A Personal Reflection for National Women's History Month

Today would have been my mother's 87th birthday. When I think about my life, I realize that my mother could have made a decision that would not have allowed me and my siblings to be here. Thus, through her, the life God imparted in her for 9 months was birthed with a purpose, and that purpose charged me to breathe life to the future of others.

Although in history, March 15th is considered as the Ides of March (a day that became notorious as the date of the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BC), for me on March 15th, 1927 this day marked a destiny to come 31 years later. That destiny was my beginning. Although my mom's physical self is no longer here, I often feel her spiritual presence often. I would not be who I am if it wasn't for the dedicated mother that she was.

March is Women's History Month which pays tribute to the generations of women whose commitment to nature and the planet have proved invaluable to society. My mother was a green thumb at heart. It seems like any plant, bush or flower she touched flourished so spectacularly. She had an amazing talent for growing things and an incredible sense of creativity and spirituality. She left a piece of history in my lap, a jewel which no doubt has sustained me. So, I see so much of her in me. I love nature and I take being a good steward of creation that God charged mankind with, very seriously.

Celebrate that special woman in your life today. Without the amazing women in history who made a mark in the genealogical pool of life, it's scary to wonder where we would have been today if things were different.

Happy Women's History Month everyone!

Celebrating the Legacy of Johnny Appleseed

John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed
1774 - 1845

According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, Johnny Appleseed Day is celebrated on March 11th, although his birthday is on September 26, 1774. John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed is an American pioneer nurseryman who earned his name by planting small orchards and individual apple trees as he traveled walking across 100,000 square miles of Midwestern wilderness and prairies. He introduced apple trees to large areas in Pennsylvania, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio and many northern counties in West Virginia.

Johnny Appleseed was a dedicated and genuine nurseryman. He loved nature, the wilderness and his knowledge of medicinal herbs, his devotion to the Bible and his harmony with the Indians. Many people believe that he was a fictional character, but this very real man spent 50 years growing apple trees so that people can enjoy this delicious fruit. He lived a simple life. Many believed that he wore his cooking pot on his head as a hat when he traveled. Appleseed died on February 18, 1845 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

I don't know if an apple a day will keep the doctor away, but I do know apples make great pies! YUM!

Inspiring Change on International Women's Day

Today we celebrate International Women's Day! Women continue to make monumental strides for freedom, justice and equality around the world. This year's theme for International Women's Day, "Inspiring Change" encourages advocacy for women's advancement, challenging the status quo for equality and inspiring change. Today, there are more support networks for women than its ever been. 

How do you plan to celebrate International Women's Day today? If you would like to learn more about this global commemoration, click here to check out this website.

March is National Music in Our Schools Month

Music was always a part of our school curriculum and activities when I was growing up. In high school I was a member of the Bonds Wilson High School Cobras Wonder Marching Band, under the leadership of our band director, Mr. Lonnie Hamilton, III. While Mr. Hamilton was passionate about music, he was equally passionate about each band member learning, performing and being our best in music education.

Like many people, I found learning how to read and perform music helped me with other creative and developmental skills. The band was that outlet which gave me the type of discipline I needed which branched into improving my scholastic aptitude and garnering more pride in my work. Although I was a majorette during football season, we were still required to learn music and participate in the band. In addition, being a member of the Junior Choir in church was also a crucial part of my individual creative development and discipline.

Unfortunately, music programs in schools around the country are in serious danger, due to education budget cuts. I have great memories from my high school years in particular, participating in concerts, parades and festivals. It was such an exciting time and wearing our uniforms was a great honor. If our music programs are cut from the standard curriculum made available for any student desiring to learn and appreciate the theory of music, we will be losing a very valuable resource of personal development with our children.

I urge everyone, whether you’re musically inclined or not, to advocate for the art and music programs in your schools. Although I love athletics, I am convinced that music theory will go a long way for generations to come. Music is a part of every culture, locally, nationally and globally. People connect to music and the notes connect to the spirit. Think about this the next time you go to a movie and listen to the scores that someone wrote and performed. Think about music the next time you attend a play or go to a game. Think about music when you attend church worship services or a dance recital. Now, think about how it would be without music and how boring life would be.

Be sure to celebrate and support music in our schools! For more information on how you can get involved, click here and visit the National Association for Music Education website.

Music Is My Life!