Featured Member: Ivory Simone on BlackInAmerica.com!

Q&A With Ivory Simone

What do we need to do to improve educational opportunity for our urban youth?
"Adam, I think the best way to improve the quality of education for urban youth is to improve the quality of life for urban families. When families are stable, they can provide the supportive, nurturing environment that is conductive to learning. " Interviewed by Adam Fate 10/26/10

Why do you blog?
"I write. Blogging is simply one avenue for creative expression. I write constantly in multiple venues. My mind is always in a whir so writing soothes me. All hail to the Queen! It's an honor to have an accomplished sister/blogger like you as a role model. " Interviewed by Marsha Jones 10/15/10

Define ways you to serve others daily?
"Your question is one I often reflect on. When I'm consciously serving others, I'm operating from a place of selflessness--or doing things to promote the good in us. I hope you'll take a moment to visit the onewoman/onehouse project I started to see how I try to serve others ( www.onewomanonehouse.com) in a conscious way. When I'm in a more self-centered mode, the flesh has a strong sway over me. It's a constant battle to exhibit outwardly the principles and beliefs I follow inwardly. In this mode, I serve others by being a truth speaker, a good friend, a supportive co-worker, a fair-minded person in my business dealings but mostly I serve as my spirit directs in any given situation. The best short answer I have to your question is I serve others by living a life of faith. I surrender myself to God's will in all that I do. living my life with humility, being exceedingly grateful for my many blessings." Interviewed by MIISRAEL Bride 10/15/10

What book are your reading now? Tell us about it!
"I've been reading a lot of graphic novels lately. "The Darkness" is one I recently finished. I'm scripting my first graphic novel and find it challenging. I had the pleasure of meeting the graphic artist for the Superman comic books He's an amazing artist who loved my story concept. He said. "Do it!" so I am. I've been re-reading my novel "Havasu Means Blue Water" after putting it on the shelf to live life for a few years. I'm re-committed to bringing it out and getting it into the hands of the public. So I'm enjoying re-discovering why I love the characters. " Interviewed by EDC Creations 10/13/10

Can you live a successful life with Bipolar Disorder?
" (Thanks for all the good things you do to help others fulfill their dreams.) Hmmm...an interesting question better put to someone who suffers from the illness. However, I do have friends who've been diagnosed as bi-polar and I know living life fully for them is a struggle. Proper medication is a big help but most of these powerful drugs have unpleasant side effects. Living with a mental illness is hard not only for the person suffering from the illness but it's hard for the person's family and friends, too. The illness has a way of wearing people out--emotionally, spiritually and physically. My mother operates a transition home for women suffering from mental illness. Many of them have lost their families and friends after years of being "in and out" of mental institutions. Plus, in all fairness, the emotional unpredictability of seriously mentally ill people, even on meds, can make it tough to live and interact with them. Being a woman of faith, you know God has a plan for all of us. He doesn't make mistakes. We all have crosses to bear in this life. Mental illness is a hard cross to bear but bear it you must. And, with God's help and grace you will. " Interviewed by agnes levine 10/13/10

What is it that you like to do within your career?
"Hello Gregory, I read you recent posts and I wanted to write to you to let you know how much I enjoyed them . I was born and raised in the Southwest and my parents are from Texas so I've had exposure to the true color of the West all my life through our family's oral history. I recently started a writing group called "Black Writers of the American West", as a way to network with other blacks writers who love everything western as I do. I hope you'll accept my friend invite and consider joining the "Black Writers of the American West" at the sister site of BlackAuthorsconnect--Blackhistory.com. Cheers! Ivory Simone " Interviewed by Gregory V. Boulware, Esq. 10/13/10

what interests you
"I'm interested in trying to live life to the fullest. I want to write, create and EXPLODE with possibility --then wake up and start all over again. I want to love and be loved until the very end--I hope my last thoughts will be love centered. I want people to find a piece of themselves in the poems, prose and spoken word I write. I want to be a poet-architect who builds bridges to unite people all around the world." Interviewed by celestine chidi 10/02/10

Why did you start writing poetry?
"I am a storyteller. Poetry is a powerful way to tell a story. I love puppetry, dance, pantomines, drumming (the list goes on. . .) for the same reason. I'm fascinated by the many beautiful ways the human story is told. " Interviewed by Craig Garner 09/24/10

What inspires You to write?
"Vernon, I realized I didn't answer your question--love inspires me to write. I am a student of love, who admittedly has flunked a few courses in the subject area, trying with all my heart to get it right (that sounds awful because I'm not sure there is a gold standard--except for what is in the bible and I do strive to follow God's instructions on how to live)." Interviewed by Vernon Davis Jr. 09/22/10

Ivory Simone
Location: Tucson, AZ United States
Joined: Aug 20th, 2010

I have an analytical mind but a poet's heart. I'm adventurous (I love to travel and meet new people) but I'm grounded when it comes to issues of my personal values and faith. I'm hardworking, to a fault, but I'm learning and striving to live a more balanced life.

My Interview Question

What one word best describes your outlook on life?

Current Whereabouts:

Globetrotting

Life & Professional Aspirations:

Travel more Write more Build a house

Website:

http://feeds.feedburner.com/BangkokPoetryStreams

Education (request update)

University of Arizona class of 1982

Undergrad Major: International Studies

Campus Organization:

Alpha Kappa Alpha

Claim To Fame:

Outspoken community activist

Activity

No Time To Sit Down On The Steps

MOTHER TO SON Well, son, I'll tell you: Life for me ain't been no crystal stair. It's had tacks in it, And splinters, And boards torn up, And places with no carpet o ...more
Posted by Ivory Simone on January 4th, 2011 • 594 Views

The Lift Every Voice Campaign: A Million Voices Raised Against Global Racism

Fighting to end racism and discrimination against descendants of the African Diaspora through a year of global activism, My article, �A Call For The End of Global Apartheid�, was a declaration of w ...more
Posted by Ivory Simone on January 2nd, 2011 • 554 Views

Take A Bite Out The Big Mango (Episode 2) MP3

Fitness and Nutrition Coach, Rich Thurman was my guest. This episode was devoted to maintaining a healthy lifestyle while living abroad. Check out Rich's health tips at www.activelifestyleonline.com. ...more
Posted by Ivory Simone on December 12th, 2010 • 226 Views

Take A Bite Out The Big Mango (Episode 2) MP3

My BlackInAmerica.com Profile

Why Are You Concerned About Black America:

I'm a black American. I have a vested interest in the status and welfare of Black Americans

How Did You Find Out About This Site:

referral by a member of this network

What Would You Like To See On This Site:

educational programs, audio/video programming designed for online viewing

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

Yes

My Groups

Invite Me To A Group

Guestbook Comments

	Hi Ivory, miss your blogs. (smile) Tagged by ROBINSON IRMA on 05/07/2011

	Hi Ivory, pleased to make your acquaintance. Cybersecurity is one of ma major focuses. I have a full plate, between Political and Computer Science studies, and more is added all the time. This business with the site gives me one more thing to look into: how the Google report is generated, how it's used by the browse to generate the warning, and of course, what is the underlying malware about. I like your answer to my profile question, and would add, it is something of a catch 22, the quality of life for urban families is bound up with education, and vice versa. Tagged by Adam Fate on 10/26/2010

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