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Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day

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Monica May's Point Of View

Every Sunday morning, 'Monica May's Point Of View' will feature conversations built on hot topics and issues concerning African Americans. Local and national guests will share their points of view as well.

TOWN OF EATONVILLE CELEBRATES DR. KING/PARENT & STUDENT TIPS FOR SUCCESS/GETTING PAST “QUITTERS DAY”

Mayor Angie Gardner is in her 3rd year leading the town of Eatonville, FL which is the oldest black incorporated town in America. They are celebrating the 48th Annual MLK holiday with a parade that starts at 2pm Saturday January 18th with a vendor display after. Their theme, “Illuminating Tomorrow Together,” speaks to the Mayor’s intention of getting the town residents to realize that, “they are seen and heard, their opinions matter.” Mayor Gardner is the third female Mayor, however only the 2nd elected to head the town and realizes that she “speaks with a calmness” that surprises even herself. There is a multimillion dollar grant to update the sewer system there and she wants more input in order to make even more necessary changes. Please attend their Town Meetings on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month as well as the Town Council meeting right after at 7:30pm. To become a vendor or find out more about the town’s progress, visit www.townofeatonville.org or call 407/623-8900 Dr. Ro is the Director of Community Partnerships for an OCPS school as well as the author of “Be THAT!” She shared tips on developing student strengths by tapping into their interests via social media, music and more. She says it’s important to, “Make education fun and inclusive by meeting the students where they are.” Parents can keep up with student progress online using the Skyward app. You can also read more in her book, “Be THAT!” which uncovers real life examples to motivate you. To learn more, visit www.roneisharandall.com. January 10th is National Quitter’s Day. Reshell Smith, Finance Expert and owner of AMES Financial Solutions pointed out that by this time only 25% of Americans are still on track to meet their goals and 10% are still trying to stay on track by the end of the month. She gave us tips to stay the course and apps we can use as well. Try the calm app or headspace app first to get centered when it comes to dealing with money and then try keeping track with ynab.com (you need a budget). It’s never too late to get back on track and she shared that, “Accountability is key!” Visit her at www.amesfinancialsolutions.com

January 12, 2025

CENTRAL FLORIDA CELEBRATES DR. MARTIN LITHER KING/OUR HISTORY IS AMERICA’S HISTORY

Dana Mackey, President of the Southwest Jaycee’s, Rosene Johnson, from the City of Orlando’s MLK Commission and Dr. Earl Mowatt, Chair of the Orange County MLK Initiative discussed the plans to commemorate the 41st year of the legendary parade January 18th honoring Dr. King. This year the theme is based on “Mission Possible: Celebrating Unity, Love and Non-Violence which are some of the 6 Principles that Dr. King’s vision is based upon. More than 100 entrants have registered for the parade and festivities. For information on activities hosted by these two entities visit www.mlkorlando.com or www..https://www.orangecountyfl.net/CultureParks/DrMartinLutherKingJrInitiative.aspx and for other celebrations throughout Central Florida visit www.star945.com Dr. Lavon Bracy a Central Florida historian, shared her story of staring in the face of racism as a high school senior to integrate an Alachua County High School. She was the 1st black student to graduate in 1965, a mere decade beyond the passing of Brown vs. Board of Education in 1954. She was spit on, beaten to near death and given ultimatums that would have caused another person to give up, but this “brave Little Cookie” forged on to become the 1st black graduate that year. Dr. Bracy who comes from a family who fought for civil rights, believed it was her duty to change the face of desegregation in her county. Since then she is a sought after speaker and author of three books; Making them Whole, Beyond Bravery and Brave Little Cookie. Connect with her at lavonbracy@aol.com

January 5, 2025

Young Girls Who Exhibit Confidence/Getting Finances in Order for the New Year

15-year-old Sumer Strawbree was bullied as a youngster and her father Everett helped her gain back her confidence through positive affirmations. She would have to respect them in the morning and before bed. Those positive words have now turned into a business. Sumer makes appearances around the country and shares her own artwork and affirmations with other girls through her books and speaking engagements. Connect with Sumer and see her Bullying PDF online at www.sumerstrawbree.com or call 321/209-1740. Her father Everett can be reached on IG @ mastermindstatements. Ten-year-old Cassidy Joseph is a young dancer who is extremely confident. She credits her mom and her love of Christ for all that she is. Cassidy can be reached on IG @ cassidyjoseph83. Both parents agree that putting positive thoughts and actions into their children early on is what has helped maintain their strong confidence. Reshell Smith MBA, CFP of AMES Financial Solutions makes getting out of debt realistic with suggestions on paying down debt like snowball = pay off smaller credit lines first so you can see the effects of your effort or avalanche which is paying off the credit cards with the highest interest rate first. Creditors see you as less risky if your score is 720 and above but remember credit scores are based on your debt accrued. Make sure you are legacy planning to be able to pass down land and money to your offspring. She shared the differences between traditional IRA’s which is where you pay tax on the money invested vs. ROTH IRA – the same investment in the stock market without the tax penalty. Ms. Smith said that you can begin investing as soon as a child has a social security number. Connect with Reshell @ www.AMESFinancialSolutions.com

December 22, 2024

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