Being Intentionally CourageousI was born in Jamaica—the land of vibrant colors, reggae rhythms, and warm smiles. The sun’s golden embrace imprinted courage onto my soul, preparing me for the challenges ahead. This Jamaican heritage gifted imbued me with resilience—the ability to sway with life’s storms while remaining firmly rooted.
Growing Up in Roosevelt, New York: Navigating Stormy Seas Roosevelt, New York—a place where dreams collide with reality. A home know for challenges but also with celebrity. Childhood memories echo through its streets—the laughter of friends, the scent of freshly cut grass, and the promise of tomorrow. Yet, your path was not without obstacles. Fatherhood and Husbandry Love in Action Fatherhood—a sacred role that transcends mere biology. I embraced it with open arms, weaving love into the fabric of your son’s life. Your laughter echoed in play, I hoped wisdom whispered in his dreams. As a husband, you danced through life’s seasons with your partner—a symphony of shared joys, whispered secrets, and steadfast commitment. Love still flows like a river, carving deep channels of connection. Multiple Sclerosis: A Fierce Adversary MS—the silent intruder that tiptoed into your life. Its symptoms—numbness, fatigue, uncertainty—threatened to unravel my finely woven tapestry. I refused to surrender. Instead, I muster courage as my sword, battling fatigue with determination, numbness with resilience. Each day became a canvas for bravery—a testament to your unwavering spirit. The Emotional Appeal: When Fear Beckons Fear—an unwelcome companion that knocks on our hearts. It whispers doubt, paints shadows on our dreams, and paralyzes action. But I with danced with it everyday. When anxiety knocks, remember this: Fear is a call to action. It beckons us to rise, to defy the odds, and to embrace life’s uncertainties. Tools of Intentionality: Notion and Todoist In the labyrinth of life, tools guide our steps. Notion—a digital sanctuary where ideas bloom, tasks align, and dreams take shape. I wield it like a sorcerer, organizing chaos into clarity. Todoist—a faithful companion that whispers reminders, nudging me toward purposeful living. Together, they orchestrate your days, ensuring intentional moments with family and community. Conclusion: The Courageous Symphony Life is a symphony composed of courage, love, and intentional living. As the conductor, we all wield a baton, directing each note with grace. So, my friends, let fear be our crescendo, urging you to leap into the unknown. For within its embrace lies the magic—the magic of courage, the magic of life. Remember: Courage is not the absence of fear; it’s the audacity to dance despite it. In the grand tapestry of human existence, art is the vibrant thread that weaves together our shared experiences, emotions, and cultural heritage. Yet, despite its profound impact, arts and arts education often find themselves relegated to the margins. In this exploration, we delve into the systemic undervaluation of the arts, focusing on the disparities faced by Black and Latino communities. Let us illuminate the canvas and seek solutions that elevate creativity, empower minds, and foster inclusivity 1. Neglected Nurturing Arts education, once a cornerstone of holistic development, now faces neglect. Budget cuts, standardized testing, and shifting priorities have eroded its presence in schools. Unfortunately, Black and Latino students disproportionately bear this burden. Schools in underserved neighborhoods often lack robust arts programs, stifling creativity and limiting opportunities. 2. Representation Matters Art reflects our identities, struggles, and triumphs. Yet, the underrepresentation of Black and Latino artists in mainstream galleries, theaters, and museums perpetuates a cycle of invisibility. When young minds don’t see themselves reflected in the arts, their aspirations dim. 3. Socioeconomic Barriers Access to arts education extends beyond the classroom. Private lessons, art supplies, and cultural experiences come with a price tag. Families in marginalized communities grapple with financial constraints, hindering their ability to nurture artistic talents. Short-Term Solutions 1. Community Partnerships Forge alliances between schools, local artists, and community centers. Workshops, residencies, and mentorship programs can infuse creativity into young lives. Let’s bring artists into classrooms, bridging the gap between inspiration and reality. 2. Culturally Relevant Curricula Design arts curricula that celebrate diverse voices. Incorporate Black and Latino artists, musicians, and writers. Teach students about Basquiat’s bold strokes, Celia Cruz’s rhythms, and Langston Hughes’s poetic fire. Representation matters. 3. Microgrants and Scholarships Empower budding artists with microgrants for supplies, workshops, and exhibitions. Scholarships can level the playing field, ensuring that talent isn’t stifled by financial constraints. Long-Term Solutions 1. Policy Advocacy Lobby for arts education policies that prioritize equity. Ensure that every child, regardless of ZIP code, has access to creative expression. Advocate for increased funding, teacher training, and curriculum reform. 2. Cultural Spaces Invest in community art centers, theaters, and galleries. These spaces become sanctuaries for expression, incubators for talent, and bridges across cultural divides. Let’s build more Southwest Arts Centers, where dreams take center stage. 3. Mentorship Networks Create mentorship pipelines connecting established artists with aspiring ones. Imagine a seasoned playwright guiding a young poet or a renowned dancer inspiring a novice. Mentorship fosters growth, resilience, and artistic legacy. Opportunity: The Intersection of Technology and Art As we navigate the digital age, technology becomes our canvas. Virtual galleries, online performances, and interactive exhibits break down geographical barriers. Let’s harness this opportunity to amplify Black and Latino voices, creating a global stage for their artistry. In the symphony of change, let us elevate arts education from an afterthought to a crescendo—a harmonious blend of creativity, resilience, and cultural pride. Together, we can paint a brighter future—one where every stroke matters, every voice resonates, and every artist finds their rightful place.
jeneenhammond.comtt is such a pleasure to have Jeneen Hammond join us on the CCshow. I've had the pleasure of experiencing her show "Journey" on more than one occasion. Her spirit and love for us will be an inspiration to everyone. Don't forget to become a member of the site for the full video version as well as many cool creative content,
https://www.jeneenhammond.com/ I'm going to write a speech by the same name so check back in the members area. I create goals throughout the year, because things change but I definitely use the beginning of every year as a time to reflect and potentially reset. I wish you all the best for the coming year and remember this, every day we wake is a precious gift. Treat every second as gold and every interactions like a diamond. |
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