“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Archives for 2006
Wednesday’s Quote of the Day
“I had reasoned this out in my mind, there was one of two things I had a right to, liberty or death; if I could not have one, I would have the other.” ~Harriet Tubman
Black History Month Getting a Black Eye?
There are a lot of strong opinions around concerning Black History Month, especially after the editorial, Time to Dump Black History Month by Joyce King. Then, one of the greatest actors to ever draw breath, Morgan Freeman, spoke out against Black History Month, further creating a controversy.
Personally, I love the idea of an entire month being devoted to paying tribute to great men and women from our history (our, as in all of us). Martin Luther King, Jr. affected all of our worlds positively, not just those who shared his skin color. I do wish another month had been chosen, however…between honoring Abraham Lincoln, George Washington and cupid – February’s pretty crowded. I think more attention could be given in a less crowded month.
Whenever I think of the different opinions over this month, I think of three different things:
- I’m as much for this month as I am for March being Women’s History month. The history books are packed with men and women, so much so that obviously there won’t be room for everyone. Any situation that creates an opportunity to acknowledge and learn from others (who might be left out) is a positive thing.
- I can’t tell you how many times in my life I’ve run into this same scenario: I’m in a group of people and the topic of (non-Biblical, non-family) heroes/heroines comes up. I name the two closest to my heart: Harriet Tubman and Abraham Lincoln and inevitably I hear, “I don’t know her…” So, I give them a history lesson! If history class failed you, click HERE for your own private introduction to Lady Tubman. It makes me a crazy woman to think that her name would be unrecognized by anyone!
- I don’t think of it as confining the celebration of Black history to just one month – any more than I think Thanksgiving confines thankfulness to one day, or Christmas and Easter confine Jesus to two holidays. I think it’s about respecting a race of people who was too strong for history to keep down or hold back. Can we not all learn from that kind of spirit?!
In the end, a day or month of recognition is primarily and ultimately about one thing: To get people talking and to make them think. Seems to be working!
Joi
Tuesday’s Quote of the Day
“Don’t marry the person you think you can live with….marry only the individual you think you can’t live without.” ~Dr. James C. Dobson
Love is…
Did you know that love does more than just make you smile and feel warm inside? Love is actually as good for your health as it is your emotions.
Consider the love-ly facts:
- A study last year from the University of Pittsburgh found that women in good marriages have a much lower risk of cardiovascular disease than those in high-stress relationships.
- The National Longitudinal Mortality Study, which has been tracking more than a million subjects since 1979, shows that married people live longer, have fewer heart attacks and lower cancer rates, and even get pneumonia less frequently than singles.
- A new study from the University of Iowa found that ovarian cancer patients with a strong sense of connection to others and satisfying relationships had more vigorous “natural killer” cell activity at the site of the tumor than those who didn’t have those social ties. These desirable white blood cells kill cancerous cells as part of the body’s immune system.
- Doctors at the University of North Carolina have found that hugging may dramatically lower blood pressure and boost blood levels of oxytocin, a relaxing hormone.
Now…off to the kitchen to make a big, homemade heart-shaped cake for those who make my life not only happy but healthy as well.
Have an amazing day,
Joi