A New Start..

Hi SOT Supporters!

I'm Parys, this summer's Sisters of Today and Tomorrow Intern and Outreach Coordinator. As such one of my duties is managing SOT's blog. It's been a while since the last post but I'm looking forward to giving the blog the life it deserves!

Here's me Y'all!

 So here's my first post, A New Start..

There's nothing better than a fresh, new start. Be it a new haircut or a job change their something exciting that comes along with starting something that you've never started before so of course I was looking forward to my first day working as Ms. Carla Morrison's intern.

It was nothing like I expected!

Many college students have horror stories of internships that gave them absolutely no usable experience and left them bored for the duration of their job, but after the first day I figured that would never be the case with me. Ms. Carla jumped right in, letting me know what I was expected to take care of and making it understood that she had no intention of holding my hand through the process.

I loved it! As one that prefers to work without being watched and at my own pace, I had found my perfect fit. I worked for hours getting myself organized to start the work process and handling my initial tasks and before I knew it I had made more progress than I had realized. And on top of everything else the Auburn Avenue Research Library, our home base, is a great working environment with enough scenery to make even the down time enjoyable!

Along with the office work, Ms. Carla and I took a walking tour of the surrounding downtown Atlanta area and before I knew it I was thrust into the spotlight. In this southern summer heat the walk was a little tasking, but we caught our breath, wiped the sweat off our faces, and smiled through meeting with people that warmly welcomed us. I met with leaders of a few prominent organizations and found myself in places I'd never dreamed I'd be.

So far working for Sisters of Today and Tomorrow has not only been fun, but a learning experience and an opportunity to forge lifelong relationships. I'm definitely looking forward to what the rest of the summer will bring.

P.

SPEAK POSITIVE TO YOURSELF

Life is so funny… My favorite Soror Huff told me the other day she doesn’t think I can look at anything I do without seeing the negative aspect in it. And she is so right…

It took getting in a quiet space at 4am this morning and going through my photos from this past weekend of events to see I had a successful event, in my hometown, I have folks who love and support me and I may have had more fun in college than I give myself credit.

You see, “Murphy’s Law” was in full swing this past week, on all fronts… From the
“Good Morning America” adventure with Hillhouse students to Sisters of Today & Tomorrow’s “Cocktails & Couture” Fashion Fundraiser. I could make you laugh and cry in describing all the things that took place between Wednesday and Friday evening, however I’m not ready to relive it through my writings, so if you can wait until the book is done, this will be a chapter that will give you a good laugh and possibly a long sigh.

Those who know me well understand that “Carla Morrison”, takes pride in being on point, especially when it comes to her businesses. And because I take pride in what I do, as fate would have it, I was shown you can only do your best and leave the rest up to the man upstairs.

You see, I put a lot into what I do in every way, from planning out an event or program for a client or my organization to supporting and helping others, I only do what I believe in and passionate about…

After reviewing my photos this morning, I’m seeing,
1.) I made a major difference in a number of young people’s lives by taking them and exposing them to NYC and Good Morning America. 2.) I had a wonderful intimate reception/fundraiser for Sisters of Today & Tomorrow in my hometown, where I saw the results of my labor through my SOT girls that spoke and presented well. 3.) I will always have at least one Zeta supporting me, in any endeavor I take on. (As I look back that has always been the case, from Cynthia Georges driving me all the way from Connecticut to DC for a Communications Career Expo in the early 90’s to Vivian flying across country with me on my aspiration trips to be the greatest Publicist/Writer/Community Activist in the world, to Huff popping up on the scene at any given time to show love and support or even back tracking from South Carolina to Atlanta to pick me up and bring me home to Veronica helping me with the first of many SOT fundraisers in Connecticut and then us road tripping to BSU homecoming, which is just what I needed.)

Things weren’t as bad as they seemed because this weekend ended up being full of all the things I love and stand proud on… My nonprofit, my sorors, a good old fashion road trip and the Communications Department of Bowie State University… And as I continue to become more centered, I will make a conscious decision to only acknowledge the good or great in all that I do, as I’ve always done when speaking of others.

Skirt! Scene: Sisters of Today & Tomorrow Style & Class

Skirt! Scene: Sisters of Today & Tomorrow Style & Class

THE CBC EXPERIENCE

I’ve been on a mission for the past two weeks to establish a few partnerships and get funding for Sisters of Today & Tomorrow (SOT)… And when I think about all the things I go through reaching out to folks and traveling up & down the East Coast, I have to giggle, because I don’t know anybody who does what I do, the way I do it. If you only knew… One day I will share my testimony in its fullness.

It started out Labor Day Weekend, my DC BFF Vivian and her entire family came to pick me up after going on a family trip to MS, GA and South Carolina. We made it back to DC in record time, 10 hours, due to her fast driving Fiancé. Once in DC, I took some time to get my game plan together and the next day, I was out pounding the pavement, meeting with Blacksgiveback.com Founder Tracy; Dropping off mentoring paper work to DC’s own Oprah Winfrey of radio Triscina Grey (New Haven, CT.’s home girl); Going to the Regan Building and connecting with every DC Politician I could think of from Councilmen Marian Berry, Vince Gray & Kwame to current DC Mayor Fenty. A sista is working to get SOT established in DC, the goal is to be worldwide and you can’t do that without having a chapter in the United States capital… And to keep it 100, as the big “4.0.” draws near, I’m thinking about being closer to home, if not home; so I have develop a stronger northern network.

From DC, I traveled to Connecticut, to meet with a dynamic Sista, Gwen Samuel, Founder, State of Black CT. The following week I met with that ‘new principal with a new vision’, Kermit Carolina, where we went through detailed plans on SOT’s partnership with James Hillhouse High School. It’s official “Sisters of Today & Tomorrow” and “James Hillhouse High School” are partners through SOT’s mentoring program. We’ve signed up quite a few mentors, however we need 35 more. Is there anyone out there, who is willing to save a young person (men & women are welcome)? We are doing online, one on one and group mentoring, connect with me, if you are serious. (Sistersoftodayandtomorrow@gmail.com)

From CT, I went to NY to connect with my NY BFF Traci, as well as former colleagues and then back to DC for the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), where I was in the mix of every black political figure you could think of, even the President of the United States. The first day, of the Caucus, I thought I was going to meet First Lady Michelle Obama, who was present, but I wasn’t on that list, so my day at the Caucus was short lived. Maybe next time I will be on “the list”. However, days to follow I was blessed to be amongst all these great black women politicians, from Georgia’s own Alisha Thomas-Morgan to Congresswomen Carolyn Cheeks-Kilpatrick, Yvette D. Clarke, Barbara Lee, Sheila Jackson Lee as well as Shirley Sherrod and many others whose topic of discussion was mentoring young girls and developing an inter-generational relationship.

Hello!!! Sisters of Today & Tomorrow is in the house… I’m learning to be more tactful in my approach, so I sat back and took detailed notes. I’m following up this week, in addition to inviting all these ladies to SOT’s fundraising events & programs during the month of October, 2010. They don’t know Carla Morrison and how I operate. Alisha knows and is already on board, as she is a long time supporter of SOT, however Congresswomen Kilpatrick, Clarke, both Lee’s and others, have no clue; I will write you a letter and quote you in a minute and do it to a point that whether you meant what you said or not, you will feel compelled to do something towards lifting up SOT.

In addition to the Inter-generational Workshop, I attended “Our Girls-Our Promise”, hosted by Congressman Elijah E. Cummings and moderated by my Bowie State University classmate Comedian MESHELLE, who spoke truth to power in a funny and direct way. The panelists included: Malaak Compton-Rock, Rovenia M. Brock aka Dr. Ro, Bennett College President Julianne Malveaux, Jazsmin Watson-Booth, Dr. Melva Green, Adrienne Watson Carver, Rev. Debra Hickman, Lorna K. Hanley. Susan Taylor brought greetings and the keynote was Senior Advisory to President Barack Obama Valerie Jarrett, who I did meet, took a photo with and will be providing her with detailed information on Sisters of Today & Tomorrow, this week. Although I didn’t meet the First Lady, I did meet the next best person, as Ms. Jarrett oversees the “Women’s & Girls” division at the White House. Thank you Lord, She is exactly who I needed to meet. Mark my words you will see SOT doing something with or in the Whitehouse before 2012. Everything takes time and I’m strategically buying mine.

Shout out to my Atlanta BFF Paul Debnam of the Debnam Group, Ron Highsmith, Petrice Holloway & Benzy Thomas, all who showed me a good time while in DC; Fancy restaurants, parties, great conversations and more… I truly enjoyed myself and the night life in DC, during the CBC.

“Living with Purpose” is what I am doing and the name of Dr. Dorothy Irene Height’s latest book. The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) & National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) hosted “Living the Legacy: A True Tribute to Dr. Dorothy I. Height”, Saturday morning and it was so touching… When I say Dr. Height lived with purpose, I really mean it. Based on the young ladies and seasoned women who spoke, during the tribute, Dr. Height took a serious interest in developing our women and girls into leaders, from Alexis M. Herman, former U.S. Secretary of Labor to Congresswoman Donna Edwards, and countless others. I’m sure Dr. Height can rest easy knowing she has empowered many generations to come through her tireless efforts to mentor women across the nation as well as secure the rights of women.

To top off my CBC experience, I attended the Coca Cola/Georgia Congressional Reception. I was one of the first people to walk in and see Ms. Ingrid Saunders-Jones, who was standing in the center of the National Museum of Women in the Arts, in her deep purple suit, all made up, with open arms, ready to greet us as the music began to play. It was like an angelic experience. (I don’t know if I take for-granted the people of power, who live in Atlanta, that I see on a regular basis or the fact that I haven’t figured out a strategic plan on developing a solid relationship passed the “hi how you doing?”. But when I see the people of power that I know, standing in it (power) I’m always in awe and excited for some reason.) Back to the event, the food was laid out from crab cakes, ham, turkey and greens, to an array of desserts and all the drinks you could in-take, of course a brand of Coke, mixed with any liquor of your choice. Now that was the bomb.

I’m now back in the ATL, up early and ready to pound the pavement to ensure SOT’s “Cocktails & Couture” Fashion Fundraiser has a great turnout, Friday, October 1, 2010, 6pm-8pm at the Havana Club, 3112 Piedmont Rd., Buckhead-Atlanta, Georgia. Co-Host(s): Tyler Perry Studios Executive Vice President Roger Bobb & BET’s Mo’Nique Show Producer Denise Hendricks. $50-donation.

I hope to see you there. We are fundraising to keep the legacies alive of all the women mentioned in this entry, by teaching girls how to become self assured, polite, productive, goal oriented, health conscious, community driven, well rounded business savvy young leaders/ladies and women through Sisters of Today & Tomorrow’s programs.
See you next week. And if you can’t make it, we are accepting donations to: Sisters of Today & Tomorrow, PO Box 54066, Atlanta, Georgia. 30308. (404) 319-2130.

LET GO, AND LET GOD WORK...

For the past couple of weeks I’ve been so happy and upbeat. I walk into a spot and something off the wall is going down, it doesn’t even affect me in the manner things would normally. I’m guessing because I am really and truly understanding my purpose here on this earth and walking in it…

It’s so funny because normally, when things aren’t going right with Sisters of Today & Tomorrow (SOT) or Chit Chat Communications, I’m straight up hurt and angry, ready to let someone have it :D), but I haven’t been feeling that way lately. I’ve been taking things in stride, “just a minor bump in the road, nothing major, because when it’s GOD ordained, nothing can stop it… Just like Mr. Barack Hussein Obama becoming 44th President of The United States of America, nothing stopped that and no one can touch him in his space, even with all this Tea Party / Republican crap. That’s GOD," I tell myself and others.

Well, a couple of weeks ago, I met SoSo Def Recording artist Dondria at the Bronner Brothers Hair Show and now she is going to be apart of Sisters of Today & Tomorrow’s anniversary festivities during the month of October. How exciting for us to have this new artist who had a dream and in the midst of working her fast food job, would sing a verse of something/anything on myspace for her followers/friends, before work each day, was discovered by famed Producer/Music Exe. Jermaine Dupri. Her story is one for the SOT girls, if you do what you are suppose to do and be creative in crafting an audience/niche for yourself, the sky is the limit. And I’m so glad we were able to secure her as her momanager said Dondria’s schedule is booking up fast. I guess so… She is currently on tour with Monica and Trey Songz.

And then there’s Roger Bobb… Executive Vice President for Tyler Perry Studios (TPS). I’ve been at this brother for 3 or 4 years, since he moved to Atlanta. I believe I was one of the first socialites-Publicist/Community organizers in town to not only meet him, but his parents as well. We always had a cool-surface relationship, but I could never lock him down to participate in any of my programs. Year by year, I have watched him participate in everybody’s stuff (well not everybody, but some key people in the city, and you know I think I’m key as well), but never mine. Timing was always a factor, either one of TPS movies were premiering or he was in production. Sisters of Today & Tomorrow finally has him locked in as the Co-Chair of SOT’s “Cocktails & Couture” Fashion Show Fundraiser and Networking Event, Friday, October 1, 2010, 6pm-8pm at an undisclosed location and we are so excited!

Sisters of Today & Tomorrow not only secured Roger Bobb, we also secured, Denise Hendricks, Producer of The Mo’Nique Show (former Producer for Oprah Show), as a Co-Chair. When I say God is working, he is truly working it out and I am so grateful… With these two on board, I’m sure we are going to be able to raise a lot of money and awareness for Sisters of Today & Tomorrow. THANK YOU GOD!

Next week, I go back to Charlotte for a second meeting with my Program Managers, Sabrina Mack & Angela Bunting, (both New Haven natives and Hillhouse Alumni) and our Advisory Board. SOT is ready to make an impact in the Queen City! I have my “Who’s Who in Black Charlotte” Book, along with some key players in the City on my team and we are going to make this happen. Shout out to singer Anthony Hamilton and his wife, we are definitely looking forward to teaming up with you and the H.E.L.P. (Healing Every Little Problem) organization.

I’m continuing to work it out, and accepting all that happens as a blessing and learning experience. It’s amazing when you let go and let GOD work…

Sweet Georgia Peaches Make a Splash in the Big Apple - Atlanta Nonprofit Business

Sweet Georgia Peaches Make a Splash in the Big Apple - Atlanta Nonprofit Business

It's been two weeks since I last posted and 1 week since my staycation that turned into a vacation, (thank to the Black Youth Leadership Development Institute -BYLDI). I'm just still trying to get back into work mode because once I do, it's on from now until December 20, 2010. I'll get a 10 day break and then back on until August 1, 2011. I swear, I work way to hard for pennies, but when you love what you do, it's not about the money... However, as a serious business woman, I have to continuously look at that bottom line. Potential sponsors, something must change in the new year.

Shout out to BYLDI and Alvin Dollar. Alvin and I connect every 5-7 years. I first met him when I got to Atlanta (back in 1995-96) and landed my first major client NFL star Cornelius Bennett, who hired my company, Chit Chat Communications (which is my other baby, now 17 years old, Sisters of Today & Tomorrow is my 2nd baby, which is only 2 years old come Oct. 1) to handle all his public / community relations efforts.

If you are serious about working in the community in Atlanta, you have to know Alvin Dollar. Thus our relationship with the City of Atlanta and the Dunbar Center began. Who would have known, that 14 years later, Alvin & I would connect on facebook, I would have a nonprofit, Sisters of Today & Tomorrow (SOT), empowering girls through self esteem, education, health & fitness and entrepreneurship as well as personal development and Alvin had this beautiful jewel on the coast of Georgia, that directly works with building black youth leaders with Dr. Mildred McClain and the Harambee House.

Well, Alvin and I connected, he came out to the Sisters of Tomorrow Conference, and invited the girls and I to the BYLDI at St. Simon's Island. At least two of the girls planned to go, however that didn't happen, so I thought I wouldn't be able to go, because the conference is for youth, not adults. But I called Alvin and told him my interest in still attending and he shared this with his son Abdul, (who came up in the program and is now the Youth Director). Abdul called and said I was still welcome to attend and I offered my presentation services to discuss either entrepreneurship, public relations and/or self esteem. Abdul accepted my offer to present.

Since I wanted to attend my 3rd grade BFF's 40th birthday party, I didn't get to St. Simon's Island on the day it began, I ended up getting there mid-week, which was right on time...

I took the Greyhound Bus (it wasn't bad at all. If you sit at the front of the bus and mind your business, you will be fine) to Brunswick, where Alvin picked me up and as soon as we got to the resort, I met the esteemed Dr. Mildred McClain, Executive Director & Founder of Harambee House, Inc. and Abdul Dollar, Adult Coordinator BYLDI; We ate breakfast and met some great people. I even met a man that sung at my other BFF's grandmother's funeral in Savannah earlier this year. When I say this world is small, it truly is. Who would have thought I would meet a man that sung at my BFF from New Haven, grandmother's funeral. Weird but funny and true. (stuff like that always happens to me though). I called J-Ru right away. (that's the BFF, I'm talking about)

Side Conversation: By the way, still no call from Oprah, (see the Plight blog), but I did talk to Malaak Rock via email about going on the South Africa trip with her and her youth in NY. I don't think that is going to happen, but at least we are back in contact.

Well, I thought once I ate breakfast, I would go shower, chill and then connect with the youth etc. That didn't happen, right after breakfast, we went into the workshops... It was so interesting though. That particular morning the question was "What are the issues most pressing to black youth". They listed everything from crime to peer pressure, eviction, abortion, obesity, teen pregnancy and more. I was just like "WOW"! I know some of the issue, but not all that they named. Ya'll we have alot of work to do, so if you are reading this blog, OUR YOUTH NEED YOU.

After that workshop, it was my turn to present and after I was introduced and gave the kids background information on myself, I asked them what their interest were and what they wanted to be when they grew up. From there we created vision boards, so they could see what it is they say they want to be. I had my magazines and glue. BYLDI provided they scissors and poster boards and we got busy. Once we finished, I had them to present their board to the best of their ability. We had everything from Social Workers, a General Contractor, Fashion Designers, a Pediatrician, Custom Auto Body Shop, Professional Softball player and more. When I say our youth are creative, they are beyond creative...

After our presentation and that of other groups it was lunch time... Now anybody who knows me, knows, this is sounding like big fun for Carla, cause I love to eat... Forreal it was 3 square meals a day as much as you can eat, kinda college style, however the cooks put they foot in every meal. It was seasoned and everything.

After an additional session, I finally was brought to my room, where I jumped in the shower, getting refreshed and took a nap, only to wake up to my cousin Marcy, who lives in the area calling. (I told you I know someone in every major city on the east coast. Even the not so major cities, I know somebody and my networking self will call you if I'm close by. That's just how I do). Well, Marcy and her family came by to see me and ended up having dinner with us, which was a treat.

After dinner there was the talent show, which was AWESOME! Extremely talented is this group of young people. Shout out to Mami Chula and Augusta G., representing' for Cabin 1B. These kids rapped, sung, oratorical presentation and more. Raw talent.

Day 2

It was all about me... I got up early in the morning with the girls to do Tai Chi (doesn't that sound cool?) Dr. McClain and staff believe it is important that you start the morning with a sound body and mind and exercising can help with that. I got my exercise on, went to breakfast, changed into my bathing suit, soaked in the sun (I have an extremely nice tan. My black skin is so even and smooth. I got compliments all day at the Bronner Brothers Hair Show) and swam a few laps in the pool, all by 10:30am. It was all good. Thanks BYDLI.

I'm not going to go through the entire trip, because that would be an additional 10 paragraphs, but the highlights from this point include: A trip to Savannah to see actor Lou Gossett, where we also visited the Savannah pier, passed by Paula Dean's restaurant, 1st African Baptist Church and Savannah State University. I even got a Zeta paddle from the plot. It is know amongst soror and frat, if you leave your stuff, it just might get got. And that's what happened. :)

The end of the BYLDI was a ceremonial session which included us dressing in all white and walking out to the edge of the Atlantic Coast where we held hands and prayed. Many years ago, our ancestors had locked arms and walked into the water drowning themselves because they no longer wanted to be enslaved at a location near where we were. We prayed in remembrance of them as well as for the sisters and brothers at war for our freedom currently.

I went on this trip not knowing anyone but Alvin. I had only spoken to his son on the telephone, however, by the time the trip was over, I had developed another family that can only add to my Sisters of Today & Tomorrow family. The true highlight for me was Dr. McClain singing her own made up song about Abdul Dollar coming into the BYLDI program 21 years ago, his transition into manhood, his experience in Africa and him now becoming the leader of the BYLDI. That touched me, to the point that I was boo hooing all over the place. Just to think if I could touch one kid like that, my life experiences (good, bad & ugly) will be worth it all. Thinking about it now leaves me all choked up.

Thank you Dr. McClain, Alvin Dollar & Abdul Dollar. I look forward to many years of working with the BYLDI. Mark your calendars, Saturday, February 12, 2011, Alvin Dollar, BYLDI & SOT Black History Program in Decatur, GA.