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Why We Must Teach Our Children To Celebrate Labor Day

Since well before the Civil War, our people have participated in the fight for equal rights in the labor force. There is documentation of a strike by black caulkers at the Washington Navy Yard as early as 1835. Our ancestors fight was uniquely brutal since labor unions were segregated well into the 20th Century. The fight for equal rights in the workforce necessarily became intrinsic to the Civil Rights Movement. Here are 5 historic events everyone should know as we remember our ancestors this Labor Day.

Since well before the Civil War, our people have participated in the fight for equal rights in the labor force. There is documentation of a strike by caulkers at the Washington Navy Yard as early as 1835. Our ancestors fight was uniquely brutal since labor unions were segregated well into the 20^th Century. The fight for equal rights in the workforce necessarily became intrinsic to the Civil Rights Movement. Here are 5 historic events everyone should know as we remember our ancestors this Labor Day.

1. Creation of the Colored National Labor Union

In December 1869, 214 delegates attended the Colored National Labor Union convention in Washington, D.C. This union was in response to the National Labor Union which excluded African American workers. The assembly sent a petition to Congress requesting direct intervention in the alleviation of the “condition of the colored workers of the southern States” by subdividing the public lands of the South into forty-acre farms and providing low-interest loans to African American farmers. A few years later, in 1871, the group followed up, sending a “Memorial of the Committee of the National Labor Convention for Appointment of a Commission to Inquire into Conditions of Affairs in the Southern States.” Congress did not respond to either petition. In 1896, when the Supreme Court handed down the Plessy v. Ferguson decision which gave official recognition to the “separate but equal” doctrine, government mandated “relegation of [African Americans] to second-class status was complete.”

2. Great Migration

According to the National Archives, “during the Great Migration of 1916-1930, over one million African Americans moved from the south to the north in search of better lives.” Many found work due to the labor shortage created in the wake of the First World War. African American representation grew in industrial employment, particularly in the steel, automobile, shipbuilding, and meatpacking industries. The U.S. government, under pressure from African American leaders who demanded representation in the policymaking and administrative councils of government, established special offices such as the Office of the Director of Negro Economics to help mobilize the African American work force for the war effort. The division was the first agency of its kind in the nation.

3. Elaine Massacre of 1919

The Progressive Farmers and Householders Union was started by sharecropper Robert Lee Hill to protect agricultural workers against exploitation and “advanc[e] the intellectual, material, moral, spiritual, and financial interests of the Negro race.” Following a meeting on September 30, 1919 in Elaine, Arkansas, white law enforcement officials and vigilantes from neighboring counties and states attacked union officials and members, killing hundreds of African Americans. Whites formed militias against what they believed to be an insurrection and the Governor of Arkansas, Charles Hillman Brough deployed federal troops arresting hundreds of our people. Due to government mandated repression and mass murder, the union was largely destroyed following the massacre. The massacre has been called one of the worst in American history.

4. A. Philip Randolph and The First March On Washington

In 1925, A. Philip Randolph, noted civil rights leader and labor organizer, began his fight for equal protection of our workers by gaining recognition of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters by the Pullman Car Company, the American Federation of Labor (AFL), and the U.S. government. Early in 1941, A. Philip Randolph announced the creation of the March on Washington Committee, compelling President Roosevelt to issue an executive order ending racial discrimination in hiring by unions and employers and eliminating segregation in the armed forces. If President Roosevelt refused, Randolph promised that 100,000 Americans would march in Washington to end segregation. In response, Roosevelt issued Executive Order 8802 which established the Committee on Fair Employment Practice (FEPC). According to the National Archives, “after asserting that national unity was being impaired by discrimination, the executive order declared it to be the duty of employers and of labor organizations to provide for the full and equitable participation of all workers in defense industries, without discrimination because of race, creed, color, or national origin.” All federal agencies concerned with defense production were ordered to administer such programs without discrimination, and all defense contracts were to include a provision “obligating the contractor not to discriminate against any worker because of race, creed, color, or national origin.”

5. The Second March on Washington

Unfortunately, the Committee on Fair Employment Practice (FEPC) ended in 1946. Randolph’s group, however, continued to meet annually to reiterate demands for economic equality. In 1963, leaders began to plan a new March on Washington. According to the Reader’s Companion to American History (see below), the new March for Jobs and Freedom, led by A. Philip Randolph and organized by his longtime associate, Bayard Rustin, was expected to attract 100,000 participants; however, more than 200,000 Americans attended. The March for Jobs and Freedom became known for Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech and spurred historic civil rights legislation and “redress through a number of court cases under Title VII, Equal Employment Opportunity, of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination in employment because of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.”

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Information attained from:

James Gilbert Cassedy, African Americans and the American Labor Movement, Federal Records and African American History, Prologue Magazine, Summer 1997, Vol. 29, No. 2, http://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/1997/summer/american-labor-movement.html.

Eric Foner and John A. Garraty, The Reader’s Companion to American History, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company, http://www.history.com/topics/black-history/march-on-washington.

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About The Author

Faye McCray is an attorney by day and writer all the time. Her work has been featured on My Brown Baby, AfroPunk, AfroNews, For Harriet, Madame Noire, Black Girl Nerds, Black and Married with Kids, and other popular publications. Faye also has a number of short stories and a full length novel available for purchase on Amazon. Most importantly, Faye is a proud wife and mother to three beautiful and talented young boys who she is fiercely passionate about raising.

5 Things You Can Give Your Kids (Besides Money) To Show You Love Them

As good parents we are constantly evaluating how our children are doing and how our parenting is helping to provide a supportive environment that lets our kids grow. It’s easy to feel inadequate. Here are 5 things I’ve learned can show my love when I feel like I am falling short.

by Rick McCray

Being a parent is hard. One moment you think you are doing everything correctly and the next minute you feel like an unfair dictator. As good parents we are constantly evaluating how our children are doing and how our parenting is helping to provide a supportive environment that lets our kids grow. It’s easy to feel inadequate. Here are 5 things I’ve learned can show my love when I feel like I am falling short.

1. Wisdom

My mother has wonderful stories. My favorite times growing up were sitting with her and my sister at the kitchen table while she told a story from her past. I learned that she and one of her brothers would go to the woods in her hometown in North Carolina and pretend to be Tarzan by swinging on actual vines, running around, and yelling as loud as they could. I learned that pigs actually bark similarly to dogs and female pigs are so protective of their babies that they become violent to anyone that comes near them. I learned that my grandmother began to cook for her whole family at 4 years old and that sense of responsibility was taught to my mother and her six siblings. Through telling stories about her life, my mother was teaching me that my young life was somehow connected to a rich history of wonderful people.

“Our lived experience can serve as a constant fountain of knowledge for our children.”

Our lived experience can serve as a constant fountain of knowledge for our children. The trick is knowing how to share our lived experience with our children in a helpful manner that keeps them listening without feeling talked down to. Sharing what we know allows our children another viewpoint to consider when they are called upon to make important life choices. At some point every child must walk alone. However, during that walk we can help our children take all their experiences with them, whether lived or learned from others.

2. Honesty

My father, who passed away this year, was brutally honest. He would give me his thoughts on any subject whether I wanted them or not. Sometimes, I would seek out his advice because I knew he would tell me the truth as he saw it. When I was about ten I could not shake the feeling that something was wrong with the whole Santa Claus scenario. All the shows I watched and pictures I saw made him out to be this huge fat man who came into houses through chimneys. It just didn’t add up that a fat guy could come down our chimney on Christmas Eve without any of us hearing him.

I decided to ask my father because I knew he would tell me the truth. I approached him and asked, “Is Santa Claus real?” He looked at me with a puzzled look and almost laughed, “No, your mother and I get you that stuff.” I was so relieved that I knew the truth and could stop being paranoid about Santa sneaking into our home.

Being honest with our children about life is a gift that will continually bless them. When a child knows that he can ask us a question and get a truthful answer, that means the level of trust we share grows immensely. He is more likely to be honest with us if he knows that we value and practice dealing in truth. Dishonesty is a trait we see from too many of our politicians, religious and business leaders. A child is more likely to come to us for advice or at least a different take on a situation when he knows we won’t have a hidden agenda to bend the truth. Honesty from a parent gives a child another source of reliable information in their life.

3. Vulnerability

When I was about eleven, my paternal grandfather passed away. My family went to Philadelphia for his funeral. After the funeral we were all in a hotel room together when my father started crying. He was laying on the bed and I was beside him and he gave me a big hug and cried. I remember laying on his chest with his arm around me and feeling safe and loved. I knew he was going through terrible pain about the death of his dad, but as his son, I was just happy to be close to him like that – no matter the circumstance.

“When we stand on a pedestal of constant perfection, it only gives us a longer way to fall.”

Often, we want our kids to see us as superheroes. However, the really good superhero stories involve the hero showing his humanity and vulnerability. When our children see us show real emotion and show that we also need people, it allows them to see us as people. No one is perfect. When we stand on a pedestal of constant perfection, it only gives us a longer way to fall. In addition, if our children think of us as an impossible standard to live up to, that can lead to feelings of guilt and inadequacy in them. Don’t be afraid to be human.

4. Quality Time

When I was in high school, I practiced debate. My team would travel around North Carolina competing at different high schools. During one trip my mother agreed to be a judge for “Dramatic Interpretation,” which was a debate competition where students would act out a portion from a contemporary or older dramatic play or book. This wasn’t a category of debate that I participated in, so I was able to sneak in when I wasn’t competing and watch my mother judge other competitors. There were people who were sad, angry, hilarious, and intense. Everyone brought their “A” game, and they all seemed like actual actors who could be on television or the big screen. My mother loved it and talked about her volunteer day for years afterwards. I loved it because I got to see my mother take a genuine interest in something I loved.

Time is the one thing that we can never replenish. Spending quality time with our children – listening to them, playing with them, and going on adventures with them by our side are some of the most fulfilling things we will do as a parents. Think about the people you loved that you have lost in your life. All you have left of them is your memories together. Each day that goes by without them makes those memories sweeter and more important. Personally, I want to spend as much time as I can with my children so when I’m gone they have a massive bank of positivity to pull from when remembering me.

5. Patience

My sons take their time when they eat. My oldest son will eat his food, tiny bite by tiny bite, while picking at every crumb on his plate. He will have 1/10th of a sandwich left and will nibble and nibble at it until it is finally gone. My youngest son likes to talk and eat, so he will tell me about a story of some kid in his class, take a bite, then tell me about a cartoon he was watching. He may even mix in a few hummed bars from a song he heard. A breakfast that should have taken 15 minutes, ends up taking closer to 45 minutes. During morning walks to school, my oldest picks up every acorn. My youngest has to say hello to every bug. Cute as it is, when we are rushing, this can try every fiber of my patience.

“We must respect our children as new soul travelers on this planet who need to take their time with everything that is exciting and new.”

Our children test our patience every day. Yet patience is what children need almost more than anything else. When my patience is tried, I remind myself that my children are younger than me by a multiple. They are learning this big, new world one morsel at a time. We must respect our children as new soul travelers on this planet who need to take their time with everything that is exciting and new. Be patient, be patient, be patient (I’m saying it to remind myself as well). If necessary, allow yourself the extra time to accomplish errands or get to school/work. They have all of adulthood to rush.

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About The Author

Rick McCray is a married father of three amazing sons. He is also a proud graduate of Duke University where he holds a BA in History and African/African American History, and Howard University School of Law. He is a regular commentator on the In The Black podcast. Rick is passionate about our history and helping to educate our community concerning the great contributions of people of color to the world. You can find Rick on Twitter @RealRickMcCray.

Must-See Historical Sites That Will Leave You Bursting With Pride

The United States is rich in history most of us never learn anything about. While much of it is painful, some of it will reaffirm your belief that we are a strong people rich in culture and resiliance. From coast to coast, here are some must-see historical sites that will leave you bursting with pride!

The United States is rich in history most of us never learn anything about. While much of it is painful, some of it will reaffirm your belief that we are a strong people rich in culture and resilience. From coast to coast, here are few must-see historical sites by region that will leave you bursting with pride!

Northeast

Smith Court Residences (MA)

“The area of lower Joy Street and Smith Court was an important center of Boston’s 19th century black community.” William Cooper Nell, a tenant, was a leading abolitionist and law student. He refused to take an oath when he was admitted to the bar because he didn’t support the US Constitution. According to the National Park Service, he was the author of several historical books including Colored Patriots of the American Revolution and he worked at various times for the Liberator, the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society, and the Frederick Douglass’ Paper. He was also very active in the Boston Vigilance Committee and he sheltered or aided numerous self-emancipated slaves at 3 Smith Court.

W.E.B. DuBois National Historic Site (MA)

This National Historic Site is located in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, the town where prominent civil right activist, sociologist, writer, and Pan-Africanist, W.E.B. DuBois, lived during the first half of the twentieth century. It includes free walking tours of his now demolished homesite.

Tri-State

Austin F. Williams Carriage House (CT)

According to the National Park Service, in June of 1839, 53 members of the Mende tribe from present-day Sierra Leone were illegally captured and transported to Cuba and sold to Spanish planters. The men were loaded onto the ship Amistad which set sail for another Cuban port. Four days later, the Mende, led by Sengbe Pieh, took control of the vessel, killing some of their captors, and ordered the ship to sail to America. Brought into custody by the United States Navy, the Mende were imprisoned in New Haven, Connecticut, and charged with piracy and murder. A defense committee, including Austin Williams represented the Mende. The Supreme Court ruled that the Mende had been held illegally by force and that the siege and murder of their captures happened in self-defense. The Mende were ordered free on March 9, 1841. Upon their release, the Mende were taken in by members of their defense committee, including Austin Williams. Williams constructed a building on his property in which the male members of the group lived. This building is today the east section of the Austin F. Williams Carriage House.

Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Area (NY)

According to the website, the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Area “celebrates, interprets and preserves the wealth of places and stories associated with the Underground Railroad found within the City of Niagara Falls and the surrounding region.”

Mid-Atlantic

Frederick Douglass House (DC)

19th century abolitionist and writer, Frederick Douglass, resided in this 20-room home for the last 13 years of his life. According to the National Park Service, the house, which sits on top of a 51-foot hill and is surrounded by eight acres of the original estate was restored to its 1895 appearance and is furnished with original objects that belonged to Frederick Douglass.

Mount Zion Cemetery (DC)

This Georgetown cemetery is composed of two separate adjacent cemeteries, the old Methodist Burying Ground and the Female Union Band Society Graveyard. According to the National Park Service, this historic site “illustrates the significant contribution of African Americans to the development of Georgetown and the work of an early benevolent society organized by black women for their own benefit.”

South

American Beach Historic District (FL)

According to the National Park Service, “in 1935, the Pension Bureau of a pioneering black-owned business, Jacksonville’s Afro-American Life Insurance Company (“the Afro”), bought 33 acres of shorefront property on Amelia Island. Commercial establishments including motels, guest houses, restaurants, nightclubs sprang up along with new summer homes, and American Beach became a magnet for vacationing African Americans from across the country. For day visitors, excursion buses ran between nearby minority communities and the beach.” On September 10, 1964, Hurricane Dora slammed into American Beach, damaging or destroying many homes and businesses. Some say the setback was further impacted by the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which opened all public facilities to African Americans dissuading visitors from staying on American Beach. Most hotels are gone now. However, the National Register of Historic Places has designated the original 33 acres as worthy of historic preservation.

Freedmen’s Town National Historic District (TX)

Following the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, newly-freed African Americans begin creating their own communities across the country, many of them known as “Freedmen Town.” Despite setbacks, many Freedmen’s towns flourished including Houston’s Fourth Ward. Large numbers of African Americans left the east Texas plantations and arrived in Houston in 1866, settling along Buffalo Bayou. The community thrived, designated the “Fourth Ward” during a period in which Houston divided the city into political districts. Fourth Ward citizens paved the streets with bricks they made by hand and built a neighborhood, both physical and culturally, by utilizing their skills as carpenters, blacksmiths, preachers, lawyers, doctors and teachers. Today, the Fourth Ward is within a mile of Houston’s city center, bound on all sides by a progression of high-rise condos and office towers. Less than 30 historic structures out of hundreds remain.

Mid-West

Carver National Monument (MO)

This monument honors George Washington Carver, former enslaved American, Botanist and Inventor. Carver’s reputation is based on his research into and promotion of alternative crops to cotton, such as peanuts and sweet potatoes, which also aided nutrition for farm families.

Clearview Golf Club (OH)

According to the website, when PGA golfer, “Bill Powell encountered racial discrimination on the golf course after returning home from World War II, he decided to build his own place to play, one where people of all colors would be welcome. In 1946 he established Clearview Golf Club in East Canton, Ohio: America’s Course.” Clearview was named a National Historic Site by the U.S. Department of the Interior in 2001.

West

Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park (CA)

According to the California Department of Parks and Recreation, in August 1908, Colonel Allen Allensworth, a former enslaved American and Union soldier, and four other settlers established a town founded, financed and governed by African Americans. Their dream of developing an abundant and thriving community stemmed directly from a strong belief in programs that allowed blacks to help themselves create better lives. By 1910 Allensworth’s success was the focus of many national newspaper articles praising the town and its inhabitants.

Berkely Square (NV)

According to the National Park Service, the Berkley Square subdivision, which is located in the area historically known as Las Vegas’ Westside, consists of 148 Contemporary Ranch-style homes designed by internationally-known African American architect Paul R. Williams. It was built between 1954 and 1955 and was the first African American built subdivision in Nevada. Berkley Square, bounded by Byrnes Ave, D Street, Leonard Ave and G Street, was built to provide adequate housing for a growing African American community prior to the Civil Rights movement. The development was financed in part by Thomas L. Berkley, a prominent African American attorney, media owner, developer and civil rights advocate in Oakland, California.

Hawaii and Alaska

African American Diversity Cultural Center Hawai’i (AADCCH) (HI)

According to the website, this museum repository collects and archives historical documentation to preserve 200 years of Black history in Hawaii and share it with the community to educate and enhance cultural appreciation.

Alaska Alcan Highway (AK)

African-American engineers played a critical role in constructing the Alaska Alcan Highway. According to Wikipedia, the road was originally built mostly by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a supply route during World War II. In 1942, the Army Corps of Engineers assigned more than 10,000 men, about a third were black soldiers, members of three newly formed “Negro regiments”. The Juneteenth Alaska Alcan Highway Celebration commended the soldiers in 2011 with the help of unexpected ally, former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin.

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About The Author

For Dads: How to Get More Involved With Your Children

Here are a few great tips on getting more involved in your children’s lives.

by Rick McCray

As men, too often we allow the women in our lives to take care of the details of home life including almost everything that has to do with the children. This attitude can be burdensome to your wives, and it also impedes your ability to create meaningful relationships with your children. FEAR NOT! Here are a few great tips on getting more involved in your children’s lives.

1. Play with your children.

Personally, when I get in from work, my mind is still racing with the events of the day. I also run my own business so as soon as I walk in the door, I start planning all the things I still need to do. It’s often challenging to slow myself down enough to engage with my children. However, as soon as I get home, they are the first to greet me and playing is the first thing they want to do.

In television mogul Shonda Rhimes‘s 2016 Ted Talk, she related a story of feeling stressed and pressed for time when one of her daughters asked her to play. Although everything in her screamed “No,” she challenged herself to say “Yes” instead. Albeit challenging at first, while playing with her daughter, she was surprised at how much fun she had. She learned to relax, listen and be engaged. She was also surprised to find how play time focused her own mind. I find the same to be true. Play time with my children challenges me to slow down. It also encourages my children’s creativity and strengthens our relationship with each other.

2. Include your child in your hobbies.

I admit that I am not “Mr. Handyman.” However, I have a neighbor who I am convinced could build a car from scratch. Every weekend, he is under the hood of a car turning a seeming hunk of junk into a functioning automobile. He also does the most amazing thing at least once a month. He is out there with one of his kids showing them exactly what he is doing, letting them work on a certain part of the car, and most importantly bonding with them.

Although I am not a car guy, what I learned from him is to share my hobbies with my kids. Your kids (especially if they are older) may not show interest in your hobby, but they will appreciate the fact that you are doing something you love with them. Instead of secluding yourself from the family every time you want to play your music, you can let your kids listen in on your jam sessions. If you were raised in the nineties like me, you can even show them the real running man! Even if they are laughing at you, it’s still time you will both remember.

The only caveat is to remain engaged with your child while you enjoy your hobby. Turning on a football game and demanding quiet is not a way to really bond with your child. Talk to your kid about the teams, the players, and the rules of the game, and listen to their thoughts. Allow them to feel like you are enjoying them as much as your hobby.

3. Get Involved in your child’s school.

Although I work full time outside of my home, I try to take advantage of volunteer opportunities wherever possible. Whether it be volunteering to chaperone a class trip, allowing myself the extra time to walk my children to school on a nice day, or popping by my son’s kindergarten class for lunch, I find my sons’ (and their teachers) appreciate my time at their schools. I also coordinate the WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) program for my sons’ elementary school. The program, started by the National Center for Fathering, is a way for men to have an impact at their child’s school by volunteering one day out of the academic year. These men are fathers, stepfathers, uncles and other father figures who volunteer and serve a variety of functions while at the school, including, being engaged in every aspect of your child’s academic day. I find reserving one day a year to commit to volunteering at your child’s school is rarely burdensome, even in the most demanding jobs. If you don’t have a WATCH D.O.G.S. program at your school and you are interested please contact the organization here.

4. Read with your children.

LeVar Burton, the famous actor and host of Reading Rainbow, once said that, “I think reading is part of the birthright of the human being.” The importance of literacy and exposing children to language and the written word cannot be overstated. By reading with your children you expose them to a world of literacy that will last for them until their last days. When you point out context clues about the reading and get them to name the colors they see in the picture, you keep them engaged in the book as active listeners/readers.

The more you read with your kids the more they will love to read. Find out what your kids enjoy to read and read it with them. If you can’t physically read with them, then agree to read the same book separately and then discuss it with them the next time you see them or talk with them. This way you and your child can stay connected and you can know you are benefitting your child’s education.

5. Spend one on one time with your children.

I have two sons (and one on the way). Every other Saturday, we have “man-time”(so named by my wife). What started off as our biweekly trips to the barbershop, turned into haircuts, lunch and shooting hoops at our local Y. I have to admit, I was anxious initially. Like most children their age, my boys are insane. Often it takes both my wife and I to reign them. However, as they have gotten older, I have found we all enjoy the time. We eat foods my wife doesn’t like, talk about “man things”, and spend quality time that is uniquely ours. I know I am building a foundation that will encourage a strong relationship through adulthood.

If you don’t have sons, don’t underestimate one on one time with your daughters. Do things she enjoys and listen to her. That time will set the foundation for how she expects a man to treat her.

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About The Author

8 Kid Geniuses, Innovators and Entrepreneurs You Need to Know

This extraordinary group of kids and teens have already accomplished more than most adults in a lifetime. Here are 8 gifted humans who are sure to inspire you and your little ones!

This extraordinary group of kids and teens have already accomplished more than most adults in a lifetime! Here are 8 gifted humans who are sure to inspire you and your little ones:

1. Esther Okade

In 2015, at just 10 years old, Esther Okade was a top freshman in her college class. In addition to studying for exams, the bite-sized mathematician wrote math work books for children.

As far as future goals, Esther said: “I’m going to do my PhD in financial maths when I’m 13. I want to have my own bank by the time I’m 15 because I like numbers and I like people and banking is a great way to help people.”

2. Boffin Ramami Wilfred

Dubbed “Britain’s Smartest Schoolboy” in 2014, 11 year old Ramami scored a 162 on an IQ test, higher than Stephen Hawking, Bill Gates and Albert Einstein! Ramami’s mom knew he wasn’t the average child when his favorite book as a toddler was the encyclopedia. Ramami’s incredible scores allowed him to be a member of Mensa, an organization open to folks who score in the 98th percentile or higher on an IQ or other approved intelligence test.

On his tremendous achievement, Ramami said:

“I believe that having a high IQ isn’t that important unless you do something really special with it.”

3. Rochelle Ballantyne

In 2012, at just 17 years old, Rochelle was the only girl featured in Brooklyn Castle, a documentary about inner-city students that ranked among the nation’s top chess players. At the time, she was in the 99th percentile of American junior players! When asked what was driving her, Rochelle said:

“My grandmother. When I first started playing, she introduced to me the idea of being the first African-American female chess master. I didn’t think about it much because for me it seemed like an impossible feat, and I didn’t think it could happen. I wasn’t as focused and dedicated as I am now. I didn’t think I was a good chess player—people told me I was, but it wasn’t my mentality at that moment. But then after she died, that really affected me, because she was the one person that always had confidence in me. She never pushed me, and she always respected me for who I was. I have to reach that goal for her.”

This amazing young lady is currently an undergraduate at Stanford University double majoring in Political Science and African American Studies. She is interested in “helping to give voice to those who are often neglected or ignored.”

4. Tony Hasberry Jr.

In 2012, at just 14 years old, Tony had already created a new surgical technique to reduce the risk of complications when performing hysterectomies. The discovery began during an internship at the University of Florida’s Center for Simulation Education and Safety Research.

Currently, Tony is a student at Florida A&M University with aspirations of becoming a trauma surgeon who invents and analyzes innovative products and medical processes.

5. Maya Shea Penn

At just 16 years old, Maya is already the CEO of a fashion company, a published author and she has a non-profit organization called Maya’s Ideas 4 The Planet.

Maya’s career began in 2008 at just 8 years old when she began creating eco-friendly clothes and accessories. Through her non-profit, Maya has created eco-friendly sanitary pads for girls in developing countries. This teenage entrepreneur has gained national attention in Essence, Forbes, Black Enterprise, The Huffington Post and many other notable publications. She has also done three TEDTalks becoming the youngest female to do two back to back TEDTalks!

6. Jaylen Bledsoe

At just 12 years old, Jaylen started his own information technology consulting business with $100. Now, at 17 years old, Jaylen has built a $3.5 Million dollar global enterprise as an investor, motivational speaker and business development consultant.

On his success, Jaylen said:

“I don’t find anyone that’s going to demean me… who is going to bring me down. [I only find] people who bring me up to make my purpose prosper.”

Check out his powerful interview with T.D. Jakes below:

7. Mabou Loiseau

In 2014, at only 8 years old, Mabou, a native of Queens, New York, was speaking English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, Haitian Creole, Japanese and even sign language! She was playing piano, violin, guitar, harp, clarinet, conga, drums and the flute.

In an interview with Katie Couric, mini-Queen Mabou said, “I want to be a lawyer, a brain surgeon and a singer.”

Currently, you can find Mabou performing off-Broadway showcasing her musical talents!

8. Daquan Chisholm

In 2007, at just 10 years old, Baltimore native Daquan Chisholm attended a three week course called “Inventions” and was tasked with creating his own invention. He created a bullet-proof police helmet with a built-in walkie talkie to keep police safe. Although he didn’t have enough money to patent his idea, his invention gave him a sense of drive and motivation knowing that one day he had it in him to make the world a better place.

He hopes to motivate others to do good and stand out. He wants kids like him to know:

“If you feel you have something special, just share it with the world.”

In 2015, Daquan was a senior in high school hoping to attend college and attain a degree in engineering or natural sciences.

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About The Author

How to Confront Bias in the Classroom

While as adults, we learn to sweep powerless microaggressions under the rug, when it comes to our children, these behaviors, especially in the educational system, can be irrevocably damaging. We are often forced to fight for them, even when we haven’t always been willing to fight for ourselves.

by Faye McCray

It’s a burden that can be uniquely ours. And by ours, I mean people of color. As we move into different career paths or socioeconomic statutes or merely try to introduce ourselves to different experiences, the rooms tend to get less brown. In a good room, it’s a fleeting thought. You notice but it doesn’t silence you. In fact, it may encourage you to be brighter, since you are already standing out. In a difficult room, the otherness can be palpable, leaking from every stare and comment. You are center court, dodging decades of expectations, and assumptions about your thoughts, beliefs and lifestyle. You have to fight your way out without shrinking or being defined.

At thirty-something, I feel like an old pro but when it comes to my kids, I still feel like a rookie. While as adults, we learn to sweep powerless microaggressions under the rug, when it comes to our children, these behaviors, especially in the educational system, can be irrevocably damaging. We are often forced to fight for them, even when we haven’t always been willing to fight for ourselves. It was with this thought in mind that I wondered, how would I defend my child against bias in the educational setting?

For us, the seemingly inevitable came in my eldest’s second grade year when he came to me and declared that Ms. V*, a paraeducator at his school “…did not like brown boys.” As I listened to him rattle off the list of infractions: from telling him and other brown boys she was “watching” them to telling him he wasn’t better than anyone else to accusing him of lying about asking to use the bathroom, it was clear she was targeting him but connecting the dots between her behavior and racism would be a much more daunting task. After all, racism is a very strong accusation. By definition, it means “a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race.” That’s heavy. I knew going into his school ready to hurl that word at the first one to listen wasn’t the way to be heard. Whether I believed it to be true or not.

1. Remain calm.

My husband’s karate teacher used to teach self defense to women. He said the women would always start off throwing weak jabs and hits, too shy to use their full strength. However, as soon as the instructor challenged them to fight like they were protecting their children, all bets were off. I would wager nothing makes a human more feral than the thought of having to protect your children. However, when it comes to protecting our children in the education setting, we must remain calm. In spite of what reality TV has taught us, no one ever hears you when you’re yelling. This I know. Though my first instinct was to contact the school immediately upon learning of this educator’s behavior, I knew I needed to calm down first. In my case, it meant waiting for my husband to come home so we could strategize, have some tea, and get a good night’s sleep.

2. Identify your objective.

In our case, we wanted the behavior to stop. We were fortunate Ms. V was a paraeducator and not his primary teacher. We adored his primary teacher. We also had a great relationship with his school’s administrators. We didn’t think we were confronting a systemic problem but more of a problem with this particular educator. Thus, we knew disciplinary action could potentially rectify the situation. We also knew from previous interactions with Ms. V, discussing the issue directly with her may cloud our objective. She wasn’t personable and seemed like the kind of small-minded individual that may antagonize the situation. We knew calmly discussing the issue with the principal was the best way to find a solution for the problem.

Identifying your objective is crucial in determining what path of redress you should take. If you suspect the problem is systemic, your starting point may be beyond the administrators but with the school board.

“Make [the issue] child specific. All parents are critical of their children’s progress. Everyone will understand that. When you start with race, you put people on the defensive and that is counterproductive.”

3. Focus on the child.

Princess Lyles, Executive Director of Democracy Builders, an organization focusing on parental advocacy in public schools, recommends: “Make [the issue] child specific. All parents are critical of their children’s progress. Everyone will understand that. When you start with race, you put people on the defensive and that is counterproductive.”

Our first step was sitting down with the principal and expressing our disappointment with our son’s experience. We used phrases like, “Ms. V’s words made our son feel vulnerable” and “Ms. V made him feel targeted.” We let the principal know our son was enthusiastic about learning and looked forward to going to school each day. We were worried his interaction with this educator would ruin that. Our son didn’t have a history of behavioral problems or problems with any other teachers in the school. This made it clear that the issue was more with this particular educator.

4. Document and investigate.

We were fortunate that our principal was very receptive so our battle ended there. In fact, while we used words like “vulnerable” and “targeted.” She used phrases like “resistant to change” and “from a different time.” It was clear we were ALL on the same page.

Although our principal was receptive to our grievances, we were prepared to go further. Our son’s concern about Ms. V’s interaction with all “brown boys” stemmed from weeks of watching her berate and target brown children. We knew he wasn’t the only one at stake.

Lyles recommends documenting your child’s allegations, observing interactions (where possible) and talking with other parents. “Poke around to see if there are similar circumstances,” she said. If the issue warrants going beyond teachers and administrators, you may have to bring your grievances to the school board. In which case, you want to prepared.

5. Explore other options.

“Education is a partnership,” said Lyles. “To the extent the school isn’t working to make it a partnership, it may not work for you. Unfortunately, one size does not fit all, you will constantly be on a mission to find the school that’s the right fit.”

The truth is, not everyone is cut out to be the Norma Rae of inclusive education. Often your priority is to protect your child and that’s okay. If your child is attending a private school or if a private school is within your means, the solution may be as easy as finding another private school. If private school is not an option, many school districts offer open enrollments, charter schools and variance applications that open the door to attending schools outside of your neighborhood. Do your homework and know your options.

“You are your child’s best advocate.”

6. Remain involved.

Whether it’s the beginning, middle or end of your child’s educational career, it is important to remain involved. My husband and I are both active members of our school community. We have held positions on the PTA and volunteered regularly in our son’s classrooms. We also encourage constant dialogue with our children’s teachers and administrators. When I emailed my son’s principal to request a meeting, she already knew who we were. She knew we were invested in our child’s education, not just when there was a problem but when things were going well. After our meeting, she also knew we wouldn’t just disappear. We would remain active and thus, she would remain accountable.

Even if your work schedule makes it difficult to give face time at your child’s school, emails and social media make it easier to remain active. Send an email checking in every once in awhile. Ask about your child’s progress and what you can do at home. Be sure to introduce yourself and your child to school administrators where possible.

“You are your child’s best advocate,” said Lyles. The best way to avoid problems is to be there before they start.

*name changed.

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About The Author

The Truth About Your Favorite Kids Snacks

Here are eight popular kids snacks and the truth about what is in them.

I hate grocery shopping. My kids are constantly ramming my ankles with the cart, running through the isles, and begging for every snack with a cartoon characters face on it. Distracted trips often make it difficult to be an informed consumer. It’s easy to rely on words like “fruit” and “cheese” to assume you are picking the healthiest option. The truth is, there are many hidden dangers, even in our favorite kid’s snacks. However, most can be spotted by their hard to pronounce names and high sugar content. Apps like Shopwell and Fooducate (which has an awesome barcode scanning option) make it even easier to sift the good from the bad. Here are eight popular kids snacks and the truth about what is in them:

WARNING: Once you know the truth, you will know forever.

1. Strawberry Frosted Pop Tarts

It hurts my heart to write this because I LIVED for Strawberry Frosted Pop Tarts in college. They were a crispy and simple toaster treat and the truth won’t destroy our memories! The truth will, however, destroy our future. These processed little pastries have 4tsp of sugar per serving, trans fats and a controversial petroleum based additive TBHQ (yummy!). According to the FDA, the amount of TBHQ in food cannot exceed 0.02% because in lab experiments it has caused paralysis and convulsions. Good looking out, FDA, says no one.

2. Nacho Cheese Doritos

The good news is Doritos contain whole grains! The bad news, this highly processed treat also contains artificial colors (known to pose a risk for hyperactivity, cancer and allergic reactions) and MSG. Although MSG is recognized as “generally” safe by the FDA, it is known to cause adverse reactions such as sweating, facial pressure or tightness, rapid, fluttering heartbeats (heart palpitations) and chest pain.

3. Rice Krispy Treats

These sweet treats contain 2tsp of sugars per serving, contains TBHQ ( controversial petroleum based additive, see above) and BHT (Butylated hydroxytoluene). BHT is an additive used to retard rancidity in oils and foods. While accepted as safe in small doses, research studies have shown it to be cancer causing in lab mice, rats and hamsters.

4. Fruit Gushers

I hate when foods with the word fruit in it disappoint me. Fruit gushers contain 3tsp of sugar per serving! That may not sound like much but researchers recently called for limiting a child’s sugar consumption to 6tsp a day.

According to Dr. Miriam Vos, an associate professor of pediatrics at Emory University and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and lead author of the paper: “A diet high in added sugars is strongly associated with weight gain, obesity, insulin resistance, abnormal cholesterol and fatty liver disease in children and all of these increase future cardiovascular risk.”

These seemingly innocuous yet highly processed treats also include trans-fats and artificial flavors.

5. Chips Ahoy

Chips Ahoy was a staple of my house growing up. In fact, my cousins would immediately look for these yummy cookies when visiting my mom’s house in Queens. Unfortunately, these highly processed treats contain 3tsp of sugar and industrial caramel coloring. According to Fooducate, Industrial Caramel Coloring is made from reacting sugars with ammonia and sulfites. The reaction creates 4-methylimadazole which has caused lung, liver, or thyroid cancer, high blood pressure and leukemia in lab mice and rates. In 2011, California required foods containing caramel color to be labeled as potentially cancer causing but manufactures reduced the amount of color to avoid the labeling requirements.

6. Kool Aid Jammers, Grape

Unlike their mom, my kids will never know the magic of Kool Aid on a hot summer day. This beverage not only contains artificial colors, it contains 7. 5 tsp of sugar per serving which exceeds the daily recommendation! Kool Aid also contains EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) is a preservative used to retain color. As with most chemicals, usage often carries the risk of side effects. Such side effects include anemia, irregular heartbeat and insulin shock.

7. Kit Kat

These little wafers contain 5.5 tsp of sugar per serving and very high in saturated fat. According to the Mayo Clinic, saturated fat raises total blood cholesterol levels and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, which can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

8. Cheez It Snack Mix

These snacks contain over 20% of the daily max of salt. A high sodium diet can increase your risk of high blood pressure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “about 1 in 6 children ages 8-17 years has raised blood pressure. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Lowering sodium in children’s diets today can help prevent heart disease tomorrow, especially for those who are overweight.” These salty treats also include artificial colors and MSG and TBHQ, those yummy preservatives we discussed earlier.

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About The Author

20 Positive Affirmations to Start Your Child’s Day

Send your children (and yourself) out into the world with these positive affirmations for a great start to any day!

A positive mindset is the best way to start your day. Though navigating this world can be unpredictable, starting off your day with the right frame of mind can prepare you to handle whatever comes your way. Send your children (and yourself) out into the world with these positive affirmations for a great start to any day!

1. I am loved.

2. I am brave.

3. I make good choices.

4. I am happy.

5. I am smart.

6. I work hard.

7. I learn from my mistakes.

8. I am a good friend.

9. I am honest.

10. I am responsible.

11. I am proud.

12. I am a good listener.

13. I am handsome/beautiful.

14. I am a problem solver.

15. I am calm.

16. I am strong.

17. I am creative.

18. I believe in myself.

19. I respect others.

20. I respect myself.

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About The Author

13 Facts About The First Woman to Run for the Democratic Presidential Nomination (Hint: It’s Not Hillary!)

There would have been no Hillary Clinton OR Barack Obama without Shirley Chisholm. Here are 12 facts you should know about this often overlooked pioneer!

Long before Hillary Clinton made her first run for the Democratic nomination in 2008, Shirley Chisholm made waves as the first woman to run for the Democratic Party nomination and the first African American to be placed on the ballot. There would have been no Hillary Clinton OR Barack Obama without Shirley Chisholm.

Here are 13 facts you should know about this often overlooked pioneer!

1. She was the child of immigrants.

Born Shirley Anita St. Hill in Brooklyn, New York in 1924, the future trailblazer was the child of immigrants. Her mother was born in Barbados and her father was born in British Guiana (now known as Guyana). When she was five, she was sent to live with her grandmother in Barbados and did not return until she was almost ten. She spoke with a subtle West Indian accent.

2. She was a member of Delta Sigma Theta.

Chisholm pledged Delta Sigma Theta sorority while attending Brooklyn College to attain her Bachelor of Arts. She later received her MA in Elementary Education from Columbia University.

3. She is a former day care center director.

Before entering politics, Chisholm was a day care center director in Brownsville, Brooklyn and later, lower Manhattan. She was a known expert in areas of early childhood education and child welfare.

4. She was the 2nd African American woman elected to the New York State Legislature.

In 1965, she became only the 2nd African American woman elected to the New York State Legislature. While serving, she introduced the “SEEK program (Search for Education, Elevation and Knowledge) to the state, which provided disadvantaged students the chance to enter college while receiving intensive remedial education.”

5. She was the 1st African American Congresswoman.

In 1968, Shirley Chisholm made history by becoming the first African American congresswoman in the United States. She served seven terms in the Bedford–Stuyvesant neighborhood of her hometown Brooklyn, New York.

**6. She was “Unbought and Unbossed.“**

While running for Congress, her campaign slogan was “Unbought and Unbossed” which was also the title of her autobiography published in 1970.

7. She helped found the Congressional Black Caucus.

Chisholm was one of the founding members of the Congressional Black Caucus (so named in 1970). Her mission: “to seize the moment, to fight for justice, to raise issues too long ignored and too little debated.”

8. She fought for children and their families.

Her fight for children and their families continued while she was in Congress. She fought for a national school lunch bill, she worked to expand the food stamps program, and was instrumental in establishing The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (Wic), which provided support for pregnant women.

9. She was the first woman to run for the Democratic party nomination and the first African American to be placed on the ballot!

In 1972, Shirley Chisholm announced her campaign for presidency become the first woman to run for the Democratic party nomination and the first African American to be placed on the ballot! She ultimately lost to the nomination to Senator George McGovern of South Dakota and the national election to Republican nominee Richard Nixon, a Senator from California (yikes, we all know how that turned out).

10. She visited George Wallace after he was almost assassinated.

She lost some of her support due to her relationship with segregationist George Wallace. After visiting him at the hospital following the attempt on his life in 1972: “Black people in my community crucified me,” she said. “But why shouldn’t I go to visit him? Every other presidential candidate was going to see him. He said to me: ‘What are your people going to say?’ I said: ‘I know what they’re going to say. But I wouldn’t want what happened to you to happen to anyone.’ He cried and cried and cried.”

11. She remained active in politics after she left Congress.

She remained politically active after leaving Congress. Shirley Chisholm left congress in January of 1983 and became a professor teaching at Mt. Holyoke College. Yet, she made time to found the National Political Congress of Black Women. She also campaigned for Jesse Jackson’s presidential bids in 1984 and 1988. She spoke throughout the country about her amazing career and expertise on issues of race, gender, and politics.

12. She is a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient.

Shirley Chisholm was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015 by President Barack Obama, the first African American president of the United States. In giving the award President Obama said:

“There are people in our country’s history who don’t look left or right – they just look straight ahead. Shirley Chisholm was one of those people.”

13. A biopic about her life is in the works.

In 2016, it was announced Tony Award winning actress Anika Noni Rose will star in and produce a film about Shirley Chisholm’s amazing legacy!

*Note: An earlier edition of this article stated that Chisholm was the first African American to run for President. While she was, in fact, the first African American to be listed on the ballot, there were a number of African American candidates who ran before her.

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About The Authors

Saturday Morning Cartoons Just Got Way Cooler

Here are 7 shows that will take your kids around the world and back in your living room!

Representation in kids television is often just as hard as finding representation in kids books. However, with the demands are modern lives, it is difficult to avoid turning to the television on a rainy day or when you just need fifteen minutes to take a shower. Here are 7 shows that will take your kids around the world and back in your living room!

1. Bino and Fino

Bino and Fino is a cartoon aimed at three to five year olds, about a brother and sister who live with their grandparents in an unnamed African city.

“I said I’m not going do African folk tales, animals — that’s what you get in (animated movie) ‘Madagascar’ — we don’t want to do that,” Creator Adamu Waziri said to CNN.

“We want to show a couple of kids in a middle class life, which I know isn’t the reality of all the kids in Africa, but let’s show that reality — the reality of people using laptops, phones, going to school, doing their daily business — no talking ants, no dancing ‘jinga jinga’ music — just a cartoon of life.”

2. Chhota Bheem

According to Wikipedia, Chhota Bheem is “an Indian animated comedy-adventure series. First premiered in 2008 on Pogo TV, it focuses on adventures of a boy named Bheem and his friends in the fictional kingdom of Dholakpur. In this series Bheem and his friends are usually involved in protecting Raja (Hindi for King) Indravarma of Dholakpur to save the kingdom from various evil forces. Sometimes they are seen helping other kingdoms as well. It is one of the most popular animated series for children of India.”

Full episodes are available on YouTube! The show is in Hindi but as with most kids shows, I found my kids were engaged by the exciting animation and the universally awesome theme song (seriously, listen to it once and you will be singing it for the rest of the day).

3. Burka Avenger

According to Wikipedia, “Burka Avenger is set in the fictional town of Halwapur in northern Pakistan. It features a superheroine who wears a burka as a disguise to conceal her identity while fighting villains. Her alter ego is Jiya, an “inspirational teacher”at an all-girls’ school. Jiya fights corrupt politicians and vengeful mercenaries who attempt to shut down girls’ schools, using “Takht Kabadi”, a martial art that involves throwing books and pens. Together with children ‘Ashu’, ‘Immu’ and ‘Mooli’, the Burka Avenger fights the evil magician ‘Baba Bandook’, his henchmen and corrupt politician ‘Vadero Pajero’.”

This awesome show is in Urdu but has English subtitles.

4. Sara Solves It

Sara Solves It was a “musical animated series on Amazon Prime that follows 9-year-old whiz kid Sara and younger brother Sam as they solve mysteries in their apartment building, at school, and beyond — employing math, music, and creative thinking.”

The good news is mini-episodes are available on YouTube. The bad news, the show didn’t get picked up. The bright side: if your kids are anything like ours, if they like something, they can watch the same thing over and over… and over again.

5. Maya and Miguel

According to Wikipedia, “[t]he show chronicles the adventures, and sometimes misadventures, of fraternal twins Maya and Miguel Santos and features their family, friends and a diverse neighborhood. This show centers on Maya’s well-intentioned meddling in her family and friends’ lives, ultimately creating new quandaries to fix. Their mother is from Mexico, and their father is from Puerto Rico. The underlying message is the importance of doing good for the family and community, and the philosophy that shared happiness is greater than personal gain. The show presents a positive, culturally rich portrayal of Latino family, language and cultures. In some markets, each episode ends with Maya announcing, “Here’s what some of our friends are up to,” introducing clips of children engaging and interacting in ways consistent with the show’s themes. Maya concludes episodes by exhorting viewers to “visit your local library like ‘Maya & Miguel.'”

Episodes and games featuring Maya and Miguel are available on PBS Kids.

6. Home Adventures with Tip and Oh

My 9 year old says its “funny, cool and happy (like never really sad, unlike the movie).”

There you have it.

7. Project Mc2

If your kids are a little older, Netflix pulls another win with this diverse all girl team!

According to Wikipedia, “the series revolves around the fields of STEAM and the adventures of McKeyla McAlister and her friends, who work for an organization called NOV8 (pronounced “innovate”), a highly secretive group of female operatives that are trying to protect the world.”

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About The Author

Minute Mentor: Clinical Psychologist and Columnist Napoleon Wells

Minute Mentor is a series of posts profiling real people achieving their dreams. It began with the simple idea that “seeing is being.” When cofounders Rick and Faye’s oldest son was born, it was clear he was musically inclined. He was playing piano by ear at age 4 and neither of them ever even picked up an instrument! When Faye remembered an old neighbor who had gone on to become a Julliard trained musician, she immediately reached out to him and said, “What do we do?” He patiently answered all of her questions on how best to nurture her budding musician.

Minute Mentor provides a space for real people to tell their stories so if you or your little one is in search of mentorship on how to achieve their dreams, you can look no further than right here! Sometimes the best inspiration comes from seeing someone that looks like you achieving similar goals.

If you have any questions or comments for the featured guest, leave a comment, and we will do our best to bring it to their attention! Happy imagining!

Name: Napoleon Wells

Age: 38

Occupation: Clinical Psychologist, Columnist for The Good Men Project (“These Thoughts Are FREE”)

Education: Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, Fordham University

Career Level:

Entry
Mid-level
Executive
Entrepreneur
Retired

How hard do you work?

Lots of Leisure Time
Typical 40-50hr Workweek
More than Average
I never stop working

Lifestyle/Income:

Side Hustle/Didn’t Quit My Day Job
Getting By
My bills are Paid with Some Room for Fun
You get a car! You get a car!

Describe your job:

I am the Chief Behaviorist for the Primary Care Behavioral Health Program at a Veterans Affairs Hospital. Most of my days involve coordinating the workload of my mental health staff and seeing veterans for mental health care. Lots of calls, crisis management, a few meetings and lots of healing and human affirmation. I also perform speaking engagements focusing on curing racism every couple of months, and I am a social justice columnist for the Good Men Project. All in all, my job(s) is/are awesome.

What education level is required for your job? Tests? Certificates? Years of School?

Typically, you give yourself the greatest worklife flexibility as a Psychologist when you obtain your Ph.D. It makes you the field’s highest level expert and allows for consulting, private practice, and teaching opportunities. There are, however, many MA level psychologists with practices in the community. You will need your typical 4 years of college and about another 6 years to complete the Ph.D. It can be done in five by superheroes, and if you are reading this, you are, of course, a superhero.

What kind of student were you?

Very driven, always mindful of my goals, determined to always turn what I knew were internal and external doubts into results.

Did you have a mentor? How did you meet?

I had several actually. I sought out mentors in college whenever the chance arose. I sought people out with whom I could discuss my goals and who would help me chart a course. While at Binghamton University, I was fortunate to meet three of the best mentors one could have, Cecil Walters, Dr. Joseph Morrissey and Dr. Leo Wilton. I think that mentor/mentee relationships should develop organically. For me, that meant seeking out individuals that I knew would drive me forward. It took a bit of patience and willingness on their part.

How did you get your current job?

Part of my clinical training was in a Veterans Affairs hospital and I was offered a position upon completing my training. I was fortunate to have superiors that valued my work while I was a trainee and invited me on board.

Is your job family-friendly?

You can typically use your earned leave time as you please, but the day to day workspace and worksite are not what one would call family friendly.

Do you find your work fulfilling?

Very much so. I get to bear witness to the strength and resolve of the human condition, and to be a companion for people to heal themselves who believed that they may have been broken.

Did you always know you wanted to be a Psychologist?

No. I wanted to be a poet, and I may still pursue that if I can guarantee that I would avoid homelessness, in its pursuit.

What advice would you give a parent of a child/young adult interested in pursuing a job in your field?

Certainly have a mentor to guide you through some of the process. Learn as much as you can about lay Psychology, have an invested interest in the human condition and learn to write, write , write.

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You can find Napoleon on Twitter @NapoleonBXSith and on his website at www.napoleondwells.blogspot.com.

You can also check out his TED talk below:

6 Awesome Kids Making a Difference in Their Communities

Here are some real examples of children giving back to their communities in big ways!

Let’s face it, sometimes it’s difficult to even get our kids to share. As parents, empathy and altruism are some of the hardest lessons to teach. However, those traits are essential to becoming a well-rounded adult. Here are some real examples of children giving back to their communities in big ways! Good job, Moms and Dads!

1. Khloe Thompson

At just 9 years old, Khloe Thompson launched, Khloe Kares, a charity initiative to hand out bags filled with important items to give to homeless women.

“I would pass the same homeless people all the time on my way to school,” Khloe explained to Upworthy. “And I would ask my mom, ‘What can I do to help?'”

According to her website, “Khloe’s Kare Bags… are made and designed by Khloe and her grandma. The purpose of the Kare bags is to fill the bags up with items we use on a daily basis and give them to homeless women on the streets. Items include; soap, lotion, tooth brush and tooth paste, feminine products, socks etc. Instead of giving these items in a large plastic bag Khloe thought every women should have a nice sturdy bag to put their stuff in.”

Kudos to Khloe and her mom to putting a plan into action!

2. Jahkil Naeem Jackson

Like Khloe, 8 year old Jahkil Jackson also felt a need to do something about his town’s homeless population.

“It just made me feel sad, sad to see other people on the street just lying down and not having a home or a bed,” the now 8-year-old said. “Homeless people need to have more people helping them.”

With the help of his family, Jahkil set a goal to hand out 1,000 “Blessing Bags” to the homeless before the end of summer. As of August, Jahkil had passed out 735 bags filled with toothbrushes, toothpaste, socks, combs, shampoo, water, sanitary napkins, towels and other items donated to him by others in the community and organizations.

Great work, Jahkil!

3. Robbie Novak

Also known as Kid President, Robbie Novack, now 12 years old, is the adorable little powerhouse actor behind a series of YouTube videos and in a television show, produced by Soul Pancake. Robbie delivers positive and inspirational messages to his viewers that are sure to brighten your day. Though you would’t know it by his positive attitude, according to Wikipedia, Robbie “suffers from osteogenesis imperfecta, which makes him susceptible to bone damage. He has experienced over 70 fractures and has been a victim of bullying.”

Way to go, Robbie, for succeeding in spite of immeasurable setbacks!

4. Egypt “Ify” Ufele

According to her website, at a young age, Ify was diagnosed with a critical asthmatic health condition that impacted her weight and appearance. Although she overcame the illness, when she returned to school, she was bullied mercilessly by some of her peers. In response, Ify and her amazing mom began Bully Chasers, an organization that supports youth who have been bullied and gives them a platform to speak out against it. Ify didn’t just stop there! With the help of her grandmother, Ify launched her own line of clothing, called Chubiiline, and has since become a trailblazer as possibly the only child designer to dress plus-size models at one of the world’s most prestigious fashion shows.

“I turn negative attention into positive attention,” she said.

Amazing work, Ify.

5. Quenten McGee

Quentin made a seemingly simple decision to mow lawns of people in need.

“I feel good about helping people out that really can’t help themselves,” Quentin said.

In just two months, he’s mowed 36 lawns. Quentin’s small act of kindness gained the attention of the Marion, Ohio Police Department, the mayor, and people across the country.

Keep up the great work, Quentin!

6. Morgan McCane

Morgan McCane was just an average teenager girl who was tired of seeing teenage boys with their pants hanging down. But Morgan decided to do something about it! The 15-year-old teenager started Girls Against Boys Sagging (GABS).

According to the GABS Facebook page, “the founders and supports of GABS are dedicated to educating, encouraging, and inspiring girls and women of all ages, all over the country, to use their voices to challenge their friends and family members that “sag,” to pull up their pants.”

“I feel like women are the biggest influence on our young boys. If women could get voting rights, why can’t they help make boys pull up their pants? I met some girls that do like the boys sagging, but some of the other girls I met say, they’re too scared to take a stand.”

Awesome job, Morgan!

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