Monica May's Point Of View

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  60th Annual Bob Hayes Invitational Track Meet/Olympic Bronze Medalist Omari Jones Shares What’s Next/Women’s History Spotlight – Arlene Blake, Women on the Rise

  The 60th Annual Bob Hayes Invitational Track Meet spotlights 60 of the most elite high school track stars March 13th –15th at the University of North Florida. Originally spearheaded by track star Hayes, it focuses on student athletes and provides scholarships for their future endeavors. Visit www.BHITM22.org for more information. Edgewater H.S. and Valencia graduate, Omari Jones shares his journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics where he won the Bronze medal in boxing. Jones was the only American boxer to bring home a medal and now he’s set his sights on his professional career. His debut fight will be March 15th at the Caribe Royale and you can purchase your tickets through www.ticketmaster.com. Our Women’s History spotlight featured Arlene Blake, Executive Director of Women on the Rise. The organization focuses on empowering women’s careers, financial literacy and more. Free childcare and meals provided during training and for many of their events. To learn more visit www.wotrinc.org.

  March 9, 2025

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• TAJIRI ARTS DOCUMENTARY/ HOW TO TAKE ACTION AND GET YOUR POLITICAL VOICE HEARD/ FACE OF TRIUMPH OVER TRAGEDY

  Join Artistic Director Patricia Whatley in a roast and documentary about Tajiri Arts on Friday March 21st at Midway Community Center 2251 Jitway Avenue in Sanford. For 20 years, Mrs. Whatley and her staff provided after school artistic direction to more than 3,000 students. Many have gone on to perform with the likes of Ledisi, Patti LaBelle or performed on Broadway. To participate in the event contact whatleypatricia5@gmail.com or text 404-201-1464 Samuel Vilchez Santiago, Chair of the Orange County Democratic Party and Rashad Young, legislative aide to Lavon Bracy Davis joined us to talk about how to engage with our elected officials. They also invited the audience to stay abreast of what’s happening with the upcoming legislative session that begins this Tuesday March 4th in Tallahassee. You can get involved by attending county commission meetings, join the citizens legislature or by participating in Equal Ground Day at the Capital March 26th. To find out How to Take Action Against Overreach in our local government go to www.orangefldemocrats.com and at the state level visit www.flhouse.gov A local author and non-profit director, Kim Hill shared her story of triumph over tragedy. Hill, who as a foster child was molested, faced rejection and acted “out” as a youngster. She attempted suicide numerous times and even went to jail for a crime she was falsely accused of committing. Hill finally learned that the through the love of Christ her life could be restored. Since then she has written a book, “The Faces of Life…” and started the non-profit Tailor Made which focuses on children of incarcerated parents. Follow her at www.IAMTAILORMADE.net

  March 2, 2025

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• HIV Stigma in Orange County Research Results/ Grandmother of Juneteenth Dr. Opal Lee/Four Pillars of Happiness

  Dr. Andrea Dunn, Dr. J. Richelle Joe and Dr. Shan-Estelle Brown completed a four-year research project on “Removing Obstacles to HIV Prevention for Black Women in Orange County.” Florida now stands 6th in the nation for newly infected cases of HIV. The three researchers interviewed 75 women and determined that stigma and socioeconomic barriers remain the main contributor to the high rate of infection. To learn more, please attend a free event offered by Let’s BeeHIVE. Queen Bee is March 8th 3pm – 7 at Ocoee Lakeshore Event Center. To register visit www.letsbeehive.org Dr. Opal Lee is considered the grandmother of Juneteenth. The now 98-year-old is famous for walking from her state of Texas to the Nation's Capital to bring attention to the importance of the celebration for freedom. The Emancipation Proclamation to end slavery was signed in 1863 but it took 2 ½ years for the news to reach Texas. Hence Dr. Lee wants us to continue the walk for freedom every year by gathering to celebrate and walk 2.5 miles to correspond with the 2 ½ years it took for the end of slavery. Tony Jenkins with Florida Blue is Chair of the Winter Park Institute. The organization brings speakers to our community such as Harvard Professor and author of Build the Life You Want Arthur C. Brooks. A lucky STAR listener was invited to attend and hear more about the 4 pillars of happiness which are Faith, Family, Community and Work

  February 23, 2025

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• TIGER PRIDE CELEBRATION For JONES H.S. & THE PASSING OF STATE SENATOR GERALDINE THOMPSON

  Sonya Hill, the Co-Chair of The Unity Celebration which is the annual event of Jones H. S. shared the itinerary for the weekend that brings graduates back to fellowship. More information can be found on the Jones H.S. Facebook page and Eventbrite. Other graduates who shared their stories of the school's pride as well as heartfelt memories of the late, great historian and State Senator Geraldine Thompson included: Grammy Award Conductor Dr. Jeffery Redding, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, District 6 City Commissioner Bakari Burns, Orange County School Board Member Vicki Felder and Florida State Representative LaVon Bracy-Davis

  February 16, 2025

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• NATIONAL BLACK HIV AWARENESS DAY – STATS FOR ORANGE COUNTY/THE CELEBRATION OF LOVE THROUGH GALENTINE’S, VALENTINES OR SINGLES AWARENESS DAY/TURNING A DREAM INTO A REALITY

  HIV/AIDS Research in Orange County Since 1996 we have acknowledged the disparity in HIV Awareness and Treatment during National Black HIV Awareness Day. Dr. Andrea Dunn, Executive Director of Let’s BeeHIVE (HIV educated) and a team of black female researchers received a grant from the Robert Wood Foundation to study stigma in HIV and preventive wellness. They presented their findings at a 2-day symposium and unpacked the results. This conversation is just a snippet of what’s to come February 23rd on STAR 94.5 Find out more @ www.letsbeehive.org FRIENDSHIP Consultant Anika Allen shared several statistics on the importance of friendship and how isolation can cut your life span. Whether it’s platonic or romantic, there are ways to develop friendships that will last. She shared how your attitude will determine who you will attract. Connect with Ms. Allen at www.Fivestarfriendships.org Justin Storey picked up a camera in Middle School, got his first wedding photography opportunity at the age of 14, did a professional shoot later on and developed his company after that. JStorey Media trains young entrepreneurs and other creatives on following their dreams. His next workshop will help creatives in all phases of media connect and put their ideas together. Learn more at www.creatorsescape.com and to connect with Justin visit justin@jstoreymedia.com

  February 9, 2025

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• 1st SUNDAY OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH – Filmmaker RaMell Ross, “The Nickel Boys,”, Congressman Maxwell Frost and Retired Pepsi CEO and Author, Derek Lewis

  Hollywood filmmaker RaMell Ross shared background information about the making of his Oscar nominated documentary, “The Nickel Boys.” Adapted from the book written by Colson Whitehead, it is the true story of the Dozier School a boy's reformatory in the Panhandle. The juvenile reform school was a target of frequent state and federal investigations that were largely ineffective. It was later found that between 1914 and 1973 at least ninety-six boys died at the camp. Ross, a standout basketball player was injured and found his true love was photography. He is now a professor at an Ivy League school and will continue to tell stories through his own lens. Connect @ramellross Congressman Frost, the youngest to be elected – is the first Gen Z member now in his 2nd term. Our conversation on the federal cuts enacted by the current President has put the nation and our state on guard. Frost wants us to, “Be aware this is only the beginning, but we can make it through!” The survival plan is to stay informed, be aware of all elections – there are 2- and 4-year terms plus special elections coming up for Governor in two states. Stay on top of the first 100 days in office and connect with your elected officials. Connect at https://frost.house.gov/contac Derek Lewis who retired from Pepsi CEO after 35 years, was the highest-ranking black executive in the company’s history. An HBCU grad, Lewis was being considered by Pepsi as well as the CIA. His choice for corporate life served him well, even coming from less than humble beginnings. Born in D.C. he had to steer himself toward success – his book Survive + Advance is a blueprint for those coming up in the streets, trying to survive in corporate America or trying to figure life out. Connect @realdereklewis

  February 2, 2025

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• Thyroid Awareness/Need to Read Benefit Concert/National School Choice Week/Mom & Daughter Tech Team

  January is Thyroid Awareness Month, and statistics show that an estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease. Registered Dietitians, Ashley Carter and Jasmine Westbrooks Figaro of Eat Well Exchange shared information on how to decrease health disparities in low socio-economic communities while keeping culturally relevant food on the table. The Need to Read Program offers a Benefit Concert Friday Jan 31st at the Dr. Phillips Center featuring Yolanda Adams to raise money for their program providing books to children up to 5 years old. Pastor Roderick Zak shared that the non-profit organization puts books into the hands of families with infant children to 5 years of age. $40 donation purchases a bundle of books for a family’s library. Visit www.feedtheneedtoread.com for info on the organization and upcoming concert. This is National School Choice Week – Florida leads the nation in being able to make choices about where to send your child to school. There are several choices for your child’s education from public school to Charter, Magnet, Private, Online and Home and parents have this week to make the choice on where to send their child. To find out how to make the best decision about your child’s education go online to www.floridaschoolchoice.org or visit Florida School Choice Association on FB and IG. Call 321/444-1445 Mother & Daughter Tech Duo creates www.historifi.com to combat cultural erasure. The app is designed to tell the story of cities around the country who are steeped in African American culture. They will launch their app which is augmented reality this Friday January 31st in time for the Zora Festival in historic Eatonville. To find out more visit www.historifi.com and follow them on IG at historifiapp.

  January 26, 2025

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• LLD Scholars/A Day of Racial Healing/Barbara Chandler Productions

  LLD Scholarship Fair Students bound for college, need to get their resumes ready, SAT and ACT scores and bring them to the LLD Scholarship Fair. Dr. Laura Dorsey has arranged scholarship fairs in our community for more than 15 years and is bringing it to Jones High School 801 Rio Grande Avenue Wednesday January 22nd 4pm. Parents are welcome to attend with their students. Colleges from around the country will be on site to offer scholarships to students on the spot. The event is free and open to High School Seniors; however Juniors are encouraged to attend and learn what colleges are looking for. For more information https://lldscholars.org/ A Day of Racial Healing Day of discussion on race and values is being offered by the Peace and Justice Institute Tuesday January 22nd, which is National Day of Racial Healing. Started by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to promote and raise awareness of the need for racial healing and share how this work is meant to happen in communities around the country. Our discussion noted that racial healing is at the core of racial equality. Our guest, Rachel Allen, director of PJI, shared the practical actions that communities can take to listen and promote racial healing. To join Tuesday’s discussion on racial healing at Hopper Academy in Georgetown which is a historical area in Sanford and more about their classes and upcoming history tour visit www.peacejusticeinstitute.org Barbara Chandler Productions Long known as the lead docent at Hannibal Square Heritage Center in Winter Park, Ms. Chandler now has her own production company where she will promote projects to educate, engage and enrich us all about the rich culture of Winter Park. Her first event will be this evening, and the message of racial equity will ring clear. To reach out or join tonight’s discussion and learn more about what’s next for Ms. Chandler visit her at www.barbarachandlerproducitons.com

  January 19, 2025

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• TOWN OF EATONVILLE CELEBRATES DR. KING/PARENT & STUDENT TIPS FOR SUCCESS/GETTING PAST “QUITTERS DAY”

  Mayor Angie Gardner is in her 3rd year leading the town of Eatonville, FL which is the oldest black incorporated town in America. They are celebrating the 48th Annual MLK holiday with a parade that starts at 2pm Saturday January 18th with a vendor display after. Their theme, “Illuminating Tomorrow Together,” speaks to the Mayor’s intention of getting the town residents to realize that, “they are seen and heard, their opinions matter.” Mayor Gardner is the third female Mayor, however only the 2nd elected to head the town and realizes that she “speaks with a calmness” that surprises even herself. There is a multimillion dollar grant to update the sewer system there and she wants more input in order to make even more necessary changes. Please attend their Town Meetings on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month as well as the Town Council meeting right after at 7:30pm. To become a vendor or find out more about the town’s progress, visit www.townofeatonville.org or call 407/623-8900 Dr. Ro is the Director of Community Partnerships for an OCPS school as well as the author of “Be THAT!” She shared tips on developing student strengths by tapping into their interests via social media, music and more. She says it’s important to, “Make education fun and inclusive by meeting the students where they are.” Parents can keep up with student progress online using the Skyward app. You can also read more in her book, “Be THAT!” which uncovers real life examples to motivate you. To learn more, visit www.roneisharandall.com. January 10th is National Quitter’s Day. Reshell Smith, Finance Expert and owner of AMES Financial Solutions pointed out that by this time only 25% of Americans are still on track to meet their goals and 10% are still trying to stay on track by the end of the month. She gave us tips to stay the course and apps we can use as well. Try the calm app or headspace app first to get centered when it comes to dealing with money and then try keeping track with ynab.com (you need a budget). It’s never too late to get back on track and she shared that, “Accountability is key!” Visit her at www.amesfinancialsolutions.com

  January 12, 2025

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• CENTRAL FLORIDA CELEBRATES DR. MARTIN LITHER KING/OUR HISTORY IS AMERICA’S HISTORY

  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

  January 5, 2025

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