Success in 2007 - Thank You

As the year is coming to an end I wanted to take a moment to reflect on some of the reasons why I have had a successful and prosperous year. I would love to say it was merely my efforts and quality of my writing that has grown all my blogs and M V Consulting, Inc. But to say that would be a lie.

In the past year I have spoken with, read blogs and articles by, and debated with multiple bloggers, programmers, graphic artists, lawyers, friends and associates. It is because of this multitude of people I have had the ideas, and comments I have shared with you all, and it has shaped in part or in whole the look of all my sites. I can only hope I will always be aware enough to pay attention to such good advice and insight, and thus provide the caliber of posts you have all come to expect.

In particular there are several that stand out and I want to thank directly. I invite you to review their sites and blogs as well.

Top blogs

http://www.Buzzologysurveys.blogspot.com – A long time supporter of my blogs and efforts. I’m always happy to work with this blogger.

http://caseylartigue.blogspot.com - One of the bloggers that joined me in the TV One sponsored live commentary on the Heartland Presidential Forum.

http://www.polichicksonline.com - Another of the bloggers that joined me in the TV One sponsored live commentary on the Heartland Presidential Forum.

http://www.africanamericanopinion.com – A site I cross-blog at that also occasionally provides me thoughts to post on. Filled with multiple views that cross the spectrum.

http://www.1800blogger.com – I am a contributing author to multiple blogs here and work closely with this company.

Sites

http://www.tvoneonline.com/presidentialforum.asp - TV One selected my blog and several other bloggers to comment live on the Heartland Presidential Forum. You can see the Forum at this site, and also get to view the 5 bloggers invited to be involved in this event.

http://www.theaddesignguys.com - Graphic Design Services – My graphic designer, who takes my jumbled ideas and turns them into the polished t-shirt, mug, Teddy bear, and site graphics you see.

http://www.authorsontheweb.com – They selected my blog to review the Robin Roberts book, From the Heart, and worked with me in providing my first give away contest.

http://www.prweb.com – The media outlet that I use to distribute my press releases. Affordable, and effective in reaching the world.

http://www.cafepress.com – The basis on which my online store functions. Making it possible for even new entrepreneurs to be in business for themselves.

Guest Writers and Friends

Each of these individuals has helped me consistently provide quality posts. Several have directly or indirectly created posts found at Black Entertainment USA or Vass

Michael H.

Audrey B.

Claudia M.

Jennifer V.

Special note

Mr. Malik Shabazz – the attorney for Ms. Megan Williams in West Virginia. I’ve spoken with him several times, and supported his efforts at the rally to draw national attention to the horrendous kidnapping, torture, and rape of Ms. Williams.

It is in part due to the efforts and help of the above mentioned sites and people that I have been able to have the success that 2007 has been. I look forward to continuing the relationships I have, and growing to include others in 2008.

To those I have mentioned, and most importantly you my readers, I say thank you. None of my efforts would matter with out you.

Say What????? - 4.17.2207.1

By guest author Audrey B.

The recent statement and subsequent firing of Imus brings to light a major issue. Are women, particularly black women, getting the respect they deserve? The young ladies at Rutgers certainly did not deserve the derogatory statement from Imus. What he said was not only insulting to African American women but to all women. These are young ladies who are in pursuit of higher education and also athletics. It takes a great deal of talent and intelligence to manage both a college schedule and an athletic schedule. These are women who have made a conscientious choice to do something positive with their lives, and yet a disc jockey thinks that he could use his freedom of speech to degrade them.

I have heard theories that he is a racist. I have heard another theory that he forgot his race for a moment. He thought that he had the ability to talk about African-American women as though he was part of the race.

Let’s explore the second theory. Why would it be acceptable to call young ladies “Nappy-headed Hoes”? When would it be acceptable? Would it be more acceptable if these were sisters shaking it on a rap video? Would it have been more acceptable if Imus was a rapper?

I say it is never acceptable. Women and men must be respected regardless of race, color, religion, or culture. This brings me to the whole of issue rappers. It is never acceptable to refer to women as B……. and Who………
All of us were given life and delivered into this world by a woman. It makes you wonder, would these individuals care if someone was calling their mother or grandmother by the terms above?

As women we can not allow this degradation to continue. We must teach out daughters, sisters, nieces etc that they are precious jewels and always deserve to conduct themselves with respect and be treated respectfully. Our ancestors fought hard to ensure that we receive that respect. We must therefore uphold that respect.

Audrey B.
CEO of FLY-Fostering Leadership in You