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Every Sunday morning, 'Monica May's Point Of View' will feature conversations built on hot topics and issues concerning African Americans. Local and national guests will share their points of view as well.
Dana Mackey, President of the Southwest Jaycee’s, Rosene Johnson, from the City of Orlando’s MLK Commission and Dr. Earl Mowatt, Chair of the Orange County MLK Initiative discussed the plans to commemorate the 41st year of the legendary parade January 18th honoring Dr. King. This year the theme is based on “Mission Possible: Celebrating Unity, Love and Non-Violence which are some of the 6 Principles that Dr. King’s vision is based upon. More than 100 entrants have registered for the parade and festivities. For information on activities hosted by these two entities visit www.mlkorlando.com or www..https://www.orangecountyfl.net/CultureParks/DrMartinLutherKingJrInitiative.aspx and for other celebrations throughout Central Florida visit www.star945.com Dr. Lavon Bracy a Central Florida historian, shared her story of staring in the face of racism as a high school senior to integrate an Alachua County High School. She was the 1st black student to graduate in 1965, a mere decade beyond the passing of Brown vs. Board of Education in 1954. She was spit on, beaten to near death and given ultimatums that would have caused another person to give up, but this “brave Little Cookie” forged on to become the 1st black graduate that year. Dr. Bracy who comes from a family who fought for civil rights, believed it was her duty to change the face of desegregation in her county. Since then she is a sought after speaker and author of three books; Making them Whole, Beyond Bravery and Brave Little Cookie. Connect with her at lavonbracy@aol.com
15-year-old Sumer Strawbree was bullied as a youngster and her father Everett helped her gain back her confidence through positive affirmations. She would have to respect them in the morning and before bed. Those positive words have now turned into a business. Sumer makes appearances around the country and shares her own artwork and affirmations with other girls through her books and speaking engagements. Connect with Sumer and see her Bullying PDF online at www.sumerstrawbree.com or call 321/209-1740. Her father Everett can be reached on IG @ mastermindstatements. Ten-year-old Cassidy Joseph is a young dancer who is extremely confident. She credits her mom and her love of Christ for all that she is. Cassidy can be reached on IG @ cassidyjoseph83. Both parents agree that putting positive thoughts and actions into their children early on is what has helped maintain their strong confidence. Reshell Smith MBA, CFP of AMES Financial Solutions makes getting out of debt realistic with suggestions on paying down debt like snowball = pay off smaller credit lines first so you can see the effects of your effort or avalanche which is paying off the credit cards with the highest interest rate first. Creditors see you as less risky if your score is 720 and above but remember credit scores are based on your debt accrued. Make sure you are legacy planning to be able to pass down land and money to your offspring. She shared the differences between traditional IRA’s which is where you pay tax on the money invested vs. ROTH IRA – the same investment in the stock market without the tax penalty. Ms. Smith said that you can begin investing as soon as a child has a social security number. Connect with Reshell @ www.AMESFinancialSolutions.com
Dr. Treshonda Baucom and Erika Blunston of Enriched Life Counseling & Consulting reminded us that grief has no expiration date. In fact, there are 5 Stages of Grief: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance. You can actually get stuck and repeat any one of these phases over a period of time. It is important to be your own gauge when it comes to grief so that you don’t feel compelled to say “Yes” when you really need to say “No!” Build a support system and stay connected so you are not isolated. Finally, they shared the importance of understanding emotional intelligence (which is really understanding your own emotions). Connect with their counseling team 407/593-4500 Corey Nery is the Executive Director of the CLIC KIDZ Biz Program which operates out of the West Oaks Mall. The program will start again in 2025 to introduce young entrepreneurs to the tactics necessary to start and operate their own business. Triniti & Christian Ross are two young entrepreneurs with their own online business that sells clothing and jewelry designed to increase a young person's esteem. Their big expo is January 25, 2025. Connect with the organization on FB at myclicofficial or www.myclic.org
STAR Cares is an exclusive Community Affairs initiative of STAR 94.5, committed to enriching the lives of African-Americans in our community who need to be informed and benefit from programs targeting Education, Health and Financial Literacy