RVA Mic Share
Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from RVA Mic Share, Community Organization, .
Get one of Amanda Lynch's daughter,
Ava Holloway's Black Ballerinas for Change shirts now!! There are only a few sizes left!! Supporting this young lady means the world to all of the RVA Mic Share ladies!!
https://www.rethinkingresiliency.com/product/brown-ballerinas-for-change-shirt/9?cp=true&sa=true&sbp=false&q=false
Humans of RVA and VCU
“When [my RVA Mic Share partner and I] had the conversation,… that was probably my favorite. I don’t normally talk about some of the more personal stories in my journey on race, and for the first time, I thought, ‘I’m just gonna put it out there’… It was hard to acknowledge some of the stories that come from my family but also freeing. If we’re gonna have these hard conversations, we have to be able to make them personal... I don’t think that my experience is like the average white person’s. My journey around race started really because I lived in Mali… I was the only white person. Everybody was Black. Most people had never met a white person before, especially in my area. At a time in my life when I was very impressionable and somewhat lost and in need of guidance, I was adopted… Coming back to Chicago... realizing that if the people who took me in in Mali knocked on a door in the northside of Chicago, they would’ve had a very different experience… A couple years ago when I wore a Black Lives Matter button, that’s when the really hard stuff happened because I am still white and it’s still hard to talk to white people about race; it triggers that part of me that wants to please people and… avoid difficult conversations… If I wear a Black Lives Matter button everywhere, that will force me to develop the stamina to have really hard conversations about race… My advice… is to not go ask your Black friend, ‘Teach me about race.’ But instead, there are so many amazing resources. Go on RVA Mic Share and follow all of the feeds… Some of the questions that you always wanted to ask but didn’t want to ask publicly are out there… Remembering that people of color don’t have the option to [think], ‘Do I wanna talk about race this week?’... and that’s what kind of forced me to stay in [RVA Mic Share] even though it was a horrible week [for me]. A person of color might have a horrible week and then they go into a grocery store and have a racist encounter. They don’t ever get to pick and choose, but I can pick and choose… When we [white people] do this work, we need to try and always lead with love.”
Black ballet dancers talk about their powerful protest photo shoot
The AMAZING daughter of our INCREDIBLE participant, Amanda Lynch was on the Today Show yesterday!! No big deal! 😉❤️🎉 https://www.today.com/video/black-ballet-dancers-talk-about-their-powerful-protest-photo-shoot-87744069761
today.com Two young ballerinas, Kennedy George and Ava Holloway, talk to the 3rd hour of TODAY’s Sheinelle Jones about the viral photos of them dancing in front of the Robert E. Lee monument in Richmond, Virginia. They share how the photos have changed their lives and their plans to continue to be activists...
11 Books To Read If You Want To Be A More Inclusive Leader
Congratulations Dr.Tiffany Jana for having TWO books on Forbes list!!
forbes.com A reading list for anyone who’s committed to equality.
Be on the lookout tomorrow night!
To White Allies
"With White people, Black people, and everyone else standing together, marching together, and demanding justice, I believe we will be able to see a new world order, one that is devoid of the delusion of White supremacy." -Dr. Tiffany Jana, To White Allies
https://youtu.be/YomNRTkLAgQ
This is for the white allies trying to figure out what to do about racism. My Instagram (link below) has more resources and commentary, but here are some tho...
Humans of RVA and VCU
“I found out about RVA Mic Share just about two weeks ago… One of the organizers reached out to me to ask if I might be interested in participating… And I thought immediately that it was a wonderful opportunity to share some thoughts, to convey messages that ordinarily wouldn't be heard by audiences that are not necessarily people of color audiences, audiences who would not normally even listen or be in a position to hear some of the things that I and the other 63 women want to share… I think the thing that it has taught me is that we all have stories to tell and sometimes in the busyness of our lives and even through our friendships, we don't often get the time to actually talk, to hear one another tell stories... We're so caught up in living that, you know, perhaps it's the pandemic and this downtime with reliance on the virtual platform that makes us more receptive, and it makes us pay attention more, but just hearing the stories of participants has been wonderful… I think the biggest thing that I would convey is for folks to be comfortable with being uncomfortable… We have our friendship circles, and we have people with whom we work and worship and socialize, but I think we all have to do a better job of working to expand our circles, so that we can learn continuously from new people and have new and different experiences… We're at a point at which history is occurring and changing every day, and we have to see ourselves as, you know, the history makers and the change agents… Let's say that for the last 400 years, Black folks have been in control and that, um, Caucasian or non people of color were the oppressed minority. If we were to switch places and to think about how they would deal with lack of resources, discrimination, chronic illnesses, and poor health care, how that would make them feel... I would dare say that that might help people understand the Black Lives Matter movement much more-- if we were to switch places and to live for just a moment, live in the shoes of those who are oppressed and are underrepresented. One thing that many people of color, particularly African Americans, hear from a very early age is that you have to do more, you have to be more and go above and beyond, and I think that we should all adopt that attitude… The thing that I would also say is remember that education is not limited to the four walls of a classroom on the campus of VCU; that education takes place everywhere, whether it's on a city bus, whether it is in your experiences demonstrating for a cause, whether it is helping a senior citizen in the grocery store, there's always an opportunity to learn.”
Mrs. Williams-Bey
Catch the Replay with Racheal Cook and myself. Join the conversation on how White women can become an ally for Black women. Together we are stronger.
Watch the replay:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=720268222104203
Day #3 from Malikah Karim
Hey, Hey to all of Erin's Friends! Please Check-in with me and let me know if you are still with me on this journey! Drop a "I am HERE" in the comments.
Today in RVA Mic Share I want to speak on Black Health & Wellness. As a wellness professional this is a pain point but also a power point I own to effect change. I want to shed some light on my personal experience! Listen to my IG story here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CCG3YHqFg1s/
Not Homework but Equitywork:
1. Senator Kamala Harris and others put forth the Bill pre-COVID-19 to address Black Maternal Health but it was overcasted by the Pandemic... please look it up and ask your representatives to contribute to it, improve it, and support it.
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2. Gift a black woman a self care item or service.
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3. Support legislators that address equitable access to quality healthcare for all. Make this issue a make or break issue for you.
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4. Understand that a liveable minimum wage is paramount in health equity, because survival will always come before health improvement and vitality.
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5. Donate to Black Non-profits DOING THE WORK of changing the culture of wellness in the black community and managing the advocacy work that is necessary. I love GirlTrek: Healthy Black Women and Girls who also have Girltrek and the Richmond UKROPS 10 K
And Nurture. right here is RVA. (I serve on the board and know the level of impact they have had in this city with a diverse board.)
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6. TALK ABOUT THIS ISSUE OF LISTENING TO BLACK PEOPLE WITH THE DOCTORS AND HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS IN YOUR FAMILY!!!!! CHALLENGE THEM TO DO BETTER. CELEBRATE THEM WHEN THEY TAKE ACTIONS TOWARD EQUITY.
Day #3
Hey, Hey to all of Erin's Friends! Please Check-in with me and let me know if you are still with me on this journey! Drop a "I am HERE" in the comments.
Today in RVA Mic Share I want to speak on Black Health & Wellness. As a wellness professional this is a pain point but also a power point I own to effect change. I want to shed some light on my personal experience! Listen to my IG story!
Not Homework but Equitywork:
1. Senator Kamala Harris and others put forth the Bill pre-COVID-19 to address Black Maternal Health but it was overcasted by the Pandemic... please look it up and ask your representatives to contribute to it, improve it, and support it.
-
2. Gift a black woman a self care item or service.
-
3. Support legislators that address equitable access to quality healthcare for all. Make this issue a make or break issue for you.
-
4. Understand that a liveable minimum wage is paramount in health equity, because survival will always come before health improvement and vitality.
-
5. Donate to Black Non-profits DOING THE WORK of changing the culture of wellness in the black community and managing the advocacy work that is necessary. I love GirlTrek: Healthy Black Women and Girls who also have Girltrek and the Richmond UKROPS 10 K
And Nurture. right here is RVA. (I serve on the board and know the level of impact they have had in this city with a diverse board.)
-
6. TALK ABOUT THIS ISSUE OF LISTENING TO BLACK PEOPLE WITH THE DOCTORS AND HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS IN YOUR FAMILY!!!!! CHALLENGE THEM TO DO BETTER. CELEBRATE THEM WHEN THEY TAKE ACTIONS TOWARD EQUITY.
Jump on in 15 to hear from one of our INCREDIBLE ladies, Dr. Tiffany Jana!!! There are sponsored spots available if it's not in the budget! Dr. Jana is AMAZING!! https://facebook.com/events/s/lwcc-fireside-chat-about-inclu/582465339103133/?ti=icl
Wondering what this organization is that brought you the RVA Mic Share?? Here you have it, and we're JUST GETTING STARTED! With a committee packed with incredible women thanks to this project, we're ready to take RVA by storm with allllll the goodness!
SHINE THRU HATE
My friend Kate Stark partnered with an aspiring rapper named Shawn Trapp (ig: shawn_trapp5) to create a song which was written in reaction to and in support of BLM. It speaks to the subject of police brutality, but the song's purpose is to encourage people to shine thru hate and choose kindness whenever possible. It’s 100% clean in hopes to reach the younger generations through music and education.
You can visit www.shinethruhate.com to listen to the song and find info. There is a huge list of links of where to support BLM. It has a place where you can send any additional links to add to the list, as well as share your stories of how you "Shine Thru Hate."
Please share!! 😊❤️✊🏾✊🏼
www.shinethruhate.com
shinethruhate.com Embed Block Add an embed URL or code. Learn more The song “Shine” was written in reaction to and in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. It speaks to the subject of police brutality, but the song’s purpose is to encourage people to shine through hate and choose kindness whenever possibl...
Interview with Fannie Lou Hamer (1968)
From: Nikiya Ellis
There is something so liberating about planting a small seed, watching it grow tall and beautiful, nurturing the seedling into a beautiful plant that in return nurtures you.
You know what else is liberating?
Sharing that food with the people you love, knowing exactly where it came from, and how it will nurture them as well. My liberation is rooted in my independence. My liberation involves liberating others. Sharing gifts that not only nurture our bodies but also our spirits. Sharing food, wisdom and knowledge.
I remember growing up as a young child, summer vacations in South Carolina , after long nights running and playing with my cousins, we woke early to work in the garden. We had the job of picking, shelling and snapping peas and beans. Soon after, watching my grandmother take those beans and peas we picked and cooking them. Bagging the cooked beans and peas from the garden in huge freezer bags and freezing them. Before we hit the road home we stopped and shared with all of our family there and those back home in Richmond . As a child I didn’t understand the significance in this gesture, nor did I understand why we had to eat this yummy bag of love several times throughout the winter. I now see how my ancestors found their liberation through food. Real Soul food. We can keep taking what they give handfuls at a time or we can grow our own. We can continue to think of growing food as a form of slavery or we can keep being slaves to these grocery stores. The choice is ours, our liberation depends on it and much more.
There’s a lot to learn from a bag of frozen field peas and butter beans. Liberation is saying no to handouts and feeding our families with the knowledge and wisdom of our ancestors.
This reflection reminds me of quotes from Fannie Lou Hamer, a strong beautiful woman from the civil rights movement. She didn’t have the chance to become a grandmother, she was unknowing sterilized in the 60’s, along with many other women who are now ancestors.
“With the people, for the people, by the people. I crack up when I hear it; I say, with the handful, for the handful, by the handful, 'cause that's what really happens.” -Fannie Lou Hamer
“If the white man gives you anything - just remember when he gets ready he will take it right back. We have to take for ourselves.” - Fannie Lou Hamer
From 'The Heritage of Slavery'
Dr. Tiffany Jana and Stacie Vanchieri went live on Modelogic's Insta tonight!!! Click the link below!!!
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CCKJl_wlrpD/?igshid=1d95qtv7toc66
Amanda Lynch and Amanda Carriker Moore: Racial Trauma and Mental Health
The Amanda's discuss racial trauma, micro and macroaggresions, mental health, therapy, and self-help
Lauren did an AMAZING job on her first video; here's the 2nd installment which delves into why changing the syrup label and remaining the Master Bedroom isn't enough...
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CCJoODkFHfa/?igshid=1xwf0lg0frh3q
Amanda Lynch rocking Humans of RVA and VCU for the RVA Mic Share!!
“It’s hard because I work probably 20 hours a day... My mom raised me to believe, as a Black woman, I would have to work twice as hard as everyone else to get half as far. A lot of times I feel like that is true. I sometimes see men in particular not have to make the same sacrifices that I have to make, especially as a parent, so that can be a little challenging… I feel, overall, really proud of the work that I’ve put in as a parent, business owner, and employee… I hope [RVA Mic Share] inspires people to just sit back and listen, tell one another to take in the perspectives… of other people. During some of the conversations, if people are feeling uncomfortable, I’d just encourage white women in particular, who might be hearing some things from Black women that they haven’t heard before, to really just sit with their discomfort and try to figure out: why they’re feeling uncomfortable about something, where is that rooted, versus being dismissive and saying, ‘Oh no, those systems don’t exist anymore. We’ve come so far.’ So really just listening to one another and doing a lot of introspective work… For women of color, I would say to continue to shatter stereotypes, knowing that there really is no limit to what you're able to accomplish. Even when people say that you don't have a space at the table, just bring your own table and not really taking a ‘no’ and allowing doors to be closed in your face for an answer… In terms of shut doors, I just have tried to create opportunities for myself and not really worry about what other people thought about it or whether or not they were clapping for me. I was clapping for myself… Black Americans only make up 13% of the population, and with understanding, there are a lot of people who may not have experienced systemic racism or historic oppression. Just listening to the stories of those of us that have and really working with us and standing beside us to try to help dismantle some of these systems… Don't worry about whether anyone sees you. You see you, and even if you don't feel that people are encouraging in your pursuits or supporting you, just trust yourself and keep moving forward.”
From Dr. Jana via Modelogic Instagram!
WorkHARDAholics Episode 51... RVA Mic Share
Video Shirley Crawford's production, WorkHARDaholics! The podcast link is below!!! Shirleys broadcast can be found on Apple Podcasts or your other favorite pod forums! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35XWx64nJec&t=1113s
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/workhardaholicstm-show/id1519362487
Work Hard, Play Harder, Business Better
Modelogic Instagram!!!!
P&G: The Look
Joy Rush
Good evening this is JOY!
I recently saw this video that depicted a day in the life of a black man. This is a pretty accurate view, but also true of how the experience can be as a black woman too! I often think to myself, how is a black female, walking a tiny fluffy dog, with a small child and driving a hybrid car a threat? I usually walk with a smile...but I’m still the neighbor that rarely anyone speaks to or gets invited to play dates or even holds a conversation. I encourage you to have those conversations and maybe you’ll find out, they’re a local business owner and for me, I surprisingly teach yoga at their kids’ schools. Some days, my heart swells just seeing the look of avoidance from other parents when I visit my sons’ school for an event and PTA meetings or just the opposite when I visit a small boutique - the look of surprise with all eyes on me is discouraging. Biases in America are here in RVA too, we just don’t talk about it for fear of being perceived as an “angry black man” or “angry black woman” in our corporate or business lives.
Get to know your black neighbors or a simple hello! A wave or smile when crossing the street! I know, you may think...I’m not racist because I have black friends. Having a black friend or family member doesn’t exclude you from biases or microagressions when seeing a person of color that you don’t particularly know. Try doing a self-check and consider how you act around black people you don’t know; now think about how you would like to be treated in that same situation and how you can react better. If you are making changes or have become an ally, I thank you! If you find that you may have been in a bubble, I challenge you see how you can be apart of helping change in your own way! We all want the same things for our children and future. Success, happiness and love! This week, I will tell my stories on direct incidents of racism/microagressions and how those situations not only traumatized me, but also my child. I thank you for listening and am hopeful for change!
Credits: https://bit.ly/2ROKd7T Join Us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aobpage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/adsofbrands Pinterest: https://www.pinteres...
Outkast ft. Cee-Lo, Big Rube, & Erykah Badu - Liberation
Benita Johnson 💕❤️
Sometimes I have no words to describe what I'm feeling. Thankfully I know that I can be quiet, reflect, and rejuvenate to fight another day.
Shaking the load off.
Warning: some words may be offensive. Don't let that stop you from understanding the point of the song.
youtube.com One of the most powerful songs ever created. It is without question the most beautiful piece of art birthed by Outkast. The song and video truly live up to t...
Black Americans experience deadly stress as a pandemic and violent racism collide, experts say
RVA MIC SHARE Installment #4 "We Wear The Mask"
Kathryn Haines and Antoinette M. Rogers, Ph.D.
Over the last 24 hours, I have witnessed the dismantling of two statues in my hometown and former capital of the Confederacy, Richmond, Virginia. These statues stood for more than 100 years in homage to men who oppressed African Americans and Native Americans, Stonewall Jackson and Matthew Fontaine Maury. These men were hailed as heroes, loyal sons of The South, although they perpetuated injustice and inflicted tears and pain. Over the last 24 hours, I have also watched at least 3 different videos, filmed in different US cities, where white citizens took it upon themselves to police Blacks by questioning their presence and intent. At least one drew a weapon on the two Black women she approached and harassed,
It is my opinion that some White Americans are so bathed in privilege that they don't stop to think about the impact of the mental and physical assaults faced by people of color EVERY DAY. We are tired, We are confused. We are angry. We are violated. Yet, we must continue to pursue "The American Dream". We work, provide for our families. and try to enjoy life while constantly living in our trauma. To cope with our trauma, we wear masks. These masks hide a lot. They hide chronic health conditions, stress, and disappointments, and hurt from mistreatment. It's ironic that in the midst of COVID-19, we must all wear masks. The next time you see someone with a mask, ask yourself, "What is the mask hiding?"
Black poet Paul Laurence Dunbar expresses what we experience in this way:
We Wear the Mask
BY PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR
We wear the mask that grins and lies,
It hides our cheeks and shades our eyes,—
This debt we pay to human guile;
With torn and bleeding hearts we smile,
And mouth with myriad subtleties.
Why should the world be over-wise,
In counting all our tears and sighs?
Nay, let them only see us, while
We wear the mask.
We smile, but, O great Christ, our cries
To thee from tortured souls arise.
We sing, but oh the clay is vile
Beneath our feet, and long the mile;
But let the world dream otherwise,
We wear the mask!
nbcnews.com "...The disproportionate death rate of black and brown people from Covid-19 is no coincidence. It is directly related to the history of racial oppression in our nation."
Wake Up Everybody - Brandy, Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott, Wyclef Jean, Ashanti (Official Video)
Good morning from Johnson Lee. WAKE UP, EVERYBODY! Listen to the words to the remake of this song originally performed by Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes with Teddy Pendergrass singing lead. 45 years later, it still is relevant.
The official music video of "Wake Up Everybody" by Brandy, Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott, Wyclef Jean, Musiq Soulchild, Ashanti, Babyface, Monica, Claudette O...
Racheal Cook
Are you ready for Round 2 of tips on "7 Ways to Ally for BLACK Women? Well, I have more to share, so stay tuned for the next four tips! Don't forget, Racheal and I are going live this evening at 7 PM (EST), so make sure you join us!
Special Thanks to RVA Mic Share and Humans for Good for hosting this amazing event.
I would love for you to follow me Mrs. Williams-Bey.
Tip #3 was tough, but necessary talk. There was so much to share, and I hope you are able to us the tips I provided immediately. Guess what, you can start tonight. Before you go to sleep, say a special pray for men. Prayer is powerful. Pray for hearts of change and hope. Pray for all of the broken and angry men who hate. Pray for the courage to have tough conversations with the people you love. Most of all, pray for guidance because we all need help navigating this thing called life.
Good Night and I'll see you bright and early tomorrow. Stay tuned for more tips, and have a fantastic night.
I look forward to reading your comments.
I would love you to follow me Mrs. Williams-Bey
Special Thanks to RVA Mic Share and Humans for Good
.Cook
Racheal Cook
It's no secret, our men are in trouble, and I'm not just speaking about our black men - white men are in trouble too. We have witnessed so much pain and loss - at times, it's very overwhelming. It may seem as if you are fighting a losing battle, but I want you to know there is hope. This tip is very important to me because I have a son, and every day my husband and I are praying for my son and the sons of every black family - we are praying for change. Being a young black man is difficult, and navigating a world where you are hated because you're black is extremely frustrating. So, what can you do? Watch the video and learn how you can help change the narrative - this tip will challenge you.
Feel free to share your thoughts - we need dialogue to make a difference.
I would love you to follow me Mrs. Williams-Bey.
Thanks again, and enjoy!!
Special Thanks to RVA Mic Share and Humans for Good
Meet Chloe #RVAMicShare
Introducing Edwards!!! Coming to you from Ann Peters page!!
9 minutes of LOVE and KINDNESS meditation with Kiran Bhagat!
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CCCiKw8lFR2/?igshid=h1jxzh8o7l3n
Kiran Bhagat's videos are coming at you from Heather Coley's Instagram!!
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CCCRQHQlY8i/?igshid=zmt9f4cww38r
Caught on camera: Young Black boy playing basketball hides as police drive past
Back in March 2001, I was driving on Route 60 from my home in Providence Forge. My Uncle Billy (RIP), my daughter Navi (age 7) and my almost 2 year old toddler were in the car. I may have been speeding and was pulled over by a policeman. Immediately, my daughter started crying and screaming "Please dont hurt my mommy!" I couldnt assure her that he wouldn't. She kept crying. My Uncle and even the policeman tried to calm her. The policeman gave her a Teddy bear and spared me a ticket.
I am not sure what Navi saw that triggered the response. Since it was pre-social media, maybe she saw stuff on the news. I cannot imagine what this young man must've felt because so much is happening and the news is at our fingertips. Some Black children are already traumatized by what is occurring. I'm sorry for Eliah and sorry for what his father has to explain to him at an age when he should just be having fun.
No parent should have to do this.
nbc12.com The 9-year-old boy's father says when he asked his son why he hid, the boy replied, "Because they killed George Floyd."
Quote from Shonda Harris-Muhammed and Leah Coleman!!!
Worthdays
This live with Rev. Tiffany Harris-Greene and Caroline Neal of Worthdays was so amazing!
Our founder, Caroline Neal, is participating in the RVA MIC Share project and has been partnered with another non-profit founder, Tiffany Harris-Greene. Tiffany has graciously agreed to answer questions in this live format that will help us consider her perspective as a Black woman.
A bunch of live's happened tonight! Replays are coming! Here is the link to Ashlee Murphy and Shelly Clark Montante!
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CCHsNpzlgqj/?igshid=60c1tu4jk7r0&fbclid=IwAR2sxG1-QEu3VWr_x3rpasoOjWbnYKMdLzdQhK9jdIaS3HdYEUZuJXyqNwI
Tonights happenings starting to roll out! Ashlee Murphy is going LIVE on Shelly Clark Montante's page!! 8pm!