The Choice Is Yours

Saw this quote on the wall at work and thought I just had to share. This spoke volumes for me and hope it does for you too. 

We do not choose to be born.
We do not choose our parents,
Or our times or country of birth,
Or the circumstances of our upbringing.
We do not – most of us – choose to die
But within all this realm of choicelessness
We do choose how we shall live –
Courageously or in cowardice,
Honorably or dishonorably,
With purpose or adrift.
We decide what is important and what is trivial,
What makes us significant is what we do,
Or refuse to do.
We decide and we choose
And so we give definition to ourselves.

--Joseph Epstein

2nd Annual Poetry and Presents Planning Kicks Off in July

This Week's Spotlight~ Shar Robinson: "I Know I"ve Been Changed"

Noted Author Shar Robinson spends her busy schedule working as a Sunday School Teacher (5 ½ yrs), Prison Ministry (2 yrs, Youth Corrections), SWAT Team (Soul Winning Action Team 4 yrs, Nursing Home Ministry 3 yrs, Youth Bible Study Teacher (Purity Class) 2 yrs, Big Sister through “The Birthing Project,” Volunteered at Women’s Shelters (performed poetry), and at the Salvation Army. She also volunteers at the Urban League encouraging youth to complete their education and motivating them through poetry.

My Greatest Accomplishment:

Publishing my 1^st book of poems Freed by Love and my 2^nd book “I Am Precious, Diary of My Life from Sin to Salvation” and killing the mic, at the Bus Boy Poet Event in Hyattsville last week, I’Yanni Crawley hosted…I got a standing ovation, and I was told that people clapped so loud it was heard out the doors…I was the only one that got a standing ovation that night… (Wow) …

The Most Challenging Thing I Ever Experienced:

Surviving Teen Pregnancy, Domestic Violence, Selling Drugs (criminal lifestyle), Abusing drugs (only marijuana) thank God I never did crack cocaine, but I survived the Foster Care System, was emancipated at age 16, I have 2 degrees (1) Liberal Arts (2006) and (2) Christian Studies (2009) and pending my (3^rd degree) BS in Law Studies at UMUC.

Most Valuable Lesson: 

Stop looking to man and look to God, He is faithful and he created me with purpose and gave me a gift to share with the world and that’s what I should be doing. 

Final Remarks: 

I am a single mother of 3 children (21, 13 & 14) and moved from California 6/2009 to reconnect with my mother, brother and sister who I was separated from when I was 12 years old, when “we” ran away from our mother and put ourselves in the system and refused to go back to my mother while she was on drugs (crack cocaine), that incident marked me for life, because I was the “baby” and we each went to separate places and that time period became the period that I had no choice but to “fight a spirit of rejection” that followed me through my childhood and something I still harbor…But God…gave me vision, a gift and purpose and so I journaled my life in search of healing.  I got it!  In addition, the journey continues because I’m not where I want to be, but thank God, I’m not where I used to be.

I have a goal of actively encouraging the next generation, preferably disadvantaged, troubled youth, who remind me of myself.  I am the “Real Poetic Justice” and “I Am Precious” just like everyone else, and I’m ready to remind the youth just how precious they really are.

My grandmother taught me that “I was not better than anybody and nobody is better than me” that keeps me brave, willing, and assertive to finish this race, because what God has for me, is for me and “I want it!”

For the record…my mother, brother, sister and I are very close and they have always been in my life.  “We” certainly don’t look like anything we’ve been through. My mother is saved, and a Praise Dancer, and I am very proud of her (It is never my goal to put her in a negative light, she is an Over Comer), My brother is a wealthy man residing  in PG County (20 yrs in Navy, a Commander & Entrepreneur), my sister is a business woman and has her Master’s degree, and here I am, “The Dreamer” and a Substitute Teacher (PGCPS) who only finds fulfillment in helping others and sharing my poetry.  I believe what I’m doing is “preparing me” but my dream is soon to come alive and I will travel the world one day, speaking & performing at Universities, Colleges, Prisons, Non Profit Organizations, Book Stores, Charity Events, TV, Radio, being featured in Magazines, because when I die, I will leave a legacy and it’s time for the Underground Poets to make it on the Big Screen in a “big way” … I’m 37 yrs old, I have been doing poetry at open mic since I was 22 yrs old.  Surely, it doesn’t stop there.  I believe there is more for me than any “Local Talent Night”.

For more information about Shar email her at sharrobinson74@gmail.com.

BOND Inc Spotlight features ordinary African American women from all over who are doing extra-ordinary things. If you or anyone you know would like to be featured, send your requests for more information to iambondinc@gmail.com.

BOND Girl Meet & Greet & Other Great News

Here’s to the New Year

Happy New Year Everybody!!! Wow 2011 was an amazing year for BOND. We’ve gained an even greater audience base, hosted a number of successful events, made some really great connections, launched a blog that’s creating a lot of buzz and connected with many of you. We truly thank you for your support last year and hope that you will continue to support us during this 2012 year. We have a lot of great ideas in store and hope you are prepared for the ride. Please let us know how we can continue to serve you better.    

Ladies Seats Are Almost Gone!!!

So the buzz has grown out of control for our next Gathering “Playing by the Rules” (Click here) Friday, January 20^th promptly @ 7:30PM. Guest speaker Monique of the DMV Rules Group and certified relationship coach will be in the house. Don’t miss it. There will be something for every woman regardless of relationship status. If you are interested in attending please email us @ iambondinc@gmail.com for location information. This is a FREE affair however in order to attend your name must be on the list because seating is LIMITED!!

BOND Inc’s Meet & Greet is Coming Your Way

There are many added benefits of being a BOND Girl. (Click here to find out more)   As a BOND Girl you gain access to exclusive offers, you get reduced and often times free entrance to many of BOND Inc’s sponsored events.  More importantly, you will be a part of a major sisterhood of women who are doing amazing things personally and professionally. We are planning a BOND Girl Meet & Greet for the month of April. If you’re interested in learning more about BOND Inc and want to be a part of this amazing network be sure to email us for all of the details.  At this Meet & Greet you will have the opportunity to ask questions, come onboard as a member, and witness the induction ceremony of our newest BOND Girls. This is also a great opportunity to network with women from all across the DMV. This won’t be your typical Meet & Greet so prepare to as always have a grand time.

Our doors are always open, so if you’re interested in becoming an active member be sure to email us at iambondinc@gmail.com for more details and a membership application.

Where Should We Begin ~First Poetry & Presents Event= Major Success
Where should I begin…hmmm maybe I could start with all 15 phenomenal poets that came from as far as New York to pour out their heart and soul to an amazing crowd of men and women. Or should I start with our gracious host Mina Holladay who was in her element once she graced us with her presence. Or better yet, maybe I’ll start with the best girls any one could have, my loving BOND Sisters who worked hard right alongside me to ensure that this event was a major success.   Or I could easily start with the number of supportive sponsors who unselfishly gave in order for us to create a wonderful evening. Let’s not forget Rashada Pullen, a remarkable painter whom we watched transform an empty canvas into a beautiful masterpiece.  If I mention her, I must also mention, DJ Cebo who was always on point, playing the right tunes, just at the right time.  Or I could easily mention the surprise proposal that stunned a new bride to be and brought tears to the eyes of many.  Or how about those amazing photographers (Franklin Withers Photography and Yokography) that captured moments that won’t do us any justice with just words. (Click here to read more)

You Are Now in the Spotlight

BOND Inc spotlights women of color who are doing amazing things in and around the community. BOND Inc provides our readers with a spotlight each and every Monday. Read our most recent feature “Something like a Phenomenon” (Click here).  

If you know of any women who are doing amazing things, send your inquires to iambondinc@gmail.com  to receive the information.

Any Hopeless Romantics in the House?

In recognition of February, the month of love, BOND Inc will be running “The Best Hopeless Romantic Love Story contest. We are seeking couples that are willing to share stories of how and where they met, interesting details of their beautiful love affair and much more. The couple with the most votes will be awarded with a special dinner for two. Click here for more details. Be sure to come back to cast your vote. If interested inbox iambondinc@gmail.com for an entry forms.

Seeking A Few Good Men

BOND Inc is seeking a few good men. We will be dedicating an entire month to our beautiful black men. It’s time we sang praises to men of color who are doing positive things. We will be featuring men that are taking care of business at home, on the job and/or in the community etc.  If you know of any good men that deserve to be recognized, inbox us at iambondinc@gmail.com for nomination form.

“Juice Challenge Any One”
The week of January 9^th, we are promoting a 3 Day Juice Fast. Ms. Carla Douglin has just recently published an e-book of 101 Juicing Recipes. This Raw Foods/Juicing Queen will be coaching us through the entire process. She promises that her coaching will ensure that you are set-up for juicing success. She will be providing us with tips, videos and recipes. Be sure to “FRIEND” us on Facebook (Bringing On New Direction Inc).  Carla’s e-book is selling for the amazing price of $1.01. Yes you read this correctly, for the low price of just $1.01. To get your copy, visit the Natural and All page. Click on “Carla Douglin’s 101 Juicing Recipes” found under our Health Section.  

Natural & All is a page dedicated to providing information for women in the areas of health, beauty and fashion. Be sure to check back often www.iambondinc.blogspot.com. If you’d like to share your natural hair journey, provide a product review or share you’re most recent fashion finds email us so we can share it with the world.

Seeking Contributing WritersBOND Inc is happy to announce our two newest contributing writers Ms. Jennifer C.W. Gillyard and Ms. KIKI "K`larity" Johnson. These beautiful ladies both bring to the table great ideas and have already hit the ground running. These talented writers and poets will surely leave you coming back for more. Be sure to check back often better yet just follow us so that you won’t miss a thing because we have lots to share. (Click here)

We’re always posting articles, poems, events etc from others so if you or anyone you know is interested please contact us at iambondinc@gmail.com.

Recent Articles

Something like a Phenomenon

The Best Hopeless Romantic Love Story Contest

Have You Been Schooled on the Rules

Poetry and Presents Photos compliments of Yokography

The Pictures Are Here

Write the Vision, Make it Plain

1^st Poetry and Presents Event= Major Success

Future Initiatives
-Upcoming partnerships with several organizations.

-Conference for middle/high school girls (2012)

-Natural Hair- Meet & Greet-Date/Location yet to be determined
-BOND Inc Member Intake/Interest Meeting- Date/Location yet to be determined
 

This Week's Spotlight Stephania Vereen~ “Something Like a Phenomenon”

Photo taken by Saddi Khali
 http://www.saddikhaliphoto.com/

Stephania Vereen has a way with words.  She has used her verbal prowess in many capacities and the impact has always been the same, to help people.  For the many accomplishments Stephania has set for herself, and in helping others with their own, it is difficult to pinpoint just one.  In addition to freelance writing and authoring the recently published Letters To Words, a collection of personal poetry and essay experiences; Stephania has been a highly sought after educator, career advisor, and youth counselor at a treatment center and group home for troubled, abused and neglected girls.  She also dedicates her time to helping others through volunteering with various local organizations, specifically those that cater to youth. Through all of her actions, Stephania Vereen has enabled a large number of people to see the possibilities the world has to offer them, no matter the roadblocks or setbacks they may have experienced. 

My Greatest Accomplishment to Date Has Been:

Ultimately, my greatest accomplishment has been my children.  I’ve learned so much about my own strength and patience through trying to create a well-rounded environment for them.  I can’t deny the fact that my experience birthing and raising my children has set me up to achieve every goal I set for myself in order to provide a direct example for them.   The ability to break-through and change lives is one that is divinely ordained, and in tapping into that gift, I have come to understand my purpose in life. My time as a youth counselor and educator allowed me to realize an extension of my responsibility in raising my own children to helping raise the children of others.  As a youth counselor, I worked hard with abused and neglected girls to show them that the life they have known is not one that defines them.  As a classroom teacher, I kept a constant reminder asking myself “Am I the teacher I would want my children to have”.  Finding ways to reach our future and in whatever way, help guide them and push them further than they have imagined, has been my absolute greatest accomplishment.

The Most Challenging Thing I Ever Experienced:

Learning how to forgive and let go of a lot of hurt and anger from my past, which took me on a spiritual and emotional journey that even disabled me many times. I don’t think people realize how prevalent various forms of abuse exist in our households.  I had to learn to acknowledge and release the pain from the abuse I witnessed and experienced growing up.  I had to learn to recognize my own maladaptive coping skills and try to understand how to heal.  I have learned to be able to forgive and am slowly learning how to forget.

My Most Valuable Lesson: 

My most valuable lesson has been the lesson of faith! I have always had the notion of faith, but never knew what it really meant to live in faith and to surrender to God. In dealing with my biggest challenge of forgiveness, I was forced to go through a journey of finding my faith. I began to learn how to live not just with faith, but to let go through faith!

Final Remarks: 

Through my willingness and openness to share my triumphs and trials, I have found the gift to connect at the very core with others.  It’s through these connections that I find myself driven to tell everyone’s story.  I write to help others find their voice, I write to express my own voice and hope to show others that they are not alone, I write to motivate, I write to inspire.   

For more information visit www.stephaniavereen.com or email her at stephania810@gmail.com

BOND Inc Spotlight features ordinary African American women from all over who are doing extra-ordinary things.  If you or anyone you know would like to be featured, send a request for more information to iambondinc@gmail.com.

We LIKE You...We Just Hope You "LIKE" Us Back

“Girl Get Your Money Straight” A Major Success
BOND Inc would like to take this time to thank everyone that came out to the GGYMS Gathering. What a great turn out. Our two guest speakers Jennifer Matthews and Yolanda Smith provided us with a lot of great information and some key takeaways.   Be sure to read the review of the evening’s Gathering “Empowered to Grow My Money Tree”. Once you’re done check out What Others Had to Say.

Our next Gathering  “Playing by the Rules” (Click here) will be Friday, January 20^th .  Despite being single or married, there are spoken and unspoken RULES that you must play by.  Guest speaker Monique a certified relationship coach will be in the house. We will provide you will all the details closer to the time of the event. If you would like to RSVP early, email us your name so we can add you to the list. It’s going to be bananas so claim your seat now.

Poetry & Presents Event is In Full Swing Here at BOND Inc everything we do up to including the events we host all serve a purpose. If what we present doesn’t uplift, motivate or empower others then we are wasting our time and yours. The upcoming Poetry & Presents Event is no different. Our number one goal for this event is to assist families in need during this holiday season. Ladies and gentlemen we need your support because we believe in reaching back.

Tickets are selling for $12 or 2 for $20. We can promise you they won’t last long. We have partnered up with other organizations to sell tickets so it’s a must that you get your tickets because and because this will be a sold out event none will be sold at the door. Click here to purchase your tickets via PayPal.  If you prefer another means to get your tickets, email us at iambondinc@gmail.com to make other arrangements.

BOND Inc is working diligently to provide you with a very memorable event. It’s guaranteed that you will leave this event full of smiles.  We’ve acquired some very talented men and women from around the DC, MD, VA, DE and PA to take part in this noteworthy event.  Oh and you’ll never guess who we’ve snagged as our guest host?!?!?! It’s a surprise…Let’s just say she’s pretty well known around the poetry scene. So be there or get…LEFT OUT!!!

We LIKE You…We Just Hope You LIKE Us Back

We have created a Poetry and Presents page on Facebook. Be sure to like the page. There you will find all of the latest and greatest details and information leading up to the event. Find out who’s on the lineup?  Look to see who our special guest host will be? How about a chance to win a free ticket?  Don’t delay!!!

Calling All Business Owners/Entrepreneurs

Do you want to get your business name out to a large presence? How about improve your relationship within the community? Better yet, what about be recognized for having been involved with something that’s life changing and rewarding all at the same time?  If you are a business owner and want to act as sponsors or someone simply wanting to support a great cause BOND Inc wants to hear from you.

 Your donations will assist less than fortunate families during this upcoming holiday season. We have great sponsorship packages available ranging from $50 and up. Please inbox us or send your inquiries to iambondinc@gmail.com. Whatever God lays on your heart to give you will be sowing a seed that will reap a major harvest in due season. Not only that but your donations can be used as a tax write off just in time for the tax season.  For more details send your emails to iambondinc@gmail.com .

Who is BOND Inc.?

If you don’t know you better ask somebody.  Click here to find out more.

BOND Inc’s Membership is Blowing Up

You can always tell when an organization is doing something right. How? You might ask. Well when you like something you tell others about it, RIGHT? Well apparently someone has been spreading the word to others about all the amazing things that BOND Inc is doing in and around the community. Our membership has increased significantly just in the last six months.  Our membership has reached close to 100 members. There are many added benefits of being a BOND Girl. (Click here to find out more)  Our doors are always open so if you’re interested in becoming an active member be sure to email us at iambondinc@gmail.com for your membership application.

You Are Now in the Spotlight

Twice a month BOND Inc spotlights women of color who are doing amazing things in and around the community. After much thought and so many positive responses BOND Inc has decided to provide our readers with a spotlight each and every Monday. Beginning this month you can read a new feature every Monday. Read our most recent feature “A Natural Born Leader (Click here)

If you know of any women who are doing amazing things, send your inquires to iambondinc@gmail.com .

“Natural & All”
Read our latest Natural & All feature, Angela (Click here). Natural and All is a page dedicated to providing information for women in the areas of health, beauty and fashion. Be sure to check back often www.iambondinc.blogspot.com. If you’d like to share your natural hair journey, provide a product review or share you’re most recent fashion finds email us so we can share it with the world.

Future Initiatives 
-Conference for middle/high school girls (next year)
-Natural Hair- Meet & Greet-Date/Location yet to be determined
-BOND Inc Member Intake/Interest Meeting- Date/Location yet to be determined

Seeking Contributing Writers
Be on the lookout because BOND Inc has just obtained a number of contributing writers to join our team. Be sure to check back to our site often. Better yet just follow us so that you won’t miss a thing because we have lots to share. (Click here)

We’re always posting articles, poems, events etc from others so if you or anyone you know is interested please contact us at iambondinc@gmail.com.

Letting The Cat Out of the Bag

BOND Inc has been holding this in and now we are going to let this

"Cat Out of the Bag"

Guess who we've snagged as our special guest host for the Dec 16th Poetry & Presents Event

To find out like the

Poetry & Presents Event page on Facebook

DONT FORGET TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS

Seeking Spoken Word Performers/Poets