"I’m a chronographer and writer who enjoys researching biographical information on famous and historical people of color; their fame and/or historical contributions, chronologically. You can find snippets of this information at www.theblackmarket.com/achieve.htm .
Our youth are dying, killing each other, forming gangs and spreading hatred for one another because of colors or some other insignificant trivial thing. We cannot continue to talk, hold meetings, have a meal, go home and close our eyes to what’s happening to our youth.
SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) in February 1999 set up a web site for children, parents, educators, faith communities, and others as an educational resource and a tool for incorporating ethnic pride and self-esteem as one of many strategies to reduce the risk for substance abuse among African-American youth.
The web location for the referred to article above previously located at http://alt.samhsa.gov/news/newsreleases/990205nr.htm has since been moved to a location which charges a membership fee to receive the publication. I first came upon this article housed on the SAMHSA website in 2000, free of charge.
According to the findings in this article, in the words of the then SAMHSA Administrator, Nelba Chavez, Ph.D. – “Our web site points to the fact that, no matter were you look, in the arts, the sciences, public service, and in showing us all the way to what is right and just, the African American has always played a highly significant role.” SAMHSA’s Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP), High Risk Youth programs, says lack of cultural pride is one of the many factors that place youth of color at risk for substance abuse, and other maladies which place our youth in danger.
Many youth of color lack knowledge as it relates to their cultural history; the history of how they came to be in this place and what has happened since which allows them to experience the opportunities available for them now. Some of our youth don’t feel they have opportunities. They’re holding on to negative information they received through the years and from their surroundings.
Once people of color were not allowed to read or write, some were even killed for it. Reading, writing and learning are opportunities accessible to us now for which someone of color gave their life that we can now acquire. Knowledge of race and culture is power, the lack of it leaves youth of color feeling inferior and may suggests to them they are not worthy of the American Dream. So they become America’s nightmare.
SAMHSA Celebrates Black History Online: Positive self-esteem From: Chicago Citizen | Date: February 18, 1999 |"
"Hi, how are you? Fine I hope, and I hope you had a good Thanksgiving. I had a good time.
I just wanted to say, I started to respond to your question above, and realized that there are many people doing various things in their communities to change thought patterns of our youth and young women, but their exposure (the young people) is not consistant. They may have role model figures at the boys club or girl scouts, and school, but the most damaging information comes from in the home. That's where the dysfunction comes from. So you can't limit your contribution to just the youth, but the family, and demand the participation of parents, care givers, because without their assistance and participation and exceptance of your efforts to help our youth, the dysfunction cycle only continues and there is no significant change. Just like today, only a few make it out. I have more to say, but this is just a thought. Like, I said, when I started to respond, I started listing everything I have done, and realized although I did some good work, the youth still went home to the dysfunction. Although I shared some of my life experiences, some much like theirs, they would feel there's hope for them right then, but when they get home, they feel hopeless again.
Well, I'm not going to write anymore. I'm going to shut my brain off for the night.
I changed my photo today. This is me after eating some turkey. I look a bit stuffed. Take Care. Good Night "
As you will see from the enclosed resume, I am proficient in a variety of computer programs as well as experienced in the administrative field. What my resume does not reveal is my professional demeanor and enthusiasm to help others. In a business environment, these qualities are of the utmost importance in dealing with clients as well as co-workers. In me, you’ll discover a reliable, detail-oriented, and extremely hard-working associateone who will serve as a model to encourage other staff members to demonstrate the same high standard of professionalism.
In my writing, I seek to encourage children, youth and adults of color, they can be anything they want to be and at any age. And for those who are not of color, they may, read and gain respect for our culture, knowing that we continued to rise above our enslaved past and open doors for our future generations despite that period in history and our coming to America.
I write for Mahogany Review and post articles regarding the achievement of people of color www.discoverthepotentialinyou.weebly.com
Life & Professional Aspirations:
I have compiled an achievers of color chronological historical profile of people of color who have achieved by way of either their chosen profession, working to uplift people of color and advocating for equality, to the point of having died for the cause, or unsung heroes that our young people and some adults of color do not know of. It's a project I've been working on the past 14 years. I once served as the secretary for our local Marion County Branch NAACP, when I received the inspiration to do this research. The encyclopedia contains over four thousand achievers of color arranged chronologically by birth dates from January 1 through December 31.
I believe our children need to know their history beginning from early elementary, not high school. This will help strengthen their self esteem, cultural awareness, and pride in their color (not wishing they were born white).
Thank you
Hi, I first posted this blog a year ago, Agust 1, 2008. There have been a few major changes in our history. Such as we've elected our first African American male and 44th President of the United State ...more
Posted by Janet Griffin on August 1st, 2009 • 258 Views
Looking for those of you or your friends who need a sure-fire way to make money. These websites and the video information presented there may pose just that opportunity to become financially independe ...more
Posted by Janet Griffin on August 1st, 2009 • 229 Views
Hi everyone and welcome. My daughter just left for South Korea, and I've been spending much time with her and family before she left. Here is some information that might be helpful to you if you're o ...more
Posted by Janet Griffin on June 19th, 2009 • 246 Views
Hi Janet Griffin here,
If any of you are interested in knowing a little more Black History, you're welcome to visit my monthly post of famous and historical achievers of color at www.theblackmarket.c ...more
Posted by Janet Griffin on May 2nd, 2009 • 299 Views
I THANK GOD YOU ARE RECOVERING FROM YOUR ACCIDENT YOU SUCH VEWRY BEAUTIFUL YOUNG SISTER AND GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS!!!!!
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CLIFTON McBEAN-HENRY on 08/02/2011
ssistance-(those kind of things. Any ideas or desire to join in this effort? If so, let me and others know and we can talk about how to outreach more effectively. Thanks for your offering. See me on twitter, eHow, facebook, digg, etc.
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Bill Cooper on 07/27/2009
Janet, that a good idea regarding the people of colour entry. My oldest daughter is the only medical student (third year) in the tribe and is quite accomplished also. My second daughter is a nurse in the local hospital. Tell me more
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Dr. Lee Brown on 08/07/2008
Janet, Ive been bragging about my youngest daughter today. She was crowned the royalty of the largest Native gathering in Western Canada this weekend, Kamloopa pow wow. Its a big honour for her the family.
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Dr. Lee Brown on 08/05/2008
Janet, good to hear from you again, the book sounds interesting and I will keep my eye open for it. tonight im in Ontario at the north end of Lake Huron. I have been here for a week doing a workshop with the Indian community here.
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Dr. Lee Brown on 07/31/2008
Janet, I agree that indigenous knowledge should be in every class including math, science and language. One interested contribution of Native American is food. eight out ten foods come from North and South America.
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Dr. Lee Brown on 07/23/2008
Hi Sis. I hope u r feeling better. A pleasure 2 meet your Acquaintance. Respectful 2 all, I am impress w your zeal. I hope best 4 your Asprations & Endeavors. Keep up the G8 work. God Bless, sincerest Rattla Alum
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WILLIAM W. HEMMANS III on 07/21/2008
I have used it to improve the performace of both individuals and entire schoools that are populated primarily by Native Canadians.
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Dr. Lee Brown on 07/20/2008
Janet, thank you for your lengthly respose, its appreciated, I have done a bit of writing about identity and learing around a concept I have developed in my work called learning identity.
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Dr. Lee Brown on 07/20/2008
To answer your question Janet, Yes I believe the essence of learning is identity and strengthening identity in the classroom strengthens learning.
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Dr. Lee Brown on 07/18/2008
