Master The Mind, Master The Matter
Greetings and salutations,
That greeting is from one of my favorite childhood cartoon movies, Charlotte's Web. I hope this newsletter finds you well and in an excellent frame of mind. If you need help, seek it out because like the tree that falls when no one is around. It makes a sound but no one is around to hear and respond/react. If you believe in God, remember He is omniscient (always present). You have to open your ears and heart because you are the one who left. Unlike many family members and friends, God waits for an invitation. He doesn't show up trying to fill Tupperware before you've even eaten dinner.
When the mind and the heart are in alignment, the level of peace increases. Disturbances to your peace may not always be your fault but it your responsibility to maintain your peace. Our values should be based on what we are for and not what we are against.
WELLNESS WISEDOM:
Our core values do not truly become a part of us until we adopt the right mindset.The body follows the mind. When the values are not sticking, we need to change our perspective. For example, everyone probably has a health core value in some form or fashion. The original mindset focuses on what you have to give up or can never have again. That makes the body crave it more. Flip the mindset to focus on what you get to add. Add more fruits and vegetables without changing anything else. More times than not, the craving for bad falls away on its own.
HIDDEN HERSTORIES:
Marjorie Lee Browne's story is one of remarkable determination and resilience. She became a pioneer among African American women in the field of mathematics. Born in 1914 in Memphis, Tennessee, to a family that valued education. Dr. Browne's journey was shaped by an unwavering belief in the power of knowledge and a love for math that pushed her to overcome many obstacles. Such as the societal constraints of racial and gender discrimination. She pursued and completed her undergraduate degree during the Depression. She became an educator at the college level during the school year and in the summers, she remained a student earning her Masters and a Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Michigan. In 1949, she became one of the first African American women to do so. The next black woman to obtain a Ph.D. in Mathematics did not occur until 1960. For 25 years, Dr. Browne was the only person in her department to have a Ph.D. Her focus wasn't about breaking records; it was about what she did with her education.
Dr. Browne's mindset was characterized by a profound commitment to excellence and a deep-seated desire to make education accessible to all. As a professor and later as the head of the Mathematics Department at North Carolina Central University, she worked tirelessly to raise the standards of mathematical education and to secure funding for advanced studies and equipment, which was rare at historically black colleges and universities at the time. Her efforts were crucial in establishing the first electronic digital computer center at an HBCU in 1960.
Perhaps the most beautiful part of Marjorie Lee Browne's legacy was her role as a mentor. She didn't just teach mathematics; she inspired a new generation to dream bigger, to see beyond the societal limitations placed before them. Through her actions, she showed that it's possible to change the course of your journey, no matter the obstacles.She sacrificed authoring her own research publications by spending most of her time preparing lectures, teaching 15 hours each week, and writing grants to help outstanding students fund their research.
Dr. Browne's life reminds us that with determined mind and a commitment to one's values, it is possible to break barriers and create lasting change, not just for oneself, but for future generations.
CUTURAL FIX:
One of the heartbeats of Black culture is music– jazz, blues, and hip-hop. These styles are like your coolest history teachers, dishing out lessons on resilience, creativity, and standing up for what's right, all wrapped up in melodies that stick. Jazz swings you through the ups and downs of the African American experience, with each note bending the rules and shouting freedom. Blues gets down to the nitty-gritty of life, turning heartache and hope into a soulful mixtape. And hip-hop? It’s the bold voice of the streets, turning beats into banners for justice.
Next time you hit play on your favorites, listen a little closer. What stories are they telling you? Is it the audacity of a jazz solo that dares to dream, a blues riff that wears its heart on its sleeve, or a hip-hop rhyme that’s all fired up to change the world? Music is more than just background noise; it’s a conversation. So, let's turn up the volume and tune into the values dancing through the bars. Whether you love the bass, the soulful strums, or the beats that hit hard, there’s something in there reflecting who we are and what we stand for. Let’s jam to the rhythm of resilience, creativity, and justice – because, in the end, that’s the soundtrack of real life.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.” – Rosa Parks
The mind can be a powerful ally or enemy. A mind that uses core values as a guide makes the entire person a powerful force.
FEEL-GOOD FEATURE:
"Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person" by Shonda Rhimes [ Paperback / Kindle ]
In this candid and introspective book, the powerhouse behind TV hits like "Grey's Anatomy" and "Scandal" shares how saying yes for a year changed her life. Rhimes explores the power of embracing opportunities and the transformative impact it had on her mindset.
[Full Disclosure: This section of the newsletter contains affiliate links. As an affiliate, I receive compensation if you purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you]
P.S. Regina King's portrayal of Shirley Chisholm is on Netflix starting TODAY!
SOUL FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
What is one of your favorites songs that has a message?
I have a hard time picking one.Two that are on the same level for me ate "U.N.I.T.Y." by Queen Latifah. The song deals with respecting women and many levels. She calls for women to demand the true respect due to us. The other is "Fight The Power" by Public Enemy. PE demanded that we fight the powers that be by speaking the truth. The whole song is powerful. One of the sections that stand out is "What we need is awareness / We can't get careless ... Let's get down to business / Mental self-defensive fitness"
Your stories, wins, and even those not-so-great moments? I want to hear them all. Reply to this email, drop a comment on our socials, or just send good vibes into the universe.
Until next time.....remember your voice matters!
