Easter Comes to the White House

With much excitement, great fun and splendid weather, the Obama family hosted the 2012 Easter Egg Hunt.  One of the highlights of the event was the reading of The Wild Thing by Malia and Sasha, and then a rendition of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama even Bo, their dog got into the presentation.  I hope everyone is enjoying the Easter season!

Doc McStuffins Debuts On Disney Jr.

 In the vast world of television and film, African American parents are constantly looking for positive images for their children.  Now there is a new television show that they can watch. Last Friday, Disney Jr.  introduced a new African American character Doc McStuffins. in a new animated series that models good health, hygiene, compassion and nurturing for kids ages two to seven.  My little nieces ages 3 and 5 are interested in watching this new series, and I will probably watch with them.  Although ethnicity will probably not be mentioned in the show, African American children will see someone who not only looks like them and their family but  also has an important message for young people.   Little girls and even little boys will now have a caring and compassionate character who is also very knowledgeable. The creator, Chris Nee sees the series as an opportunity to introduce children to health issues and foster a positive attitude toward visits to the doctor.  Young children and parents can watch Doc McStuffins weekday mornings at 10am/9c on the Disney Channel and  4 pm on the new Disney Junior Channel.

 The voice cast features Kiara Muhammad as Doc; and Loretta Devine as Hallie. China Anne McClain who is the star of Disney Channel’s hit series “A.N.T. Farm” and a Hollywood Records recording artist sings Doc McStuffins' theme song. The show has been described as “warm and fuzzy stories, each featuring an original song, which introduces a little girl named Doc who can talk to the stuffed animal and toy world — and they talk to her too, especially when they need her help repairing a stitch or bandaging a “boo-boo”.  Along the way, Doc and her friends Stuffy, Lambie, Hallie and Chilly impart helpful tips about self care and care for others, and chase away the worries over visiting the doctor.”

 

DisneyJunior.com will also debut a Doc McStuffins supersite featuring an interactive clinic where kids can assist Doc in nurturing toys back to health, including three new online games and Doc McStuffins-themed crafts.

T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle - Will Return for a Second Season

VH1 has announced that a second season of their hit reality show, "T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle” has been greenlit. Rapper T.I. and singer Tiny give audiences a peek into the ups and downs of their celebrity lifestyle after T.I served jail time and tries to focus his attention in a more positive way. In the first season fans watched as they balanced relationships, careers and family values, making this show “a certified hit averaging 3.5 million total viewers on Monday nights.”  The show is popular with African Americans and young adults ages 18-49. The second season of "T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle" is slated to return fall 2012.

We Will Remember Trayvon

 As parents, we try to shelter our children from racism. Yet no matter how hard we try the insidiousness of hatred seeps into our lives on too many fronts.  The newspapers, history books and the Internet are filled with stories that reach even the youngest child.  Even when we try to hide certain facts from them, they hear us talking sometimes angrily and other times sadly about our experiences growing up Black in America. Then there are events like the death of Trayvon Martin that make us realize that racism is not part of our past because today our country is still riddled with fear and hatred.   We are reminded once again of how difficult it is to protect our children. So it is important that we speak out, march and protest, and let our children know that we do not have to tolerate hatred and violence. Getting justice for Trayvon is just the beginning.  Next we need to come together as a community to find new ways to protect and educate our young people.  We must always let them know that they are loved and cherished.  So the battle continues…

You can sign a petition at http://www.change.org/
Call the State Attorney, "who will be prosecuting" at 321.617-7548.
 Support organizations like the Children's Defense Fund

Beyonce Sets a New Bar

I was not interested in the hoopla concerning the size of Beyonce and Jay-Z’s nursery for little Blue  Ivy and the Bjorn leopard print baby carrier was nice but when I heard that she breastfeed Blue  Ivy in public I was impressed. Advocates have been trying to reach young African American women with the benefits of breastfeeding their babies. Benefits are both for mother and child yet the message has gone unheeded. The percentage of Black mothers breastfeeding is still below other ethnic groups.  Hopefully, Beyonce has created a buzz that will reach and convince young mothers that breastfeeding is good.

Recently, American Academy of Pediatrics reaffirmed their position that mothers should exclusively breastfeed for six months, and that nursing should be considered a public heath issue rather than a lifestyle choice. Why is breastfeeding important in the African American community? Breast milk is custom made for little human babies and moms that breastfeed heal and get in shape faster.  Breast milk is also cheaper and more portable than formula.  On top of that breastfeeding is very important in bonding and building a relationship with the newborn. Now Beyonce has sent a message that breastfeeding is fashionable. I know Blue Ivy appreciates her Mom's decision.

Nordstrom Scholarship Program

Do you know a high school junior who is looking forward to college but needs funding?  Nordstrom is excited to award $10,000 scholarships to 80 outstanding high school students and help them achieve their dreams of going to college. The Nordstrom Scholarship recognizes students across the country for their exceptional scholastic achievement and community involvement. Visit their site and find out the qualifications at http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/nordstrom-cares-scholarship.   Applications must be sent in before May 1, 2012.


Thanks to Eula Young for this information.

Being Elmo - A Puppeteer's Journey

Not many people are aware of the story behind Elmo but now Kevin Clash, the creator of Elmo and Sesame Street’s Senior Puppet Coordinator and Muppet Captain is being featured in a new movie, Being Elmo, A Puppeteer’s Journey. Kevin from an early age knew what he wanted to do and followed his dream. His story is an inspiration for everyone, young and old. I missed seeing this movie when it first opened but now it is being shown through the country in a limited engagement. So I hope to catch it this time. I love hearing the story of people like Kevin who enjoy their work and have also made such an impact on our lives. Now we can find out why children love Elmo so much from the man who created him.  Catch his story at a theater near you, visit Being Elmo.