Rest In Peace.....

Dorothy Height
March 24, 1912 - April 20, 2010

"As more women enter public life, I see developing a more humane society. The growth and development of children no longer will depend solely upon the status of their parents. Once again, the community as the extended family will rekindle its caring and nurturing. Though children cannot vote, their interests will be placed high on the political agenda. For they are indeed the future."

GURU

July 17, 1966 - April 19, 2010

"I seek Sun, deceive none, for each one must teach one
At least one must flow and show the structure, of freedom
It's me Dunn, cause petty things we don't need 'em
Let's focus to create somethin' great, for all that sees them
They innocent, they know not what they face
while politicians save face genius minds lay to waste"

This Week on Cocoa Mode

On Sunday, thousands of immigrants, mostly Mexican, gathered on the national mall to demand the Obama administration get to work on Immigration reform. Among the protesters were a group of African American college students who stood in solidarity with their brown brothers and sisters, forcing many to ask if there's a common ground between the African American and Immigrant experience that needs to be explored and cultivated?

Speaking of Mexico, the crime in the northern border towns is out of control. According to reports, the drug cartels are terrorizing folks to no end. There's no doubt that money and greed are behind the madness, but some members of the Mexican congress also believe musicians and film-makers are to blame. Lawmakers have asked the Mexican government to consider making it a criminal offense to record or perform songs that glorify violence, drugs or trafficking. Hmmm, wonder if that would fly north of the boarder. We'll talk about it,

Plus...

Lamar and Ronnie Tyler, creators of Black and Married with Children return to discuss their new movie, You Saved Me, plus we'll discuss how the founders of Black Marriage Day are trying to change the perceptions of Black love and family for the better. Tune into The State of Black Marriage on Cocoa Mode Thursday at 8:30am ET.

Quote of the Day

"Being realistic is the most commonly traveled road to mediocrity." - Will Smith

ISO....Two GREAT interns.

Cocoa Mode Presents.... is looking for an intern to assist in managing our growing multi-media empire. This is the perfect opportunity for college students interested in radio and new media programming, broadcast marketing and radio production.

Candidates must:

• Be reliable, organized and mature.
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Be familiar with social networking tools including Facebook, Twitter, etc.
• Interested in women's issues specifically related to health and wellness.
• Reside in the Washington DC Metro area.
• Able to receive college credit.

Duties Include:

• Assisting with regular website, blog and social media updates.
• Researching topics and booking guests for Cocoa Mode.
• Work with Shawna Renee to develop grassroots and online marketing initiatives.
• Assist with developing and implementing radio and wellness workshops.
• Producing and uploading audio and video podcasts.

Interested candidates should email a resume and cover letter to Shawna Renee at shawna@cocoaomode.com.

Quote of the Day

"The deep cry of a woman's heart is am I lovely? Every woman needs to know that she is exquisite and remarkable and chosen. This is the core to her identity, the way she bears the image of God. She, like God, asks, 'will you pursue me? Do you delight in me? Will you fight for me?" John Elderedge, Wild at heart.

Why Do Black Fathers Abandon Their Children?

Happy Wednesday Folks. Over the weekend, I came around across this series of You Tube clips from MSNBC featuring a panel of African American athletes, leaders, authors and educators discussing the consequences of fatherless homes in the African American community. Though I applaud those who were brave enough to ask the questions, solutions are what we need. How do we save our boys, men, families and communities?






Click here for Part 3

Click here for Part 4

...and we're still together!

Remember this sketch from In Living Color? It's what first came to mind after reading the story of Herbert and Zelmyra Fisher of North Carolina. They hold the World Record for the longest marriage of two living people. They've been married for 85 years! Both are over 100 years old and admit that it hasn't always been easy but for them marriage was "till death do us part" - though Mr Fisher says "I did not know it would be as long as it is now". What I especially like about these two is that they've managed to maintain a sense of independence despite being together for so long. They attend different churches and I assume they both probably have their own hobbies and interests. Could that be the key to a lasting marriage? Or, maybe it's a matter of pure dedication and loyalty or perhaps, as they say, it's God. We'll find out what really takes to make marriage last this morning when I sit down with Ronnie and Lamar Tyler from Black and Married with Kids and open of the phone lines for the elders. If you've been married 30+ years we want to hear from you. 1-866-801-8255. See you on the radio.