Yes, you read the title of this post correctly. Elder Dr. Bernice A. King, the youngest daughter of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, is trying her best to keep her brothers, Dexter King and Martin Luther King III, from selling their father’s Nobel Peace Prize medal and his personal Bible to a private buyer. Both of these items were his prized possessions.
Wouldn’t they be for you?
It’s not his floss or hair brush, it’s his Bible (road map, tool, accountability source) and his Nobel Peace Prize medal (for sacrificing everything in hopes of a better, more dignified life for all people worldwide).
If you don’t already know the background details about Dexter and Martin suing Bernice, their aunt, Christine King Farris, other family members, loyal friends of their parents, and the King Center (where all three children serve on the board) then read more about the lawsuit and this most recent travesty here
Then share your thoughts.
I wonder what their parents wish they could get them to do and say to stop this madness. I wonder how their parents feel about the legacy they left behind. I wonder what it will take to right these wrongs, set things where they need to be, and build the King legacy where it should be.
Martin Luther King III, is the only child to have offspring, his daughter Yolanda (named after their late sister by the same name). The King legacy will be left to Yolanda and in some ways (if they are willing) her cousins (from great aunt Christine’s side of the family—on the Farris side).
But unless Martin III, Bernice or Dexter have more children (by blood), and more specifically, boys, the King name will end with Yolanda, when everyone else is long gone. Think about that.
I just wonder how what happens today, this year, will impact their parents legacy 10, 15, 20-plus years from now. What will the King name be worth in 50 years?
The King legacy impacts generations yet unborn, worldwide, or so it’s supposed to…
I just wonder.
What about you? What do you think?
~Natasha
Source:
http://saportareport.com/blog/2014/02/bernice-king-my-brothers-want-to-sell-my-fathers-nobel-peace-prize-medal-and-bible/
Copyright 2014. Natasha Foreman Bryant. The Paradigm Life. Some Rights Reserved. theparadigmlife.com
Category Archives: Love Leadership
Natasha’s Thought of the Day: My Definition of a Coward
A coward is a hilarious yet pitiful sight to see and experience. A coward hides behind aliases, anonymity, avatars, masks, lies, and other people. A coward yells loudly behind mommy’s dress and daddy’s coat, but never stands out and speaks up for the world to see. A coward spits venom like a serpent but is too scared to face those they attack. A coward has little to no self-esteem, self-worth, dignity, or grace, so lacking a spine they sneak around trying to drag others to their level. A coward will hide behind a title but never live up to it. A coward is never dependable, reliable, or consistent…except in their cowardice. They simply exist, but never live, and even in their existence they don’t leave much of an impression.
I’m not too sure if I should feel sorry for the cowards of the world, sympathy, or nothing at all. They are a sad group of people. They can never stand on their own, they can never fight their own battles, they can never truly lead, they always make excuses for their inadequacies, and blame others for their shortcomings. Cowards are always the victim, always the damsel in distress, always the ones needing saving, always the ones complaining about what’s wrong and why they can’t do something. The words, ‘can’t’ and ‘impossible’ begin and end their sentences, and sometimes their days.
Cowards live for revenge, wanting to pay back those who hurt them, but they don’t have the courage to actually face this person head on. Cowards like to pick fights, but never stick around for combat, or they find a way for others to join the fight so their weaknesses are never revealed. They are the ones who spread rumors and cause drama, but in a sneaky, cleaver kind of way–that always make them look innocent. They pretend to be someone they aren’t because they don’t have the courage to be who they were created to be. They are weak-minded, weak physically, weak morally, and weak spiritually. They live in constant darkness; for only in light can one find true strength. It’s no wonder why cowards always prefer playing devil’s advocate, because for them it is too great a mountain to climb reaching up towards hope, possibility, and excellence, when they can use less effort kneeling down towards mediocrity.
I have encountered many cowards in my time, some as recently as today, and I am amazed at how much time they have on their hands to focus their energy on doing absolutely nothing of relevance in our world–except in their minds. It is pitiful that these insecure people spend so many hours of their day thinking about me, plotting and planning against me, and envious of what I have that they wish they had. We all have had our run-ins with cowards like this. See, cowards have plenty of time and energy to spread lies and hate, try to destroy other people’s reputations, families and businesses, yet they don’t invest the time and energy to bring goodness and love into our world. They don’t have the time and energy to make a positive contribution to society, yet they can waste all of their resources trying to drain someone else and destroy their dreams. They don’t have the time and energy to build, create, innovate, inspire, embrace, uplift, and shine. Yet they have the time and energy to tear things apart, destroy, manipulate, deceive, and play childish games. They have time to send stupid messages and make phone calls to others hoping to make them feel as miserable as they do; post idiotic things on the Internet for even the tiniest bit of attention; make claims without supporting evidence; and just take up much-needed space in the world. They eventually leave this world as they entered it and lived it…clueless!
I have more respect for the person who tries and fails, than the one who never tries. I have more respect for the person with bumps, bruises, cuts and burns from falling down in life, because in their walk I see that they found a way to get back up. I have more respect for the person who comes to me directly, without masks, anonymity and code names, and just speaks their mind. I have more respect for the person who comes right out and confronts me with the goal to fight, than sucker-punch me in the dark. I have no respect for a person who isn’t brave enough to stand up and speak their mind. I say what I want to say, and clearly say my name when I’m speaking. I don’t post to my blogs or anywhere else as “anonymous” or with some made up alias, or using a picture not mine, because I have the courage to speak up, speak out, and back up what I say. My parents didn’t raise a punk, so I don’t cower over like one. I’m no bully and I won’t be bullied–never have and never will!
So I have one last thing to say to the cowards of the world…you can say what you want and do what you want, because just like your anonymity, you really don’t exist!
Copyright 2011. Natasha L. Foreman. All Rights Reserved.
Some of our Leaders Seem to Have a Problem with “Brain-Mouth Disconnect Syndrome”
By Natasha L. Foreman
Some people need to just think before they speak, or simply refrain from answering a question when they have absolutely nothing of intelligence to say in response. Case in point…again… Oklahoma state Representative Sally Kern.
This woman appears to have what I call, “brain-mouth disconnect syndrome” whenever a microphone or reporter is nearby. Her mouth gets to yapping but her brain is totally disconnected from the process. She needs a handler who does a better job screening what comes out of her mouth. Do you remember when three years ago she made the comment that gay people are destroying the United States and were a greater threat than terrorists? If not, I have included the link to this footage at the end of this post. Do you remember Kern’s Divorce Bill that would have made it hard for people to get divorced in Oklahoma? Yes, I included that link below as well.
Well Ms. Kern has really stepped in her own mess last Wednesday during an affirmative action bill debate she back-handed both women and African-Americans by saying that women don’t work as hard and earn as much as men because they are more concerned about raising their families, and the high incarceration rate of Black people must have something to do with them not wanting to work hard in school.
“We have a high percentage of blacks in prison, and that’s tragic, but are they in prison just because they are black or because they don’t want to study as hard in school?…I’ve taught school, and I saw a lot of people of color who didn’t study hard because they said the government would take care of them.”
But let’s hear it directly from the horse’s mouth shall we? Oh and look at the body language and reaction from her constituents in the audience! Thank goodness for YouTube…
Yep, she said it and after coming under attack and her people returning from their extended lunch break (I’m joking about the latter) she tries to clean up her comments by saying that women are some of the hardest workers in the world, and that what she said didn’t come from her “true spirit“. Okay so where did it come from? Will people have to question which spirit (true or false) she’s speaking from every time she opens her mouth?
Maybe it’s time for Ms. Kern to take some sensitivity training, or re-training. Anthony Davis, the President of the NAACP Oklahoma chapter is cutting Kern no slack and is standing firm in his call for her resignation, and urging Kern’s constituents do the same- saying, “Let’s send a message out that in Oklahoma we will not tolerate racism at its ugliest level.”
See the Oklahoma news KOCO report that covered the story and interviewed both Anthony Davis and state Representative Mike Shelton:
I’m all for freedom of speech but when do we draw the line especially when words of hate, bigotry, and racism come from the mouths of our country’s leaders, influencers, and those who intend to lead?
If we are to be the example for the rest of the world to follow why then should we be surprised that there is so much hate spewed about our country and our people? We talk about athletes and entertainers being role models and that they should watch what they say and do, but what about highly visible business people and those in government positions who serve the people of this nation? What standards are set for them, or are they not considered role models?
What are your thoughts?
Oh and by the way here’s the link to her Divorce Bill recommendation: http://youtu.be/tXYKe4gdeRo
And her remarks about gays in 2008 in case you never heard it or need your memory refreshed:
Copyright 2011. Natasha L. Foreman. All Rights Reserved.
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>My Kaplan Graduation Part Three: Reception, Followed by Absolute Relaxation then Torture
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As I followed my School of Business and Management line leader to the reception I tried to take everything in. So many emotions were running through me and it seemed like things were moving so fast. Fellow graduates were asking me questions as though I had on one of the red volunteer “helper” shirts…for whatever reason they thought I had answers…I was just as lost and dazed as they were; all I knew to do was follow the leader- and that is exactly what I did.
As I entered the ballroom I immediately grabbed a server-passed hors d’oeuvre and a table for four. I sat looking around the room, waiting for my mom and sister, and anticipating biting into the tasty morsels I saw from afar at the various stations throughout the room (yes, it was a blur but the scent was intoxicating so I presumed it would taste as good or better).
When mom and Alex walked in we were like a military unit; I remained at the table ‘holding down the fort’ while they hit opposite sides of the room, returning with numerous plates of food (yes, I was embarrassed, so I ate quickly to cover up the fact that they were trying to make these “light bites” a full course meal). Let me say, the chicken and beef satay with peanut sauce was delicious, as were the coconut shrimp, asparagus rolls, mahi mahi sliders, and the stuffed mushrooms.
I made sure to sign in at the School of Business and Management table to receive my graduation gifts from Kaplan.
The only instructor’s picture and name I recognized on the board they had posted by the table was that of Rita Gunzelman. My other professors did not make the trip. I really had hoped to see them, but shrugged it off as I returned to my table.
After taking several pictures we decided we had our fill of food and it was time to return to the hotel to relax by the pool. Outside the ballroom were signs for the School of Business and Management so we stopped and took several pictures.
A fellow graduate, who earned her Associates degree in Business Administration walked up and asked me if she could take a picture with me. I was not sure why but agreed to honor her request. While we waited for my sister to get the camera ready I asked her where she was from, “Los Angeles” she said with a strong Asian accent. She was originally from China. She said she wanted to take a picture with me because she admired me and my accomplishments and that she hoped to one day earn her Master’s degree.
I thought she only wanted one picture, instead we took several. She beamed brightly as she thanked me, and seemingly skipped away with her boyfriend/husband. I figured if she said my name I’d know she was a process server or I was on some TV show like a knock-off of “Punked”. I later discovered back at the hotel that my camera did not capture any of our images my sister had snapped. I am very disappointed because that was a memorable exchange that would have been nice to capture in a digital image. Hopefully as the young lady looks at her camera she will have fond memories of that day.
I noticed that while I was taking pictures a man and woman were standing a few feet away and staring at me. They approached and I quickly saw that the man had a Kaplan lanyard and badge around his neck. He engaged me in a pretty lengthy conversation congratulating me and asking me about my degree, future endeavors, etc. The woman looked at the two of us with a puzzled look on her face…I think I looked at both of them with a quizzical look because I had no clue who he was and why he approached me of all the students who stood within three feet of him (and no I wasn’t the only Black student in the area LOL). Once they walked away I looked at my mom and sister and they had the same look I believe I had on my face. We shrugged our shoulders and then proceeded outside to take scenic pictures. I kept looking around for a shorter, goofier version of Ashton Kutcher to hop out with a camera crew.
My sister pointed to the Alumni table and before I made it within 10 feet of the table two of the girls said something and then in unison they all said “Congratulations Natasha Foreman, let’s give it up for her…” and started screaming and clapping. I know they said more than that but I was so thrown off that they knew my name- that the rest of their cheer was like on Charlie Brown “waa waa waa”. Come to find out the girl closest to me has some awesome vision and could read my identification badge from that impossible-for-me distance.
I accepted my alumni package and signed up for something that I still can’t recall…hope it doesn’t require a great sum of money because they will have a better chance at squeezing a 1793 Chain Cent from a turnip 200 feet below sea level! Wow that was kind of intense…but you get my drift!
My sister and I casually walked around and took pictures by the water and the yacht that was docked there.
It was time to go, we were anxious to bask in the sun…well I was…I’m so in need of a tan- I know this to be true when my white friends laugh uncontrollably at my pale legs…and theirs is darker. As we approach the doors to re-enter the hotel I snap a picture of my mom who looked like she was holding up one of the walls she was so exhausted (serves you right mom for loading up on all that food).
Just before heading the exit we noticed a line by a photographer. Complimentary “fun” photos with your choice of background/border…as I learned in Mary Kay, “if it’s free it’s for me” so I hopped in line!
After taking these whimsical photos we headed towards the front of the hotel and I spotted the most eye-catching, spiritual, warm, culturally-rooted pieces of art I had seen in awhile.
I asked a Hyatt employee if he knew who the artist was or knew who could provide me the information, he said no to both questions. So maybe one of my readers will know. I’m about to call the Hyatt and ask someone in management. I want those pieces. Knowing me and my propensity for being attracted to items with hefty price tags
(like thinking a dress I wanted didn’t cost more than $500 and found out it was over $5,000)…this picture will be the closest thing I get to owning these sculptures and the even taller versions I saw throughout the lobby.
I could be wrong- I doubt it, but we will see!
Well, after admiring the sculptures a few more minutes, we walked outside to valet; and one quick cab ride later we were back in our hotel room, quickly changing out of our clothes into swim suits and flip flops.
Mom opted to stay behind, read a bit from Love Leadership, by John Hope Bryant and then crash in her bed to get some much-needed rest.
After our mini-photo shoot of about 10-15 pictures, Alex and I quickly left and headed to the pool. I toted my laptop bag filled with school books, binder, bottled water, and my iPod.
The pool area was relaxing and the attendant was sweet as could be. I wish we had taken a picture with him. I reclined back with my books and enjoyed every sun ray that kissed my body. “Thank you Lord for this wonderful weather” I said. What is amazing is that a storm was supposed to have rolled through that weekend and thanks to the Lord not one drop fell from the sky…wow I guess He knew I needed the warmth and some color!
My sis stepped in the pool and the most beautiful look came across her face. The water was warm and she was happy. After leaving 30 degrees (and lower) weather, we felt like we were in heaven on earth in Miami’s 70-plus degree weather. It didn’t take long for Miss. Goof Ball to get out of the water and return with floaties and tubes.
Our relaxing moment was cut short after a few hours when a couple decided to bring their two children to the pool to play catch….water on my expensive text books, Blackberry and iPod was not my definition of peaceful relaxation. So I packed up and we made our way back to our room to take a nap.
That evening my sister and I took a cab to Bayside Marketplace off of Biscayne Boulevard to grab a to-go order from Chili’s (which may I add we were beyond disappointed- and the manager wasn’t moved by our complaint). We then thought we were going to have to put the cab driver in check on the return trip because he caught an attitude when I questioned our fare- he almost caught a “homey don’t play that” to his noggin by Alex. After getting settled into our room, seeing our disappointment we were forced to call food, we chowed down and then…I don’t remember much after that, because I passed out taking a so-called “power nap”.
The next morning started off with an expensive teeny tiny pot of coffee from room service, then $15 and only maybe three hours later I was logging off the Internet so we could head to the airport…several hours early, because mom was tired of taxi cabs and spending money (next time it’s all about the car rental). That was the longest stay I can recall spending at the airport in an extremely long time. Thank goodness for technology…except my USB modem from my ISP (I will refrain from mentioning their name) that does not have nationwide coverage yet.
Before checking out I made sure to write a message that represented my level of satisfaction during my stay.
The food at this Caribbean restaurant, “Island Chicken Grill” in the MIA airport (Concourse J, 2nd floor) was unbelievably tasty. I ordered the Cuban grilled chicken with black beans, rice, and plantains…I would have slapped any person that came close to that plate of food. I’m sure people thought we hadn’t eaten in days the way we scarfed that food down. Mom had the Jamaican Jerk Chicken dinner (two thumbs up) and my sister had the grilled steak dinner that was very tasty, and one of the most tender steaks I’ve had in awhile…I can’t believe that…but it’s true. So I’m looking at those restaurants that have been bamboozling me on $35(+) steak dinners, while Island Chicken Grill charged us $8.99-9.99 for each of our meals, and the taste and quality was equal to or greater than several restaurants I can think of from the top of my head. Hmmmmmm
After several hours at the airport (and suffering from a major case of “itus”) we boarded on our way to Chicago.
Chicago O’Hare has a restaurant called “Salad Works” (Terminal 1 Concourse C) that has a delicious spinach salad (I got mine with raspberry vinaigrette). Every bite I longed for more. Great stuff! So after spending what felt like 12 hours in the air I was so grateful to finally land in Atlanta, even though it was freezing cold and the woman providing wheel chair assistance for my mom took us on a wild goose chase for over 20 minutes trying to help us to our shuttle. Once in my car we had to wait for the ice on my windows to defrost…I was feeling sick…I wanted Miami…this was sadistic and cruel!
As I drove home I visualized my next trip to Miami- it definitely has to be 5-7 days in length and filled with all the S’s: sun, several books, suntan lotion, sunglasses, sightseeing, a sexy companion, a splash in the pool and at the beach….and sustenance- yep, tons of tasty food and beverages. I’ve got to try this Italian restaurant Donté Stallworth told me about that I didn’t get chance to visit. I hope it’s as tasty as he claims, I will see in due time!
I had a wonderful time in Miami! I want to thank my mom and sister for their love and support, and for making the trip to Miami; to my aunt Debbie for your unwavering love and support, and for my graduation gift; 4.0- you are incredible in every sense of the word…say…“Effortless”, the staff at Conrad Miami, Kaplan University, Hyatt Regency, my instructor Rita Gunzelman, and everyone who tuned in to my graduation…much love and respect! Soon we’ll take this adventure again as I cross the stage earning my PhD with Capella University. I wonder who will make that trip with me?!?
I absolutely love my MBA hood…now I’m ready for the next level…the big mama of hoods!
Copyright © 2010 by Natasha L. Foreman. All rights reserved
>Sharing and Experiencing Love Through Leadership
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Note: Due to Internet connectivity issues I was not able to post to my blog the past few days- so I have been very anxious to get this submission to everyone.
January 29, 2010 I finished reading the book Love Leadership: The New Way to Lead in a Fear-Based World written by my friend, John Hope Bryant. Everyone that knows me knows that I love reading books…I’m a human sponge. Let me be brutally honest…this book is a page turner from beginning to end; no dull moments, no fluff, no superfluous jargon, and no attempt to mislead readers- just love in its purest form…but not ‘soft’ love. If you’re thinking of camp fires and marshmallows then you are far from accurate. John’s delivery is to the point, clear, concise and eloquently raw. He has a way with words, and a gift for showing you how to look within to lead efficaciously and build toward your vision swiftly.
Love Leadership does not need to pound concepts and theories down your throat, or manipulate you into a brainwashed regurgitating ‘puppet’ of theories and catchy phrases; it makes you open your mind and heart and accept whatever limitations that you possess as a leader, and encourages you to seek a positive change, in order to get the desired residual effects from your team/group/family. It encourages you to seek out your desires no matter if professionally or personally, and to focus your attentions on “good” capitalism and not “bad” capitalism…where wealth accumulation does not come at the cost of someone else’s well being or your own. No soul-selling, back-stabbing, shoulder climbing, or cutting of throats here folks! You can ‘get yours’ the ethical way.
John’s book reinforces my belief that leaders do not need to lead with an iron fist, but rather with love, respect and compassion for the fellow man. John and other well-known and respected leaders share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences on the difference between fear-based leading and one directed in love. Leaders that believe that fear will instill or reinforce the necessary characteristics of disciplined and loyal workers are disillusioned and clearly insecure of their own shortcomings. Leaders that believe that they can cut ‘corners’, overlook unethical behavior or dabble in it ‘this time’ are only setting themselves up for a slippery slope of mania. These leaders eventually fail.
Leaders need to possess a balance of task-orientation and people-orientation in order to lead with a focus on the job at hand and the valued workers that get the job done. When you lead with fear and intimidation you breed contempt and resentment; a sense of inequity grows from deep within and eventually your followers begin to show signs of defiance, which is counter-productive to your organization’s growth and success.
John Hope Bryant shares five laws of love-based leadership which include:
1. Loss Creates Leaders
2. Fear Fails
3. Love Makes Money
4. Vulnerability is Power
5. Giving is Getting
Do not let the tone of these laws confuse your thinking that this book or Love Leaders are somehow soft, weak, or inadequate. Contrary to your preconceived notions to lead in love is exactly what Jesus, Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., César Chávez, Albert Einstein, and others did. This is the type of leadership that Nelson Mandela, Leymah Gbowee, and numerous other leaders live by and encourage.
I do not know about you, but from my readings and interpretations, Jesus was nobody’s punk or fool…he possessed a strength, passion, desire, conviction, and wisdom that enticed thousands upon thousands to follow and study under him. Jesus is the only person past or present that could bring out the masses in droves like he did. We are impressed when an entertainer fills an arena or stadium, could you see Jesus as the headliner? Talking about standing room only! Now that is a sign of leadership.
Love leaders are those who earn respect, they do not demand it or expect to receive it freely. They love people even if they do not like the person’s character or behavior. Love leaders understand that it takes the human element in order for the marketplace to thrive and survive. It takes human compassion to truly reach others and re-charge the dead or dying batteries many people have buried within themselves. It takes a strong person to lead in and with love. It takes a sense of vulnerability to expose some or all of yourself to those you lead so they see “you” and in turn desire to invest in your mission and vision.
Let’s look at an example of turnover rates within organizations. I use this example because it is relevant, especially now during our current climate of unemployment and underemployment.
High turnover rates are a sign to me that leaders within that organization are lacking the adequate skills to lead, motivate, encourage, create and maintain healthy vital relationships. High turnover, whether voluntary or involuntary is a clear indicator of a weakened organization that could fall in time like a house of cards…all it takes is one or two cards to move and it all comes tumbling down.
If your organization is struggling, showing signs of weakness and defiant behavior, reading and genuinely applying the concepts and laws within John Hope Bryant’s Love Leadership book will help create an immediate shift in your thinking…and that of those you lead who then see and feel a shift in the environment they spend most of their time.
If you are planning a business start-up, and you are in your beginning or middle stages of research and implementation be sure to purchase a copy of Love Leadership to help you while designing your business and marketing plans, and operations manual. [I must insert a shameless plug right here…if you need help with your business start-up contact me for a consultation].
I would suggest that every man and woman that hopes to take on leadership roles whether in the community, in the workplace, your home, or your church, purchase a copy of this book TODAY! Love Leadership also serves as a great read for book clubs and other groups, wanting to share in the depth and breadth of this wonderful principle, movement, and way of being; simply called…Love Leadership!
This book needs to be a part of every organization’s and home-based library worldwide. I share this book review with love and the deepest level of respect…enjoy!
Love Leadership can be purchased at: Amazon.com, BN.com, Borders.com, BAMM.com, through audible.com, and iTunes, and of course at a book retailer near you.
Copyright © 2010 by Natasha L. Foreman. All rights reserved; except displayed images.
Image of Love Leadership book retrieved from http://johnhopebryant.com/ with permission
Image of woman at finish line source credit: Getty Image/Getty Image retrieved from www.marieclaire.com/…/running-medium-new.jpg
Image of screaming woman source credit: http://ashleybolivar.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/anger.jpg
Image of “Unemployment” source credit: http://jobjabber.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/unemployment.jpg
Image of “I Quit” source credit: http://www.ere.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/istock_000007867680xsmall.jpg
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