A huge thank you to those who helped, walked and participated in the 1st Annual Walk for Literacy, March 24. We had a great time! We learned, educated and hopefully inspired others to change their community and also mentor young children in need.
Our next initiative in the "Healthy Minds Leading Healthy Lives" campaign is to collect 10,000 books in 60 days. Can it be done? We know it can and will be done - with YOUR help! The Get Fit to Read book drive and Walk for Literacy were just small steps in reaching the ultimate goal - H.A.V.O.C. School of the Arts. Each event we have and cause we promote is to raise awareness concerning an issue that we will be focusing on when the school opens.
As with the Get Fit to Read book drive we will be partnering with L.A. Fitness in Atlanta, Los Angeles, NYC and Florida. If you would like to host the drive in your city feel free to e-mail us at 1voicehavoc@gmail.com for more information. Please don't hesitate to ask questions or volunteer to support our cause. We have a few initiatives left and events that will help us to spread the word about H.A.V.O.C. but we still need your help, telling others about illiteracy and childhood obesity in the inner-city neighborhoods.
With that being said here a few pictures from the Walk for Literacy and a video that details what happened when we wreaked HAVOC in the West End Atlanta. Thank you again and be on the lookout for more updates about 10,000 books in 60 days!
Can we please have The Conversation more often about issues that matter and directly affect us? Can we talk about the trash in our communities along with the strips of fast food restaurants. Did I forget the retail stores? Ask yourself this why are these things place only in your neighborhoods? If you had other options would you eat somewhere else? Do you have bike lanes on your street? How safe is your neighborhood park? Do your children even have a place where they can play outside without worrying about broken bottles, needles and stragglers trying to talk to them? If you can answer more than one of these questions and the response is not positive, then we need to have The Conversation in your community.
Can we talk about the disparaging number of single mothers who can't afford to spend time with their children because they have to work two jobs just to keep the light on? Can we talk about the mothers on welfare who spend ALL of their time with their children, yet use profanity and talk to the child like he/she is an adult? Can we talk about niggas and bitches? Can we talk about the number of children ho can't read or write but know every lyric to every song on the radio? Can we talk about what a family used to be? What happened to us?
We need to bring solutions to every problem you present. But only if the people agree to help, you see the community is only as strong as its members. When will enough be enough for you? When will you stand up for the next generation?
Can we please have The Conversation more often about issues that matter and directly affect us? Can we talk?
Have you ever sat around at a family members house and EVERY year they pull put the dusty photo album or pop in the VCR tape with embarrassing home videos? If so then you are not alone. We all know what its like to relive those moments that we wish would stay buried in the closet FOREVER. But few of us can really use those photographs to tell a story.
While looking for pictures to use for the I AM BLACK HISTORY photo set, I stumbled upon a very informative website ----> Old Photographs of African American Unknown Faces. Can you imagine how amazing that must be? To find pictures dated 60-80 years ago of your family members struggling and surviving. Most of the pictures show signs of perseverance and pride in the family. Others have a strict look on their face as if they knew during those times there was nothing to smile about. With a photograph you can really discover a story and start to piece together a life.
What happened? Why did we take so much pride in photos back then? We wanted to capture the moment as a family, now all we want to do is be the next greatest photographer. AND the only family pictures we take are at Sears or Olan Mills!
Yay! The Walk for Literacy flyers are now complete and we can began the promo journey. Of course we have the WOM going around but now we need solid hard promotion. Mentioning the Walk to people who pass you by or even telling fellow co-workers would help us out tremendously. Please support any way you can. Here a few activities that you can participate in as well...
Official Colors for the Month/Walk: Grey/Yellow - You can show your support by wearing these colors periodically throughout the month, on the Walk day or purchasing a Walk for Literacy shirt - $5
HAVOC book club: Any interested individuals who would like to start a book club within your city (no age range, no particular location) all we need is your e-mail address and we will send you information on how to get started!
Get Fit to Read Book Drive: Annual book drive with LA Fitness. Please donate used/new books to your local L.A. Fitness. More details soon to come.
Literacy Game Night: All of your favorite childhood games with a LITtle twist :) - March 19, 2012
So I have an amazing idea that can really become something if others are willing to participate. Black History Month is right around the corner and I would like to put together an I AM BLACK HISTORY story portfolio through pictures...each day we will pay homage and profile black leaders + everyday heroes with young people. Meaning I would be Harriet Tubman...take a scene from her life and bring it into 2012! Side by side photos Harriet then and Harriet now...get it? Got it. So let me know if you are interested. I already have the photographer and the first few people lined up. E-mail 1voicehavoc@gmail.com with your ideas...SPREAD THE WORD
January 16, 2012 - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr birthday is observed for millions to either perform various acts of community service, attend a ceremony commemorating his honor, work or sit at home and complain about what MLK was/what he stood for/how Malcolm X should have his own holiday. So what was his dream about? Was his dream ever realized or are we still dreaming in his honor, hoping to be able to one day reach the Promised Land?
One major point that stands out from the I Have A Dream speech is:
1. Equality for all mankind. Black, white, yellow, blue and red - we should all be afforded the same opportunities as everyone else. He wanted there to come a time when no matter what color of skin you are, you received treatment based on your character (how you treat others). You see Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lived during one of the most inhumane times known to mankind. African Americans were treated brutally in their community, at the polls and one was even killed for whistling at someone of another color. He was a heroic leader during the Civil Rights Movement, not afraid to speak up about indifference and led a nation of people out of a time of darkness.
It is said that he didn't want to be in the spotlight. He didn't sit in on those meetings initially to become the leader of the Civil Rights Movement, but someone saw a quality in him that surpassed all others. So he answered the call and 44 years later we are working to make sure his dream is realized. However, now the dream takes on a different meaning. Blacks weren't able to sit at the same lunch counters as whites, had to sit at the back of the bus and were looked at as second class citizens. Has much changed? Yes, we can now eat wherever we like without worrying about consequences because of our skin color, we are also able to hold political offices and go to school with our white counterparts. Equal opportunity education for all was a major focus of the Civil Rights Movement.
"One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languished in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. And so we've come here today to dramatize a shameful condition."
However today I am worried about the meaning of his dream and would like us to take the dream a step further. MLK as well as Malcolm X worked alongside other influential African Americans who didn't use the word "nigger" freely (most didn't use it at all), they fought for a people who took pride in their education and their communities. Here we are in 2012 where a huge number of African Americans look at education as a backup plan. Our communities have been infiltrated with drugs and violence (mostly black on black or police brutality), nigger and bitch is used synonymously with friend/enemy/woman, and the communities we live have trash up and down the street, we don't support black businesses and the village that used to raise a child? Burned down. Now we have leaders such as Cornel West and Tavis Smiley who wish to criticize President Barack Obama for not caring about the poor people in America, in my opinion Smiley and West don't care either. They set out on a Poverty Tour, but what was the result? Did they put a plan in motion to help those who they talked to, did they network with other community leaders to put an end to the issues addressed? We are focusing on the wrong things and need to get back to the dream...
You see Dr. King's "Poor People Campaign" demanded economic aid for the poorest communities in the United States. He didn't go with the intentions of a personal vendetta or act like a child because he wasn't invited over Malcolm X house for dinner one night... (cue Tavis)
"We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality."
So what would his dream be today? As we look around and see the same people of color who worked effortlessly 44 years ago to make sure that we had the same rights as everyone else and were looked at as normal human beings, become complacent with the state of our being. The issue today is still the same -racism and hatred that existed since Africans were first brought over to this country, but now it seems that we inflict a lot of the issues upon ourselves. We don't have to worry about the "enemy" killing us off because gangs now handle that problem. There is no need to sit around and discuss schools not teaching our children because once they go home parents either don't follow up or are busy working and providing for the roof over their head. So I am asking that we take this dream a step further and bring it back home. I am not saying turn a blind eye to the institutionalized racism or the many curve balls that the government seems to throw our way, let's just focus on making ourselves better - OUR PEOPLE, OUR SCHOOLS, OUR HOMES, OUR FAMILIES.
"For some reason I can never be what I ought to be, until you are what you ought to be"
The Civil Rights Movement was a time when there was blatant hatred aims at blacks, 2012 the same problem still exists it's just more covert and we can't seem to understand that. We feel as if we have arrived because we can now join hands and eat at the same table as our white counterparts. So was his dream realized? In that aspect yes. But look at us now and tell me what the dream is....what will you do to protect what we once were and get us back to that? Don't let his dream die with him.
Well over here at Having A Voice of Change (HAVOC), we have declared the month of March - Literacy Awareness Month. Yaaaay! Finally a month where we focus on illiteracy rates in our communities, work with families who need help with tutoring/mentoring and also provide FREE information for those who are providing sources to help combat the issue of illiteracy.
This cause is just as important to us as Breast Cancer Awareness and AIDS/HIV. Why? Because since the age of social media (Facebook, Twitter) we have noticed millions of people not being able to type complete and correct sentences as well as several grammatical errors. During the Literacy Promotes Success program in Atlanta this past school year we worked one-on-one with elementary school students helping them with reading comprehension. As well as volunteering at several public schools with third grade students. The number of children who can't read complete sentences + use correct spelling when writing sentences was visibly overwhelming.
The Walk for Literacy combines two causes into one great event. Maintaining and encouraging healthy lifestyles for children in inner-city communities and also READING READING READING.
Some events that we have lined up for the month are
1. Popup book clubs at the Fulton County libraries each week. Adult and children books will be discussed (two separate meetings)
2. Conversations in Black - an artistic event for spoken word, poetry, music and live art. Come out and support local artists as well as hear great music in the city of Atlanta.
3. Walk for Literacy 2012 - will be held March 24, 2012. More details to come.
Rebuild the dream has posted information regarding the White House program to employ 180,000 low income youth in 2012 ---> yay! (no excuse for some of them now) Even though this doesn't cover every single young person out there it is a start in a positive direction. Check out the article and spread the word to anyone who may be looking for a summer job...
The Elementz Hip Hop Youth Center in Cincinnati decided to do something different for youth in their city. Instead of assuming what young people needed they asked them, what would make you happy? What inspires you? Most of the time we assume that we know how to control or stimulate the minds of children and are absolutely wrong. If we can't reach them then how can we teach them? So we should salute places like the Elementz Hip Hop Youth Center for being apart of the change and catering to the needs of young people.
The center provides free art classes and mentors youth allowing them to relieve tension in a positive way. The center was founded in February 2003 after the city experienced a major increase in violence and to encourage youth to go to college and provide a safe haven for them after-school. We need more community centers like this worldwide, not just Cincinnati. Now a days people are just collecting money claiming to help youth when the same problems still exist.
Motivational Mondays highlights young individuals (ages 12-28) doing positive things in their community and with their life. Each Monday we are looking for a new person to show off their work, talents or community service efforts so that more people can celebrate their behavior. If you know of someone who is a good candidate just send us their information at 1voicehavoc@gmail.com
Mayor Michael Nutter aka Mr Potato Head (as I like to call him) is in the works of issuing a curfew for the youth of the city of Philadelphia. PH (potato head) claims that he is tired of youth creating flash mobs and harassing residents of the city. So in order to stop this they will have to be in the house by 9 pm with consequences to follow. OK k k, a curfew but what does the time have to do with anything? If you want to solve the problem, talk to them (which I know they haven't tried). There is a disconnect with our people, our community and our thinking. You can't keep young people in control by issuing a curfew, nor will sanctioning help. If anything they will lash out, not quiet down and the problem will go away.
However, Philly isn't the only city experiencing these teen attacks it's also occurring in Mobile, AL + Chicago, IL. Common sense says to me maybe a bigger conversation needs to take place. Maybe on their "Poverty Tour" Cornel West and Tavis Smiley can stop and talk to these young people and see what the issue is. Because this AIN'T GON CUT IT.
The Loop 21 posted an article stating that students in the City of Detroit will now receive free lunch in order for children to not feel ashamed of being "low-income". Here is the article .
I can understand not wanting children to be teased anymore and I am very happy that Obama initiated the Kids Eat Free Act. It's a struggle for parents to have to scratch up money every week, simply because they make too much to qualify for free meals, but not enough t give sufficient funds to their child everyday. Salute President Obama for taking that step and ensuring that kids no longer have to suffer in that aspect and that parents won't have to worry about those struggle fees.
Another salute goes to Mrs. Michelle Obama for her Healthy Living (don't know the correct name) initiative! Meals prepared around the country are now low-fat and healthier for obese children and skinny minnies alike!
I just hope that we continue to focus on these low-income families and do more to help them, specifically the children who feel ashamed of their status at a young age. Remember what that was like, having to ask your mom for lunch money knowing she just put some gas in the car? Or the look on her face when she said I can see what I have after paying bills. PURE STRUGGLE. Let's hope this act gets incorporated into every school across the country! Well done President and Mrs. Obama... well done.
Yesterday we posted some Back to School tips for returning and new students as well as parents. Today we will be continuing on with the Positive School Year Campaign and talking about "BEing Responsible". Easier said than done in most cases and too often no one takes ownership aka accountability aka responsibility for their work, their life or their part in the situation. Now you're probably sitting at home thinking how can a child take responsibility as such a young age? Easy! The examples they see set by their elders will help them realize how important it is to be a responsible adult/student/family member.
Be Responsible Parents
Accept your role as a parent and make education a priority in your home
Be Responsible Individuals
Take responsibility for the energy you create in your life and the life of those surrounding you.
Be Responsible Neighbors
Pick up that trash in the streets. Teach children to give back. Become mentors. Take pride in where you live
Summer break is over for youth in the South and yesterday marked the first day back to school for most... Little ladies dolled in fresh bows and light up shoes while the gentlemen rock the fresh Jordans and Polo's and new haircuts, took to the halls for a new school year Here are a few suggestions from the HAVOC team to keep the young ones fresh + making sure they keep good grades. Also check out http://www.smirkinit.com/ for the Back to School Collectibles, dope collection!
Follow the HAVOC daily plan: Meditation Mondays, Writing Tuesdays, Reading Wednesdays, Mentoring Thursdays, Phenomenal Fridays and Thankful weekends that you made it through another week!
Here are some helpful tips for staying on top of the grades this year:
1. Make trips to your local library 2 to 3 times a month.
2. For Parents - Get involved with the school PTA, become more active during the school year
3. Form study groups for children around a particular subject (can be combined with sleep-overs)
4. Connect with teachers, make sure they know your face (parents + college students), keep in contact and stay ahead of the class.
5. Take advantage of every opportunity presented to learn more information concerning school work and community affairs. Remember every little big helps!
As a child I loved running around outside, instead of sitting in the house and watching tv all day or playing games. However it seems that times have changed...children are encouraged to stay inside versus going out to get exercise and in essence be a kid. This new trend could be because neighborhoods are not as safe as they once were and families are becoming more protective. But if you happen to come across those energetic ones who seem to have ants in their pants, here are a few of my suggestions:
1. Hopscotch - draw blocks number 1- 10...well hopefully you remember the game if not I have linked some instructions :)
2. Red Light, Green Light
3. Jump Rope (double dutch, single rope)
4. Freeze Tag - yet another version of Tag
Well those were my four of my favorite games as a child, along with hand games... you know Swing, Swing, Swing, Down Down Baby, London Bridge and all of that other exciting stuff!
Well as I was doing some research and looking for ways to strengthen the Literacy Promotes Success program, I came across this great project! Best selling author Omar Tyree designed the Urban Literacy project which offers a new structured way of teaching children in the classroom. The program is based on "Instilling The 5 Key Components of Literacy". The mission of the Urban Literacy Project is to increase the overall literacy rate among urban and other disadvantaged youth and citizens.
One component I will use is the Individualized Spotlight. This basically allows students their own time to read aloud and focuses on goals that they would like to accomplish. With the Individual Spotlight students will be able to select their medium for reading and build on that selection. All that really matters is that they are reading. READING IS READING IS READING. It's all about visualization and putting thoughts into motion. WRITING IS WRITING IS WRITING no matter what it is they are writing about.
Check out the Literacy Promotes Success program at http://www.havocusa.com/ to see how we are helping with reading comprehension and building literacy levels with low-income familes and Title 1 schools.
Summer…right around the corner. What do you have planned for your family? Going on any vacations, sport leagues or summer camps?
Here are some ideas from HAVOC Inc on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle while making sure children remain active.
We’ve researched some ways for children to mix traditional games with fitness learning and here is our favorite one!
Fitness Games:
Activity Tag Materials Activity Cards highlight activities like jumping jacks, sit-ups, push-ups, and other basic calisthenics. Number cards from 1-10 to add to the tasks students complete. (You can use a deck of cards if the jacks, queens, jokers, aces, and kings are removed.) Directions Designate an “it” and give that person a stack of activity cards and the numbered cards. When they tag someone they give the tagged person an activity card and a number card. The person tagged is to perform the activity the number of times specified on the card. Once a child finishes the task, they may enter the game again. You can designate a safety zone with a time limit so children can rest and be safe.
Each day HAVOC Inc will post a new activity for families to do together including more information on the Get Fit to Read program.
Strivers Row, Harlem West 138th and West 139th - initially designed for rich white people by David King, but Harlem soon became deserted by their kind and was soon overflowing with hard-working African Americans a.k.a. "strivers" (hence the name). Since then the houses have been in constant decline and no longer bare a resemblance to the once thriving aristocratic row of houses in Harlem.
A huge thank you to those who helped, walked and participated in the 1st Annual Walk for Literacy, March 24. We had a great time! We learned, educated and hopefully inspired others to change their community and also mentor young children in need. 
With that being said here a few pictures from the Walk for Literacy and a video that details what happened when we wreaked HAVOC in the West End Atlanta. Thank you again and be on the lookout for more updates about 10,000 books in 60 days!
