Frankly Speaking with Tyra G

Many parents want their children to embrace ideas such as cooperation, kindness, or honesty, but these may be the most challenging concepts for them to convey. In a flicker, youngsters spot a lecture coming and are quick to retreat mentally, leaving behind a black expression that nearly every parent recognizes with a sigh.

Fortunately, parents already have a strategy "in their backyard " to deliver these messages to ready and open ears. I invite you to rediscover a secret weapon you have always had—and youngsters have always responded to—the Story.

Remember being a child? Everything was alive. Everything had a heart and soul, and books had pictures. Every adult is a former eight-year-old, wide open with yearning and possibility, understanding exactly how troubled the adults around you are, even if they think they are hiding it from you, almost unbearably alert to the wonders and dangers all at once. That is the reason you should listen to this conversation with Kate DiCamillo, even if you have never heard of her vast body of books, beloved by teachers, parents, and former children who grew up reading her. [1]

Take a listen, remember, be inspired, and share.

[1] https://onbeing.org/programs/kate-dicamillo-for-the-eight-year-old-in-you/

[1] https://storiestogrowby.org/the-power-of-storytelling-stories-hold-magic-and-values-for-dren/

Introducing the remarkable Grand Prize Winner of C-SPAN’s 2021 StudentCam Documentary Competition: Theo Poulin, a talented 9th grader from Williamsville South High School in Williamsville, NY. Theo's groundbreaking documentary, "Trust Fall," captivated judges and secured his victory.

“In an unprecedented year, we received entries from over 2,300 students spanning 43 states, Washington, DC, and even international participants from Singapore and Pakistan. Students were challenged to create a compelling 5-6 minute video addressing the issues they felt the president and new Congress should prioritize in 2021.”

Join us as Theo shares his inspiring journey into filmmaking, a passion ignited during his 5th grade. It's a testament to the bright future, fueled by Theo’s unique blend of leadership, fairness, creativity, and dedication to making a meaningful impact.

But that's not all! The Poulin family has yet another shining star in eight-year-old Ezra. Bursting with vitality, imagination, and infectious enthusiasm, Ezra proves that talent runs deep in this family. Theo and Ezra celebrate their bond through a heartfelt and often hilarious “brother-to-brother” conversation that showcases their genuine connection.

If you need inspiration and joy, don’t miss the chance to listen below!

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In this special edition, we embark on a journey to reflect on the profound insights shared by our previous guests within the "What About the Children" theme. Together, we will explore their collective challenges in the present, transforming this moment into an opportunity for us to consider a vital question: What time is it on life's clock for our children's well-being, accomplishments, and happiness? Let me emphasize: What time is it on life's clock for our children's well-being, accomplishments, and happiness?

Today, I am honored to host a remarkable guest—a student leader representing Gen Z. I had the privilege of meeting her at Marshall High School in Virginia, where our conversation illuminated her as an exceptional voice for her generation. She sheds light on aspects of Gen Z that we might overlook when assessing their impact, well-being, and potential for success.

I firmly believe that every child I encounter is a divine appointment. Time and again, I have witnessed that the greatest gifts we can offer children are the deep roots of responsibility and the soaring wings of independence. They are truly extraordinary! Let us unite to ensure their well-being, accomplishments, and happiness take center stage.

Listen, enjoy, and learn things, then share.

Now, I am presenting Ms Sara Nadkarni.

Think back to the first time you engaged in an art project as a child. That moment was not just about creativity; it was a profound expression of who you are, conjuring something extraordinary from mere imagination. Remember that school trip to a museum or a national park? Those experiences were monumental, filled with discoveries that left an indelible mark on your identity and contributed to your understanding of our culture.

Art, expression, and culture may not always seem interconnected, but they are incredibly effective tools for driving sustainability and education. Arts and cultural education empower individuals of all ages, equipping them with the essential knowledge, skills, values, and mindsets necessary to address pressing issues such as climate change, environmental degradation, poverty, and inequality. Through creative expression, we can celebrate and recognize the diverse manifestations of sustainability around the world.

I invite you to join me in an enlightening conversation with Mr. Stuart Holt, President and CEO of ArtsFairfax. For over 20 years, he has dedicated his career to inspiring learners of all ages through the transformative power of the arts. Before his role at ArtsFairfax, Mr. Holt served with passion as the Director of Education and Outreach for the Metropolitan Opera Guild. He was the Director of Youth Opera Programs at Sarasota Opera. He also shared his expertise as a member of the music faculty at both Florida State University and James Madison University.

Please take a moment to listen, absorb these insights, and share them with others. Together, we can harness the power of art for a brighter, more sustainable future. 

Take a listen, learn things, and share.

In 1986, Whitney Houston sang a powerful, positive message about nurturing our children and believing in their potential, titled "The Greatest Love of All."

Fast forward to today, and the UN Secretary-General urgently reminds us of our duty: “leave no child behind” in the battle against human trafficking—a grave violation of human rights that preys on the most vulnerable among us.

Tragically, one-third of trafficking victims are children, who endure unimaginable suffering, from forced labor to sexual exploitation and even recruitment as soldiers. The rise of online platforms has further exacerbated their vulnerability, allowing traffickers to exploit these innocent lives across borders. The long-lasting psychological and physical trauma these children face robs them of their innocence and future.

It is imperative that we bolster our protective measures. This means implementing justice systems that are sensitive to children's needs, raising public awareness, supporting unaccompanied minors, and addressing the root causes of exploitation by aiding families in distress.

We must rally governments, civil society, and the private sector, including tech companies, to work together to create an environment where no child falls victim to this crime and no trafficker escapes justice. In the United States, approximately 10,000 children are subjected to the horrors of commercial sexual exploitation each year, forced to perform unimaginable acts multiple times daily. Yet, those who perpetrate this abuse often evade accountability, blending back into their communities without facing consequences.

The current fight against child trafficking is far from effective, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive and coordinated efforts to safeguard our most vulnerable populations and support child survivors. Now is the time to act. Let’s commit to listening, learning, and taking meaningful steps to address this critical issue. Together, we can make a difference and protect our children’s futures.

Take a listen, learn things, and then share.

Ever stop to think about the lighthouses in your life?  You know the ones… folks who especially encouraged you to keep on going when you had decided to stop; who gave when you couldn’t ask, who dried the track of your tears… and who said, “Yes you can!” They have magical timing…some stay for a season, or some stay many seasons. Some live in a surprising comment they left behind. Memories of them are tattooed on your heart. And sometimes, that memory of them feels like a do-over of their impact on your life. They planted seeds for you to harvest immediately or later in your life.

Be that someone. Be a lighthouse. Let your life be a shining symbol for others. Let everything you do be of service to someone. Stand tall in the knowledge of who you are.  Stand proudly during tough times. Be aware that who you are and what you must offer can be a beacon to some lost soul.

Rene Gorman and Michelle Galliano are my guest today and serve as a lighthouse to young girls by committing to the message in the name of their organization, She Believes in Me.

Be inspired.

The challenge for us today is to be a lighthouse in the next generation's lives.

Be on the lookout for lost souls in this season of intense uncertainty and unrest. Be alert to those who may be in need and have nowhere to go or no way to get there. Be sensitive to children who are left out, leftover, or left behind. Be a lighthouse to a child. Show children protection and guidance. You don't have to say much; just let the child know you are there should the need arise.

Roselyn V. Baker-Black, affectionately known as Dr. Roz, has committed her professional life to supporting, encouraging, and empowering children and families facing personal, cultural, and societal challenges. Through her nonprofit, school guidance counselors, and teachers, she pursues transforming strategies to improve their quality of life.

She has shared her opinions in several appearances on the Dr. Oz Show, Huffington Post, NBC4, and Howard University's WHUR 96.3. She is an expert Psychologist on TV ONE's new Series For My Woman.

Have a child? Know a child? Listen below and learn.

In her own words,

“We had music growing up, 78RPM’s that evolved into 45RPM’s and, always, the radio.  The radio in my day, Black and white, played everything.  Gospel Spirituals, even some opera when Leontyne Price came along.  You could listen to R & B late at night or you could go to the other station and listen to popular music.  There was also jazz if the wind was right.  I feel so sorry for the kids who only hear one kind of music.  Where do your dreams come from?

My dream was not to publish or to even be a writer:  my dream was to discover something no one else had thought of.  I guess that’s why I’m a poet.  We put things together in ways no one else does.”

She did not go unappreciated as revealed in a few recognitions below.

Seven NAACP Image Awards: for Love Poems; Blues: For All the Changes; Quilting the Black-Eyed Pea; Acolytes; Hip Hop Speaks to Children; 100 Best African American Poems; Bicycles.

Named one of Oprah Winfrey’s 25 Living Legends

Phi Beta Kappa

State Historical markers in Knoxville, Tennessee, and Lincoln Heights, Ohio

The Tennessee Governor's Award in the Arts

Tennessee Governor's Award In the Humanities

Virginia Governor's Award for the Arts

Woman of the Year, Ebony Magazine

Woman of the Year, Ladies Home Journal

Woman of the Year, Mademoiselle Magazine

This show is a replay of an NPR On Being interview with Krista Tippett and Nikki Giovanni. You will love her authenticity, humor, and resolve. Grab your favorite beverage, put your feet up, and exhale. Enjoy, and then share.

Tysons Corner and McLean Rotary Clubs' Flags For Heroes Display

Today, we face a season of uncertainty, unrest, natural disasters, and violence. Many of us have become more aware of our fragility and that of our social systems. To thrive, we must understand that we are dynamic beings on a journey, not just a destination. We have choices in how we respond to life's challenges, and sometimes that means going the extra mile.

This week, we revisit our "Frankly Speaking Human Library" theme: "Thank You for Your Service: Then and Now." For the past six years, I have celebrated veterans and active-duty military personnel who contribute greatly to our quality of life. Their stories reflect diverse experiences shaped by age, gender, race, and cultural legacies.

For over a century, Rotary, known as "People of Action," has connected cultures and worked on issues like peace, education, and access to clean water. Their motto is "Service Above Self." Rotary honors veterans and active military through the "Flags for Heroes" display on July 4th, Veterans Day, and Memorial Day. In our recent fight against COVID-19, the definition of "heroes" has expanded to include healthcare professionals, teachers, and essential workers.

Listen in and be inspired, and don’t forget to share and subscribe.

The story of Black History Month begins in 1915, half a century after the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery in the United States. That September, the Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson, and the prominent minister Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), an organization dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by black Americans and other peoples of African descent.

By the late 1960s, thanks in part to the Civil Rights Movement and a growing awareness of black identity, Negro History Week had evolved into Black History Month on many college campuses.

President Gerald R. Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history."

Since then, every American president has designated February as Black History Month and endorsed a specific theme. The Black History Month 2023 theme, "Black Resistance," explores how "African Americans have resisted historical and ongoing oppression, in all forms, especially the racial terrorism of lynching, racial massacres, and police killings."

Today, in the United States, we hear terms like diversity, equity, and inclusion as goals for our Society now and in the future. However, before those words were a part of our lexicon, brave, determined black Americans were willing to die to be recognized as worthy of fighting for any rights. Today, I leave you with the question: How would you grade their success?

Listen to three stories about those born, living, and surviving in a military setting. Colonel Arthur Nick Nicholson, Retired and current president and executive director of the Mt. Olive Cemetery Historical Preservation Society, is joining me at the Frankly Speaking table this week.

Learn more about the Society here. https://www.facebook.com/mtolivechps/ and https://mtolivechps.weebly.com

Be inspired, then share!