Month: May 2020

How Corona Has Affected Me by Grant Johnson

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Grant Johnson Pic

Grant Johnson who is a middle school graduate will be attending Cass Tech this fall

How Corona Has Affected Me by Grant Johnson

Hello my name is Grant Johnson and  I attend University Prep Science and Math Middle School. I have been attending this school since six grade and I have been waiting to participate in the eighth-grade activities. My school had many activities planned and my parents paid a lot of money so that I could participate. My friends and I were looking forward to getting out of school earlier than all the other kids at my school. I don’t like how Covid-19 has affected my eighth-grade year.

One of the main events that we were supposed to do as eighth-graders was to go to Washington, D.C. for our senior trip. Sadly we were not able to go because of Covid-19. We were going to go to several museums, malls, and monuments. Since the trip was canceled we did not get a chance to stay in a hotel with our friends, and have fun on the long bus ride. For the trip we were able to choose our roommates and we could be in groups with whoever we wanted.

The eighth-graders at my school have always gone to a Tigers game. For many years the eighth-graders have walked to Comerica Park and attended the Tigers game all day. I enjoy going to the Tiger games because I love the food and talking to my friends about the game. I love doing the wave and singing and clapping to the little chants. My favorite activity at the games is when they have people dress as cars and run around the field in a race. Now because of Covid-19 I can’t make those great memories with my friends.

The last thing that I can’t participate in is the eighth-grade dance. Last year many of my friends went and they had a great time. Many of the girls already purchased their clothes for the dance so they were really upset when it was canceled. I had my eye on a suede jacket that won’t be purchased now. Covid-19 has ruined the end of my eighth grade and I am not happy about missing the activities.

 

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Making a Negative, A Positive by Justin Golden

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Making a Negative, A Positive by Justin Golden

My name is Justin Golden, and I am an 18-year old Junior majoring in Finance at Wayne State University. I completed my sophomore year two weeks ago, and although it was my sophomore year, it was my very first year at Wayne State University. Overall, my first year was pretty decent. I got an actual taste of what being a college student is truly like while joining a club and making friends in the process. The year was up and down, and due to Covid-19, I had to complete school in a fashion that was totally new to myself and millions of other students around the world. This journey was very different, and we’ll go through how I was able to successfully navigate through it.

Why Wayne State University? Simple. It checked off everything on my list. Growing up in the city of Detroit, I never minded or scoffed at the thought of moving out of state for college, but I knew that if I had to go to school in Michigan, I would be pretty content with my decision. Fast forward to high school, I was confronted with the task of having to make my decision of where I’d be spending my next 3-4 years. I graduated from Cass Technical High School, the best school and one of the most academically challenging schools in the state of Michigan. My GPA was okay, but my SAT was really high and that, along with my resume, is what ultimately got me admittance into Wayne State University, among other schools like CMU, Western, Eastern, Ferris State, and so on.

When it came to my decision, I weighed my options based on every school’s demographics, academics, whether I knew people at the schools, the culture of the school, and if they excelled in my major. And money, of course (unfortunately). Wayne State checked off every box on my list. They were close to home but still in the heart of the beautiful midtown/downtown Detroit area, their average GPA was a 3.3, I knew many students going there including my best friend, they had a brilliant culture and had their OWN business school, the Mike Ilitch School of Business. With that being said, they also gave me some scholarship money, and the rest I was able to cover with a small number of loans. The rest was history. This led to my decision of attending Wayne State University.

My first semester was slightly tougher than expected. It was different, I had to deal with adjusting to being a real college student while managing working full time and having a business on the side. I had 5 classes so I was a full-time student as well. Socially was sort of challenging because I knew a couple of people, but besides my best friend I really didn’t have anybody to talk to constantly and I was never really on campus because I was always working, and I lived at home to save myself money and stress from staying in a dorm. My first semester of college was challenging but I knew that it’d only get better from there and that the best was yet to come.

Then, we got to my second semester. This is what changed everything. With the few friends I had left, I was forced to become social. I actually was already a very social person, and had won social butterfly in my graduating class, but it was just not in my focus to connect with new people from college especially since I didn’t stay on campus. It’s always hard for commuter students to connect. But, eventually I did. I joined the world’s largest professional business fraternity, called Alpha Kappa Psi. I was one of the 20 students accepted from a pool of about 170 individuals.

It was one of the best things that could’ve ever happened to me. These people were all new to me but I grew really strong bonds with the 19 other inductees that came in the 8-week pledge process with me, in which we would do modules and fundraisers and hold events every week to help ensure our access into the fraternity. These professional events and classes were our form of hazing. Without doing these, you would be denied official acceptance to the fraternity. These people grew to become my very close friends and it naturally made me more social and active around campus. I was doing good academically, as well. But, Covid-19 happened.

The Coronavirus forced us to shut down the school as well as all of our events and everything that we had put into place. I was beginning to be very comfortable in my situation and had some of the best stages of my life with school and my social life going really well, as well as my business. But, Covid-19 had an impact on all of that. With me having to school from home, everything changed. I was taking 4 classes, all worth 3 credits at least so I was still a full-time student. But, it’s like my work DOUBLED in all of my classes. And instead of having usual hands-on help, I kind of had to figure out more things on my own because some teachers held online lectures and some just gave us work, work, and more work. It’s as if they forgot that we had other classes besides theirs, and each teacher started to mimic the next as far as giving out work was concerned. It became by far way tougher than the first semester.

Along with school, I also had things to complete for Alpha Kappa Psi. The school shut down while we were still in our pledge process, so we still had to complete modules, host meetings, and events virtually, and complete group projects that were hard as well, including our fraternal exam we had to take to be initiated in the fraternity. In addition to all of that, I didn’t have a functioning laptop so I had to take care of everything from my phone. This whole coronavirus made everything very hard but in addition to God, I got through it through two things, focus, and prioritization. Focus is something that can be very hard to achieve, especially with students our age. It can be easier to focus at school because you’re in the atmosphere but we were at home in our comfort zone so focusing became ten times harder. I look at focus as an acronym, “following one course until successful.”  So that’s what you need to do.

Justin Blog Pic

Justin’s Keys to success:  Focusing and Prioritizing

Maintain the course until you become successful in that class, that relationship, or that business venture. Whenever your focus gets off task think to yourself, “is whatever throwing me off task really more important than what I’m trying to finish in the long run?” and I promise if your focus is more important, than your focus will get the best of you. Failure is inevitable, but never permanent. Focusing is very hard, but if you get off focus, “dust yourself off and try again,” as Aaliyah says.

Prioritization is very important as well. You’ll never focus on what goals to complete at specific times unless you prioritize. This can be prioritizing goals, friends, or tasks you need to complete in order to be successful. Map out whatever you’re looking to achieve, and prioritize the steps needed to achieve it in order of importance. Prioritization can help every single day. If you map out your day, complete your daily tasks, you’ll feel MUCH better at the end of it. Remember, success is never easy! If it was, then everybody would be successful.

So, maintain your focus, constantly prioritize and keep the course! This Coronavirus has taught me a lot about others and a lot about myself. I had to become more proficient in time management, communication, and I had to better my focus. We are surrounded by negativity in today’s society, but I always try to have the most positive outlook as possible. Glory to God, I look at all the good things I’ve been able to accomplish during this challenging time, and I’m grateful for the things I’ve learned. So, remain positive and your outlook will be better than you expected!

 

 

A Pissed Off Senior by Gabrielle Jackson

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Gabrielle Graduation Picture

Proud U of D Mercy College Graduate Gabrielle “Gabby” Jackson

 

A Pissed Off Senior by Gabrielle Jackson

I remember as soon as the 2019-2020 Fall semester started, I was claiming myself to be a graduate of the University of Detroit Mercy. I saw that my status said “senior” on my portal and that I had less than 30 credits to accumulate.  I could not wait to put “Detroit Mercy Alumna” in my bios on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Everything was smooth during the fall semester, and I even made it to the Dean’s List, which has only happened one other time, so I felt like I was on top of the world.

Gabrielle Cap Pic

Gabby’s Decorative Graduation Cap

Fast forward to the year 2020. It came and I was all in, I was ready. I registered for commencement, ordered my cap and gown, went to my grad salute, trying to figure out who I should hire as a photographer for my senior pictures, and was already trying to determine how I was going to set up my open house to celebrate with friends and family afterward. Welp for all I care, 2020 is canceled and just to keep it PG, it can kiss my donkey. Coronavirus done came through and just took my happiness away. My commencement got postponed and everybody keeps on looking at me as if I am overreacting because “commencement was only postponed, not canceled.” That is completely beside the point because May 9th, at 2:30 pm, in Calihan Hall is all that I had on my mind as soon as they determined the commencement date.

Gabrielle Car Pic

Gabby posing with her first Car “Blu”

The week of graduation wasn’t all bad because I did purchase my own and first car, in my name and everything and her name is Blu. It was still obvious that I was in my feelings because I was nowhere near as excited as I thought I would be signing off on all my paperwork and pulling off in a car that wasn’t a hoopty. I also still celebrated with my little family of 5 on the actual day and had a little drink, so that day turned out relatively decent.

At the end of the day, I just hope that I can get a formal commencement because this is a major milestone in my life and I have gone through too much B.S, even though I have a B.A, to have it taken away from me.

Signed,

-A pissed off senior

Fool’s Paradise by Butch Ford

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Fool's Paradise

Fool’s Paradise by Butch Ford

Comedian Chris Rock once said the profound words, “I love my black people.  But I can’t stand n***as” during a comedy tour two decades ago.  I laughed hysterically as did the rest of the audience.  But sadly, those words still reverberate in my mind, body, and spirit to this very day…for obvious reasons.

I’m saddened, embarrassed, and infuriated at how far we…as prideful people have fallen in just over a half-century.  Dignity, self-respect, and honor have all but dissipated.  Almost as if it never existed.  Mission Accomplished!  I feel that this was orchestrated by “the establishment.”  But we’re playing right into their hands.  Keep us poor, uneducated, unhealthy, superficial, angry, barbaric, and at odds with each other…fighting for scraps.  That way we’re diverted and unaware of the bigger agenda.

Stimulus packages, unemployment bonuses and government hand-outs were implemented to create further chaos and dissension within our communities.  Designed to infiltrate, separate, and further destroy…in my opinion.  But when does it end?  There’s a target on our backs.  And the majority of us can’t see beyond the current fashion trends, the marijuana dispensaries or the latest beef in the entertainment industry.  Mass media outlets flood us with this garbage.

Black on black crime, unspeakable acts committed against African Americans by other races, and the Covid-19 pandemic are at a premium and are taking us out at an alarming rate.  Either nobody’s paying attention.  Or…no one seems to care.  That’s what’s so disturbing.  And the government wants us to believe that it’s safe to open everything back up and resume life as we knew it previously.  Jump starting the economy seems to have taken precedence over the general safety and welfare of the U.S. citizens.

But it’s a trap people.  We must stand for something…or we’ll continue to fall for anything.   It starts by using common sense and exercising good judgment.  It’s a tall order to expect the millennials (who refuse to listen and feel as though they have all the answers) to buy-in.  But we must take accountability and fight for what our ancestors believed in and what they died for.  We are lost and directionless and can’t seem to get out of our own way.

The once-proud People (who are the pulse of America) must take back control and lead by example.  We can’t continue to walk this path of self-destruction that’s been laid for us.  If so…we’re doomed.  To trust and believe in the media and our current administration is equivalent to living in a Fool’s Paradise.  “You better think twice.  It’s not very nice.”  Don’t fall for the okey-doke.  If we know better, we’ll do better.  Continue to protect yourselves and love one another.  It’s the only way.

 

Butch Ford

 

“Wake Up vs. Stay Woke” by Butch Ford

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Coronavirus Crisis

“Wake Up vs. Stay Woke” by Butch Ford

It’s week seven of being confined in my home. And there’s not much to do other than observe, learn, accept and change. If anyone comes out of the Coronavirus crisis the same as you entered it…you should seriously consider getting your life in order. Things have become so vivid and crystal clear. So why is it so difficult for “some” to see what’s going on?

“Stay woke” is a trendy term that gets tossed around far too loosely by the masses. But what does it really mean? You must first WAKE UP before you can “stay woke.” Let that sink in. What are we missing here? There’s a bounty on our heads, and we’re focused on things of irrelevance. The government shut down is real. But it’s not being taken seriously. Why are we in such a hurry to purchase superficial items that we are programmed to depend on? Why is there a rush to re-open beauty supply establishments, beauty and barber shops, nail salons & tattoo parlors? These aren’t essential businesses. But they’re establishments that rely on the African American consumers to survive.

It saddens me to see a generation of people lost and in need of direction and purpose. Where are our community leaders? African Americans are losing our lives senselessly by other African Americans and everyone else…for that matter. While we’re busy twerking on social media and filming each other committing unspeakable acts against one another, the enemy is stocking up on firearms and ammunition. And they’re teaching their youth how to defend themselves and protect their assets.

We need to WAKE UP! Does it really matter that your designer mask matches your outfit on the daily? What’s wrong with giving yourself a mani/pedi? Save that stimulus package. We’re not out of the woods yet. Why are we standing in line to purchase $200 pairs of Jordans during a pandemic? Why are we still congregating in large groups socializing? Hospitals and Funeral Homes are over-crowded and haven’t a clue what to do with the astronomical number of sick and deceased patients. And we’re acting as if there isn’t a care in the world.

Y’all better WAKE THE F*** UP and stop talking about stay woke. This ain’t no joke. So why are we the only ones laughing? Get your life and priorities in order.

 

Butch Ford

It’s Time to Fine-Tune Your Goals by Chellyz View

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soundboard

It’s Time to Fine-Tune Your Goals by Chellyz View

The Need to Fine-Tune Your Goals

Once we get back into the groove of things, what will be the outcome of your business, organization, or life-long goals? For some, it will feel smooth as jazz or flow like the beats of Neo-Soul. Others may feel a little shaky like rock and roll, while some individuals may resemble the tranquility from the vibrations of an orchestra playing classical music. You may be wondering what and who inspired me to write this post. For one, the Trolls World Tour Movie released in April 2020, which I truly enjoyed.  Also, most definitely none other than my brother Mr. Butch Ford, who is gifted in analyzing any R & B classic or throwback song without thinking twice about it!  Yep, many relatable songs blasted through my mind while typing this post!!!!!

Anywho, I need you to stay in tune with keeping your business, entrepreneurial, and/or personal goals sharp in today’s ever-changing economy.  If you fail to frequently fine-tune your purpose you will feel like a losing contestant on Shazam who didn’t make it in time to recall the lyrics or title to their favorite song!

Now, let’s “Back it up!” As business owners, entrepreneurs, someone longing to build a stable organization or complete pertinent goals we just got to “Wobble” with it these days. There are many times we are taking small steps so we can stand tall, secure, and confident in what we do while going through this Pandemic. At times we “just keep on Fallin’ in and out of love” with the woes and accomplishment of being an entrepreneur or goal-setter. Finding our niche in life or a target market can be pleasing like music to the ears, but for others, it might sound like a whole lot of noise. Either way, if you have found your purpose, then it’s even more important to take notes and stick with a plan. In this post, I would like to briefly offer a little encouragement! I am appreciative of those who continue to motivate me and for the Holy Spirit who watches over me because I can hear Marvin Sapp singing, “I Never Would Have Made It Without You.”

Why Don’t They Support Me?   

I was aggravated with myself and having a rant, saying “Wah, Wah, Wah!” like a Lil Baby! Of course, I snapped out of it and stopped all the crying! I had to reassure myself to get over it and those who didn’t show support. I asked myself a few questions.  “Why am I  putting so much effort into my entrepreneurial and personal goals?” “Who am I trying to serve?”  “Am I trying to serve self?” “Is my purpose to serve others?” Finally, “What really matters?” All these questions had me dizzy.  I told myself, “You got me going in circles (oh round and round I go).”  I had to hit the pause button.  As entrepreneurs, the products and services we offer must meet the needs of the consumer in mind. As individuals achieving life long goals we must remember to move forward with determination to complete the task even when we may feel all alone.

Over the years, successful individuals presented me with two essential questions. (Thanks to those who always have me thinking.) First, a few people asked me what is the purpose of me pursuing my life-long goals? Secondly, I have been asked how will my purpose enhance the lives of others? Yes, those two questions allowed me to recall why I enjoy pushing and pursuing my entrepreneurial and personal goals. I realized that even though fulfilling my purpose may feel like walking through a maze there is someone searching for the gifts and talents that I had to offer. Please stay focused on the path of what you were meant to do and why it is necessary. Eventually, you will find your purpose as your purpose will also find you.

Worrying About Failure  

Whew, chile, let me share this tad bit of info!!!! My Momma, Auntie, and the people who reside with me know I have tried different ventures. Some have failed, or I didn’t have the tenacity to continue. Recently, I was all up in a frenzy as I contemplated to renew one of my LLC’s. After much prayer, meditation and contemplation, I decided to sing, “I’m saying Bye Bye” in that Aaron Hall from Guy tone voice. I didn’t have the fortitude to push or invest in this particular project any longer.

It was time for me to shift my concentration cause Big Daddy Kane was telling me, “Aint No Half-Steppin’.” I wasn’t giving up, but I had decided to concentrate on what truly gave me life. My creative energy was all over “thee” place.  I needed to downsize. I noticed I didn’t have enough time to invest in what indeed had meaning while living on this Earth.

Yep, there will be those moments when it may feel as if you have failed. Remember, you have never failed if you tried. You are going to win. Concentrate on what adds value to your life and the world. When you know what is important, tell yourself that you will, “Keep Rising to the Top and Give it all You Got!”

Give Time to the Right Projects that Makes You Sing Sweet Melodies 

You might ask yourself, “Well, how much time am I supposed to give myself?” As mentioned in the previous section, I decided to let go of a significant project I worked on for three years. Yes, there are times when we prematurely give up on a venture. However, there are instances when we have that gut feeling it is time to move on.  One of my dear sisters Lady Ton tells me when it is time to let go of a project or venture, “You Will Know.”

Closeout the chatter and get on the right keys so you can make sure it is the decision you want to make. Not because someone is pressuring you to give up. Currently, my soul is singing beautiful melodies about the projects I have been working on.  I have invested time and money for quite a few years on them. Guess what?  I don’t mind. I am giving these projects as much time as I need to. It is my purpose. I know it is making a difference in my life and will inspire others!

Yes, in these uncertain times, we may feel very uncertain. Recently, major corporations have filed bankruptcy or contemplated filing. We must accept, “It’s Like that and that’s the way it is.” But, no matter what occurs or how big or small our dreams are, we own them. Don’t feel disappointed when the outcome doesn’t unfold how you thought it would be. Please network with people who will encourage you. “Don’t Rush” the Process.

Pursue your dreams that are in your heart. It’s worth it. You might feel like what is going on and how should I fine-tune my goals. You may feel as if you are standing in an empty stadium and don’t have the support you need. Hey, “Just don’t give up it’s going to be…Alright.”  Once again, give yourself time to what is truly important to your current or future goals that will make your soul sing. When you feel like too much is going on blast a little Mary J (music that is) because you will be, “Just Fine Fine Fine Fine Fine Fine Ohhhhh!!!!!  

-Let your heart be full of new ventures that will lead you to the possibilities of limitless conversations!

References

Alicia Keys. “Fallin’.” Songs in A Minor, J, 2001.

Big Daddy Kane.  “Ain’t No Half-Steppin’.”  Long Live the Kane, Cold Chillin, 1988.

Black Men United.  “You Will Know.”  Jason Lyric’s Original Motion Picture Soundtrack,  Rap-A-Lot Records, 1994.

Drake & Lil Baby. “Yes Indeed.”  Harder Than Ever, 4 Pockets Full, Wolfpack, Quality Control, Motown, Capitol, 2018.

Guy.  “Goodbye Love.”  Guy-Special Edition, Uptown, MCA, Warner Bros., 1998.

Keni Burke. “Risin’ To the Top.” Changes, RCA, 1982.

Ledisi. “Alright.”  Alright, Verve Forecast, 2007.

Marvin Sapp. “Never Would Have Made It.” Thirsty, Verity Records, Zomba, 2007.

Mary J. Blige.  “Just Fine.”  Growing Pains, Geffen, 2007.

Run-D.M.C.  “It’s Like That.”  Run-D.M.C., Profile Records, 1983.

The Friends of Distinction.  “You’ve Got Me Going in Circles.” Grazin’, RCA Victor, 1969.

V.I.C. “Wooble.” Beast, Warner Bros., 2008.

Young T. & Bugsey.  “Don’t Rush.”  Don’t Rush, Black Butter Records, 2019.