News From Yvelette Stines

In the background, there are the sounds of a speech seeping from a television coupled with chatter of young children, talking, playing and laughing. "I have my grandkids over. They are watching President Obama, it is important to keep them in touch with their history and culture, it gives them a strong foundation of who they are," says Sheron "Umi" Smith.

Self awareness, spirituality and motivation are some of the many disciplines that she instilled in her children. Now, the second generation is getting a healthy dose of Umi's principles. They go a long way, as she fully understands how to raise an artistically genius child.

To most of us he is considered one of the greatest hip hop artists of our generation. Mos Def is an accomplished musician and actor, but to Sheron Smith, known as Umi (meaning mother in Arabic), he is Dante Smith her eldest son. Having him at the age of 16, she saw something particularly special in her son, as she did all of her children, but with Dante she saw a light and she encouraged him to let it shine.

Umi, always had a strong interest in the arts and writing. "I remember as a young girl, I wanted to be a journalist, I loved to write," she says. Not knowing what piqued her initial interest in journalism, she remembers having a deep affection for the written word. "I always had a love of writing, reading and the arts. There was so much going on with young people born in the 1950's, it was a very engaging time politically, musically and within our community," she says. Reading authors like Sonia Sanchez, James Baldwin and Walter Mosley she passed on her deep appreciation for the arts to Dante.

From a young age, he was always involved in the arts. "He participated in theater, enjoying monologues and I saw the true passion he had. I kept him reading and introduced him to books, different genres of music. There was a great level of participation within the school system as well, his teachers saw he had a gift too and supported it," she explains.

Umi, embraced and encouraged her sons artistic talents. This is her advice to most parents. "Never discourage. Always encourage and engage yourself as to what is going on. Even if you are not always in agreement with it, find out what you don't know and learn along with your children. Many times you have to compromise even if you don't want to." She also advices that you have to stay involved and excited along with your child because they need that support system. "If you see your child has a strong interest in something, help keep the light flickering and burning and most importantly encourage them to believe in themselves."

Working as her son's manager for some time Umi saw the power of divine intervention and started to help others shine their light. "When there were engagements that Dante couldn't make, I would step in for him. Hip-hop has a strong void in the community. It is important to stay active. When I did speak on his behalf, I know the the people were happy that someone was there." As she started to speak and motivate others, she felt the need to leave something more than just words. She wrote the book Shine Your Light, This is a life skills workbook designed for aspiring artists, entrepreneurs, or anyone who wants to follow their dreams. Having some of the same principles that she instilled in her children as well as incorporating her own life lessons, this guide has encouraged many people all over the world.

As a mother, she always saw that her son had a vision, which is an essential component towards any plan. "He always said he wanted to be a working artist." Along with feeding that passion, Umi, also instilled spirituality, humility and focus. She tried her best to keep him grounded and engaged with the community as well as educated and aware of his surroundings, culture and history.

Umi consistently stays aware too, particularly of what she says. "Words are powerful, be careful how you use them. I remember at times when Dante was discouraged I would always tell him to shine his light on the world." Resonating deeply within her son, he created a song out of his mothers advice called Umi Says. It is advice that we can all take to heart.

As a mother and grandmother that knows wisdom, struggle and success her advice can serve us all well.

Check out what Umi says on the following topics.

Overcoming obstacles

Umi says it is important to turn unfortunate things into a positive situation. Focus on how you can make it into something greater.

Raising socially conscious children

Umi says that it takes a village. My mother helped me raise my children and I am helping my kids raise their children. We keep the children close they need to understand family. Teaching them their history is very prevalent in the upbringing of my children and grandchildren. They need to have a good sense of who they are and their purpose. Spirituality and prayer is very important as well, doing something positive and being culturally connected.

Raising a son as a single mother

Umi says that boys need good examples of men in their life. Boys get their identity from their dad. Find good male role models. Women can nurture and love but the identity is hard to find without the presence of men around them. With all children, allow them to be vulnerable at times too. Allow them to be who they are without criticism. When you constantly criticize they will grow up doing the same to themselves and others.

For more information visit www.speakloudly.com.