White Privilege

Good Evening,

While I was at work today I had a conversation with one of my fellow co workers about white privilege. He is Caucasian and of course he doesn’t believe it. And while I tried to explain it to him something hit me. While some can be educated on the subject at hand, most can’t. They can’t grasp the simple fact that an African Americans will not get treated the same as a Caucasian in several things. A Caucasian person will not be followed around a store and be racially profiled. A Caucasian person will not be concerned about their co workers saying something inappropriate regarding their race and way of life. Caucasian people do not have to worry about being promoted to the next available position in their career. These are just a small portion of the things that we as African Americans deal with everyday. It was disheartening to not be able to get my point across to them. But something that I realized is that I may not be able educate him, but I can educate someone else. Everyone may not understand but someone will. So, when trying to educate someone do get discouraged. Stay persistent and eventually you will get through to someone. 

Peace and Blessings, 

Shaniqua 

Time Management

Good Evening,

What is time management? Well, using your context clues, time management is having an effective way of managing your time and not spreading yourself to thin. When you have a million and one things going on in your life time management is extremely important. Planning all of your events accordingly is the perfect key to time management. Learning to not overbook your self for events and having quality time for your self. The older I get the busier and I can only imagine what life will be like as a career woman and a mother. So, I am learning effective time management skills now, to present problems in the future. One of the things that I learned that you will always have something that needs to be done. No matter what you have going on there is always going to be something that needs to be done on your list. Do not stress it. There is only so much time in a day and you can only do so much. Don’t get so wrapped up in getting things completed that your stressing, because as I have stated in earlier post, stress is very unhealthy for the body. Do what you can do and do not worry about it. Another thing that I have learned is to give yourself some leisure time before you go and do the next thing. Don’t give yourself ten minutes to get from one meeting to the next. Take more time to unwind from that meeting and charge up for the next one. Do not procrastinate. Now, I know I said do what you can do, but that doesn’t mean do thing a day and put off everything else for that day. Get as many things done as possible in a timely manner and do not put it off. Write things down. Writing things down allows you to keep up with your time and it also  allows you not to forget things. Follow some of these simple rules and your time management skills should vastly improve.

Peace and Blessings,

Shaniqua

Excuses

Good Evening, 

In life there are always going to be reasons that you are not able to accomplish something and they are known as excuses. Whenever I come up with excuses as to why I cannot achieve something, I simply scroll on my timeline and see all of these Inspiring stories of amazing individuals accomplishing goals despite the many odds against them. While life may be challenging for me at times, I do not have to face the same odds as these people and yet I still come up with excuses. So, I tell myself no excuses and I get the job done. And I say the same thing for you. If you want to do something do it. Don’t blame others or circumstances as the reason why you can’t. You can. If you have the determination and will power you can and you will. Don’t give up and you will be amazed at where it can take you. 

Peace and Blessings, 

Shaniqua 

A Black Women’s Struggle

Good Morning, 

Growing up I was under the impression that I will get treated the same as someone of a different ethnicity because it is the right thing. Well, the adult world has taught me a thing or two. I came to the realization that I will simply have to work harder in life to receive the things that I want than others. Not only is it my opinion but it is also a fact. While taking an economics class, I learned that a white male is among the highest on the food chain and a black woman is at the very bottom below Latinas. While it is very disheartening it is indeed a fact and something that every black women has to learn and deal with. From our names being called ghetto, to our hair getting called nappy, being called angry, and the horrendous term “ratchet”, it is an everyday thing. So, I want to clarify some things about the stigmas about black women. We are not angry. I repeat, we are not angry. We are simply strong willed individuals who know who we are. We are raised to be strong willed individuals who do not fold under pressure so quickly. Our names are not ghetto. Our names are simply distinct and allow us to stand out from the crowd. Our hair is beautiful. It is thick and course and strong, much like our personality. We are queens and we are unlike any other. And while we do have to work twice as hard to achieve our dreams, it makes us stronger. We have a greater appreciation for life and the things that we have. So, in short black women are strong,  beautiful, and queens. Not all the stigmas that are placed on us. 

Peace and Blessings, 

Shaniqua 

Racial Profiling

Good Evening, 

I am not racist in any way shape or form. But racism does exist and my eyes were opened yesterday when an incident occurred in a hair store. I walked into the hair store which I visit frequently. Normally I do not receive a greeting, but I just ignored it and didn’t pay much attention to it. The gentlemen looked at me as I walked around the store. I went to the wigs section and proceeded to try one on. He then told me I could not try on a wig unless I bought it. I said okay and handed him back the wig. I walked around the store and he followed me to every section I went to. Approximately five minutes after following me he then told me to get out. Shocked I asked why. He then told me again to get out. I then again asked why and proceeded to state that there is no reason to kick me out. After going back and forth with him for about another five minutes I left the store. As I walked out the store it hit me. I had been racially profiled and kicked out of a store because of the color of my skin. I have been in the store several times and each time he followed me. When people of other races enter the store they are not followed at all. And I have also been in the store as other people who are not African American tried on wigs and were not told to take them off.  As this very fact hit me, it nearly brought tears to my eyes. Anyone who knows me know that I am a pretty strong person but this is a tough pill to swallow. To know that you are not treated with decency and respect because of the color of your skin is very disheartening. As I left the establishment and came back home I sat and thought. I’m upset because I got kicked out of a store but what about my ancestors that were brutally beaten and killed? What about during the civil rights movement when my ancestors were tear gased and beaten? Instantly I erased my hurt and turned it into strength. I realized that I have no control over how others treat me, but I only have control of how I react to it. This man and NO ONE will ever break me down like that again. I am aware that I will be treated like this again at some point in my life but I will not let it affect me negatively. It will strengthen me and build me up. I will continue to prosper and grow despite what racism throws at me. I wanted to post this to inform you. Racism does exist. Do not stay blinded and think that everyone has good intentions because they don’t. Be informed and be careful. Do not let how others treat you tear you down. Let it strengthen you and help you grow and prosper into the person you are meant to be. 

Peace and Blessings, 

Shaniqua 

The Simple Things

Good Evening,

Often times in life we get so busy with work, school, and children, we hardly take the time to be appreciative of the things that we have. From the large items such as a home and vehicle to the simple things such as the opportunity to watch a television show or read a book  are often taken for granted. Always be appreciative of the things you have because you never know when its your time to go to glory, and just like you earned all those material items, they can also be taken away. Value things that money cannot buy such as love, peace, and happiness. Money cannot bring those things to you. Material things can only bring temporary happiness, but only god and yourself can ultimately bring those things to you. And always remember, while your here complaining about the things that you don’t have, their are millions of people that don’t have as much as you. While you complain about the one room studio apartment that you reside in, someone out there is sleeping in a box. While you complain about whats for dinner, there is someone out there whose stomach is bloated from hunger. Be thankful and count your blessings.

Peace and Blessings,

Shaniqua

Safe Haven

Good Evening,

We have encountered yet another disturbing tragedy. News anchors Alison Parker and Adam Ward were killed in broad daylight and the whole scene was filmed. It seems as if everyday a new tragedy has arisen. But, what really worries me is that these tragedies are no longer among natural disasters such as hurricanes and tsunami’s. They are increasingly becoming among us as a human race. Whether it is black on white, black on black, or green on purple, we are killing each other.  The shooters name is Bryan Williams and after he shot the two journalist, he shot himself. He was a lost soul who felt the need to take the lives of others and take his as well. Where are we safe? We are no longer safe in the house of the almighty, we are not safe in our place of employment and sad to say, we are not even safe in our homes. From the bottom of my heart, pray stay safe and keep those families in your prayers.

Peace and Blessings,

Shaniqua

Media Usage

Good Morning, 

It was brought to my attention that the ex subway spokesman Jared Fogle did not deserve the same scrutiny as legend Bill Cosby because he admitted to his crime and he is getting charged and he took a plea deal. Well, let me first say that I am not condoning anyone’s behavior in this post. I am merely voicing an opinion on why they both deserve the same amount of media scrutiny which I personally know Fogle will not receive. Initially I want to point out the wrongdoings of each individual. Bill Cosby is being accused of drugging and having sex with multiple women. Jared Fogle is guilty of having consensual sex with minors aka children. Bill Cosby is a man who has accomplished great things and while what he did was wrong, he is not having sex with children. He received so much media scrutiny that his legendary career is now tarnished forever. While Jared  Fogle accomplished a great thing losing a tremendous amount of weight by eating subway, he committed a haneous crime and it barely becomes a story. No one sees anything wrong with this picture? You mean to tell me having sex with the innocent is less of a crime then having sex with grown adults? No it is not. They are both crimes and Jared Fogle should be under the moral spotlight just like Bill Cosby. But, as I mentioned it will not happened. Why do you think that he won’t receive it? Well, I have a answer in mind but I will let you stew on the thought of that question. 

Peace and Blessings, 

Shaniqua 

Creativity

Good Evening, 

Everyone has something that they are particularly good at. Whether it is singing or dancing or some other talent, everyone can do something. So, tonight I encourage everyone to find there creative nitch and explore it. Having a creative mind is how multi million dollar corporations are started along with a passion for it. Being creative is also a great way to relieve stress. By exploring your creative talents even if it is just a mere hobby, can take your mind off of the stress that you may have at work, home, school, and just life In general. Exploring your talents can also take your income to heights you never imagined. If you are amazing at something for example drawing, you can get paid a large amount of money to draw for people and do something that you love at the same time. And while this post is not about money because money isn’t everything, it more about seeing where your passion can take you. If you draw show it to some of your peers and get there feed back. If you are athletic and play a sport then join your local team and train harder and push yourself. If you cook exceptionally well then look up some more difficult recipes and make them. Learn more about the art of food. Don’t be afraid to explore and see where it takes you. 

Peace and Blessings,

Shaniqua 

Fashion Tips

Good Morning,

Today I want to share some fashion tips and some of the new trends that have been happening with the summer coming to an unfortunate end. Some things that I have noticed that is currently in is patterns. If you do choose to wear a pattern then you need to compliment it with a solid color. So, ladies if you have a black and white striped skirt then I suggest you compliment it with a solid white shirt. Men, I don’t really think patterned tops are for every man but if you do choose to then compliment it with a solid colored bottom. Not there is anything wrong with the colors black, white, and gray, but I myself try to keep it out of my wardrobe. Colors help bring out people of color (such as myself) and personally it adds to my personality. They are such bland colors that it is sometimes difficult to accessorize them and turn them into your own. The upside to black is that is does go with everything so for men suggest having at least one pair of black slacks in your wardrobe. With that being said. Men, a nice tailored suit is one of the few ways to a woman’s heart! Having a nice tailored suits let women know that you actually care how you look. You care how others see you and that is  major turn on. For my women, have a variety of things in your closet. Our mood changed by the day and most of the time we have no clue what we actually want to wear. Having only a certain type of clothing does not help your cause either. Change it up sometimes. Have a pair of pumps and sneakers in your closet. Have a leather and jean jacket in your closet. Form your own personal style ad stick to it. Accessorizing; ladies and gentlemen I cannot express how important accessorizing is. For my ladies scarf, hats, belts, and jewelry is our best friend. For my gentlemen, scarfs, watches and ties is your best friend. Its adds to your outfit and really sets it off. As the season moves along I will share some more tips with you so stay tuned!

Peace and Blessings,

Shaniqua