Affirmation

Josephine Baker faced a lot of rejection but was able to move past it. She defied the odds. She did not give up performing. She continued and became one of the best in the business.

Baker then used her gift of performance to work for French Intelligence during World War II.  She was awarded a medal of honor after the war.

Affirmation

Josephine Baker defied all things in life.   When she was young, she really wanted to be in the chorus line on Broadway, but they told her she was too skinny.  She created a comic route that ensured she would always be in the line. She did not allow the impossibility of her dream stop her from achieving it.

This month, I am examining the things that seem impossible. What does it really take to achieve them? Do I have it in me? Lets see.

Affirmation

Nannie Helen Burrough’s life exemplifies what determination looks like.  She wanted to ensure that African American women and girls had access to education that could improve their lives. She worked through many different ways to provide that education, as a teacher, as an activist and as a businesswoman.

It reminds me that I can be determined about something, but it doesn’t mean there is only one way to get it done. Use all the paths to accomplish the goal.

Affirmation

Determination is not always that strong will to keep going no matter what. I think that is where people get tired and stop. At least that is where I get tired and stop.

Determination for me is that moment when you want to stop and you do a little bit more. Then you do a little bit more. Then you realize that you are almost done, so your go ahead and finish it.

So I do.

Affirmation

She had worked hard for an education during a time it was a hard won prize for African Americans.  When Nannie Helen Burroughs finished school and applied for teaching positions in the system that educated her, she was refused because of the color of her skin.  Her dark brown skin would relegate her to jobs as domestic servants.

She was determined to not let that happen. She set out for a life where she could teach and help other women in her place have a different future. Her determination changed lives.

Affrimation

This month the word is Determination. It means a firmness pf purpose; resoluteness. This process of establishing something exactly by calculation or research. In order to accomplish some things one has to be determined.

Affirmation

Curiosity is the thing that allows me to explore the world around me. It sends me in different directions allowing my art to experience the world in different ways. This past year I have explored new avenues of storytelling.

Jones was an artist, teacher, folk dancer, basketball coach and much more.