Guest Writer: Jade Ware

Hello Valued Readers!

The Great Change is honored to introduce it's first Guest Writer, Jade Ware. Ms. Ware is an intern for PeopleFund. She majors in Exercise Science at University of Texas at Austin. Other qualifications of Ms. Ware are Student Ambassador for UT Office of Admissions, Black Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneurship Officer and CEO of The Origin Brand Clothing & Apparel. Aside from these accolades, Jade is a dear friend of mine. Below is her piece that she has given for enlightenment.

The Proof is in the Pudding

Two years ago I was sitting in my freshman college dorm room plotting with my friends a way to make a pile of cash before we graduated from college. How would we take what we learned in the classroom and translate that into currency? Being black and only four percent of the population at a PWI in the state of Texas, we are expected to succeed at every corner of opportunity. To prove that affirmative action is no hand out and that we deserve access to the same types of educational opportunities. Reflecting back on my eighteen year old self I realize every part of my existence was monetary or material with no true concept of reality. Before I received the conscious message of what it means to be black or brown in this country, it soon struck me that my efforts to change the world would require wealth outside of dollars and cents. I started to study and dig for the history of my people before we were packed on ships and sold into bondage; I wanted to understand the secrets of capitalism and why it has such a captivating hold on the economic security of people who look like me. I wanted answers. I wanted the truth. I soon began listening to the teachings of Marcus Garvey and The Black Star Line, W.E.B. Du Bois and his efforts to educate black people. From the movers and shakers who came before me I understood that I needed to know how to effectively paint with all the colors of the rainbow to create a picture clear enough for my people to see. International travel was the only answer to my findings. For myself to blaze the trails my ancestors once traveled, to experience people in other countries underneath the surface. I traveled to Europe when I was sixteen and at the time it was just a cool experience that awoke in me the desire to travel but it didn’t quite unravel the need for me to understand the history of black people before neocolonism. As a senior in college I understand how important it is for me to experience the world NOW with my head on straight. To document my experiences about the food, culture, cuisine, politics, socialism, and etc... in the countries I visit; and for me to be a walking gallery of human interaction and truth. I aspire to touch and heal lives, to be an entrepreneur of social good, and to change the international perspective of my people one photo, one story, and one country at a time.

For Contact Information Jade Ware can be reached at TheOrginBrand@gmail.com

#22

What are you waiting for to make the GREAT change in your life? Are you the type that is waiting until the moment is just right? The type that, before starting your car trips, waits for five miles of green lights?

A revolution has begun for our land. A revolution of consciousness and knowledge. So our mind is the weapon we must sharpen. The path ahead is uncertain and it's definitely not paved. But I'm tired of the fact that the biggest question we ask each other is 'How much money do you have saved?'

We need more people questioning themselves and questioning the people who make rules for everyone else. How do we end world poverty? Not, how can I improve at my hobby? How can we solve world hunger? Not, where are you vacationing this summer? More informed about Senators and what they do with our money. Rather than, knowing which social media post are the most funny.

I'm not recommending to follow me through this time of great change, because my path is for the daring, the bold and the brave. Its for the kids who are smart and creative and won't just sit down and behave. The 90s kids are here to save the day.

We will change the world over time, with our most powerful tool, our minds. You can kill a man, but you can't kill an idea. And its almost like I can hear revolutionaries of past telling our generation... "Take it from here!"

#21

The human mind, the best hard drive in the universe. It holds everything that our minds have immersed and every concept our mouths have conversed.

Each human on earth has infinite worth. You never know what information they hold or ideas they've given birth.

You never know the books they've read, unless they let you in on the world going on in their head. Some must get drunk, some just need a pencil lead. And what will be said, will be said.

But no matter the words that are uttered, it is a chance to discover, something you never knew and quite possibly might've never have uncovered.

Who knows, a cure for cancer may already exist, in the back of someone's mind, on a mental waiting list. And may forever remain there for the fear of being dismissed.

This life is controlled by the bold, those who use their mind and their time.

Turning thoughts into gold, and keeping their time unsold.

Let your thoughts out and see your dreams come true and get away from those who view knowledge as a taboo.

Rich Dad Poor Dad: Book Review

I got the chance to do some travelling lately and read a book that was given to me titled, Rich Dad Poor Dad. This New York Times bestseller, written by Robert T. Kiyosaki with Sharon L. Lechter, in the late 1990's and published in 2000, proved to still be applicable to today's age. Maybe even more so now.

The book has a chronological essence to the way it unfolds. It begins with the author as a child and his friend trying to literally make money and get rich. It is this spirit and child like ambition that the book inspires it's readers to use to get out of the "Rat Race" and on the fast track to financial independence. The book shows that one can never truly be wealthy unless he or she has a sufficient financial IQ. A financial IQ allows for a person to know how money works and how to make money work for them.

Often we advise youngsters to play it safe and get secure job. This is breeding more and more "sheep" and good employees that will never get out of the Rat Race. Sheep that don't know the power of acquiring assests and making money work for them instead of working for money.

Each time you go to work your making someone else rich. Think about the ladder in a corporation you are trying to climb, you're making the guy who owns the "ladder" richer. Also when you go to work you are making the government richer, the more you make, the more you pay in taxes. After you have made all these others rich you pay your expenses and then try to save what is left over, which hardly is ever anything.

This particular book enlightens it's readers on the power of financial aptitude. I would highly recommend it to all those who are bold enough to make the change and start letting money work for them rather than remaining trapped in the Rat Race and working for money, making everyone rich but themselves.

I also see how this sort of information should be MANDATORY for all law abiding citizens with a high school or equivalent education. It allows for a more secure financial foundation and would beneficial to our society and future generations.

You can find this work online or at many book selling stores, such as Barnes and Noble or Books-A-Million

Interview: David McDonald

I had the chance to ask a long time friend of mine, David McDonald, some questions about his recent voyage to Africa in hopes of learning some information that can benefit us here at The Great Change and most importantly, YOU, our readers. David is a Youth and Community Studies Major at The University of Texas at Austin. He minors in Public Relations, African & African Diaspora Studies. My dear friend is also the President of the Black Student Alliance, Student Representative of the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement, and Lead Mentor at the University Leadership Network. But, most importantly David is a young black male with a mission. Our enlightening conversation is below, enjoy.

The Great Change: So, David, what made you want to go to Africa?

David McDonald: Everyone NEEDS to go to Africa. I have always dreamed of going to Africa ever since I was old enough to understand that my heritage began in Africa. When the opportunity presented itself to go, I wasted no time in pursuing it. I didn't want to go to Africa for a vacation or to get get "the real third world experience", I wanted to experience a piece of myself that hasn't been explored yet and to understand the value of Africa as a whole.

The Great Change: What was your idea of Africa before you visited and how was that compared to the reality when you were there in person?

David McDonald: Before I visited Africa, my perception was completely wrong. The way the media portrayed Africa, I expected to see wild animals everywhere, the people not to understand English, and the stereotypical African experience that people think of when visiting Africa. When you're there in person, you realize how wrong everyone's perception of Africa really is. Yes, there are parts of Africa that are poverty stricken and have serious health conditions, but there are places in Africa that are extremely developed, have beautiful homes and cities, and have similar appearances to America. As a Black person with a lighter complexion, I didn't expect to see many lighter skin South Africans, but most of the people in South Africa looked just like me or even lighter. I finally felt connected to the land and the people. For the first time, I could be just David and not the minority or the Black person in the room. 

The Great Change: What part of Africa did you visit?

David McDonald: The city of Cape Town, in the Western Cape of South Africa. 

The Great Change: What was the biggest thing you took away from your experience in Africa?

David McDonald: The world is so much bigger than what I've known it to be and Africa is so much bigger than what the maps depict. I've realized how much I don't know about the world and how much I still need to experience. Going to Africa increased my hunger to see more countries and nations all over the globe. Then seeing the diversity within the African continent expanded my view of Africa. The experience you will get in West Africa is vastly different from the experience and history you get in Southern Africa. In South Africa. There is just so much more to learn and do now. 

The Great Change: How do you plan to use that experience to further the things you have already set into motion here in the states?

David McDonald: Now I feel more mobile. Not only do I have the mindset to move around abroad, but I can also move around more in the states. If there are job opportunities or networking that needs to be done, I feel comfortable traveling now since I have been abroad. For my career in Education, I'm no longer thinking about just the American education. I'm thinking about how I can have an impact on a global scale. 

The Great Change: What's the next big thing for you? 

David McDonald: The next big thing for me is Brazil. There is a huge Black population there and I know spending time in Brazil will give me a new perspective on the Black diaspora.

The Great Change: Thank you for your time David, all best of luck to you in the near future!

For any business inquiries about David McDonald, he can be reached at davidmcdonald@utexas.edu

#17

The Great Change is a movement on an intellectual level. Living on the cutting edge of time, yet repeating the same mistakes of the past instead of learning from them is getting humanity no where. We need to be a well informed public and not just know what the "news" tells you. But what is actually happening on the planet we all inhabit. I'm concerned why more people are not outraged at the fact that world hunger is still a factor. We could feed every person on this rock we call Earth, if enough people actually cared. For the cost of the Iraq War we could've ended world hunger for 30 years. The public doesn't understand their true power. The government works FOR US. So if we all say something needs to change it is their duty to make it happen. We have to step outside of our individual lives and fix the things that can enhance everyone in the future's experience. When all humans do not have to worry about whether they are going to starve to death or not, all humans can put their focus on something else that will be beneficial to humanity. Such as getting an education!

My point is that we have to move as a well-informed and united public if we are going to make anything happen. Its our own fault that many political motivations are selfish rather than diplomatic on behalf of our country and mankind, because we see allowing these people to be elected instead of hitting the polls and voting for whoever you think the best guy in the election is, rather than just going with the flow. The government is broken because we aren't using it correctly. We just have to inform people to act on injustices they see. Be the change you want to see. BE THE GREAT CHANGE.

#16

Contrast brings clarity. It's clear to see. For instance, the main people who appreciate something probably have experienced life when that commodity was a scarcity. Without contrast where would we be? Still in the dark? Or light? Which ever came first.. without contrast plants won't even grow from the earth.

Contrast brings clarity. It's clear to see. The greater the contrast, the greater the clarity. When I realized that this concept was true, life revealed its transparencies.

I used to see life as this big complexity. Until I saw my great grandmother pass and life took her away from me. Yet, she seemed to see life clearer after she began chemotherapy. How could this be?

Contrast brings clarity. It's clear to see. It gives life its heavenly melody. Read my words carefully and you'll live your life merrily. I'm trying to give you the recipe, for a life full of prosperity.

When something happens to you, its not a good thing or a bad thing.. it's just a thing.

You see? This is a concept taught to me, by my professor, Dr. Key.

So enjoy the dark times that are thrown in your life. Because you won't appreciate anything without a little darkness and light.

Interview: Ashley Humphrey

Hello valued readers,

I would like to share with you a young, black and gifted woman, Ashley Humphrey, with whom I had the privilege of asking some questions. Ashley is a poet, painter, writer and performs spoken word. Our conversation is below, enjoy!

The Great Change: How old are you?

Ashley Humphrey: I am 21 years old. My birthday is on September 11. 

The Great Change: What person in your life had the biggest impact in leading you in the road you are on?

Ashley Humphrey: That is really a tough question because I feel that there are many people who have greatly impacted my life. My immediate family has definitely influenced me to become who I truly am but if I had to choose one person, I would say my mother.  She is not only my mother; she is my friend and spiritual buddy. From the time she held me after birth until now and more days to come, she has instilled in me values that are priceless. She taught me how to not only be a woman, but to be a Christian woman who knows her self-worth. She taught me to be me and to be me boldly. I can honestly say that I wouldn't be who I am if she wasn't in my life as she has been.

The Great Change: When did you begin performing spoken word?

Ashley Humphrey: I began performing spoken word not too long ago. To be specific, I started performing my poetry last November. I have always been a writer, jotting down my feelings and experiences but I use to be afraid to express my personal writings with anyone.  My friend April Neal, a fellow poet, encouraged me to perform at an open mic she hosted and I loved it. On the stage I felt totally transparent.  I felt like God was using me to shine his light to people from my poetry.  From that day, I haven't stopped and I won't stop as long as my poetry continues to help people and give them something they can relate to.

The Great Change: When did you begin painting?

Ashley Humphrey: I have had an interest in art since I understood what art was. I started to get serious about painting around the age of 13. Painting has always been an outlet for me to express all the things that my words can't exactly capture. Sometimes, words cannot fully show the emotion, pain, or passion behind the letters so my paint brush started to do the talking. Now after spiritual and character develop, I've found a way to use my words and art to express my love for God, my experiences, and a way to encourage others who may be going through what I've been through.

The Great Change: What inspired your pieces such as “Skeptical”, “Lost Identity” and “Instrumental Soul”?

Ashley Humphrey: “Skeptical” is a painting that I did to express the skepticism seen within people who never have hope or faith. They are skeptical about everything only believing what they see.  The eye cannot see God so they doubt his existence which blinds their perceptions. It's those who are not skeptic that can see everything.

“Lost identity” is a piece that I feel describes a person who is lost on who he/she is. They try on different masks to fit the occasion or simply try to fit in with who they are hanging around. The different faces represent the different masks he/she wears to be accepted. The true face is not revealed because the true face is lost.

"Instrumental Soul" is a piece that I designed to show the soul that music has. Being raised in Memphis, TN really influenced the blues and soul type of art on the guitar.

The Great Change: What provoked your spoken word piece “Beautiful Flaws”?

Ashley Humphrey: “Beautiful Flaws” is a spoken word piece that I wrote to emphasize the beauty that everyone possesses. Sometimes we lose confidence in who we are or the way we look because magazines portray a certain image that is the "ideal look". It's something that affected me tremendously and many other girls. I felt that it was time that everyone sees that we all are perfect because our perfect God created us. God made no mistakes in creating each one of us and the way we look. We have to not be afraid of being who we are and looking the way we do. It took me a while to realize that but now that I do, I hope to help several girls realize it as well through this piece.

The Great Change: Describe the feeling you get while performing your craft, whether it be spoken word or painting.

Ashley Humphrey: When performing my craft, I feel that it is shared time with God. It's the time where I listen to God, express my love and appreciation for him, and just let go! When I'm performing, I feel a freedom that is indescribable.  All the things that I feel or thing comes out through my artistic expression. 

The Great Change: What impact do you wish to bring to your audience and who is your target audience?

Ashley Humphrey: I hope that by being transparent, I can let God shine through me with the talents he has given me. I just want everyone to know God, what he has done for me and what he can do for anyone who seeks him. I hope to reach our youth because negative influences are heavily present these days. Worldly acceptance is what our youth walks toward when the walk should be towards acceptance from God. My main goal is to show them that saying no to the world but yes to God is the best decision and most important one will ever make.

The Great Change: Are you currently working on any projects?

Ashley Humphrey: I am currently working on a book titled "Under-Construction: Spiritual Renovation". This book will be for those who choose to start their walk with Christ. I also have many community projects coming up to spread the word of God and kindness to the community. 

The Great Change: Is there an artist that influences your work or that you would compare yourself to?

Ashley Humphrey: The greatest artist is God and he is my inspiration. He created all things.  When we walk outside, we see different plants, animals, and other people who make up the world. It's such a beautiful thing to experience what he has created. Every one of my pieces is a recreation of his work from my perspective. I would never compare my work with his, but I will always show it from my point of view.

The Great Change: We here at The Great Change appreciate you taking time to answer a few questions Ashley and look forward to the release of your book, which we would love to have you back to elucidate upon when it is complete.

Ashley's previously mentioned works can be located and viewed on her website www.ashleyhumphrey.com or for social media updates from Ashley Humphrey follow her Instagram page @_ashleyhumphrey

Thank you for 1,000!

I'm proud to announce that this page just reached over 1,000 views! This post is just a thank you to everyone that reads this blog! We here at The Great Change blog truly appreciate your support. It is YOU, the reader, that creates inspiration to the writer. We will continue to search for and create enlightened content for your reading pleasure while adding more dynamic and diverse material.

Once again thank you and happy reading!