Greetings of Hope, Blessings and Joy As We Approach 2018.

Greetings of Hope, Blessings and Joy As We Approach 2018.

Beautiful People,

As I make my resolutions to continue in service to Love and Creative Activisism,  I am reminded of cultural icons such as Harry Belafonte, who has committed his life to the  continuing Civil Rights Movement both here in the United States,  in South Africa and around the World.  Mr. Belafonte has used his voice and millions of dollars to support those who have had no voice and to bring attention to the injustices of our society. 

One of the organizations that Harry  Belafonte, Danny Glover,  Congressman John Lewis, Amy Goodman (Democracy NOW!), Clarence B. Jones, Esq., Bishop William Barber, Jr. and I support is the Andrew Goodman Foundation (AGF) which was founded by the families of slain civil rights activist Andrew Goodman  (Goodman, Chaney & Schernner who were murdered in Mississippi more than 50 years ago). 

The Andrew Goodman Foundation recognizes that social and economic injustices continue; and that we must work together to assure that more people are Registered to Vote and that We Use Our Votes, Voices and Resources to Promote Equity In Our Society.

 AGF impacts the lives of millions and supports the work of many "Hidden Heroes" and the Millenials who are young activists  working to educate the next generation on the power of the Vote, Education and Prison Reform, Black Lives Matter, Sustainable Development and other worthy causes. 

Please Join  AGF Family Members David Goodman & Sylvia Golbin-Goodman, Harry Belafonte, Danny Glover, Amy Goodman, Steve McQueen, many other Conscious Americans and me, Rev. Melony McGant. 

Please Continue to Share Good Thoughts and Your Resources.  THANK YOU for Your Previous Contributions!  

Please Continue to Make Your Tax Deductible Contributions to the Andrew Goodman Foundation. 

www.andrewgoodman.org

Celebrating Kwanzaa! Day 6 !Let Us Honor and Embrace KUUMBA--a Swahili term that allows us to Nurture Creative, Cooperative Love!

Celebrating Kwanzaa! Day 6!

Let Us Honor and Embrace KUUMBA--a Swahili term that allows us to Nurture Creative, Cooperative Love! 

Beautiful People, 

In Gratitude for the privilege of life, let us give thanks to the Omnipotent, Masterful, Generous Creator of Every Uni-Verse! 

Honoring the Beauty and Magnificence of Our Earth/Heart, Breathe Deeply In and Out 10 Times.

Breathing with Patience, we clear our minds of old fears and past failures. Gratefully Accept Lessons Learned. 

Today Let Us Honor and Embrace KUUMBA--a Swahili term that allows us to Nurture Creative, Cooperative Love! 

Cultural Enrichment Is a Gift that We Can All Use to Help Us to Be Better People, Promote Good Change in Our Society and Become Agents of Peace through Our Thoughts and Actions. 

Expressions in various art forms, be it dance, music, drawing, painting, sculpture, theatre, writing or even sports are educational forms of creative play that can forge a path to compassion, good critical thinking, healing, integrity, responsibility, teamwork and social activism.

This Is KUUMBA, which means Creative, Cooperative Love. 

Through Our Good Actions, Thoughts and Visions, We Embrace Humanity's Potential to Walk with Grace and Wisdom through Love.

Again Breathe and Exhale Deeply. Embrace and Honor the Creativity, the Power, the Wisdom, and Collective Wealth Present on Our Earth-Heart. 

For Our Ancestors, Our Elders, Our Families, Our Communities, Our Nations and Every Child We Know and Those Yet to Be Born...

May We All Embrace and Support Artistic and Social Activism. 

May We Live Our Good Purpose with Balance and Creativity So that We Create Strong Educational, Economic Foundations. 

May We Become Good Responsible, Creative, Cooperative Stewards of Love and Prosperity To Share! 

Ubuntu!  I AM Because You Are! 

Umoja!  Unity! 

Kujichagulia!  Self-Determination! 

Ujima! Collective Work and Responsibility! 

Ujamaa!   Cooperative Economics! 

NIA!  Balance Is Purpose!

Kuumba!  Nurture Creative, Cooperative Love! 

We Re-Member...Peace is Possible through Compassion, Cooperation, Courage, Creativity, Deep Listening,  Faith, Forgiveness, Good Purpose, Hope, Integrity, Kindness, Mercy, Patience, Respect, Understanding and--- the Gift of Love!

Wishig You All a Creative, Happy, Healthy, Prosperous New Year 2018! ☆♡☆♡☆♡

Always, Melony

Celebrating Kwanzaa---Day 5. Balance and Good Purpose/The Kwanzaa Principle of NIA.

Celebrating Kwanzaa---Day 5. Balance and Good Purpose/The Kwanzaa Principle of NIA.

Beautiful People, 

Some say there will be sorrow if you borrow tomorrow. That is why I look always into the Heart of Today. 

I Breathe In and Out Deeply 8 Times. 

With each breath I ask for balance and total awareness of Love in this moment, Right Now. 

For me, this is My Good Purpose. In Swahili, NIA means Purpose. 

My Good Purpose is to move forward into time's loop of Eternity; knowing that the imprint of Eternal Love can heal every moment of yesterday's sorrow Now. 

Through our Forgiveness and a willingness to Love More, we pave the way for More Joy Today and Tomorrow. 

 NIA...My Good Purpose is to Love More!

What Is Your Good Purpose?

KWANZAA PRINCIPLES

Ubuntu!  I AM Because You Are! 

Umoja!  Unity!

Kujichagulia!  Self-Determination!

Ujima!  Collective Work and Responsibility!

Ujamaa!  Cooperative Economics!

NIA!  Balance and Good Purpose.

Always, Melony 

Peace is Possible through Compassion, Cooperation, Courage, Creativity, Deep Listening, Faith, Forgiveness, Good Purpose, Hope, Integrity, Kindness, Mercy, Patience, Respect, Understanding and the Gift of Love!

Celebrating Kwanzaa Day 4 Principle of "Ujaama", a Swahili word for Cooperative Economics!

Celebrating Kwanzaa Day 4

Principle of "Ujaama", a Swahili word for Cooperative Economics! 

That Which We Desire....

Beautiful People, 

How will we navigate and learn to swim if we are fearful of eachother and the water? 

Learning to swim is like trusting that Love can help us let go of our fear of all the other Fish navigating the Waters of Hope. 

Breathe and Exhale Deeply Six Times with Patience and Love.

In Love.  Out Patience with Love. 

In Love.  Out Patience with Love...

Listen to the whispers of Love as they beckon us to imagine ourselves as dolphins-- joyful, playful; kind and Loving. 

Now, with gratitude, commitment and trust... Step into the Waters of Hope. 

Today, Honoring Ujamaa, the Swahili word for Cooperative Economics... We open our hearts with gratitude and trust. 

Let us make a commitment to work for the Good of Our Collective and to Share Resources with the many fish swimming, as We All learn to Navigate the Waters of Hope! 

UJAMAA!  Cooperative Economics! 

That which We Desire of Love, We Must Give in Love.

For Our Ancestors, Our Elders, Our Families and Every Child We Know and Those Yet to Be Born...

May We All Work Together and Learn to Do Business Together So that We Create Strong Educational, Economic Foundations and Become Good Responsible Stewards of Love and Prosperity To Share!

Ubuntu!  I AM Because You Are! 

Umoja!  Unity! 

Kujichagulia!  Self-Determination! 

Ujima! Collective Work and Responsibility! 

Ujamaa! Cooperative Economics! 

Always, Melony

Please Re-Member...Peace is Possible through Compassion, Cooperation, Courage, Creativity,  Deep Listening, Faith, Forgiveness, Good Purpose, Hope, Integrity, Kindness, Mercy, Patience, Respect, Understanding and the Gift of Love with JOY!

About Kwanzaa...

 Kwanzaa is an unique celebration founded in 1966 that takes place December 26th through January 1st every year. It encourages people around the World of African descent to restore a Universal Family Tradition and to strengthen bonds within the family and community. 

Dr. Maulana Karenga is the founder of Kwanzaa. Through seven principles represented by the candles lit on the Kinara each day during the celebration of Kwanzaa, we honor Our heritage as people of African descent who lost a great deal of our heritage through enslavement.

Obituary: Celebrating Gloria "Brownie" Brown, Beloved Wife of John C. BrownJr. in Pittsburgh, PA

Friends Are the Delicious Fruit of Our Hearts and the Family We Choose!  

Beautiful People, 

As we celebrate the beautiful life and legacy of Mrs. Gloria Brown, Beloved Wife, Cherished Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Friend and Educator… 

Let us re-member that whether by blood or chance, Gloria was a compassionate deep listener and a loyal, supportive friend who taught us by example that Our Friends Are the Delicious Fruit of Our Hearts.   

Some fruit we experience often.  Others are a rare delicacy that we seldom have the opportunity to savor.  Some fruit like avocados, oranges, grapefruit, kiwi or mangoes, we must peel.  Others Friends are the apples, blueberries, grapes and strawberries of our hearts.  Sometimes our Friends are lemons or may even be bananas!

Through Friendship we learn that just as no fruit tastes the same; no human has the ability or capacity to offer us exactly what we give them!  

Friends may agree or disagree. Sometimes Friends may hurt eachother and need to ask for forgiveness. Friends may live close or far away. They may speak often or rarely.  Other Friends will forever be a Mystery in our hearts.

Most importantly, whether by blood or by chance, generations after generation we all have the opportunity to Teach Our Children that no matter where we are in the World, Friends Are the Family We Choose. 

  

When nurtured with space and care, Our Friendships Will Always Remain the Delicious, Cherished Fruit of Our Hearts.

Breathe Ten Times.  Inhale Deeply.  Exhale Joyfully. 

Peace Is Possible through Compassion, Cooperation, Courage, Creativity, Deep Listening, Faith, Forgiveness, Good Purpose, Hope, Integrity, Kindness, Mercy, Patience, Respect, Understanding and the Gift of Love!

As We Re-Member and Honor the Ascension of Beloved Earth Angel and Friend Gloria Brown, Let Us Give Thanks and Be Grateful for Every Friendship that has blossomed, shared and taught us to honor and value the Grace and Mystery of Unconditional Love throughout the Many Seasons of Our Lives!

With All My Love,

Rev. Melony McGant 

Daughter of Ms. Betty J. Tilman

Photo: John C. Brown, Betty J. Tilman and Gloria "Brownie" Brown Celebrating Friendship!

Obituary

BROWN GLORIA B. “Brownie” Age 75 of Pittsburgh, PA, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2017. Retired Educator for the Pittsburgh Public Schools. Daughter of the late Rev. Willard and Evelyn Brown; Beloved Wife of John C. Brown Jr.; Mother of John C. Brown III and Ernest Brown (Alexis); Step mother of Daryle Jordan (Paula); Grandmother of Haleigh Elizabeth Brown; and step grandchildren Samantha, Ryan and Sydney Jordan; Sister of Evelyn Nelson, Willard and Paul Brown (Melody) also survived by sisters-in-law Mariah Brown , Lolita Maultsby and brother-in-law Drexel Collins and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017 at 11am in the Mt. Ararat Baptist Church 271 Paulson Ave. Pgh, PA 15206. 

Visitation prior to the service from 9:00am until time of service at 11am. 

Interment on Tuesday Jan. 2, 2018 in the Allegheny County Memorial Park Cemetery at 10:30am. 

In Lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to the Girl Friends Inc. Scholarship Fund Pittsburgh Chapter C/O 497 Woodland Road Pgh. PA 15237

Celebrating Kwanzaa Day 3--- The Principle of "Ujima", a Swahili word for Collective Work and Responsibility!

Celebrating Kwanzaa Day 3--- The Principle of "Ujima", a Swahili word for Collective Work and Responsibility! 

Beautiful People, 

The Moon and the Stars light the night sky with Hopeso that even in darkness we find our way.

At daybreak the Sun rises and Awakens the World. Ocean tides shift as fish journey.

Slumbering trees feel the gentle breeze of the Wind and birds greet us with a Morning Song. 

All Creations have a purpose and work together in Loving Unity.

As humans, we to must do our part and live our Good Purpose so that our communities, nations and the World can Prosper in Peace.

Breathe and Exhale Deeply Four Times.  Feel the four chambers of your heart open with Love.

Today, let us honor the Kwanzaa Principle of "Ujima", a Swahili word for Collective Work and Responsibility! 

We have a Responsibility and an obligation to educate and nurture our children in Safe Communities of Love in a World of Peace and Prosperity! 

Breathe and Exhale Deeply.  Say Together...

"I am willing to take Responsibility for the well-being of Our Earth and Our World by using my gifts to help others so that we can All actively work, prosper, and live together in Unity through Love." 

Breathe Deeply and Feel the Commitment and Hope for Compassion, Collective Cooperation and and Responsibility with Peace in Every Heart Across Every Galaxy and Uni-Verse.

For Our Ancestors, Our Elders, Our Families and Every Child We Know and Those Yet to Be Born--- May We All Work Together and Learn to Become Good Responsible Stewards of Love and Prosperity To Share! 

Ubuntu!  I AM Because You Are! 

Umoja! Unity! 

Kujichagulia!  Self-Determination!

Ujima! Collective Work and Responsibility! 

Always, Melony

Please Re-Member...Peace is Possible through Compassion, Cooperation, Courage, Creativity,  Deep Listening, Faith, Forgiveness, Good Purpose, Hope, Integrity, Kindness, Mercy, Patience,  Respect, Understanding and the Gift of Love! 

About Kwanzaa...

Kwanzaa is an unique celebration founded in 1966 that takes place December 26th through January 1st every year.  It encourages people around the World of African descent to restore a Universal Family Tradition!

Celebrating Kwanzaa--Day 2 "Kujichagulia" a Swahili word for Self-Determination--Awareness and Purpose!

Celebrating Kwanzaa--Day 2 "Kujichagulia" a Swahili word for Self-Determination--Awareness and Purpose!

Beloved Radiant Ones,

Breathe and Exhale Deeply Four Times.  Feel the four chambers of your heart open with Love.

It is said that through awareness and good purpose with integrity, Gratitude will fill Our Hearts.

Again, Let Us Breathe and Exhale Deeply Four Times As We Honor the Song of the Consistent Good Efforts singing in our hearts. 

Now, Breathe In Gratitude to Ancestors, Elders, Community and Our Blessed Creator of Every Uni-Verse. 

It is helpful to pay close attention to the details of  life that need to be addressed or handled.

Today, the only good way to move is Forward. 

Say to Yourself ...

"I Must have Courage and Be Consistent In My Good Efforts to Live a Life of Integrity.  Moving Forward, I Will Walk with Determination and Allow My Thoughts, Words, and Actions to Be Kind, Loving, Productive and Truthful." 

Today, We Honor the Kwanzaa Principle of "Kujichagulia", a Swahili word for Self-Determination!

"I Must have Courage and Be Consistent In My Good Efforts to Live a Life of Integrity.  Moving Forward, I Will Walk with Determination and Allow My Thoughts, Words, and Actions to Be Kind, Loving and Truthful."

Ubuntu!  I AM Because You Are! 

Umoja! Unity!

Kujichagulia!  Self-Determination!

Always, Melony 

Please Re-Member...

Peace is Possible through Compassion, Cooperation, Courage, Creativity, Deep Listening, Faith, Forgiveness, Good Purpose, Hope, Integrity, Joy, Kindness, Mercy, Patience,  Respect, Understanding and the Gift of Love!

 

About Kwanzaa...

Kwanzaa is an unique celebration founded in 1966 that takes place December 26th through January1st every year.  It encourages people around the World of African descent to restore a Universal Family Tradition and to strengthen bonds within the family and community.

Dr. Maulana Karenga is the founder of Kwanzaa. 

Through seven principles represented by the candles lit on the Kinara each day  during the celebration of Kwanzaa, we honor Our heritage as people of African descent who lost a great deal of our heritage through enslavement.

Celebrating Kwanzaa---Day 1, Umoja Means Unity!

Celebrating Kwanzaa---Day 1, Umoja Means Unity!

Becoming Good Stewards... 

Beautiful People, 

Please Offer a Prayer of Hope for your children's children, and the seven generations of children who will come after them.

Breathe and Exhale Deeply Seven Times as you open your tender hearts in prayer.

For the Children...

May we honor Our Earth/Heart and forego our fear, our violent thoughts or selfish actions as we work together in every community to build new bridges of compassion and joy. 

May  Honor Our Ancestors, Our Elders, Our Families who have served and tried to live with compassion, integrity, hope and Love.

May we use our gifts and  dedicate our lives to the many generations of children that come to Earth/Heart to be nurtured; and able to live in a prosperous world where Love and Respect bring total Harmony to Earth.

UBUNTU!  I Am Because You Are!  Umoja Means Unity!

Breathe Deeply and Feel the  Commitment and Hope for Cooperation and Compassion with Peace in Every Heart Across Every Galaxy and Uni-Verse.

For Our Ancestors, Our Elders, Our Families and Every Child We Know and Those Yet to Be Born...

May We All Work Together and Learn to Become Good Stewards of Love! 

UBUNTU! UMOJA!

Please Re-Member...Peace is Possible through Compassion, Cooperation, Courage, Creativity,  Deep Listening, Faith, Forgiveness, Good Purpose,  Hope, Integrity, Kindness, Mercy, Patience, Respect, Understanding and the Gift of Love!

Always, Melony

About Kwanzaa...

Kwanzaa is an unique celebration founded in 1966 that takes place December 26th through January1st every year.  It encourages people around the World of African descent to restore a Universal Family Tradition and to strengthen bonds within the family and community.

Dr. Maulana Karenga is the founder of Kwanzaa. 

Through seven principles represented by the candles lit on the Kinara each day  during the celebration of Kwanzaa, we honor Our heritage as people of African descent who lost a great deal of our heritage through enslavement.  

Photos: 

Faye Diop Family with Miss Mellie 

Kwanzaa Kinara from Wisdom African Designs.