FDNY veteran Tonya Boyd becomes first black female deputy chief

Tonya Boyd FDNY Veteran become First Black Female Deputy Chief

The first in FNDY history.

Tonya Boyd a 21 year veteran of the FDNY as an EMT becomes the first black female Deputy Chief. Boyd a Fire Captain was promoted during the FDNY promotion ceremony.

Captain Boyd joined the FDNY 21 years ago as a way to make extra money while attending nursing school. As stated in an interview she never dreamed her career would reach such heights.

She was a captain of Station 39 in her home town of Brooklyn. And has been climbing the ranks since.

“I’m so excited and I am so blessed,” the EMS officer told the Daily News.

“After hearing about the promotion, I couldn’t believe it. I feel like I’ve knocked down a door and opened it for a lot of EMTs just starting on this job,” said Boyd. “African-American women will see someone who looks like them as a deputy chief and they will know more is possible — their careers won’t top out at paramedic or even lieutenant.”

Fire commissioner Daniel Nigro praised Boyd’s success and her efforts.

“Tonya is not only helping to raise the bar for our ability to provide pre-hospital care, she’s also demonstrating to young women of all backgrounds the incredible rewarding career they can achieve in the FDNY,” Nigro said.

Boyd is giving women from diverse backgrounds hope that anything is possible. And women can climb high ranks just like the their male colleagues.

White Cleveland Browns Player Seth DeValve Takes A Knee to The National Anthem

Seth DeValve, Tight End

In the latest National Anthem protest Cleveland Brown’s players are showing their support to former San Fransisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick. One player who stands out in the protest is Tight End Seth DeValve, who happens to be white.

Last year Colin began to take a knee during the National Anthem to protest the injustice and killings of brown and black people across the country. During the 2016-2017 NFL season many players of African-American backgrounds showed their support.

Seth who comes from a white family took a knee for many reasons. He stated is reasoning for taking a knee during a Monday Night Football against the New Giants. One reason in particular is for his wife who is African American.

In an interview he states: “We took the opportunity to pray for our country and for the men and women in this country during that time,” DeValve said as reported by Cleveland.com. “The United States is the greatest country in the world. It is because it provided opportunities to its citizens that no there country does. The issue is that it doesn’t provide equal opportunity to everybody. And I wanted to support my African-American teammates today who wanted to take a knee. We wanted to draw attention to the fact that there’s things in this country that still need to change.”

He goes on to take about his future children with his wife, “I myself will be raising children that don’t look like me, and I want to do my part as well to do everything I can to raise them in a better environment than we have right now.”

 

Seth and other players around the league understand the criticism and backlash they are receiving. But what they wants fans and supporters of the Anthem to know is that black and brown people deserve to be treated the same.

The players will continue to take a knee until the feel there is a change and understanding around the country. And they would like other players to join and support.

 

Serena Williams 50’s themed Baby Shower

Left to Right- Eva Longoria, Ciara, Serena Williams, LaLa Anthony, Kelly Rowland and Angie Beyince
Venus Williams and Ciara at Serena Williams 50’s Themed Baby Shower #shakerattleandroll2017

I must say I love a good party theme.

And this past Saturday Tennis star Serena Williams held her 50’s theme baby shower with her celebrity friends and family.

The guest list included bestie’s Lala Anthony and Kelly Rowland (pictured above). Along with friends Eva Longoria (Actress) and Angie Beyince.

Serena has been doing well throughout her pregnancy, as she has been seen on video working out and enjoying her time off from Tennis.

She is also pictured on the new issue of Stellar Magazine. In which she looks absolutely stunning. (Below)

Serena Williams on the Cover of Stellar Magazine

Serena and her fiancee Alexis Ohanian will be patiently awaiting the arrival of their baby girl.

 

 

 

International Women’s Day (March 8th)

On Wednesday we celebrate the women of the world.

International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the women around the world. On this day many celebrate social, economic, political and cultural achievements of women from all races.

This day was first recognized in the early 1900’s according to the United Nations. It first emerged in movements across North America and Europe in 1909. Women marched during this time demanding more pay, shorter work hours, and voting rights. Which is very similar to what women across the world face today.

In some countries across the globe the holiday is similar to Valentine’s Day, with women receiving flowers and gifts from the men. In others, women will take to the streets to demand real policy changes, particularly in nations where women’s rights are newly under threat.

This year Women’s Right organizers in the United States have planned to turn the day into a” Day Without A Woman”.

 

With their successful march on Washington in January organizers are hoping for another successful day with the upcoming strike.

Implementing a theme has led to many successful marches. This year’s theme  is #BeBoldForChange.  “Call on the masses or call on yourself to help forge a better working world – a more gender inclusive world.” As stated on the International Women’s Day website.

Women have come far since the early 1900’s fighting for voting rights and equal pay. They have taught themselves to be strong and have a voice to men that they have to compete with. Young girls no longer have to be silent. They can be strong.

Be bold for change and keep up the good fight.

Yara Shahidi’s Message “I am a result of love.”

Yara Shahidi InStyle Magazine
Yara Shahidi InStyle Magazine

Actress and star of ABC’s Blackish Yara Shahidi is speaking out on  Donald Trump and his Executive Order to ban Muslims from several countries. In a heartfelt post on her Instagram page she tells everyone she is a “…result of love.” Read below  to see more of what the young actress has to say:

“I am the result of love. More specifically, Black and Iranian love. Of Shia love, of Christian love, of American love, of a love that highlights how interconnected we truly are. If my Baba was stuck in an airport because of a Muslim ban 39 years ago, he would have never fallen in love with my mama. I would not exist and I wouldn’t have two amazing brothers. Xenophobia destroys the power of love and the power of our collective potential. It creates a false sense of security for some and an environment of fear for others. Immigrants don’t threaten safety -stereotypical narratives that promote hate do.” Sincerely, A proud Black Iranian #nomuslimban #no wall #WeTooAreAmerica 

Many people around the world are taking to social media to to voice their opinions on Trump’s ban. The newly elected President states his ban on several Muslim countries will help the United States.

Like Yara Shahidi many families around the globe are affected by the new order. Social media stands with those affected by sending their support and finding out ways to help.

Yara Shahidi Parents yara-shahidi-family

Sasha Obama Lands New Summer Job

sasha obama 3

Who said First children don’t work ?

We can’t say that for Sasha Obama, who has landed her first job working as a cashier at Nancy’s seafood restaurant in Oak Bluff, MA.

Sasha who is using her real name “Natasha” has been working at the restaurant like any other employee. She goes in to work the morning shift and leaves right before the lunch shift begins.

Despite being the daughter to President Obama and Michelle Obama Sasha is treated how the other employees are treated.

Being the daughter of the President her Secret Service Agents are still around the restaurant. From time to time they come in and make sure everything is okay, as reported by the Boston Herald.

It is very refreshing to the President daughter transitioning to life after the White House.

Get to know Simone Biles

Simone-Biles

Only 19 years old and already given the title of the world’s greatest gymnast Simone Biles is taking Rio by storm.

Many people have been wondering where has this 4-foot-9 girl has been the last few years. In 2012 Biles was too young to qualify for the Olympic team.

It hasn’t always been a smooth ride for Simone, who at the age of 3 went to live with her maternal grandfather Ron and his wife Nellie. Simone biological mother and father had a struggle with dugs and were unable to care for her and her younger sister Adria.

If you ask Simone today she will tell you that Ron and Nellie are her parents without a doubt.

From a tender age Simone has always messed around doing flips in her living room. A few years later her parents signed her up for gymnastics classes.

Beginning her training for classes is where she met her coach who she says taught her everything.

Amiee Boorman took on Simone and together they would climb the gymnastics rankings.

Amiee Boorman (coach) and Simone Biles

Over the years Simone was racking up medals in World Championships. Biles knows that she is very fortunate to have Boorman by her side even calling her “my second mom. Below Simone states :

“I always say she’s like the second mom to me because she’s been there since I was like 8 years old, and so that’s 10 years that she’s always been by my side,” Biles said. “I’m very fortunate to have a coach that I got to stay with all this time. Every year the bond gets stronger and better and we understand each other more. And it’s like she can tell if I walk into the gym what kind of mood I’m in, what she has to fix for the practice I need or how I’m feeling. So it’s really nice to have someone that can just like read me just right off the bat when I walk in the gym.”

Outside of gymnastics Simone takes pride and loves spending time with family and friends. Her includes  her parents, Ron and Nellie, two older brothers, a younger sister who’s also a gymnast, Adria, and four German shepherds: Maggie, Atlas, Lily and Bella.

If you like to follow more of Simone Bile check out her social media accounts below:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simonebilespage

Twitter: https://twitter.com/simone_biles

Instagram: https://instagram.com/simonebiles/

simone biles kid pic

simone biles 2

 

Sasha Obama Lands New Summer Job

sasha obama 3

Who said First children don’t work ?

We can’t say that for Sasha Obama, who has landed her first job working as a cashier at Nancy’s seafood restaurant in Oak Bluff, MA.

Sasha who is using her real name “Natasha” has been working at the restaurant like any other employee. She goes in to work the morning shift and leaves right before the lunch shift begins.

Despite being the daughter to President Obama and Michelle Obama Sasha is treated how the other employees are treated.

Being the daughter of the President her Secret Service Agents are still around the restaurant. From time to time they come in and make sure everything is okay, as reported by the Boston Herald.

It is very refreshing to the the President daughter transitioning to life after the White House.

Melania Trump Plagiarizes Michelle Obama Speech

 

Thank you Michelle Obama.

This morning Melania Trump is under fire for copying Michelle Obama’s 2008 Democratic National Convention speech.  Her husband’s campaign manager is completely denying the allegations.

“To think that she would do something like that knowing how scrutinized her speech was going to be last night is just really absurd,” Trump’s campaign chairman Paul Manafort told CNN.

Many are wondering how did Trump’s campaign think they could get away with this in today internet driven world.

Read below to see Melania’s speech vs. the First Lady’s 2008 DNC speech.

Melania Trump:

“From a young age, my parents impressed on me the values that you work hard for what you want in life, that your word is your bond and you do what you say and keep your promise, that you treat people with respect. They taught and showed me values and morals in their daily lives. That is a lesson that I continue to pass along to our son,” Trump said.

And we need to pass those lessons on to the many generations to follow. Because we want our children in this nation to know that the only limit to your achievements is the strength of your dreams and your willingness to work for them.”

m trump copies m obama speechMichelle Obama, August 25, 2008:

“And Barack and I were raised with so many of the same values: that you work hard for what you want in life; that your word is your bond and you do what you say you’re going to do; that you treat people with dignity and respect, even if you don’t know them, and even if you don’t agree with them.

And Barack and I set out to build lives guided by these values, and to pass them on to the next generation. Because we want our children — and all children in this nation — to know that the only limit to the height of your achievements is the reach of your dreams and your willingness to work for them.”

With Trump’s campaign already denying she copied the First Lady’s speech we’re wondering what the remaining RNC will bring.

Kobe Bryant’s Farewell

kobe farewell 1

 

Mamba day Wednesday April 13, 2016 was the last game Kobe Bryant played in his career.

Thousands of fans, former players, and media packed Staples Center to see Kobe Bryant last go round. This historic moment had Millions of fans at home glued to their televisions and filled with excitement.

Video footage of Kobe Bryant over the years played on the Jumbotron. Followed by Laker Legend Magic Johnson sharing a few words about Kobe’s career.

Many were hoped for an epic game and that’s what Kobe (Black Mamba) delivered. To no surprise Kobe dropped 60 points and the Lakers beat the Memphis Grizzles 101-96.

In his final walk off the crowd gave a standing ovation. Kobe was greeted by his wife kids and later former teammates. Former teammates included Shaq, Lamar Odom, Gary Peyton and other Lakers champions.

It is no secret that Kobe will be missed. Whether he was loved or hated he also delivered without disappointment. Mamba day proved to be a moment fans or haters will never forgot.

Mamba Out. Enjoy Retirement Kobe.

kobe farewell 2