It was then that I understood that death was hard not because we live without hope, but because we are forced to live without the relationship. It is that loss of the relationship that is devastating. How do we move forward without them here? Death has stolen not only the person’s physical body, but it has taken our bond with them to the grave. When I began writing my book, I did so because my best friend Peter passed away unexpectedly. I began writing to help me cope with his death. I needed to find a way to live my new normal without his presence. As I was writing I realized that there were other deaths, such as my relatives, my mentor,
WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE
11
people who have influenced my life near and far, even my beloved pet who I needed to be addressed. I thought I accepted their deaths, but the harsh truth is I only pushed down the pain of their death to help others cope. I now understand that to fully accept the death of Peter, I must finally allow myself to heal from the deaths of the others and the loss of the relationship. The Apostle Paul asks the question in Romans 8, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” In other words, what can sever the connection that we have with Christ? The answer is found in Romans 8:38-39: “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of Christ.” God’s love is eternal and our love for those who have passed away remains. Death did not destroy the relationship it simply changed the way we relate to the person. During the writing process of SoulTies, the story of David and Jonathan entered my mind. First Samuel 18:1 describes their bond as, “souls being knitted together in love.” David and Jonathan were divinely connected. I believe that God allows these types of connections today. As I tried to heal from the passing of Peter, I realized that our souls were knitted together in love. The friendship that I shared with Peter, was a unique one, it
WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE
was not romantic, but a relationship that was built on mutual respect and love. I came to rely on his friendship in the same manner that I relied on my relationship with my grandmother. My life has been richly blessed by the people that God has allowed to touch my life. It is this connection not only with them but with God that gives me the strength to begin the healing process. I will forever miss my friend, my grandmother, my mentor, and the others who have passed away; however, I can live knowing that they will be forever in my heart, my mind, and my soul. Grieving is not an easy transition to go through. However, you can make it through the pain, and you are not alone in the process. As I moved through my grief, I felt it was important to encourage someone who may have experienced a significant loss in their life. Especially if they are stuck and unsure how to move forward. Here are the steps that I am used to moving forward in this next chapter in my life:
1. Acknowledge your pain. • Losing my best friend so suddenly was devastating to me. I was unsure of everything at that moment, including my faith. My heart was shattered, and I realized that for me to move forward with my life, I had to recognize that I was hurt-
W.O.E
12
ing. I have learned that a covered wound doesn’t heal properly; it needs sunshine and fresh air. Allowing God to breathe on the broken pieces of your heart, will help you heal. 2. Recognize that grief is a process, and no two people grieve the same • · There is a misnomer in the world, that all grief is the same. We are to get over it within the allotted time off work one is given. Where that may hold true for some, others are devastated by death. In my case, I was more accepting of my grandmother’s passing earlier in the year; however, when Peter passed, I did not cope well with his death. I recently spoke with someone who told me that their loved one passed many years ago and they are still in the process of grieving. It is important that when you encounter someone who appears to have difficulty moving through the process, you let them know that they are not alone. 3. Seek help if you need it. • Unchecked Grief can turn into depression. If you feel like you are stuck in a perpetual place of sorrow, it is time to seek out professional help. Seeing a therapist
W.O.E
may be the only way to help you navigate through the grief. 4. Get up every day. • This is simple but hard to do; however, you must get out of bed every day. Try to find something to motivate you to get up every day. You will find that things will begin to get better. 5. Find an outlet that will honor the one you lost. • Writing was the tool that I used to cope with the many deaths that I experienced in a short timeframe. However, writing may not be for you. Maybe yours is painting, gardening, or drawing. Find the one thing that will help you live your best life and honor those who have passed away. 6. Trust God in the process • I am a person of faith and faith is the only reason why I can move forward. I must trust that God’s plan for my life is bigger than I could imagine. Jeremiah 29:11 (MSG) states, “I know what I am doing,” says the Lord. 7. CRY if you must, it is okay!
WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE
13
Athlete Of The Month Jayden Malone
T
his month W.O.E has the honor of festurning Jayden Malone. Jayden will be a Junior in the fall. Jayden has had some amazing highlights throughout his career as a baseball player. Jayden we are excited for your future as we know it will be bright! Take a look at out interview with Jayden to find out how great he is on and off the field Outside of your sport, who are you? I am family-oriented, and I consider myself a hardworking, easygoing, and well-liked person. Why/how did you choose your sport? When I was younger, I tried many different sports and baseball was the one that caught my interest the most. How long have you played your sport? I have been playing baseball since I was in Kindergarten- roughly 9-10 years. What is your position and how important is it to your team? My primary position is first base and my secondary is outfield. I am usually the cleanup hitter. This batting position is important to the
WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE
team because it is the “heart” of the batting order and the person in that spot drives the ball and typically scores runs. What has this sport taught you? Baseball is all about mental strength. When you strike out you have to leave it behind you and focus on what you can do at your next at bat. Baseball has taught me hard work, dedication, teamwork, and perseverance. What does teamwork mean to you? Teamwork means working with the other teammates in order to achieve a common goal in the end which is winning! But also picking up others when things are not going as well. Always looking at the bright side of things! Do you see yourself playing this sport for life or as a professional? I would like to go as far as I can playing baseball. I would love to play in college and beyond. What are your goals for this sport now and in the future? Right now, it is to become the best well-rounded baseball player that I can be.
W.O.E
14
What advice would you give to newbies in your sport? Never give up. Everyone has their “off” days. Baseball is a mental game. Always keep your head up high. Do you have any exciting things in your life or sport that you’d like to share?
W.O.E
I was recruited to represent Team USA in the Latin American Baseball Classic in the Dominican Republic Summer of 2019. This was an experience of a lifetime. If you have a social media page you’d like us to include, please list it here. You can follow me on Instagram at jaydenmalone_
WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE
15
WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE
W.O.E
16
The Promise Of The World Mikkita L. Moore
I
remember growing up, having the experience of our (my mom and I) summer road trips to Memphis. I remember how fun it was to see all of the mountains, stop at the different gas stations and truck stops along the way. I also remember promising myself that, one day, I would do the same thing with my children.
would be their first plane ride as well as their first cruise. I remember vividly the looks on their faces when they saw the ”really big boat” as my daughter said as she gazed out of the shuttle bus window. “Mommy are we getting on that really big boat over there, mommy, really mommy?” I can still hear those words as if it happened yesterday.
I knew very early on that I wanted to be the type of mom that gave her children life experiences, more than materialistic things like shoes and clothes. “Memories last forever while material things last only a season.”
Since then, I have taken my children on many trips, the boys included, internationally as well as taking them to different cities within the United States. Traveling with them for me is more than just being able to say they went, it’s more about the experience of getting off your block, out of your hometown. They experienced something different, from the food to the culture, to the people. I want them to see that there is so much more to the world than just Chicago and the things that they tend to see every day.
I am a mother of five, three boys and two girls, ranging in age now from 29 to 9 years old. My boys spent most of their weekends, and school breaks with their dad, so, because of this, I started my family traveling with my daughters. The three of us having girls’ trips whenever I could. On our first trip, I took my then 18-year-old and my 10-month-old on a cruise to the Bahamas, yes, my girls are 17 years apart, I still wonder what in the world I was thinking with that one, but even with the age gap they had an amazing time. This trip
W.O.E
From that very moment, I knew this is a memory she would hold on to forever.
I do have to admit that between the years of 2015 through 2019, family traveling slowed down tremendously for us, this due to adulting… bills, not being able to afford to go comfortably, etc., however after the pandemic
WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE
17
of 2020, I vowed that no matter what, we would have at least one international and one national trip per year. We lost so many people during the pandemic, and because of that, I do not want my children to leave this earth not knowing what other cities, states, cultures, etc. look like. The experience is much better than simply reading about it. Being a single mother my children’s entire life, I have always wanted them to know that just because I am a single mother, that does not mean that they cannot experience great things in life. I find myself going above and beyond so that their experiences are no different than their peers that come from a two-parent home. To me, it is important that they see that with or without two parents in the home life can still be amazing. When taking my children on trips, the one thing I do not do is punish them from the trip, so for instance if they get a bad grade, or get in trouble, (trouble like not doing chores or doing something that they know better than to be doing type trouble) I do not take the trip away from them. I don’t take them on trips as a reward, I take them for the experience and the memories. I promised myself long ago that they would live and not just be alive. I do have to say since they do get to go out of town and experience different cultures, I
WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE
find that they don’t get into a lot of trouble and their grades tend to be honor roll grades. Lord, I thank you! For me, the importance of family travel is not only for the memories and experience but my children tend to talk more when we are out of town, they talk about school, their friends, sometimes their problems. I honestly get to hear more about them when we are sitting by the pool, or on long planes or car rides. I love knowing what is on their minds, knowing how they are doing, and really feeling. Yes, we talk at home as well, but it’s something about taking a trip that brings out a lot more. I want my children to be able to talk to me about anything and the fact that they see our trips as a safe space, I wouldn’t want to ever take that away from them.
Showing them the world truly brings me joy… Knowing they have the memories forever… now that makes my soul smile…
Mikkita L. Moore The Transparency Motivator
W.O.E
18
Brown Beauty Of The Month Darra Michelle
D
arryca Brim-Mims, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Focus Fairies mentoring, NFP, and Owner of Darra Michelle Events, is a native of Chicago. She has worked in the nonprofit community as a Project Manager for nearly 6 years. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Public Health with an emphasis in Healthcare Administration from Northern Illinois University and later received her Master’s in Business Administration from Argosy University.
the Chicagoland area. She finds happiness in knowing that she plays a part in helping others achieve their own goals. Darryca has an eye for style and is the owner of an event planning business. She is engaged in the community, youth development, and self-empowerment. Passionate about giving back to the community, Darryca uses all of her skills and strengths to impact the world.
Throughout her life, she has come to identify both her strengths and her areas for growth and she allowed them to mold her into the successful woman she has become today. Her amicable personality allows her the ability to work well with diverse populations. Goal-oriented yet flexible, Darryca makes necessary adjustments to meet deadlines and display coordination and skill even in fast-paced environments. All of these traits have all contributed to her success. With her smile, that brightens a room, paired with her positive attitude, Darryca’s presence brings joy to those around her. Darryca is a believer that negativity in any area of your life is useless and essentially is detrimental to your accomplishments. And she uses that belief to positively influence young adolescents and pre-teen youth throughout
W.O.E
WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE
19
She Is Africa Christina Marie
S
he is the A - The apple ; the forbidden fruit. The symbolism of control the taste of sweet danger. The strength of the outer core protects the soft texture inside and becomes the chosen fruit to create some of the most famous recipes. I learned to accept my flaws and use them for all good things approved by the Lord. In my time of understanding who I am, the good, bad, & ugly — I accept full responsibility for my actions. Enjoying the FRUIT of my labor is enjoying life. As I explore the different possibilities of living free and fearless - I walk unapologetically toward the next pathway..... 37 loading!
She is AFRICA She is the F - The Fruitful Foundation that helped form my faith. Mistrust most times fueled my insecurities. I was handed obstacles with no options. In my efforts to swim, I almost sank BUT GOD -- had other plans for me. My growth began when I decided to believe in the potential of that
WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE
single planted seed. I was once a watereddown version of myself and lost inside the dirt. I came to understand that spending time with my roots kept me humble. So, when it is time to celebrate the blooms; I shall not feel boastful or arrogant. It is simply a celebration of acknowledging the strong foundation that supports the shoes I walk in daily. Celebrate your strengths without regret~ 37 LOADING #SheIsAfrica #ArtExhibition
She is AFRICA She is the R - The Rare form of womanly creations. She is different in all ways but common enough to compliment the norm. The unique being of sensitivity, nurture, and navigation. Being extraordinary is something I grew to love and embrace. Not everyone can sit well with being separate; it is a gift! I learned to be who I am without justification. For those who accept me; great. For those who do not; great. I am created differently so I act accordingly. Respect the Rarity! VOLUME XXXVII loading
W.O.E
20
W.O.E
WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE
21
She is AFRICA
to be, live, walk, & exist in my truth.
Africa: I is for Intuition. The inner sounds of my conscious speaking. The YES you should and NO you should not. The wise woman amongst the naive little girl.
Courage is in everyone; it is up to you to locate it!
I understand that learning to listen is more valuable than eager to speak. So, I have adapted the habit of listening to my intuition. Rather I agree or believe — I will listen and achieve! Hear yourself out!
A is for Affirmation. The journey to the mature me! All the different chapters of my life suited my learning process. They were needed & valuable. I was pressured to walk the shoes of others many times in my life BUT finally decided to return ALL stilettos to senders. I was nervous that I would never live up to people’s potential. Not because I desired validations but more so to fulfill my duty as society standards. I affirm that the fruit I bare is of my own and grows from the roots planted deep inside of me. I affirm that I am Faithful and equally fruitful because God saw fit to bless me. I affirm that Rarity is a rare blessing. I affirm that internal listening parties are essential to finding peace and prosperity. I affirm that fear cannot coexist with bravery. I Affirm that I AM AFRICA — Under all circumstances. The weight of my shoulders has been lifted and I am walking into my desires with God’s guidance & the protection of the Lord. I AFFIRM and I decree while I await 37 to bless me!
She is AFRICA C is for Courage. The overload of traveling with unwanted baggage and the will to leave that load without looking back. A secret life lived is one not lived at all. For years, I hung clothes in the closest on the wrong hangers wondering why my garments did not maintain their form? Had I used shirt hangers for shirts and pants hangers for trousers, in the beginning, the confusion would have been eliminated. During this time, I decided in my life to rid of the confusion. Secrets became my spoken truths. I live by the satisfaction of ME! I carry no baggage of lies or fear. I AM 100% vindicated of that unwanted baggage. No Living lies & no fearful ties. I have the power
WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE
#SheIsAfrica
W.O.E
22
National HIVTesting Day Deborah Risper
J
une 27, 2021, is National HIV Testing Day. This day is set aside to support the CDC’s campaign called “My Test, My Way.” Did you know that over 1.2 million people in the United States alone have HIV? HIV is mainly transmitted through sex and can be passed on to unborn children. The best prevention for HIV is using protection. HIV symptoms can start like flu symptoms. For this reason, it is important to know your status to begin treatment immediately. While there is no cure for HIV, learning to live with this virus is crucial to long-term health. Please take a moment to view the below facts. To learn your status you can visit a local clinic or your healthcare provider. There are also great resources available at cdc.gov/hiv.
• ●HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). • ●There is currently no effective cure. Once people get HIV, they have it for life. • But with proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. People with HIV who get effective HIV treatment can live long, healthy lives and protect their partners. Where did HIV come from?
What is HIV?
W.O.E
WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE
23
• HIV infection in humans came from a type of chimpanzee in Central Africa.
How do I know if I have HIV?
• The chimpanzee version of the virus (called simian immunodeficiency virus, or SIV) was probably passed to humans when humans hunted these chimpanzees for meat and came in contact with their infected blood. • Studies show that HIV may have jumped from chimpanzees to humans as far back as the late 1800s. • Over decades, HIV slowly spread across Africa and later into other parts of the world. We know that the virus has existed in the United States since at least the mid to late 1970s.
WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE
W.O.E
24
The only way to know for sure whether you have HIV is to get tested. Knowing your HIV status helps you make healthy decisions to prevent getting or transmitting HIV.
But some people may not feel sick during acute HIV infection. These symptoms don’t mean you have HIV. Other illnesses can cause these same symptoms.
Are there symptoms?
See a health care provider if you have these symptoms and think you may have been exposed to HIV. Getting tested for HIV is the only way to know for sure.
Some people have flu-like symptoms within 2 to 4 weeks after infection (called acute HIV infection). These symptoms may last for a few days or several weeks. Possible symptoms include • ● Fever,
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/ whatishiv.html
• ● Chills, • ● Rash, • ● Night sweats, • ● Muscle aches, • ● Sore throat, • ● Fatigue, • ● Swollen lymph nodes, and • ● Mouth ulcers.
W.O.E
WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE
25
Business Spotlight Danyella Boutique
J
une 19, 1865, the day in which the war had ended, and the enslaved were then freed. With Juneteenth quickly approaching, we have tons to celebrate! First by giving thanks for the opportunity to operate a business during a pandemic. Not only that, but as African Americans let’s turn it up a bit, operating a business as an African American woman and child. Working alongside my daughter while teaching her, what it means to be FREE! Both mentally and spiritually. Giving all thanks to our ancestors who paved the way. Juneteenth, Emancipation Day, Liberation Day. Whichever title you choose, celebrate this day and be proud of who you are! Who is Danyella Boutique? We are an online boutique that offers adult and children accessories, clothes, and cosmetics. Spring 2021 we have introduced our cosmetic line which offers: body oils, scrubs, and hand creams. Our cosmetic line is all-natural and vegan produced. Coming soon, late 2021 beard oils and beard wax will be added to our already amazing line. We are excited about our growth and continued success. Danyella Boutique was originally birthed in 2016 as Danyella House of Dazzle, where then 6-year-old CEO sold primarily accessories. Early 2021 we decided to rebrand and create a mother/ daughter partnership and
WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE
re-birthed what is now, Danyella Boutique. Working together has created an ever-lasting bonding experience for years to come. Sharing ideas, learning from one another in such an amazing and loving way, breaking generational curses for years to come. By doing this hope to be an advocate for other mothers and daughters even sons, to not take freedom for granted, do not become enslaved with material things, violence, or drugs. Let us create wealth within our communities encourage entrepreneurship, educate others on how to survive while black, and always remember we are always one decision away from a different life good or bad. It is you who decides the course of action.
Happy Juneteenth! LaNisha & Erynn Stewart
You can follow us on social media: Facebook: DanyellaBoutique Instagram: danyella_boutique Shop: lintr.ee/Danyella_Boutique Email: danyellaboutique@outlook.com
W.O.E
26
W.O.E
WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE
27
Father’s Day Is Everyday Mitchell Risper
A
s Father’s across the U.S. prepare to celebrate their special day, please be sure to provide extra love & care to the special men in your life. I am blessed to see my 19th Father’s Day. In fact, one of my FAVORITE titles is “Dad”, ‘Pops” or “Daddy”. One thing for sure, Fathering did NOT come with a manual. I am blessed to have great men as an example which has played a big part of who I am today for my children. Now that my wife and I are parenting various age groups, being a Father has taken a whole new meaning.
your kids around them and let them see how you treat your kids how you love your kids and it would help them under how to love and treat theirs. Father’s Day should be just as celebrated as Mother’s Day.
Father’s Day to me is a day where you celebrate the man who helps create you. It’s a day where you just want to be around your kids and enjoy your time with them. It’s a day where you show your appreciation for all the hard work your father has put in over the years to make sure you had what you needed and wanted and for all the things he has taught you. I believe all fathers should be loved and celebrated. Some men were not taught how to be fathers so they don’t know how to lead a boy to become a man. That’s why it’s important when you are a man who knows how to be a father you look out for the next one who doesn’t and show him the way. We have to do better as men to help pick our brothers up and show them the way instead of talking about them. Bring
WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE
W.O.E
28
W.O.E
WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE
