Monica May's Point Of View

PLAY "I'VE BEEN SLEEPING BUT NOW I'M WOKE,"/ BCU DAY OF GIVING/OLYMPIAN TRAINING NEXT GEN/CAREER PATHWAYS RESEARCH

Orlando native Dr. Kalandria Smith starts local company, Landi-Lou Productions and presents, "I've Been Sleeping....." Saturday, June 27th @ Olympia H.S. 2:30 & 7:30pm Dr. Sherry Parramore, Executive V.P. & COO of Bethune Cookman University shared details about their "Day of Giving" Thursday, June 18th. They want to raise $200,000 which will be matched by a donor. If you'd like to add to the financial assistance for students, visit www.Give.Cookman.edu Former Olympic Star Damu Cherry-Mitchell shared highlights of her track career and how important it is for she & her husband Dennis to train potential Olympic athletes through their Elite Star Athletics Track Club program. Second Harvest Food Bank conducted community research and got direct feedback through their Career Pathways Program. Director Keonna Yearwood-Branch shared the results of how AI has taken over human resources and is preventing students from obtaining sustainable employment. However, they continue to train the community through an enhanced customer care and culinary program. www.feedhopenow.org details their July 7th start for customer care and August 3rd begins culinary training.

WINTER PARK JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION/FORMER JONES H.S. STUDENT PERFORMS/MANAGING THE STRESS OF HIGH-PERFORMANCE EXECS

Lawanda Thompson, President of the Equite Council Corporation talked about the importance of continuing the celebration of Juneteenth. "Jazz & Jubilee" is Saturday June 20th 5pm - 10pn at Shady Park, 721 W. New England Avenue in Winter Park - featuring various talents from Orlando. Register to attend @ www.theequitycouncilcorporation.org (to accommodate everyone in case of inclement weather). Cee Jay Joseph is an award-winning SAG-AFTRA actor, emcee and host best known for his role as Principal Sam Haney on the CW Series "Walker" which is now streaming on HBO Max. Cee Jay is a former Jones H.S. Student who is back in Orlando visiting but also providing service to the community. To connect with him, visit www.ceejay.joseph.com Angela Williams of the Health & Wellness Collective is a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist who works with high achieving adults. She wants you to be aware of your burnout factors and develop a personal self-talk kit. To make an appointment, please call 321/765-3855.

Stopping the Music to Silence the Violence

Star 94.5 and CMG urban radio stations nationwide broadcasted "Stopping the Music to Silence the Violence". Powerful stories were heard as we all came together to uplift one another.

MEMORIAL DAY VETERANS' ADVOCACY/THE 34th ANNUAL SOUTHERN FRIED POETRY SLAM FESTIVAL

Dr. Christopher Stansbury of Veterans Advocacy, LLC completed his dissertation on ALL services relevant to veterans returning home. He shared techniques to manage veteran PTSD and more. Connect with him @ christopher_stansbury@ymail.com or 773-879-7952 The 34th Annual Southern Fried Poetry Slam Festival is coming to Orlando June 10th - 13th starting at the Eatonville Library. Poets Shawn Welcome and Blu Bailey are helping to spearhead the event. To purchase tickets and find more information www.southernfriedpoetryclam.com

BLACK MENTAL HEALTH QUESTIONS - ANSWERED/ALL ROADS LEAD TO THE SOUTH/EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Cherlette McCullough, LMFT www.centerpeacetheragy.org shared that in order to face the growing mental health issue in the black community, we must normalize the conversation. Suppression does not eliminate pain or make it go away - it's important to seek therapy. Outlook Clinic provides free psychiatric and therapy care 407/898-0110. Cassandra Brown with All About the Ballot is also Chair in Lake County of the Black Women's Roundtable shared the reason she marched in Alabama yesterday was to bring attention to current voter suppression attempts, to honor our ancestors and pave the way for the next generation. Carlos Durden from Orange County Emergency Management updated us on how to get ready for this hurricane season that begins June 1st. He shared what tools every family need in their kit, along with a 1-week supply of water, canned goods and non-perishable items. If going to a shelter bring your own bedding, medicine and toiletries... See their website for more info www.ocfl.net\storms