AUGUST NEWSLETTER

Letter From The Mayor

Dear Washingtonians,

 

In Washington, DC, we know and love our sports. From ultimate frisbee to professional tennis, we have something for everyone and plenty of year-round excitement (and sometimes heartache) to keep us going. Our professional sports teams have had their ups and downs, but, as fans, we have stayed proud and loyal because the excitement is always worth it.This week, I combined my mayoral duties with those of being a Washington sports fan. From witnessing the greatness of Venus Williams and the rest of the Washington Kastles to cheering on some of our city's youngest baseball players at the Play Ball event at Nationals Park, I was reminded many times how sports can be life-changing for individual players as well as entire communities. On Wednesday morning, I joined representatives from Fútbol Club Barcelona to announce a new partnership between the world-renowned soccer club and DC Public Schools.

 

Through this partnership, we will be able to send a team of young women representing each DCPS high school to train in Barcelona next spring, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will support our Reign initiative and give our students an unforgettable experience abroad. Additionally, during the summer of 2018, the FútbolNet program, which uses soccer to teach social-emotional skills, self-confidence, and a sense of responsibility, will work with DC middle school students through the DCIAA Middle School Summer Program. These opportunities will build on the $6.2 million investment my Administration made earlier this year to expand academic and extracurricular programming at middle and high schools across DC.Later the same day, I joined the Nationals and Major League Baseball for the unveiling of the 2018 All-Star logo. Next summer, we have the honor and privilege of hosting the 2018 All-Star Game, a tremendous opportunity to show baseball fans and players from around the nation a side of DC that not everyone knows about – local DC. We all love the Nationals and now we are excited to work with the team to make next summer's game a great experience for everyone.

 

In addition to these events, we have so much more to look forward to in DC sports this year. The DC Breeze are just two weeks away from kicking off their playoff season. The Wizards have a roster full of top talent. Our football team is going for their third winning season in a row. In 2018, we will complete construction on the Entertainment and Sports Arena, a new home for the Mystics and practice facility for the Wizards. And, next season, DC United will be moving into their new home at Buzzard Point.  

 

There has never been a better time to live in, work in, or visit the nation’s capital. Neighborhoods across the city are thriving, the unemployment rate continues to fall in all eight wards, and our city is the safest is has been in years. And part of how we got here, and a big reason thousands of residents are proud to call DC home, is because of our professional sports team. Win or lose, they continue to entertain us, make us proud, and give us good reason to call Washington, DC the #SportsCapital.

 

Sincerely,

Muriel E. Bowser

Project Briggs, Inc. Community Ally

DC Mayor Bowser Launches The Lab @ DC

 

 

Mayor Muriel Bowser formally launches The Lab @ DC, a first-of-its-kind in-house data science team in the DC Government. The Lab, which will use data and evidence to inform decision making across DC Government, is located within the City Administrator’s Office of Performance Management and operates under the leadership of Director David Yokum, a long-time advocate of data scientists in government.

 

Happy Birthday Mr. President!

Barack Hussein Obama, II

Born - August 4, 1961

Former President Barack Obama is celebrating his 56th birthday on Friday, his first since leaving office in January.Last year, the White House threw Obama a massive bash with celebrity guests including Beyoncé and Jay-Z. In 2015, he dined at Rose’s Luxury, a popular Washington, D.C., restaurant. This year’s festivities will likely be even more laid-back.The occasion may also be bittersweet for Obama as he looks back on all that’s changed in the past year.

 

President Donald Trump is working to dismantle many of his predecessor’s signature policy achievements, including health care reform as well as key environmental regulations. Obama has continued to reside in D.C., though he’s mostly stayed out of national politics. Instead, he’s spent his time building the Obama Foundation as well as taking a few much-needed vacations. Fans of the former president sent him well-wishes on social media.

President Obama's anger translator "Luther" says all the things the President wishes he could at the 2015 White House Correspondents' Dinner

Join Us at Our Table!

Project Briggs, Inc. Are Table Captains 

Get Your Priority Seating Tickets Today!

Join Us at Our Table!

Project Briggs, Inc. Are Table Captains 

Get Your Priority Seating Tickets Today!

 

Purchase Priority Seating Tickets to be seated with us at the Project Briggs, Inc. Table for the 6th Annual Gentlemen's Ball! Email us at: rbriggs@projectbriggs.org. Hosted by Sampson McCormick and Tammy Peay! Kings & Queens grab your crowns and tickets for The 6th Annual Gentlemen's Ball - We Are ROYALTY! We have a stellar list of honorees and entertainment, great food, an open bar and dope sounds by djtonikworld for the after party!

You DON'T want to miss it this year!

 

Let’s CELEBRATE!  The 6th Annual Gentlemen’s Ball Weekend: We Are ROYALTY! is a three-day celebration featuring a series of events that are sure to engage, enlighten, and entertain! The highlight of the weekend is The Gentlemen’s Ball: We Are ROYALTY, a black-tie fundraising gala and Awards Program that celebrates the accomplishments of Gay, Bisexual + Transgender men of color who have significantly contributed to enhancing the quality of life of the minority LGBTQ community and who have demonstrated a commitment to social change. 

 

Not only are we celebrating our Gentlemen, THIS YEAR we will also introduce The GentleWOMAN Awards to honor the Queens of our diverse community!  So JOIN US September 29 - October 1, 2017 as we celebrate ALL!

 

To learn more, click on link: The Gentlemen's Ball

The Gentlemen's Ball Tickets

NBC’s The Voice Contestant Starts Movement to Uplift Black Boys and Men

**OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE**

 

Washington, D.C., August 3, 2017 – Orlando Dixon, an independent recording artist and former contestant on season 4 of NBC TV’s The Voice, is on a mission to uplift and celebrate the lives of black boys and men. BlackBoyJoy Apparel is the name of a new clothing brand he has created that seeks to highlight the black male experience in a positive light. The initial launch includes t-shirts, tank tops and hats that creatively use the hashtag “#BlackBoyJoy” with a bitmoji of a black male and lyrics from an original song written and produced by Orlando titled, “#BlackBoyJoy.”

 

“#BlackBoyJoy” was written, produced and released in 2016 as a powerful statement to encourage black males to keep striving and pushing for excellence in spite of the negative stereotypes and media coverage often placed on their shoulders. The development of the BlackBoyJoy Apparel clothing brand takes that premise one step further as a tangible representation of Orlando’s vision.

 

In speaking about the inspiration behind this new clothing brand (and the song), Orlando says, “I have always wanted to create art that speaks to the human condition. In the current racial climate we are experiencing, I want to empower and uplift the lives of black boys and men because so many of us are on the receiving end of racial injustice and oppression. We’ve come a long way, but there’s evidence every day that we still have a long way to go. If there is something I can do to help push the dial forward, then I am happy to take that role; and it is my hope that this clothing brand and the song will do that.”

 

Listen to “#BlackBoyJoy” here; and visit the BlackBoyJoy Apparel site here. 

 

About Orlando Dixon

 

A native of the Washington, D.C. area, Orlando Dixon’s musical journey has been a melting pot of experiences. At the age of 15, he was offered an artist development deal with a major label. After graduating from Berklee College of Music at 22, he began to focus his attention on songwriting and vocal production. His credits include a top 20 record on Billboard’s Urban AC chart, as well as working with artists such as Regina Belle, K. Michelle, Zac Brown Band, and an appearance as a background vocalist on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. One of his most memorable achievements thus far has been his time as a contestant on Season 4 of NBC TV’s The Voice, where he was a member of both Team Usher and Team Adam, moving forward one battle shy of the live playoffs. Now with the release of his recent single, “#BlackBoyJoy,” Dixon is hoping to continue making strides with his message, and further solidify his place in the industry.

 

For Media Inquiries contact:

Denise Grant

301-461-0904

OrlandoDixonMusic@gmail.com

Black, Gifted & Whole

2nd Annual Scholarship GALA

Project Briggs, Inc. Proudly Supports and Encourages You to Buy Tickets: Black, Gifted & Whole's 2nd Annual Scholarship Gala. Join them as they honor Kenyon Farrow, Twiggy ThaOracle and Hari Ziyad! Come out in your best formal wear, but keep it funky in sneakers.

 

Purchase Tickets below!

2nd Annual Scholarship GALA Tickets

Project Briggs, Inc. Community Ally

DC Council Member At Large, Robert C.White, Jr.

 

INVESTMENTS TO IMPROVE THE DISTRICT

Hello, friend, Several important things happened in the last few weeks. The Council unanimously approved the city’s budget for fiscal year 2018. I also wrote four critical bills. First, I introduced the Office to Affordable Housing Task Force Establishment Act of 2017 to create affordable housing in old office buildings. Second, I introduced the BEGIn Act to drastically expand and support early childhood development facilities. Third, I introduced the Medical Marijuana Certified Business Enterprise Preference Emergency Amendment Act of 2017, which offers minority and local businesses a preference in applying for medical marijuana facilities. Lastly, I introduced the Criminal Record and Accuracy Assurance Act of 2017 to ensure that sealed or expunged offenses, and arrests without convictions, are not used against residents applying for jobs or housing. I believe that my work on each of these issues will give more tools to people being left behind by the city’s prosperity.

  

To read DC Council Member Robert C. White's

Newsletter in its entirety,

please click button below: 

Council Member Robert C. White Newsletter

From The Dais

DC Councilmember At Large, Robert C.White, Jr.

 

D.C. poised to give minorities preference for entering medical marijuana industry

 

Members of the D.C. Council advanced legislation to give local minority-owned companies a preference when applying for licenses to operate medical marijuana businesses. It’s the latest jurisdiction to join a growing nationwide effort to make sure minorities can profit from legal marijuana sales after decades of being disproportionately prosecuted for using and selling the drug.“We at the D.C. government have an obligation to make sure that minorities and local small businesses can get in on the ground floor and secure a piece of this foundation,” said Council member Robert C. White Jr. (D-At Large), who sponsored the legislation that passed Tuesday. (Source - Wasington Post - June 30, 2017)

Washington Post Article

HIS Grooming

1242 Pennsylvania, Ave SE

Washington, DC

(Adjacent to Sunoco Gas Station)

 

Operating Hours

SUNDAY: CLOSED

MONDAY: CLOSED

TUESDAY-FRIDAY: 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

SATURDAY: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

HIS Grooming

1st Annual Barber Showcase Highlights!

 

HIS Grooming is the innovative name in Men's Grooming. Its foundation is built on the belief that today's man deserves more than just a haircut. He deserves an experience of professionalism and sophistication - mirroring his own life - in an environment that is exclusively tailored to him.

 

HIS is a business as distinctive and trend-setting as its clients - specifically those on Capitol Hill - offering personalized grooming services and high-end grooming products, while encapsulating the history, spirit, and rich essence of the traditional barbershop.

 

Tell them Project Briggs, Inc. sent you!

 

Learn more>>

 

 

 
HIS Grooming
 

HIS Grooming Tip - August 2017

 

Beards can block over 90% of the harmful UV rays that can cause skin cancers.

Learn more>>

 
HIS Grooming

This & That

by Michael Sainte-Andress

Arts, Education in Public Schools, Adult Literacy,

Voter Registration and LGBT/Human Rights.

Champion of Arts, Education

About Michel Sainte-Andress

 

Michael Sainte-Andress is truly an asset to the DC metro area and is highly regarded among local government, business, education, HIV, community and faith-based organizations. He champions arts education in public schools, adult literacy, voter registration and LGBT/human rights.

 

He is also a tireless advocate and courageous visionary for people living with HIV and has selflessly allowed his own journey (diagnosed HIV+ in 1986) to be an inspiration to those who witness his work in this community.  He is a graduate of Lincoln University (PA) with a degree in English and Sociology.  He is an educator, a professional multi-threat entertainer (actor/producer/director), an award-winning poet and writer, but more importantly he is fully committed to making the world a better place in which to live and is a staunch advocate for cultural diversity.  

 

He honorably served in the U.S. Navy and since 1974 has made DC his home.  He is a two-time Mayoral appointee to the Ryan White HIV Planning Council and a Mayoral appointee to the Citizens Complaint Review Board.  He does all these things with a determination and sense of purpose that is remarkable.  A good description of him is that of a “good soldier." 

 

You can reachout to Micheal-Sainte Andress at:

micci@starpower.net

 

This & That

Michael Sainte-Andress

 

"Just a Fat, Old Queen"

 

Prologue:  A couple of years ago during DC Black Pride I was enjoying a backyard barbecue at a friend’s house and was sitting at a table with some fellow LGBTQ “seniors.”  Near us was a table of some much younger folk.  At some point, during whatever conversation they were having,  I  heard one of them refer to us as that table of fat old queens.  My companions heard it also and we were at first amused, but later, it caused me great concern, but not for reasons you may think.  So, I considered a possible response I could make to the exquisitely beautiful and equally foolish youngsters.  In it I pay homage to some of my favorite films and characters.  I share it with you now.

 

So, you think I’m just a fat, old , washed up queen? Well, my dear, the truth of the matter is that I’m no more fat than you are ugly and by today’s standards, I’m no more “old” than you are wise. Things I’ve accomplished and are of value in our world are beyond all the time you have even been on Earth! The challenges I’ve survived and prevailed over are not even within your ability to comprehend and my spirit-filled, persistent will to live is a skill you have absolutely no inkling of. You’ve enclosed yourself in a cocoon, not of protection, but of self-delusion and lies fueled by Madison Avenue trick boys. You limit your chance to really grow because your insularity and shallowness constricts you. That your youth and beauty are ephemeral and will eventually waft away like smoke is something you just can’t embrace or understand.

 

You’re like a, “Cat on A Hot Tin Roof,” but unlike Maggie you don’t have the wherewithal to, “…just hang on as long you can.” You’re living an,”Imitation of Life” and you truly believe in “The Wizard of OZ,” not realizing he has no powers. You’re skittish and foolish like the characters in, “The Women” and you want to scale “Wuthering Heights” but lack the drive and sense of purpose of, “Mildred Pierce!” You want to climb Mt. Everest, unaware that it only leads to, “The Valley of the Dolls.” You idealize “Transformers,” but overlook the fact that robots have no souls. You must pay attention to the plea of Deena/Beyonce as she implores you to, “Listen” if you want to be one of the “Dreamgirls.” You cannot “Sparkle” if you have not earned your sequins, chile!

 

Yes times have changed and this a very different world from the one of my origin.  However, there are some elements of Life that are eternal and immutable: Integrity, Responsibility, Self-Awareness, Spiritual Faith, Consideration of Your Fellowman, Compassion and, most importantly, the Willingness to Go On Learning! Your arc is done in before it gets a chance to be a bridge for you because you’r so caught up on your ride on, “A Streetcar Named Desire,” which you will sadly discover only goes to a dead end.  Do I envy or resent you?  Not at all.  I’ve learned the value of true beauty which exists at any age;  I am realistic enough to understand that age brings about changes that can be a bit disconcerting and I know like my Mama told me, “Just keep on living!” There is an undeniable strength in dealing directly with TRUTH.

 

It saves time for one. Bringing it into your life doesn’t make your character, but reveals it. My favorite quote is, “Courage is the willingness to face the fear of doing the impossible.” When you’re as young as you are the world is full of countless wonders, opportunities and excitement, but then you also experience the uncertainty of what you want to attain as being impossible. That can be frightening and daunting. That’s where preparation and ambition come in; they can energize you with the courage to forge ahead and move on, “If You Believe,” in yourself as urged to by Glinda in, “The Wiz.” It’s not about clicking your heels 3 times like Dorothy, but about a commitment to hard work, having an open mind to realize that Life is an ongoing education and it’s also having the humility to know that as grand as your dreams are, they are but a small fragment of a much wider Universal tapestry.

 

So, my response to your impertinent pronouncement is not angry nor mean to “put you in your place;” it is actually my attempt to reach out and embrace you as a colleague with whom I can share many things that may be useful to you in your journey. If you would let yourself take a chance on believing that our interaction would be something we both benefit from. The choice is yours, Little Bird. You can’t fly with an undeveloped or broken wing and you can’t recover from disappointment and failure if you don’t have survival skills and resources. Look at everything as a way to grow and experience the joy of accomplishment and fulfillment. Trust what’s in your heart to guide you and never, never abandon your faith—it is the infallible connection you’ll need to find your way. I bear you no grudge because I know your comments were but youthful and juvenile mischief. You could be my own child and whether you believe it or not, I love you and would go to the ends of the Earth on your behalf!

 

Find truth and move through Life with honor and fortitude.  This I offer you………………

Jazz Legend Shirley Horn

performs "Here's To Life" with John Williams and The Boston Pops

Wellness

No Spouse, No Kids, No Caregiver: How to Prepare to Age Alone

A growing population of ‘elder orphans’ lack a built-in support system. What to do if you become one.  

Article Written by: Anna Medaris Miller, Staff Writer | Source: U.S News & World Report Oct. 26, 2015

When Carol Marak was in her 30s, she asked herself whose life she wanted: her brother's – the life of a successful and well-traveled businessman – or his wife's – the life of a woman whose career better accommodated raising three children.

 

The answer was a no-brainer: "My brother was in a position I wanted," says Marak, now a 64-year-old editor at SeniorCare.com who lives in Waco, Texas. Although she had been married and divorced earlier in life, at that point she had no kids and "made a very conscious decision" to keep it that way, she says.

 

Plenty of Marak's peers did the same thing. According to a 2012 study in The Gerontologist, about one-third of 45- to 63-year-olds are single, most of whom never married or are divorced. That's a whopping 50 percent increase since 1980, the study found. What's more, about 15 percent of 40- to 44-year-old women had no children in 2012 – up from about 10 percent in 1980, U.S. Census data shows. "My career was No. 1 in my life," says Marak, who worked in the technology industry for years.

 

But today, Marak and her single, childless contemporaries are facing a repercussion of their decision that never crossed their minds as 30-somethings: "How in the world will we take care of ourselves?" she asks.

 

Dr. Maria Torroella Carney, chief of geriatrics and palliative medicine at North Shore-LIJ Health System in New York, is asking the same thing. In research presented this year at The American Geriatric Society's annual meeting, Carney and her colleagues found that nearly one-quarter of Americans over age 65 are or may become physically or socially isolated and lack someone like a family member to care for them. Carney calls them "elder orphans."

 

"The risk of potentially finding yourself without a support system – because the majority of care provided as we get older is provided by family – may be increasing," she says.

 

The consequences are profound. According to Carney's work, older adults who consider themselves lonely are more likely to have trouble completing daily tasks, experience cognitive decline, develop coronary heart disease and even die. Those who are socially isolated are also at risk for medical complications, mental illness, mobility issues and health care access problems. READ ENTIRE ARTICLE>>>

Wellness

Dental Health Care 

by Dr. J. Henry Wilson, Jr.

Communities of Color have much higher rates of tooth decay and tooth loss and fewer dental visits and preventive treatments than white populations....

 

Dental care is one of the nation’s greatest unmet health needs. In particular, communities of color have much higher rates of tooth decay and tooth loss and fewer dental visits and preventive treatments than white populations. Economic hardship also negatively affects access to dental care for many people of color. Although more research is needed to understand and address the factors that contribute to dental health disparities, significant evidence shows that communities of color face real problems and indicates that the nation’s dental care delivery system is failing to adequately support the oral health of all Americans.

 

We recently sat down with Dr. Henry Wilson, DDS and he stated that people should about home care is more about dental hygiene. A lot of marketing stuff is out there for consumer and they think that the results are in the product. Readers be aware of products on the market. “It’s more about the brush” you have to know how to brush your teeth properly. The proper way to brush your teeth is to take 2 teeth at a time and take your time. It’s all in the way you manipulate the brush. HE states that it’s nothing magical about it. Saliva dries up while you sleep, and this aids in the reduction of cavity-causing bacteria. Brush your teeth at an angle, and brush for a minimum of two minutes.Some of the biggest concerns with African of American is the bacteria in the mouth. Dr. Wilson states it is linked to other diseases that are common in our culture like diabetes. Some of it is hereditary and some is bacteria. ADA recommend adults should visit the dentist every 6 months. Each patient’s health plan is different. 

 

Dr. J. Henry Wilson, Jr completed his undergraduate studies at St. Louis University in St. Louis, MO in 1987 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore College of Dental Surgery in 1991. He continued his training and completed a General Practice Residency program at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington, DC with hospital rotations at the former DC General Hospital and DC Penal System.

 

Dr. Wilson is especially interested in cosmetic and implant dentistry and is committed to continued excellence in these disciplines of dentistry. In doing so, he continued his studies by training in the postgraduate program in Esthetic Dentistry from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry completing their Level I curriculum of 100 hours. He has also trained at the Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Studies (LVI) which is recognized as a pioneer in postgraduate dental training. Dr. Wilson is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

August 7, 2017

 

Religious freedom is not discrimination so they say. Yet gay wedding cakes, gay pizza, and gay birth certificates all went to court citing religious freedom as their cause for prejudice. Former presidential candidate Jeb Bush insisted religious freedom is a “serious issue” and said people of conscience should not be forced to provide services for a gay wedding. Oklahoma Senator Joseph Silk introduced a religious freedom restoration bill in his state, and Vice President Mike Pence signed a law dubbed the “Turn Away the Gays Bill” in Indiana. Plus, we must never forget the millions of dollars the Mormon Church community poured into taking away marriage equality while hiding under the Courage Coalition.

 

They don’t have to hide any more. Donald Trump recently signed an executive order telling the Internal Revenue Service to stop enforcing the Johnson Amendment which forbid churches from endorsing political candidates. Trump declared, “We’re giving our churches their voice back.” Corporations use state lawmakers to support their interests through the American Legislative Exchange Council who make blank bills where all representatives have to do is enter their state’s name. Establishments like the Federation for American Immigration Reform use member donations to push away people of color. It’s sad to say but now more than ever we must find and support organizations that protect employment, housing, and healthcare rights for our community. We must remain encouraged and continue to fight for the separation of church and state. The Supreme Court says there is a legal document that demands all Americans are treated equally. It’s called the Constitution. Lets make sure our adversaries know it.

“ Inevitability of Your Purpose ”

Written by Purify Love/Tiffany Lancaster

It is inevitable that your purpose and calling will chase, hunt you down, and overcome you. When I was a child/teenager, I was a troubled youth, my biological mother (whom I do not know), carried me in her womb while she was currently locked up at DC Correctional Facility. By the time I was 17 years old, I was facing 10 years at the same jail my mother used to be locked up at, but the Most High had mercy on me and got me off of my charges (which were for some of the same reasons my biological mother used to be locked up). A couple of years after that situation, the Lord began to use me to help other troubled youth through my testimony. I had no desire to help teenagers and youth, as truly I did not feel I had the patience to help them, honestly I did not like teenagers, I truly felt their mouths were too smart and I would end up back in jail, I had a bad temper. LOL!!! But Yah!!...ever since I was exonerated of my charges when I was 17 (and my record was cleaned by the Most High), he ALWAYS places me around youth and with parents of troubled youths to help, mentor, counsel, and redirect them to turn their energies of anger, frustration, negative energy, hate, rage, into something positive by finding their passion and focusing on their dreams.

 

No matter what age I am or where I am at in my life, I always have dreams and visions from the Lord of talking to masses of youth across the world in various places. Some visions I have already accomplished, and dreams have come to pass, but some I have not and it is yet to be revealed, but honestly there is so much more I have to do, because this is His divine vision for me, and because helping others does not stop until you leave this earthly plane. In my my waking life, teens and youth follow me around, (because they think I'm their age for one), LOL!!!, but they attract to me because I love on them unconditionally, understand them, let them be themselves, listen to them, meet them where their at, and just be cool with them and be there when they need me the most. The funny thing about it is, that was the same type of love that changed me for the better by those women and teenagers that stepped into my life so long ago...and the Lord has truly done a work in me, even when I step back to examine and watch how far I've come today and how many people of all ages that I have helped along their life path and way, several thousands, and never did I desire to go back and help those whom I used to be, Yahweh placed that within me himself.

 

The moral of this story is that, no matter where I went or still go, the youth follow me, my calling follows me, because it was Yah's purpose from the beginning, I did not search it, chase it, or find it...it found me...and your purpose, passion, and vision will to find you. Your calling will seek you out. Look around you now, what continues to follow you, even if sometimes you try to run from it? Your passion is all around you, sometimes you just have to stop, slow down, and open up your beautiful eyes.

 

Your Past was a set up for your Present. Your Life happened the way it was supposed to. Your Before was for your after. Your Prior was for your present. Follow the Signs. Follow the Doors. Yah is giving you the Keys and Purpose.

 

Shalom!

 

Purify Love (c) 2016

Follow Tiffany Lancaster on ALL Social mediums here:

Facebook: The Purify Love Movement - PLM
Facebook: 8D05 DC ANC Commissioner Tiffany Lancaster
Missing Children:
https://www.facebook.com/findbrianna/
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Booking: purifylovemic@gmail.com

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EDUCATION CONNECTION

Provided by 

 Troy D. Lewis, II

Chief Executive Officer

Education Services of Greater Washington, LLC

1775 I Street, NW, Suite 1150

Washington DC 20006

Direct: Phone: 202.508.1475  Fax: 202.478.1794

To increase our awareness of educational opportunities, development, workforce readiness, capacity building and resources, each month Troy D. Lewis, II will provide his insights, commentary and expertise in the world of education.

 

Troy D. Lewis, II is an accomplished higher education professional, Social Justice Advocate, Thought Leader and Advisor. Troy is the Chief Executive Officer of Education Services of Greater Washington, LLC. which provides custom programs and services in the areas of workforce readiness, youth development, education and specialized training.  

 

 

 
Troy Lewis' Bio

The Plight of Being a 1st Generation College Student

by: Troy D. Lewis, II

August 10, 2017

 

Across the country, and world, many students arrive on college campuses with excitement and some nervous energy. Excitement frames the transition to college as students move away from home and families in pursuit of liberty and independence. It is very normal for students to experience a fair amount of anxiety during this transition into young adulthood. There are dorms to settle into, roommates to adjust to, terrible pizza diets to start, socially accommodating class schedules to secure, not to mention learning new study habits, professors and much more. Again, these are all very normal adjustments. Or are they?

 

As of 2015, of the 7.3M students attending four-year public and private colleges and universities about 20% are first generation (FG). 50% of those FG students are low-income and are also more likely to be a member of a racial or ethnic minority group. 1 For context, just what does “low-income” equate to financially? The current official poverty threshold is an income of $24,257 per year for a family of four and $18,871 for a family of three. 2 With limited resources from the household, and fresh debt by the thousands to pay out, FG college students endure far more than what meets the eye.

 

While 69% of FG students express going to college to help their families many experience “breakaway guilt”; in essence, leaving their families behind in pursuit of their education and socioeconomic advancement builds concern and .1 For FG, accessing resources can be a challenge in comparison to their counterparts with college educated parents who can better support their children navigate the college experience and first generations students often face difficulty professionally, financially, psychologically and academically.

 

The social stereotypes associated with being a FG student are real and present. Academically, FG students are believed to have deficits, usually because of the link to low-income. Their peers and professors may question their academic potential, particularly if they received a scholarship or assistance to cover the expense of college though financial assistance is very common in higher education. This dynamic stems from under resourced schools having less than ideal student performance scores. Unveiling a FG identity can be rather difficult when considering all of the potential implications.

 

Being FG may not be the easiest identity to manage like race, gender, sexuality, and others but it’s one of the most powerful identities to embrace. Education changes lives, families and communities. Every family has a FG student somewhere down the lineage. The opportunities afforded to college students are vaster than without. The resilience required for FG students to persist, perform and graduate builds character – a type of armor that allows them to continue to fight for a bright future. Hats off to all the FG students who took a huge step in life for a better life!

 

**To Download Troy D. Lewis' August Article

Click Button Below**

The Plight of Being a 1st Gen. College Student

FINANCIAL TIPS

Provided by 

 Watu Jackson

Chief Executive Officer

W Financial Solutions, LLC

2101 L Street NW, Suite 800, Washington DC 20037

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To schedule your next appointment, please contact me

 

Direct: (202) 681-0992 | Fax: (866) 958-4485
wjackson@wfinancialsolutions.com

August Financial Tips | Watu Jackson, Chief Executive Officer for W Financial Solutions, LLC. 

 

There's an age old saying when it comes to starting a new business and it goes “Fake it until you make it.” It seems to have bled over to the world of social media; and who isn't on social media these days. Just a few months ago a popular fashion blogger, Shaniqua Jordan, was charged with credit fraud in excess of $37,000. Attaining things should never be that serious, seriously!

 

I mentioned this only to touch on the point that too many of us are living beyond our means. Do you really need that 24k drink shaker? Now let's not get it twisted (*returns back to professionalism), there is nothing wrong with having nice things but knowing the difference between needs and wants will get you headed in the right direction to being financially responsible rather than reckless.

 

Look, I'm by no means perfect when it comes to spending money (Hi my name is Watu and I'm an impulse shopper), but one thing I have learned is to decipher my needs from my wants. The 3 day rule works. If there is something you really want, wait 3 days. If you feel like you still need it, then buy it; but if that's not the case give yourself a pat on the back, you just saved yourself from buyer’s remorse.

 

Rinse & Repeat.

HEALTH AND WELLNSESS

Provided by 

Shawn Stinson

Owner

Coach Shawn Fit 80/20, LLC

Health & Wellness | Results are 80% nutrition...And only 20% fitness. Regardless of how much time and effort you devote to fitness, without the proper nutrition you will never MAXIMIZE your results. 

 

Coach Shawn specializes in body sculpting, and nourishment. No matter what your fitness goals are, he has several "80/20 Fitness" programs, guides and supplements specifically designed to help you attain your health and fitness goals from near or far!Don't waste valuable time sitting, thinking about it... 

 

"GET, COACH SHAWN FIT"!

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Coach Shawn Stinson

Trans Banned from Military

Shawn Stinson Offers His Thoughts......

Video P​​ublished on June 26, 2017

HEALTHY EATING

Provided by 

Litisia Shelley

Owner and Operator

L.L.S. Catering and Events

 

The summer is here and so are all of the graduations, outdoor concerts, a family events. We tend to be on the go more when the weather is nice, and that can lead to lack of hydration. Our bodies are made up of 75% water which is distributed throughout our cells, blood vessels, and between cells. Our bodies require that our water levels remain at a certain level. If we do not maintain our water levels we become dehydrated. Dehydration can be reversed with an adequate amount of water intake, but can cause symptoms such as dry mouth, less sweating, muscle cramps, and headaches. If untreated for a long period of time, dehydration can cause organ failure, coma, or death.

 

The best way to prevent dehydration is by drinking more water. It is important to know that caffeinated drinks, sugared drinks, and alcohol cause dehydration or help to speed up your dehydration. If you are not a water drinker because of the lack of flavor, try adding real fruit (via a water infuser) to your water and allow it to sit overnight. Your fruit will ferment and give a light flavor for you to be able to drink. If you must purchase your flavored water from the store ensure your water has no artificial chemicals, no food coloring, and no corn syrup. Of course the best way to make sure your hydrating your body is to drink plain water.

 

Get out and enjoy the weather this summer but please don’t forget to stay hydrated!

 
L.L.S. Catering & Events
 

If you are interested in LLS Catering and Events taking care of your every need, please do not hesitate to contact me for a quote or booking.  We look forward to hearing from you!

 

571-572-5417

Llscatering.com

litisiashelley@gmail.com

llscateringandevents@gmail.com

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Newsletter | Community Life in the DMV. Its mission is to promote activities and events that will connect black lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) men and women in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

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August 2017

 

The Ubuntu Biography Project | Biographical tributes to distinguished LGBTQ-SGL people of color/African descent. 

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Networking Opportunities | Capital Area Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce News & Trends in the DMV!

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August 2017

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TAGG Magazine | Your It! Everything Lesbian, Queer, and Under The Rainbow...

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The G-Listed |  An online media networking and entertainment website that caters to the style of life in the social scene of LGBTQ people of color.

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SWERV Magazine | SWERV Magazine is a national lifestyle periodical, celebrating culture and community of African-American LGBT people throughout the country.

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Washington Blade | America's Leading LGBT News Source

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ON MY GRIND!

Featured Q&A Interviews

Alvin B. King, Owner-CEO, King & I Productions, LLC

Terrance Laney, Deputy Director - Mayor's Office of LGBTQ Affairs

On My Grind!

Q&A with Alvin B. King

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Website - kingandiproductions.com

 

At the age of 23, a Facility Coordinator at USA Today, native Washingtonian Alvin B. King decided to self-produce his first signature fashion show entitled, “Something Special” in the cafeteria of the George Washington University. He invited the late Dwight T. Byrd, renowned Creative Fashion Producer for the highly recognized Congressional Black Caucus Fashion Shows and AVON Fashion Shows in Dallas, Texas. Of the 50 plus shows Mr. Byrd produced a year, only a few were opened to the public so he invited Alvin to serve as his mentee and travel between New York City and Dallas for two years to sharpen his fashion production techniques before asking Alvin to produce a fashion segment in the 1987 Congressional Black Caucus Show (CBC) entitled, A Tribute to Marvin Gaye”. That moment changed Alvin’s life forever, launched his fashion production career and officially gave birth to King & I Productions.

 

After taking time off to obtain a BA in Business Management with a concentration on Acquisition Planning, King and I Productions, LLC will produce its first major signature event benefiting the American Diabetes Association entitled, “Swirl and Chords Fashion & Music Gala Weekend.”  “Swirls and Chords” will be held on Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3, 2017 at the Arena Stage at The Mead Center for American Theater.  Swirl (Fashion) will feature an evening of eight high fashion designer showcases on Saturday, December 2, 2017. On Sunday, December 3, 2017 Chords (Music) a seated catered brunch will proceed an afternoon of jazz featuring the Grammy Nominated singer, MAYSA.

 
Q&A with Alvin B. King

On My Grind!

Q&A with Terrance Laney

Executive Office of the Mayor

Deputy-Director Mayor's Office of LGBTQ Affairs

Facebook - Mayor's Office of LGBTQ Affairs

 

Terrance Laney serves as Deputy-Director of the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs which is one of 10 offices in the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs. The agency provides constituent services and information to the LGBT communities through community outreach, public education activities and to advise the Mayor and the DC Government on the needs of the LGBT residents of the District of Columbia. Washington, DC has one of the largest and most diverse LGBT communities in the nation. The Office of LGBT Affairs will work with the community and represent and advocate for the community's varied interests to government agencies and officials at every level. The Office of LGBT Affairs envisions a community that is totally integrated into the civil and economic life of the District of Columbia.

 
Q&A with Terrance Laney

The G-Listed

Waddie Grant

Owner, Blogger and Executive Director

Waddie G. is the owner, blogger and executive producer of The G-Listed. Waddie started blogging in 2005 under different aliases about urban pop culture until he started (formerly named) The G-List Society in January 2012. He was a contributor to the Chicago Red Eyeand Windy City Times newspapers in Chicago, IL. As a blogger, he has interviewed dozens of Hollywood and music celebrities and dozens of LGBTQ personalities. His passions are topics of music, urban pop culture, TV, arts, city life, gay lifestyle and Black gay milestones and achievements.

 

The G-Listed is an online media networking and entertainment group who caters to the style of life in the social scene of LGBT/Queer/Same-Gender-Loving people of color.

 

The G-Listed media celebrates Black entertainment and excellence in pop culture, spotlights LGBTQ-SGL influencers and events in exclusive features, and honors the achievements of LGBTQ-SGL people of color.

 

Juan & Gee Founders of LoveWorks provide Relationship, Dating, and Life Coaching services - they have affectionately dubbed Love Coaching. Love Coaching helps you clarify your goals, determine what action steps you need to take to meet them, helps you overcome barriers and roadblocks along the way, and cheers you on as you move forward towards success. The clearer your goals - in relationships, dating, career, spirituality, etc. - the better chance you have of making them a reality.

 

Juan & Gee believe that the two primary components to living a fulfilling, joyful, abundant life are self-awareness and love for others, for your community, and for self. They help you take a look at where your life or relationship is now, determine where you really want your life or relationship to be, and help you develop a plan of action to achieve that vision. 

 

To learn more about LoveWorks, click link below

JuanandGee

LoveWorks w/Juan & Gee Episode #6: 

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