Hiyaah Power

Support African Ancestry's Youth Program and Vote with Pepsi

Vote to give this idea 50K: Help at-risk black youth in D.C. unlock the secret of their identity.  #pepsirefresh http://pep.si/djV2zm

Goals

• Transform the way at-risk black youth in D.C. view themselves.
• Educate youth about science, history, technology & geography.
• Provide ancestry tests to 100 at-risk black youth in D.C.
• Film reactions & stories of youth as they learn their true roots.

 

Pictures

Overview

The True Roots Project will give at-risk, black youth the opportunity to discover something precious about themselves using ancestry testing to reveal their true heritage. Rather than embracing the gang culture’s false tribalism, they will have the opportunity to embrace their true roots – as proud sons and daughters of Africa in America. We will deliver: 1. Ancestry testing for 100 at-risk, black Washington, DC youth, provided with the help of African Ancestry.An "ancestry ceremony" where the young men learn of their heritage.A curriculum based on the science and technology behind ancestry testing, and the history and geography of Africa and the slave trade in the US.A film and multimedia presentation documenting the participants reaction.This process will give them a new sense of grounding, inspiration and personal pride. As a result, it will help make our urban neighborhoods more peaceful and prosperous. It can also help our society see and embrace Black Youth differently.

How will the 50K be Used?
$ 10000	Multimedia documentation of stories, "reveals" & processes
$ 5000	Curriculum for youth on science, history, technology & geography
$ 30000	Purchase of 100 ancestry testing kits
$ 5000	Creating "reveal" ceremonies for youth

2008 Recap

A World Tour!

I spoke on various panels dealing with the UN's Millenium Development Goals and how countries would have to work to meet the targets.  Gender affects each goal.   I have formed tremendous working relationships and friendships with women from North and Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, Caribbean and Asia.  It amazes me how women continue to battle the same issues globally.  The question is what will we each do to change it?  Just start where you are and where you can.  If you start with yourself...that is more than half the battle.

Water, food security and climate change was on everyone's radar.  And of course, I always through technology into the discussion.  I am forever thankful for the CIFAL Atlanta Gender Equity Conferences.  The Gender Equity Toolkit project is awesome and I look forward to the output.

2007 Recap

Moved into public service as Director of DC Commission for Women. 

While I worked with dynamic women and girls throughout Washington, DC, nationally and internationally.  Hiyaah Power went on the back burner...but the work that I had been doing for Hiyaah Power was now being done for 52.7% of DC's population...women and girls.

I engaged with new mentors both in the technology sector and the gender movement.  I often speak on how technology can be used to bring women and girls out of poverty.  I believe that it is part of my life's mission.  I love and respect the women and organizations dedicated to gender equity.  The Washington Area Women's Foundation, Wider Opportunities for Women, IWPR, Divine Images Network, Sisters 4 Sisters, Capital Breast Care Center, BET, WNBA, and CIFAL were some of the organizations that helped with the transition into working with the Commission.