Michael Brown & Robin Williams

Wednesday, August 13th 2014

As a Christian I have come to know from God to number my days and apply wisdom to it, and to always know death can come at anytime, because our life is as a vapor able to vanish at any moment. We can never know when our lives will be taken. In our most selfish moments we need to find a way of hope,  because there are many out there whom we are far better than. In our little time of hurt we are still tremendously blessed.

As a person with a tremendous interest on the political climate of my surroundings I will like to talk and analyze two big stories that have come out this week. This is not to overshadow the loss of Mandela or Maya Angelou that I didn't blog about, but I am being lead to talk about these particular stories.

On August 9th, 2014 18 year old Michael Brown was shot 9 times in a row in Ferguson, Missouri.There are two accounts to what happened on this day, and to this black boy which sounded very similar,  to the story of Trayvon Martin which I also blogged about here. 

Account 1: Are from eye witness testimonies that watched the shooting take place. They state Brown was shot repeatedly while he raised his hands up in  surrender to the police unarmed. 

Account 2: Comes from the police. They claim Brown was antagonizing the police, borderline assaulting the officer that shoot him. They believe the only way for Brown to be restrained was to shoot him 9 times. Nine times. Nine times! He was unarmed.

I have confidence in our justice system, although I personally am going to school to make major improvements to policy aiding mental health victims, but I have confidence that this case will be investigated and Justice will be served. The ruling on the Trayvon Martin sounded a little unfair to many of us that witnessed it, but we knew why the verdict was the way it was. Just look at the jury people. My prayer is, in seeing all the official statements coming from major corporations that really care about civil rights(just google), real justice will be served and the jury in Michael Brown's case will be carefully chosen!

If you haven't checked out the social media campaign #IfTheyGunnedMeDown please do and chime in. The lack of respect for black men in many given areas is low and it could have happened to anyone we know.

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Now as for Robin Williams. The world was informed of his death and passing on Monday, August 11th, 2014. When I first saw the announcement on facebook I was like awe, "Mrs Doubtfire" and prayed a little prayer hoping he knew the Lord.  Then I clicked the article I came across, to learn more about the story and learned he committed suicide. I learned he had been battling depression for some time now. 

If you;ve never read the clinical description of depression please do so now in an effort to de=stigmatize mental illness http: 

//www.webmd.com/depression/news/20140812/depression-deadly?ecd=soc_fb_news_depressionturns 

[I loved WebMD's article. ]

This is  my passion, and I have been raised by God to really go to law school, and get a masters to overhaul the policy in this country. I personally believe the West has enough intelligence to really solve mental illness, but we treat the illness and not the patient. There is lack of holistic care. This is why my masters paper or PH.D. thesis will consist of how a relationship with God can aid in the curing of mental illness.

I just can't help but think did anyone introduce him to Jesus? Did he hear the gospel? Who were his caregivers when he went to the hospitaland during outpatient services? The thing is for me Jesus healed me of my mental illness, I strongly believe he could have healed Robin Williams's too. My prayer is for those he left behind, his wife and children, that a Christian around them encourages them and loves them first and foremost; then if there is an opportunity to share the gospel, then to please do so! 

Along with the bible verse above, I loved this quote I found:

"Addiction of the word of God, is the termination of depression"

Then this brings me to YOU reading this blog:

With all these deaths of great names we grew up with, comedians, activists, and poets this year, how far along is our turn? How long are we going to toy with sins like drunkenness, or lying. Or the sin of sex before marriage, especially with someone you know is treating you below what God says you are to be treated. Or the sin of cheating on your spouse, coveting, stealing, jealousy, or just not applying wisdom to your days? How long? The Lord is ready for you to repent, take command of your life and remove the love of sin from your heart. He is waiting for you stop living dazed & confused. God is waiting to secure your eternal destination in case your day of death is tonight. How long will it take for you to surrender your life to Jesus?

Giving my life to Jesus has truly been the sweetest thing. He grants me so much favor among men, but most of all to HIM. I am eternally grateful, its not easy but the joy and peace I receive away from this failing world and failing body I am in, is amazing. 

Lets Connect on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram 

From your Sister in Christ ,

Sources: 

1. http://www.cnn.com/2014/08/11/showbiz/robin-williams-dead/index.html

2. http://www.cnn.com/2014/08/11/justice/michael-brown-missouri-teen-shot/index.html

4th Annual Lead Nigerian Leadership Summit 2013

Wednesday August 21st, 2013

So, I attended an amazing event this past Saturday. The 4th Annual Lead Nigerian Leadership Summit.

First a little about Lead Nigeria

 "Lead Nigeria seeks to provide comprehensive leadership programs that challenge the understanding of basic issues involving youths and young people as well as their leadership competencies with much training and emphasis on real life scenarios and world cases. They believe that cross-sector partnership is a vital key to creating positive change, hence why projects and programs involve young people in the critical thinking process, engaging them to think creatively about new models, new technologies that provide practical solutions to societal issues through the development of specific and measurable commitments to action, thereby opening a unique opportunity to channel the capacities of individuals and organization to realize real change."

The object of the annual leadership summit, this year being the 4th one was "designed to bring together Nigerian Professionals, Academicians and Entrepreneurs from all across the Diaspora, especially youths and young people to discuss about Nigeria’s present leadership issues, and familiarize participants with the leadership styles and strategies needed in the partnership required to deliver results that will trickle down to Nigerians at home and how diaspora Nigerians can add their own quota at this moment, partnering with Nigerians at home and the government for the economic growth of the country."

On to, Saturday August 17th, 2013; The event started a little late but certain structural elements and panelists were still making their way into the event. I took that time to take some pictures.

(Venue:Awesome View from the 18th floor Skytop Ballroom at Hotel Pennsylvania)

After a brief welcome, the first panel was on youth empowerment and sustaining the youth in the diaspora and in Nigeria. The awesome panelist included:

Ernesto Malave Jr- Administrative Coordinator for the Model New York State Senate Session Project

Ozioma Egwuonwu- Founder of BurnBright Lifeworks Inc.

Bobby Digi- Serial Entrepreneur  

Moderator: Omoruyi Aigbe

Questions posed to each panelist from the moderator included 

    1.How can youth empowerment be defined?

Answers included youth empowerment can be defined as ones confidence, self-reliance, and having the will to empower others from their own personal empowerment; Youth empowerment strips the fear you have within yourself; having ownership and knowledge, meaning being free from modern day slavery which includes ones culture and media, stop and frisk, and laws that have been since out-lawed; it helps you recognize family life is important; and finally it strips having a victim mentality.

     2. Who is a youth?

Answers included youth are people that work towards their generation; people ages 13-30. 

     3. How to identify and cultivate your identity?

Answers included to develop your identity, is to strengthenyour inner and outer core; being transparent,  consistent by being a doer; being the best you can be; connecting your story to others; and staying focused.

The quote that tied this panel together was from Ernesto Malave, he stated "Everyone needs a therapist" This struck a cord with me and is definitely true. For youth to be empowered they have to be able to talk about the fears and struggles they may be facing to someone. Often times our families and friends can only do so much. The perfect therapist to keep in mind is Jesus Christ; Whom you can talk to, that won't judge you but love and give you sound advice.

After this first panel a "Barrister" a lawyer that works in the Nigerian Government came up to speak. He explained how the Nigerian Constitution was written and broken up. He explained how Nigeria is broken up into 36 states and 736 local governments. There are 3 legal systems within the Constitution which includes Sharia law, commercial law, and customary law (which is what we Africans in the Diaspora fall under) . His opinion was, there is nothing wrong with the structure of the federal constitution  but feels having so many local governments reduced the funding to each. He feels eliminating local governance and just having state governance would strengthen the entire country.He also feels stronger leaders are needed to implement the already well written constitution.

(World's Most Expensive DJ: DJ Universe & Ijeoma Mbamalu Publicist-Managing Director of Mon Utopie Ideal-The PR Company)

(Me and the World's Most Expensive DJ: DJ Universe)

The Second Panel followed right after. It highlighted policy making in Nigeria and the power of Social Media. Panelists included:

 Fiyinfoluwa Elegbede- Columnist for AfricanLiberty.org 

Aroa Ameny- Founder & Executive Director of the (AAJW) Association of African Journalists & Writers

Kunle Ayodeji- Co-creator and co-host of Radio-Show& Blog Culture Shock: Nigerians in America

Reginald Bassey- Senior Legislative Aide and Chief of Staff in the House of Representatives at the National Assembly, Abuja

DJ Universe- Creator of AfroPop & Luxury Music

Divine Muragijimana- Moderator 

What I particularly learned in this panel was social media is a really important tool in connecting the youth in the diaspora and the youth in Nigeria. We can really make changes through social media on how even the government rules on certain cases. I know for the upcoming 2015 Election there is a planed sit in by all Nigerian youth in Afolabi, Lagos Square on October 1st. (still working on confirming this location, please check back with me for up to date information. My email is janet.songonuga@gmail.com)

The event overall was phenomenal. I got to ask questions about my cultural differences as a Nigerian that was raised here in America,how Nigerian's cultural and corruptible depictions can suppress us up and coming leaders, to make us want to deter from being in leadership and more. I really got an understanding of what Nigeria needs through this meeting. It needs more leaders. Although businesses are needed to help the economy, which by the way it was quoted at this event "this is the best time to invest and or open up a business in Nigeria", leaders are needed to help the country as a whole function. Again that's the whole reason the organization Lead Nigeria exists. 

(With CEO,Founder of Lead Nigera Teddy Ifeanyi)

I look forward to next year.

To read more: http://leadnigeria.org/index.php/2012-03-11-22-53-46/blog/17-first-blog-post

Lets Connect on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram 

From your Sister in Christ with a Servants Heart,

Janet Adeola Songonuga

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WOMEN IN THE AFRICAN SOCIETY & WOMAN IN AMERICA

Another Government & Public Service Post..YAY

   Wednesday August 7th, 2013

I pray whom ever is reading this is having a blessed day today! 

This will be a two part blog:

I made a personal goal to not only read the entire bible this summer but to also go to more political centered events I would be interested in. I have been wanting to blog about a phenomenal program I attended by US-Africa Synergy a little whiles ago, June 25th,2013 to be exact. The event was entitled Women in the African Society- Challenges & Perspectives. So I will endeavor to tell you all about the happenings of this program and the great people and one person I met that's really helping me grow in faith which was held at the Nigerian Mission in New York City.

In addition I will center this blog about women and their role in the world, specifically as a Christian woman by discussing the 3 part PBS Documentary entitled the Makers (which you can click and watch before you read my responses about it)

Let's get into this, Part 1:

On June 25th, 2013, US-Africa Synergy, a non-profit which seeks to engage the African Diaspora in the sustainable transforming of Africa and empowering African youths, held a program in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the African Union. All guest speakers and invitees including me sought to examine our roles as daughters, sisters, wives and mothers and look back on the changes brought by the historical Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa adopted in July 2004. This Declaration was the African Leadership’s attempt to promote gender equality and to empower women in Africa. However a decade later, data shows very little has been made to improve the social and professional stature of women in African and the African Diaspora. That evening we all sought to  examine the reasons of a halt on change for women in Africa through factors such as gender role, culture and education. 

So basically I personally wanted to go to meet one particular speaker at the event Yetunde A. Odugbesan-Omede. God is so faithful because I actually met her on the train station in NJ, waiting for the train to NY and here she comes gracefully walking up. We ended up chatting the whole way there and now she is one of the best Mentors/friends I have ever had in my life. I'll express her contributions to the event in question further on. 

So the event's structure first included a panel of four speakers, who spoke about their suggested changes for woman in Africa through gender roles, culture, and education. The speakers were:

(Dr. Bola Omotosho-  Medical Doctor & 16th District City Council Candidate)

(Dr. Josephine Ojiambo, Former UN Deputy Ambassador of Kenya)

(Ms. Mpule kwelagobe- Miss Universe 1999)

(Mrs. Yetunde A. Odugbesan-Omede, CEO & Founder Yetunde Global Consulting, LLC)

Comments that resonated with me on seeing women improve in Africa and beyond is :

• For women to know their strength.
• For marriage to be an option when they are ready but not forced. 
• For domestic violence to addressed in countries in Africa that have yet to clearly discuss it in the political arena. 
• Women are strong holders of a community and home. If the women lack, the entire community and her home lacks.
• Yetunde especially mentioned each and every woman has a talent, must realize their talent, and start putting their talent to work!

After this first panel, there was another panel discussion with students. This was great because it opened up questions about the modern woman. How woman in this generation want to be taken seriously but dress scandalously, get drunk on weekends, and rudely talk among their own circles and outside. All this need to stop and we must do better. Comments were made about faith including the Christian faith whom say woman are weaker vessels. Yes the bible does state that in 1st Timothy but when it's used in the right context it explains woman are delicate beings, to be handled with care. God, did make woman in his image so woman are very strong as well! The event empowered us young woman to take control of our destiny and know we are strongly needed to make an impact in our world. 

Yetunde has a really great blog that encourages all, woman and men to put their best forward here: Putting your best forward . She also started a really great organization to help woman enter womanhood and realize their destiny, check it out here : Young Woman Guide 

Part 2:

In continuing to know about the happenings and improvements we need to make as women, I would like to share with you all an awesome Documentary PBS did. PBS created a 3 part series entitled Makers. It basically goes through woman's role in America from the 1960's where women went to college but were expected to remain homemakers up until the roles women play in present day. 

I will like to share my reaction after watching all 3: 

Part 3 in particular clearly shows my generation, that being a power woman holding a great career and being a great mom can be difficult. As a Christian woman it reaffirms that God is calling me to still be a great mother and a help meet to my husband, but as were great woman in the bible who made great change like Deborah and Easter, God will provide me with the education and income to also support my family during the times in my lifetime I am needed. But also in the 3rd part they explain the push for fathers to brake the role of not playing a bigger part in raising children within the home as per spending time. This is seen very highly in African homes, I am not excluded, anyway it's another reason why I love my faith because men are expected to do as much as the wife is to do in the relationship. 

Women I would love to hear your comments after you've watched Makers and about the first part of the blog. Let's start a dialogue and conversation here.

(At my Monday Night Youth Bible study:Occupy Earth)

BONUS: Amos Johnson an amazing man that encourages Kingdom Business to grow and prevail. He just did an amazing podcast on the question: Should the wife be the provider for the family?The  You can watch it here: Wives, it is not your responsibility to provide for the family 

Lets Connect on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram 

From your Sister in Christ with a Servants Heart,

Janet Adeola Songonuga

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NOT GUILTY: The State of Florida vs George Zimmerman

                                                                  Monday, July 15th, 2013

So I wasn't initially thinking of blogging about the Trayvon Martin case, although my blog will be featuring elements of government and politics. But since I have been following this case, people have suggested I do, it has and will be a staple case in Americans legal system, and the outcry before, during, and after the case it was fitting for me to write on it.

I, as Barack Obama stated in a statement after the verdict of NOT GUILTY was rendered to George Zimmerman late Saturday night on July 14th, 2013 also will concur "A jury has spoken". That's exactly how this trial should be viewed and why George Zimmerman was acquitted, and all charges were dropped against him. 

For whomever may not know what George Zimmerman was charged for; George Zimmerman, 29 was charged on 2nd degree murder charges for the death of 17 year old, Trayvon Martin an African-American young man in Sanford, Florida.  The death of Trayvon came when he was on his way home and encountered neighborhood watch guard, George Zimmerman whom shot him to death.

Furthermore, returning to why Obama's statement "A jury has spoken", resonates with me and should resonate with you, because that's exactly why the verdict was the verdict. Who was on the Jury then you may ask? On the jury was 5 Caucasian woman, and 1 Hispanic woman.  There were no African Americans and no males on the jury. The jury selection process was a very tedious one; because most of the entire country, except of course the National Riffle Association(NRA) rallied around Trayvon Martin. If you remember, from the very young to the old, people posted pictures of themselves wearing a black hoodie like that worn by Trayvon on the night of his death.

(Trayvon Martin & Martin Luther King Junior)

The jury selected, had to be highly unbiased and partial to be able to have this case be fair, as we "try" to achieve in our American Justice System; boasting to do so for 100 of years. So in picking this jury, social media profiles were examined. None of the jury members could be linked to any support groups for Trayvon or Zimmerman, they could not have been overly interested in the victim, and again since an outcry was made about racial profiling, they could also have no ties to that. Then you may ask why can't the jury have ties to identifying with the race card, since this case was clearly a race issue? Well, that's what the Zimmerman's defense lawyers fought very hard to not include in the case. They proved to the judge that the anger spilling out from all over America was an historical backlash issue and the case at hand should not be viewed as a racial profiling case but as just 2 man whom got into an encounter and one ended up dead. The Defense strongly made their case and won. This in turn spilled into the jury selection. These women could not identify and empathize with the African American community because they weren't African American.                  

Another point that should be noted is George Zimmerman's father Robert Zimmerman once worked with the Judicial System as Magistrate also known as an Administrative Judge in the Virginia Judicial Commonwealth System. This means Robert Zimmerman and the Zimmerman family has political leverage. Although him and his wife opened up a website to collect funds, to help alleviate the cost of the trial, the Zimmermans were able to get very influential lawyers. Since I followed the case and also took political related classes this year, I was aware Robert Zimmerman came out with a book entitled "Florida v. Zimmerman: Uncovering the Malicious Prosecution of my Son, George" .When? During the jury selection process. GO FIGURE.

In closing whether you are outraged with the verdict or at peace with letting George Zimmerman go, and letting a history of problems surrounding gun violence in this country go as well; the American System worked. The jury voted and it is because the jury spoke, the case has now been dismissed. Of course now many groups and even the State of Florida are looking to find other charges like hate crime and civil suits to now bring upon George Zimmerman.

(Watch Beginning and go to http://www.democracynow.org/ for full coverage post Zimmerman case)

What are your views on the case?

Lets Connect on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram 

From your Sister in Christ with a Servants Heart,

Janet Adeola Songonuga

Sources:

ABC NEWS

HUFFINGTON POST

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UPDATE

It's interesting how my view on the case focuses on the Juror. Well a juror, juror B37 has spoken out. Again, this interview will prove to you the juror's physical and mental makeup heavily sued the decision of this case.

Watch the interview here, if interested:

(Part 1)

(Part 2)