Chapter's Activities/Accomplishments 2010
FMS-BIG Chapter Outreach Community Project
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Ms. Deborah Johnson - My topic centered around, “Are you moving in the Future with me?” I began by quickly seeking two volunteers to display different career objectives. One career was acquired without formal education beyond high school, satisfied with status quo, and no futuristic view for improvement for the next 5-10 years. A second career included an individual who had just completed eight years of formal education, had clear cut objectives, in a successful profession, and able to provide a quality standard of living. A comparative analysis concluded that the controlling factor depended largely on oneself. Additional information included the following: Life is a continuous learning process and should never end; Decide what you want in life, then define a plan to acquire it ; Try, try, and try again, and the level of success depends on your commitment to win.
Also, I recommended two words to remember: Cooperation and Communication. Cooperation is needed to work together towards accomplishing common goals - Communication is needed to define what you want, how to acquire it, and to seek assistance, if needed. We discussed Dr. Dorothy Height, her accomplishments, her legend, and how she dedicated her life to the well being of mankind. In conclusion, I asked how many of the 17 students had defined a career of choice, or had future plans. Since most of the students raised their hands, I recommended all to read the book “Gifted Hands.” by Dr. Benjamin Carson, for all were truly gifted.
Ms. Aline Moten McDavid - Dressed in my “Cat in the Hat” costume shared books, quotes, and words of wisdom with the scholars. I read excerpts from the book “Gifted Hands” relaying to them about a frustrated young boy with problems in school and who overcame the obstacles in life to become a world renowned neurosurgeon, and the book “Think Big” Unleashing Your Potential for Excellence, to influence their perspective - you can be what you want to be, both authored by Dr. Benjamin Carson. “Fire on the Beach”, by David Wright and David Zoby, about the first all-black Life Saving Service Unit #17 (after the Civil War), to enhance their knowledge of African Americans who risked their lives to save others who were “ship-wrecked” intrigued the scholars. Today, a tourist attraction called the Outer Banks is those same waters. I also had the young scholars share their dreams and goals, in addition to their endeavors to reach their goals. Some aspirations included: hair stylist, pediatrician, and psychologist. And, last but not least, Wisdom, to start each day positively (a brand new zest); adopt a great attitude (get the best out of each day); and practice self-control (you are in charge of you, your thoughts, your actions, your maturity, your growth.). Challenge yourselves to how much you can achieve daily! I learned along the way, and shared with them, “Do good, Do no harm, and be so in love with your Creator.”
This was a well organized event and our presenters did a fantastic job, which was well received by the young ladies. We want to thank them all, and a special “thanks” to Ms. Joan Andrews, Chair, Public Relations & Communication Committee, for assisting Thomas Johnson Middle School and making this a great success.
Also, I recommended two words to remember: Cooperation and Communication. Cooperation is needed to work together towards accomplishing common goals - Communication is needed to define what you want, how to acquire it, and to seek assistance, if needed. We discussed Dr. Dorothy Height, her accomplishments, her legend, and how she dedicated her life to the well being of mankind. In conclusion, I asked how many of the 17 students had defined a career of choice, or had future plans. Since most of the students raised their hands, I recommended all to read the book “Gifted Hands.” by Dr. Benjamin Carson, for all were truly gifted.
Ms. Aline Moten McDavid - Dressed in my “Cat in the Hat” costume shared books, quotes, and words of wisdom with the scholars. I read excerpts from the book “Gifted Hands” relaying to them about a frustrated young boy with problems in school and who overcame the obstacles in life to become a world renowned neurosurgeon, and the book “Think Big” Unleashing Your Potential for Excellence, to influence their perspective - you can be what you want to be, both authored by Dr. Benjamin Carson. “Fire on the Beach”, by David Wright and David Zoby, about the first all-black Life Saving Service Unit #17 (after the Civil War), to enhance their knowledge of African Americans who risked their lives to save others who were “ship-wrecked” intrigued the scholars. Today, a tourist attraction called the Outer Banks is those same waters. I also had the young scholars share their dreams and goals, in addition to their endeavors to reach their goals. Some aspirations included: hair stylist, pediatrician, and psychologist. And, last but not least, Wisdom, to start each day positively (a brand new zest); adopt a great attitude (get the best out of each day); and practice self-control (you are in charge of you, your thoughts, your actions, your maturity, your growth.). Challenge yourselves to how much you can achieve daily! I learned along the way, and shared with them, “Do good, Do no harm, and be so in love with your Creator.”
This was a well organized event and our presenters did a fantastic job, which was well received by the young ladies. We want to thank them all, and a special “thanks” to Ms. Joan Andrews, Chair, Public Relations & Communication Committee, for assisting Thomas Johnson Middle School and making this a great success.
On April 30, 2010, the FMS-Blacks in Government (BIG) Chapter participated in the first of a series of events designed to educate young female adults attending the Thomas Johnson Middle School, located in Lanham, Maryland. The conference entitled, “Real Women Read, Real Women Talk”, included such dignitaries as, Congresswoman Donna Edwards, Delegate Joanne Benson, Delegate Gerron Levi and Delegate Jolene Ivey, and many concerned dignitaries and friends. FMS BIG speakers included four (4) participants: Ms. Hazeline Covert, Ms. Deborah C. Johnson, Ms. Angelene Jones-Perry, and Ms. Aline Moten McDavid. Each speaker was escorted to individual classrooms attended by an average of twenty students. To facilitate the sessions, each speaker was given a group of female scholars to share life experiences and/or tools to facilitate career decisions. To encourage students to read, each speaker was asked to share and/or read excerpts from a favorite book.
Here are some excerpts from the messages conveyed to the young female scholars from our presenters:
Ms. Covert - Spoke about the life and legacy of Dr. Dorothy I. Height, Civil and Women’s Right Activist, Board Chair and President Emeritus of the National Council of Negro Women, and Godmother of the Civil Right Movement. “Our discussion about Dr. Height was exciting and relevant. The students stated that they learned a lot about Dr. Height and wanted to make contributions to our society and continue her legacy. The students shared their goals dreams and how Dr. Height’s contributions impacted their parents and their lives”.
Ms. Jones-Perry - Read from a book, “The ABC’s of Developing Stronger Families”, written by Delores Ann Washington, a retired school teacher from Prince Georges County. I read about Compassion, Character, and Honoring your Elders. We discussed how important it is to develop these attributes in their lives and careers. Another book I read was, “I Stand Tall” by J. Joy “Sistah Joy”. The poem was a testimony to the power of faith in helping to overcome trials and tribulations. The students discussed what the poem meant to them and mentioned there were helpful words for them as they proceed toward their journey in life. Also, we discussed many American women who are strong leaders in our society, Oprah Winfrey, Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama and Dr. Dorothy Height. “The young ladies were very open and discussed what their career choices were in life and two were inspired by family members to become a lawyer and a doctor”.
Ms. Covert - Spoke about the life and legacy of Dr. Dorothy I. Height, Civil and Women’s Right Activist, Board Chair and President Emeritus of the National Council of Negro Women, and Godmother of the Civil Right Movement. “Our discussion about Dr. Height was exciting and relevant. The students stated that they learned a lot about Dr. Height and wanted to make contributions to our society and continue her legacy. The students shared their goals dreams and how Dr. Height’s contributions impacted their parents and their lives”.
Ms. Jones-Perry - Read from a book, “The ABC’s of Developing Stronger Families”, written by Delores Ann Washington, a retired school teacher from Prince Georges County. I read about Compassion, Character, and Honoring your Elders. We discussed how important it is to develop these attributes in their lives and careers. Another book I read was, “I Stand Tall” by J. Joy “Sistah Joy”. The poem was a testimony to the power of faith in helping to overcome trials and tribulations. The students discussed what the poem meant to them and mentioned there were helpful words for them as they proceed toward their journey in life. Also, we discussed many American women who are strong leaders in our society, Oprah Winfrey, Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama and Dr. Dorothy Height. “The young ladies were very open and discussed what their career choices were in life and two were inspired by family members to become a lawyer and a doctor”.
