Reminder, THIS THURSDAY: "Respect: The Declaration, the Commitment"

For several years now, I have worked closely with African-American and Latina girls. Their environments have ranged from the suburbs of San Diego to the inner cities of Saint Louis, East St. Louis, and South Central Los Angeles. Most recently, through an incredible Writes of Passage™ Program called Spirit Awakening Foundation, I have had the opportunity to engage with girls in the juvenile halls and juvenile detention camps outside of L.A.

I have discovered something in this work. No matter the environment or the socio-economic status that these girls spring from, many of our girls have experienced some sort of sexual or physically violent trauma at a very young age. I don't know how to explain what happens in my soul when I hear their stories, when I provide refuge for their tears, or when I see the spark of hope and recognition in their eyes as I remind them of their inherent brilliance.

I believe that I have a personal response-ability to remind them of their wholeness and of their value as human beings. I believe that "it's just entertainment," is not a worthy excuse for celebrating a #1 song that misrepresents (at the very least) the worth and value of women and girls. I believe that the lives of these girls, and of the women that we become, are precious enough to say, "Yeah, sexism and misogyny and sexual subjugation--in whatever forum that we find them--are not just someone else's problem. I have power; I have a voice; let's heal our lives."

It is in this Spirit that Mother's Day Radio is born. It is in this Spirit that I ask you to join me in creating a Declaration for Honoring Womanhood. This Declaration is our personal commitment to honoring the women in our lives--and those who cross our paths--in our thoughts, words and actions. I want every willing soul to acknowledge, be aware of, and help to activate the sacred brilliance inside of womankind. I can only imagine the society we could create if our girls moved about daily in the awareness of their true value and worth. Can you?

Please be our guest at the Los Angeles community forum, "Respect: The Declaration, the Commitment." Your voice is valuable and it is needed. I truly hope that you come and share!

In love and committed service,

Shaunelle

Executive Director