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Full & Fabulous, International: 30 Years of Excellence & More

Jamie Fleming-Dixon — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:44:02 +0000

By Deborah A. Culp

Sharon Dumas-Pugh, Founder/CEO of Full & Fabulous, International

When Sharon Dumas-Pugh began Full and Fabulous (now with the International tagged sufficiently on the end) 30 years ago in 1982, she did it with a vision and a $200 loan. She could only dream of where it is today! Her original slogan, “Full and Fabulous: A State of Mind, Not a Dress size!” are her words to live by, and she has proven that and more, without a doubt. Sharon is the Founder/CEO of Full & Fabulous, International, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.

Having experienced unkind words and other unmentionable hardships for being “full figured” herself as a teen, she wanted to create a successful vehicle for other overweight girls, teens and women alike. Enhancing self-esteem, increasing positive self-awareness and teaching them how to promote a better self-image overall were the core goals at that time.

Today, it still is, but many more components and literally thousands of females have been impacted by this necessary entity. Sharon’s years of dedicated hard work is responsible for Full and Fabulous, International, the National Association of Full Figured Teens (NAFFT) and “Get Fit for a Change,” the original Health Beauty & Self esteem Expo, all a part of the organization.

Full & Fabulous, International is more than an ordinary, non-profit organization. They assist plus size women and girls in coping with the peer pressure of being overweight, promoting lifetime habits of good nutrition, physical fitness and “Inner Beauty.”

Any female is welcome to join Full & Fabulous, International, regardless of race, ethnicity or physical location in the world. It is also a membership organization, which offers a monthly newsletter, workshops in makeup and image building, modeling self-esteem, proportion-appropriate dressing and much more. Besides the record-breaking success, Ms. Dumas-Pugh is known for in the USA, she has presented beauty pageants, workshops and expos in three other countries, thus earning the “International” tagline to the base organization.

Plus, everything that the organization offers is designed to edify the self-esteem, health and beauty of our women and teens. It is all about them!

To join or for more information, call 313.331.4929, email them at info@fullandfabulous.org, or check out the website at www.fullandfabulous.org.

_______________________________________

Deborah A. Culp has always had a sincere desire to help others through creativity and hard work. What began over 15 years ago as a volunteer stunt with the Detroit Wayne County Union of the Homeless as an acting PR practitioner, soon developed into several ongoing, compensated positions in the areas of freelance writing, public relations, marketing, research and consultations.

She has received many awards, letters of acknowledgments for community and personal service, two city and state proclamations and an Honoree Ambassador Award from the Islands of the Bahamas. Additionally, Deborah is a stringer for the Wilmington Star News Online, writer for Divine Caroline, TPEPost Contributor and contributes to other freelance assignments.

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Jamie Fleming-Dixon

Jamie Fleming-Dixon is the founder and author of ForColoredGurls.com. Her intention is to empower readers, inspire them to live their most fabulous lives and to motivate them to reach for their dreams and goals. This is done through motivational articles and quotes, interviews with women from all walks of life, posts on topics that affect every area of women's lives and more. For more info about Jamie and FCG, email her at info@forcoloredgurls.com.

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Bruised, But Not Broken

Jamie Fleming-Dixon — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:34:26 +0000

Created by Rochele Jones, Bruised But Not Broken is a free resource program for women who are transitioning back into society after incarceration.

“I created the program because all too often, women return to prison because there is no safety net and no one to show them a better life,” she says.

Launching on February 1st, The program works with parents with troubled teens, women who are currently in prison, on parole or probation and the loved ones of these women. Rochele’s mission and vision is to reinforce to the women that they have worth, that there is benefit in learning to do the right thing and that they can rise above their past mistakes.

“Positive seeds are planted, and a change takes root. The need is GREAT, the need is NOW, and the need impacts the rest of us. If everybody says, “Let the next guy or girl volunteer,” then the society continues to suffer. The face of a woman prisoner transcends age, race and zip code,” Rochele says.

“This subject is near to my heart — I am a woman who has spent time in prison. I was blessed to have a support system in place upon my release that helped me get my life on track. I know the formula to success: faith, love, social integration skills and somebody who cares enough to do the work.”

Ultimately, Rochele hopes that participants accept the help provided to them.

“Whether it’s finding a church home, shelter, jobs, clothing, mentors or seminars. [I hope they] really turn their once negative story into a positive life that will help change the lives of others. Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. – Isaiah 48:18.”

For more information about Bruised, But Not Broken or to make a donation, email Rochele at rochele_jones [at] yahoo [dot] come. Also, join her Facebook page, Twitter, and visit her website.

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Human Trafficking Awareness Day 2012

Jamie Fleming-Dixon — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:32:51 +0000

It is estimated that there are approximately 27 million slaves around the world today. Yes, right now, in 2012.

Human trafficking is a form of modern slavery, and the victims are children, teens, men and women. These victims are subjected to fraud, coercion, force for the purpose of exploitation or forced labor. While many victims of human trafficking are forced to work in prositution or the sex entertainment industry, trafficking also happens in forms of labor exploitation, like restaurant and janitorial work, domestic servitude, sweatshop factory work and migrant agricultural work.

Traffickers use many methods to instill fear in victims and to keep them enslaved. Some keep their victims under lock and key, while the more common practice is using less obvious methods such as:

– Debt bondage: financial obligations, honor-bound to fulfill debt
– Isolation from public: limiting contact with outsiders and being sure that all contact made is watched or superficial
– Isolation from relatives and members of their ethnic and religious communities
– Confiscation of passports, visas and/or identification documents
– Using violence, or the threat of it, towards victims and/or victims’ families
– The threat of of shaming victims by revealing circumstances to family
– Telling victims they’ll be imprisoned or deported for immigration violations if they contact authorities
– Control their victims’ money (holding it for “safe-keeping”)

A few other facts about human trafficking:

According to some estimates, about 80 percent of trafficking involves sexual exploitation, and 19 percent involves labor exploitation.
68 percent of female sex trafficking victims meet the clinical criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder.
About half of trafficking victims in the world are under 18-years-old.
Trafficking victims usually don’t get help because they think that they or their loved ones will be hurt by their traffickers or be deported.

Ways you can help:

– Let others know about modern-day slavery. Also, do your own research so you can be informed.
– Make smart purchases. Hold businesses accountable, and ask corporations to join the fight. Purchase Fair Trade products such as coffee and chocolate. Additionally, purchase products made by survivors to help ensure their self-sufficiency (www.madebysurvivors.com).
– If you see or suspect slavery or exploitation, call the National Trafficking Hotline at 888.3737.888.
– Volunteer with organizations that care for survivors. You can help build shelters, teach English or provide skills training. Reach out to organizations to see how you can help.
– Advocate for change. Call or write your elected officials; let them know you care about the issue of human trafficking and want stronger laws to protect victims — and keep telling them.

For more information about human trafficking, check out our sources:

About Human Trafficking

11 Facts About Human Trafficking

24 things you can do to fight human trafficking

[Photo Credit]

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Girl Power: Three Women Accept Nobel Peace Prize

Jamie Fleming-Dixon — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 22:00:20 +0000

On Saturday, three women who fought injustice, dictatorship and sexual violence in Liberia and Yemen accepted the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize, calling on repressed women all around the world to rise up against male supremacy.

“My sisters, my daughters, my friends- find your voice,” Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf said after collecting her Nobel diploma and medal at a ceremony in Olso.

Sirleaf, who is Africa’s first democratically elected female president, shared the award with women’s rights campaigner Leymah Gbowee, also from Liberia and Tawakkul Karman, a female icon of the protest movement in Yemen.

[Photo Credit]

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Celebrate Your Inner Diva with DIVA STATUS

Jamie Fleming-Dixon — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 19:07:20 +0000

Kiauna Hunt, Founder & CEO of DIVA STATUS

While the word “Diva” has gotten a bad reputation in the media, DIVA STATUS celebrates its true meaning: a woman of outstanding talent, a successful woman.

Kiauna Hunt, founder and CEO, created DIVA STATUS in 2006 to redefine beauty and what it truly means. After several years of working with entertainers, models and beauty queens, she came to realize that true beauty on the outside does not necessarily equate to beauty on the inside and that to truly be beautiful, one must be beautiful inside and out. She discovered that she could make more of a difference in women’s lives if she provided them with ways to look and feel good.

“I want women to know that regardless of their size, race, age or walk of life, they are and can be beautiful,” Hunt said. “You can be a Diva; and not the images of celebrities throwing hissy fits because there is not Fiji water in the dressing room but a true diva: a woman of outstanding talent.”

The company assists women in gaining and maintaining their DIVA STATUS by providing them with products and services that allow them to achieve a healthy balance of mind, body and spirit through empowerment series, wellness seminars or volunteering at one of their charitable events.

“There’s something for every diva at DIVA STATUS,” Hunt said.

In addition to their current products and services, DIVA STATUS will roll out its own cosmetic line on 11.11.11. The line will provide women with luxury cosmetic products.

“Many product lines either perform well on the skin but are not suitable for your skin or perform poorly but are great for your skin,” Hunt explained. “Too often, women are forced to pick between being either too light or too darK but never just right. DIVA STATUS COSMETICS offers a wide range of tones for foundations that are paraben-free and less likely to irritate the skin.”

“As a makup artist, I recognize [that] just like our personalities — our skin is very unique. DIVA STATUS COSMETICS motivates women to think outside the box– literally. Your skin is more than just a number.”

Through DIVA STATUS, Hunt encourages women to really understand that beauty isn’t just about how you look.

“I want women to know that beauty is more than what you see; it’s about who you are, how you feel and where you are heading.”

For more information about DIVA STATUS and DIVA STATUS COSMETICS, visit www.mydivastsatus.com.

The mission of DIVA STATUS is to provide women with superior knowledge and high quality products to look and feel their best while reaching their full potential of success at any age, size or race.

_______________________________________________

To celebrate its cosmetics line, DIVA STATUS is hosting a launch party on November 11 from 6 – 9 PM in Silver Spring, Maryland at Hilton Silver Spring and Town Center Hotel. RSVP for this free event here.

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70-year-old Cancer Survivor Plans to Run Marathons All Over the U.S.

Jamie Fleming-Dixon — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 17:42:45 +0000

Don Wright began running marathons eight years ago, just as he was diagnosed with a cancer in the bone marrow, multiple myeloma.

But he didn’t let the diagnosis stop him. Don is now 70-years-old, and since he was diagnosed, he’s run 54 marathons in 36 states — which is a total of 1,400 miles in marathons and more than 10,000 miles including training! His ultimate goal: to run marathons in all 50 states.

Don says he is “running with cancer, not from cancer…Because living with myeloma is a marathon, not a sprint!” He’s racing to raise money for people living with cancer, and by ”liking” Don’s Facebook page, a donation will be made to Team Continuum (a not-for-profit charitable organization that provides immediate, vital, non-medical assistance to cancer patients and their families).

Also, check out this inspirational video of Don:

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BMI Helps Independent Artist Gabbie McGee Make Strides in the Name of Jazz

Jamie Fleming-Dixon — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 15:47:25 +0000

BMI’s July 21st installment of its “Next Fresh Thing” showcase series incorporated live tastes of BMI’s “Know Them Now” online video contest finalists. The contest was designed to place the spotlight on independent songwriters of all genres. The final six contestants were selected from thousands of entries and given an opportunity to advance to the final round with live performance showcases taking place in Los Angeles, Atlanta and New York City.

During the LA showcase, round-three finalists indie R&B artist Khela and indie Jazz artist Gabbie McGee performed in front of a top-tier panel of industry judges: Tab Nkhereanye, VP of Creative, Sony ATV Publishing; Omar Grant, A&R, Roc-Nation; and Grammy-nominated BMI songwriter/producer/artist Kevin McCall. Both up-and-comers delivered strong performances, and ultimately, Gabbie was voted the winner. She now advances to the fourth and final round of the contest that consists of a fan voting challenge presented in part by the popular social networking website Facebook.

About Gabbie
Gabbie’s life song is one of hope, faith and triumph. Having taken a few classes from the “old school,” her style and vocals are reminiscent of the sounds and spirits of great vocalists like Sarah Vaughn, Dianne Reeves and Randy Crawford while remaining saturated with flavor that is exclusively & undeniably Gabbie!

Born and raised in the heart of the Mississippi Delta (Greenville, MS), Gabbie is a singer by design. With a voice that can range like an angry storm or flow as soft as a mellow stream, Gabbie uses a creative concoction of jazz, gospel and a hint of the blues to draw listeners into her world of sunshine and colors. This self-proclaimed “Country Gal” is what the industry calls the total package. With her debut independent release, Certified Soul, Gabbie established herself as a “self contained” artist, setting a table full of musical delights that have been certified, stamped and approved by listeners worldwide as “quality” music.

To further build on the foundation laid by Certified Soul, she has released a new collection of songs, lovingly entitled Mississippi’s Daughter.

“Mississippi’s Daughter is my life story; these songs have been deep fried and smothered in history, life and love,” she says.

For more info about Gabbie, visit her website, gabbiemcgee.com, and check out her feature on FCG.

Voting for BMI Independent Songwriters Competition has begun! Please support, and vote for one of FCG’s own. Here’s how:

Go to the Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) Facebook page
Click on “BMI Video Finalist” (on the left side, under the photo)
Click on the tab that reads “Vote Now,” and vote for the Fabulous Gabbie (and you can vote once per day)!

Thanks for your support!

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4 Ways to Help Prevent Teen Pregnancy

Jamie Fleming-Dixon — Wed, 04 May 2011 15:07:40 +0000

Photo from: cnn.com

Today marks the 10th anniversary of the National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. This day’s message is straightforward: Sex has consequences.

The U.S. has the highest rates of teenage pregnancy and teen births in the western industrialized world, and teen pregnancy costs the U.S. at least $7 billion annually. Additionally, just under one-third of all girls in the U.S. will get pregnant while they are teens. Other statistics:

Every year, around 750,000 teenagers will get pregnant.
Babies of teen mothers are more likely to be born prematurely and at a low birth weight than children of older mothers.
Unmarried teenagers having children account for 24 percent of all unmarried, expectant mothers.
More than two-thirds of all teens who have a baby will not graduate from high school.
Children of teen mothers are more likely to repeat grades, are less likely to complete high school and have lower performance on standardized tests than children born to older mothers.
The sons of teen mothers are twice as likely to end up incarcerated than boys born to older mothers.

Although teen pregnancy rates have gone down since the early 1990s, we still have a ways to go. Here are four ways you can help prevent teen pregnancy:

Be sure the youth in your life know how to prevent pregnancy. A lot of parents wait until it’s too late to start this very important conversation. Be proactive– don’t procrastinate.
Talk to them about your values and views. According to a study done by International Communications Research, 35 percent of teens say parents have the most influence regarding their dating relationships, more than the influence of the media, friends, religious leaders and boyfriends/girlfriends.
Encourage them to make smart choices. Talk early and regularly about future plans, like college and career goals, so they understand how an unplanned pregnancy can eliminate or postpone their plans.
Teach them about the consequences. Make sure young people know the facts about love, sex and pregnancy. Knowledge is truly power.

For more information, tips and resources, check out The National Campaign website.

Sources:

Want to Help Prevent Teen Pregnancy? Here’s How

Teen Pregnancy Statistics

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How to Help Tornado Victims

Jamie Fleming-Dixon — Tue, 03 May 2011 15:35:18 +0000

Over the last couple of weeks, tornadoes ripped across the Southeast, injuring and killing hundreds of people. Here are some ways you can help those affected:

The American Red Cross. The Red Cross has opened more than 40 emergency shelters across the states that have been hit the hardest. They have also served more than 250,000 meals to those impacted by the tornadoes and distributed 22,000 items across the area. You can donate through their website, or donate $10 by texting “REDCROSS” to 90999. Additionally, they maintain an online database for those in the path of the storms to register online to let their loved ones across the nation know they are safe.

Feeding America. This organization is bringing food and water into towns that are affected, and they work with local food banks to coordinate donations and deliver food. You can donate through the website to bring ready-to-eat meals and clean water to those who are impacted.

Salvation Army. They have committed to at least 10 mobile food trucks in Alabama, Louisianna and Mississippi with another 22 on standby. You can donate online, or donate $10 by texting “GIVE” to 80888.

Convoy of Hope. This organization has donated 3,000+ hours of service, assisting victims with cleanup and feeding them. They’ve set up two distribution sites in western Alabama to hand out food, water and supplies to those who need it. Additionally, they are accepting online donations to help further their mission.

Serve Alabama. Serve Alabama has been a place of information for those affected by the storms. They are taking donations of goods and money through their site that will be put toward the Governor’s Emergency Relief Fund.

Save the Children. This organization has set up Southern U.S. Children in Emergency Fund. You can donate online or call 1.800.728.3843.

Alabama’s Emergency Relief Fund. The Alabama Governor’s Office of Faith-based and Community Initiatives is designed to provide assistance to individuals with recovery costs that are a direct result of a disaster or emergency. Go to the website for more information on donating and volunteering.

Mississippi Disaster Recovery Fund. This organization was created to serve as a clearinghouse for donations and volunteer help. Visit the website to donate or volunteer.

Coordinating Businesses: Business Owners Using Facebook to Coordinate Relief Efforts. Business owners in Trenton, GA are organizing relief efforts for their area via Facebook. They have set up donation sites in Peach Tree City, Bremen, Woodstock, Newnan, Trenton and also in Gwinnett, Haralson and Barrow counties. The relief efforts have grown to include Georgia and Alabama. Find out where and what to donate on their Facebook page.

Picturing This: Online Lost and Found. One Facebook page is trying to become a clearinghouse for items like pictures, records, etc. that have traveled away from their owners due to the tornadoes. The goal is to get those memories, keepsakes and important documents back to the owners. Get more info on their Facebook page.

Wendy over at Sass ‘n Curlz also created a list of ways to help. Check it out here.

If you know of any more organizations that are involved in relief efforts, please leave a link below.

Sources:

My FOX Atlanta

Transition Voice

Time

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Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2011

Jamie Fleming-Dixon — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 21:07:43 +0000

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and this year’s theme is: “It’s time…to get involved.”

The campaign focuses on everyone speaking up to prevent sexual violence everywhere– in our neighborhoods, communities, workplaces and schools. It explores common, everyday behaviors and offers individuals viable, responsible ways to intervene.

In case you aren’t aware, here are some facts about sexual violence (from a National Sexual Violence Resource Center fact sheet):

Sexual violence means that someone forces or manipulates someone else into unwanted sexual activity without their consent (emphasis, mine). Reasons a person might not consent include fear, age, illness, disability and/or influence of alcohol or other drugs. Anyone can experience sexual violence including: children, teens, adults and elders. Those who sexually abuse can be acquaintances, family members, trusted individuals or strangers.

The forms of sexual violence are:

Rape or sexual assault
Child sexual assault or incest
Intimate partner sexual assault
Unwanted sexual contact/touching
Sexual harassment
Sexual exploitation
Showing one’s genitals or naked body to others without consent
Masturbating in public
Watching someone in a private act without their knowledge or permission

Sexual assault facts:

Chances are, you know someone who has been sexually assaulted.

Sexual violence affects people of all genders, ages, races, religions, incomes, abilities, professions, ethnicities and sexual orientation. However, social inequalities can heighten risk.
By age 18, one in four (1 in 4) girls will be sexually assaulted; by age 18, one in six (1 in 6) boys will be assaulted.
At some time in their lives, one in six (1 in 6) women have experienced an attempted or completed rape; more than half occurred before the woman was 18, and 22 percent before age 12.
During their lives, one in 33 men have experienced an attempted or completed rape; 75 percent occurred before the men were 18, and 48 percent before age 12.

Victims usually know their assaulter.

People who sexually assault usually attack someone they know– a friend, classmate, neighbor, coworker or relative.
Of adults, 73 percent knew the attacker, 38 percent were friends of the attacker, 28 percent were an intimate partner of the attacker and seven percent were a relative of the attacker.
Child victims knew the offender before the attack 90 percent of the time.
About 40 percent of sexual assaults take place in the victim’s own home. Another 20 percent occur in the home of a friend, neighbor or relative.

Victims are never at fault for sexual assault. (Let me repeat: Victims are NEVER at fault for sexual assault).

It doesn’t matter what someone is wearing or how they are acting, no one asks to be raped.
People who sexually assault often use force, threat or injury.
An absence of injury to the victim does not indicate the victim consented.

Rape is the least reported and convicted violent crime in the U.S.

There are many reasons why victims may choose not to report to law enforcement or tell anyone about what happened to him/her. Some include:

Concern for not being believed
Fear of the attacker(s) getting back at him/her
Embarassment or shame
Fear of being blamed
Pressure from others not to tell
Belief that there is not enough evidence
Desire to protect the attacker.

Many victims who do report a rape or sexual assault find that there is no arrest or conviction.

Probability of arrest after a report is 50.8 percent, and the probability of a rapist being sent to prison is 16.3 percent.

Sexual violence is preventable.

By working with your community’s sexual assault center, you can:

Model supportive relationships and behaviors with your family and friends.
Stand up for victims and believe them.
Speak up when you hear harmful comments or witness violent acts.
Create policies at your workplace or school system to stop sexual violence and help victims.
Coordinate a community event to raise awareness about sexual violence, or talk with community members about ways they can get involved.
Talk with your legislators, and ask them to support prevention and victim services.

Help is available

Local sexual assault centers can provide help. In crisis situations, contact RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network ) at 1.800.656.4673

What are some other ways you can help prevent sexual assault?

Get educated.
Understand that sexual violence affects everyone.
Reinforce that rape is never the victim’s fault.
Get help if you witness an act of violence.
Stop others from taking advantage of someone who’s intoxicated.
Don’t support music/media that promotes sexual violence.
For more ways, click here.

Want more info about sexual violence and assault? Visit the National Sexual Violence Resource Center website.

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