Black Women for Positive Change

2017 Week of Non-Violence Justice and Opportunities

Posted by bkw4poschange — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 00:35 GMT

2017 WEEK OF NON-VIOLENCE JUSTICE AND OPPORTUNITIESOctober 15-23, 2017 - All Cities Around the World For More Information

Black Women for Positive Change Presents... DROP - a story of Triumph

Posted by bkw4poschange — Sat, 15 Jul 2017 23:57 GMT

DROP - a story of Triumph We Must Discourage Kids from Dropping Out of School. 70% of Black Male Drop Outs End Up in Prison by Their 30''s! Starring Tray Chaney of the HBO Hit "THE WIRE"! Director: Chaka Balamani Produced and funded by Donors & Members of BW4PC and Positive Change Foundation

Senator Sessions Has Black Friends. So, What?

Posted by bkw4poschange — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 21:29 GMT

By Dr. Elsie L. Scott, Director, Ronald W. Walters Leadership and Public Policy Center, Howard University Many people offering support to Senator Jeff Sessions in his nomination for U.S. Attorney General have stated that he has black friends such as former Deputy Attorney General Larry Thompson. So, what? Senator Strom Thurmond fathered a black child, who he financially supported, while at the same time he used his public service platform to try to deny basic rights to black citizens. Throughout history, whites have been "friends" with and have had sex with black people while at the same time working to ensure that blacks do not have equal protection under the law. What is most important to our survival and our thriving? That he hired a black person or that he tried to suppress the black vote? It is argued by some that Senator Sessions is being judged by actions he took and statements he made 30+ years ago. Let's look at his Senate record. Does it show that he would seek justice and equal treatment for all? No, it doesn't. He has consistently voted against the confirmation of judicial and executive nominees who have been engaged in civil rights activities or who use their positions to support civil rights, e.g., Judge Wilhelmina Wright, Secretary of Education, John King, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and Attorney General Loretta Lynch. He voted against the Hate Crimes Prevention Act in 2009 and the re-authorization of the Violence Against Women Act in 2013. He has opposed immigration reform that would lead to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. We must not get caught up in symbolic politics such as Sessions' sponsoring of the Congressional Gold Medal for Selma marchers of 50 years ago. It did not take courage, and it has little or no meaning when this symbolic gesture is placed against his support for Shelby County v. Holder and the gutting of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.. The position of Attorney General is the chief law enforcement position in the country. Little, if anything, in Senator Sessions background indicates that he is the right person for Attorney General at this time in the history of the country. Presently, the country is divided with blacks, Hispanics, immigrants, Muslims and other minorities fearful of what will happen to them if Senator Sessions is confirmed as Attorney General. They are afraid that they will have nowhere to turn when they are discriminated against, physically assaulted, harassed, and subjected to voter intimidation and suppression. They are afraid that he will make "states' rights" the order of the day, leaving them hostage to local and state officials who will show their true colors with no threat of federal oversight. In opposing the nomination of Thomas Perez for Secretary of Labor in 2013, Senator Sessions stated: "he seems to have a strong bent toward allowing his own ideological and political views to affect his decisionmaking process-all of which is unacceptable for a high position in this government of the United States of America." Many argue that Senator Sessions has allowed his ideological and political view to affect his decision-making process. Does this meet Senator Sessions' standard for the U.S. Attorney General? https://elsiescottblog.wordpress.com/2017/01/09/senator-sessions-has-black-friends-so-what/

via: https://blackwomenforpositivechange.wordpress.com/2017/01/11/senator-sessions-has-black-friends-so-what/

Women's March on Washington - January 21st

Posted by bkw4poschange — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 21:26 GMT

Women's March on Washington - January 21st via: https://blackwomenforpositivechange.wordpress.com/2017/01/11/womens-march-on-washington-january-21st/

A Good Man By Dr. Stephanie E. Myers

Posted by bkw4poschange — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 13:56 GMT

I recently attended a funeral for a woman in the south coastal area of the United States, in an area known for the ancient Gullah-Geechee culture, that was transferred to America from Africa, during the brutal Atlantic slave trade. I was fascinated to observe that remnants of the old culture were still alive in her surviving husband, an African American man, who held the funeral. Note: To preserve the privacy of the family, we will call the deceased woman Marie and her widower husband Fred. Marie and Fred were raised as neighbors in a small coastal town, and fell in love during their teenage years. After Marie graduated as valedictorian of her high school she went away to college but, after a year she missed Fred so much she returned home to marry him and start their family of two sons and one daughter. For 60 years, Fred worked as a mariner and fisherman, and is a fundamental part of the local fishing industry. Marie and Fred were married for 62 years and for 30 of those years, Marie suffered from a long-term debilitating illness. However, despite her illness Fred displayed six decades of love and loyalty to her. Truth is, Fred's behavior is not unique, it is replicated by African American men thousands of times throughout America but, is rarely acknowledged in the media, families, churches or communities. During the funeral proceedings, I was struck with how seldom we celebrate examples of African American men who quietly lead their families with poise and grace. Every day, we see news coverage of African American men who are accused of committing violent crimes and are presented as representatives of the African American race. But, what I saw in Fred was a dignified, ordinary man who stood before his family, his church and his city to demonstrate behavior that all young men should imitate-behavior that shows what a man looks like when he acts responsibly and takes care of his family. Since the media declines to highlight black men demonstrating such behavior, I will outline four (4) lessons I observed from Fred and hopefully readers will share these lessons with young men and women. I asked Fred who organized the funeral services and he responded, "My son...that's why I sent him to school." Although Fred was not an academic himself, he sent his sons to outstanding universities in Massachusetts and Maryland. The oldest son became a Superior Court Judge in a southern state, and the second son became a career federal employee. And, today one of Fred's grandsons works on Wall Street as an analyst, at a national investment firm. Lesson #1: Educate Your Children. Marie's 30-year illness required her to be moved from medical facility to medical facility but, regardless of where she was, Fred drove hours to visit her week after week, month after month, year after year. Given the length of her illness many men would not have had the stamina to drive hundreds of miles regularly to visit a long-term terminally ill wife. Some men would have turned away and handed off responsibility to other family members. However, Fred did not do this-during his regular visits he lifted Marie's spirits and the spirits of the nursing staffs, who grew to love him. Lesson # 2: Be caring, consistent and loving. As I watched Fred interact with his children, grandchildren and extended family I was pleased to see they were comfortable with him and that he found a way for everyone to have a role. He was gracious and provided opportunities for his brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces and children to take the microphone at the funeral service, to express their feelings about losing Marie. Lesson # 3: Stay connected to your extended family. Fred received gifts and acts of kindness from some of the wealthy and non-wealthy white and black "City Fathers and Mothers" in his small town. They came to his home, sent food and refreshments for out of town guests, and personally attended the funeral at a Black church. They clearly regarded Fred and Marie as valuable parts of their lives and commented on how Fred's care for Marie was a local legend. During the funeral Fred received three standing ovations and the City Fathers and Mothers joined in. Lesson #4: A man who conducts his personal and family business in a loving and dignified manner, will be publicly and openly praised. Fred demonstrates what a strong, solid, dependable man looks like. I recognized it because my father and husband have the same characteristics. We can all learn a lot from watching Fred. Both young and old people can learn from his example. We must show our young men and young women that there are positive and negative role models they can follow but, if they imitate the positive behaviors of a man like Fred, we can help restore the strength, love and unity we so badly need in our African American communities today. STEPHANIE E. MYERS is Co-Founder and National Co-Chair of Black Women for Positive Change. She is Vice President and Co-Owner of R.J. Myers Publishing and Consulting Company, a minority owned business headquartered in the District of Columbia. For 4 years, she served as a Presidential Appointee as Director, Office of Commercial Space Transportation, U.S. Department of Transportation, where she authorized the first U.S. commercial space launch. For five years she served as Senate-Confirmed Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, where she was responsible for the first national PR campaigns on HIV/AIDS and Child Support Enforcement. She was also a founding member of the Minority Health Task Force that created the federal Office of Minority Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, a 30 year old federal agency focused on minority health and health disparities. She is an author and script writer and is married to Roy J. Myers, President of R.J. Myers Publishing Company. She is proud step-mom to three adult/married adult children and grandmother to five.

via: https://blackwomenforpositivechange.wordpress.com/2016/12/21/a-good-man-by-dr-stephanie-e-myers/

National Week of Nonviolence Tweet-A-Thon

Posted by bkw4poschange — Fri, 21 Oct 2016 20:30 GMT

via: https://blackwomenforpositivechange.wordpress.com/2016/10/21/national-week-of-nonviolence-tweet-a-thon/

Week of Nonviolence forum at local library in Baltimore County

Posted by bkw4poschange — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 17:14 GMT

Enter a caption Speakers left to right starting next to Takia: Mr. Santiago Morales, Mr. Rodney Conner, Mr. Norwood Johnson and Mr. Lonnie Hill discussed Domestic Violence, Bullying, and Conflict Resolution.

via: https://blackwomenforpositivechange.wordpress.com/2016/10/18/week-of-nonvionce-forum-at-local-library-in-baltimore-county/

NATIONAL WEEK OF NON-VIOLENCE News Release from National Bar Association

Posted by bkw4poschange — Wed, 12 Oct 2016 17:10 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE National Bar Association communications@nationalbar.org October 12, 2016 NATIONAL WEEK OF NON-VIOLENCE WASHINGTON, DC - For the second consecutive year the National Bar Association (NBA) has partnered with Black Women for Positive Change in their National Week of Non-Violence, which will take place October 15-23, 2016. The National Week of Non-Violence is dedicated to preserving and strengthening America's middle and working classes, in addition to changing the culture of violence that exists both domestically and globally. It is a time to educate youth and violence-prone adults about conflict resolution, anger management, non-violent concepts in behavior, music and art. It is also a time to emphasize alternatives to the causes of violence, specifically, employment, education, faith and economic development. The NBA's involvement in the National Week of Non-Violence will be two-fold. First, President Kevin Judd is proudly serving as an Honorary Co-Chair for the Week. Second, National Bar Association affiliate chapters have been encouraged to participate by hosting events in their local communities. In light of President's Judd's Presidential initiative to economically empower Black communities through entrepreneurship, the theme for National Week of Non-Violence events hosted by NBA affiliates is "Entrepreneurship as an Alternative to Violence." With this theme in mind, President Judd has asked every NBA affiliate chapter to organize and facilitate a workshop, panel discussion, or other program to educate and inform our communities about how creating one's own business can be a viable alternative to other life paths that may lead to violence. In the words of President Barack Obama, "Entrepreneurship offers a positive alternative to the ideologies of violence and division that can all too often fill the void when young people don't see a future for themselves. Entrepreneurship means ownership and self-determination, as opposed to simply being dependent on somebody else for your livelihood and your future. Entrepreneurship brings down barriers between communities and cultures and builds bridges that help us take on common challenges together. Because one thing that entrepreneurs understand is, is that you don't have to look a certain way, or be of a certain faith, or have a certain last name in order to have a good idea." President Judd stated that "he hope the words of President Obama, as well as the mission of Black Women for Positive Change, will inspire all NBA affiliates nationwide to leverage their local networks and resources to commemorate the National Week of Non-Violence. I look forward to hearing about the outstanding programs hosted by NBA affiliates in support of this critically important effort. " For additional details on Black Women for Positive Change and the National Week of Non-Violence, please visit: blackwomenforpositivechange.org ### ABOUT THE NATIONAL BAR ASSOCIATION The National Bar Association was founded in 1925 and is the nation's oldest and largest national network of predominantly African-American attorneys and judges. It represents the interests of approximately 60,000 lawyers, judges, law professors and law students. The NBA is organized around 23 substantive law sections, 9 divisions, 12 regions and 80 affiliate chapters throughout the United States and around the world. For more information, visit: www.nationalbar.org. Kevin D. Judd President Washington, DC Juan R. Thomas President-Elect Aurora, IL Joseph Drayton Vice President New York, NY Monica Dula Vice President Bronx, New York Yuri Walker Vice President Washington, DC Terry Wiley Vice President Oakland, CA Jonathan E. Richardson Secretary Nashville, TN Michael A. Thompson Treasurer Vallejo, CA Joseph Hairston Parliamentarian Washington, DC Lamont Bailey General Counsel Springfield Gardens, NY Keith Andrew Perry Executive Director Washington, DC

via: https://blackwomenforpositivechange.wordpress.com/2016/10/12/national-week-of-non-violence-news-release-from-national-bar-association/

Non-Violence - Worship Weekends

Posted by bkw4poschange — Sat, 3 Sep 2016 16:58 GMT

Non-Violence - Worship Weekends October 15 - 23, 2016 Non-Violence Worship Weekends - All Faiths Involved! Pastors Urged to Give Sermons to Promote Non-Violence! SIGN UP YOUR FAITH INSTITUTION TODAY http://www.BLACKWOMENFORPOSITIVECHANGE.org or BKWOMENPOSCHANGE@gmail.com

Week of Non-Violence Justice and Opportunity

Posted by bkw4poschange — Sat, 3 Sep 2016 16:36 GMT

Week of Non-Violence Justice and Opportunity October 15 - 23, 2016 Be a leader! Organize Non-Violence Activities in Your Community FOCUS ON CONFLICT RESOLUTION Anger Management and Reconciliation Calling on All Cultures, Ages, Races, Nationalities, Jobs, Professionals, Cities, States, Nations... GET INVOLVED Key Organizing Areas: Atlanta, GA., Washington, DC, St. Louis, MO., Chicago, IL., Pittsburgh, PA., Los Angeles, CA., Hampton Roads, VA., Alexandria, VA., Denver, CO., Compton, CA., Prince Georges County, MD. SIGN UP TODAY BlackWomenforPositiveChange.org or BKWOMENPOSCHANGE@gmail.com

Together we must "Change the Culture of Violence in America...and the World!"

Posted by bkw4poschange — Sat, 3 Sep 2016 16:21 GMT

Black Women for Positive Change and the Positive Change Foundation invite you to enjoy our socially responsible films, music and spoken word. Please share these entertainment vehicles with the youth in your life.

Visit us at www.blackwomenforpositivechange.org

Socially Responsible Media is:

InformativeCleanEntertaining

Here are links for our films, music and spoken word.

1. ON 2ND THOUGHT -- YOUTH VIOLENCE PREVENTION FILM (22 min)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MUVqcVSOhM&feature=youtu.be

2. RED FLAGS IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (30 min)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmAH45AUPEY

3. POSITIVE CHANGE HARMONY JAM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvSLzMDQ7UM

4. NON VIOLENCE PEACE PLEDGE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eo7vCDF8UPk

The BW4PC Peace Pledge

Posted by bkw4poschange — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 13:42 GMT

Watch Video on YouTube I pledge to uphold peace in the name of non-violence and I pledge to keep my brothers and sisters safe. I promise to seek the path of peace and to treat others with fairness and respect. I pledge to do this for the sake of humanity, so we can all live together in peace and harmony.

via: https://blackwomenforpositivechange.wordpress.com/2016/06/30/the-bw4pc-peace-pledge/

Black Women for Positive Change Delegation Participates in Historic Selma Commemoration

Posted by bkw4poschange — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 22:23 GMT

For Immediate Release Contact: Dr. Stephanie Myers 202-347-5566 Alexandra Duncan, Sister Mary Antona Ebo, Janell Mayo Duncan, Esq. Black Women for Positive Change (BW4PC) was organized a delegation of 21 members and guests to attend 50th Anniversary Commemorative Events in Selma, Alabama. "We were pleased to have Black Women for Positive Change represented in Selma for the historic events. We were particularly glad to have Howard University Students and several teenagers in our delegation. It was great for young people to have this first-hand experience," said Virginia Delegate Daun S. Hester and Dr. Stephanie E. Myers, National Co-Chairs, BW4PC, in a joint statement. On Friday, March 6, 2015, Sister Mary Antona Ebo, a St. Louis native, civil rights pioneer, and one of the "Sisters of Selma," was inducted into the Women's Hall of Fame of the Voting Rights Museum and Institute in Selma, Alabama. Her cousins, Janell Mayo Duncan, a Maryland attorney, traveled to Selma with her daughter, Alexandra, to attend the ceremony. While in Selma, the three attended President Obama's speech at the Edmund Pettus Bridge. "This was a once in a lifetime event and we were so proud to be there as our cousin, Sister Antona, received this honor," said Janell Mayo Duncan. "We were also very inspired to witness President Obama's speech at the Edmund Pettus Bridge."

via: https://blackwomenforpositivechange.wordpress.com/2015/03/16/black-women-for-positive-change-delegation-participates-in-historic-selma-commemoration/

"On 2nd Thought"-Mini Movie About Violence

Posted by bkw4poschange — Thu, 5 Mar 2015 00:36 GMT

Watch Video on YouTube

via: https://blackwomenforpositivechange.wordpress.com/2015/03/05/on-2nd-thought-mini-movie-about-violence/

CHANGING THE CULTURE OF VIOLENCE IN AMERICA"- A MANIFESTO

Posted by bkw4poschange — Thu, 5 Mar 2015 00:30 GMT

Black Women for Positive Change "Changing the Culture of Violence in America " P.O. Box 78211, Washington DC 20013, Fax 202-403-3743 Bkwomen4poschange@gmail.com http://www.blackwomenforpositivechange.org Black Women for Positive Change (BW4PC), a national civic network, declares it is time to Change the Culture of Violence in America. The historic legacy of violence in America has created a national obsession with violence that impacts adults and youth. Gun violence, physical violence and abuse must stop because it is destroying the very fabric of the nation. Therefore, BW4PC calls on national, state and local leaders to create programs and partnerships to educate the nation about non-violent principles and methods that can promote non-violence in families, schools, faith-based institutions, the workplace and neighborhoods. This manifesto recognizes violence is necessary for national security and law enforcement. However, it is the belief of BW4PC that America should incorporate nonviolence principles in daily life in order to create safe environments of peace and opportunity for children, youth, adults and elders. Therefore, BW4PC calls on parents, grandparents, youth, mentors, politicians, hip hoppers, faith-leaders, business leaders, unions, athletes, gangs, professionals, educators, entertainers, etc. to STOP THE SILENCE ABOUT VIOLENCE and work to create a cultural change in America that achieves the following goals: ? Immediate passage of gun control legislation and gun registration in every State. ? Creation of new industries of socially responsible, non-violent entertainment products including films, television, video games, music, hip hop, rap, and other forms of recreation and entertainment. ? Creation of "Safe Spaces" in faith institutions, community centers, malls, parks, benches, homes, backyards, schools and other venues where individuals can retreat to calm down from confrontations, verbal abuse and anger, and to have the opportunity for "2nd Thoughts" before engaging in violence. ? Creation of extensive state and local training opportunities in conflict resolution, mediation, parenting and reconciliation skills for children, youth and adults so, they can learn how to resolve confrontations using non-violence methods. Respectfully submitted to the American People. BLACK WOMEN FOR POSITIVE CHANGE Dr. Stephanie E. Myers and Virginia Delegate Daun S. Hester, National Co-Chairs

via: https://blackwomenforpositivechange.wordpress.com/2015/03/05/changing-the-culture-of-violence-in-america-a-manifesto/

Elected Officials Endorse National Week of Non-Violence

Posted by bkw4poschange — Mon, 11 Aug 2014 19:10 GMT

For Immediate Release Contact: Dr. Barbara Reynolds, Press Contact Black Women for Positive Change (BW4PC) Tel. 301-899-1341; <reynew@aol.com> Governor Martin O'Malley, State of Maryland; Governor Bill Haslam, State of Tennessee; and Mayor William Euille, Alexandria, Virginia, are leading elected officials in America, who support the National Week of NonViolence, August 16-23, 2014, sponsored by Black Women for Positive Change, a national, civic network. In an official state proclamation Governor Bill Haslam stated, "On behalf of the people of Tennessee, By virtue of the authority vested in me, I hereby confer upon Black Women for Positive Change A Day of Recognition Honoring August 16-23, as a National Week of Non-Violence," signed Bill Haslam, Governor. (Proclamations attached) An excerpt from the State of Maryland proclamation signed by Governor Martin O'Malley and Lt. Governor Anthony Brown states, "Whereas, America's problems with violence within our society have escalated during the last decade, affecting families in every walk of life....and...Whereas, all Americans are encouraged to organize community-based events that teach non-violence, conflict resolution, parenting and promote the viewing of the youth violence prevention film produced by BW4PC called "On 2nd Thought" available on the web at http://www.blackwomenforpositivechange.org; Now, therefore, I Martin O'Malley, Governor of the State of Maryland, do hereby proclaim August 16-23, 2014 as National Week of Non-Violence in Maryland" Mayor William Euille, City of Alexandria, Virginia, issued a Proclamation stating, "....high school, college students, community-based organizations and faith institutions in Alexandria, Virginia have been challenged to plan a day or event that demonstrates what a day without violence would be like in their communities." Mayor Euille joined BW4PC at a June 16, 2014 press conference at a playground in Washington, D.C. to highlight the importance of safety for children. In a joint statement, BW4PC National Co-Chairs Virginia Delegate Daun S. Hester and Dr. Stephanie E. Myers said, "We appreciate the support of Governor O'Malley, Governor Haslam and Mayor Euille for the 'National Week of Non-Violence,' August 16-23, 2014, and invite all elected officials to recognize the importance of teaching non-violence, anger management and conflict resolution, in their jurisdictions. We hope elected officials will join with their constituents to 'Change the Culture of Violence in America.' We invite concerned citizens to attend a Summit on Non-Violence in the District of Columbia, on Saturday, August 23, 2014, 9 am - 5 pm, during the National Week of Non-Violence. This Summit will discuss strategies to change the way youth and violence prone adults think about committing violent acts." BW4PC invites interested individuals to register for the August 23rd Summit on Non-Violence in DC at no cost, at ww.blackwomenforpositivechange.org. Citizens outside of DC, are asked to host non-violence or conflict resolution events in their own cities and share event details on the National Week of Non-Violence Calendar at http://www.blackwomenforpositivechange.org For more information contact Dr. Barbara Reynolds, Charter Member and Chaplain, BW4PC, at 301-899-1341. ###

via: https://blackwomenforpositivechange.wordpress.com/2014/08/11/elected-officials-endorse-national-week-of-non-violence/