After nearly four decades—three of which were at the helm—Susan left Essence Magazine in 2007 to lead the National CARES Mentoring Movement, a volunteer-driven organization of African American men and women who are dedicated to securing our country’s most vulnerable and precious young people.  In just five years and under Susan’s leadership, CARES, now located in nearly 60 cities, has recruited and placed more than 160,000 African American mentors with children who need little more than a caring, stable and wise voice to help guide them across the often difficult terrain they call their lives.

In recognition of all she has done—and all she continues to do—the National Civil Rights Museum, located at the Lorraine Motel where the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated, bestowed upon Susan the 2011 Freedom Award for Activism.   In so doing, they said that the National CARES Mentoring Movement “speaks to the legacy left for all of us by Dr. King, who was an advocate for all people, but especially our young people.”  The Museum, named by USA Today as one of America’s Top Ten Treasures, has welcomed more than 3 million visitors since they first opened twenty years ago.

The Freedom Award has been bestowed upon the most inspiring leaders of our time since the Museum’s opening in 1991.  For their contribution to philanthropy, humanitarian work and social justice, past honorees have included President Nelson Mandela, Rosa Parks, Coretta Scott King, James Farmer, Thurgood Marshall, The Dalai Lama, Diane Nash, Marian Wright Edelman, Bono, Bill Clinton, Al Gore, Oprah Winfrey, Ruby Dee, Sidney Poitier, Harry Belafonte, B. B. King, Stevie Wonder, President Lech Walesa, Myrlie Evers Williams and Elie Weisel among others.   In November of 2011, in recognition of their twentieth anniversary, their honoree was my friend, my colleague, my mentor, Susan L. Taylor.

asha bandele is a journalist and the author of five books, including two award-winners, The Prisoner’s Wife: A Memoir, and the novel, Daughter.  asha’s work has been widely anthologized and has been taught in classrooms from Harvard University to the University of Ankara, Turkey.  She’s published articles in The New York Times, Essence, Vibe, Family Circle and scores of other publications.  In addition to writing, asha serves as VP of Communications for National CARES Mentoring Movement, Director of the Advocacy Grants Program at the Drug Policy Alliance but is most proud of being mother to her pre-teen daughter whom she is raising in Brooklyn, NY.

Most conflicts originate out of  misunderstandings escalated to an extreme.   We all hear and understand differently. A way for us to get on the same page is to listen and expand the conversation so that the meaning and intent of what is being said is clear. Prepare New York / Intersections International continues their effort to expand the conversation and to rebuild the world community.

Tomorrow (Tuesday, June 14) at noon, there will be such an opportunity as Prepare New York holds its first on-line Lunchtime Chat with special guests Maria Ebrahimji and Zahra Suratwala, editors and contributors of the book, I Speak for Myself which profiles 40 American Muslim women under 40. In the rich diversity of these stories, stereotypes are shattered and new understandings emerge.

Click here to learn more about Intersections International.

Dr. George Fraser

Thousands of people over the last ten years have gathered together for knowledge sharing by or for African American and Black people. The luminaries are the who’s who of speakers, academicians and community leaders nationally and internationally. They are dedicated to one cause and brought together by one man – Dr. George Fraser.

There are many key people on the FraserNet team that you won’t see on stage like Alexandria Boone (Conference Manager), Bernadette Mayfield, Charmaine Ward (Volunteer Manager) and the Fraser family members especially Jean. There are behind the scene team members that you will see on stage like Greg Williams – George’s partner, Dr. Kwa David Whittaker, Veronica Conway (Conference Coach) and me Dr. Joel Martin (Director of Education)…and then there are the multitudes of  sponsors, faculty members and guests who are so vitally important. This is a birthday card of sorts to everyone, to an organization and importantly to the man who dreamt it into existence. Many many more Dr. Fraser. Keep making your magnificent difference creating a stellar PowerNetworking environment “where people gather together to get ahead” for wealth building, health, entrepreneurship, spirituality, corporate contribution, connection, education for youth and fun.

“It takes teamwork to make the dream work!” George Fraser

“This is not an issues conference, it is an education and training conference…” George Fraser

For more information and to join us for this year’s celebration, click here.

PNC Conference Preview

Roland Kemokai

Roland started his journey very early in life when he was adopted at three-month young. According to his adopted parents, they heard a baby crying from a cardboard box on a dump pile in Grass Field neighborhood in Robertsport, Liberia, Africa, and there was baby Roland. He later traveled to the United States in 2000 to attend college. He graduated from Fruitland Bible College with an Associate’s Degree in Pastoral ministries and a Bachelor’s Degree in Music, Radio Broadcast and Religious Studies & Philosophy from Gardner-Webb University.

Roland hosted an inspiring, syndicated radio show for four years, and performs as a multi-instrumental musician and recording artist. Roland recently forgave is birth parents for his ordeal and inspires audiences of the power of forgiveness.  ”That which we intend we become.”  Roland is working on his first book, Power Through Forgiveness.

Register for this Telesiminar Here

TheYESNet memberships will enhance student’s development at an earlier stage in life, and help them advance beyond just a college education or additional training. It’s structured to help students to not only excel in their education but to also build the key relationships/network they will need to succeed at work, home and in the community. Students will get a jump on their success by accessing FraserNet’s network of 51,000 top Black professionals, business owners and community leaders. A network Fraser built over the last 25 years. “One good contact in our network, plus the total membership experience could be priceless for students as they move forward in life,” says George Fraser.

Student members will benefit free of charge from FraserNet’s products/services to include:

• Access and connectivity to FraserNet’s “state of the art” mobile and texting platform
• Blog to post questions regarding networking, building wealth, career and business development for  ”real time” experts to answer
• Access to a web-based SuccessGuide Worldwide directory, listing over 10,000 top Black professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders
• Weekly PowerNetworking Minute e-zine and texting with tips, facts and ideas on how to succeed
• Quarterly PowerTalk SkypeConference featuring “A” list experts who will instruct students on building wealth, their career or entrepreneurship
• Admittance to the annual national PowerNetworking Conference for the first 500 students with a 3.5 GPA (value $695 each)
• Bestselling Success Runs in Our Race audio book download (the Bible on building effective relationships and how to properly network)

“Our students have untapped and unharnessed potential waiting to be unleashed and may not be where they want to be regarding their network of key contacts. In addition, most students are not sure of how to get access to contacts to answer their questions, give them guidance and motivation. By participating in the TheYESNet Student Membership Network free of charge, the answers are right there in our network”. “If we’re not helping them and giving back, then what in the world are we doing? We must be willing to share our success and to help others succeed” Fraser Says.

“We plan to seek corporate support and partner with mentoring groups (i.e. 100 Black Men, National Cares Mentoring Movement, etc.), community service organizations, churches and colleges to provide free memberships as value added benefits to the students within their influence” says Dr. Fraser. “Student members will have access to Black America’s best networking tools and resources. They’ll be able to gain key contacts and new opportunities early on and be part of a community of people helping people and adding value to each other’s lives. The most potent combination in the 21^st Century for Black children will be education/skills and building productive and meaningful relationships. As part of the FraserNet core values students will also be encouraged to “reach down and lift up those who are younger and less fortunate.” says Fraser.

“We need as many positive young people as possible joining to offset the negative image often portrayed of Black youth in the mainstream media”.  To sign up, students ages 17-25 simply need to go to www.frasernet.com or on your mobile phone go to www.frasernet.mobi and click on “TheYESNet” and fill out a short form to become an official member and receive free benefits. “Together we can all help to make a change,” says Dr. Fraser.

To view the video that George Fraser found inspiring about young Black men, Click Here.

Contact: George C. Fraser, 216-496-1287, gfraser@frasernet.com, www.frasernet.com ,www.TheYESNet.com

Upscale magazine named George C. Fraser one of the “Top 50 Power Brokers in Black America”. Black Enterprise magazine called him “Black America’s #1 Networker” and featured him on a cover issue. Personal Growth “guru” Stephen Covey called Dr. Fraser “a masterful teacher”. Television host and journalist, Tavis Smiley called him a “visionary with the rare combination of leadership and management skills.” Fraser has been featured on the cover of nine national magazines, is a member of 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree of Humane Letters from Jarvis Christian College in 1999. He is also the author of three critically acclaimed books: – Success Runs In Our Race: The Complete Guide to Effective Networking in the African American Community (William Morrow, 1994); Race For Success: The Ten Best Business Opportunities For Blacks In America (HarperCollins, 1998); and CLICK: Ten Truths for Building Extraordinary Relationships (McGraw-Hill, 2008)

I’m creating a new kind of workshop for women called, “Positively Powerful Women Celebrate!” and Karen’s writing inspired me to keep going for my dream no matter what. My dream began when I spoke before a very influential group of women in business and law. I asked them, “How many of you give to yourself as much as you give to others?” Only one hand was raised. I decided then that it was necessary to create a celebratory event that would provide them and other women with bold, invigorating opportunities to fully unleash their dynamic selves. I design trainings, train and speak all over the world. I know the power of transformational experiential education where instead of sitting listening to someone else talk or teach in one-way communications (even though I am a motivational speaker), or reading a self-help book (even mine), people get involved and learn by doing in a safe environment through dynamically facilitated action modules that give them previously unknown possibilities and ways to accomplish their heart felt goals and objectives. I believe that women are ready for this and we’ll see… Now, back to Karen’s stories:

Walt Disney is remembered as an innovator, a creator, a folk hero and a legend. Walt Disney was a self-made success in the American tradition. But apparently it wasn’t always easy. Walt Disney was forced to file bankruptcy five times on his way to success. Many people would have given up and quit with the stress and failures of that many bankruptcies but not Disney. He pressed on and the rest is history. The world is a more magical and wonderful place for it. Aren’t you glad he didn’t give up?

Ray Croc, the founder of McDonalds was 52 years old when he came up with his idea to sell hamburgers. He was in need of some investors so he presented his plan to a few people who could help him out. These two men with their vast business acumen and years of practical experience reviewed his plan. On a Monday morning as the one came to his office, Ray was waiting for him and his answer. He took Ray into his office and he told him that they had run the numbers, they had reviewed the plan, and they knew what could work and what was not a good business decision. After much study they had determined that it was absolutely impossible for Ray to make any money selling hamburgers. Well, Ray disagreed. He pressed on and the rest is history….

Okay, there are people who have overcome obstacles on their way to success, but what about ordinary, everyday people? Well, here’s another story. Just a few short years ago Lori McKenna was an “everyday, 30-something” stay-at-home mom. She had married at a young age and she was busy raising five kids and taking care of a household and a husband. But she still dreamed. And she wrote down those dreams in the form of music. Lori is a songwriter. But she didn’t know how her dreams might come true or if they even could come true. It seemed impossible. Her family responsibilities seemed to have taken over her life and there were times I’m sure that she felt the pain of thinking that her dreams and aspirations were in vain. But a couple of years ago, some of her songs were brought to the attention of Faith Hill. Yeah, that would be Faith Hill the country music superstar. Faith is at the point in her career where she can pick and choose the songs that she records. Well on Faith’s last CD, Fireflies, she chose three of Lori McKenna’s songs- “Stealing Kisses” (a beautiful song but very haunting, haunting lyrics), “If you ask” and “Fireflies”. Now Lori McKenna is described as an “Acclaimed singer, songwriter” when just a few short years ago, Lori was just a stay-at-home mom trying to get all the laundry done and the house cleaned and only daydreaming of her songs being heard.

What is your dream?…Dreams are the high-octane fuel, the premium ice cream and the combustible electricity in the game of life. They keep you going, they sweeten it up, and they serve up the energy. Just having dreams makes life better, sweeter and more satisfying to the soul….Keep on dreaming because “Fairy tales can come true, they can happen to you, if you’re young at heart” Remember, Your Life is supposed to be Good! Joy and Blessings, Karen

My new Positively Powerful Women Celebrate! fabulous dinner and one day workshop will begin the evening of May 16th (5:30 to 9pm) with great food and awards to inspirational women who have founded some extra-ordinary organizations, then continue the next day with experiential (action learning ) workshops that I have designed in such a way that women leave with new thinking, possibilities, joy, action plans, and direction. I am an international training designer and facilitator and this is my passion. If you are a woman and in the area May 16 and 17, join me. The cost for everything and all meals is $250. The location is Scottsdale, AZ. For info/registration visit http://www.triadwest.com/events.htm

Here’s to the dreamers!

After spending most of the day with the women and men hoop dancers, we toured the museum.  The Heard has a powerful exhibit about the “boarding schools for American Indians” in particular the Hampton (VA) boarding school (1878-1923). If you are ever in Phoenix. Visit the exhibit. Through photographs and voice-overs you will see young people forced to wear military uniforms and march, separated from their families, forbidden to practice their religion. They were told that  the Indian way of life was savage and inferior to the white way. They were taught that they were being civilized or “raised up” to a better way of life. (Source)

Armstrong’s (the founder of  Hampton Institute) dual mission at Hampton quickly became clear–”uplift” the Negro from his state of degradation; “civilize” the savage and teach him how to work. Members of both races would be taught to dress, speak, work, behave as whites– despite the fact that they were offered no guarantee that they would ever be offered powers and privileges equivalent to those enjoyed by whites.

I am glad that I had the opportunity to celebrate the dancers and the continuing of their tradition inspite of what was an attempt to “civilize’ them. Today, Hampton Institute is one of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

From today’s Hampton Institute website:

In 1878, Hampton established a formal education program for Native Americans, beginning the Institute’s lasting commitment to serving a multicultural population. Hampton’s historic Native American education program spanned more than forty years, with the last student graduating in 1923. Recent initiatives have attracted Native American students to renew their ties with Hampton.

I guess it is all about interpretation.

Perhaps the poverty of some of the people is what you remember most thanks to the media.

The Haiti I knew and loved was vibrant, colorful, musical, beautiful artwork, historical. Do you know the book The Three Musketeers? Alexander Dumas was Haitian. There is so much more to learn about this nation. Here is a TED.COM video of Edwidge Denticat.  She opens with history and then moves to her evocative stories.

In the midst of an earlier crisis, Haitian author Edwidge Danticat reminds us of the contributions of Haiti’s vibrant culture and people. This reading offers a timely message for today — as the nation struggles in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake.

Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Edwidge Danticat immigrated to the United States at 12, publishing her first short story in a youth magazine only two years later. Spending her teenage years in a Haitian neighborhood in Brooklyn, Danticat was able to capture the isolation and memories of her experience with authentic eloquence in her first novel, Breath, Eyes, Memory, which was selected for Oprah’s Book Club.
Danticat has continued to share the stories of her past in the novels Krik? Krak!, The Farming of Bones, The Dew Breaker, and Brother, I’m Dying. She has taught creative writing at New York University and the University of Miami, and is a recipient of the prestigious MacArthur “Genius Grant.”

“We all have our traditions, which have both positive and negative repercussions. It all depends on how we integrate them in our lives and whether they serve us or hold us back.”

Edwidge Danticat