Good morning to all of my beautiful friends!! It's time for the inspirational quote of the day. Look here for encouraging words that will get you through your day with a positive and proactive attitude. Before you leave your dwelling or tackle your workload take a moment to meditate on the "out the door" quote of the day and make a conscious to decision to make today better than yesterday. Think about what the quote means to you and carry that thought with you throughout your day. Hold on to the personal meaning you find in each quote and use it to inspire you to push through difficult situations.
"There is no reason, no excuse, no alibi, no fate, that can hinder an individual that is focused on a specific purpose."
In a quest to answer one of Dr. King's most famous inquiries, a Dallas law firm is working to keep King's dream alive. For the past 18 years, Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP has sponsored the annual MLK Day oratory competition in Dallas and 4 years ago they expanded the competition to Houston. Oratory participants merge Dr. King's message and their hope for the future. Each year, students deliver their speeches, which include their favorite quotes from Dr. King, in front of hundreds of eager listeners. The competition encourages youth to embrace King's dream and to make it their own. In addition to famous quotes from King, the fourth and fifth grade participants pay homage by captivating the large audience with what his dream means to them.
Tamia Gaines, this year's top winner out of 149 students in Dallas had this to say: "Dr. King once said, 'At the center of nonviolence stands the principle of love.' That quote inspired me to believe that it does not matter what color or race we are, we're still brothers and sisters, and love is what we need in order to change things."
Gaines encouraged adults to become an example to younger generations. "Wake up, grown-ups," she said in her presentation. "You're poisoning the young minds of this world. Dr. King preached nonviolence. If you're fussing and fighting all the time, we fuss and fight. What can you do to help us?"
Check out Tamia's speech, it is truly remarkable to hear such profound words from such a young person.
Another participant, Jasmine Cox, a fifth-grader at S.S. Conner Elementary, said: "One day I dream to help or lead other people in the right direction just like the honorable Dr. King. Free at last. Free at last. Thank God almighty, we are free at last."
Nina Davis, a fourth-grader at Marsalis Elementary, proclaimed she is King's dream. "His vision was me," she said. "You see, I am the future Dr. King dreamed about, and, because of his achievements and dreams, I can achieve greatness and succeed at anything that I am determined to do or to become."
We appreciate the efforts of Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP to give King's message eternal life. This year's competition was co-sponsored by the Dallas Independent School District. I commend all of those who forge similar paths to ensure that we never forget what King means to our nation and to the world.
Today is America's official observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday. In honor of Dr. King's work towards social equality and his legacy, America is celebrating him through a national day of service. Although federal offices are closed, all are encouraged to use the time off to make a difference in his/her community by volunteering. Hence, the reason it has been referred to by many as a day ON and not a day OFF.
Although Dr. King's birthday is celebrated in January, we all benefit from his accomplishments everyday. For that reason, do not stop at celebrating Dr. King and other heroes in your life on special occasions; instead, take advantage of every opportunity to honor your heroes everyday.
To find out about the many opportunities for young professionals to make honoring Dr. King's legacy in 2010 a success, visit MLKDay.gov.
In honor of America's National Day of Service, today's quote is from Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
"All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence."
Martin Luther King, Jr.
I know most of us have the day off and we want to celebrate in our own way but today is a day of remembrance and honor. Dr. King encourages us to uplift humanity and to do it with excellence. Do your part to honor Dr. King by participating in something that will uplift your fellow man. No matter how big or small your project may be, you should find comfort in knowing you have made the world better. To those who choose to give their time today, you are appreciated.
Candlelight vigils. Late night phone calls. Neighborhoods gathered in prayer. Missing children. Broken Families. Tears of sorrow. There is no doubt that the quake in Haiti has devastated the island nation. That is no longer a question. However, questions still remain about how we can help. Feelings of helplessness, strife, and fear have swept over people around the world. As reports pour in about a possible 50,000+ deaths, miraculous stories of survivors, and the unfathomable amount of damage people are wondering how they can help.
Although the images are graphic and the videos are grim, perhaps the sight of the devastation will move people who may be on the fence to decide to help. You can view aerial photos of the damage here.
To add insult to injury, scam artists have targeted people ready to donate. If you are concerned about the legitimacy of the relief efforts, CNN has composed a valid list of legitimate charities here.
The good news is relief efforts have intensified and donations have poured in. The demand level for aid is described by relief workers as "overwhelming." Search and rescue efforts are a top priority but there is still a need for basic supplies like food, water, blankets, clothing, toiletries, and medical supplies. Authorities admit they have been unable to transport a decent amount of already donated supplies due to a fallen trees, damaged communication networks and debris covered roads.
You can also text donations for Haiti relief from your cell phone. In addition to your donation amount, standard text messaging fees will apply.
Red Cross: Text HAITI to 90999 ($10 donation) Yéle Haiti: Text YELE to 501501 ($5 donation) United Way: Text HAITI to 864833 ($5 donation) Intl Medical Corps: Text HAITI to 85944 ($10 donation)
Still looking for news on your loved ones? The U.S. State Department has set up a hotline for information on family members who may be in Haiti: (888) 407.4747. NOTE: This number is for information on U.S. citizens in Haiti only.
My heart is heavy with sympathy and concern for all people affected by this tragedy. As one personally affected, consider this my plea that all of you do what you can to help the people of Haiti in what is quickly becoming a nationwide catastrophe. Stand up and show that our generation is not as self-involved as we are portrayed. Organize efforts in your neighborhood. If you do not have money donate non-perishable food items and clothing. Find out more info about Red Cross donations here.
Check out previous posts about the quake in Haiti here and here.
For the past 27 years, America has celebrated the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. on January 15. We also celebrate by observing a national holiday on the third Monday in January. School, banks, federal offices, and post offices are closed in his honor.
Stevie Wonder singing the best ever version of the "Happy Birthday" song:
Dr. King sought to unite a divided nation at a time when it seemed impossible. His nonviolent approach, inspired by Mohandas Gandhi, inspired people of all religions, ages, and national origins to fight for peace and equality for all mankind. On August 28, 1963, King led the now famous March on Washington where he delivered his epic "I have a Dream" speech. King's distinctly profound voice and unique ability to speak with precision motivated a nation to work united in our journey towards change. You can watch King's speech here. The text of the speech is here.
King's efforts to help African Americans earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in October of 1964. He donated his award money to the civil rights movement.
King was assassinated on April 4, 1968 by escaped convict James Earl Ray. Check out Walter Cronkite's coverage of the assassination:
In 1986, a national holiday was created in King's honor. Today would have been King's 81st birthday. You can watch snippets from one of the saddest days in American history here.
In honor of Dr. Kings significant contributions to the world, you are encouraged to take a moment and reflect on the impact he has had on our world. On January 18, there will be a national day of service to "improve lives, bridge social barriers, and move our nation closer" according to MLK.gov. It is considered a "day ON" and not a "day OFF." To find out about opportunities to volunteer in your area, visit MLKDay.gov Last year, on the Tuesday following King's birthday our nation celebrated the inauguration of our first black president, Barack Obama.
I believe we can all learn something from Dr. King. We celebrate him today and everyday. In the words of Dr. King "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." One day, King's dream will come true.
Good Morning beautiful people of HUSL Today!! It's time for the inspirational quote of the day. Here you will find daily inspirational quotes to help you get your day started on a positive note. Before you leave your dwelling take a moment to meditate on the "out the door" quote of the day and make a conscious to decision to make today better than yesterday. Think about what the quote means to you and carry that thought with you throughout your day. Hold on to the personal meaning you find in each quote and use it to inspire you to push through difficult situations.
"Don't count the days, make the days count." -Muhammad Ali
I know we all start off our week with the Monday blues and we often get through tough moments by thinking about how we can't wait until Friday. What I hope we can do as Young Professionals is become an example to others by resisting the urge to count the days and beginning to focus on how we can make each day count. Time will fly when you find a way to have fun! Be encouraged to make this and everyday significant for positive reasons and your days will be better for doing so.
Legendary R&B singer Teddy Pendergrass died today at the age of 59 following a difficult battle with colon cancer. According to reports by the soul singer's son, Pendergrass died at Bryn Mawr Hospital in Philadelphia.
From one day of tragedies to the next. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Pendergrass family in their time of bereavement.
My favorite song by Teddy P.was "When somebody loves you back." I still laugh at the scene from Nutty Professor when Professor Sherman Klump sings "Close the door" to his food. Beautiful friends of HUSL Today are you a fan of Teddy Pendergrass? If so, what was our favorite song?
