What's In Your Purse??? ~*Highlighting Rev. Natalie Stephens*~

Hey DIVA Fam!
This is the last Sunday of Black History Month, in which DIVA Rules has been spreading much LOVE throughout this month to African American women...


For this Sunday Spark post for I wanted to share some Inspiration to each and every 1 of you with highlighting Rev. Natalie Stephens! Natalie Stephens is a minister and her work focus' around Women's Ministry. She is formerly of United Methodist Church in Southern New Jersey' and is a FAB speaker! 

I had the esteemed pleasure of listening to her ministry this weekend. She was the featured presenter at a  GREAT fellowship and FUN pink/green event I attended with my Pretty Ladies. 

Purses were the theme DIVAs' --- YES---Purses.  But not the  Purses we buy and try to pose with daily but our Spiritual purses.  She used the symbolism of a Purse to compare with how we view ourselves, how we want others to view us and what's in it that tells the TRUE story; and how "ALL that GLITTERS, ain't ALWAYS gold!" Her focus was on how our outside doesn't always reflect what's inside and that we should try to remain HONEST. 

Within our purses we looked at different items that we as women normally carry, which is Keys, Checkbook, Cosmetic bag, Credit Cards, Cell phone, Hair products, Medicine, Family photos, and a Calendar. We used each of these items and examined how they define who we are, the meaning behind each of these items to us, if they affirm who we are, and how they are (or cannot be) tranquil to us as women. 

Prior to looking at these items, collectively as a group; Rev. Stephens had us do a little personal self-reflection exercise in which we had to write down any "baggage" we hold onto in our Spiritual "Purses" that we have not expressed to anyone. I LOVED this exercises for many reasons, (1)-in that it brings me closer to my personal spiritual journey, (2)-allows me to stay grounded, and (3)-I was able to put my personal "Issues" to pen/paper (I'm a visual & hands-on learner).

I am sharing with you ALL what's in my purse, being that this will lead me closer to me making Sense, Meaning, Affirmation, Reliance, and Tranquility with myself. *(Hopefully this will for you as well)*

"In My Purse"I carry".....(a)-Pessimistic Thoughts-which leads me to not appreciate the many blessings the Lord has shined upon me (b)-Lack of Trust in Myself-which leads me to weaken my self-confidence in my endeavors....Now that I've shared my "baggage" - I know what I need (which I've already been starting) to work on." 

Your Turn: What's in Your Purse...learn to do this self-reflection often to conquer the clutter in Your "Purses" (LIVES)! Enjoy this Day!

EXTRAORDINARY D.I.V.As: Celebrating Mrs. Marian Wright Edelman

“We are willing to spend the least amount of money to keep a kid at home, more to put him in a foster home and the most to institutionalize him.”.

-Marian Wright Edelman

Today we honor Mrs. Marian Wright Edelman (Born June 6, 1939), the first African American woman to practice law in Mississippi and the President and founder of the Children’s Defense Fund.  Mrs. Edelman has lived her life committed to public service and child advocacy.  As a child, her parents, particularly her father, instilled in her the importance of attaining an education and giving back to the community.  Her love for civil rights led her to Yale Law School where she attained her law degree in 1963.

Upon receiving her degree she immediately began her work in public interest law for the NAACP Legal and Defense fund first in New York and then in Mississippi.  Her work in Mississippi earned her the distinct honor of being the first African American women to practice law in the state. 

She would later move to Washington, D.C where she continued to fight for the rights or minorities and serve the underserved.   This passion and value for serving the underserved led her to the arena of child advocacy. She believed children needed the voice of adults to ensure their better interests are abided and protected and she knew, unfortunately, this was too often not the case.  In 1973, she established the Children’s Defense Fund to advocate for and serve poor, minority, and handicapped children.  Through the Children’s Defense Fund she continues to be the voice for children, publicly speaking and legislating for various initiatives that would provide better opportunities to all children especially those who need it the most.

We salute Mrs. Edelman for her foresight and dedication to the children of today and tomorrow, our hope for the future.

For more information about Marian Wright Edelman click on the links below.

http://www.childrensdefense.org/about-us/leadership-staff/marian-wright-edelman/

http://womenshistory.about.com/od/marianwrightedelman/p/m_w_edelman.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marian_Wright_Edelman

http://womenshistory.about.com/od/quotes/a/marian_edelman_2.htm

<3 Jade

EXTRAORDINARY D.I.V.A's: Celebrates Ms. Faye Wattleton



“I was raised by my parents to believe that it was my obligation to help those with less than I had. Although we were materially poor, the value of my family life was that there was a sense of achievement. We were taught to believe that it was possible to succeed, and that if you didn't, you didn't quit”.

-Faye Wattleton



Today we honor Alice Faye Wattleton (July 8, 1943).  In 1978, Faye Wattleton became the first African-American and youngest President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, a title she held until 1992.  During her tenure at Planned Parenthood, she mobilized and publicized the fight for women’s rights to choice thus placing the organization at the forefront of the Pro-Choice movement and leader in sex/health education and accessible health services.

Wattleton received her education at Ohio State where, in 1964, she earned a Bachelors of Science Degree in nursing.  She then received her Master of Science Degree in maternal and infant care with certification as a nurse-midwife from the illustrious Columbia University.

During her nursing career, Wattleton was exposed to the good and bad in the health field.  Her viewing of several disastrous abortions, incited her to begin advocating for women’s rights. She began this advocacy work as a teacher of nursing in which she exposed many of her students to her experiences.  Her battle took precedence upon her appointment to Planned Parenthood

After her tenure at Planned Parenthood, Ms. Wattelton co-founded the Center for Advancement of Women, an advocacy organization for women. On July 2, 2010 and after over 15 years of service, Ms. Wattleton resigned from her seat as President of the Center for Advancement of Women. Ms. Wattelton can be seen gracing the pages of many magazines including ESQUIRE and Harper’s Bazzar as well as various “Who’s Who” lists.  She currently serves on numerous non-profit boards of directors including that of her alma mater, Columbia University.

We salute Ms Wattleton for her continued work within the non-profit sector and for the advancement of women’s rights.

For more information about Faye Wattleton go to the links below.

http://fayewattleton.com

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faye_Wattleton

http://womenshistory.about.com/od/birthcontrol/p/faye_wattleton.htm

<3 Jade

Jackson 5 "All I Do Is Think Of You"

Boyz II Men - On Bended Knee

Mint Condition - You Don't Have To Hurt No More

Shai - Baby I'm Yours

U.N.V - Im so in love with you

Rude boys - Written all over your face

Deele - Two Occasions

Tony Terry- When I'm With You

HAPPY V-DAY!!!!!

Money Matters: Valentine's Day edition

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!

This is probably one of my favorite holidays because I love LOVE.  What better than a day celebrating it.  So whether you are happily single or happily coupled, remember to let your loved ones know how much you love them today (and keep it going after today).

For all of you who are partaking in the No Buy Month challenge, you may be wondering what you can get your significant other.  Well I must confess that I bought my boo's gift prior to beginning the challenge, however I noticed I forgot to buy a card.  Lord knows I was tempted to go to Hallmark and spend, but I resisted the urge and wrote him a letter instead.  Free and probably more personal than a card would have been.  It actually left him in shock, his words not mine.  So in keeping with the spirit of V-day I decided I would share with you a list of gifts and surprises that you can get your boo without violating the No Buy Challege.

Happily Coupled:

1. Homecooked meal:  Save money and whip up a meal with your usual groceries. 
2. Write a love letter:  Take a cue from Aaliyah and enclose it with a kiss
3. Make an online photo album:  Load those pics you have stored in your camera and put them to good use
4. Send a free hallmark card:  If you don't have the supplies to create your own, peruse Hallmark for some cost free options
5. Have a little "loving" time:  Well I think this is pretty self explanatory.

Happily Single:

1. Candlelit Bath:  Hopefully you have bubble bath or bath salts on hand
2. Homecooked meal: You don't need a HIM to make a delicious meal
3. At Home Spa Day: Hair done, Nails done, everything did
4. Movie Night:  Tap into the tv as they will be playing all of the V-day favorites or check out Comcast free movies.
5. Invite your girls over for a potluck V-day meal. 

However you decide to celebrate the day, just make sure you share your love with all those you believe deserve it!!!

<3 Jade

Sunday Spark: I love you DIVAs because...

Love is in the air!!!!

An early happy Valentine’s Day DIVAs!!!

I’m coming off of a fabulous weekend with “the boo”, moms, and extended family (the lovely ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.)  It was a weekend filled with love, gifts, and a celebration of life that was breathtaking.

Saturday, I joined some of my Sorors in comforting our dynamic Soror Charmaine during a home going service for her sister.  While I had never met her sister before, I left there honored to have been in her presence at the service.  When my day comes, I hope it can be half as beautiful and I can have just half of the impact on others’ lives as she did.  Everyone described her to be a true woman of God with an unwavering spirit and faith, even with the many health related issues she endured throughout her life.  Everyone talked about her resilience, drive, and perseverance.  Regardless of her health or physical ability, she made sure she was at church whether she received a ride or had to take the bus.  Saying that this woman was phenomenal would be an understatement.  One of the big things that stuck with me though, was when my Soror went up to talk about her sister and spoke about taking people in our lives for granted.  She begged us to not take for granted the special people in our lives today as tomorrow is not promised and that doing so would make us feel the pain and guilt she was feeling. 

I sat in my seat and cried. I cried because, as my Soror, I hated to see her in that kind of pain and I also cried because it was a feeling I knew all too well when my grandfather passed after a tumultuous battle with Cancer.  It is truly, as Charmaine said, a feeling that no one ever wants to experience.  So I felt that I needed to share her directive with everyone and what better time than this weekend of L-O-V-E.

Now I know Valetine’s Day is all about you and your man (or lady), but what if this V-Day we also make an effort to extend this love and thankfulness to the DIVAs who have had an impact on our life.  Maybe it is someone who you do not know well but something they did spoke to you, or maybe it is someone you know very well but do not often let them know how special they are.  Whoever it is, do not let this opportunity pass you by because tomorrow is never promised.  Tell at least one DIVA today and/or on Valentine’s day, “I <3 you because…”

I  will start it off…

I <3 all of the DIVA subscribers and readers because you are all fabulous and supportive people!!!

<3 Jade 

EXTRAORDINARY D.I.V.A.s': Celebrates Dr. Ann Kathleen Burlew!

Happy Hump Day...thank goodness WE MADE IT, thus far! And another day into saluting African American women. Being that"hump" day is dedicated to "Working It Out," physically, emotionally, or mentally (or holistically together), which is what we are going to do by celebrating the work of Dr. Ann Kathleen Burlew.  Dr. Burlew is an author and currently a Professor of Psychology at the University of Cincinnati.

DIVA rules is highlighting Dr. Burlew for her continued research and dedicated work, on issues/concerns of mental health and substance abuse and its' correlation to the black community. Since obtaining her doctoral degree in Social Psychology, her postdoctoral work  focused on examining at-risk adolescents/youth and multicultural families.   Dr. Ann Kathleen Burlew is EXTRAORDINARY because of her diligent service in the counseling and psychology field for over 30 years.  


 I have read one of her texts' in multicultural counseling, called, Minority Issues in Mental Health; and she has a great perspective on working, identifying and the advancement of the lives' of minorities. 

Dr. Ann Kathleen Burlew has served as co-editor in chief for The Journal of Black Psychology

 and co-authored texts' like African American in Psychology: Theory, Research and Practice and Reflections on Black Psychology. 


*Dr. Burlew can be found on University of Cincinnati's website, as well as Gulliford's website on Famous African American Psychologists' *

EXTRAORDINARY D.I.V.A.s': Celebrates Renee Cox!

True Expression Tuesdays is ALL about being who you are to the fullest in your most creative, innovative and UNIQUE way.
I think I can speak for most DIVAs' (& dudes the same) when I say that there is no expression of art and culture, than when it is true to form and who are! For today's EXTRAORDINARY DIVA of Black History, DIVA Rules is showcasing Afro-American, Jamaican-born artist Renee Cox! 
Renee Cox's art pushes the limits and brings about a message that transcends our culture to think more, and be more conscious of ourselves and who we are individually.


Her beautiful work has caused some uproar within the Roman Catholic community (for her depiction of the 12 disciples) and with former Mayor of New York Giuliani, which was featured in the New York Times and NY Post. She has received praise & many accolades in publications like; VIBE, Essence, and ArtNews (to name very few). The following video showcases some of her work and she shares her projects...

Renee Cox is EXTRAORDINARY because her work celebrates Afro-womanhood and challenges issues of sexism and racism in our Western society. It is important that artist's work, like Ms. Cox is given the room to shine because it's daring, bold, & EXTRAORDINARY in her own rite!

Please check her out at : www.reneecox.org

EXTRAORDINARY D.I.V.A.s':Celebrates Lynette Khalfani-Cox

Continuing with this empowering and very humbling theme of paying homage to great African American women for the month of February.....


Being that it is "Money Matters" Monday, todays DIVA to be highlighted is Lynette Khalfani-Cox. 
Ms. Khalfani Cox is a personal finance expert, who has been a guest  television shows like; Dr. Phil, Oprah, and Tyra Banks (to name a few); she's been on countless radio shows; as well as magazines like Essence and Black Enterprise.  
Ms. Khalfani-Cox is also a New York Times, Bestseller for her book "Zero Debt- The Ultimate Guide to Financial Freedom" which is based on her achieved efforts of getting rid of $100,000 in credit card debt (if that's not liberating & influential, I don't know what can be) !


I have read a few columns that Ms. Khalfani-Cox has written in Essence and Black Enterprise magazines and her advice for fixing finance woes is great! (I try to incorporate some of her lessons)...


Since 1 of the top 10 resolutions of this year by many is getting out of debt (according to About.com) tips from Ms. Khalfani-Cox's  bestseller can assist us DIVAs' in making better decisions with our money.

Here is a clip featuring Ms. Khalfani-Cox giving a few pointers on how WE can become  Millionaire's....
Enjoy your Monday DIVAs'

Extraordinary D.I.V.A: Saluting Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm

Today we honor Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm (Nov 30, 1924-January 1, 2005).  Chisholm truly is an Extraordinary DIVA, leaving her stamp in history as being the first of many.  In 1968, Chisholm became the first African American woman United States Representative; In 1972, she became the first African American woman to seek a major party nomination for President of the United States, the first woman to have her name placed in nomination for President at the Democratic National Convention, and the first African American woman to be on the ballot as a candidate for President.  Did I add that she did all of this while surviving three assassination attempts. 

Chisholm spent her entire career fighting for women’s rights, racial equality, better opportunities for urban communities and families, and equity in politics.  When asked about what she would like her legacy to be she stated,

“When I die, I want to be remembered as a woman who lived in the twentieth century and who dared to be a catalyst for change. I don't want be remembered as the first black woman who went to Congress, and I don't even want to be remembered as the first woman who happen to be black to make a bid for the presidency. I want to be remembered as a woman who fought for change in the twentieth century. That's what I want.”

—Shirley Chisholm, Unbought and Unbossed

After 14 years of service in Congress, Chisholm retired her seat in 1982 upon which she returned to a career in education, teaching Women’s studies at Mount Holyoke College and Spellman.  In 1993 Chisholm was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame and in 2002, Molefi Kete Asante included Chisholm in his list of 100 Greatest Americans. 

We salute Ms Chisholm for her fearlessness and perseverance and for creating opportunities for those who have and will come after her.

Shirley Chisholm, 2010

Advice to young African Americans

For more information about Shirley Chisholm see below.

http://womensissues.about.com/od/milestonesadvancements/a/ShirleyChisholm.htm

http://www.distinguishedwomen.com/bio.php?womanid=84

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shirley_Chisholm

<3 Jade

http://womenshistory.about.com/od/quotes/a/shirleychisholm_2.htm

Extraordinary DIVA: Saluting Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler

Welcome to February!

Happy Ground Hogs Day and Black History Month.

I'm very happy the little groundhog has decided to come out and play because I think I can speak for all of us when I say winter has to go! 

February is such an awesome month for many reasons but most importantly because the nation honors the accomplishments of Black people and our rich history during the month of love.  How cool is that?  So this month we are going to show love to all of our beautiful and Extraordianary DIVAs who have made an impact on the world by honoring a new DIVA each day. 

Today we honor Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler.  In 1864, Dr. Crumpler became the first African American woman to earn an M.D. degree.  Additionally her book entitled, Book of Medical Discourses is credited as one of the first medical publications by an African American. She spent her life’s work improving the health of others especially women and children, and fighting the obstacles that prevented African Americans and women from entering into and practicing medicine.  After the civil war she, in partnership with the Freedmen’s Bureau, tended to free slaves in the South who would not have received medical attention otherwise. In 1883, her book was published, a two-volume medical reference to women about caring for themselves and their children. 

We salute and revere Dr. Crumpler for her tenacity and passion to improve the lives of others. 

For more information about Dr. Crumpler go to the links below.

Changing the Face of Medicine: Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler

African American Medical Pioneers:  Rebecca Lee Crumpler

Unsung Heroes: Rebecca Lee Crumpler- A Medical Milestone

<3 Jade

True Expression Tuesdays: Swizz Beatz vs. Fela Kuti

Happy Tuesday!!!
Hopefully you all avoided some more snow.

I had to share this with all of you.  Just when you may have lost hope with the state of Hip Hop, a breath of fresh air comes.  Swizz Beatz vs. Fela Kuti mixes the Swizzy & co.  hits we have come to love including “Swing Your Rag,” “Tambourine” and “Money in the Bank” with the refreshingly cool sound of jazz rhythms.  I have fallen in love with it and have literally listened to it all night.  Check out the sounds, curated by DJ Runna and Swizz Beatz and vote for it on the site. 
<3 Jade





Monster Mondays: Swizz Beatz vs. Fela Kuti   

Enjoy and get your two step on!!!!!