InfluenceHER Community

Rhonda Wilkins and Carla Morrison

I have a delayed reaction to most things, unless I’m in a dangerous situation. And yesterday, by no means was danger apart of the situation. It was INFLUENTIAL … Actually, it was the InfluenceHER Awards that Rhonda Wilkins and Divas Unlimited Inc., produced.

When I got a call from Rhonda congratulating me because I had been nominated and chosen to receive the InfluenceHer Community Award of the 2^nd Annual InfluenceHER Awards, I was so thankful; however it didn’t hit me until this morning. And since I’m a writer, my only way to truly share, are by journaling my thoughts…

I’m not going to front, this morning I’m beaming with excitement, as I think about having received such an esteemed honor, the “InfluenceHer Community Award”; wow the small town girl with big city dreams receives the “InfluenceHer Community Award”... It was the community in my “small” town of New Haven, Connecticut that raised me and now I’m in the community helping to raise others… “Now that’s a trip” (as my mother would say).

Leona Barr-Davenport, Stacii Jae, Judi Cohen Wade,
Rashan Ali, Palestine Ace and Carla Morrison

The great company of accomplished 2013 honorees was impressive, but the entire experience, leading up to this point, regarding the work I do, my personal trials and triumphs are mind blowing. You never know who is watching you and I thank God that I act from a sincere and genuine place. When Stacii Jae Johnson, who brought the welcome address and Beth Goodman, who was the co-host, (along with Dr. Alduan Tartt) of the event spoke about imagining and believing, I thought about the many times, as a little girl, I would look through my mother’s Essence Magazines and daydream about being a woman of influence, where I could give to my community.

Last night, the keynote speaker, Ms. Janice Andrews (Google her) spoke about what an influencer is and how their actions play a major role in having a positive influence on others, I just shook my head in agreement; Because it was the actions of many that helped me as a little girl and now it is my actions and those of my support team that are helping to develop other little girls. It’s not becoming someone of high regard and then doing the work. It’s doing the work that makes one look at another with high regard.

In my speech, I accepted the award on behalf of the 250 supporters, sponsors, donors and volunteers who have helped me to be able to do the kind of work I do in the community; however I twisted and turned all night because I felt I could’ve said more; So I decided to take another stab at it.

Carla Morrison’s revised speech for the “InfluenceHer Community Awards 2013”:

“It is very fitting that I receive the community award, because it was the community in New Haven, Connecticut that helped to raise my sister and I. And in that same spirit of community, it has always been my goal and that of Sisters of Today and Tomorrow (SOT) to be a part of the “community” for which I call the village, which helps to raise and support girls and the women in their life, to become productive, goal oriented and well rounded citizens.

I can’t do this work without you. It’s not a one woman job. I ask you to continue to support me and SOT through your time, treasures and talents.

I thank Ayana Walker for nominating me, Rhonda Wilkins and her team for voting on me, and my mother and father for planting the seed in me many years ago. And I can’t forget about my beloved sorority Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated., thank you for igniting the passion in me to be of service. I charge everyone with giving to a nonprofit organization, because it is from your generous donations that we can continue to do the work that will make our community a better place.

I accept this award on behalf of the 250 supporters, sponsors, donors and volunteers who have become a part of SOT’s village. Please join me in becoming a part of the village of SOT, as we continue to develop the confidence, character and leadership in our girls. Thank you.  

SISTERS IN THE SPIRIT: 
That AKA and Zeta Love -
Rashan Ali, Founder of Sporty Girls
and Carla Morrison, Founder of
Sisters of Today and Tomorrow.

Photos by: Dann Slaughter Finklea

Shout out to the 2013 honorees:

Dr. Bernice King (Daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. & Coretta Scott King), Leona Barr-Davenport, Carol Blackmon, Dr. Rogsbert Phillips, Terri J. Vaughn, Rashan Ali, Judi Cohen Wade and Palestine Ace, all great women of character and community. (Google all these women. They are truly awesome)

Side note: We invite you to sponsor a girl to attend the 6th Annual Sisters of Today and Tomorrow’s leadership conference July 10 & 11, 2013. Log onto: www.sistersoftodayandtomorrow.org or email: sistersoftodayandtomorrow@gmail.com

SOT Adventures: LOVING WHAT YOU DO

SOT Adventures: LOVING WHAT YOU DO: I’m back in the saddle, both figuratively and literally, after a month long vaca/stay-cation that was really a work-cation. (SMH) It’s fun...

LOVING WHAT YOU DO

I’m back in the saddle, both figuratively and literally, after a month long vaca/stay-cation that was really a work-cation. (SMH)

It’s funny, because when you love what you do, it’s hard to stop doing it. I was at home chilling and the next thing you know, I was writing down ideas in my journal. Then, I was calling people to get them on board, coordinating SOT “Mommy, Mentor and Me” functions and outings, posting photos on facebook and then had the nerve to organize our next big function, along with additional programming for the Fall. Alls I could do was chuckle and keep it moving…

I never thought I would love what I do so much, that I would continuously work on it in spite of obstacles… You see, I’m suppose, to be Oprah, Sylvia Rhone and/or Terrie Williams (google them) but I’m not, however I’m so loving what I do way more than I thought I would love doing what they do. 

Now that I’m officially back at work, a few things will be happening this month, I’ll be introducing you to a new Outreach Coordinator; Sisters of Today and Tomorrow will debut its film, Saturday, September 15, 2012, 2pm at Auburn Avenue Research Library, downtown Atlanta, and we will be producing our first newsletter (hard copy- so forward me your U.S. Postal mailing address, if you would like a copy – info@sistersoftodayandtomorrow.org).

On Monday, October 1, 2012, Sisters of Today and Tomorrow will make a major announcement; Turn on your television and/or radio, read the newspaper and/or the blogs, because it’s going down in a major way. Everyone will know SOT’s next steps...

The City of Atlanta is in for a big game changing treat… Elm City (I mean the State of Connecticut), don’t fret, you know I always have something for the home-team... Just listen to Hot 93.7 in weeks to come… (What’s up DJ Buck)

Shout out to SOT’s graphic design team Donte and Deviate Publishing; Videographer/editor, D. Jones Productions; Photographer Prime Phocus and our special events décor specialist Tiphanie Watson of Pulse Inc, along with SOT’s resident caterer Brenda Carter and my dessert specialist “CakesByTatyana.com”. And my BFF Paul-i-o, (we still have enough spirits for this year’s reception. The brother bought us cases of Pinot Grigio and Cabernet Sauvignon for our film presentation last year. Such a good friend…). They are making sure SOT look the part on all fronts…

Peace. CM

SOT Atlanta during SOT "Mommy, Mentor & Me" Outing

Tyler Perry Presents... "U Don't Know Me" by Mark Stinson.

                                          My big sister Alder-Woman Jeanette Morrison & Me
                                          (Carla) as she presents a proclamation in honor of SOT's
                                          "WE ARE THE Village" book debut in New Haven, CT.

                                                 The Morrison Family at my SOT "Mommy,
                                                 Mentor & Me" New Haven Event.

SOTC 2012: Making A Difference

The entire time I've been interning with Sisters of Today and Tomorrow I've been working toward the big event, the 5th Annual Sisters of Tomorrow Leadership Conference. Whether it was making phone calls to welcoming participants or getting lost downtown trying to drop off yet another batch of flyers it was all for the conference.

I didn't quite know what to expect. I didn't know if the girls were going to be open to talking about life and absorbing what was given to them. I constantly questioned whether or not I had done everything I'd been asked to do. I worried about it all coming together smoothly. But when the day came all my nerves were settled and I knew I had to be focused on doing whatever needed to be done.

Well the conference has come and gone and it was great. The group of girls, most of whom knew nothing of each before the event, left with an understanding that through Sisters of Today and Tomorrow they will always have a support system.

When the day commenced all the girls stay quietly scattered across the auditorium. They grumbled when I asked them to all come together so I could see everyone at once, but that was the last of the complaints. Instead of opening with a spiel about why they were there and more boring stuff they expected to have to listen to I put the ball in their court by inviting someone to introduce themselves.

The youngest conference participant volunteered to go first. She introduced herself and told us that her birthday was tomorrow. SHE WAS ADORABLE!! (The group really bonded over how cute she was.) Following her suit, some more readily than others, everyone introduced themselves and eventually the conversation moved to future career paths. Two young ladies revealed that they wanted to go to school for what I'm in school for right now and of course I shamelessly told them how wonderful University of Georgia is and invited them to come spend some time with me in Athens to see for themselves. (I will NEVER pass up an opportunity to recruit a new Dawg!)

My (Hopeful) Future Georgia Dawgs!

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