By: Michael F. HarrisMPVA Executive DirectorU.S. Marine Corps, 1975-79
If you are anything like me, you are looking forward to the holiday weekend! The weather is going to be great and we can take a few minutes away from our offices and busy schedules and spend time with our friends and family. More importantly, we will be celebrating Memorial Day.
Nearly 35 years ago, when I was serving in the military, it seemed as though there were many who were somewhat ambivalent towards our nation's service men and women. Today, however, things have dramatically changed. Our nation proudly salutes its heroes who bravely go out to fight for us every day.
Yet, so often, we become caught up in our day-to-day routines and we forget to take time and thank the people that matter. We fall short thanking our friends, our family, and our loved ones for the important roles they play in our lives. Time and again, we end up losing our patience over small imperfections and minor dilemmas. Subsequently, we stop thinking about the fact that there are people who have risked or lost their lives for our country. We fail to remember those who have worked hard to make a difference in our world.
This weekend, let's not forget to truly take time out and honor the people who deserve so much praise! Take some time to thank those Men and Women who have served, and continue to serve, and never forget those who have so bravely lost their lives for our freedom.
"O beautiful for heroes prov'dIn liberating strife,Who more than self their country loved,And mercy more than life."~America the Beautiful
You can support the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America (MPVA) this Memorial Weekend by simply purchasing your flowers at Glenda’s Nursery in Novi (May 28-31) and $2.00 of every hanging basket of flowers you purchase will come back to MPVA!
Glenda’s Nursery in Novi is located at 40575 Grand River Avenue, across from MPVA Chapter Headquarters between Haggerty and Meadowbrook Road.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Prom Night Missisippi DVD Review
If you have not seen the Movie Prom Night Missisippi-put it on your to-do list. Can you imagine segregated proms in the year 2008? This is exactly what was happening in the small town of Charleston. White students had a parent sponsored prom and Black students had their own prom for many years...until someone made a difference.
Morgan Freeman, esteemed and Academy award winning actor offered the school board an opportunity to have a prom all expense paid if they allowed an integrated event. If you want to know what happens from here-check it out. I hate ruining the movie. What I will share with you is that this documentary is thought-provoking and interesting.
I would love to hear your comments if you have already seen it. Let's stand up to injustice in the same way that Mr. Freeman did. When you know something is not right-take steps to make it better and make sure those steps are positive.
-Read something great!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Post from Jaclyn Kochis...
The Dimensions of Diversity Alliance met last week on May 6, 2010 at the MPVA Chapter Headquarters in Novi, MI. The meeting was a great success as Mr. Chaka McDonald discussed JVS's W.O.R.C Program which focuses on employment and successful integration of parolees and ex-offenders into the community by assisting them in obtaining the skills and support necessary to enter and compete in the workforce and reduce recidivism.
His presentation was enlightening and it truly did help to change some of the stereotypes I formed regarding prisoner reentry programs.
Funny, huh? Even those who advocate for diversity issues have stereotypes about various things because―well, we are human!
Each and every person has been exposed to other people, media, or other channels of information that have helped to form ideas in our brains that are sometimes not entirely accurate. One of the best lessons I have learned from an old friend was to “never assume anything!”
At the time, I found this little suggestion somewhat annoying because I am the type of person who likes to be a step ahead of things or “on the ball” so to speak. Thus, I find it quite natural to plan ahead for something, anticipate for something to happen, or in some cases assume something before the situation has actually come into fruition. What’s unfortunate about this behavior is that fact that this type of thinking often blocks our ability to see things with a fresh outlook.
Just recently, I was in a checkout line at a department store buying a graduation picture frame. The woman at the cash register asked me the following question, “Do you know someone graduating?” I responded by saying, “Yes, I do. My mom just graduated from college!” She responded pleasantly, but, at the same time surprised. “Oh!” was all she said with a smile.
That’s the thing about the way the human brain works. While her reaction was pretty typical (she more than likely expected me to say that my friend, or my sibling, or my cousin was graduating—not my mom), it demonstrates that we often allow our minds to assume answers that we perceive to be the standard or the “norm” before we even know the actuality of the situation.Today, I am reminded of a quote written by Anne Frank, “We all live with the objective of being happy; our lives are all different and yet the same.” I like that quote because it shows that there is something that is fair to assume about others: we all have an objective to be happy and we are all different― and the differences are what truly make life worth living!
His presentation was enlightening and it truly did help to change some of the stereotypes I formed regarding prisoner reentry programs.
Funny, huh? Even those who advocate for diversity issues have stereotypes about various things because―well, we are human!
Each and every person has been exposed to other people, media, or other channels of information that have helped to form ideas in our brains that are sometimes not entirely accurate. One of the best lessons I have learned from an old friend was to “never assume anything!”
At the time, I found this little suggestion somewhat annoying because I am the type of person who likes to be a step ahead of things or “on the ball” so to speak. Thus, I find it quite natural to plan ahead for something, anticipate for something to happen, or in some cases assume something before the situation has actually come into fruition. What’s unfortunate about this behavior is that fact that this type of thinking often blocks our ability to see things with a fresh outlook.
Just recently, I was in a checkout line at a department store buying a graduation picture frame. The woman at the cash register asked me the following question, “Do you know someone graduating?” I responded by saying, “Yes, I do. My mom just graduated from college!” She responded pleasantly, but, at the same time surprised. “Oh!” was all she said with a smile.
That’s the thing about the way the human brain works. While her reaction was pretty typical (she more than likely expected me to say that my friend, or my sibling, or my cousin was graduating—not my mom), it demonstrates that we often allow our minds to assume answers that we perceive to be the standard or the “norm” before we even know the actuality of the situation.Today, I am reminded of a quote written by Anne Frank, “We all live with the objective of being happy; our lives are all different and yet the same.” I like that quote because it shows that there is something that is fair to assume about others: we all have an objective to be happy and we are all different― and the differences are what truly make life worth living!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Sto Lat Guest post by Tiffani Stokley
Years ago I had the privilege to baby-sit for a family with a polish heritage. Overtime, I became one of the family, their African American daughter. For birthdays, we would sing the traditional happy birthday song and then follow-up with the polish version, Sto Lat. I never really knew exactly what I was saying but it was special and festive so I didn’t care. I was apart of the family and I sang Sto Lat!
The department I work in celebrates all the month’s birthdays at once. One month, we gathered as was custom and sang the traditional happy birthday song (with very little enthusiasm). One of the birthday celebrants asked if we knew the polish version. Of course, I belted it out like it was a common thing. My co-workers were astonished and wondered how I knew the polish happy birthday song.
This story reminds me of a few things regarding diversity. The first is that we form all kinds of stereotypes and prejudices based on limited information. I realize that Sto Lat isn’t a popular song, but the level of surprise is what stood out to me. My co-workers had fit me into a box based on past behavior and other factors. No one knew me outside of our extremely limited interactions at work. Why do we do it? It’s just easier. I’m guilty of it, too. It takes effort to push aside our preconceived notions and take in new and often times contradictory information. In order to grow and develop intellectually, we must be willing to revisit how our opinions are formed and challenge them.
The second thing that came to mind is that it never hurts to open your horizons. I become more whole and complete as a person when I keep an open mind. I love learning new things about individuals, cultures, traditions, history, etc. I’m able to relate and interact with a diverse group of people as a result. It pains me to go to an event and see people cluster together in familiar groups. Step out of your comfort zone! Work the room! Meet new people! Learn Sto Lat! What is it going to hurt? It may allow you to make a connection with someone. Another co-worker heard of my attempt to sing Sto Lat and taught me the correct pronunciation and meaning. That was a new connection I may not have made otherwise.
On a final note, I was in Boston waiting for a bus and it started pouring. I ran under a store awning with a homeless man. Other people looked at his appearance and quickly moved on. I started a conversation with him and it turned out to be very educational! He provided me with some keen insight on social issues in Boston. Granted, by the end of the conversation he started talking strange but the rain let up and I was able to end the conversation. But again, you never know what you are going to learn about or from other people. Let’s keep an open mind.
The department I work in celebrates all the month’s birthdays at once. One month, we gathered as was custom and sang the traditional happy birthday song (with very little enthusiasm). One of the birthday celebrants asked if we knew the polish version. Of course, I belted it out like it was a common thing. My co-workers were astonished and wondered how I knew the polish happy birthday song.
This story reminds me of a few things regarding diversity. The first is that we form all kinds of stereotypes and prejudices based on limited information. I realize that Sto Lat isn’t a popular song, but the level of surprise is what stood out to me. My co-workers had fit me into a box based on past behavior and other factors. No one knew me outside of our extremely limited interactions at work. Why do we do it? It’s just easier. I’m guilty of it, too. It takes effort to push aside our preconceived notions and take in new and often times contradictory information. In order to grow and develop intellectually, we must be willing to revisit how our opinions are formed and challenge them.
The second thing that came to mind is that it never hurts to open your horizons. I become more whole and complete as a person when I keep an open mind. I love learning new things about individuals, cultures, traditions, history, etc. I’m able to relate and interact with a diverse group of people as a result. It pains me to go to an event and see people cluster together in familiar groups. Step out of your comfort zone! Work the room! Meet new people! Learn Sto Lat! What is it going to hurt? It may allow you to make a connection with someone. Another co-worker heard of my attempt to sing Sto Lat and taught me the correct pronunciation and meaning. That was a new connection I may not have made otherwise.
On a final note, I was in Boston waiting for a bus and it started pouring. I ran under a store awning with a homeless man. Other people looked at his appearance and quickly moved on. I started a conversation with him and it turned out to be very educational! He provided me with some keen insight on social issues in Boston. Granted, by the end of the conversation he started talking strange but the rain let up and I was able to end the conversation. But again, you never know what you are going to learn about or from other people. Let’s keep an open mind.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Some history about Cinco...and save the date!
Cinco de Mayo celebrates a victory by the Mexican Army over the French Army in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.It was a great victory because it was unexpected. France at that time was still very powerful and had many troops in Mexico. Why were French troops in Mexico? Let’s go back a few years.Mexico gained its independence from Spain in 1810. But the Mexican War with the United States and the Mexican Civil War almost entirely wiped out the Mexican Treasury. During these wars, Mexico had borrowed heavily from European countries, including France. In the early 1860s, Mexico stopped paying France back. France’s answer was to invade Mexico.
The French had tried to make Archduke Maximilian of Austria the ruler of Mexico. Under his command, French troops marched from the Gulf of Mexico toward Mexico City.
As we celebrate diversity let's take some time today to find creative ways to celebrate this wonderful holiday. This week's Dimension's of Diversity Alliance Meeting is Thursday at 3 p.m. at the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans Office in Novi.
Hope to see you!-Read something great!
The French had tried to make Archduke Maximilian of Austria the ruler of Mexico. Under his command, French troops marched from the Gulf of Mexico toward Mexico City.
As we celebrate diversity let's take some time today to find creative ways to celebrate this wonderful holiday. This week's Dimension's of Diversity Alliance Meeting is Thursday at 3 p.m. at the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans Office in Novi.
Hope to see you!-Read something great!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Princeton comes to Michigan...
I have heard my fair share of stereotypes about young people and their lack of motivation. Today's blog makes me feel great because it always an awesome feeling to dispel generalizations. My hubistrator (Jason) and I are co-chairs this year for the Princeton Prize in Race Relations Committee of Michigan.
Our duties include seeking out young people (high school age) who have made strides in race relations. I am happy to say that this year's winner Shirisha Thota made an amazing difference in race relations by being innovative, hardworking and creative.
One of the first things mentioned about ths student when we talked to her reccomender was that "Shirisha's one of a kind; she's going to be president one day!" She describes Shirisha, a junior at Farmington H.S., as incredibly friendly, gregarious, passionate about social justice issues, a leader who leads by example and is well-respected and liked by her peers. Shirisha has made personal contact with her state representative, Vicki Burnett, about promoting race relations in her school and county area, and is apparently on a first name basis with her!
Shirisha is very proactive and has gone above and beyond in her role as a Youth Policy Leader. She is "thirsty for this kind of work" i.e.. work related to race relations, social justice, and intergenerational/interracial dialogues. She is working with her Vice Principal and community officials (like Representative Burnett, aka, "Vicki") about organizing more programs and dialogues to promote race relations, including people of all ages.
Shirisha was awarded with a monetary stipend and acknowledgement from Princeton University for her efforts-she also was given the opportunity to come to the National Symposium on Race at Princeton University to meet other young people who have made an amazing difference in their respevctive states.
Today's blog is dedicated to Shirisha for making Michigan stand out in diversity!
-Read something great!
Our duties include seeking out young people (high school age) who have made strides in race relations. I am happy to say that this year's winner Shirisha Thota made an amazing difference in race relations by being innovative, hardworking and creative.
One of the first things mentioned about ths student when we talked to her reccomender was that "Shirisha's one of a kind; she's going to be president one day!" She describes Shirisha, a junior at Farmington H.S., as incredibly friendly, gregarious, passionate about social justice issues, a leader who leads by example and is well-respected and liked by her peers. Shirisha has made personal contact with her state representative, Vicki Burnett, about promoting race relations in her school and county area, and is apparently on a first name basis with her!
Shirisha is very proactive and has gone above and beyond in her role as a Youth Policy Leader. She is "thirsty for this kind of work" i.e.. work related to race relations, social justice, and intergenerational/interracial dialogues. She is working with her Vice Principal and community officials (like Representative Burnett, aka, "Vicki") about organizing more programs and dialogues to promote race relations, including people of all ages.
Shirisha was awarded with a monetary stipend and acknowledgement from Princeton University for her efforts-she also was given the opportunity to come to the National Symposium on Race at Princeton University to meet other young people who have made an amazing difference in their respevctive states.
Today's blog is dedicated to Shirisha for making Michigan stand out in diversity!
-Read something great!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Guest blog from Senior Alliance
Friendship Has No Age Limit
By: Linda DeVore
Program Manager
The Senior Alliance
The Senior Alliance, (TSA) Area Agency on Aging 1-C is a non-profit organization serving the 34 communities in southern and western Wayne County. TSA’s mission is to coordinate a comprehensive network of services to enable older persons to function as independently as possible in the community environment, which best suits their needs. TSA provides advocacy, programming, planning, contracting, funding and personnel necessary to accomplish the foregoing purpose. Services are also provided to individuals with physical disabilities. The people we serve come from a variety of backgrounds and ethnicities.
Oftentimes, when we think of the words “diversity” or “inclusion” we think of the color of someone’s skin. But, diversity also encompasses age, ability, knowledge, and much more. One of my favorite sayings is, “Friendship has no age limit”—something we strongly believe at The Senior Alliance.
TSA has a comprehensive network of nearly 50 programs and services. In the past year, The Senior Alliance has had remarkable success in all of its programs and has continued to provide services to meet the needs of hundreds of seniors. Older Americans and the disabled have witnessed many turbulent times in the history of our country including World Wars, The Great Depression, and tragedies of diverse kinds. They have made it through those times with great resolve and dignity and are a valuable asset to the next generation. Without the fundamentals they have laid, this country would not be what it is today.
One of the programs that TSA provides is the Holiday Meals program, which delivers meals to seniors who otherwise would not get a hot meal on Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter and Labor Day. Seniors receiving these meals are homebound due to disability or frailty. Many of them may have no family or friends to assist them or visit with them during the holidays. Meals on Wheels does not deliver on holidays, so programs like Holiday Meals through TSA ensure vulnerable and delicate seniors receive a meal for that day.
For many, this brief encounter with someone from the outside is very beneficial to the welfare of the senior and leaves a lasting impression on their hearts and minds, along with the actual nutrition that the meal provides. These seniors look forward to the companionship and of the individual bringing the meals, if only for a few minutes. Sometimes, this is the only opportunity that they have to speak to another human being. How difficult this must be. I can only imagine how this brief visit tugs at the heart strings of the senior. The Holiday Meals program has managed to reach its arms far into the community. Schools and churches participate by having children create beautifully colorful placemats that are delivered along with the meal; many times these seniors keep these placemats for the entire year as a keepsake.
By: Linda DeVore
Program Manager
The Senior Alliance
The Senior Alliance, (TSA) Area Agency on Aging 1-C is a non-profit organization serving the 34 communities in southern and western Wayne County. TSA’s mission is to coordinate a comprehensive network of services to enable older persons to function as independently as possible in the community environment, which best suits their needs. TSA provides advocacy, programming, planning, contracting, funding and personnel necessary to accomplish the foregoing purpose. Services are also provided to individuals with physical disabilities. The people we serve come from a variety of backgrounds and ethnicities.
Oftentimes, when we think of the words “diversity” or “inclusion” we think of the color of someone’s skin. But, diversity also encompasses age, ability, knowledge, and much more. One of my favorite sayings is, “Friendship has no age limit”—something we strongly believe at The Senior Alliance.
TSA has a comprehensive network of nearly 50 programs and services. In the past year, The Senior Alliance has had remarkable success in all of its programs and has continued to provide services to meet the needs of hundreds of seniors. Older Americans and the disabled have witnessed many turbulent times in the history of our country including World Wars, The Great Depression, and tragedies of diverse kinds. They have made it through those times with great resolve and dignity and are a valuable asset to the next generation. Without the fundamentals they have laid, this country would not be what it is today.
One of the programs that TSA provides is the Holiday Meals program, which delivers meals to seniors who otherwise would not get a hot meal on Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter and Labor Day. Seniors receiving these meals are homebound due to disability or frailty. Many of them may have no family or friends to assist them or visit with them during the holidays. Meals on Wheels does not deliver on holidays, so programs like Holiday Meals through TSA ensure vulnerable and delicate seniors receive a meal for that day.
For many, this brief encounter with someone from the outside is very beneficial to the welfare of the senior and leaves a lasting impression on their hearts and minds, along with the actual nutrition that the meal provides. These seniors look forward to the companionship and of the individual bringing the meals, if only for a few minutes. Sometimes, this is the only opportunity that they have to speak to another human being. How difficult this must be. I can only imagine how this brief visit tugs at the heart strings of the senior. The Holiday Meals program has managed to reach its arms far into the community. Schools and churches participate by having children create beautifully colorful placemats that are delivered along with the meal; many times these seniors keep these placemats for the entire year as a keepsake.
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