May 25, 2010: Take 25 National Missing and Exploited Children Awareness Day Child Self Defense Class

Each year, an estimated 800,000 children are reported missing--more than 2,000 a day. Of that number 115 children are the victims of the most serius abductions; they are taken by non-family members and either murdered, ransomed or taken with the intent to keep. Recent studies regarding attempted abduction cases have found that in 84% of the cases, the child escaped would-be abductors through their own actions. teaching children about saftey works--it saves lives!

On Tuesday, May 25, 2010 I partnered with the National Center for Missing and Expolited Children Take 25 campaign and the Urban Defense Center (http://www.phillyurbandefense.com/) to teach students ages 5-13 self defense techniques to utilize in the prevention and response to emergency situations. Master Whitaker offered specific advice for staying safe in urban/highly populated areas, and provided information useful for people of all ages. It was empowering learning how to protect myself and the enthusiasm of both Master Whitaker and the students was refreshing :)

I encourage all parents, grandparents, aunts/uncles to take 25 minutes out of their day to discuss safety procedures with the children in their lives--it is a few moments that could make all of the difference!

In His service...

May 21, 2010: 2010 Career Day at Martha Washington School

Education = Options and Opportunities! This was the concept that I discussed with the students at Martha Washington School in Philadelphia, grades K-8. I was able to share my personal experiences about the benefits of an active education and aimed to nurture a fire for learning. At one point I even found myself teaching first grade students Japanese :) Speaking to students is truly one of my favorite aspects of being a role model. Young people are inquisitive, energetic and so full of potential--it always reminds me that the best is still yet to come in our society!

Kudos to Ms. Jones and her committee for putting together such a phenomenal program. To my Martha Washington students: I LOVE YOU ALL and I EXPECT GREAT THINGS FROM EACH OF YOU! :)

In HIS service...

May 19, 2010: Voices: African American and Latina Women Share their Stories of Success

"I decided as an adolescent that I wasn't going to be what the racists talked about when they said Blacks don't work hard" - Estelle B. Richman, Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare

"You don't have to know exactly where you're going. You just have to start walking." --Patricia A. Coulter, President/CEO Urban League of Philadelphia

Words of wisdom from two of the extraordinary women featured in Voices: African American and Latina Women Share their Stories of Success .

This powerful, pictorial collaboration of Pennsylvania's 50 most influential women in the fields of medicine, education, legislature, business, arts, technology and non-profit arena, examines what it takes to excel in today's society. The stories are inspirational and "real"--they are not sugar coated depictions of success, but authentic reflections about the triumph and pitfalls in the journey to excellence.

As Miss Black Pennsylvania USA there are stereotypes that I must struggle against each day; prejudices towards women, minorites, students, twenty-somethings and beauty queens. I have worked extremely hard to achieve the positions that I have attained and I continue to strive daily to maintain the high standards I have set for myself. Taking part in this celebration of "Minority Womanhood" further emboldens me to continue the pursuit of my endeavors-- and who knows, maybe oneday I will be celebrated for my perseverence, as these women so eloquently were!

In His service...

May 12, 2010: One Million Mentor Tour with Michael Baisden

I have learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel--Maya Angelou

Anyone close to me can attest that I have been a long-time advocate for mentorship. It exposes young people to the reality that they have professional options and that they are not isolated in their life experiences. Often times it is tempting to assume that when we are faced with difficult situation in life, we are the ONLY ones who are experiencing such issues and that NO ONE could possibly understand how we feel. What mentorship affords is the ability to develop lasting, influential relationships with persons who are committed to providing a listening ear, words of wisdom and the benefits of experience. It teaches our youth that they are NOT alone in their circumstance and that they are worthy of someone's time and effort.

Having said that, I was very excited to join radio/television personality Michael Baisden, as he made his stop in Philadelphia during his One Million Mentor Tour! The crowd was enthusiastic,the panelists were engaging and informative, and many mentorship opportunities were made available to parents and neighborhood locals. All participants appeared invigorated by the seminar and I can only hope that the parental involvement will continue long after the Tour is over!

In His service...

May 5, 2010: Official White House Tour!

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue--arguably one of the most famous addresses in the world--and I was there! Having an opportunity to tour the home of the President of the United States as a representative of Pennsylvania was a truly humbling experience. The history and attention to detail in the over 100 rooms was awe-inspiring and it was incredible to think that I was walking through rooms that had been the epicenter of some of the world's most influential political moments. The experience was only heightened by the fact that I was able to share the experience with my mom :)

My only regret is that we were not able to take photos of the inside residence (even my crown was a potential security risk), but I can certainly unnderstand and respect the immense need to protect the safety of this national treasure.

Overall, I had a phenomenal experience in the Nation's Capital and it was a lot of fun feeling the enthusiasm of the local residents an tourists--I even signed my first arm autograph (congrats again Marvin on your expanding family!)

In His service...

April 24, 2010: Walk A Mile in Her Shoes

Every 2 minutes, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaluted

1 out of 6 women in the U.S. will be sexually assaulted at some time in her life

College aged women are 4 TIMES more likely to
be sexually assaulted

These shocking statistics are an unfortunate reality about the prevelance of sexualized violence against women. The "Walk A Mile in Her Shoes" campaign seeks to bring awareness and discussions to such atrocities in an event that is as comical as it is poignant. During the one mile walk-a-thon, male graduate and medical students marched through West Philadelphia in pink and red women's pump to show their support for this notable cause. With all of the hysteria created with seeing adult men in heels, baggy jeans rolled to the knee and gym shorts, it is ultimately our hope that we opened the lines of communication for assault survivors and given a voice to those who have lost their life at the hand of an abuser.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexualized violence/abuse and need assistance locating resources, please contact: www.rainn.org.



In His service...