Friday, February 20, 2009

Black History for Young People

Here are a few reads to share our history all year long with our children:

For the littlest ones...

Brown Sugar Babies a photo book by Charles R Smith Jr.
http://www.amazon.com/Brown-Sugar-Babies-Charles-Smith/dp/0786806222/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1235157550&sr=1-1

My People by Langston Hughes, illustrator Charles R Smith Jr.
http://www.amazon.com/My-People-Langston-Hughes/dp/1416935401/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1235157448&sr=1-1


For lessons on slavery and the road to freedom:

Henry's Freedom Box
http://www.amazon.com/Henrys-Freedom-Caldecott-Honor-Book/dp/043977733X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1235157338&sr=1-1

The Patchwork Path A Quilt Map to Freedom by Bettye Stroud
http://www.amazon.com/Patchwork-Path-Quilt-Map-Freedom/dp/0763635197/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1235159184&sr=1-1

Family by J. California Cooper
In 1998 I began to use this book to introduce slavery to 16 year old girls participating in a leadership development program. In most cases this was the first real lesson the students had ever had about slavery. A wonderful poignant story about the love between mother and child.
http://www.amazon.com/Family-J-California-Cooper/dp/0385411723/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1235157251&sr=8-1

Share your favorite stories when you post your comments.

Happy reading!!!

JB

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Opportunity for Johnson & Johnson Campaign

Hi Chocolate Chip Fans:

See below for an opportunity with Product Model Management. The deadline for photo submissions is TODAY 2/19/09 at 4pm.

All the best!!!

JB


CALLING ALL AFRICAN AMERICAN MOTHERS 27-35 YEARS OLD!!! WE ARE WORKING ON A JOHNSON & JOHNSON CAMPAIGN AND NEED TO SEE PICTURES OF YOU AND YOUR 3-9 MONTH OLD BABIES FOR A SHOOT THAT WILL TAKE PLACE ON MARCH 2ND-6TH IN LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA. YOU MUST SUBMIT A PICTURE OF YOU AND YOUR BABY-TOGETHER OR SEPARATE TO THE info@productmodelmgmt.com IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED. PLEASE INCLUDE A FULL NAME & DATE OF BIRTH FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD AND PHONE NUMBER WHERE WE CAN REACH YOU AT ANY POINT TODAY 2/19/09. DEADLINES FOR SUBMISSIONS ARE TODAY 2/19/09 @ 4:00 PM. DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES CALL THE OFFICE ABOUT THIS JOB. WE ARE ONLY ACCEPTING PICTURES THROUGH EMAIL AND WILL CONTACT YOU IF THE CLIENT IS INTERESTED IN SEEING YOU FROM THE PICTURES WE FORWARD TO THEM.PLEASE FORWARD THIS EMAIL TO ANYONE YOU FEEL THAT MAY BE THE RIGHT FIT FOR THIS JOB!

Monday, February 16, 2009

State of the Black Union- February 28, 2009

Strong families make strong communities.

Every year I try to clear my schedule on the last Saturday of Black History Month, to be apart of Tavis Smiley Presents The State of the Black Union.

It really doesn't matter whether you agree with Smiley's politics. This town hall meeting does an incredible job bringing together many of our best and brightest to analyze the critical issues affecting our families and communities.

On February 28th, check out CSPAN for live coverage.

Here's a link to Smiley's site to learn more.
http://www.tavistalks.com/

Here's to strengthening our communities one family at a time!

JB

Thursday, February 5, 2009

The Pressure of Finding the Best School

I don't know about you, but for the past 7 months, we've been focused on finding the best school for our daughter. After 3 great years at her current school, we've thoroughly researched and have pursued new opportunities.

Despite our diligent efforts and the stellar reputations of the institutions, there is tremendous pressure to make the best decision. We want to get this thing right and we know you do too. Below find 3 resources to assist you with your process.
Check Spelling

Great Schools is a site that we've found quiet helpful. Most recently they've added high school ratings.
http://www.greatschools.net/

If you're focusing on NYC independent schools for kindergarten and 1st grade applicants, check out http://www.earlysteps.org/ . Their mission is increasing diversity in NYC independent schools.

For the college bound juniors and seniors, I strongly recommend, Ivy Educational Consulting, a private educational consulting firm that specializes in college admission counseling. With her extensive background as an admission director at one of the country's most highly selective colleges, Karen A. Williams will provide individualized attention to students seeking help with school choice, admission strategy, essay development, and interview training.
877-732-2146
karenwilliams@ivyconsulting.org
http://www.ivyconsulting.org/

Karen will be a regular contributor to Chocolate Chip. So look out for future posts from Ivy Educational Consulting.

JB

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Daddy's Girls

Are you a Daddy's Girl? I remember having a lilac striped nightgown when I was a young girl that said "Daddy's Girl" which was one of my favorite things:)

Today I'm sharing information on a trio that will be of interest for dads and daughters of all ages.

Enjoy!

JB

Daughters of Men
http://www.daughtersofmen.com/
My sorority sister Rachel Vassel wrote a wonderful book featuring portraits of African-American women and their fathers.

Daddy's Promise
http://www.daddyspromise.com/index2.shtml
Journalist Ed Gordon's initiative to encourage fathers to be actively involved in their daughters lives. The campaign features events in cities across the country and a Father Daughter Dance in Summer 2009.
My husband actually presented the pledge to our daughter which is now displayed on our refrigerator.

Daddy's Girl
https://ww2.micahtek.com/nexolive/nShop_Detail.cfm?CFID=18510099&CFTOKEN=21697254
To combat some of our societal challlenges with fatherhood, Bishop Eddie Long's sermon seeks to bring wholeness to girls young and old.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Something for the Dads on Super Bowl Sunday!

As I listened to Tony Dungy, the first African American coach to win the Super Bowl, during half time, I was reminded of all of the great things he does for dads in the aftermath of his son's suicide in 2005. Coach Dungy has taken his own personal tragedy and used it as a platform to help other men become even better dads.

So here are some resources just for you dad.

The link below will take you to Coach Dungy's website where you will find information on his new book UNCOMMON and his NY Times best seller Quiet Strength.

Tony Dungy is also on the team roster of, All Pro Dad, the ultimate resource for men who want to become better fathers. From the website you can sign up for the Play of the Day, the most popular and most read daily fatherhood e-mail in the world.

So dads, check it out and hit us back with your thoughts. If you're already up on it, let the other dads know what they are missing.

Here's to strengthening our families!!

JB
http://www.coachdungy.com/
http://www.allprodad.com/