Sanjo Jendayi's Blog, page 9

This girl is on fiyah!
Burning down obstacles,
Blazing trails that others can follow,
Flames so hot it turns the past to ash,
If you are next to me, you can catch fire in a flash…
Be careful though cuz it will either destroy you or refine you,
Light so bright, it illuminates a pathway or blinds you.
This girl is on fiyah!
A crackling inferno,
Words giving off a warm glow,
With a soft but powerful flow,
Loving others with an intensity that makes my fire grow…
Yes, this girl is on fiyah!
Flares surround me,
Smoke trails behind me,
Others try to extinguish me,
Only to become consumed by the heat,
Or combust into flames,
Inflamed to spread love like wildfires…
Ignited to serve others like a moth to a flame,
Temperature is rising…it’s time for a change
This girl is definitely on fiyah!
Ready to start a chain reaction,
Don’t be afraid of the flame,
let’s start a volcanic eruption,
and leave simmers of positive embers
in the wake of our entrance…
even our soot will shimmer!
THIS GIRL IS ON FIYAHHHH!

 

©Sanjo Jendayi 2012

Filed under: Life

We at DeepRootz Inspirtainment are passionate about our children and our future. With the elections upon us and everyone choosing who will lead this great nation for the next four years, we need to also think beyond those four years and empower our youth (our future) to lead us into the next millenium.

I am starting a two week campaign beginning today, on the eve of the election to offer you the opportunity to purchase NyAshia’s Freedom Ride in bulks of 10 books for $10 each book to donate the gift of self-awareness and self-appreciation to your favorite Church Children’s Ministry, Daycare, etc…! That’s over a 20% discount off of the retail price of $12.95 per book, which includes free Christmas gift wrapping for each book!

Just click on the book below to purchase and let me know if you want us to ship the books directly to the Church, daycare, hospital of your choice in your name or anonymously. We can also ship them directly to you with individual inscriptions. Our children are our future so don’t just make your vote count on November 6th…Invest in your future leaders today!

 

Join NyAshia as she travels through dreamland on a   journey to learning her African Heritage, self-awareness and freedom. NyAshia learns that there are no limits to what she can do in life after meeting such leaders as Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., President Barack Obama and many, many more!

 

 Hurry! Hurry! You don’t want to miss this Freedom Ride!

*Offer expires 11/19/2012 @ 11:59pm                                                                   

 *Price does not include s&h

Filed under: Uncategorized

Despite all obstacles…press onward

Despite naysayers (modern day haterz)…press on

Despite your own inner thoughts…press on

Despite what feels like a lonely journey…press on

Despite the lack of support from fam & friends…press on

Despite the size of your mountain…press on

If you know that you know that you know God has shown you your purpose or at least placed your feet on the path…press on

Either move the mountain or keep climbing even if the top isn’t in view…press on

No one has the power to stop you but you!

Onward & upward bound

I won’t stop even when I hit the top & the ground view is minuscule…

Fulfilling my purpose is my Only fuel!-sanjo Jendayi

#girlgetempty

Filed under: Uncategorized

I recently began swimming again as one of my strategies to beat my health and body into submission and I was quickly reminded of how much I love swimming and being in or around water. Water seems to have a simplistic peace to it.

My children used to get on me because I would be cooking or cleaning and just let the water run (as if I don’t pay for water) but it always has a calming effect on me. Today, was no different. I decided to do a few laps backstroking and instead of flailing my arms quickly through the water I layed back, slowly and gracefully glided my arms up and down barely kicking my feet. Instantly I felt God’s presence, almost like He was carrying me whispering in my ear to just let go completely.

I did just that and I prayed while closing my eyes…drowning out the sounds around me and basking in the presence of my God.  After I finished swimming I smiled at the thought of how much God loves each of us  so uniquely and special to each of our needs. Only God could make me feel so much peace in the midst of what most people on the outside would view as sheer chaos!

He gives rest when it is needed, calms my Spirit , renews my strength and protects me at all times.  All I can do is meditate on this and if you are going through ANYTHING right now…this can help you too because we serve a God who makes the impossible possible! Allow Him to carry you! How wonderful to have a God whose goodness and unfailing love pursues ME!

Psalm 23
A psalm of David.

1 The Lord is my shepherd;

    I have all that I need.

2 He lets me rest in green meadows;

    he leads me beside peaceful streams.

3     He renews my strength.

He guides me along right paths,

    bringing honor to his name.

4 Even when I walk

    through the darkest valley,[a]

I will not be afraid,

    for you are close beside me.

Your rod and your staff

    protect and comfort me.

5 You prepare a feast for me

    in the presence of my enemies.

You honor me by anointing my head with oil.

    My cup overflows with blessings.

6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me

    all the days of my life,

and I will live in the house of the Lord

    forever.

Selah

Filed under: Life, Spiritual

“A cheerful heart brings a smile to your face; a sad heart makes it hard to get through the day.” Proverbs 15:13 The Message Bible

It’s a rare occasion that my 2 year old grandbaby gets to eat McDonalds, in fact this was my first time taking her to McDonalds for anything other than a fruit yogurt parfait. You know how most kids know those golden arches from 10 feet away? Lyric does not, but I will tell you what was funny on this day that we drove up to the drive through window. I asked my grandbaby what she wanted and Lyric loudly said, “Nana, I want a Happy Face!” I laughed and said, “you mean a Happy Meal right?” She strongly replied, “no! I want a Happy Face!”

I laughed but it really got me to thinking how “on it” kids really are…I mean, who doesn’t want a happy face? We want a happy face to greet us at business establishments, we want to walk into work and see happy faces, we want to see happy faces at church, school, grocery store, at home, etc… Most importantly, we want to have a happy face. Proverbs 15:13 came to mind and I particularly liked The Message Bible version, “A cheerful heart brings a smile to your face; a sad heart makes it hard to get through the day.” It seems to break down what is really behind a truly happy face. It’s the condition of your heart. I know my heart has faced many a sad day and no matter how much I tried to smile it away, those who really knew me could see that I was not happy and my heart was sad. How many of you know that a sad heart indeed makes it hard to get through the day?

The King James version says, “A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.”  A broken Spirit is what we encounter when someone is nasty to you at the checkout, on the phone, in traffic. Which is why Proverbs 16:24 says, “Kind words are like honey–sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” Our reply to “nasty people” should always be a kind word…give em something sweet to chew on so to speak. They may not get it until you are long gone but you will have planted the seed.

Words have the power to heal a heart which in turn makes for a happy face. Even when we have to use words to encourage ourselves. So let’s use words to uplift, let’s turn to God to heal our hearts and present happy faces to the world.

Have you ever walked into a room full of strangers and one happy face brightened the entire room and made you feel welcomed? Never underestimate the power we possess in a simple upward curvature of our lips. It has been know to make someone’s day…even save a life. So SMILE with your  and demand a Happy Face!

Filed under: Life, Spiritual

Yesterday, I was on Facebook and a fellow writer posted an article called “Confessions of an Intimidated Black Man” written by Jamall Calloway posted on Urban Cusps’ website.

Seeing as though I have heard men utter the “you’re intimidating” line too many times to count I read the article in hopes of some sort of understanding. It sparked some good dialogue on Facebook and I just wanted to share my take on this and ask men and women to please comment on this topic. I think healthy dialogue between the sexes helps us to understand the dynamics of our breakdown in interaction, therefore enabling us to close some of the understanding gaps amongst us.

 

I will say that I appreciate this dude for being bold enough to voice some sort of reason behind the intimidation for all of those men who don’t.  Jamall stated that, “In all honesty, it’s not you. It’s the idea of being rejected by you. I, like most humans, am still afraid of rejection. And who isn’t? I have been rejected before and am clandestinely haunted by that feeling. So, I live guarding my self-esteem, doing whatever I can to evade that feeling.” Admittedly, no one likes rejection, however this to me is deeeply rooted in insecurities that as he stated don’t have anything to do with the woman. It’s also a fear of taking risk. Everything we do in life is a risk; you get in your car everyday risking the possibility that it will start and get you to your destination safely without a breakdown or car accident. You apply for jobs and interview risking the possibility of not being chosen. You step out of your door everyday risking the possibility of all kinds of craziness that could take place. But we do these things almost without thinking of the consequences and if by chance there is a negative outcome in any of these situations, we take it and keep it moving.

Approaching a woman should be no different. Yes, it’s a chance that you are not her “type”, she may be married or already spoken for but there is also the chance that you are just her type and she would love to get to know you better. You will never know unless you approach. Granted there are some women that turn a brotha down in a rude and embarrassing manner…all the more reason to be glad she showed her colors off the top! it’s not personal, it’s really a reflection of that woman’s insecurities when she has to make you feel bad just for approaching her. Keep it moving…

This brother goes on to say, “Try to understand that the possibility of your rejection has the power to make me feel low simply because of my distant admiration of you. When you admire something, especially from a distance, sometimes you just want to sustain that admiration without tainting it with the possibility of harsh reality. I’d much rather listen to “Just My Imagination” (1971) by the Temptations over and over again and dream about you reciprocating my attraction than to hear you say you don’t. And as you can tell, I’ve already made up in my mind that you’re going to say no, so I’ve decided to say it for you without even speaking to you. There is no need to go through this scene because I’ve played it countless times in my head. I nervously approach you – you ruthlessly reject me. Therefore, I’d rather you be a secret crush than another name added to the list of those who turned me down.”

WHAAAAAATTTTTTTTT? You mean to tell me that you would rather admire me from afar, fantasize and dream about being with me than simply come say hello? The way I see it is…if u have already cancelled out the possibility of “we” w/o a single word to me then yes, keep it moving my brother cuz the power of thought has just manifested YOUR truth. Some people are dreamers and some people are dreamwalkers…nothing comes to a dreamer but sleep. Dreamwalkers take calculated risks and go after what they want. Do they always get it-NO, but it doesn’t stop them from knocking on the next door.

His next reason was, “The second reason that I’m intimidated is because underneath my confidence, behind my good looks and next to my promising career, I’m honestly insecure. You’re a gorgeous woman who can date whomever you please. You are brilliant and beautiful. So what makes me think I have a shot? Sure, I’m handsome, but so are most of my friends. I know I’m educated, but these days – a bachelor’s degree is the new high school diploma. And yes, I have promising career, but so do you. And if I’m right about you, none of those things really impress you in the end. They matter, but they’re not all that important. So what do I have to offer you that none of these other gentleman have? Me. And sometimes, I still struggle with wondering if I am enough. “

If all of this is going through your mind and you have already deduced that I am too good for you or up on some pedestal again, without even saying a word to me then yes, I am too good for you because I need a man who is confident in who he is so he can lead our family. How else can he lead me and expect me to submit? Maybe it’s me but I KNOW I am more than enough woman to love, support and grow with the right man and if a brother can’t see that then his loss! On to the next one!

Jamall closes by basically saying that he no longer has to go after women because women approach him. Now I don’t have anything against approaching a man because I am a go-getter and if I find you attractive, I will tell you that you are gorgeous. Sometimes, because I appreciate a beautiful black man…I will tell him that and walk away not really wanting him but wanting him to know that his appearance is appreciated. Nothing more, nothing less. There have also been times when I have said that followed with a question of his relationship status because I am clearly interested.

What bothers me is this statement, “And I’m no longer used to pursuing the woman I want because most pursue me.” The saying is men enjoy the chase well, hell I enjoy the pursuit…let me know you’re interested & we can take it from there but too many women make it easy for men like him by chasing them. Why would he risk it all for the woman of his dreams when he has chickenheads giving away all that dreams are made of? Yes I said it cuz i have been on both sides of the fence. To make it clear, approaching a man and pursuing a man is totally different by definition (please look up the meaning of pursue). The point was made on Facebook that some women just want a “cut buddy”, friend with benefits or just someone to talk to and that may be true cuz we have been known as single women to need a tune up every now and then however, if that is consensual between two adults far be it from me to judge…I gotta answer for my own indulgences.

So, to conclude I ask you to expound on this topic because I, myself cannot see being intimidated by another human being. Point blank. Period. Let me ease your mind a bit brothers…I don’t care how things look from afar, NO ONE has it ALL together, we all have flaws some more than others but trust and believe that no one is perfect. I guess I can understand brothers being somewhat hesitant since some women use that sword, oops I meant tongue to cut deep but overall, I say get some cohoonas and go for yours because while you over there dreaming, fantasizing and wishing upon a star, we could have been building businesses, uplifting our community, mentoring our youth together and showing others the power of love!

Let’s dialogue and close these gaps…black love is in desperate need of restoring and despite popular belief, some women are simply waiting on that confident man who will take the lead. You show us that and we won’t hesitate to follow! It isn’t a competition between us baby, we are both in this Race of Life.

Race of Life

 I don’t want 2 walk in front of U, cuz I can’t catch U should U fall,

I can’t walk b-hind U, cuz I can’t see your face at all!

I need 2 walk b-side U in order 2 watch your facial expressions,

So I can respond with love and affection.

 

So don’t push me away or try 2 replace me,

I’m your strength when you’re weak, turn around and face me!

Come on Blackman,

take a stand,

this is your land…

Don’t U remember pyramids being built with our chocolate hands?

 

Come on baby, lift your head up and grow through,

I know everything is stacked up against U.

Just remember, this sister is rightb-sideU.

I got your front, your side and your back,

and when U come home with beef, we both prepare for the attack!

 

I need U 2 be strong, hold on and never give up,

but I know you’re human and if U ever feel down on your luck…

Just come 2 me and lay your head deep in my arms,

and from there baby, I’ll take the baton.

 

While U feed off of my energy and tap into your spiritual zone,

I begin 2 get weak, when I feel strong hands grab the baton.

I turn around, see U and a tear falls down my face.

Yes, 2-gether baby, we will win this race.

Excerpt from “Black Butterfly…Soaring on the Wings of Poetry”

Filed under: Relationships

To The Consumer:

We need you. I, as an entrepreneur need you. I was born an entrepreneur and my acceptance of it is two-fold:

 1) To create financial freedom for myself… 

 2) To be in position to provide jobs and training to others. 

This philosophy gives back and builds communities. That is my goal and I dare to say the goal of most honest, community driven entrepreneurs.

Let’s face it, everyone CAN be an entrepreneur but everyone will not and that is ok. We that have chosen this path (or have been chosen) do not want to bombard you with advertisements, emails and text…that is not our intent. Of course, being an entrepreneur we believe our products and/or services meet a need in our community, in the world. It may not meet your particular need, however I am certain that it could meet the needs of a family member or acquaintance.

Word of mouth is the most successful form of advertisement and history has shown that it can either make or break a company. We recognize that and in this world of social media, word of mouth is multiplied by the thousands! This is where we need your help the most…if you do not see a need for our product/service for yourself and do not wish to purchase for anyone else, please do us the favor of telling someone about us. Share our message/post on FB, re-tweet our promotions to your tweeples, give our card or flyer to someone…you get the picture. Sometimes this means more to a business than a sale because you can take us places we can’t go. You can introduce us to people we don’t yet know. You help us build our business and position us in a place to help someone else, to reach back into our communities and maybe give your grandson, sister, uncle a job. It helps us to sponsor workshops in the community that strengthen our youth, to teach, simply to build. We really could rise to a point where we supply the majority of the needs within our own communities…all we have to do is support one another. Let’s start a Word of Mouth Campaign to tap into the wealth of untapped markets within the black community.

If you are wondering if I am just talking ish or if I really believe this…I support entrepreneurs, the brother selling his cd on the street, the sister singing outside the Giant food store to let you know the quality of her cd, the girl scout cookies, the school fundraisers. I support organizations by securing memberships, pro-bono speaking engagements/poetry readings, I buy other Poets books/cd’s, I support events, other small businesses and I tell everyone about those that are good quality…that I believe in or that exhibited immaculate customer service. Entrepreneurs must also support one another because reciprocity is equal to team work., trust me there is enough room out here for all of us. In helping each other, it can only help when we share each others good news, promotions, etc…

Sometimes we may ask you to “like” our page on FB or write a review about our product and/or service and that is all because we need you to survive in this shark eat shark world of entrepreneurship. Positioning includes grabbing potential investors, marketing reps and the like attention and what better way to do it than by showing that “the people” have spoken either through the number of “likes” on our page or the sentiments you write to review us!

Your voice matters! Make your dollars matter too by spending with small businesses, supporting one another and building our communities. If one business should fail you, please don’t formulate the opinion that we are all alike. Most of us spend our dollars  everywhere but within our communities. Let’s start recycling our dollars right back into our communities. Let’s practice the principles of Ujima (oo-JEE-mah) Meaning: collective work and responsibility Action: helping others within the community and

Ujamaa (oo-JAH-ma) Meaning: cooperative economics Action: supporting businesses that care about the community. Give us a chance to serve you. Tell us what you need from us. There is strength in numbers. With U…we are PLURAL but without U, we are just singular…there is no US without U!
As an Entrepreneur I pledge to:

Offer you top quality products and/or services
Bestow upon you Red Carpet Customer Service
Handle all of your personal information with the strictest of confidence
Listen to your needs
Never tag you in a promotional advertisement or post on Facebook without your permission
Never blow your email or inbox up
Support and promote other entrepreneurs, organizations, blogs and events
Give back to the black community
Last, but not least…Serve you with the utmost respect and integrity standing by my word, products and services

Thank You

Filed under: Life, Relationships, Uncategorized

We wanted to take this time to Thank those of you who have purchased from us in the past and continue to support our products and services. We also want to thank those of you that spread the word to others about us! Because of your support and loyalty, we are offering you VIP chances to be the 1st to benefit from these great deals!

This offer is available for a limited time only, so don’t miss out!

Stay tuned for Girl, Get Empty Seminars!!!!!

 P.S.,

 If you are not in a position to purchase, we greatly appreciate you doing one or all of the following:

 1) Share this email…tell others about us 

 2) Be the 100th person to like our Facebook page & receive a free book & special gift:

 www.facebook.com/NyAshiasFreedomRide

 3) Support our blog

http://listen2myheartspeak.wordpress.com/

 In this witty and insightful book, Sanjo Jendayi shows you how to go beyond merely existing to dream walking and living God’s purpose for your life. She shares small “pearls of wisdom” on how to release all the anger, fear, complacency and even passivity that’s holding your ideas hostage.

“Girl, Get Empty” is about persistence, creating a pathway to strive for your dreams and maximize your full potential by allowing God to put HIS plan into action. It is about leaving no ROCK unturned. It is about unselfishly unleashing all that God has placed in you to share with the world. It is about loving oneself. It is about being SIGNIFICANT!   $9.99 

click the cover to purchase

Digital Downloads of Girl, Get Empty available @ http://www.amazon.com/Girl-Get-Empty-ebook/dp/B007KAE0SQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332799194&sr=8-1

Join NyAshia as she travels through dreamland on a  journey to learning her African Heritage, self-awareness   and freedom. NyAshia learns that there are no limits to what she can do in life after meeting such leaders as Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. & President Barack Obama.   Hurry! Hurry! You don’t want to miss this Freedom Ride! 

Ages 4-8yrs old  

 Click to “Like” NyAshia on Facebook 

 Pre-Order your signed copy safely through PayPal TODAY for the INTRODUCTORY PRICE of $9.95 plus tax, s&h.

Click on the cover to purchase.

***First 100 orders of NyAshia’s Freedom Ride will receive FREE signed poster, as soon as we hit 100 pre-orders-books will retail at regular price of $12.95***

Sincerely,

Sanjo Jendayi

www.deeprootzinspirtainment.com

Filed under: Life, Uncategorized

In the wake of Trayvon Martin’s tragic murder, I am reminded of the AmeriKKKa that we truly live in. Racism is not dead and those who believe we’ve come a long way have been blind to its blatant presence daily. No, they aren’t in white hoods publicly anymore. They hide behind suits. Politics. Stethoscopes. And black robes so they aren’t as easy to spot. Every so often it is more brazen and blunt. Our black men are emasculated, demoralized and victimized in the very land that they built.

It’s a damn shame that we have to raise our sons with daily lectures on how to survive being a black man…don’t walk with your hands in your pockets; don’t hang in groups; place your money and product on the counter AND keep your receipt; don’t walk too close to strangers, when pulled over by a cop, do exactly as you are told and keep your hands visible at all times and now DON’T WEAR A HOOD! WTF!

Trayvon was the latest on a long list of racial hate crimes and murders of innocent black men/boys. Every single case raises our awareness of how our black sons, husbands, brothers and uncles are being made extinct and endangered species.

A bullseye target has been placed on our men and they aren’t safe just being black or is it for just being black? Maybe it’s because black people as a whole have proven to be a resourceful race. We have been making a way out of no way for over 400 years; beating the odds; breaking barriers and astonishing the watchful eyes of others with our mere mental capacity to withstand and overcome.

Our race was and is still referred to as the dumb race. We were put down, ostracized, and ridiculed daily as a method to break us. They saw something in us long before we did that made them hate us out of fear. They said with their mouths that they were the “chosen” people but in their hearts; they knew otherwise hence, the enslavement and emasculation of our men right before our very eyes. 1st Corinthians 1:27: Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful.-NLT

They that are consumed with hate are a detriment to everyone they encounter because they tear away and breakdown the human need of love. They are the menaces to society.

When I first heard of the death of Trayvon Martin, almost immediately my mind was flooded with the faces of James Byrd, Jr who was brutally massacred by a white teens in June of 1998, and one of the murderers stated he would do it all over again. James Craig Anderson who was murdered just because some white teens decided to find and hurt a black person in  June of 2011, and let us not forget the unjustifiable execution of Troy Davis in September, 2011. Each new incident takes me back to the words of that heart wrenching song, Strange Fruit sung by Billy Holliday so many years ago. They are lynching us execution style.

We as a people have stood in solidarity in each one of these cases and that is great, however we mustn’t stop standing. We must stand together consistently and relentlessly in love; helping one another, loving one another, encouraging and supporting one another instead of judging our brothers and sisters. We need to show love within our own race, heal our wounds and forgive our sins to one another. Sisters we should be supporting and loving our men. Brothers we need you back in the households and when that simply isn’t possible; we NEED you actively raising our children.

 We should be standing together in building honest businesses, creating wealth within our communities. We need a new infrastructure…quite similar to this poem I wrote in the 80′s below. I am angry. I am fed up. I am walking the talk, are you? If you haven’t figured out your first move toward change…click on the link at the bottom of this blog and sign the petition demanding Justice for Trayvon Martin.

I can’t end this without putting out a message to the makers of Skittles, the particular brand of tea that Trayvon was carrying and the makers of any brand of hoodies. Sales for these items have skyrocketed since this blatant execution of a young man in possession of these three items and I pray that this isn’t just commercialism at its best. I pray a portion of all sales proceeds will go to the Martin family. No it’s not your fault. No it’s not compensation for his murder however IT IS MORALLY RIGHT to financially assist the family with proceeds since your companies are directly benefitting from the tragic loss of their son.

Taking Care Of Our Own

Do you remember that thing called Segregation?

When blacks and whites were separated throughout the nation

That’s when we depended on one another

Your only choice was to love your brother

Because it was hard enough to fight for our rights

When every face in power was white

Each time you watched your brother being whipped and hung at night

It increased your strength and unity to fight

There was a sense of fear back then and there still is now

Recently I realized something profound;

All along it appeared that we were afraid of Them

But in actuality They feared us and it was deep within

They brainwashed us, hindered our learning and played with our mind

Don’t you think that it’s about time

That we start taking care of our own?

Allow me to set the tone,

It’s a New World Order and times have changed

We are no longer shackled but our minds are still chained

If we break that mentality then we shed some of our pain

We have nothing to lose and everything to gain!

We come from an ancestry of survival

NOTHING can stop our pre-destined time of arrival

We are a race of strength and power

But only if we stick together every second, minute and hour

Let’s work together building businesses and supporting one another

If we work hard enough, we’ll find everything we need in each other

I’m talking about building something nothing or no one can rupture

Picture this: The Black Community Infrastructure

Doesn’t that sound like music to your ears?

I’m here to tell you, “No man shall you fear!”

We get our strength from high up above

We need to emulate God by spreading unconditional love

Which shouldn’t be hard considering the unselfish love God has shown

Black Folks, it’s time to Take Care Of Our Own!

Excerpt from “Black Butterfly…Soaring on the Wings of Poetry”

 Yes, Racism by any other name is HATE but Love in our culture is synonymous with UNITY. Take your 1st step and click on this picture to sign the petition:

Filed under: Life, Relationships

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Deserie Johnson 301-466-9839 [email protected]  www.deeprootzinspirtainment.com

Local Maryland woman sets out to save African-American little girls from low self-esteem & identity turmoil.

NyAshia’s Freedom Ride instills self-worth and fosters historical dialogue between parent and child.

Who is NyAshia? Ask Deserie Johnson, a woman with a vision, who was inspired by her own lack of self- worth as a child. Deserie was the victim of harsh teasing and at the time, quite like today, did not see her likeness reflected through media positively. She has been mentoring teenage girls and motivating women for over 23 years–some whose self-esteem never had a chance to develop and others who lost what little they had along the way. Deserie was led to dig closer to the root and reach out to a younger audience; which prompted the birth of NyAshia’s Freedom Ride to lay a foundation of three S’s: self-worth, self-pride and self-awareness for young girls to stand on and hold onto during their teenage years.

Her NyAshia’s Freedom Ride Picture Book on black heritage and purpose is inspiring little girls of color to love and accept everything about themselves–from the color of their skin, the texture of their hair to the rich heritage of which they belong.

“NyAshia, it’s so nice to meet you.

Did you know that our future is waiting just for you?

My name is Amali and it means hope which is what you are.

You are the hope for our future, our very own star!

You could be a doctor, a lawyer or President.

But, you must first believe, it’s at your fingertips.

So keep dreaming, keep hoping and never give in.

Believe in yourself and you’ll always win!”

It’s easy for little girls to identify and picture themselves in the story line. Amali (Swahili for Hope) is the dream guide who meets NyAshia in her sleep and takes her on an amazing journey into her history and freedom. NyAshia learns that there are no limits to what she can do in life after meeting such leaders as Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and President Barack Obama!

NyAshia (Swahili for Beautiful African Princess of Purpose) herself is a 7yr old African-American girl who has locs, glasses and a dark complexion. She enters her dream a bit discouraged and tired of being teased by other kids.

African-American little girls don’t see themselves in TV media, videos

or magazines portrayed as beautiful; leaving them in a state of identity turmoil. NyAshia’s journey into her history is educational and inspirational. The whimsical, vibrant, eye-catching illustrations of Eman L. Faulkner bring this story to life!

This book is a gem filled with the belief that all things are possible and even has a not so hidden lesson on the meaning of a name.

NyAshia’s Freedom Ride

ISBN: 978-0-9776740-2-2

Binding: Hardback

Trim: 8″x8″

Pages: 32

Genre: Children

Target Audience: Ages 4-8 years old

Cover Price: Introductory 1st 100 pre-orders: $9.95 – Retail: 12.95

Illustrator: Eman Faulkner

Publication Date: April, 2012

Author Location: Capitol Heights, MD

“I LOOOOOVE THIS! Every little girl will see herself in these pages as the “Princess of Purpose” that she is! This book is easy to read for “little girls” and for the “little girl inside every woman” who never had an experience like NyAshia’s Freedom Ride!”

Vikki Johnson

Spiritual Wellness Expert & Visionary

Every Woman Enterprises

“Teaching ordinary people to live extraordinary & authentic lives”

Review copies and interviews available upon request.

Special feature story inquiries welcome.

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