chocolate voiceJanuary 2011

positive news that sweetens the soul

thechocolatevoice.com

New Year, New Attitude!

enlightenyourselfKnowledge is Power

keep our kidshealthyHow the economy plays a role in Childhood Obesity

On the cover:breakthrough in 2011! keep your glass more than half full!

the

TableofContents

4 Publishers Note5 Dr. Sprinkles Point of View8 Faith & Inspiration with Dr. Amanda Goodson11 In Ernie’s Mind15 Out and About

6 Dress for Success Shanda gives us tips on how to dress in the workplace.

7 Auld Lang Syne TSFL Coach Sonya Fakelman says as CEO’s of our bodies we must maintain a healthy organization

9 Childhood Obesity A supportive environment is necessary in keeping our children healthy.

12 African American Read-In Chain Tucson Chapter is holding it’s 17th annual event in support of African American Authors .

Features

In Every Issue

On the cover

It’s a new year! be sure to stay positive and always keep your glass more than half full!

11Knowledge is Power

Dress for Success 6->

- 2 bottles of Chili Sauce- 4 lb bag of frozen meatballs-2 18 oz. Jars of Grape JellyDirections:1) Combine grape jelly and chili sauce in sauce pan on medium heat until jelly becomes saucy.2) Cook meatballs in a crock pot for about an hour until warm3) Add the sauce to the crock pot filled with meat balls and warm for a couple of hours

Well there you have it! Makes a great potluck dish for a Superbowl Party!

->

Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce Meatballs!

Gwen Pierce

Lula HunterErnie McCray

Dr. Shirley Sprinkles, Ph.D.Dr. Amanda Goodson, Sonya Fakelman, Cheryl Moder,

Director of San Diego County Childhood Obesity Initiative and Shyana Brown

Shyana Brown

951-956-0537 P.O. Box 211234

Chula Vista, CA 91921

Shanda Pierce

Ad Sales 619.507.9237

Photos courtesy of:The Chocolate Voice

Tower of Power, Leighton MediaCast of Ruined and Tonye Patano, La Jolla Playhouse

For Subscriptions and Back Issues

Call 619-507-9327The Chocolate Voice

P.O. Box 50614, Tucson, AZ 85703 Fax:

619-421-8187news@thechocolatevoice.com

The Chocolate Voice is

Published monthly, January through December.The publisher assumes no responsibility for claims or actions of

its advertisers. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher, its staff or advertisers. ISSN 1944-7698

©2010, The Chocolate Voice All rights reserved.

Publisher & Managing Editor

Contributors

Interns

Marketing Director

Graphic Artist

the chocolate voice

Sweet Honey Child is a place for exploration and celebration of your African-American child.

Here you will find products for your special one that reflectsher culture and celebrates her beauty as a

‘sweet honey child’. www.sweet-honey-child.com

P.O. Box 4864Oakland, CA 94605

p-510.473.7423 f-510.295.2649info@ sweet-honey-child.com

Whew, we’ve made it to another year, 2011! I don’t know about you but every year I struggle with one very important detail, and that is remembering to change the date on checks or documents from the last year to the New Year. Now this may be a simple task for you but, for me it can be quite challenging. I’ve read in numer-ous magazine and newspaper articles where experts have done research that say exercise helps with memory. Now, if this is the case I guess I’m on point with my standard resolution which is to increase my exercise regiment. Which brings me to my next point, since most of us are starting off the New Year reinventing ourselves by setting new goals, don’t forget, I’ve already established one of mine as being exercise and the next of course, is to place more emphasis on changing my eating habits, not only for the sake of myself but, for the children of America. Childhood Obesity has reached such epidemic pro-portions and, as a nation we must work together to eradicate this problem by getting our kids healthy. Thanks to initiatives such as; Let’s Move, introduced by First Lady Michelle Obama in her campaign to combat childhood obesity, organizations across the globe are doing their part to get our kids up off of the couch and healthy. Inside this issue, Cheryl Moder of The San Diego Childhood Obe-sity initiative points out some startling environmental statistics relating to our children’s health. Also inside, Health Coach Sonya Fakelman explains in her article Auld Lang Syne that we are The CEO’s of our bodies and, it’s our responsibility to take control and save ourselves through both diet and exercise. Oftentimes experts who have done research on health and fitness make it seem so easy, wouldn’t you agree? Well, I’m here to say it’s not. It’s no secret staying on task in terms of diet and exercise is a life long struggle of mine, however, this year my goal is to keep it simple and sweet. My intention is to do everything in my power not to put pressure on myself in order to reach my goals. My plan is to go after it with a positive attitude. After all, it’s still and will always be a life long goal of mine to stay healthy.Ideally, when we set goals for ourselves it is with good intention that we reach them within a finite time by setting a deadline. Whether we make our deadline or not, having set goals simply means we’ve given ourselves direction by striving to make the changes in our lives where we see fit.A few years back I had the opportunity to interview a Surgeon, Dr. James Dunn who explained that he looks at life from a point the view of seeing the glass as half full. A very optimistic person the doctor shared the positive experiences in his life in which he credits all because of living his life from a positive point of view. I don’t know about you but I’m following the Doctors orders, or lead if you will by living my life optimistically, by making small obtainable goals. In other words, stress is not an option for a lack of un met goals.This month, I’m sure that you will enjoy the first issue of 2011 as in addition to some great reads on health and fitness we also have some powerful articles about the work that’s being done by some our retired educators. Be sure to check out Knowledge is Power by Ernie McCray and the great work done by the African American Read-In Chain. This year, let’s all try to live our lives with a positive attitude keep our glasses half full and, may we all prosper in health, wealth and faith as Dr. Amanda Goodson states so well in her article, have a Breakthrough in 2011.

NotePublishers

KISS = Keeping it Simple & Sweet in 2011

Gwen Pierce

Wow! What a difference a generation makes! These statistics are so-o o different from those of my generation. When I came of age in the 1960’s, I believe the #1 goal of most of my college friends was to get married. True, it was a strong desire among us to marry someone who held the promise of a wealthy future lifestyle—a man’s potential to achieve highly was a strong selection factor. Next would come the desire to have chil-dren and raise them to be successful contributors, gainfully employed, and of kind, generous, character. If we were to accomplish this one, our old age would be “insured” by caring, well-off offspring. The notion that unmarried young women would live independent lives was only per-ceived plausible in the context of living independently from our mothers. The last thing we wanted to do was to either remain single at home or be forced by circumstances to return to Mom’s nest (and nagging). Our fer-vent prayer was to be saved from such a curse as that would have been!What is ironic is that, in spite of my generation’s lofty aspirations to have great marriages and to raise brilliant, caring children, most of us lived lives that were closely reflective of the desires of today’s Millenia Women—we worked long hours in our careers, left our children with baby-sitters, and paid little attention to our marriages. Our results, as it turns out, were dismal. For example, It is hard to find couples from the 60’s and 70’s ( my era) that are still married—let alone happily so. Divorce was rampant in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s—just about the time that today’s young women were waking up to life around them. What they saw was often a parade of boyfriends and girlfriends who were absorbing their parents’ affection while holding their childhood needs for security at bay. Additionally, family finances often took a huge hit as homes and bank accounts went splintering in every direction by the divorce process. Many of these young ladies held on by a thin thread through the turmoil of their mothers’ travail post-divorce. At that time, mothers usually end-ed up with the house and the kids, while fathers set their sails for other, more alluring, shores. My guess is that many, if not most, of the really alert girls took careful notes and made the decision early-on to never be a victim of that type of circumstance. As I have said many times before: “More is caught than is taught.”The survey results, if they are significant indicators of future trends, will have to give us all pause. Do you really hear what I hear? If today’s Mil-lenia Women value their independence more than marriage or children, and if they’d rather be rich than compromised by family, where is our so-ciety headed? I will acknowledge that wealth is better than poverty, and that it is poverty that is the millstone of the majority of young mothers; married or not. Certainly, we should aim to alleviate this burdensome problem. The question is, where is the balance struck? Is there still a place for wholesome male-female relationships in unions called mar-riage? Is it possible to procreate, as in the olden days, stay together, and still raise mentally and physically healthy children? Is it okay to want the children without or more than marriage? I believe that African Ameri-cans don’t really have a choice in this matter; that we have to confront this issue head-on in dialogue in all of our common settings—church, sororities, fraternities, clubs, school—everywhere. We have got to talk! There is peril in our choices.Call me out on this if you like, but I will invite you to just look around. Who do you see finishing college and assuming responsible positions in the workplace and in society? Who is doing the heavy lifting of black so-ciety? Who do you see without skills, money, jobs or entrepreneurships? . . . It’s not Millenia Women—especially not the African American ones. Somehow, we are going to have to right our ship if our race of people is to survive. Otherwise, I fear, we will sail right off the cliff of a world flat-tened by ignorance and complacency.

“Millenia Women”?

--What the Heck is Going On?

Words from a familiar Christmas carol reverber-ate in my brain: “Do you hear what I hear?” This time, however, the words are not accompanied by a melodic tune; just hard cold numbers that have caught my attention. Did you know that young women who are entering adult life (18 to approximately 32) are called, “Millenia Women”, and that their life goals are about a millenium away from those of their grandmothers’? Here are the stats reported on CNN from a recent study of what this group of American women want:

(1) Independence-96%, (2) Children-68%, (3) Marriage-50%, (4) Wealth-38%.

”“The last thing we wanted to do

was to either remain single at home or be forced by circum-stances to return to Mom’s nest

An EssayBy Shirley Sprinkles, Ph.D

Dresssuccess!

When I first started working, I looked a mess!

Several boring outfits later --I realized that

it is certainly possible to look cute and pro-

fessional! Check out my spin on the classic

blazer look.

Accessorize!

Black Blazers!

WhiteBlazers!

Tan Blazers!

Every working woman should own a black blazer, but you don’t have to

wear it as a pants suit! When you couple it with a cute skirt, you’ll

look sophisticated and fun.

Tan is always a gorgeous color on brown skin, it brings out the natural golden tones and brightens the highlights in your face. You can even wear this to a lounge after work with your coworkers!

Although white is hard to keep clean, it’s worth it to invest in this! It goes with every color, and it’s unique so not only will you be fashion forward, you’ll be one of the few who aren’t afraid to rock white after labor day!

Long necklaces can really make your outfit pop, it makes the blazer look more feminine and regal.

You can jazz up an extremely plain outfit with one piece. I love that jing-ly necklaces can make professional attire glamorous. But remember -- the necklace stands alone, don’t add anything extra!

Jingly Necklaces

Layered ChainsThese necklaces ad levels to your outfit, making your blouse look more expen-sive and designer like!

for

American Author Mark Twain said “The trou-ble with the World is not that people know too little, but they know so many things that ain’t so.” One of the biggest misconceptions that most people have is that they can get rid of fat by exercise alone. But I’m here to tell you that “it ain’t so”!For years I paid tithes to the gym! That’s right! I promised myself everyday that I would go to the gym at least four days a week and get myself in shape! Well—after a couple of weeks of not seeing any results, I lost interest.In my training as a Health Coach I learned

something that has made a huge impact on how I look at food and what I allow myself to consume on a regular basis. I am not saying that I am a perfect eater, but I will say that I choose more often than not, those things that my body can actually use. What I have learned is that 3500 calories is equivalent to one pound. Therefore, if I eat more than 3500 calories my body has no other choice but to store those ex-cess calories as fat! So if you are eating an extra 100 calories here in there in the form of a candy bar, soda, or bagel, those extra calories can add up to about 36,500 extra calories in over one year’s time. To rid yourself of just one pound, you would have to run about 33.8 miles! Is that crazy or what? And what if you wanted to lose 30 lbs? You would have to run 1,040 miles—which is equivalent to about forty marathons!There is a study in the New England Jour-nal of Medicine done by David Jenkins, MD, PHD., et al., called “Nibbling versus Gorging: Metabolic Advantages of Increased Meal Fre-quency” published in 1989 that demonstrates how eating small frequent low-glycemic meal portions if good for your health. In this study, the researchers divide their subjects into two groups. Each group consumed the same amount of calories, but the first group’s food was divided into the regular 3 meals per

day pattern that we are most familiar with, while group number two ate their meals in frequent small amounts. Much to their surprise, it turned out that the group that ate the small fre-quent amounts of food were less hun-gry, and lost more weight than the group that ate three square meals. The study shows that the group that lost more weight had these results because their blood sugar didn’t continually spike and then drop down even lower like it does after you eat a big meal. The amount of sugar in their blood stayed steady because they were fuel-ing their bodies in frequent intervals. The study also found that they lost their cravings for sweets! And that they reduced their blood cholesterol by over 15 percent and their blood in-sulin by nearly 28 percent! They key here is that when your body produces less insulin dietary calories are less likely to be converted into fat!To be the CEO of your body, you need to create a microenvironment that supports better health. The choices that we make each and every day can lead us to a state of optimal health or to a state of diseased health. We have to be determined to take responsibility for our health, and make that funda-mental choice to create optimal health in our lives. I implore you to recog-nize the influence your environment has on your health and to implement this new behavior of small frequent low-glycemic meals throughout the day. Let us say good bye to Auld Lang Syne and hello to our journey toward optimal health!

In the Business world, a Chief Executive Officer’s Job is to create and maintain a healthy organiza-tion. As CEO of your body, it may be time to fire the system you have been using to manage your health in order to save yourself? If you have been trying to manage your health for the past several years to no avail, it may be time to unlearn what you think you know.

AuldLangSyne

By Sonya Fakelman

Breakthrough in 2011

We are so important to God that He gave His only Son to come into this world to save, deliver and heal us. It is by God’s grace that we break through barriers and achieve every promise in the bible. At times we at-tempt to work for God’s favor, but He says, “No thanks,

the price for favor has already been paid by Jesus for your break-through. The only thing I want from you is your faith and I will write that on your heavenly account as righteousness – all debts have been paid.” Sometimes it is hard to believe that all it takes is to believe in God through Jesus and we have an account paid in full. Summarizing Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary’s defini-tion from a spiritual tone: breakthrough means a spiritual offen-sive thrust that penetrates through a barrier while using advance knowledge and techniques (discernment) to achieve success. We have the power inside of us and the authority of the name of Je-sus to penetrate, act and control our situation. Sounds simple, but I realize that it isn’t sometimes. But, continue to seek your right living by grace through faith. Faith comes by hearing and believing the word of God. There are some things that you should know to breakthrough that I learned from Des-tined to Reign by Joseph Prince:• You are always important to God. He busies Himself on your behalf moment by moment• Destructive habits and attitudes will get in the way of your breakthrough• Financial challenges are not a sign of failure in God’s realm• Stress has deep roots and will grow if the issues are not addressed and uprooted• Fear will never lead you to have the power, authority, love and balance needed to penetrate barriers• Condemnation of self and others will lead you to feel unworthy, rejected, angry and resentful (to name a few)Seeds are planted into the ground during your life. If they are

watered by wrong believing they take root and spread rapidly. The underground part of the seed that originates below ground level functions to absorb all the spiritual nutrients needed to grow in God’s grace. The seeds become huge trees that need to be uprooted and destroyed. On the other hand, seeds planted, nurtured and watered by the word of God will grow to be strong, vibrant and healthy trees.Seek breakthrough in 2011! Here are five most powerful keys to breakthrough:1. Apply the blood of Jesus everyday by saying “thank you Jesus for your grace. I am made righteous through your precious blood. I am saved, healed and delivered right now and forever. This is my heritage.”2. Rely on the grace of God. Jesus became sin and a curse for you to be blessed. He gives us His undeserved favor in our lives.3. Know the love of God will strengthen you. God sees you as a rare jewel and He calls you His very own son/daughter. He is well pleased with you, favors you and will grow you to maturity.4. Lean on the mercy of God. Know He is fond of you and wants to be kind and good to you. God is content with you as you grow and has raised you to heavenly places in Christ Jesus.5. Experience freedom and release through the power and authority of the Word of God. Read the word and speak the truths of the word over and over in your daily life.See, breakthrough happens first in the heart then breakthrough becomes a confession from your mouth. Romans 10:10 - New King James Version states: “For with the heart one believes (in the power of breakthrough) unto righteousness (breakthrough in Jesus’ name), and with the mouth confessions is made unto salva-tion (breakthrough deliverance)” – emphasis added in italics.So, are you ready to breakthrough in 2011? Follow the five keys listed in this article to begin the journey. Continue to pray and confess the word of God. Rely on the grace of God to perform breakthrough in your life.

Prayer:

Lord, I thank you for your for-

giveness. I thank You for sav-

ing me from my past, current

and future sins through the

blood of Jesus. I thank You for

grace that You have given me.

I seek first Your kingdom and

Your righteousness in 2011. I

will look for spiritual break-

through in 2011 that comes

only from You. I am convinced

that You have begun a perfect

work in me and will continue

to perfect me in 2011. In Jesus

name, I pray with thanksgiving.

Amen.

By Dr. Amanda Goodson

Dr. Amanda Goodson is the Pastor of Two Churches, Phillips Chapel and Trinity Temple, C.M.E. both located in Tucson, Arizona and she is the Founder of Never The Same Ministries

Childhood Obesity

Physicians, researchers, policymakers and parents agree that childhood overweight and obesity is a significant and growing health concern that has reached epidem-ic proportions. In San Diego County, about three in 10 children in grades five, seven and nine are overweight or obese. These rates are even higher for African American and Latino children. While some children are predisposed to obesity due to medical reasons, childhood obesity is actually a very complex health issue with a variety of causes including individual, social and environmental factors. Even if fam-ilies know the healthy choices they should make for their children, it is difficult for them to make these choices if our environments—the places where people live, work, learn, play and worship—don’t support health. Many neighborhoods have limited access to healthful foods and a built environment that doesn’t allow for phys-ical activity. These neighborhoods have a high density of fast food restaurants, few places to buy affordable pro-duce, a lack of parks and playgrounds, and public safety issues that make parents unwilling to let their children go outdoors to play. It is no surprise that rates of obesity are higher among those living in these neighborhoods. To a large degree, these environmental conditions mirror health disparities for many chronic diseases.The economy also plays a role. The further families have to go to stretch their food dollars, the more likely they are to purchase foods that are less expensive, but also much less nutritious. In fact, nearly 40 percent of the energy consumed by children comes in the form of “emp-ty” calories from solid fats and added sugars, according to the National Institutes of Health. Half of these calories come from six sources: soda, fruit drinks, dairy desserts, grain desserts, pizza and whole milk. Think about your neighborhood: is it easier to buy a bag of oranges or an orange soda? Is it easier to buy a fast food meal or ingredients for a healthful meal prepared...

Being overweight exposes children to serious health problems, now and in the future. According to the U.S. Surgeon Gen-eral, overweight adolescents have a 70% chance of being overweight or obese as adults and this risk increases to 80% if one or more parent is overweight or obese. These children are more likely than children of healthy weight to suffer from

cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes in adulthood

at home? Is it easier to drive to your destination or to walk, bike or take public transportation?The San Diego County Childhood Obesity Initia-tive is working with our partners to assure that lo-cal policies support healthful environments. Some examples include:• Working with policymakers to assure that our communities are designed to be more walk-able and bikable and that public transportation is a more convenient option.• Increasing access to healthful foods through improvements to food retail establish-ments and affordable farmers’ markets.• Encouraging schools and businesses to establish policies that prioritize healthful foods and local agriculture. • Increasing support for community, school, and preschool gardens.A supportive environment is necessary for indi-viduals to make healthy choices. Community residents—including parents and youth—can ad-vocate for changes that will lead to better health and well-being in their neighborhoods. For more information about how you can get involved, visit our website at: www.OurCommunityOurKids.org.

Cheryl ModerDirector, San Diego County Childhood Obesity Initiative

few years ago the idea of a holiday for Martin Luther King came up and Arizonans freaked out and protested. But that got worked out. Years passed and then xenophobia, a few months ago, raised its ugly head and state legisla-tors created a senate bill, SB 1070, aimed at getting rid of

Latinos, aka as "illegals." About a month after that little maneu-ver the governor of the state, Jan Brewer, apparently with a lot of time on her hands for shenanigans as opposed to trying to bring people together to do great things socially and politically, signed a bill, HB 2281, that prohibits "ethnic studies," out of some bizarre fear that such classes promote "ethnic chauvinism" and racial resentment toward whites while segregating students by race and advocates the overthrow of the government. Say what? Does extreme heat fry the brain? Is my home state going insane? Such a law is so inane. In our schools with all the saluting the flag every morning and the singing of God Bless America and GI recruiters high stepping in the quads of our schools, at will - some teacher is going to gather a bunch of stu-dents of color and stir up anti-white mentality and recruit sui-cide bombers to bum rush the White House and the Pentagon? That educator would be out on the streets before he or she or the school district made the first contribution to the poor soul's retirement account. Oh, don't you hate it when they expel gas in your face and say "Somebody must have cracked a rotten egg" like your IQ is equal to your age?Now, don't get me wrong. There's plenty of "ethnic chauvin-ism" in our schools. "Eurocentric Studies" is its name and it's the heart and soul of American education, known widely for promoting ideas like Columbus "discovered" America without mentioning that when he arrived he found people already here, "savages," kicking back, as one with the elements, wondering what all the talk about "India" was about. Due to "ethnic chauvinism" I pretty much had to learn on my own that blacks in this country were more than just slaves, that we were architects and politicians and philosophers and inven-

tors and poets and teachers. When we gaze at the White House and the United States Capitol Building we are looking at the work of highly skilled builders including black folks.Sitting at my school desk I used to think how cool it would be to have a moustache like Emiliano Zapata's. It wasn't until a little later that, because of how he was portrayed, I began to think of him less as a bandit and more as a revolutionary. There is a dif-ference. And I was probably nodding off or doodling when they stressed Asians' contributions to the building of America. I did catch something about how the Japanese couldn't be trusted and "If you're ever in San Francisco visit Chinatown. The food is sooo delicious." So what's really going on in my home state? Huh? And they're not alone in their thinking; they're just bold enough to act on thoughts created in their dark side. But let's not play the "race card" because that causes too much spitting and sputtering and gibberish about creating a "color blind soci-ety" which is a metaphor for acting like super bright lights are shining in their eyes when somebody darker than they are needs a little help pulling themselves up by their "bootstraps." Whatever else it is it's a case of fear. And when people are afraid they take desperate measures; they try to force their beliefs on others. But force can never defeat power. And knowledge is power. The power students gain from ethnic studies is infec-tious. I know. I've taught it. When a student of any color sees themselves and their people's contributions to society in their lessons they lean forward with interest. Ethnic studies are about inclusion, about truths being portrayed, about the various ways people see their world and why. It's about love. Love and appre-ciation for one's self and others. It scares the hell out of Ethnic Chauvinists. But they'll have to come around some day because the power will not be relinquished in any way. Langston Hughes put it this way: "America was never America to me,And yet I swear this oath - America will be!"People all over the country should swear likewise and help bring Arizona into the 21st Century.

When I was coming up in Tucson, the Old Pueblo, I would go this way and that way, to and fro, trying to keep a step ahead of Old Jim Crow. Somehow I survived that dude’s hateful antics and grew up with a lot of love in my heart and soul. But he doesn’t give up easily and seems to have a toe hold in Arizona and just won’t let go.

Knowledge

Is Power

A

(The Frightening of the Ethnic Chauvinists)

by Ernie McCray

n celebration of Black History Month, on Sunday Feb-ruary 20, 2011 the African American Read-In Chain in Tucson Arizona will host its 17th annual event.

President and founder of the Tucson chapter retired educator Mildred Wilson explains, “The objective of the read in chain is to get some of the wonderful literature written by African American authors off the library shelves and read. You’ll find a lot of books listed which looks good on paper but, no one is reading.” Participants of the read in chains are encouraged to host and coordinate gatherings that promote reading the works African American authors.Wilson, a native of Arkansas and former elementary teacher who taught for 39 years at Tucson Unified School District (TUSD) learned about the program from fellow educator Har-riet Scarborough, who received the information from the National Council of Teachers of English. Harried asked that Wilson pass along the information and see what she could do to promote the program. Wilson took the ball and ran with it and, is still running since she successfully passed along information throughout Tucson Unified School District and beyond. “Parent volunteers would come out and read to kids as young as pre-school for one hour, the only stipulation was that it had to be something written by an African American author,” She says. The organization refrains from reading material with the use of swear words or the “N” word and encourage reading of family oriented writing.AARIC was founded in 1990 by Dr. Jerrie Scott, National Di-rector and a literacy professor at the University of Memphis. The project is sponsored by the Black Caucus of the NCTE, endorsed by the International Reading Association and has

reached over a million readers of all ethnic groups, from 49 states, the West Indies, and African countries who have par-ticipated. For many communities, participation in the AARIC has become a traditional part of Black History Month cel-ebrations in February. “The beauty of the project is that in every time zone in America someone is reading something written by an African American author,” Says Wilson.The first chapter of the AARIC in Tucson held their first meet-ing at South Park Church of God and Christ on Sunday af-ternoon from 2 pm-4 pm. Due to its success, the program has spread to a number of churches in the area. Currently the AARIC of Tucson committee members are a diverse group of individuals who come from a variety of professional back-grounds who meet at each others homes on the 4th Saturday of each month to strategize and plan events. Members are: Teena Cross, Delores Faison, Gwen Goodman, Betty Hillman, Betty Lockhart, Gloria McKinney, Charlene Jones-Metoyer, Emily Ricketts, Jessie Zander and Mildred Wilson.The African American Read-In Chain has proved to be espe-cially beneficial for encouraging young children and youth to make reading a life-long, life-enriching practice. Wilson shares, “I tell students that writing is what a person has said and it’s then put in print. That takes the fear out of reading.” She says.Come out and learn how you can promote the reading of Af-rican American authors on Sunday February 20, 2011 from 3 to 5 PM at Rincon Congregational Church at 122 North Craycroft Rd. Tucson, Arizona. For more information contact Mildred Wilson at (520) 747-9972.

Af r i c A n AmericAn Read-In-Chain:Promoting the works of

African American Authors

i

Money PropertyManagement & Reality

Mayra swanson brokerOffice: 619.422.0177fax: 619.422.8186cell: 619.507.8287email:mayra@moneyrealty.com

lic.#01501431

when style matters.

professional image consultingAl’s

Barber Shop“It Pays to Look Well”

622-2276

8am-6pmTuesday-Saturday

Closed Sunday & Monday861 E. Grant Road

Tucson, Arizona 85719

Sonya FakelmanCertified Health Coach

ID#26151001(503) 381-6719

sfakelman@comcast.netwww.mychoice4life.tsfl.com

Sonya Lost 40 lbs in 3 Months!

Chemae Lost 32 lbs in 3 Months!

Life Coaching Helping you get in the best shape with your emotional, financial, and personal life. Is there something you’ve always wanted to accomplish or overcome? Let me help you get it done through Life Coaching! Career Coaching Discover your true passion in life. I can help you jumpstart your career or show you how to create new opportunities to become an Entrepreneur! Lunch & Learn Workshops 1 hour of career strengthening power coaching. I come to your company and mentor your employees. Helping them re-discover their passion for what they do, revive the thrive for greater performance!

Motivational Speaking Relevant, inspiring, and life motivating speeches. Available for small groups, Conferences, Colleges, and Corporations.

YOUR BEST LIVING Coaching Designed by Lori Testimonials "Lori's wisdom and many years of experience were very instrumental in helping guide my actions toward the goal I set. I've started a new career and I am very excited. Thanks Lori!!" -Aaron C., Account Executive, Xerox Corporation “Lori has impacted my life in such a way I’ve developed a “No Quit” attitude. She is leading woman, wife and mother that has a reservoir of wisdom and vision that is contagious! On many occasions she helped me to take my focus off my problems and focus on my vision. Lori has an immeasurable ability to spark your determination and empower you to remove the limits you’ve allowed on your life.” -Tarsha W., Education Houston, TX FOR A FREE COACHING SESSION CALL TODAY 469.360.4983

Your Best Living was designed by Lori Battle, Life Coach, Motivational Speaker and Entrepreneur. After struggling for many years herself with personal issues that ranged from an anxiety/panic disorder to low self-esteem. Through her strong desire to reach her best living and with Life Coaching she was able to overcome all of these struggles. Lori has always been a highly ambitious person who from a young age was never afraid to push herself to be better and to never quit pursuing her dreams in life. At the age of 20 she started her 1st business while in College and soon after several more businesses would follow.

Lori has also mastered the Corporate America sector. She put a plan in place to reach her goals with each company she worked for, and with each strategic move brought about deliberate advancements and top dollar salaries that she always knew she could earn. Now Lori is dedicating her knowledge, skill, and pure talent to help people reach their best living through her Life & Career Coaching plans. She has a genuine connection with her clients and pierces through to the heart of the matter to bring out the true potential of a person. Lori’s clients range from Entrepreneurs, Medical Professionals, College Students, to At-Home Moms. “Coaching the total person.”

WWW.YOURBESTLIVING.COM LORI@YOURBESTLIVING.COM

OFFICE: 469.360.4983 COACHING SESSIONS ARE VIA PHONE

S E R V I C E S A V A I L A B L E

Outand About Want to know what’s going onin your city? Check out some fun events coming up!

1. YWCA of San Diego Coun-ty’s 26th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Human Dignity Award BreakfastJanuary 14th, 2011Town and Country Resort500 Hotel Circle North(619)264-0144Cost: $40.00

2. Multicultural FestivalJanuary 15, 2011Martin Luther King, Jr. Promenade Park 11 am - 5 PMDowntown San Diego along Har-bor Drive, across the street from the Convention Center between Market Street and Fourth Av-enue Cost: FREE

3. Martin Luther King Jr. Kingdom Day ParadeJanuary 17, 20118:30 am - 3:30 PMMartin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and Crenshaw Los Angeles, CA

4. 16th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community BreakfastJanuary 17, 2011Hosted by United African Ameri-can Ministerial Action Coun-cil (UAAMAC) Joe & Vi Jacobs Center(619) 264-1213

5. 23rd Annual All Peoples BreakfastJanuary 17, 20117 am- 9:30 am111 West Harbor DriveSan Diego, CA Cost: $30.00

6. T.S.B.N. Network MixerJanuary 29, 20116:30 - 8:30 PMDunbar Culture Center235 W. 2nd StreetTucson, AZ7. 17th Annual African American Read-In Chain Tucson ChapterFebruary 20 , 2011, 3-5 PMRincon Congregational Church 122 North Craycroft Rd. Tucson, Arizona. Contact President, Mildred Wilson at (520) 747-9972

8. EN VOGUEFebruary 11, 2011 at 8:00pDream Catcher at ViejasVIP Floor $41.00, Balcony $31.00, GA Standing Room Only

421

3

6

->

7

5

Email us Out and Abouts in your city at: news@thechocolatevoice.com

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE VIEJAS GIFT SHOPPRINT TICKETS TODAY! :: VIEJASENTERTAINMENT.COM

CHARGE BY PHONE 888.512.SHOW :: MUST BE 21+VIEJAS CASINO :: 5000 WILLOWS RD., ALPINE, CA 91901

FEBRUARY 11