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The Dumbing Down Process, Goes Something Like…

Published on March 15, 2018March 14, 2018 by Roshonda B6 Comments

photo above courtesy of vigilantcitizen

You see those drums above? Yeah, me too – those drums have played a significant part in my life – all my life actually; As I watched year after year after year of those drums just sitting, waiting on someone to give them a good “BANG!” I couldn’t play them because I never learned how. Can you believe, I just learned how to play them in my very late thirties and oh, how I love the sound – why hadn’t I learned how to play them all along?

Let me explain…

While those drums are very real, they aren’t ones that I actually own. You see, I believe in life we all have our very own set of drums that sit in front of us each day, waiting on us to give it a good “BOOM!” Those drums represent our voice, our personality, our characteristics in which makes us totally different from others; those drums represent our life and determine if that life is ran by our own motivation or lessened by the un-motivation of others.

When I was a little girl, my stepdad hated the way I talked….he would tell my mom “Make her quit talking like that!” this confused my mom as she was trying to figure out “Talking like what?” According to my step-dad I talked too proper, in which he later referenced as “White-folk talk” and felt like this little black girl, shouldn’t talk like them. I mean, I didn’t know their was a differential “this is the way you talk” language for whites or blacks, or any other race for that matter. I didn’t understand what he meant, all I understood was that it made me feel bad and for a long time….at that point I dumbed down and wouldn’t hardly speak to anyone….if I got criticized for using my voice, then why use it at all.

As I got older, I began to realize that I was different from other family members – I loved to read and found it very comforting, a hobby that not everyone found fond. But reading took me away from the abusive world in which I had come to know, like when my step-dad would get drunk; he would come home and let’s just say “All hades would break loose” it was a very difficult time; so getting lost in a book and being taken away by someone else’s “perfect” world was my escape. I loved to spell and could spell anything…one day, my uncle got the dictionary and began to call out words to me and I would spell those…I was curious about the reproductive system and found reading, writing and poetry fascinating…but when people got jealous because they felt as if, I knew more than they….I dumbed down, soon those A’s and B’s became C’s and D’s.

“Are You Serious?” was the question my aunt asked me one day when I volunteered to go to the grocery store with her. She had just gotten her food stamps and told me that I could get anything I wanted out of the store for coming with her – well, after browsing the store I decided that I wanted some cereal, but not just any kind of cereal – I wanted a box of “Frosted Shredded Wheat” which are still my favorite cereal today. When I took the box off the shelf and brought it over to my aunt to put in the basket, she looked at me with this puzzled look on her face. “Nikki, are you serious?, this isn’t’ what you want – go and pick out what you want, I said you could get anything! she said laughing, but I didn’t budge – because those were what I wanted – after going back and forward with trying to convince her of my choice, she abruptly stated “Those are white people cereal, you ain’t white!” – Really? because I didn’t know certain cereal were made for certain races/cultures. After we got home and hearing her mock me, laugh and basically call me weird…..I dumbed down, maybe it was best to just be like someone else – after-all, there was obviously something wrong with me.

Because of those incidents and many more similar or like them, I have to be honest…being “me” was not on the good list of things that I wanted to work on or through. I always desired to be someone else, someone new, someone popular, someone cute, someone special, someone…….other than Roshonda and I dumbed down to that for many, many years. When I turned 30, it was like a light bulb went off and I had did this 360 over night; call it what you will but for me it was liberating, I suddenly didn’t care what anyone thought – I wore what I wanted to wear, no matter how unmatched or weird it was and did my own thing – those drums were getting a good dusting off and I was geared up to give them their first concert. My “let’s do this” personality and award winning smile (so I’ve been told…lol) were getting me noticed and I liked it, but just like it was when I was a kid/teen/young adult – not everyone did. Soon, I found myself going back into the dumb down hole of mediocrity like everyone else, ever heard the term “When you’re in Rome, You do as the Romans” yesss…while that may be true, it’s not always good to be like everyone else just because EVERY-ONE else is or chooses to be….sometimes it’s good to veer off course and just – do – you.

So, what are you saying Roshonda you may ask – well, I’m saying you were given one life and in this life you sometimes have one shot to make a difference or live your life the way you want too. Don’t let someone make you feel bad about your bubbly persona or your sunshine smile or even your positive personality. My mama used to always say this about cliques/friends and/or people “Either they are going to pull you towards them or you’re going to pull them towards you” but mama left out the part…..you can just leave the group =)

You my friend were born to STAND OUT! you were never meant to FIT IN! or Dumb Down to someone’s level – you were created to make them rise to YOUR level. Don’t ever be afraid to be you because those drums are waiting on a player, will you be the one to book it’s next gig?

This is for you

Because if you’re not being YOU, you’re not being TRUE! And who wants to leave this earth being a copy!

Roshonda N. Blackmon – Creator of A Blog, A Magazine. It’s JustsumInspiration, Author, Speaker & Encourager

10 Black Movie Classics You Must See or Re-watch for Black History Month

Published on February 13, 2018February 5, 2018 by Roshonda B6 Comments

Black History Month is here and while the month is short and will be over before you know it, it’s a month where African-Americans of times past and present are honored for their sacrifices, achievements and accomplishments marked throughout history. It’s a time for us to reflect on that rich history and celebrate the lives of the ones lost and present whom paved the way for generations of other African Americans to walk in freedom and while this movement is still a “work in progress” for the most part, we’re proud that they stood fearlessly in the face of adversity to make sure we have some of the luxuries we have today such as the right to vote.

One way to honor and look back on African-American culture, history, activists and the actors that played them or played parts representing such troubling times is by way of a movie. I personally love watching movies, especially the ones that portray the African-American men and women whom did so much for us. So, if you just happen to have a down day this month and want to celebrate the occasion, listed below are 10 Classic movies portrayed by African-Americans that you should watch in honor of Black History Month. In no particular order they are:

‘Purple Rain’

What better way to celebrate black history and the life of late-great music legend Prince. The musical drama features some of Prince’s most iconic songs and killer outfits.

‘Malcolm X’

‘Malcolm X’ is was Spike Lee classic, portrayed by Denzel Washington. The movie chronicled the life of the civil rights hero.

‘Selma’

Ava DuVernay made history with ‘Selma’ in 2014, becoming the first black woman to have her film nominated for “Best Picture” at the Oscars. ‘Selma’ is a portrait piece of Dr. Martin Luther King as he led the march from Selma to Montgomery for voting rights.

‘Glory’

Free black men were conscripted to fight in the Union Army during the Civil War, but as this 1989 period drama shows, not even their willingness to sacrifice their lives for their country was enough to shield them from racism and segregation. Denzel Washington stars in the role that would nab him his first Oscar.

‘Barry’

‘Barry’ is one of two drama films (of what will surely be many) that take a glimpse at the life of a younger former President Barack Obama, the man who would one day become the first black president of the United States.

‘The Princess & the Frog’

In 2009, Disney made history by featuring its first ever African-American princess. Anika Noni-Rose portrayed princess Tiana in this film. It’s a beautiful film in which is sure to inspire little girls of all diverse backgrounds that she too can be “A Princess”

‘The Color Purple’

Okay, so there’s really nothing to say about this one but – CLASSIC!!! – No matter how many times I’ve seen this movie – I always need my tissues….

‘The Wiz’

‘The Wiz’ in which stars Diana Ross and a very young Michael Jackson is the black version of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ story.

‘Carmen Jones’

Dorothy Dandridge became the first black woman to be nominated for a Best Actress award at the 1954 Oscars for her role in this epic musical, based on Bizet’s tragic opera ‘Carmen.’

‘A Raisin in the Sun’

Starring Ruby Dee and Sidney Poitier, this 1961 adaptation of Lorraine Hansberry‘s play is a film about an African-American family search for the American Dream and what happens when that dream is derailed. While the older version is a true classic, the newer 2008 version in which stars Sean Combs (a.k.a P. Diddy), Sanaa Lathan, Audra McDonald & Phylicia Rashad are performances in which you wouldn’t want to miss.

These movies are sure to give you a dose of the richness of the African-American culture and a sense of why we should celebrate this month each year. We’re not just celebrating the culture but we’re acknowledging the people whom broke barriers in every arena which makes us glad to be a part of such an amazing history. You can find other classics listed here. Did your favorite make the list? If not, then what African American movie(s) are your favorite classics? Let me know in the comments.

Roshonda N. Blackmon – Creator of A Blog, A Magazine. It’s JustsumInspiration, Author, Speaker & Encourager

Jalen Bailey is Baking Cookies & Taking Orders for V-Day!

Published on February 6, 2018February 6, 2018 by Roshonda BLeave a comment

Picture above courtesy of bing

About a year ago, I wrote a story about a phenomenal then 8yr old young man by the name of Jalen Bailey whom was cooking up pies and cookies in his kitchen, and these weren’t just any ordinary cookies and pies for the local bake sale at school or church but had become a lifestyle job for Jalen, whom was destined to make his passion into a profit that would help both he and his mom. Jalen Bailey was using his gift of “baking” to its fullest potential. I wanted to re-share this story to shed even more light on Jalen and his skills and to inform you of how you can get your very own order from Jalen’s bakery. Now that Valentine’s Day or V-Day as I like to call it is fastly approaching, you too can get your hands on some of Jalen’s delectable sweets for either yourself or that special someone in your life. Jalen’s bakery has been doing so great, it caught the eye of Rachel Ray, YESSSSS! the number one chief herself asked Jalen to be a guest on her show. You can read all about Jalen and his reason for baking below as well as watch his appearance on Rachel Ray. I’ll have links below so you follow Jalen’s Bakery Journey and while you’re at it – you can get your yummy order in as well!!

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“I said I wanted to be a millionaire. I thought that wasn’t possible but now I think it is.” Jalen Bailey

Those are the words of 8-year-old Jalen Bailey who started in a baking company called “Jalen’s Bakery” right out of his mom’s small kitchen. Seeing how tiny their kitchen and house was, Jalen decided to put his gift to work by baking and selling cookies –not to get new toys, but to buy his mom a house.

According to HUFF POST, Jalen doesn’t use a cook book, but bakes all of those yummy goods from scratch! This includes his specialty peanut butter cookies, banana nut muffins and vanilla cake in a jar. Just the thought of all of those goodies are making me hungry. The prices for the treats range anywhere from $5 to $15 dollars. He and his mom will even deliver them too you (but only if you’re local).

Jalen’s mom, Sharhonda Mahan, who is a single mother, is his biggest supporter and a business-owner herself. So for Jalen starting his own business didn’t come as much of a surprise to her. According to Sharhonda, Jalen has been receiving many requests for orders and has also baked for his first event in which a vendor offered to purchase a bigger stove for him to keep baking more and more tasty goods.

“He’s very excited. It seems like the more orders he gets, the more excited he gets and the more serious he gets about his business.”

Seeing how passionate and driven her son has been for the past two years about baking and the many requests which floor their door, Sharhonda recently started a GOFUNDME page so that Jalen can start shipping to customers nationwide. The goal is $10,000 for Jalen to own a house, raise funding for college, give back to the community and learn the life of being a young entrepreneur. While this seems like a tall order for an 8-year-old; with Jalen’s drive, his mom’s support and their now booming business, I believe he will be able to complete everything on his list and more.

To keep up with Jalen and find out what he’s cooking up next, you can follow him on one of the social media sites below:

Follow Jalen on his Instagram page entitled jalensblog here

You can place your order for V-Day on his website here

Get daily motivation, and see his latest recipes on FB here

The goal of 10K was met, the link to the GoFundMe page above is new and was created so Jalen can help and give back to the community, his goal 2 months ago was to raise enough money to be able to giveaway 200 coats and socks to kids in need. But please visit the page as there are other philanthropy goals that Jalen is doing. What an Inspiration, Way to Go Jalen!!!

Roshonda N. Blackmon – Creator of A Blog, A Magazine. It’s JustsumInspiration, Author, Speaker & Encourager

The Incredible, Strong, Bold & Beautiful Kristi Data

Published on January 25, 2018January 22, 2018 by Roshonda B3 Comments

photo above courtesy of Kristi Data Facebook

WHAT YOU SEE…Hair done, make up done, a big bright smile, beautiful background, bright eyes, and a look of happiness, excitement, and possibility.

WHAT YOU DON’T SEE…is the fear of disappointing others, lack of self belief, body image issues, people pleaser-itis (just made that word up), anxiety filled, and the constant fear of not looking a certain way which would lead to people not likingme. Sad isn’t it 😔!

I’ve really taken a look at both of those lists, and the biggest take aways from it all is, “How do I want to feel?”, “How do I want others to feel?”, and “What can I do, be, and give to help others?” Here are my answers… I want to feel love, joy, bliss, excitement, laughter, strong, healthy, and empowered! I want others to feel what’s most important to them!

*** *** *** *** ***

I was born Jan 25, 1973 in Middletown, NY which is about 60 miles NW of NYC. From a very young age I was very active and began playing organized sports probably around age 8 or 9. I loved everything about sports and playing on a team. That excitement and enthusiasm for sports lead me to start playing volleyball in 8th grade that I became very passionate about. It was a goal to earn an athletic scholarship, and with a lot of sacrifice and discipline I achieved my goal and earned a full ride to Clemson University.

College was the most challenging 4 years of my life. I developed a pretty severe eating disorder that lasted past my college career. The number on the scale had become the meter to measure my self-worth and dictated what I ate and what I would keep down. After some scary moments of being hospitalized, I quickly realized the damaged that I was destroying myself. I went to some counseling, and eventually walked away from it. I was learning to let go of the control and to love myself.

I may have screwed up as a girlfriend and sometimes as a sister, a daughter or as a friend, because I don’t always say or do the “right things”. I have a smart mouth, I have secrets, I have scars because I have a history. Some people love me, some like me, and some people don’t. I have done good in my life. I have done bad in my life. I go without makeup, or shaving my legs sometimes. I don’t get dressed up half the time. I am random and I am silly. I will not pretend to be someone I am not. I am who I am, you can love me or not. But if I love you, I will do it with my whole heart, and I will make no apologies for the way I am. I AM ME!!! – Kristi Data

I have battled body image issues for quite some time. Yes, on the outside you would see someone who had it all together with her physical appearance, relationship, career, but was absolutely screaming on the inside for help. But that never let them see you sweat mentality was what I chose. And that’s when the Universe gave me an incredible gift about 7 years ago. It was this earth angel of a woman that I am now best friends with. We very quickly found a common passion of health, nutrition, and wanting to help others feel their best from the inside out.

Kristi Data5 — ***She needed A Hero, So that is what She Became – Dr. DelRae Marie Messer***

We had been through quite a few challenges in that time, and have grown and learned so many lessons. Some I am still learning. For the last 3 years I have been in the best shape of my life mentally, physically, and emotionally. I have consistently chosen to fuel my body with incredible nutrition, my mind with things that challenge me to grow personally, and surround myself with an incredibly energetic and loving tribe. One of my most recent goals that I achieved physically was a fitness competition. This competition was one of the most incredible experiences as it challenged me in every way possible. The biggest win was that I can now look at my body as a vessel that houses my soul. It’s a gift, and I want it to last for a very, very long time.

Kristi Data3 — ***How am I going to live TODAY in order to create the TOMORROW I’m committed too. Tony Robbins***

Kristi, thanks so much for the encouragement and inspiration you provide to women all over the world. The world needs more super women like you, women whom are not afraid to speak up, tell their truths – reveal their flaws and keep it all the way! You really are Incredible, Strong, Beautiful & BOLD!

If you would like to follow Kristi and I believe you should – You can find her on the following social sites below. If you would like to inquire more about her fitness routine/regimen with Isagenix. I have provided a link to that site as well, please reach out to Kristi as she has some amazing people whom have tried Isagenix and are in the best shape and health of their life! She can tell you more about It!

Facebook – Kristi Data

Instagram: Kristi Data (@kristidata)

Kristi’s Fitness Regimine: Isagenix

Hey, Ya’ll today is Kristi’s Birthday – Leave a comment below and give her a shoutout! I’ll let her reveal her age; just let me say – my jaw dropped when I found out!!! All I can say is that she looks absolutely A-Mazing.

Roshonda N. Blackmon – Creator of A Blog, A Magazine. It’s JustsumInspiration, Author, Speaker & Encourager

A Gallon A Day? No Way!!!

Published on January 23, 2018January 22, 2018 by Roshonda B8 Comments

photo above courtesy of pinterest

First I want to say, that of course I’m no expert on this subject. Months or even a year ago, I would have laughed in your face if you told me to drink a gallon of water a day. Butttt….this year I’m on a whole new bandwagon and I’m loving it. I read an article one time about Gabrielle Union and how she drinks a gallon of water a day, I began to think; how in the world does she do that on her very hectic, yet busy schedule – but if she’s doing it the way I’ve been doing it, then I can see how it would be possible, not just for her but for anyone – you just have to be a little creative with it.

First, not that you probably don’t already know or have heard…let me give you just a little background on water and it’s benefits of drinking it, especially in the morning:

Water helps to balance your lymph system; these much needed glands help us to balance our body fluids and help to fight off infection.
Have Skin Problems? While a dermatologist can help us figure out some things going on with problematic skin, drinking a gallon of water a day can help purge toxins from the blood, which keeps our skin glowing and clear.
Need to drop some extra pounds? Water can Help! Did you know that drinking at least 16 ounces of water first thing in the morning can boost your metabolism by 24%? & it also helps move your bowels as well.
Drinking water consistently helps to increase the production of new blood and muscle cells.
Drinking water on an empty stomach helps to purify the colon, making it easier to absorb nutrients which again, helps you to go to the bathroom….regularly….if you know what I mean.

I have to say, drinking water first thing in the morning was NOT one of my strong suits or something that I had on my to do list, but after reading the benefits of what just a 16.9oz bottle of water does to your body, I thought I’d give it a try and let me tell you, its been a life changer for me; I actually try to drink 24oz of water in the morning before I put anything into my body. I noticed my digestive system is on track to the point in where I can actually track when I’ve been and when I haven’t……I feel as though my energy has increased tremendously and for the first time in my life, I honestly feel as though my body is doing what it’s supposed to do, especially since I’m giving it what it needs to do it’s job.

As mentioned above, when I heard about Gabrielle Union drinking a gallon of water a day, I thought that would be my next goal. However; not only her but there are countless other people whom are also drinking a gallon of water a day and reaping great benefits in doing so. Now let me tell you, there are people that say you’re supposed to drink half your body weight in water a day, while I’ve heard other people state that you’re supposed to drink an ounce of water for every pound that you weigh – personally I think that’s too much water and could lead to water poisoning, because there is a such thing as drinking too much water, let’s just say I prefer to do half my body weight in water and call it a day.

Now I know you must be thinking, how in the world do you drink a gallon of water a day? Well, this is my secret – see below.

The blender bottle on the left is how I break down the gallon of water a day. It’s 20oz, about 25oz when you fill it to the top. This is my break down of the day:

Drink 20 ounces 10min after breakfast
Drink 20 ounces 2 hours later, 10min after morning snack
Drink 20 ounces 10min after lunch
Drink 20 ounces 2 hours after lunch, 10 min after evening snack
Drink 20 ounces 10min after dinner
Drink the rest of the 28 ounces prior to bed.

And yes, I go to the bathroom all day long – which is the small downfall to all of this, however; if I know I have a meeting or will be extremely busy during the day and not able to go to the bathroom every second, it seems – then I slow down on the water drinking because let’s face it, I can’t always do it everyday as I want – but I do get in enough water maybe not the whole 128 ounces of the gallon but I try to get close, sometimes I can only do 80 ounces.

Another thing I do, because the taste of water can get boring on most days – I’ll cut up some lemon or add a sugar free packet to it, especially if I feel as if I’m having a hard time getting through the gallon. My favorite sugar free packets are below:

Water - Sugar Free Packets — With only calories for half a pack, caffeine and green tea – you’ll get through that jug in no time.

Yes, it’s only 5 calories for half a pack (read the labels) but I use the whole packet and this helps me get through those challenging days of chugging the gallon and it helps. To be honest, I don’t do it everyday but only use the packets as a motivator – I don’t want to depend on the packs to get me through each gallon of water as the goal is to just drink the plain water, which to me is more beneficial.

If you decide to do the gallon a day, it’s totally up to you in how creative you want to be in getting your body and mind tricked into drinking it everyday. You can choose to write notes or short affirmations to yourself on the jug – just as the picture in the header or come up with your own way of getting it in and down your body a day; just as I did. Another tip is: You can choose to drink 8oz of water every hour or drink two 16.9oz bottles with every main meal and one bottle with every snack (which should be one or two a day).

Whatever you do, start slow and work your way up as it won’t happen overnight. Hey, the creative juices are in your hand – make it work for you, just get your daily recommended amount of water in. If you have any questions about the amount of water you’re supposed to drink, I would talk with a “certified” nutritionist or doctor because everyone’s needs and limitations are different.

Written by – Roshonda N. Blackmon – Creator of A Blog, A Magazine. It’s JustsumInspiration, Author, Speaker & Encourager

Don’t forget!! to come back this Thursday and read the Inspirational story of Kristi Data! Kristi will be sharing her ups of being active in organized sports to her downfall of having an eating disorder in college, so how did she bounce back? – you don’t want to miss her inspirational story.