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Let it be written . . . and spoken . . . and shared!
“Where there is no vision, the people perish” - Proverbs 29:18
Your Success Newsletter - Mar-Apr, 2013 - Published Bi-Monthly
Henry & Dianne Ford
Publishers
IN THIS ISSUE
Pg. 1 - Let it be written . . .
Pg. 2 - Youth & Young Adult: Sistah’s Networking
Pg 3 - Mzkimp Sweetz
Pg. 3 - Technology: Blessing or Curse?
Pg. 4 - Kent State Diversity Program with Leon Bibb
Pg. 6 - Rev. Charles Lucas: Walking the Walk
Pg. 7 - Willie Johnson: “You” in Attitude
Pg. 8 - Graduation: Weddings & More
Pg. 8 - THANK YOU!
O.K., this is hard to believe! Not the part
where my ability to think suddenly left me;
that’s believable. I’m referring to the part
about the ”circumstance” that is not!
While preparing to write this page, I was
suddenly struck with a bad case of “You
have nothing in your head at the
moment.” I decided to look at the Mar-
Apr, 2012 issue to jog my memory. The
Page 1 subject a year ago was “Go Tell It
On The Mountain, Over the Hills and
Everywhere!” I wrote of the importance of
telling your story. Well, I just completed the
article about experiencing Leon Bibb’s
story-telling skills. In addition, just this
morning I received and viewed a twenty
minute video from my mentor Harvey
Alston, entitled “Danger of a single story.”
Sometimes the answer is knocking at the
door, and we just need to open that door!
In the video, novelist Chimamanda
Adichie, a talented young lady from
Nigeria speaks eloquently in a work entitled
The danger of a single story. She states
that “Our lives, our cultures, are composed
of many overlapping stories.” She tells the
story of how she found her authentic
cultural voice, and warns that “if we hear
only a single story about another person or
c o u n t r y , w e r i s k a c r i t i c a l
misunderstanding.”
How different might be our expectations
and our reality if we had earlier exposure to
another version of Christopher Columbus, or
how the American West was “settled.” and I
could go on and on, but that’s not
necessary. Understand that expectations
become actions that become habits that
become our reality.
We must become seekers and sharers of
knowledge. Open minds, open hearts, and
open books help us become so, along with
alternatives to the readily available forms of
discriminatory news and views that devalue
and diminish the human spirit.
THANK YOU for contributing to, reading and
sharing VISIONS Newsletter. Whatever your
level of involvement and support, you are
an important part of telling our story.
“History is Fables rewritten” - Napoleon
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent
about things that matter.”
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Page 2 -
Dianne Ford - Editor
VISIONS “News to uplift and empower” - Visit us on-line at http://www.visions.successisyou.org
VISIONS Newsletter - Published Bi-Monthly
Subscription $10.00 per year payable to
FORD & Associates
P.O. Box 393 - Twinsburg, OH 44087-0393
Phone 216-348-4612
E-mail: [email protected]
Make a Difference! - Share YOUR Story!
Someone’s Future Depends Upon It!
DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE - Apr. 10, 2013
PLAN AHEAD!
Graduating This Year or
Planning to be in the Audience?
You Want a Short, Powerful
Commencement Message
Recommend Us to Your
School Officials TODAY!
Hello my name is
Kimberly Payne, founder
of Sistah’s Networking
Together (SNT). SNT is a
C h r i s t i a n - b a s e d
o r g a n i z a t i o n ,
established to empower
w o m e n t h r o u g h
inspiration and education.
In today’s tough world, a great number of
young women are in great need of
guidance, inspiration, hope and emotional
support. As such, Lil Sistah’s Networking
Together (LSNT) was established. LSNT is a
mentoring group for young adolescence
girls. It is my ambition to use this
organization to help young women build
self-esteem, develop leadership skills and
to recognize the value within themselves. It
is also my goal to help enhance their
spiritual and emotional development
through educational and inspirational
resources. I believe that by doing this,
many of these young ladies will better their
lives and reach their true potential. The
resources offered to these young women
will help shape their lives and eventually
transform them into powerful women of
tomorrow.
We currently have approximately 20 girls
between the ages of 8 -12 years in our
program. Throughout our sessions, I’ve
asked many of these young ladies why
they joined and what would they like to
gain from LSNT.
The overwhelming response was to learn
more about Jesus and to get help with
their school work. I was very thrilled to hear
these comments from this group of
intelligent and talented young ladies.
“Our Lord has bestowed upon each of us
special gifts and talents that define who
we are and what our purpose is in life. It is
my belief that these gifts and talents can
be used to help others”
"Train a child in the way he should go, and
when he is old he will not turn from it"
-Proverbs 22:6
Thank You...
For information call (216) 644-0735 or visit:
www.sistahsnetworkingtogether.com
Sistah’s Networking Together
Empowering Women Through
Inspiration and Education
Kimberly Payne
- Page 3 - VISIONS “News to uplift and empower” - Visit us on-line at http://www.visions.successisyou.org
Blessed are they who recognize the value
of technology when put to proper use.
Such is the case with Social Media.
Through a series of what I believe is much
more than circumstance, I recently
became connected to the daughter of a
“temporarily lost” friend through Facebook.
Yes, the same Facebook that is often
shunned and cursed by what some
believe it is “doing” to our society. Here is
a rebuttal raised in defense of a tool that
can be used for good, as well as for evil.
Several weeks ago a comment on
Facebook caught my eye. A child had
earned an award at her elementary
school, but because of a “clerical error”,
she and several other children were not
acknowledged during a ceremony held in
their honor. Disappointment ruled. One
person moved proactively and created a
certificate on his own. I congratulated
him on his Facebook page, setting into
Technology: A Blessing or Curse? It Depends on YOU!
motion a series of events that culminated in
my connecting with the parent of one of
the students. That parent recognized me
as a former next door neighbor of nearly
thirty years ago. Technology made it
possible, but human caring and interaction
made it happen! Because technology was
in place, because someone cared about a
child, because I said congratulations,
because a mother said thank you,
connections were re-established and
friendships were renewed.
The lesson and the message is that our
access to and use of technology and other
blessings can allow us to become more
empowered, but only if we are willing to
take the high road. Often that will be the
road less traveled. It doesn’t take much
talent or effort to find fault, but the rewards
of thinking outside the box and making the
best of our time, tools, and talent are
unlimited and rewarding.
Mzkimp Sweetz; In her own words . . .
I f you'd like something different to serve at your event(s) I'm
your woman. I create candy/treats according to your event.
You can order a popcorn tray which includes popcorn, clusters,
pretzels, cookies, brownies and chips. And the candy will be
created according to your event theme. I also create party
favors suckers for events such as weddings, birthdays, baby
showers, meetings and more. And last but not least I do kids
candy parties. I will come to the party and teach kids how to
create candy from a candy mold. And each child gets to take
their candy home with them as their party favor. It's fun. We actually paint the candy mold
with different color chocolate to make a colorful piece of candy. So if you'd like to place
an order just give me the details of your event (color, theme and other expectations) and I
will create something wonderful for it. You can either call or email me your order with
instructions on what you would like and for how many people. For additional information
call us at (216) 644-0735, email [email protected] or visit:
http://www.sistahsnetworkingtogether.com/Mzkimpsweetz.html
- Page 4 - VISIONS “News to uplift and empower” - Visit us on-line at http://www.visions.successisyou.org
M oving, memorable, and mind-
blowing are several ways to describe
the February 12th Diversity Program held at
Kent State University’s Geauga Campus in
Twinsburg, Ohio. Keynote Speaker Leon
Bibb’s awesome story-telling abilities were
just part of what brought the standing room
only audience to their feet several times
during the evening.
It’s really hard to imagine things going any
better. Even the weather cooperated with
a cold but clear and dry night; an unusual
combination for a February night in
Northeast Ohio. Unusual also was the
variety of entertainment, excitement and
energy. The recently completed Kent State
Campus was rocking, and as many would
say, it was “like church” in the new modern
facility. Twinsburg was at its best as the
members of the Kent Faculty demonstrated
why the university is such a welcome
addition to the city. The Twinsburg Gospel
Choir also demonstrated their award
winning talents.
Under the watchful eye of event organizer
and hard working participant Dr.
Constance J. Longmire; guests enjoyed
what appeared to be a problem-free
evening. There was even a surprise visit
from Twinsburg Mayor Kathy Procop, who
squeezed in time to offer well-wishes
despite a previous commitment. Former
Cleveland NAACP Executive Director
Stanley Miller also attended, as did Kent
State officials from the main campus.
Leon Bibb was as perfect a keynote
speaker as one might can imagine. He had
the audience captivated as he shared
much about himself and his heritage. Bibb
demonstrated his rare ability to weave the
Kent State University Diversity Program
sacrifice and
history of family
and the
experiences of
life into the
fabric of a
nation. Bibb
reminded us
that ours is a
nation that has in its worst hour been
divided and in denial, and in its best hour
hopeful and healthy due to the
acceptance and collective strength of its
diversity.
His remarks took us on a journey from the
archives of history to the possibilities of a
brighter future. He words and his rhetoric
reasoned and pleaded with the audience
to take advantage of the often taken for
granted educational opportunities the
nation affords.
With memorable examples from his years as
a student, Bibb underscored the
importance of positive reinforcement,
particularly from those in the educational
system. He also urged the audience to
search for and develop their gifts, follow
their dreams, and work with the faith and
determination of their ancestors. He made
masterful use of the widely accepted
theory of Six degrees of separation to
remind us of the importance of
acceptance and inclusiveness.
Twinsburg parents, teachers and other
school officials had to be proud of their
youth as they delivered stirring renditions of
musical selections, along with praise
dancing and poetry. The pride went
beyond the display of talent. The students
were personable, well-behaved and polite.
Leon Bibb
Delivers Remarks
- Page 5 - VISIONS “News to uplift and empower” - Visit us on-line at http://www.visions.successisyou.org
I observed a moving example of politeness,
patience and determination after the
program. As the amateur photographer in the
room, I was standing near Leon Bibb and the
line waiting to speak with him. As I raised the
camera, I noticed two students putting on their
“photo faces” as though preparing to pose.
Because of where they were standing in
relation to Bibb and I, they realized they could
possibly be in a photo with him without the
need to push their way into the line. It was a
touching moment as they accomplished their
goal without becoming a disruption.
I made an effort to get a good photo angle
and was rewarded with the smiles above. I
then shared my contact information with the
student leader, so he could follow up and get
copies of the photo.
The evening concluded with the always
popular Walt Anthony Jr. and Lori Scott singing
“Ain’t No Stopping Us Now” . . . and there is
nothing stopping us, unless we fail to accept
and act upon the powerful messages shared
by the participants of this awesome program.
Our thanks to everyone involved with the
program, including Dean David Mohan, Dr.
Constance J. Longmire, Vania Alvarez-Minah
and Tracey Jarden.
(continued) Kent State University Diversity
Above (l. to r.), Dr. Constance J. Longmire, Leon
Bibb, Dr. Alfreda Brown, Dean Dr. David Mohan
- Page 6 - VISIONS “News to uplift and empower” - Visit us on-line at http://www.visions.successisyou.org
I refer to Russell Conwell’s Acres
of Diamonds so often that I
almost feel guilty. Almost is the
key word here, because truthfully
I feel no guilt at all. The central
idea of Acres of Diamonds is that
one need not look elsewhere for
opportunity, achievement, or
fortune; for the resources to
achieve all good things are present in one's
own community. I include among those
resources, the possibility for relationships that
educate, encourage and empower us to
become our very best. Among those
relationships, one of the most cherished is my
longtime friendship with Rev. Charles Lucas.
Certainly as five year-old classmates at Doan
Elementary School, neither Charles nor I had
any idea that we would spend so much of
our lives on separate paths, only to become
reacquainted many years later, arriving at
the point of many common values. Many
things bound us together during those years,
including growing up in households where
great expectations spoke loudly. The
expectations spoke loudly enough to drown
out the voices of a society determined to
keep us subservient and operating beneath
our possibilities. They were voices of parents,
grandparents, neighbors, teachers and
others. They were voices of a proud
heritage, a heritage that stood the test of
time and the attacks of segregation and
discrimination.
Rev. Charles Lucas followed the footsteps of
greatness by serving as president of the
Cleveland branch of the NAACP during the
1970's. He understands more than most the
physical dangers and emotional distress
created by bigotry. He remembers a time as
a child when a cross was burned in his yard
by whites who opposed the organization.
His dad, Charles Sr., was NAACP
director during the 1940’s. "The
community got stirred up about that,"
Lucas said. "It made them want to work
to make things fair for all people."
Several years ago a necessary surgery
left Rev. Lucas unable to walk, yet he
continues to be a source of inspiration
to others. Here is just one example of
his strength and character. Several
weeks ago, our godmother (who also
knows Rev. Lucas) was hospitalized at
Cleveland's University Hospital on Euclid
Avenue. Anyone familiar with the facility
understands the challenges of commuting,
parking and traversing the sometimes long
distances from parking to hospital room.
After driving from Twinsburg, circling the
hospital twice (while avoiding wandering
pedestrians on cell phones, orange barrels
and chuckholes), finding the first garage full,
locating rooftop parking in the second
garage, and walking, walking, walking, I was
mumbling, muttering and grumbling.
Suddenly there was Rev. Lucas, sitting in his
wheelchair, smiling and bringing light to the
entire hospital wing, a light that obviously
took more effort to bring past the obstacles
than the “woe is me” I was frantically trying
to wipe off my face.
Not only is Rev. Lucas continuing to positively
impact the lives of those blessed enough to
know him, but he is also creating a legacy.
That legacy includes his son Jason, owner of
Lucas Memorial Chapel funeral home in
Garfield Heights. Anyone who has done
business with Jason and his wife Yolanda,
have experienced a compassion for others
that in part can be traced back to Rev.
Lucas and his late wife.
So if I had the opportunity to add a chapter
to Acres of Diamonds, it certainly would
include a tribute to my longtime friend, Rev.
Charles Lucas.
Walking the Walk About Rev. Charles Lucas
There Is A “YOU” In Attitude
By: Willie Johnson The Ambassador of Potentiality
www.williejay.com
- Page 7 - VISIONS “News to uplift and empower” - Visit us on-line at http://www.visions.successisyou.org
When we look for it, we can see our own attitude. We can see it in the morning when we wake up, we can see it while
we’re getting ready to go to work for ourselves or for others. We can see it when we are by our self or with others. We can
also see our attitude when faced with opportunities and challenges. Humm… That being said, allow me to share, for your
reading pleasure, through this VISIONS article, four of my thoughts on attitude.
1. Our attitude is so much a part of our DNA. Would you believe, in spite of how powerful and important our
attitude, it is often times easily ignored? Believe it. Why is that? - You may ask. That’s because, good or bad,
our attitude is always within us. Whatever our attitude is, we get used to it, and take it for granted. We say
negative things such as, “today just isn’t my day” - “That’s just the way I am” – “there’s nothing I can do about
that” – and “see how my boss has dead ended my career.” Instead of those negative sayings, we should say
positive things such as, “you can count on me” – “if it is to be – it’s up to me” – “today is my day” – and “life is
great.” Try it – you’ll like it.
2. Our attitude is like the air that surrounds us, an invisible aura we carry with us that is always just there. And,
since it is always there, just a part of us, we can go through days or weeks without even thinking about it at all. In
fact, most of us are generally unaware of our own attitudes. I would submit to you that must change. Why?
Because your attitude, at any moment, says a lot about you. Remember - it is your attitude, how you’re thinking
each and every day, that determines your altitude; and whether you are making progress toward the realization of
your worthy goals and ideas.
3. Our attitude is everything. It is not some abstract facet of our personality. In reality, our attitude is the role we
choose to play out in our life each and every day. Our attitude is made up of our feelings, our thoughts, our
opinions, our frame of mind and reference, our points of view, and our paradigms; how we see the world around
us. It is also the identity we take on each and every day. In other words, our attitude is the lens through which we
see ourselves and our life. In the words of the late Zig Ziglar – “You can have anything in life you want – if you
just help enough other people get what they want.” If that is not a reflection of “attitude” within us, I don’t know
what is. Attitude “is” everything.
4. Our attitude in circumstances is a choice. According to Dennis Brown – “The only difference between a good
day and a bad day is your attitude.” Each day we all encounter some type of “stimuli”. Based on the stimuli, we
will “respond”. Smack dab in the center between the “stimuli” and the “response”, is our power “choose”. We
will choose to be pro-active (a positive attitude), or we will choose to be re-active (a negative attitude). And, just
in case you didn’t know it, our choice will be based on our self-awareness, imagination, conscience or independent
will. Now, since our attitude is a choice – I would hope that we all continue “working” at choosing to respond to
encountered stimuli, with a more positive attitude; versus a negative attitude. In the words of the late Zig Ziglar –
“A positive attitude won’t let you do everything; but it will let you do everything better than a negative attitude
will.” “A positive attitude will let you use your abilities – and that’s all you really need.” Choose to live with a
positive attitude, each and every day.
It is my belief; if we focus on our “attitude” (the right attitude), we will feel good about ourselves; live up to our potential
each and every day, and do our part, to make a positive difference in our world. Isn’t that what it’s really all about?
Culturally Aware, Engaging, Compassionate
and Humorous, Challenging, Direct
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To discuss your needs, call us at 216-348-4612 or Email us at [email protected]
- Page 8 - VISIONS “News to uplift and empower” - Visit us on-line at http://www.visions.successisyou.org
THANK YOU! For Helping Us RISE!
