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From Jobs For Released Inmates to Free Schoolng – Here are Some Cool Ways New York Is Flexing Its Power to Make Life Better for Residents

Culture

by Syllabus Magazine - Apr 24, 2017

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Since the most recent presidential election, people are finding out pretty quickly, that if you really want to effect real, positive, and influential change, then you are going to have to start that change on a local level. For too long, voters have been wanting the federal government to step in and change the landscape of what has been going on within their local communities. For years, citizens have been blaming Presidents for the lack of funding within their cities, lack of growth, and for a lack of opportunity. Now, voters are starting to realize that power at a local level can be just as powerful than decisions made at a federal level.

The state of New York has long been defined as a melting pot, a state of influence, and a trailblazing place for those looking for bigger dreams in their lives and careers. Now, New York is being defined as a State that’s making history by listening to the voices of their constituents and taking action with some of the pressing issues that have been plaguing this state. In turn, these actions seem to be getting positive feedback, and cities around the world are looking at how to implement some of these ideas into their own future plans. These plans, though they are not perfect; they are a step in the right direction of making actionable moves, making the future for New Yorkers brighter.

Here are 3 cool steps NYC is taking to make life better for its citizens.

Tuition Free Schools

The state passed legislation this month that would provide free tuition to students attending New York State’s public colleges and Universities. According to the New York Times, the legislation is being held as, “a breakthrough and a model for other states that will change the lives of students at public colleges across the state.” This cuts the cost of a four-year degree by approximately $26,000.

Though the plan still has some kinks, for example, not making part-time students eligible. The state of NY must still be applauded for the execution of bringing it to the legislature for a vote. The money that will be saved will help alleviate the plague of student debt that has been around for decades.

Closing Rikers Island Prison

Parents of children who have been imprisoned on Rikers call it, “Torture Island”. From the day-long experience of having to travel in order to visit someone there, to its reputation of cutting prisoners off from their family and friends, to the violence that has become notoriously connected to this island; residents are glad to see it going away. This prison has a population less than half of what it was in the 30’s; however, the price of jailing someone in this New York jail has ballooned to $250,000 per year. Also, stabbings and slashings have quadrupled in the last ten years. We all know the story of Kalief Browder, held at Rikers for three years without a trial, for a crime he didn’t commit. Browder’s experience was at the epicenter of why this prison needed to shut down.

Though, it will take a few years to find all of the prisoners new homes, New Yorkers understand that if they were going to be held in high regards as being the progressive state; then sending inmates to a remote island is an old, and dated way of solving a new millennium problem.

Provide Jobs to Released Inmates

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio will spend $10 million on their “Jail to Jobs” program. This program will guarantee that inmates currently serving time of a year or less in Rikers, will be issued short-term employment once they have completed their time. Jobs will be paid with taxpayer money, and not paid by employers. According to research, inmates who are able to get jobs once they are released from prison are less likely to commit crimes and return to prison.

Though this program, like some of the others, has many critics stating that it does not solve the problem, this is yet another progressive step that the state is making in trying to positively change the dynamic of their city.

Syllabus Magazine

Syllabus Magazine, the Carolina’s source for Music, Culture and Fashion

http://www.syllabusmagazine.com

How to Successfully Find & Keep Love

by Monet Brown - Apr 24, 2017

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Finding that special someone can sometimes be very challenging. For singles who want to be in a relationship part of the issue becomes where to meet people and how to find love. In a time where the Steve Harveys of the world write relationship books telling women how to get a man and give advice through letter submissions, Troy Spry has taken a different approach on teaching both men and women how to love.

“There is a lack of narrative about positive relationships and marriages and I want to help create a healthy outlook on marriage. I’ve built a platform to make people better. My mission is to first inspire people to become better people so that they can become better mates, which will foster an environment for better relationships and ultimately help build better communities,” says the certified relationship coach.

His focus is on dating and how to choose a good mate. He wants to help people expand their social circle and choose more wisely in the beginning stages of dating. For the married folks his motivation is to teach how to best love your mate through actions.

When asked how he got started and why he wants to have a platform centered around relationships, Spry says even as a child he liked expressing himself, mainly through writing. “When I was a kid I wrote poetry and would write poems for my friends to give to their girlfriends.”

Writing has helped him get through some of the toughest times of his life, including when his mother passed away when he was 27. “My first blog was called ‘A Mother’s Love’ and it got a lot of feedback.” From there he kept writing about what came natural to him, which was relationships. Having graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, he naturally has an interest in human behavior and why people do what they do.

The response he got was so well received he decided to write a book about it. “Teach Me How to Love” teaches people how to get out of their own way and make relationships work, whether its a potential relationship, new relationship, a long-term one, or a marriage.

So how does Troy bring people together outside of his writing?

He has what he refers to as conversation parties that were birthed from his Twitter lunchtime discussions. He would ask a question and interact and converse with his followers on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The response was great and a follower suggested doing it in person. That’s exactly what he did.

In the spring of 2014 he hosted his first conversation party with both males and females, ages 22-40. It’s an environment for like-minded people to have an open discussion about relationships in a comfortable environment. The majority tend to be female but Troy says he makes it a point to recruit men so the atmosphere and conversation can be balanced. “People who come to these events may be looking for answers but also may be looking to meet someone,” says the relationship coach. The parties have a one-hour meet and greet where attendees can get to know one another followed by a 2-hour discussion led by Spry. This year there will be guest speaker and Match Maker Julie Wadley to help host and facilitate.

The 2nd conversation party will be on Sunday, May 7, 2017 in Charlotte, NC. For tickets to the event, called “Where is the Love?”:Click here

Xklusive Thoughts Web site

Monet Brown

A true Gemini, Monet Brown is a woman with many interests who pursues them all. From writing to makeup artistry she has many loves and is unapologetic about pursuing each of them. Having strong interpersonal skills Monet worked in corporate sales for over 5 years. After being laid off of what she though was a stable job she decided to pursue her true passion in the beauty industry. She has been a makeup artist for the past 5 years and in the summer of 2015 became a licensed esthetician. Her specialties include chemical peels, facials, waxing, and makeup application.

But it doesn’t end there. Wanting to utilize all of her talents and
not putting all of her eggs in one basket again, she uses her Bachelor’s degree in communications to write. She currently uses those talents towards her skin care/makeup blog as well as resume writing, biographies, and media kits.

http://www.innerbeautyartistry.com

7 Opportunities You May Have Overlooked, To Get Funding For Your Business

by Syllabus Magazine - Apr 18, 2017

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womeninbiz — Business people talking in meeting

1) Tory Burch Foundation Fellowship

Offers 10 grants every year of $10,000 each for education, a three-day workshop, one year of mentoring, and the opportunity to win $100,000 in the annual Fellows Competition. Any business is eligible. Must be in business 1-5 years. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

2) Amber Grant

Awards $500 grants every month to women-owned businesses, plus one annual foundation grant of $1,000-$2,000. Eligibility includes women-owned small businesses in any industry, with preference for businesses focused on educational programs for girls.

3) InnovateHER Challenge

Available to businesses that create their own products and provide products or services that have an impact on women and families. The challenge is sponsored every year by the SBA’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership and gives three awards of between $10,000 and $40,000.

4) Cartier Women’s Initiative Award

For businesses led by women 18 years of age or older with a good command of English and have been in business for 2-3 year. Every year, 15 women around the world are awarded a package that includes $100,000 in prize money.

5) Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant

For businesses that have majority ownership by women and have been in business for at least three years. The award is $100K to multiple women business owners each year.

6) #GIRLBOSS Foundation Grant

Twice per year awards $15,000 to female entrepreneurs who demonstrate creativity and innovation, business acumen and planning, and financial need. For women 18 years old or older who have businesses in the design, fashion, music, or the arts industries.

7) Halstead Bead Incorporated’s Business Development Grant

This jewelry supplier offers an annual Business Development Grant of $8,500 to help businesses in the jewelry industry start their own jewelry business, and become economically independent. Open to jewelry creation and design professionals and students.

Syllabus Magazine

Syllabus Magazine, the Carolina’s source for Music, Culture and Fashion

http://www.syllabusmagazine.com

How Kendrick Lamar Taught Us To : Go Against The Industry

Music

by Aqueilla C Terry - Apr 17, 2017

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Instead of going against the grain as usual these rappers have chosen to go for the gut of the industry to speak on the reality of the music that is being played today. Real Hip Hop Heads have had the conversations about how some music shouldn’t be played on the radio or being in the ears of young people. I mean don’t get me wrong just about every generation has its share of “ratchet” music whether it was just called something , hey if you go peel about some tracks from the 60s -70s you will hear some interesting things…just saying.

But music today has gone way past “too far” with so much being allowed on the radio that eventually somebody was going to say more than enough…..

Now, our first artist was J. Cole with the release of freestyles as “4 your Eyez Only” dropped, remember

“Clap at the fake deep rappers

The OG gatekeep rappers..

The would-you-take-a break-please rappers

Bunch of words and ain’t saying sh***, I hate these rappers

Especially the amateur eight week rappers

Lil’ whatever—just another short bus trappers

Napoleon complex, you this tall rappers

The streets don’t f*** with you , you Pitchfork rappers

Chosen by the white man, you hipster rappers”-J.Cole

A verse as powerful as he is coming for the industries NECK with this one, simply because of the so called “talent” on the air waves and social media. He was coming for all the “ratchet –ness” that is plaguing the industry today because talent is barely present anymore .well that is if you talk to a 15 year old or somebody in the neighborhood that only listens to the radio period. I mean you can tell a lot about a person based off their playlist.

But then a force to be reckoned with came THROUGH!!!!!!

KING KENDRICK!!!!!

With the drop of “The Heart Part 4” where he clearly is addressing not only politics and someone who shall remain nameless that is tiptoeing around his name.

But then there was HUMBLE….

Were the words are so cut throat …….there is no need to sit here and type them here….

Kendrick Lamar not only comes for the industry with the words, but in the visuals of the video as well. He even gets into the photo shop craze of the world using millions of filters. King Kendrick basically comes for the world in 6 minutes. Addressing various issues conceding the music industry and how it has turned into a Jim Crow show of “talent” instead of realness.

The hunger for real hip hop is at an all-time high because of the lack their of even though talent still exist.

Lamar even warned everyone to get it right by the album release date … If you haven’t had a chance to check out this piece of hiphop art, check out a sneak peak below.

-A.C.T.

4/2/17

Aqueilla C Terry

Aqueilla C. Terry, commonly known to many of her followers as “A.C.T” ; is a talented artists of this generation. Born and raised in Richmond, VA is truly a gem of her time. She has been writing for over 10 years as a young child to know a young woman in a world were “words” are her weapon of choice to achieve success. Often considered to be Erykah Badu’s daughter for her way with words, style, presence, music selections and overall persona. A.C.T. is definitely going to take over the world with wide range of creativity. Her ambition is driven by her will to succeed in reaching her goals, but by doing so by remaining herself along the journey. A.C.T. redefines the young black woman by sticking to her beliefs and who she is inside.

Urban Black Males There Is a Space For You In The Work Field To Be Yourself And Get Paid for It.

by Brittney Oliver - Apr 11, 2017

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It’s well known that African American males, especially millennials face job hardships at an alarming rate but there seems to be a field that will welcome Black males with open arms.

The mental health field.

I interviewed a Black millennial male therapist named Marecius that wakes up every weekday morning between 8:00-9:30 and heads to work. He doesn’t have a typical office because he works in different urban communities, counseling and helping African American children and families. He wears dad hats, Jordan’s, and popular clothing lines like Supreme and A Bathing Ape to work every day. He is a Mental Health Therapist and states, “there is a huge need for urban black males in the field”. According to, ThyBlackman.com the suicide rates are rising rapidly among black children.

It’s vital to have mental health professionals that are culturally competent and understand the strain on African American individuals today. Marecius says he is able to develop a good rapport with his clients because he understands them as far as terminology, current struggles, and race relations.

There is definitely a disparity of African Americans who actually seek help with mental health problems. The National Alliance of Mental Health states this is because of the idea that needing help from a professional is a sign of weakness, and African Americans having strong faith in religion and the belief that God will cure them.

Marecius believes that more individuals would seek help if there were more people in the field that look like them, especially for black boys. He states, “When Black people from different socioeconomic statuses see me they are not as guarded and they are more open with me about society issues and how they view the world and everything. When black boys see me they are shocked to see my style of dress, shocked that I am aware of the current music trends and that I can understand where they are coming from because I was once where they are. I get referrals to work with even moreblack boys from my clients, I have to turn some down because I don’t have enough room in my caseload”.

There are Black males in the field but some of them don’t have primary knowledge of working with black people who live below the poverty line. “My clients will answer the door quicker for me then they will for even a black man in a suit *laughs* you know that’s just how it is”. Although Marecius hold a license to practice therapy he states that an urban black male can get a job working in the mental health field without a license just because of the high demand for paraprofessionals, associate professionals, and qualified professionals. “I worked in the field before I ever had a degree” he states. It’s a good thing too, because, between police brutality, mass incarceration, and social media, African Americans are starting to become more aware of their mental health needs. With the job crisis that is going on for millennials, this is a good way to gain experience, build your resume and make money. And how many people can say they don’t have to compromise who they are to hold a job and help people. Not many.

Sources: ThyBlackMan

Sources: Nami.org

Brittney Oliver

Brittney is a mother, writer, and budding entrepreneurs. She is passionate about spreading wellness and mental health awareness in the African-American community as it pertains to women and girls. She adores hot beverages and meaningful quotes. In her free time, you can catch her over at the TheLovelylessons.com where she gives helpful advice to Millennials in the current job crisis.

http://thelovelylessons.com/

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From Jobs For Released Inmates to Free Schoolng – Here are Some Cool Ways New York Is Flexing Its Power to Make Life Better for Residents

Tuition Free Schools

Closing Rikers Island Prison

Provide Jobs to Released Inmates

How to Successfully Find & Keep Love