sponsored by the city of dallas, 97.9 the beat and the mlk, jr family clinic, the hip hop 4 hiv event is an initiative 2 raise awareness and educate the community on the viral influence of aids n the black community.
2 lure the youngsters out, called 'testing 4 tickets,' the sponsors r hosting a concert on the steps of dallas city hall with some of the hottest hip hop artists 2 date. david banner, mike jones, bun b, young berg, day 26 and more, including local artists as well. i did see the local rapper coming up King's wrapped chevrolet tahoe. he is a resident of my community ssol (south side on lamar), a great guy and family man. go support king.
i am encouraged 2 c education and awaressness being raised n our community. the parking lot was full even across the street at madison high and the lines were outside the door. channel 11 news was on hand to lend media support as well as 94.5 and 104.5.
from the dallas city hall website, here some startling statistics concerning aids nationally, state-wide and in our city...
HIV/AIDS Statistics
• U.S. – About 1.2 million Americans are living with HIV/AIDS. New technology shows that the incidence of HIV is higher than previously known (with estimates at 56,300, rather than the originalestimate of 40,000, new HIV diagnoses each year). It is estimated that 25% of those infected with HIVdo not know it.
• State of Texas – over 60,000 Texans are living with HIV/AIDS, with about 5,000 new HIV diagnoseseach year
• Dallas County – over 13,000 in Dallas County are living with HIV/AIDS, with over 700 new HIV casesreported last year (2007).
aids is a silent killer n our communtiy whereas most carriers r unaware they have the disease. many pass it on to unsuspecting others thru irresponsible behavior and pure ignorance. unfortunately, more often than not, those who do know their status and are positive, cannot afford the exhorbitant prices of the medical cocktails of pills and treatment available. not must we raise awareness, but we must also lower costs for treatments for the average human being. if it can be affordable in africa, it can be made affordable in these united states.
the person you r grinding on a whim, 'hooking up with' on the sly, doing whenever they come to town, dating, engaged 2 or even married 2 just may b a carrier of the disease. u cannot simply 'look' at someone and judge whether or not they have the disease. it is known 2 even lie dormant n the body on an average of 7 yrs b4 becoming active n the body. professionals recommend being tested every 6 months.i encourage u 2 respect urself and get tested. if not then 4 urself, 4 whomever else enters ur life and their loved ones. think beyond urself. ur status affects more than just u. life is more than just u!
however, this 'pre' awareness is great n that it gives one the opportunity 2 engage n preventive action. self awareness, responsible action and disease education r great deterrents 2 contracting the disease. my prayer is that this is more than a concert 4 the throngs of youth i saw who were standing n the heat 2 get tested 2 get a ticket. my hope is that this ticket is entree n2 a proactive lifestyle of positive and informed choices and responsible behavior.
many kudos and 'big ups' 2 mayor tom leppert, mayor pro tem dwaine caraway and his 'teen summit' initiative 4 taking a stance and showing concern 4 our community. mr caraway is a non-stop community changing machine and a political dynamo. also 2 rickey smiley who is always on the grind n the community, concerned about the people and making a tangible difference n the lives of many. the lives that will b saved as a result of this effort cannot b counted nor can a price tag affixed 2 them. there is a 'fresh wind' blowing thru dallas city hall and it is cool and refreshing. soon the deserts of many forgotten or simply neglected communities will become oasises of pride and progression because of the work of few who still believe n a better future 4 all dallasites.
ps. u guys know i love pictures but my digital cameras battery was depleted. i took a picture with my sidekick phone but cant download it 2 my computure! ... ill keep trying! :-)
live, laugh and love 4 life is not promised!
agape,
pastor p
Showing posts with label community. Show all posts
Showing posts with label community. Show all posts
Friday, August 22, 2008
Thursday, March 6, 2008
A Serendipitous Blessing
Today was a serendipitous blessing. A blessing unsolicited and unexpected. A surprise!
God has a way of givng you just what you need, when you are at your lowest, to keep you going.
I recieved a call from a friend last night, asking if I would like to hear Dr. Cornel West today.
What an encouragement as I was experiencing a valley low. I thank God for real, true friends. We are blessed in this life if we can call even a handful of people real, true friends. I have experienced in the past few months that those whom you thought would be with you till the end, in life, in ministry and in friendship, those who have given you their word on it, are usually the ones who will depart along the way.
Today I attended the St. Phillip's School and Community Center's Destiny Awards luncheon. Bearing the cold and rain, hundreds braved the weather and gathered at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center to support the St. Phillips School and to honor some people and organizations who have embodied, sacrificed and given for the cause of empowering the underprivileged and the disenfranchised.
John McCain, anchor of local ABC affiliate, Channel 8 news, was a class act as master of ceremonies. Dr. Terry Flowers, Headmaster of St. Phillip's School, was an encouragement to the crowd, recognized as a visionary leader and as Dr. King described, 'A drum major for justice.' There was even a prayer by State Senator Royce West! The highlight of the event was guest speaker Dr. Cornel West, Professor of Religion and African American Studies at Princeton University. Dr. West has always been a favorite of mine. His grasp of the intricacies of the English language. His holistic view undertaken in love and cemented in Christ of the ills of our world, beseiging our community and in our hearts is breathtaking. His writings are intricate. His ideas are intimate. His voice is imperious, honored and respected by many. His fusion of ivory tower intellect and good 'ol down home, home spun wisdom is enlivening. To read one of his books is an adventure in and of itself. Not only will you need a dictionary to read it, it is mind expanding and vocabulary building, but you will experience new vistas of mental horizons as you are challenged to think and rethink what you thought you already knew. His writing, speaking and teaching "weave together the American traditions of the Baptist Church, transcendentalism, socialism and pragmatism. His best selling book, Race Matters, changed the course of America's dialogue on race, justice and demomcracy."
His speech today covered the gamut of old school jazz, rythmn and blues and hip-hop as it relates to influencing the current political, economic and familial circumstances of today. The underlying rythmn and backbeat note of the inner blues that trancends race, creed and color to find itself staining the hearts of both men and women in their everyday lives. His geo-political view is keen, his spiritual sensitivity is sharp and his articulation of both is pointed, personal and powerful.
This was my second time with the honor of hearing Dr. West speak in person and meeting him in person, while I have seen him many times on television and have read all of his books. He has been a 'mental mentor' from afar. I am continually amazed at his mind, its perspective and his expression of both. I had the opportunity to conversate with him afterwards. It was truly a moment. He is most gregarious, even to the least.
When you are in conversation with him, he makes you to feel as if nobody else exists at that moment but you and him. It is a gift. I also had a chance to speak to Ms. Badu again. This is the third time within a weeks time. My little sister said she's going to think I'm stalking her. I had to laugh. Ms. Badu is a great supporter of St. Phillip's School. I respect Badu for her involvement in the community and in the lives of young people.
I had the chance to see many community friends, too many to name, and even some family. My cousin Alvin White, III's son attends St. Phillip's and it was good to see his wife Diane in the house. I want to thank my Concord tablemates for a fun and lively event. Gospel recording artist Gaye Arbuckle is a riot and a half! First lady Carter is class and fun along with the members of the Concord Church. Thanks for being a true friend Steve. I can't wait till 'Baby Brown' breaks thru and graces us with his presence. I got the 'Gucci's' for him already!
Once again, while at my lowest, God gave me the unsolicited opportunity to experience that which means alot to me, which in turn encourages me to hold on and keep going. God has a way of encouraging you through your situation, just how you need it and just when you need it most. Stay alert, sensitive and on the lookout for the little things in life that mean the most. Recieve His blessings graciously. Thank Him for his blessings voraciously.
I am thankful. I am encouraged. I will finish the journey.
AGAPE,
Pastor P
Making It Great In 08!
Loving Life And Living To Love
Ephesians 3:20
God has a way of givng you just what you need, when you are at your lowest, to keep you going.
I recieved a call from a friend last night, asking if I would like to hear Dr. Cornel West today.
What an encouragement as I was experiencing a valley low. I thank God for real, true friends. We are blessed in this life if we can call even a handful of people real, true friends. I have experienced in the past few months that those whom you thought would be with you till the end, in life, in ministry and in friendship, those who have given you their word on it, are usually the ones who will depart along the way.Today I attended the St. Phillip's School and Community Center's Destiny Awards luncheon. Bearing the cold and rain, hundreds braved the weather and gathered at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center to support the St. Phillips School and to honor some people and organizations who have embodied, sacrificed and given for the cause of empowering the underprivileged and the disenfranchised.
John McCain, anchor of local ABC affiliate, Channel 8 news, was a class act as master of ceremonies. Dr. Terry Flowers, Headmaster of St. Phillip's School, was an encouragement to the crowd, recognized as a visionary leader and as Dr. King described, 'A drum major for justice.' There was even a prayer by State Senator Royce West! The highlight of the event was guest speaker Dr. Cornel West, Professor of Religion and African American Studies at Princeton University. Dr. West has always been a favorite of mine. His grasp of the intricacies of the English language. His holistic view undertaken in love and cemented in Christ of the ills of our world, beseiging our community and in our hearts is breathtaking. His writings are intricate. His ideas are intimate. His voice is imperious, honored and respected by many. His fusion of ivory tower intellect and good 'ol down home, home spun wisdom is enlivening. To read one of his books is an adventure in and of itself. Not only will you need a dictionary to read it, it is mind expanding and vocabulary building, but you will experience new vistas of mental horizons as you are challenged to think and rethink what you thought you already knew. His writing, speaking and teaching "weave together the American traditions of the Baptist Church, transcendentalism, socialism and pragmatism. His best selling book, Race Matters, changed the course of America's dialogue on race, justice and demomcracy."
His speech today covered the gamut of old school jazz, rythmn and blues and hip-hop as it relates to influencing the current political, economic and familial circumstances of today. The underlying rythmn and backbeat note of the inner blues that trancends race, creed and color to find itself staining the hearts of both men and women in their everyday lives. His geo-political view is keen, his spiritual sensitivity is sharp and his articulation of both is pointed, personal and powerful.This was my second time with the honor of hearing Dr. West speak in person and meeting him in person, while I have seen him many times on television and have read all of his books. He has been a 'mental mentor' from afar. I am continually amazed at his mind, its perspective and his expression of both. I had the opportunity to conversate with him afterwards. It was truly a moment. He is most gregarious, even to the least.
When you are in conversation with him, he makes you to feel as if nobody else exists at that moment but you and him. It is a gift. I also had a chance to speak to Ms. Badu again. This is the third time within a weeks time. My little sister said she's going to think I'm stalking her. I had to laugh. Ms. Badu is a great supporter of St. Phillip's School. I respect Badu for her involvement in the community and in the lives of young people.I had the chance to see many community friends, too many to name, and even some family. My cousin Alvin White, III's son attends St. Phillip's and it was good to see his wife Diane in the house. I want to thank my Concord tablemates for a fun and lively event. Gospel recording artist Gaye Arbuckle is a riot and a half! First lady Carter is class and fun along with the members of the Concord Church. Thanks for being a true friend Steve. I can't wait till 'Baby Brown' breaks thru and graces us with his presence. I got the 'Gucci's' for him already!
Once again, while at my lowest, God gave me the unsolicited opportunity to experience that which means alot to me, which in turn encourages me to hold on and keep going. God has a way of encouraging you through your situation, just how you need it and just when you need it most. Stay alert, sensitive and on the lookout for the little things in life that mean the most. Recieve His blessings graciously. Thank Him for his blessings voraciously.
I am thankful. I am encouraged. I will finish the journey.
AGAPE,
Pastor P
Making It Great In 08!
Loving Life And Living To Love
Ephesians 3:20
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
