Family Bond Paper™

One of my hosted theme for February is African American Appreciation Month. The following is a quote by Reverend Jesse Jackson when interviewed by  Ebony magazine (October 2014). The interview concluded with the discussion of economic justice for blacks. I believe that the conversation is appropriate because we, last Sunday, Americans, of all racial identities, recently watched the 51st Super Bowl  (111.3 million viewers estimate for FOX reports the LA Times ). Let's compare the recent football game to the overall sportsmanship conversation led by Jackson:     "You look for jobs where you have the skill capacity to be creative and to gain leverage. Why are we so good at football, basketball and baseball?  It's because whenever the playing field is even, the rules are public, the goals are clear, referees are fair and the score transparent, we can make it.  When you think about the things that we use and consume every day, we have no leverage. ...

Do you know how to participate at a function when there are other racial identities--and your, you know, the only one? Now What Be aware of your surroundings at all times, while participating in the given function. Do you have a cell phone? Did you tell someone where you were going? This may be an inappropriate environment to drink: stay alert of your own gestures and actions. If someone extends a hand for a handshake or hug don't wipe your hands in front of the person, etc.  Don't assume that you know everything of the culture and social attitudes of the other race in the setting.  Avoid repeating their words to others that you hear in the setting. If you don't know something about the setting's activities, ask someone: "What --?" "So what--?" and "Now what?" "Absorb from others without trying to become somebody else." -Chuck L. (Oct. 2015) If you are to select the fine-art activities, find out what your audience would ...

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Men, think you're having a hellish week? From an African tribe in the Thonga of southern Africa, there is a cultural tradition that has been adopted by men and college societies and religious leaders all over the world--in one behavior or another: aka Hell Week.      When a boy is somewhere between 10 and 11 years of age, he is sent by his parents to "circumcision school", which is held every four or five years.  In company with his age-mates he undergoes severe hazing by the adult males of the society.  The initiation begins when each boy runs the gauntlet between two rows of men who beat him with clubs. At the end of this experience, he is stripped of his clothes and his hair is cut.  He is next met by a man covered with lion manes and is seated upon a stone facing this "lion man." Someone then strikes him from behind and when he turns his head to see who has struck him his foreskin is seized and in two movements is cut off by the "lion man." Aft...

This is a current (2013) interview featuring my ex-husband who played a major role in my first published book: The Script in My Box: A Journal of Forgiveness (2012, August). Victor is 41, the same age as me.   We now share the responsibility of parenting our four biological children who are now enrolled in public schools versus home schooling. Sherlene: First, I would like to thank you for accepting this opportunity. This interview will provide my audience an update of personal strengths and weakness involving family bonding issues. Victor: Okay, I was wondering when you were going to allow me to give my point of view of your book. Sherlene: Before we begin, we have already decided, on many issues, that we agree to disagree. I guess one could say that is why we are divorced. Victor: (interrupts) And, because you would not listen to me when I told you not to do the things that you were doing with the kid’s and schooling, and trying to help in the community of ...

A tribute to my parents: Well, this is the last week of this month’s holiday. I was hoping that my Master would tell both of you the truth. There is no shame in my history, and I do feel like leaping when I think back over the years: “I was taken away from my teaching mother; and, my (four) kids from their teaching mother.” Dear Master You have tried to take me out of your White land’s history:   Now, your public schools are failing and closing. Being mean to those who do good does come back to you you know. I didn’t know racism until I met you, Master. I want to thank you for showing how nasty and mean White people can be. I’m sorry, but my parents never really talked about your racial identity with me.   My parents didn’t mention you, to even hate you, because they were too busy teaching me to love self, and to become the best at whatever I strived to do. They never taught me that you were a bully.   Yes, you are. They way that you scare the races is a...

From the Editor I am encouraging each of my unique households to read the 2013 Family Quilt Newsletter on my site, sherleneonline.com. The current company theme is Honoring Married Couples Month. I believe that we all appreciate a real love story, and genuine love of married couples. It keeps me inspired. This month is also Black History Month.  I am amazed at some of my (alleged) personal discrimination situations that I have been reviewing. And it's only the fifth day of February! There is a lot of White (race) fear associated with America's cultural history. Unique households, how far have we really come culturally in our society if we are not willing to discuss our past? Whites must be willing to pay honestly for the work, and sacrifices of present-and-past Black slavery, or this country is truly going to suffer. Are we the citizens who, for years, have caused the disturbance in economic systems felt across the g...

From the Editor The Family Quilt Newsletter is now available. It is my tribute in honoring Black History Month. You may view it on my website, sherleneonline.com  My hosted company theme for February is Honoring All Married Couples Month The NewMonday Show The discussion included the dividing of land for most of the tribes, and Joshua participating in years of war and conquering his enemies with the help of God (Yahweh, Allah).  sherleneonline.org 24/7 Let's talk FEBRUARY AT THE eFamily Bonding CENTER February Song List FavYouTube Videos for the month of February February Fun Packet Children Story Time