Featured Member: GAIL COOPER on BlackInAmerica.com!

Q&A With GAIL COOPER

How best can I help?
"Prayers are always welcome. Without GOD's help we're all lost. Have A Most Blessed Day!" Interviewed by Kevin Enders 05/14/09

What is the most beautiful aspect of your being?
"Being spiritually focused. Having a connection with a "much higher power" helps you see "the societal traps" that too many people fall into. Too many of us worry constantly about material possessions that we did not bring into this life when we were born. I don't ever recall seeing any u-haul trucks following a hearse to the cemetery. Building a lasting legacy is wonderful but your fellow man has to be part of it in order for it to have meaning." Interviewed by jon w. 12/12/08

What do YOU know about the South?
""I lived in Southern Mississippi and Louisiana for almost 30 years. To be perfectly frank, most people who haven't spent a great deal of time south of the "Mason/Dixon Line" aren't aware of the "regional" differences that exist there. There's much more going on besides the media's "one-dimensional portrayal". Traditionally, when people think of "the South", their minds have been influenced to picture primarily "rural" or "country" settings but the reality is that "the Urban South" and "the Rural South" are like "night" and "day". Just because someone has been raised in "the South" does not automatically mean that they are somewhat "domesticated" nor does it imply that they know anything about "country" living. When African Americans migrated to larger Southern cities, they did not always bring "rural" traditions with them. In fact, this maybe one of the primary reasons they left "the country" because they were seeking a much more sophisticated lifestyle. Significant regional differences also exist within each southern state. Louisiana is a prime example. Initially, this state's laws and customs were significantly influenced by both French and Spanish cultures that were dominant in Europe before Napoleon sold the entire Louisiana Territory to the USA in 1803. In fact, the Napoleonic Code still influences how law is practiced in Louisiana to this day. Northern Louisiana is more traditionally "Southern" than the southern half of the state. Even within the southern portion of Louisiana, there are differences between the descendants of primarily "Caucasian" Acadian settlers who migrated from Canada to Louisiana between 1755 and 1763 and the biracial offspring of French Settlers and African slaves referred to as "Creoles". Both groups were significantly influenced by French culture but history has influenced how they evolved culturally as two separate social groups. From state to state throughout the South, traditional southern dishes are usually prepared differently. Fried chicken and barbecue usually have their own unique regional flavors associated with the dominant cooking preferences within each region. A dish as basic as "red beans and rice" will not taste the same prepared outside of Louisiana. I've even known people in Mississippi to season this dish with "barbecue sauce" which is unheard of in Louisiana. Even the variety of dishes offered from region to region as well as from state to state will be quite different. The South, as I know it, is an interesting "Gumbo" of different influences from the past that are currently being "remixed" by the culture and current events of the present. What I consider the "South of Today" will be significantly different from the "South of Tomorrow" due to current economic and population trends." " Interviewed by Patricia Neely-Dorsey 09/04/08

If you had all the money and time you wanted, how would you spend it?
"I would create an entertainment production company that would specialize in creating programs that would depict the "average" American in a more realistic light. There's too much emphasis on "cookie cutter" stereotypes that don't portray a more "balanced" sense of life as we know it. I'm not a big fan of "reality" shows because they are usually "way over the top" and not in step with reality. The crime related genre is being over done. It's not that these shows aren't good; there's just too many of them. I feel the public would like to see something a little more interesting that they can relate to. " Interviewed by GAIL COOPER 08/13/08

GAIL COOPER
Accounting Associate, Select Staffing
Joined: Aug 12th, 2008

I STILL BELIEVE IN THE HOPES AND ASPIRATIONS THAT DR. KING MENTIONED IN HIS "I HAVE A DREAM" SPEECH. FOR ME, LIFE IS A CUP THAT'S "HALF-FULL" -- NOT ONE THAT'S "HALF-EMPTY". SOMETIMES LIFE CAN BE TOUGH, BUT YOU JUST CAN'T GIVE UP AND "THROW IN THE TOWEL". WE OWE IT TO OUR FUTURE GENERATIONS TO KEEP ON STRIVING.

My Interview Question

If you had all the money and time you wanted, how would you spend it?

Current Whereabouts:

ANYTHING THAT HAS A POSITIVE, PRODUCTIVE VIBE. I CAN'T ENTERTAIN NEGATIVITY. MY FUTURE MEANS TOO MUCH TO ME. I LOVE TO WRITE. I UPDATE MY PERSONAL BLOG WEEKLY. WRITING RELAXES ME AND HELPS TO DISPEL HARMFUL STRESS.

Life & Professional Aspirations:

TO BECOME A SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEUR AND/OR WRITER.

Website:

http://blog.sistahselah.com

Education (request update)

Tulane Univ class of 2006

Undergrad Major: Computer and Information Science

Campus Organization:

Alpha Kappa Alpha

Claim To Fame:

WHEN YOU'RE GOING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION, GOD WILL ALWAYS MAKE A WAY. REMEMBER THAT REGARDLESS OF WHERE YOU ARE -- CREAM ALWAYS RISES TO THE TOP.

Most Memorable Moment:

FINDING AN AFFORDABLE POST HURRICANE KATRINA APARTMENT IN FEBRUARY 2006.

High School: Monticello High School in Monticello, MS class of 1979

Activities & Accomplishments:

I GRADUATED WITH HONORS AND RECEIVED MY HIGH SCHOOL'S BUSINESS AWARD.

Best Memories:

GRADUATING FROM HIGH SCHOOL AND ENTERING COLLEGE.

Experience

I currently work with Select Staffing as Accounting Associate
I have 18 years of experience working in the Accounting/Auditing industry.

Activity

President Barack H. Obama � Is He Being Unfairly Judged Because He�s Black?

Good Afternoon, Everyone: I�ve been reading some interesting comments posted on the Internet concerning President Obama. For starters, anyone with minimal intelligence should know that you can�t b ...more
Posted by GAIL COOPER on May 12th, 2009 • 165 Views

Let�s Choose To Be, �The Light of the World�!

Good Evening, Everyone: Despite the current turmoil in the world, I�m truly thankful to be alive at this point in history. My parents were born in the rural South during the 1930�s. Their child ...more
Posted by GAIL COOPER on April 23rd, 2009 • 150 Views

THIS RECESSION IS A REALITY CHECK -- PEOPLE BEWARE!!!

Good Evening, Everyone: I wish all of you a most blessed Easter Holiday. I'm really looking forward to it because it's important to focus on the more spiritual aspects of life. If anyone tells yo ...more
Posted by GAIL COOPER on April 9th, 2009 • 213 Views

PRAYER JOURNALS -- ANOTHER WAY TO CONNECT WITH THE DIVINE!!!

Good Evening, Everyone: I'm so blessed to be writing this blog entry. Earlier this evening, my car caught on fire and luckily, I was not injured nor was anyone else. I was even able to salvage th ...more
Posted by GAIL COOPER on February 3rd, 2009 • 192 Views

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Guestbook Comments

	WELL, WELL, WELL ...SO GREAT TO SEE YOU IS ABOUT ALL I CAN SAY. (SMILE) Tagged by ROBINSON IRMA on 09/29/2013

	God bless you Sis. I look forward to corresponding with you. Tagged by Minister Linda A. Haywood on 12/12/2008

	WOW! I read that interview question about what you know about he South! You need to write a book! Very indepth and sophisticated answer....and all so true. Vey insightful....but what else would I expect from an AKA woman? Tagged by Patricia Neely-Dorsey on 09/04/2008

	I would love for you to read my book and tell me what you think...then help me spread the word. Tagged by Patricia Neely-Dorsey on 09/04/2008

	Hi Soror, my name is Patricia Neely-Dorsey. I am from Tupelo, MS. I have just recently published a book of poetry that I think you would enjoy. Please cjheck out my page for details. Tagged by Patricia Neely-Dorsey on 09/03/2008

	Thank you for the comment. You're right it has impacted the world. That would be an interesting topic to do. I'll have to jot that down in my future shows list. Thank you for the suggestion, I'll have to have you on the show that day. Tagged by chivonne lawson on 08/14/2008

	Hello my new friend and we shall give freedom of religion a new out look by means of Unity and an effort to bring peace and understanding to all of human kind as it is meant to be no matter the gender or creed...under the umbrella of being 'spiritual'. Tagged by ROBINSON IRMA on 08/13/2008

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