HOW PROUD.... and also, how not.
Long time, no write and another promise to do better.
Today I'm inspired to put fingertips to keystrokes thinking about the specialness of three distinctly different American mothers: one with world profile and status and the other two not nearly as much... except in the minds and hearts of those who know them.
Each one of these women is showing the world the strength of motherhood. Two of them stand in the glow of what Black women can achieve, and what our combined contributions as women of every color and ethnicity stepping up in their responsibility to be caregivers of humanity, decency and caring about this nation's future— can do when we put our minds to it.
Can I get a hi-five for First Lady M.O.?
What a wonderful and uplifting speech she gave at the Democratic National Convention last night! Mrs. Obama's speech contained something I just learned from another amazing sister-leader from Chicago, Dr. Iva Carruthers (Google her). Dr. Carruthers told me this week that "anyone can bash, but only a rare few can build." The fact that the First Lady of the United States never spoke the name of her husband's political opponent, nor did she blatantly bash the other party demonstrated how to build back a movement behind the POS (and her)-- based upon love and hope. This was a serious lesson to all warrior-moms about how to be in the midst of battle, and fight with grace and dignity.
And how sophisticated and gracious it was to have a another mother, Elaine Brye introduce her! Mrs. Brye is the proud mom of five sons of Ohio, four who are in every area of military service to our nation.
Elaine Brye spoke as an average everyday American, but only another mother can ever imagine the fear that grabs her heart in quadruples (!) every time one of her sons is deployed.
While certainly-- very brilliantly orchestrated by the DNC planners-- there was still a sincerity in having Mrs. Brye at the podium that over-rode the politics and reminded the world what down-home patriotism looks like.
To see the first lady and this military mom embrace... ...women who are respectful, deeply caring human beings of one another's service and sacrifice to the country — and more importantly — through their stage presence that educated and elevated this racist political campaigning — the nation saw their bond as mothers cross any perceived racial divide, and it was indeed a very touching moment.
I felt inspired by and proud of — and for — them both.
The last mom I take my hat off to today is Denise Bolds. A DNC delegate who drove herself all the way to North Carolina to represent all of us sisters who only wish we had the chutzpah to do something like that.
She's an extraordinary sister from NYC, but now residing a little further north, who I met at a lecture on poverty a few years ago. She's smart, down to earth and is an inspiration for showing us all how to stand tall, be proud and walk in our own power. I wish to have the chance to spend time in her company because I know I would learn a lot.
Here's what I copied form her blog profile:
Now, to the not so proud part. . .
I was sent a link to watch United States Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (D-Brooklyn) in a segment that aired just in time for the DNC by Stephen Colbert / Colbert Report.
Still shaking my head. When I saw this clip, I wanted to laugh except it's so sad.
Really sad for any woman elected to be a legislator in the United States government and appear to be such a nitwit.
But really.... how smart am I for still holding out hope that our elected representatives would be educated people? At least about American history!
Today I'm inspired to put fingertips to keystrokes thinking about the specialness of three distinctly different American mothers: one with world profile and status and the other two not nearly as much... except in the minds and hearts of those who know them.
Each one of these women is showing the world the strength of motherhood. Two of them stand in the glow of what Black women can achieve, and what our combined contributions as women of every color and ethnicity stepping up in their responsibility to be caregivers of humanity, decency and caring about this nation's future— can do when we put our minds to it.
Can I get a hi-five for First Lady M.O.?
What a wonderful and uplifting speech she gave at the Democratic National Convention last night! Mrs. Obama's speech contained something I just learned from another amazing sister-leader from Chicago, Dr. Iva Carruthers (Google her). Dr. Carruthers told me this week that "anyone can bash, but only a rare few can build." The fact that the First Lady of the United States never spoke the name of her husband's political opponent, nor did she blatantly bash the other party demonstrated how to build back a movement behind the POS (and her)-- based upon love and hope. This was a serious lesson to all warrior-moms about how to be in the midst of battle, and fight with grace and dignity.
And how sophisticated and gracious it was to have a another mother, Elaine Brye introduce her! Mrs. Brye is the proud mom of five sons of Ohio, four who are in every area of military service to our nation.
Elaine Brye spoke as an average everyday American, but only another mother can ever imagine the fear that grabs her heart in quadruples (!) every time one of her sons is deployed.
While certainly-- very brilliantly orchestrated by the DNC planners-- there was still a sincerity in having Mrs. Brye at the podium that over-rode the politics and reminded the world what down-home patriotism looks like.
To see the first lady and this military mom embrace... ...women who are respectful, deeply caring human beings of one another's service and sacrifice to the country — and more importantly — through their stage presence that educated and elevated this racist political campaigning — the nation saw their bond as mothers cross any perceived racial divide, and it was indeed a very touching moment.
I felt inspired by and proud of — and for — them both.
She's an extraordinary sister from NYC, but now residing a little further north, who I met at a lecture on poverty a few years ago. She's smart, down to earth and is an inspiration for showing us all how to stand tall, be proud and walk in our own power. I wish to have the chance to spend time in her company because I know I would learn a lot.
Here's what I copied form her blog profile:
Denise Bolds is a single Black parent of a son, now a college (grad) student! Ms. Bolds is also a Community Activist, Advocate, Public Speaker and Author. Ms. Bolds' first book: "Raising Princes to Be Kings: The Black Single Mother's Guide to Raising Her Black Son" is published. Ms. Bolds holds a Master's Degree in Social Work and has worked as a Medical Social Worker for seven years with her prior career also in the medical profession. Ms. Bolds is a champion of diversity in the medical arts as well as a voice for Black young men and empowers Black motherhood.Denise has her own BlogTalk radio program called: Black Mother Empowerment and she's developed a huge following. Her pod casts are on iTunes, and best believe this sister has it going on!
Now, to the not so proud part. . .
Still shaking my head. When I saw this clip, I wanted to laugh except it's so sad.
Really sad for any woman elected to be a legislator in the United States government and appear to be such a nitwit.
But really.... how smart am I for still holding out hope that our elected representatives would be educated people? At least about American history!
What a shame that Congresswoman Yvette Clarke showed herself to the nation, no... bigger than that— to the world, as being so poorly prepared for what came at her.
See it here. And let me know what you think. . . .
I could blame her appearance / answers to Steve Colbert on nervousness.
Either that or it's just more of an indictment on how lame-brained people educated in NYC's schools turn out. Or maybe it says a lot about getting passed along without doing any homework.
Either that or it's just more of an indictment on how lame-brained people educated in NYC's schools turn out. Or maybe it says a lot about getting passed along without doing any homework.
Even as an adult.
Hadn't she ever seen the Stephen Colbert Report?
Why on earth would she ever agree to be on that particular program?
With so many savvy, college educated interns willing to work at her whim,(even for FREE) why wasn't she coached on how to give Colbert what-for in a funny and sophisticated way?
Final insult? Stephen Colbert called her Congress M A N.
And our Congress-member had no reply, no come back. It went right over her head.
With so few women in elected government office, and Black women at that, I feel embarrassed for my sister. And now just as much for my beloved Brooklyn.
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