Columbia, MD

“There are literally hundreds of thousands of apps on the market today, so I was very surprised to find ‘no results’ when I searched the App Store for African American and Black health apps, especially when there are so many issues that impact us disproportionately,” says A. Maria Hester, M.D., principal of Savvier Health, LLC.

She goes on to say, “I have seen far too many people suffer needlessly and die prematurely. It’s simply heartbreaking. I couldn’t rest knowing how many patients and their families were devastated by treatable, sometimes preventable diseases, so while still in medical school, over 20 years ago, I got busy writing my first book, Bridging the Gaps: An African American Guide to Health and Self-Empowerment, and I have been trying to empower people ever since.”

Common medical conditions, and their toll on the black community, are the key focus of this app. Topics are presented in a concise, easy-to-understand format, and include a list of risk factors – many of which can be modified – an action plan to stay well, and helpful links so users can gain more in-depth knowledge.

Since complete health also requires spiritual and emotional well-being, Dr. Hester included sections to enlighten and motivate users to live less stressful, more spirit-filled lives.

On a lighter note, Express is a unique greeting card app chock-full of electronic cards featuring African American photos, art, and poetry by the late Gerdine Newsome. Cards run the gamut from simple birthday greetings to thought provoking poems. Users can even send friends and loved ones reminders to see the doctor or get a mammogram.

Both apps allow users to record and e-mail voice memos and text notes directly from the app.

For more details about the Total Health for African American Christians and Express apps, visit www.savvierhealth.net/apps.html
PRESS CONTACT:
Maria Hester, M.D.
Hester@Savvierhealth.net
443-414-8182

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Junichi_Lockett_Jr.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1817992

By Abhishek Agarwal

My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person: he believed in me.
Jim Valvano (Coach and Mentor)
There are community programs, social initiatives, governmental support, school vouchers, urban initiatives, and religious seminars, creating opportunities for fathers to be active in their child’s school.
If Fathers Can look past their White faces, African American faces, Hispanic faces, Latino faces, Asian faces, Haitian faces and other cultural faces and see there are more Intervening (failing) schools that need support by fathers being mentors and role models; the Mayor of Jacksonville, Florida has set a great example by getting involved showing that collaboration of city government and education can work in saving programs and empowering students. There is applause, congratulations and high fives from these successes, it does not have to stop there. If Fathers Can work together positive change for schools can be created.
“A man’s worth is measured by how he parents his children. What he gives them, what he keeps away from them, the lessons he teaches and the lessons he allows them to learn on their own.”  Lisa Rogers
If Fathers Can see sports and entertainment are viable alternative outlets to rise from poverty, they should see opportunities in (STEM) Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics for their children. Statistically the odds of being a sports and entertainment star are exceedingly low, but the odds to be involved in areas of STEM, for children even minorities are higher with community, church and family support, with a strong college/university level education. Students can beat the odds of failure if they have the parental support from their families. The Mayor has set a great example; fathers can make a significant impact if they are involved consistently.
In the educational realms of school districts nationwide, students shouldn’t wait on Superman, Batman to save schools or save them. There are more children in Alternative Education Programs, Overage Programs, STAR Programs, Drop Back In Programs, Title One Programs, and the list grows that the line between “regular student” and “alternative education student” blurs.  The movie “I Can Do Bad All by Myself”(2009) suggests, no student should have to do bad at all if education is supported and respected, if fathers make a choice to support their children not just on an athletic field, but on academic field where it is more important. Across this country fathers are perceived as not wanting to take a serious role in schools and be held accountable for their children’s academics. Schools have academic success stories and academic strengths because of father’s participation; there should be more. All children need support and guidance to be successes in education; children need to hear success stories, stories of overcoming poverty, drugs, violence, and devastating family situations, they need to hear from fathers, grandfathers, uncles, stepfathers, and surrogate fathers.  Their voices are important and do make a difference.
There is a growing travesty not just in the African American community, (it is felt more here) fathers are missing the opportunity to volunteer, mentor and positively influence children in their education. Interestingly fathers attend football games and basketball games, exalt and praise sports, but are few in parent/teacher conferences, school board meetings, PTA meetings and School Advisory Councils. A father’s attendance is important for the support and encouragement of their children’s growth and setting a model for the value of education.
If Fathers Can take this opportunity to be proactive, become involved in the schools, support their child who may feel unsupported and alone. If Fathers Can build on a paradigm shift similar to what was created by Jacksonville, Florida Mayor Brown to support schools by visiting, inspiring students, encouraging  fathers, building on success, and setting high expectations. More fathers should be proactive and visible; fathers need to be involved. If Fathers Can attend football games, get hyped, excited and envisioning champions on athletic fields, where is that same vision and energy for champions in the classroom?
“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the change that we seek.” President Barack Obama
If Fathers Can rise up and be the role models, mentors, support mechanism and influencers of academic change then students should be able to attend higher education (college and university), vocational education and military educational options instead of potentially being denied entrance because of low test scores, low motivation and no support. To many students attending college/university take remedial classes to gain entrance.
Malcolm X stated, “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”
As an instructor at Edward Waters College I see the excitement in student faces and their personal drive, there is great talent and awesome potential. Even at the college level students need parental support and guidance, fathers do make a difference.  No student should be looked down on by where they go to school; they should be celebrated and supported for their desire to continue their education no matter what school they attend.  How will children be prepared for the future if they are not supported, guided and motivated?
The future holds new jobs in technology; who will be the engineers and scientist that create and support new technologies?  If Fathers Can model the value for education and hard work more students will graduate; If Fathers Can motivate their children to understand in this decade, “nearly two-thirds, of all the jobs created will require a college degree” (White, S. 2006, NCES). If Fathers Can be consistant and dedicated in supporting, educational opportunities more children will be successful academically and there will be none or fewer intervening (failing) schools in neighborhoods in America.
By Sean Jackson (Florida A&M), William Jackson, M.Ed. and Cheryl Williams, RN

William Jackson

The actions of divorce force men to start over, starting a new beginning,
and rebuilding of relationships with children, renewing a father’s spirituality,
and the redirection of personal priorities in life. No matter what cultural
background, maturity range, salary scale or religious conviction, divorce
can be overwhelming, demeaning, financially draining (especially if you
are proving child support and or alimony), and a emotional roller coaster that never seems to end. In Matthew 6:33 states, “..seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness..”, when searching for direction through this challenging time. The best guide is the reading of the Bible and seeking understanding of the Word. Reading and interpretation can
refocus your life, redirect your spirituality in scripture and provides comfort
and solace.
Having gone through divorce it forced an understanding on what I need to
improve in myself, not focusing on the faults or shortcomings of others.
Not blaming, arguing about perceptions of right and wrong. The thoughts
and emotional turmoil of blame, anger, self-pity, shame and defeatism have
been cried over, cursed about and now distant memories, stored away in
a heart mending itself together. As a divorced father I questioned how
can I move on with my life, amplify my spirituality as a Christian man and
still be in my children’s lives being a positive force, being a role model,
and support mechanism, these are my focus points.

To achieve them
I understand that I need to be a highly involved father.
Research has shown that being an involved father can be a big source
of healing for a man and children. Men need to re-bond with their kids
to keep them motivated in fathering. This Fathers Day instead of focusing
on you refocus on the responsibilities of being a father, a man, a role model,
renewing and recharging the commitment and covenant you have with your children.
Children are a blessing from God as written in Psalm 127:3, with this knowledge, children being blessings, men/fathers have a responsibility to be a part of
children’s lives and accept them as blessings from God the heavenly father.
Children are not commodities to be traded, fought over, or bargained for.
Their well being should be placed first during time of upheaval and emotional stress.
Children do not cause divorce, but are directly affected by it. Fathers Day
is for divorced fathers because of the hard work and sacrifices that are required
to stay in children’s lives.
No one can take away that fathers are a parent and aid children’s growth
in dynamic ways. A divorced father may not physically be in the home,
but the teachings, modeling and prayers are present in children’s life. The
essence of what is shared within children. As is states in Ephesians 6:4,
“bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord”, the first responsibility
that fathers must continue is to teach sons is to be respectful in order to get respect,
the importance of education to obtain a career, provide for oneself and
family and putting God first in all they do. In being fathers in deeds and duties
sons will follow as an example of behavior.

In accordance with sons, daughters taught to be independent thinkers
and aspire to be self supportive, not leaning on being reliant on any man
to provide for them. Daughters will seek a man similar to their father’s actions,
demeanor and emotional statues even if it is self-destructive at times.  Fathers
set the foundation on whom daughters will look for in a mate. Just as sons,
fathers must teach daughters who will be mothers one day to put God first in
their lives and seek Godly men. Not men who follow the latest trends in fashions,
cars and other material things which are not long lasting.
Fathers must teach their little girls that they are empowered with dreams and
aspirations to be successful and can achieve greatness.

Stated in John 10:30, “I and my father are one” Jesus makes this statement as a testimony to his father. The same holds true for fathers and their children, you are one in many ways with your children. Some of these ways are visually evident
and some ways will manifest themselves as your child matures into adulthood.
Men and fathers have obtained wisdom that we should pass on to our children. In Proverbs 4:1-27 there is discussion of wisdom, gaining it through life experiences and reading of the Word. “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom…” (Proverbs 4:7), and share it so children will not make the same mistakes as parents have. Real fathers guide their children, helping them to “deviate from the possible path of the wicked, and not go in the way of evil men (ultimate self destruction)” (Proverbs 4:14).
This Fathers Day and beyond, be the father your father may not have been to you,
be the dad that your children can be proud of and seek for guidance. Fathers this is your day to be recognized and no one can take that from you. Starting over is not easy, but the path can be peaceful, comforting and less challenging if we recognize the heavenly father first and continue to do the right thing by him and children. Sometimes doing the right thing is the hardest thing, sometimes doing the right thing is not the popular thing, sometimes doing the right thing will put us against what other people say, but at the end of the day what will our children and God say about you doing the right thing.
Divorce is not the end of fatherhood just a new beginning and an opportunity to grow, but with the proper guidance from God’s help. What legacy do you want to leave for
your children? God Bless divorced fathers, they are still fathers and dads in children’s lives, divorced fathers must stay involved and in prayer for wisdom and guidance.

William Jackson, M.Ed.

William.jackson@ewc.edu

http://about.me/williamdjackson

An Inspirational Message To Father’s
I hope this inspires and motivates all fathers to be the
best men their families, children, communities, and churches need.
We are in challenging times, spiritually, economically, environmentally
and politically. Men we should be taking the lead in continuing the
direction we need to move in caring for our loved ones our communities
and supporting our churches.
Here are some suggestions to facilitate us all to stay on the right path.

1. Fathers, should go to Jesus in prayer and pray with their children and families.
   Leading prayer as the leader of the household.
2. Fathers, make mistakes, but own up to them and correct the mistakes they
   have made. Working not to repeat them.
3. Fathers, discipline their children with love and not with physical violence,
   verbal degradation or emotional manipulation.
4. Fathers, take their children to church and bible study to share the Word of God.
5. Fathers, are not perfect so must ask God for wisdom, direction and discernment.
6. Fathers, don’t blame others for their weakness, but work to strengthen themselves
   in the Word of God.
7. Fathers, will not “follow the guys” when they are disrespecting women, this sets
   an inappropriate and dangerous model for their sons to follow.
8. Fathers, don’t block their children’s anointing with ungodly actions.
9. Fathers, ask for discernment to recognize the signs of trouble before they happen.
10. Fathers, model respect for the church and church representatives.
11. Fathers, lead grace at meal time and anoint their children with oil for protection and mercy.
12. Fathers, can purchase their daughters personal items and be proud in doing so.
13. Fathers, promote education in the household.
14. Fathers, talk to their children about drugs and sex before the street does.
15. Fathers, do not whine about what “HIS” daddy did not do for him, but follow
    a model indicative of Godly men.
16. Fathers, do not blame where he came from for his short-comings. He focuses
    on where he is going.
17. Fathers, takes time to visit their children’s school and talk to the teachers
    about their children’s progress.
18. Fathers, will happily sacrifice for their family.
19. Fathers, accepts responsibility for their children’s actions. Remembering
    that the apple does not fall far from the tree.
20. Fathers, will go visit their children and spend time with them even though
    he may not be present in the home. Taking responsibility for a life that
    they helped create.
21. Fathers, aren’t afraid to show love to their children, children still need
    reinforcement that they are loved and respected.
22. Fathers, spend time just being together with their children and doing
    things their children like and will remember, not just buying things that will
    be forgotten.
23. Fathers, teach your child to be responsible and accountable for their actions.
24. Fathers must model and teach respect, honor, patience, ethics and fear of the Lord.
    William Jackson, M.Ed.
    William_j@e3businessgroup.us
    www.about.me/williamdjackson
    

First Date: Meeting My Daughter & Becoming A Father Figure

By Remy Johnson

I always wanted to see a part of me that wasn’t always shady – Tupac Amaru Shakur

My initial experience with my daughter was interesting. It seems I had the opportunity to introduce myself twice to her. The first time was when she was born. Our time together was cut short because it was time for me to leave for Africa which was going to be a ten months long excursion. I remember looking in her eyes before I left and telling her, “daddy going to fix the world for you.” She replied, “aye” and spit up on me, but I didn’t care. I really didn’t.

A lot of time for black men the actual experience of fatherhood really changes us. More times then not, it changes us in ways we wouldn’t realize. As I traveled throughout the continent I came across many opportunities but the one I appreciate the most was the opportunity to be a “father” and leader for a large number of youth. In Azania (South Africa), I worked at Teboho Trust in Soweto, South Africa with my brothers David, Tregg, Tank, Thabo, Ben, Super Dave, and later Malcolm. Mr. Bright would simply give us a list and we were to carry it out in preparation for Saturday school every week.

Teboho Trust is an empowerment organization that works with orphaned children of AIDS/HIV victims.  The mission of the trust is to empower orphaned, vulnerable and at-risk children / adolescents to reach their full potential in society. We provide personal empowerment, social development, educational support, economic development and wellness through programmes, activities and events to children and adolescents in order to build tomorrow’s leaders today.

The first day at the trust, Mr. Bright was caught in traffic or some other hold up which made him late for a meeting with a government officials who were auditing Teboho for funding and a new building. David and I were thrust into duty and honestly it was the first time I had conducted such a meeting. We did well, in fact, I was asked to lead more often and my brother David was humble enough to allow me to lead. I immediately began to rewrite and restructure the curriculum, brochures, templates, thank you letters, etc. We worked feverishly as we only had 30 days to get it in.

One of things about fatherhood is that it can be emotionally draining, and in particularly when all the children see you as the “shoulder” they have been waiting for. The first day at Saturday school one of my “lil mans” began to weep as we read Totsi. This particular part  of the book describes a horrible fight between two characters. I guess it gave my youth a flashback and he asked to be excused. I followed him outside and he began to weep and tell me stories of abuse. Completely unprepared, and handcuff ed by “touching” laws I eventually hugged and let em’ weep on my shoulder. He felt better, and became one of my main team leaders.

Another situation was when one of my young sister-students was raped. Her friend told us about it as she, like most victims, was afraid and ashamed. There was another dynamic and it perhaps was the most brutal. She was asked to be silent about it because the person who raped her was her sister’s boyfriend. But they needed him for finances. The situation was unique and eventually handled by the authorities. However, it was taxing as we tried to gently find out who had committed the offense.

I would have many experiences like this one throughout my life. All seem to be guiding me towards the direction of fatherhood. Which I can’t lie, makes me feel better than anything. It has nothing to do with being masculine but everything to do with surrounding yourself with love ones you can trust, being needed, and not having to have a guard up. One of my Sekuru’s (elder male or simply Father) always told me when you get down just go sit with your children, they always make you smile and inspire you.

To be continued…

In these times of family moral and ethical challenge, fathers should be resolute to show their daughters love and prepared to guide and support them in life. There are pressures for young women, peer pressure to engage in sex, to experiment with drugs, dating, tests to their morals/values and tests of finding their way in life. Daughters are a reflection of father and mother, a genetic blend that is more than just genes and chromosomes. We expect daughters to know that daddy loves them, dads should speak it every day. Back up your words with action or rededicate yourself to renewing a relationship to your daughter.
Foundation of Relationship
Girls love their daddies, the love that is shared is a foundation for future relationships that either blossom healthily or generate to chaos. A father’s relationship with their daughter, built on trust and communication; verbal and nonverbal, a trust that daddy will  provide, to shelter, to comfort and be strong in sickness and health. There are wedding vows and there are vows for fathers and daughters unspoken, but emotionally and psychologically reaching. Fathers are not aware of the impact they have on their daughter’s emotional, psychological and relational development. The foundations of their relationship can be developed from open and honest communication, an exchange of ideas and sharing experiences. History will judge fathers by the behavior of their daughter and son, what their choices are in life and the outcomes. A girl’s foundation for relationships are shaped by the rapport with her father and her father’s interaction with the mother. In simple terms, girls who see their mothers being treated disrespectfully sometimes come to tolerate that treatment thus creating a generational lifestyle.
Teaching Mind
Develop a teaching mind by going on dates with your daughter and teach her how a “gentleman” treats a lady, what expectations they should have and demand. Teach that they deserve respect, teach confidence, teach independence and self reliance. Prepare her for success in family, career, and life decisions. Your daughter will remember what daddy taught her as to how she should be treated and not settle. Building a strong foundation now will establish future success.
Diversity Not Just Black and White
So many of our families have diverse backgrounds that it is not uncommon today to see “blended families”. Each family growing as one and working to make a “blended family” united. Stepfathers you have a responsibility to show that non-biological fathers can be good fathers, it is not easy, you fill a void that transcends biology. There will come a time when your “daughter” will need your help in life and will call on the “father” that she knows. Dads are like the threads to this multicultural tapestry. Keeping the family linked even when cultural and religious challenges seek to cause confusion. There is growing a creation of a true rainbow coalition of humanity under the family unit. The father is the corner stone, the foundation, the rock that weathers the storms of life to keep stability and peace.
Education Builds Success
Teach your daughter they are smart, intelligent, tough and creative. Success is not always sums of money, fancy cars or expensive clothes. Success can also mean obtaining a good education to provide for self; not depending on others to do for you, but being able to do for their own. Education is the key to a woman’s continued self growth and reliability on their skills and talents. Guard your daughters from negativity and low self-esteem, guided them to knowledge and self awareness. Fathers must help prepare daughters for the boardrooms, courtrooms, classrooms, conference rooms, presidential rooms, and surgical rooms. Stated “The best economic stimulus package is a diploma” Wise, B.
Conclusion
There are many challenges, distractions, successes and compromises in parental relationships. Fathers must be more diligent to keep lines of communication open. Daughters need a close relationship with their fathers; in many cases they do not know how to ask for it. Fathers your job is to show your daughter how great she is and how awesome she can become.

William Jackson
Father of Sean and Shae Jackson

William.jackson@ewc.edu

Black men are ageless, ageless like the land that has been in existence

longer than any other land. The Motherland, the land that nurtured him and aided
him to provide for his family. Allowing him to walk the land admiring her beauty and taking in her love. Ageless in his wisdom that even Socrates and Plato had to respect.

Black men are athletic, an athletic talent honed from years of hunting, tracking, running, jumping and crafting his physical skills to perfection. Perfection in physical accomplishments to the point of being undisputedly the best athletes in the world.
Black men are brave, brave like the primates who dared to explore their
world during their evolution, disregarding their physical limitations and challenging
their cognitive potential to rationalize, understand and interact in a dynamically changing
world.

Black men are creative, creative like the pygmies that hunt through the jungle using such stealth that an Army Green Beret would be envious. The creative spirit that has allowed Black men to create the things in our lives, that are necessary in order to survive and flourish.

Black men are diverse, diverse like the hundreds of languages and dialects spoken on the African continent. This diversity allows Black men to blend into their environments to adapt, evolve and enlarge their territory.

Black men are intelligent, intelligent enough to find ways to revolutionize music. Intelligent to find ways to perform surgery years before European influences that tried to lay claim to discoveries in medicine, science, humanities and literature. Black men have inspired Socrates, Plato and others who only gained their status by standing on the shoulders of those men and women of color who came before them.

Black men love women, women of all shades of color. Black men are notorious for giving and requiring love. This is not a sexual love, but the emotional love that can only be created from a Black man who loves his women. This love is intoxicating and additive. There is much love to share and many women seek this unique kind of love.
Black men are lovers, lovers of life and lovers of freedom. Freedom that was
denied them for over hundreds of years. A Black man’s body may have been confined, during slavery, but their soul, the essence that makes a Black man always demands to be loved and to give love.  To be free to express this love in his freedom as only a Black man can.
Black men are proud fathers, proudly Black men have many children either
in wedlock or out of wedlock, but they love and are proud of their children. Look at
the fathers that attend football, basketball and track meets. Whether Black men are in the
home or not, Black men are proud of their children’s accomplishments.
Black men are strong, strong like the wills of a people struggling to
find their way either traveling across the Serengeti Plains or the Sahara Desert.
Black men are strong like the land they come from that can support diversity
in deserts, rainforests and urban civilizations.
Black men are timeless, timeless as history itself. Throughout time Black men have participated in every facet of historical perspective and importance only because
of the cognitive inadequacies of other cultures do they try to hide these facets throughout all of history, but Black people know how influential the Black man has been.

Black men are unique, unique enough in their mentalities that despite being enslaved, beaten, killed, and castrated, still seek acceptance and equality. Black men have emerged from attempts to be subjugated and evicted from their new homeland, (America). Black men work to prove that they are unique and share in the destiny of two great lands.

Black men are victorious, victorious in their struggle for existence. We may never be accepted as our true selves, but our victory is in our continued existence and struggle for acceptance and equality.
I’m proud to be a Black man, and love my Black people, all the shades there are, as my brothers and sisters we share a rich and diverse heritage that is both admired and respected. I maybe mixed with White blood, Native American blood, and Irish blood; I may annunciate my words, speak on an intellectual level, but I’m still a Black man.
I welcome my brothers and sisters to their Blackness and to take pride in their African American heritage. Society should not feel threatened by the Black man but sleep easy that we only want what our brothers and sisters to be treated with dignity, equality and respect.

William Jackson
Father of Sean and Shae Jackson

William.jackson@ewc.edu