Sunday, September 20, 2009
Sunday, September 6, 2009
B.E.F.Y., Birthing A Movement
It’s Your Life, Get B.E.F.Y With It!
(Black, Educated, Focused, Young)
It all began with an afterthought. I was sitting comfortably on the couch, drowning the day’s frustrations in a bowl of strawberry ice-cream and trying to absorb the barrage of negative messages and images pouring in on the news. An avid news watcher, I began to channel surf and found that each newscast that I watched had a similar theme: black youths involved in a criminal act or some other negative situation. This disheartening discovery instantly put me in a “thinking mode.” I thought about the numerous students that I have worked with over the last 10 years who have done well academically and avoided the destructive lifestyles that the media projects. I thought to myself, “this is just not fair. The media would have us believe that black youth are nothing more than “at-risk, disadvantaged, impoverished, gang-banging, drug-dealing, baby-making, welfare-receiving, language-killing, school-dropping, responsibility-dodging, prison-filling, violent second class citizens doomed to failure.” I beg to differ. You see, black youth are unique and their needs must be effectively identified and met. Black people have overcome many trials, tribulations, and odds. This is no different. Yes, it seems as though we’re losing an entire generation of black youth. However, somewhere in the midst of the negative data and statistics lies faith—the type of faith that rested securely in the belly of slaves. The faith that screamed, “hold on, this will all be over soon. One day freedom will be more than just a dream of the oppressed but rather a reality that will lead future generations to the mountaintop.” As I continued to reflect, I heard a still voice whisper softly in my ear, “don’t like what you’re seeing and hearing? Then, do something about it. You have the ability and God is with you. Go forth on a mission to help save black youth in America.” After hearing this “crazy” thought, I reflected some more. How can I, one individual, make an impact that will be big enough to transform the lives of black youth? This is an impossible feat.” But the voice wouldn’t go away. “You believe in God and His Holy Word don’t you? If so, then you know that with God all things are possible.” As I watched and listened, I forgot all about that bowl of strawberry ice cream which was now strawberry milk. I knew that I had to come up with something that would serve as a “counter” to all the negativity. I had to give birth to a movement that would inspire, encourage, and empower black youth to say good-bye to yesterday and embrace the promises of tomorrow. I put away my melted snack and stretched out on the couch, my mind and heart racing with excitement. And then it happened. The movement that is now known as B.E.F.Y. fell softly from heaven as a spring rain. Black, Educated, Focused, and Young. Yes, that is definitely the opposite of what we see in many black youths today. I got up from the couch and ran to my computer—jotting down notes and ideas. A few days later, I received an email from Dr. Alicia Francis PhD. Dr. “Li” was promoting her new book, “K.I.M. (keep it moving) and I scheduled her as a guest on my “AfterThoughts” radio broadcast. I had decided to promote young, black professionals under age 35 that had advanced college degrees. Dr. Li’s appearance opened the door for 24 year old Licensed Clinical Therapist Denisha Warren who had obtained a Master’s degree. Denisha’s appearance was well received and opened the door for 23 year old Marcedes Fuller. Marcedes owns a consulting company and is a motivational speaker and philanthropist. His appearance paved the way for 30 year old Jacque Howard MBA. The very humble and intelligent Jacque Howard has a Master’s degree in Business Administration. Her appearance on the show drew questions and comments from adults and children alike. Just as God charged me with the B.E.F.Y. movement, he also gave me the awesome slogan: “It’s Your Life, Get B.E.F.Y. With It!” The movement is gathering steam and a good following. Tom Joyner of the Tom Joyner Morning Show sent me an email stating: “I love the B.E.F.Y. slogan!” I also received an email from Congressman John Conyers’ legislative assistant who requested more information about the program. We are planning a B.E.F.Y. networking conference in late April of 2010. This conference will be a forum for the exchanging of information and ideas as well as a platform for encouraging and inspiring others to pursue higher education. For more information please visit http://www.sandradnewton.com/ or www.blogtalkradio.com/S-Denice-Newton.
Name: B.E.F.Y. (an acronym for black, educated, focused, and young).
Slogan: It’s Your Life, Get B.E.F.Y. with It!”
Symbol/Logo: Graduates in Cap/Gown
Color(s): Green and Yellow.
Green symbolizes the following:
Prosperity, Growth, Life, New Life, Resurrection, Fresh, Flourishing, Young, Tender, Healing, Hope, Peace, Victory, Rest.
Yellow symbolized the following:
Sunshine, Happiness, Fair Weather, Friendship, Caution. Yellow has the highest visibility of the colors and can be seen at the greatest distance. It is also the color of of CAUTION.Yellow demands attention and is insistent.
(Black, Educated, Focused, Young)
It all began with an afterthought. I was sitting comfortably on the couch, drowning the day’s frustrations in a bowl of strawberry ice-cream and trying to absorb the barrage of negative messages and images pouring in on the news. An avid news watcher, I began to channel surf and found that each newscast that I watched had a similar theme: black youths involved in a criminal act or some other negative situation. This disheartening discovery instantly put me in a “thinking mode.” I thought about the numerous students that I have worked with over the last 10 years who have done well academically and avoided the destructive lifestyles that the media projects. I thought to myself, “this is just not fair. The media would have us believe that black youth are nothing more than “at-risk, disadvantaged, impoverished, gang-banging, drug-dealing, baby-making, welfare-receiving, language-killing, school-dropping, responsibility-dodging, prison-filling, violent second class citizens doomed to failure.” I beg to differ. You see, black youth are unique and their needs must be effectively identified and met. Black people have overcome many trials, tribulations, and odds. This is no different. Yes, it seems as though we’re losing an entire generation of black youth. However, somewhere in the midst of the negative data and statistics lies faith—the type of faith that rested securely in the belly of slaves. The faith that screamed, “hold on, this will all be over soon. One day freedom will be more than just a dream of the oppressed but rather a reality that will lead future generations to the mountaintop.” As I continued to reflect, I heard a still voice whisper softly in my ear, “don’t like what you’re seeing and hearing? Then, do something about it. You have the ability and God is with you. Go forth on a mission to help save black youth in America.” After hearing this “crazy” thought, I reflected some more. How can I, one individual, make an impact that will be big enough to transform the lives of black youth? This is an impossible feat.” But the voice wouldn’t go away. “You believe in God and His Holy Word don’t you? If so, then you know that with God all things are possible.” As I watched and listened, I forgot all about that bowl of strawberry ice cream which was now strawberry milk. I knew that I had to come up with something that would serve as a “counter” to all the negativity. I had to give birth to a movement that would inspire, encourage, and empower black youth to say good-bye to yesterday and embrace the promises of tomorrow. I put away my melted snack and stretched out on the couch, my mind and heart racing with excitement. And then it happened. The movement that is now known as B.E.F.Y. fell softly from heaven as a spring rain. Black, Educated, Focused, and Young. Yes, that is definitely the opposite of what we see in many black youths today. I got up from the couch and ran to my computer—jotting down notes and ideas. A few days later, I received an email from Dr. Alicia Francis PhD. Dr. “Li” was promoting her new book, “K.I.M. (keep it moving) and I scheduled her as a guest on my “AfterThoughts” radio broadcast. I had decided to promote young, black professionals under age 35 that had advanced college degrees. Dr. Li’s appearance opened the door for 24 year old Licensed Clinical Therapist Denisha Warren who had obtained a Master’s degree. Denisha’s appearance was well received and opened the door for 23 year old Marcedes Fuller. Marcedes owns a consulting company and is a motivational speaker and philanthropist. His appearance paved the way for 30 year old Jacque Howard MBA. The very humble and intelligent Jacque Howard has a Master’s degree in Business Administration. Her appearance on the show drew questions and comments from adults and children alike. Just as God charged me with the B.E.F.Y. movement, he also gave me the awesome slogan: “It’s Your Life, Get B.E.F.Y. With It!” The movement is gathering steam and a good following. Tom Joyner of the Tom Joyner Morning Show sent me an email stating: “I love the B.E.F.Y. slogan!” I also received an email from Congressman John Conyers’ legislative assistant who requested more information about the program. We are planning a B.E.F.Y. networking conference in late April of 2010. This conference will be a forum for the exchanging of information and ideas as well as a platform for encouraging and inspiring others to pursue higher education. For more information please visit http://www.sandradnewton.com/ or www.blogtalkradio.com/S-Denice-Newton.
Name: B.E.F.Y. (an acronym for black, educated, focused, and young).
Slogan: It’s Your Life, Get B.E.F.Y. with It!”
Symbol/Logo: Graduates in Cap/Gown
Color(s): Green and Yellow.
Green symbolizes the following:
Prosperity, Growth, Life, New Life, Resurrection, Fresh, Flourishing, Young, Tender, Healing, Hope, Peace, Victory, Rest.
Yellow symbolized the following:
Sunshine, Happiness, Fair Weather, Friendship, Caution. Yellow has the highest visibility of the colors and can be seen at the greatest distance. It is also the color of of CAUTION.Yellow demands attention and is insistent.
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