Wednesday, October 15, 2008
What organizations or individuals work do you admire, particularly as it relates to strengthening society, and why?
I really want you to think about the work you admire that has made a difference in someone's life and/or community. Religious, civic, business, entertainment, education, or labor are just a few of the areas that you can consider discussing. It could be someone current or past. What is it about their work that makes you say "WOW."
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
25 comments:
Ok, I know this may sound a little out the ordinary, but a couple of summers ago I worked with a garbage company. My basic job descriptions were to pick-up trash from different locations and make it to the transfer station as soon as possible. There were a couple of nights where I would ask one of the office workers to help me out when there was a lot on my plate; he went by the name Phil. Well, the point is we would dump containers full of aluminum, steel, metal, ect. I noticed that he would always leave such items on the side of the truck in a bag or something. I was always under the impression that he would take them to a scrap yard for money, but in all actuality, he was saving them for people in need. Towards the end of our route, he would drop them off to anyone he saw fit. I’m sure this story sounds weird, but his actions showed a change; he was willing to pitch in however he could to get the poor off the street, put a little change in their pocket. WOW!
Personally, I admire the arrogant Sean "Diddy" Combs. Since his beginning within the Hip-Hop industry, his name(s) has always been associated with success within the Hip-Hop/Urban industry. In my opinion, one of the strongest campaigns aimed to promote voting amongst the younger culture. As a means of promoting this campaign, Sean John, Comb’s clothing line, distributed shirts that labeled the campaign “Vote or Die”. In addition, Combs traveled throughout the nation making appearances with the premier performers within the music industry. In the end, there were record numbers for the voters’ participation amongst my generation.
The person whose work I absolutely admire and always have is none other than Oprah Winfrey. She embodies selflessness and generosity in my opinion. Even
though she certainly leads a lavish lifestyle, and her possessions are definitely not
humble she never hesitates to give back to others. Oprah is truly making her mark on society, and it goes way beyond her Chicago-based talk show. Oprah has built an amazing school for young women in South Africa, in which they are free from unfair treatment because they are women. She also is a political activist, and is very
vocal about her support for Presidential nominee Barack Obama. She is willing to lend her time and money to causes that she truly believes in. In addition to this,
her talk show serves as a source of inspiration for so many women. Never before, has a female talk show been able to have such a diverse audience and a profound
impact. Women turn to the Oprah Winfrey show for encouragement, advice, and counseling even though most will never actually meet her. I think that is incredible that she is able to touch so many people through her show. Overall, I undoubtedly think Oprah is strengthening society and I admire her a great deal.
I hate to sound bias, but I really admire the work done by my sorority. When I was doing my research on orgnizations it was one of the things that really stuck out to me. They weren't just talking about doing community service or referring to it in their list of programs, they were actually out there doing it. Programs range from breast cancer awareness, the 50 million pound challnge,teen pregnancy, aiding the school systems, and the list goes on.
An individual that I admire for her work in strengthening society is Oprah Winfrey. Oprah has celebrity like no other and once she becomes associated with an issue, cause or product millions of people follow her lead. I admire her work in the community because she has invested her own money on numerous occasions to finance endeavors of the community. Her biggest accomplishment to date was the creation and opening of the school for girls in Africa. This school serves as a commitment to changing the state of African society by educating the voiceless who without this opportunity wouldn't be able to rise above the conditions of their society. Oprah often receives a lot of criticism for her commitment to international issues but she is also committed to domestic issues. Oprah has always contributed to raising awareness of education disparities, women rights, sexual assault and most recently she's endorsed an political candidate. Ms. Winfrey is the embodiment of changing the conditions of society with the resources available instead of waiting on someone to change your society for you. Oprah Winfrey is committed to progressing the African American community at large as well as domestically and her efforts are greatly admired by me.
The first group that comes to mind is the nation of Islam and Minister Farrakan. I have seen first hand how this organization has helped the community. Taking the most marginalized individuals and helping them become respectable. They provide an avenue for people who really don't agree with christianity and an overwhelming sense of blackness, that feels good. Hearing the minister speak is a great experience and his relatabiity to the younger generation is strong. The other person is, Susan Taylor who was the editor at Essence magazine. I saw her on BETJ and what stood out was her calming aura and the fact that she keeps mentors with her. So she could be having a important meeting or just chilling at the crib, her mentors are with her. She said sometimes she even has 6 or 7 with her at one time. Showing young ladies how to soar in their career while still remainig a queen. And we need more of them out here.
I admire the work of several organizations. I admire the work of my organization Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Incorporated, The American Breast Cancer Society, and The Feed the Children/Larry Jones Ministries. These organizations stick out to me the most because they don't just "talk the talk," but they also "walk the walk." I have seen my organization make an impact many people on campus. We have helped several young men on campus with self-esteem issues gain higher self-esteem. We have also helped young men get adjusted to the college life such as teaching them time management and studying skills. Secondly, the American Breast Cancer Society stands out to me in terms of making an impact on society because this organization has made women all over America aware of causes of breast cancer which has helped reduce the number of women in America with breast cancer. I also admire the Feed the Children/Larry Jones ministers because this ministry has given several children in poor countries a chance to live by providing them with food and shelter. I admire all these organizations because they don't just talk about the issues that are at hand, but they fix the issues at hand.
It’s not that I don’t admire famous figures----I do, but, who I most admire are those who are courageous enough to make a change and those who are not looking for self rewards in exchange for their services. I really admire missionary work and I want to do missionary work someday myself. I really admire the volunteers that give their time to help others less fortunate and in need. I admire those who help to take of the children awarded to the state. I think there should be more programs for those children of the state to focus on “Community” as a “Family”. As these children move around from family to family throughout child life they will keep that sense of family through the community. I admire the people behind the East St. Louis Research Project (ESLARP) that goes to East St. Louis every semester to help clean up, fix up and pick up trash. I just admire those who are less glorified in the media---the people that make the world go round but lesser seen.
I admire a camp that i worked at two summers ago. This camp is located in Wisconsin and they recurit children from ages 8-17. This camp give children two weeks of fun and new experinces. They get to do things like swimming lessons, riding on pontoons and camping out. Working there one summer showed me how much of an impact the camp had on the children. They enjoy themselves and get exposed to people who live in diffrent place because alot of the staff is international. Doing things like this give children an alernative to their enviornment.
I guess I might just start an argument here but regardless of what she does and how she does it I do not admire at all Oprah. Even though her school was something of historical content for girls over on in Africa; my question is why in the hell she didn't do that in the United States of America? She could have built a school here. Also why just girls? Boys over in Africa need just as much help as the girls do. To me and this is just my opinion Oprah could do alot more especially in the U.S and in Chicago Public District schools.
I look at Oprah as a sale out because most of her audience is white middle ages women. Just look at Oprah's battle with Hip-Hop itself. Remember the town hall meeting on Hip-Hop she held? There wasn't on single gangsta rapper in this meeting. The only rapper she invited was Common. Being a Chicago native and not in the category with gangsta rap I understands why she did this but I don't agree with it at all. Opera doesn't have a problem with Hip-Hop she just has a problem with gangsta rap. Look at the battles against Ludacris, Ice Cube and more. The only reason why Luda was on Oprah show was because he was a cast member of the movie Crash; by the way she didn't even want on the show, and throughout the entire show she bashed Luda and edited out his comments. That's a bitch move if you ask me. I was trying to find the entire show but I couldn't.....Moving on....Also how in the hell you never invite Ice Cube on your show when you invite the rest of his cast from the movies that he directed? Oprah Oprah Oprah...I would say this Ludacris and Ice Cube have made big transitions in the Hip-Hop culture. They are two of the most respect artist out still rapping; they both have charities and give back to their communities. Also when you have big artist like Outcast that turns down your show it's a problem. Oprah needs a reality check! If you go to you tube just type in Oprah vs. Hip-Hop...If you have the time check our this link below...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CDd3YvjxwQ
Also check out Hip-Hop Vs. America when they discuss Oprah as well.
I see a lot of people admire famous role models but I admire those who play the field and get stuff done in the shadows. I personally admire the work of social services. People like social workers and case managers do not get that much recognition and income for what they do. Our society is full of orphan children who do not have a home. The foster system is as messed up as our justice system and maybe even worse. Children deserve to have a family and support system that would provide for their every day need. Social workers and case managers work hard to make sure children and youth are taken care of. In most cases these children are the ones who fall in the cracks. Someone has to care and give them the proper attention they need. Social workers are not even paid as much as they should be but they still strive to make life easier for that one child or youth. That one child could then return the favor to society and help the next person creating a world of opportunity.
I admire the work of Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Warrick Dunn. I admire the fact that he uses his celebrity as an NFL player to influence other players into getting involved in community service and charity efforts.
Dunn created the Warrick Dunn Foundation and the Homes for the Holidays program, which conducts community service projects and helps struggling single parents purchase homes. Dunn's Homes for the Holidays program buys homes through a down payment which is provided by Dunn and he works with area sponsors to furnish and outfit the homes. Since 1997, the program has raised over $5,000,000 in contributions, assisted 78 single parents and 205 children in Atlanta, Baton Rouge, and Tampa and these people are awarded their new homes during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season, which is a true gift and blessing in my opinion. Dunn's purpose is to help these single parents realize the dream that his mother was not able to give to him and his siblings, which was to own their own home.
After Hurricane Katrina, Dunn challenged all NFL players to donate at least $5,000 to the effort. In 2007, Dunn along with a group of athletes from various professional sports founded Athletes for Hope, a charitable organization, which helps professional athletes get involved in charitable causes and inspires millions of non-athletes to volunteer and support their community.
There are many organizations and individuals that have a huge impact on society and whom I respect greatly. The first and foremost being church. I believe that having a church home is and should be the foundation of every person, I know it is for me and it's just something that you learn so much from and can pass the knowledge on to others. Of course Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey. Barack in his attempts to change so much of the things Americans are used to and Oprah for her effortless attempts to help individuals and organizations. I really have always wanted to be apart of the Boys and Girls Club(but have never found the time to do so) because I just feel like educating and mentoring children is one of the best things you can do because they are the future and need to be knowledgable and well rounded and should have someone there to help them succeed.
An organization i admire a lot that strengthens the society is the non-profit organization called Big Brothers Big Sisters. I volunteered for them about 3 years ago and got to see all the things they do for children in an underpriveleged community. Their volunteers are mentors that are like the "big brother/sister" for the kids. They really go out of their way to make sure the children in their program are satisfied and taken care of. These organizations are usually in a poor or run down area, so the children really look forward to attending the events and activities hosted by the group. It gives them something positive in the community to distract them from the trouble that their peers bring.
I must say I do not admire anyone in particular. However, the ones who I take my hat off to are the creators and followers who became leaders to give a brighter future to so many. Those who have created reading, math, and science programs leading to the success of children. The implementing of after school programs, mentoring programs, wellness awareness, self-esteem workshops. Financial management, entrepreneurial programs, scholarships, writing workshops, day-cares, and the list goes on! More importantly the ones who take time out daily to meet the needs of the community deserves the flowers while they live! These people are admirable because they are not selfish, see the good in people, and have a dedication to the bettering of a nation.
The person who's work I admire is none other than Queen Latifah. She is like my idol because she overcame all of the streotypes and she made something of herself and know she is respected by many. She started off as a rapper who demanded respect from a man with her single "UNITY". And she definitly took the world by storm because she was a full figured rap artist and she was not like the typical, adored woman and I think she made a statement by that alone. She then went into acting and made hit movies like Set It Off and her hit t.v show Living Single and she even had her own talk show. I think she set an example to black women that we can do anything we set our mind too reguardless of what the critics may say and society. She now is a full figured model and a spokes person for Covergirl cosmetics and she is a spokesperson for Jenny Craig. She continues to lose weight and promotes health throughout the black community so that we can lower the death rate. I think that she is an all around role model because she is well educated and an entertainer and she constantly is giving back to her community and trying to promote change.
OMG Oprah is my hero....she has money she has power and more importantly she has respect. The fact that she opened a school in S. Africa for youth there says that she is motivated to continue the work to close the education gap worldwide. In terms of society she is always giving back and encouraging others to give back to the youth.
Also Diddy, one the most powerful players in the game at the moment can change so much with just a snap of a finger!!! This man started a movement that motivated people to vote, and more importantly created a new relationship between politics and the streets, something that had been broken for quite some time. This man is all about affecting change and strengthening black society to wanna change their current socioeconomic conditions.
I think organizations like the United Negro College Fund and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition are organizations to be noted in strengthening society. Any organization that uplifts black people and helps to better their current living conditions is an organization that has my utmost respect. I point these two organizations out because they provide money to help send black students to college. It's hard enough in this world as it is for a black person. A college education opens a lot of doors for African-Americans. Somehow, people have more respect for the "educated" black man than any other black man. While it is not required for people to obtain a college education to get ahead, I think that it helps a great deal. Even Russell Simmons went to college, although he did not obtain a degree. He did use his Sociology coursework to apply it to his ideals on how to interact with people to build strong business relationships. When more people become educated, it helps us to better focus on the issues and problem areas in our society in order to make a change.
The organization that I admire is Habitat For Humanity. They provide housing for working class families. Me and my family were fortunate to be recipeints of a Habitat home about 6 years ago. I have volunteered in helping build homes for others and it is a great expreience. Many people cannot afford expensive rent that many landlords have, and this program is a great way to own your own home and have low mortgage payments. I feel that this organization does a great work throughtout the country and the world. As far as an individual I admire Oprah, she is my shero. She embodies grace, class, and genorsity. She is very humble and she constantly gives to those in need. The all girls school she started in Africa, is a wonderful opportunity for these girls in this poverty stricken third world country to obtain an education. Oprah also deals with a varity of real life issues on her show, and she helps people deal with these problems..she is GREAT!!!
What makes me say WOW? Most currently I conducted the first step to a research project on the funding of Chicago public schools and their funding. The information that I collected from primary and secondary sources was stunning. In the forefront of all this is Illinois State Senator and Rev. James Meeks. He has been a leading advocate of more funding for Chicago Public Schools. Besides more funding he has helped to make it public that there is a serious problem in the school systems that segregation still exist, not with in the schools but the school system. He has advocated for more after school programs that would keep the kid off the street and would help to lower the violence and the deaths that have been on the rise in the City.
He has been more that just an advocate, he has brought many bills the the Illinois congress to be passed that would eliminate district boundaries with in states and so much more. This issue with CPS has been an on going fight for 30 years and he has helped and is making actually lawful effort in help and advance the education of African Americans in the Chicagoland area that will hopefully spread through the rest of the nation. More importantly it will let the world know that racism does still exist.
I must admit too, that I really do not have a particular person that I admire today. There are many individuals today that do the little things to change minds and society. Educators that teach for the liberation of minds are the people that I am drawn to the most. But more importantly, I admire my ancestors and those that died for me so I can be where I am at…to continue the struggle. People like Malcolm X, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Emmitt Louis Till, Rosa Parks, Fannie Lou Hamer, W.E.B. Du Bois, Nat Turner, etc. …these are some of the people that I admire the most because they refused to give into the system, they challenged others to think differently, and had unconditional love for my people.
No one really comes to mind when I think about a work that I admire when it comes to "doing good in the hood" as Dr. P says. Call me militant but one of my favorite organizations of all time, was not the Black Panthers, NAACP, or the Urban League but the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA). I know that brother Malcolm and Martin were heroes of the civil rights movement, but I really don't know why more people don't talk about Marcus Garvey. Possibly its because he wasn't born in this country, but he did more to unite and solidify the black community as a whole. His organization boasted more black followers than the 1960s civil rights movement. I just feel what Garvey did for the people, the hope he instilled was just such a revolutionary idea, that it has yet to take place again.
I can't say that I admire a particular person or organization, but I will say that I give respect to black fathers who are doing above and beyond what they are supposed as a father. It's such a stigma of the black father to abandon his family, not be in the child's life enough, or simply not paying child support or doing the minimum as a father. This is where the term "baby daddy" becomes popularized, and I feel pissed off when I hear a white person use it because I know how that resonates in the black community. Good black fathers can help strengthen the African American male, which will indirectly strengthen the society. I think that more black fathers should be responsible for their actions and be what they are supposed to be to their children, although there are plenty of them that do, there isnt enough. So shout out to all the great black fathers out there! WOW!
I really admire my parents. They have been educators for over thirty years. They are very, VERY dedicated to children. Children are not the only people they touch though, they also inspire their co-workers. My mom taught for about 20 years and became a pricipal about ten or fifteen years ago. When she taught she found a way to form a bond with all of her children. Not only did she teach them english, but she taught them manners and personal hygiene, and generally how to care for themselves and others. I always remember giving dresses I had from my dances that I didn't use to some of my mom's students who were disadvantaged but worked hard and deserved to participate in the formal dances at the end of the year. I also went to my mom's school many times when I got a little older to tutor. My dad taught high school english for 35 years. I did the same thing at his school. I couldn't visit as muh because his kids were a little rougher and fought a lot. My parents have had many adopted children over the years. They're always bringing some lost kid home to give them a good home cooked meal and some family bonding. The cool part about that was my parents were always cool with these kids parents. Which brings me to another point, they taught so long in the same communities that they taught generations of children. When they made a difference in one childs life, that child would make sure that their children were in my parents classes. It always funny when I'd got to their schools and people, sometimes even teachers would say I was your mom/dad's student and without them I wouldn't be where I am today. We've even gotten stopped in stores because a student remembers the impact my parents had on them and runs up and just has to say so. I'm lucky to have such good role models and society strengtheners at home. :-)
Post a Comment