More than just a walk...huge steps!

The diversity walk sponsored by the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity & Inclusion took place on this past Sunday. It is always amazing to see a large number of people walking-it makes a bigger impact when I see them walking for a difference. Diversity & inclusion is a verb in Michigan. I am so happy to share the participation of everyone through photos. TMI, LLC and the "Who I Am" series was blessed to be a part of this annual event. In the 60's marching made change happen and now we do it with walks-either way we are striding into a better tomorrow. -Read something great!

Connecting

As promised I wanted my readers to see some of the activity from the 2010 Connections Conference, hosted by the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity & Inclusion. The event had an amazing walk through exhibit of the history of race relations in Michigan. The picture that you see with the child in black and white with the sign reflects how attitudes used to be in our Metro detroit area. The pictures that you see of vibrant, energetic teens is what we want to move closer to.
I loved being a guest at this event because it is clear that all attitudes towards diversity are not perfect but we have come a long way in making a difference. I was happy to see teens from different schools, backgrounds, belief systems and race come together to build bridges and to share their goals for their schools in regards to improving diversity relations.
It was a treat to see some of these teens and their teachers honored at this event for making strides towards positive attitudes towards diversity as well. I will be walking with a team of people on Sunday at 1 p.m. who understand that diversity and inclusion is vital to progress. What are you doing to make a difference in race relations? Every little bit helps. It is always a good thing to get to know people for who they are as people not just their outer appearance. My books reflect these messages in a fun and friendly way for young people to understand. Please take a look at the "Who I Am" series and share it with a young person. The only way that change happens is by spreading the good news.
-Read something great

Celebrating Cinco!

The fifth of May is Cinco de Mayo in Spanish - It is a national holiday in Mexico, although it is generally celebrated in Mexican-American communities in the U.S. on a much larger scale. It commemorates the Mexican victory over the French at the battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The victory was an important step for Mexico in their fight for independence. Today in Mexico, and in Mexican-American communities, May 5 brings celebrations, fiestas, and parades.

Fun Facts About Cinco de Mayo

It is often confused with the Mexican Independence Day, which occurred on September 16, 1810, about 50 years earlier.
Cinco de Mayo is one of more than 365 festivals celebrated by people of Mexican descent.
The holiday was popularized in the U.S. in part by Chicano activists in the 1960s and 1970s, who identified with the Mexican Indian and mestizo (people of Mexican Indian and European descent) soldiers' triumph over European conquest attempts.
Cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston host annual Cinco de Mayo festivities that draw hundreds of thousands of celebrants.
What will you do to celebrate today?
A few books that might interest you are...
Cinco de Mayo Holiday Recommended Reading
Kids Books for Cinco de Mayo

Abuela
by Arthur Dorros
Cinco de Mayo (Rookie Read-About Holidays)
by Mary Dodson Wade, Nanci Reginelli Vargus
Colors of Mexico
by Lynn Ainsworth Olawsky
Festival of the Bones / El Festival de las Calaveras : The Book for the Day of the Dead
by Luis San Vicente
Gathering the Sun: An Alphabet in Spanish and English
by Alma Flor Ada
Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book
by Yuyi Morales
Magda's Tortillas / Las Tortillas De Magda
by Becky Chavarria-Chairez
My Mexico / México mío
by Tony Johnston
Saturday Market
by Patricia Grossman
Secrets in Stone : All About Maya Hieroglyphics
by Laurie Coulter

Read something great!!

(Fun facts from Parents)

PRINCETON PRIZE PHOTOS...

Readers, I promised to share pictures from the amazing Princeton Prize in Race Relations Symposium...the wait is over!!
This past weekend was not only fun and exciting but it reflects that many of the teens all over America are committed to improving our world. I'm not sure if you can look at these photos withourt smiling...Enjoy!

PLAYING CATCH-UP!

Readers, please forgive my absence. I am happy to say that my time away was well worth it. I apologize for not keeping you in the loop. Since I have been away from the blogosphere-great things have been happening. I have been able to meet some of the most amazing teens across America!! I connected with some great local teenagers at the Connections Conference hosted by the Michigan Roundtable For Diversity & Inclusion. Young people from the metro area and behond got together to make a change in their schools (Pictures will be forthcoming.
This past weekend I met with some wonderful people who are not only making a difference in diversity realtions in their communities and schools but all over the world. I was able to to be a presenter at the Annual Symposium on Race Relations tat is hosted and founded by Princeton University. I promise to share lots of photos with you soon. Please let me know if you plan on taking some of this inspiration and changing your school, workplace, neighborhood, etc. I'd love to know about positive energy flowing globally.
If you have been inspired by a book that focuses on positive energy and being a giver-I'd love to hear about that too. Keep me posted.
-Read something great!