Featured Member: Janet Griffin on BlackInAmerica.com!

Q&A With Janet Griffin

Do you think elementary school children of color could benefit from being taught about the historical of achievements of people who look like them? If
"I�m a chronographer and writer who enjoys researching biographical information on famous and historical people of color; their fame and/or historical contributions, chronologically. You can find snippets of this information at www.theblackmarket.com/achieve.htm . Our youth are dying, killing each other, forming gangs and spreading hatred for one another because of colors or some other insignificant trivial thing. We cannot continue to talk, hold meetings, have a meal, go home and close our eyes to what�s happening to our youth. SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) in February 1999 set up a web site for children, parents, educators, faith communities, and others as an educational resource and a tool for incorporating ethnic pride and self-esteem as one of many strategies to reduce the risk for substance abuse among African-American youth. The web location for the referred to article above previously located at http://alt.samhsa.gov/news/newsreleases/990205nr.htm has since been moved to a location which charges a membership fee to receive the publication. I first came upon this article housed on the SAMHSA website in 2000, free of charge. According to the findings in this article, in the words of the then SAMHSA Administrator, Nelba Chavez, Ph.D. � �Our web site points to the fact that, no matter were you look, in the arts, the sciences, public service, and in showing us all the way to what is right and just, the African American has always played a highly significant role.� SAMHSA�s Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP), High Risk Youth programs, says lack of cultural pride is one of the many factors that place youth of color at risk for substance abuse, and other maladies which place our youth in danger. Many youth of color lack knowledge as it relates to their cultural history; the history of how they came to be in this place and what has happened since which allows them to experience the opportunities available for them now. Some of our youth don�t feel they have opportunities. They�re holding on to negative information they received through the years and from their surroundings. Once people of color were not allowed to read or write, some were even killed for it. Reading, writing and learning are opportunities accessible to us now for which someone of color gave their life that we can now acquire. Knowledge of race and culture is power, the lack of it leaves youth of color feeling inferior and may suggests to them they are not worthy of the American Dream. So they become America�s nightmare. SAMHSA Celebrates Black History Online: Positive self-esteem From: Chicago Citizen \| Date: February 18, 1999 \|" Interviewed by Janet Griffin 06/14/13

What is your highest goal for the next five years?
"To see God's purpose for my life fulfilled" Interviewed by Monte Childrey 04/05/10

Do you have Leadership Potential? Why or Why Not?
"I order to be a leader you must first serve and help your fellow man. some folks look at that as allowing yourself to be used. I say if you've been given a gift, use it. Sometimes you must be an innovator/the first. These steps I have accomplished and continue to incorporate in my daily life and am not concerned with what title I am called. my only concentration is to fulfill the will and purpose God has designed for my life." Interviewed by Faith Sloan 04/05/10

What will you do to make an impact in this world?
"reduce recidivism of young people in our prison system" Interviewed by Dr. Deborah Price 04/05/10

What is your goal for 2010? Do you believe you have found your purpose?
"Publishing encyclopedia of achievers of color" Interviewed by anita moore 04/05/10

Do you understand race matters
"All races matter. Each of us should be proud of the race we represent. However, the truth is, there are many people of color who feel that being of color is a curse, and everything that happens to them negatively is because of color. This is not true. The color of one's race has nothing to do with the problems a person has in their life. Race becomes a problem when the individual believes it's a problem." Interviewed by Miquell Mack 03/28/10

let start making a better world
"" Interviewed by annette perry 09/14/09

What is your contribution in Shifting the paradigm of dysfunction in the African American community
"Hi, how are you? Fine I hope, and I hope you had a good Thanksgiving. I had a good time. I just wanted to say, I started to respond to your question above, and realized that there are many people doing various things in their communities to change thought patterns of our youth and young women, but their exposure (the young people) is not consistant. They may have role model figures at the boys club or girl scouts, and school, but the most damaging information comes from in the home. That's where the dysfunction comes from. So you can't limit your contribution to just the youth, but the family, and demand the participation of parents, care givers, because without their assistance and participation and exceptance of your efforts to help our youth, the dysfunction cycle only continues and there is no significant change. Just like today, only a few make it out. I have more to say, but this is just a thought. Like, I said, when I started to respond, I started listing everything I have done, and realized although I did some good work, the youth still went home to the dysfunction. Although I shared some of my life experiences, some much like theirs, they would feel there's hope for them right then, but when they get home, they feel hopeless again. Well, I'm not going to write anymore. I'm going to shut my brain off for the night. I changed my photo today. This is me after eating some turkey. I look a bit stuffed. Take Care. Good Night " Interviewed by Dr. Okpara Nosakhere 11/27/08

Janet Griffin
Secretary, Zion UMC
Location: Ocala, FL United States
Joined: Feb 2nd, 2008

As you will see from the enclosed resume, I am proficient in a variety of computer programs as well as experienced in the administrative field. What my resume does not reveal is my professional demeanor and enthusiasm to help others. In a business environment, these qualities are of the utmost importance in dealing with clients as well as co-workers. In me, you�ll discover a reliable, detail-oriented, and extremely hard-working associateone who will serve as a model to encourage other staff members to demonstrate the same high standard of professionalism.
In my writing, I seek to encourage children, youth and adults of color, they can be anything they want to be and at any age. And for those who are not of color, they may, read and gain respect for our culture, knowing that we continued to rise above our enslaved past and open doors for our future generations despite that period in history and our coming to America.

My Interview Question

Do you think elementary school children of color could benefit from being taught about the historical of achievements of people who look like them? If

Current Whereabouts:

I write for Mahogany Review and post articles regarding the achievement of people of color www.discoverthepotentialinyou.weebly.com

Life & Professional Aspirations:

I have compiled an achievers of color chronological historical profile of people of color who have achieved by way of either their chosen profession, working to uplift people of color and advocating for equality, to the point of having died for the cause, or unsung heroes that our young people and some adults of color do not know of. It's a project I've been working on the past 14 years. I once served as the secretary for our local Marion County Branch NAACP, when I received the inspiration to do this research. The encyclopedia contains over four thousand achievers of color arranged chronologically by birth dates from January 1 through December 31. I believe our children need to know their history beginning from early elementary, not high school. This will help strengthen their self esteem, cultural awareness, and pride in their color (not wishing they were born white). Thank you

Website:

http://www.theblackmarket.com/achieve.htm

Education (request update)

High School: Weequahic High School in Newark, NJ class of

Experience

I currently work with Zion UMC as Secretary
I have 5 years of experience working in the Administrative and Support Services industry.

Activity

Skype

Hi anyone using Skype? My Skype address is discojam1986 I look forward to hearing from you ...more
Posted by Janet Griffin on July 25th, 2009 • 369 Views

New Revenue Sharing Program

If you are interested in getting in on a new money making opportunity sharing financial revenue from Internet Advertising, that's almost effortless, contact me for more information. You can go to www. ...more
Posted by Janet Griffin on April 14th, 2009 • 492 Views

My BlackInAmerica.com Profile

Why Are You Concerned About Black America:

My concerns focus on the lack of knowledge and the "I don't care attitude" many youth of color in our inner-city communities have when it comes to learning about their history. I may be wrong. This attitude may only refect the mentality of youth of color in my community. I have been researching the contributions and achievements of people of color for the past 14 years. I have also questioned inner-city youth in my community and other cities I have traveled (which are not many), by asking the youth if they know who people like Lorraine Hansbury, Andy Razaf, Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Fannie Lou Hamer, Jose Pavlos, and other achievers of color are. The majority response is "why do we have to know about those people, they are dead and gone. They have nothing to do with what's going on in the world now." How do you feel about knowing more about the achievements of people who laid the foundation for poeple of color to enjoy the benefits they have now? How much of your history do you know or do you care to know? Take Care from Janet G

How Did You Find Out About This Site:

I received an email. I signed up some time ago, but forgot I did

What Would You Like To See On This Site:

a did you know column

Did You See The CNN Special Entitled "Black In America":

Yes

My Groups

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Guestbook Comments

	Hi again, Ms. Jinnie. I just wanted to share with you Skype. It's free and you can make calls free, even while watching each other by video cam. I just hooked my video cam up and visit with my daughter who is in South Korea right now. We talk nearly everyday. My sisters and brother are communicating as well as my grandchildren, by Skype. Tagged by Janet Griffin on 08/13/2009

	I just read your profile and it is very intriguing. Please take a moment and read my blog regarding my experiences and organ donation in the Black community. Be blessed! Tagged by Tim Magsby on 05/15/2009

	Hello how are things on ur side Tagged by Rashida Issah on 10/20/2008

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