"Meeting Miss Jeffonia Jones and Her Mission For Fathers and Youth"

Haven't had enough of the happenings and dream chasers in Indiana? I've brought you another leader in-the- making focusing on changing and improving the community! We are unaware as to how much strength we possess and how much of an impact we can have on someone. We are given gifts, talents, and missions, and while some of us choose other paths, some of us keep it moving to the top. With the number of images, depictions, and examples we have of women and what is perceived as female role models in the media, we tend to overlook our female movement makers that focus on other people and the community. Below, is an interview between myself and the 24 year old hard-working, Miss Jeffonia Patrice Jones who was born and raised in South Bend, Indiana on the East side...“East Up ‘Til Yo Lease Up” (Miss Jones).

"What's your field of Study?":
 "I recently graduated from Ivy Tech Community College on May 9, 2014 with an Associate Degree in Human Services with a concentration in Youth Development. I also graduated from the 100 Black Men of Greater South Bend’s Michiana Diversity Leadership Initiative (MDLI) program on July 10th, 2014. I’m currently enrolled at Indiana University of South Bend to pursue my Bachelor degree in Social Work."

"What and who are some of your inspirations?": "What inspires me!? Hmmmm….good question! I would have to say my daughter, Sammyra Cortez Thomas, is my biggest inspiration. But to add to that, the youth and young men of this generation are one of my inspirations. Being a great mother and making sure my child and other children in this community grow up in a healthy environment, with a positive role model is my main priority. Knowing that we are constantly losing young men to drugs, street gangs, prison, and worse…the cemetery makes me go even harder to try to make a difference in my community."

"Is there a certain/fav. quote you live by?": "My favorite quote I live by is more like a scripture. “For we walk by FAITH, and NOT by sight", 2 Corinthians 5:7. Everything that I do and things that I've accomplished are solely based off faith. Even at times when it seems like or I’m not so certain that things may go my way and work in my favor, I always take a leap out on faith.

 "Please explain and offer information on your most recent event you held in the city and what influenced your idea for the event": "My most recent event I held in South Bend, IN was the Fathers First Picnic.  I, along with two others, formed and founded an organization called Fathers First Group. The picnic is an annual event for FATHERS ONLY that my team and I will put on every year to give the fathers a chance to spend a day of fun for FREE with their kids. At this picnic we provided the fathers and their children with FREE nail art, FREE haircuts, FREE foods, and resourceful informational booths. We were also able to take a few fathers and their children to Four Winds Field to watch a free Silverhawks baseball game, which was even cooler because for some that was their FIRST time ever being at a baseball game. Being able to share that experience with the children and their fathers was priceless. Fathers First Group was formed after many conversations about today's’ fathers, the roles they play in the family and/or community, and the fact that there aren't any fathers’ organizations in our city to help re-establish them into their child and family lives. I've always had a passion for redirecting and helping the males in our community to be better role models and community leaders. The original idea about father awareness came from a research question I was assigned in my internship class asking, 'What is a problem we see in the Human Service field?' Obviously, I noticed that there weren't any programs in our community to support fathers, but more than enough to support mothers. After listening to a friend’s testimony about the obstacles he has to face with being a single father just pushed me even more to raise awareness for fathers in our community."

 "As a parent what image or example (that you have provided) would you like your child/ren to remember the most upon their entrance into young womanhood??": "As a mother, I would like my daughter to always remain a strong, intelligent, African-American woman and remember that any goal worth reaching will not be easy. Funny thing is I actually shared my passion about helping young men to someone of religious power and this person tried to convince me that I wouldn't be successful because I’m a woman and no man will listen to or follow a woman and suggested that I put together ANOTHER young women group. They also stated that I would need a man with the same passion and be his ASSISTANT. People will not always support your passion and idea even if it’s worth it. There are many more obstacles I had to face to get where I am today, including being a young mother struggling to get through college, work, transitioning into adulthood, and most of all…getting to know myself. Patience is key, and walking by faith is the best advice I can give my daughter to remember." Hash-tag..."SuperMom" (just in case you couldn't tell).

"Being a businesswoman and parent requires dedication and time, but what are some things you enjoy doing in your free-time??":"One of my guilty pleasures is reality TV. I think I am a reality TV junkie. I watch anything from "Cake Boss" to "Bring It" to "RuPaul's Drag Race" to "Love & Hip Hop". I mean…I literally have my schedule down pack when it comes to TV shows. I feel bad because it detracts me from getting a lot of things done when needed like homework, which causes me to be pressured to meet deadlines! But I’m happy to say I’m getting better with that…. I THINK!!"

"What is your biggest goal? And do you feel you are close to attaining it??": "My biggest goal is to be a respectable leader in my community and actually make a difference. I believe I’m getting closer because within this last year I was able to be in the presence of many community leaders who I feel I made a great impression on. I still have a while to go to be able to fill their shoes though, but being able to get leadership advice is the greatest gift I could have received this far."

"What, in your opinion, is one of our biggest challenges in the community and how are you/would you approach it??" "I believe that one of our biggest challenges in the community is practicing what we, as adults, preach. After the number of criminal activities that have been going on in our community with the youth, I just feel we HAVE TO do better. The lack of respect, education, and fathers in the community is sad. As we know, the youth look up to us adults, and if we’re not respecting each other or seeking revenge on others, can we really be disappointed in the direction that our children are going in!? Think about it…Food for thought!"

Jeffonia Jones, is just one of the handful of sisters, women, and people striving to get a hold of her dreams as well as continuing to create change. Support her and her movement!

"Meeting with Mac-Man, Learning About His Music, and Fashion Designing It With Kevin Colston"

Popping up in the blog world to check in and show off more fellow dream chasers striving to meet their goals and find comfort in the reality of their dreams. In this blog interview, I'm peeping out more people from my hometown working on music, and then making my way to Detroit to hop into the fashion department. I don't think you all are aware of what Indiana has to offer, but it's a lot! First up is "Mac" who I linked up with to discuss some of his music. Mark Dixon II (or "Mac") is a 23-yr.-old native from South Bend, Indiana, who is usually missing in action-due to keeping a low profile- until given a microphone and a stage.

Mac dropped his first song his freshman year and has been working with local artists including  Bosstype, City B, Marlo, Swisher Jones, Bino Cannon, Zig Da Kidd, Wally West, B.East, and Heyzues since. He has also performed for the mix-tape release and show for "East Meets West" (Wally West and B. East), and plans to have his own show after he attracts more fans. After learning about some of the artists he's worked with, I asked Mac what type of crowds his music attracts, and he replied,"People who like conscious rap, hip-hop heads...I'm not really sure. I get new types of fans with every song. A lot are unexpected. I hope to get all different types though". 

After inquiring as to what his dream was, Mac replied, "I'm gonna say making music is apart of my dream. My dream is to get  as many people to understand me as best as I can. Music is just my favorite way to do that." He seeks inspiration from his encounters with people and uses them to his advantage-whether positive or negative.  As far as the industry goes, I asked Mac his opinion on talent, status, and materialism and how it relates to the music industry..."Umm...I think its really all opinionated. People like what they like. And if you wanna make it, you have to get people to like you. Or just do what you do in hopes that people will like you. When it comes to the music industry, people will even have an opinion on what they think talent is. They will have an opinion on what status is, and they'll have an opinion on who has more or less. It's not like sports where there is a proven winner and loser...Materialism is sadly what 80% of the industry today is made up of. You might even be able to say the word in that sentence." Mac is still making moves and is continuously working on ways to express his messages through his music. Check out some of his work:

 https://soundcloud.com/macdilla410/m-a-c-codiene-cups

*****

With so much working going on back home, I've been trying to reach out and check out my friends in other parts of the world, so I caught up with my part-time friend, Kevin Colston- the creator of the clothing line, Loud Pipes- to see how his line is coming along. Kevin, 25, is working to be a millionaire by 35 and have his bachelor's degree in Engineering by 30. Alongside focusing on his studies, he's been tending to his clothing line, Loud Pipes. Kevin says, "I've been working on my clothing line for about a year now. Honestly, something just came to me one day and put this burning feeling into me just to do something. I would've never guessed that it’d be designing clothes". After asking where he got the name "Loud Pipes" from, he responded "The “Loud Pipes” name was something I made up one day on the line working at Nissan. I was talking to my home girl Brooke (one of my other inspirations) about cars and I was talking about making shirts. So I asked her what she thought about the “Loud Pipes” name and ever since then it’s been a wrap." 

Kevin isn't focusing on one specific type of art, but he is more focused on assuring he creates a line that people will take an interest in and love. The Loud Pipes logo is definitely an eye-catcher and I wanted to know where the idea came from, so I dug deeper into my inquiries to figure that out. "The logo was something I just thought of after I came up with the name. That's where the headphones with pipes came from. But I had this amazing artist, Mike Mass, who brought my vision to life. He captured exactly what I was thinking in my head. Shout out to him for that". When not in his books, spending time with his family and fashionista girlfriend (who owns her own clothing store), or working on the clothing line, Kevin is working on creating a non-profit organization that specializes in math tutoring. Fancy guy, huh? He's AIGHT. Kevin also opens up to share some of his inspirations with me: "One of my inspirations is my past. Its times I failed (in my eyes) that hurt me bad and gave me low self-esteem. I don’t want to be back in that position ever. Another of my inspirations is my girlfriend. Her ambition, her drive, the intellect that she brings to our relationship inspires me to do better for myself and us as well. To have a woman that’s so supportive is a plus to all aspects of my life." 

When in the fashion industry, there are a multitude of opinions and preferences, so I asked Kevin if he was concerned about the type of image his clothes may portray in relation to stereotypes, and he stated, "Honestly, I could care less about the stereotypes...because regardless of who you are or what you do you will always be stereotyped in some form or fashion. I’m all for the people. If they love it (which I think they will) then that’s all that matters to me. It’s not like I’m putting guns and drugs on my line. It’s far from that. Honestly, I think it’s more of a race thing.  And that’s for any race. White people see us dressing “urban”, and they automatically assume the worst about us. Like if we see white people dressing “urban” we say “they’re trying to be black” or they’re "dressing black”. It goes the same for blacks on blacks. If we see blacks dressing “preppy” or talking “white” we say “oh they’re trying to be white” or “look at that Oreo”. I think style contributes a lot to the media and status is society. Perfect example, in President Obama’s first term, I remember him throwing out the first pitch at a White Sox game and the media had the nerve to say “Why didn't he wear baggy pants?” “Why is he wearing straight leg pants?” That goes to show that no matter who you are the media will talk about the clothes you wear. It’s sad really. But my clothing will be more urban and “upscale urban”.  

I took an interest in his response because although not all African American/Black persons think this way (and possibly not all Caucasian/White persons either), he spoke truth in his statement in how we perceive one another because of our apparel selection...which some of us need to work on. We switch back into focus towards his clothing line and he lets me know that the Loud Pipes website will be up within the next 6 months, and although he has been focusing only on men's clothing, he is working on women's and children's clothing as well. Although working independently, Kevin will be forming a small group dedicated to the Loud Pipes clothing line in the near future.  I then asked Kevin about any upcoming news for Loud Pipes, and he said "Yea just watch out for it because it’s going to hit hard and keep hitting until we knock out the competition." So, on that note, keep your eyes open!

Here is a link to the Loud Pipes Facebook page: Loud Pipes

				Loud Pipes Cars, Clothes, Bikes, Entertainment
				View on www.facebook.com	Preview by Yahoo

"Nina Simone's 'Four Women'"

     May I just intrude everyone's life right now and scold a huge percentage of you for not allowing your ears to experience the brutal and impeccably beautiful talent of a group of women that possess a ridiculous amount of soul? I'm doing it anyway. If you're not aware of Nina Simone, I deeply suggest you reevaluate your music life!!! We have been graced with singers from previous decades that tell better stories through their songs than stories told around a fire like Etta James, Bessie Smith, Patti Paige, Josephine Baker, Doris Day, Billie Holiday, Anita Baker, and of course, Nina Simone (JUST TO MENTION A FEW...don't get too rowdy)! Anyway, I'd been brought up on songs before and during my time from every genre, and Nina Simone was one of the few soul artists who forcefully made room for themselves to be situated in every one of my playlists. Some years prior, I'd been introduced to Nina Simone's "Four Women". "Four Women" told the stories of four different women with different backgrounds. Different and deep enough to put a lump in your throat. These women varied in complexion, hair type and texture, feel, emotion, and tale, but they were African American...and they were WOMEN...sisters even. They contributed to the realities of the past as well as the present, and if you listen closely and open your mind to the living of another sister, you may meet them.

     In 2011, Nina Simone made her way back into my soul when Ledisi (way too underrated), Jill Scott (LOVE Jill...yyasssss), Marsha Ambrosius (Marsha! Marsha! Marsha!), and Kelly Price (!!!!) ANNIHILATED the stage after performing Simone's "Four Women" at the Black Girls Rock Awards.

 They didn't just perform; they LIVED the stories that belonged to those women Nina shared. Since that performance, life has never been the same...and I'm not celebrity crazy, but this will do it to you. We are cheated in classrooms when it comes to history...when it comes to the realities of brutality and injustice, struggle, beauty, and image. "Four Women" offers some of what those edited books do not. It's not likely that everyone will understand and feel the depth of this song...or performance, but it is fulfilling. It is blunt. It is strong. It is real...and beautiful...and amazing. I try to listen to this song everyday before I start my day or when I am winding down because...I have to. It is my reminder. Plus, with Kelly, Ledisi, Jill, and Marsha, you'd be a mess to skip a track of theirs. All beautifully talented. All beautiful. Anyway, I've posted the video below just in case you're a "Four Women" virgin!

SN: I still love you Amy and Adele!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nf9Bj1CXPH8 (Nina Simone performance)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_ilDi2L8mw (Kelly Price, Marsha Ambrosius, Jill Scott, and Ledisi performance)

 Enjoyyiiieeeee.

With Realness,

B. Elae
8/18/2014

"The Woman, and Her 'Whitest-Black guy' Boyfriend"

Heeeyy (quick wave):

I am blogging in to share an experience I encountered earlier yesterday while I was simply trying to pick out the perfect brand of (costly) pretzels that the health articles boast about. They're delish by the way! Different flavors and all-uh-that! Anyway ---> I was in the grocery store sorting through the various pretzel brands and flavors ( a.k.a pretzel probs), and I asked another woman in the same aisle if she'd tried these pretzels I was checking out. The woman and I were having a nice conversation about healthy eating...and then, she continued with: "My boyfriend makes sure we all eat healthy. I'm telling you (laughs)! He is the Whitest Black guy you will meet. He's not like them. I mean he eats healthy, dresses nice..." By the time she'd hit "dresses nice", I was in a whole different state of mind and thought. It's interesting...what people say...not knowing what or how they say it...in any situation...AND not being aware of the type of response they could receive.

THAT'S THE ONE OF THE PROBLEMS: People not knowing (or not caring) what they say, how they say it, and how it makes them look when it relates to negative stereotypes directed towards certain races, ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientation, religions, practices, generalizations, etcetera. To make this easier, the problem is-still- the MINDSET and the AUDACITY of persons to believe their negative mindsets and verbal responses via stereotypes are applicable to every individual they encounter, AND the audacity of persons to accept stereotypes and generalizations stemmed from negativity that are given unto them. I can even chop it down more: THE AUDACITY. The audacity for this woman to totally throw our simple (and fun) conversation down the drain with the nerve she possessed to be comfortable enough to tell a stranger that could possibly be of the same race as her "whitest Black guy boyfriend" that he was not like "them". "Them" as in the rest of the males of the same or similar African American/Black race. She had it WRONG. As my facial expression changed and my smile dropped like someone had just asked me if my eyes were "real" (UUUUUUUGHH -_-), I contemplated my options for response: 

1.) Game face...and address her, but put the pretzel bags down because she'll probably get offended and too rowdy and feel herself too much.. and end up landing face down? Nah, that's already how people expect me/us to react.

2.) Laugh it off, grab my pretzels, and go? NO...too easy.

3.) Let it slide...today...because I'm hungry and I JUST got off of work? Something too consider, but NO.

4.).......COMPLETELY POP OFF??!!! AND Check her about that hot mess of an outfit she had on while force-feeding her these "healthy" ass pretzels... And then ask for forgiveness later?   YEP!!!! Jk, jk, jk!

Realty set back in...and I found myself staring at her-an "I-know-you-did-not-just-let-those-words-slide-out-of-your-mouth-in-this-empty-aisle" death look. She finished her laugh and started walking. "Right, because 'them' Black guys all are the same, huh? ." I wasn't finished. I contemplated approaching her again and offering her my FULL response, but in situations similar to these, you need more time...because emotions often create the craziest word vomits and actions ever, and I wanted to walk away still holding onto my maturity, my snacks (yaasss), and representing my belief in knowing that not every person is the same. I felt like I hadn't done enough. I wanted to check her so much more. I wanted to check the whole store, at this point. But, really, what I'd stated was enough for the circumstances of the situation. I wish I could have yelled it, honestly. I wish I could have told her how pathetic and pitiful her words were. I wish I could have told her how susceptible she was, and how dating her "Black" man doesn't grant her the right to categorize the rest of them. WHO ARE YOU? How dare you. How BASIC of you...but I hit that one line that could grab everything I'd wanted to say and do enough...for the time being. Did it do enough? Did she get it? I wouldn't doubt it if she didn't. Do YOU GET IT? 

It's bad enough some of our negative thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, and treatment towards others are based off of the opinions of someone else and not our own, but take some moments to control your own mind, and take the time to pick out appropriate responses and learn about something! It's a pity how pliant we are when it comes to accepting attitudes towards other people unlike us without actually taking the time to know them or see them. So many faults in that. And have we REALLY made it okay to accept things like this when it's NOT okay...but it's portrayed to be in many instances. I could have easily asked her, "Have you slept with every Black man to know how the rest of them are?" 

 You may feel like I didn't do enough...and a nice handful of you that KNOW me know my responses for issues I am passionate about -including this one- consist of far more than a "one hitter quitter" response....but I've been learning about choosing situations that need in-depth responses, and those that don't. Plus, I was on the verge of reacting differently, so I needed to spew out the cleanest response I could offer at that moment. Seeing and reading the responses from some of my friends after I shared the woman's remarks with them was welcoming though: A "Bish Whet??" from Vicky; a " So Black guys don't eat healthy??" from 'Randa; a "0 too 100 real quick" from Noah' and a "-_-" from BJ. I won't tell you how the Mom reacted! Too exclusive.

BUT, I'm learning how to decipher which situations need a lecture and when one line does justice even when it doesn't feel like it does. The woman's remarks aren't uncommon, and that bothers me that multiple people carry that minuscule mindset. It's unfortunate negative stereotypes are still given a place to position themselves because we grant them permission. So, to the woman I spoke with in the store today, if you ever come across this blog or any blog closely related to this one, I hope you know you have some mental remodeling to do. I hope you can better practice your word selections, and understand you're no different than any other robot walking this Earth that possesses that same vexatious,vile, FEEBLE, and sad mindset. She is just a reminder that there is work that still needs to be done with the molding of all of our minds. Think better, do better.

With Realness,

B. Elae

"Facebook Challengers"

Dear "Challengers":

For some weeks, my timeline (from time to time) has been occupied with various short videos entailing humans setting themselves on fire, choking out another human, throwing boiling water on someone, and eating Vaseline. I must say, BRAVO! While you're striving to receive "likes" and "shares" on social networks, acknowledgement, and more friends, you're also marking your territory in the stereotypical images department for your generation...AND displaying how willing you are to put your safety at risk for people that probably wouldn't join, help, or know how to save you if they were with you during your adventurous and heroic stunt. While you're just "having fun" because you're bored (or extremely eager to start a new trend), you're also demonstrating what little self-love and creativity you have for yourself. Your "Bad-ass card" has been revoked. I assure you that some of you are unaware of the criminal charges you could receive for those tag team pass-out challenges (eheem.. manslaughter)? Or maybe you don't care. Either way, don't drop the soap and prepare for some clothes you'll be wearing for some time while reminiscing about how fortunate you were to have had your family and freedom, and someone to buy your clothes and materialistic items for you! Then you'll be looking like this:

..... While living in a place like this: 

Fire challenge friends, how about those burns and medical bills that you probably can't pay for? Someone else probably has to pay for your careless choice, huh?

You're taking up time in the E.R while someone, somewhere, with a stray bullet wound could be fighting for their last breathe, or someone who is losing the battle to a deadly disease is willing to give anything to be able to LIVE their life. And you, well you, you CHOSE your injury.What about the inconsideration towards the person taking care of you and those bills that are gonna be pretty costly? No, no, here's one: What about your life? No? Not too important? Okay. Setting yourself on fire could also be perceived as attempted suicide (arguable) which would, then, deem you as unstable and could get you sent off (which leads to more bills you probably don't pay) and, also, limited freedom. Have you smelled burning flesh before?

No? Well, it's foul. Perhaps you are unable to reach that shower head to rinse off and your home catches on fire, taking the lives of others, but you live? But you're not thinking about that..because you need the "likes". Yes, the "likes". Those "likes" of so many people that sit and view your short video, but wouldn't join you. The "likes" and "shares" of people that state how much of a follower you are while they laugh at you. OH Most importantly, you're doing exactly what someone wants you to do: killing yourself off...so they don't have to, of course. You're now one less individual to pay mind to because you are no longer perceived as anyone of importance or viewed as capable of creating positive change. Because they don't have to worry about you. You're feeding into the stereotypes people have towards your generation, and you're displaying to a numerous amount of people that you aren't a leader. That you're susceptible and willing to seek attention by any means. That you're willing to give someone else your life because you don't value it! Is it really that necessary?

I didn't think so either...

Google Image                                    

With Realness, 

B. Elae
8/2/14

Image Links:

Http://www.google.com
http://www.mkwhy.com/top-10-ways-to-survive-prison/
http://uvahealth.com/services/plastic-surgery/conditions-treatments/22574
http://www.funnyjunk.com/funny_pictures/1464934/EXTREME/

"Memes That Fail..." B. Elae

We get it...memes, e-cards, and images with remarks that obtain obscenities, racial and gender remarks ( and etc), and other captions with images that intentionally seek mixed responses (similar to PETA ads except these images aren't attempting to "convince" their viewers to refrain from eating and wearing animals. These images are for giggles. For "likes", for "shares", for expressing our emotions without verbally expressing them, and for "reactions". But in some instances, these images do more than cross the boundaries of being disrespectful and inconsiderate. Here, I will share these "award winning" images edited to receive the responses some of you may possess after viewing them. Unfortunately, sharing these photos will increase the views which, sort-of-kind-of feeds into their desire for acknowledgement (bummmerrr), but it's important to address photos similar to these because of the number of individuals making light of situations and not focusing on how they are offensive.  Mmmmhhhhmmm!

Downy has NEVER looked better! -_- Why? Because instead of using the original image, someone thought it'd be hilarious to paste a picture of someone with Down Syndrome on the front of the label of the detergent bottle. I surfed the 'net for this image and found it on a website where I viewed some of the responses to the image. It was interesting seeing how many people thought this was funny, how some people were going to "share" it on Facebook, how many people did not understand the "joke", and how mane people were upset that this was done (1 person). Of course, in comes the "Oh, it was a joke"/"Lighten up"/"Stop being so uptight" remarks, but I'm fine with that...because laughing at the expense of someone else isn't something I seek time to do or agree with. This "joke" has the ability to affect a numerous amount of individuals dealing with Down Syndrome, individuals related to people with Down Syndrome, and anyone that seeks the right to accept and acknowledge beautiful people who possess anything remotely "different than" what society deems as "normal" from the physical and mental aspect. Because this image reiterates the possibility of making someone with DS feel as if they are significant, only, when they are the center of a "joke". Because posting things like this makes it okay and easier for it happen again...with anyone. This "funny" meme takes an L and a seat (throws chair).

Our runner up: The Cotton Meme
This will be brief. It's foul enough our history books and courses leave out (or edit) some of the actual events, figures, and changes that have taken place. Yeah, I  just went there. It's insane that many minds are fed information in reference to history and don't inquire about or respect things that have occurred, but I'm certain all of us (if not all...a nice number) are familiar with slavery. You know slavery, right? Where humans are under the possession of someone else and are forced to work (with extra cupcake sprinkles of other duties) while dealing with limitations, inequalities, and unjust actions? Yeah, that. Maybe that will help with understanding how this meme is also offensive. We laugh and take it lightly-forgetting (or not really caring) that pickin' cotton  actually existed as a form labor for individuals of a certain race. And the kid's face (in the front) makes the meme even more comical, but what about the history behind the image? Although we may not know the exact races of every young person in the image, could the caption in the meme not only make light of slavery and forced labor, but also speak about the perceptions made about the intelligence towards people of the African and African American/Black race/culture? Perhaps, this will be my fault for bringing up these images and sharing the issues? Maybe I'm over-reacting or not "letting go" of the past, but I won't. Had there been an image making light of eugenics, the Holocaust, the kidnappings of children, the mistreatment of Native Americans...or anything else, I'd be just as serious...because it IS serious. Take another L meme-team. Make your memes, but make them with consideration.

With Realness, 

B. Elae

"Hoosier Interviews with Alexaundria Monroe and Mark White!"

I'm so excited to discuss the number of people that are actually working towards their dreams and wanting to create a positive impact in this wild world. The media loves keeping people like us under wraps, and we seldom see people working for change because clouds of negativity sit and follow us daily. I love learning about other people and sharing their steps-to-success stories while fighting back my own clouds. My fighters this week are, again, fellow Indiana Hoosiers. I could throw out 7 handfuls of people from my city doing things, but one day at a time, folks. Alexaundria Monroe, is the first friend and model I have been fortunate enough to interview! Although she and I spent some years growing up together, I stepped onto her runway to learn about what she is up to! Alexaundria Monroe, (Alex or "AG") from South Bend, Indiana is a Mommy, daughter, wife, lead infant teacher at a nursery in Indianapolis, Indiana, and an up and coming model. In May of 2014, Alex graduated from Indiana University Purdue University-Indianapolis (IUPUI) with her Bachelor's in General Studies and a concentration in Social and Behavioral Studies.

Although those who are somewhat familiar with Alex are familiar with her basketball history, she's sharing her modeling aspirations with the world! When I asked Alex how long she'd be modeling for, she replied "I have wanted to model for as long as I could remember. My mother and I would practice my runway walk in our living room, and she would critique me and give me constructive pointers that I could use to better my walk. As time went on, I won Miss Michiana 2005 Pageant. Later, I tried out for America’s Next Top Model back in 2010. When I did not make the cut, I got discouraged and chose to focus on finishing my degree and being a great mother. I figured that once my child was older, and I had a little better focus after I graduated that I could pick it back up and continue where I left off and also, get better. I watch a lot of high end fashion shows for pointers and trends in modeling and in runway walking and that helps me to develop as my own brand. I take what I have learned and make it my own. Every model must have a signature walk and presence about her, and I feel that mine definitely defines who I am. " After learning about various signatures walks and struts, I grew curious and asked Alex if she switched roles or egos when on the runway. "I definitely have an alter ego when I’m on the runway!" Alex stated. "The name was actually given to me by my mother-in-law at my very first fashion show in Indianapolis. Her name is Alexa!! She is sexy, sophisticated and brings fire to the stage in every twist, turn and pose. She IS fierce!" HEYYYYYYYY Alexa, girl! Modeling has a history of displaying various fashions, events, and skin! Alex states that she is going for the "classy yet sassy" model image.

She makes her decisions about what she will model in based on how comfortable she is in reference to the exposure of her body. Having overcome self-image insecurities because of people that passed judgement on her skin complexion and society's skin color ideals ( ugh, don't get me started), Alex feels more comfortable than ever in her very own skin. "I feel that no matter the age, size or build that anyone can model as long as they have the proper training. I mean think about it, the average woman is not walking around looking like Chanel Iman or the average male, Tyson Beckford. The image of modeling is not made to be realistic in my opinion, but that will not discourage me anymore from doing it because modeling is my passion"(Alex Monroe).


After, I asked Alex to fill me in on some of her inspirations and reasons she decided to pursue her goals. Alex replied, "My inspirations vary. I am inspired by my parents, mainly my mother for showing me how to be a strong woman and to always do what I believe in and to never give up, ultimately for supporting all my endeavors and also for teaching me how to be a great mother for my children and wife to my husband. I am inspired by my children because they are blessings from GOD. Through them, he forces me to be a better person and to remember that they are always watching me; therefore I need to always be setting a great example for them to follow. Lastly, I am inspired by my husband, Jaimes Monroe Jr. He was shot back in March of 2014 and underwent ten major surgeries. After almost losing his life three or four times, the Lord saw fit to bring him back to me. He is my inspiration every morning that I wake up and see him next to me because he could have been gone. He inspires me to stay strong and to believe in miracles and that nothing is ever impossible."

While tackling all corners of the field, I was eager to learn about the challenges (if any) Alex has of balancing balancing motherhood, marriage-hood, and her career. "It is definitely a challenge to balance motherhood and wife life into my career. But my husband and I are learning to better communicate with one another so that eases the pressure slightly. It is always going to be a mental thing because models can be on a shoot or casting for hours at a time, and communicating with your spouse is mandatory to ensure them first off, that you are safe and secondly that you will be home as soon as you can. As far as motherhood, I hate being away from my babies for too long, so when I get home I make sure to love on them as much as I can and we sing dance and play and interact with each other as much as possible. I keep a open communication line with my children as well, although my daughter is only one, I let her and my five year old son voice whatever opinions or feelings that they have about mommy modeling and I will ultimately make the decision if I need to take a slight break for the sake of them feeling a disconnect, then I will."

I later asked Alex, "What is your dream???" Alex responded, "My ultimate dream is to become a high fashion world renowned model, runway or print. I have been studying fashion since I was a little girl. My mother used to model and seeing her transform into this fashionista with attitude and flare up on that stage made me want to do it also. My goal is to be able to make it to where I want to go, without giving up any of my morals and values. I believe that money is the root of all evil, but also, it’s about the person and their will to be stronger than those temptations. After conquering my goal of modeling, I have dreams of opening a modeling school for girls called 'Ru-Marie’s'. The name is inspired by my late grandmother Ruby Lee Pittman, and my mother Dawn Marie Woods".

Have you NOT seen Mrs. Monroe hit her walk down that runway?? Get on it and study it because she could just be the next big thing who will be instructing YOU on the rules of the runway!

Want to stay in touch with Alex?? Like her model Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alexaundria-Monroe-Model-Page/514869661969796

Our next star is one of Indiana University at South Bend's finest and most handsome (word from his fans) basketball players and accounting majors, Mark White. White has been a Titan point-guard and shooting-guard for almost three years, and has been playing basketball since the fourth grade. Although White is unsure as to what he'd like to do upon completion of his studies because of his love for basketball and the possibility of him playing ball overseas, he continues striving while approaching all aspects of his goals and success. White keeps his focus on his love for basketball' " I just love the game and I want to stay apart of it" he adds.

Keep a look out as always!!!

With Realness,

B. Elae