February 11th was the 20th Anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s release from prison; a step which eventually led to his acension to the South African presidency. In honor of the date, ABC News ran this story on former Robben Island prison guard, Christo Brand, and the close friendship he developed with Mandela during his 27 years behind bars.
-JH
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Today, as we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. we would like to pass on a couple resources to help inspire readers to carry on his message; not only on this holiday, but everday.
Here are some links to the chapter summaries from when we read Dr. King’s book Strenght To Love as part of our 2008 Summer Reading Series. (Ch. 1, Ch. 2, Ch. 3. Ch. 4-5, Ch. 6-8, Ch. 9-10, Ch. 11-12, Ch. 13-15)
Also, below is a video excerpt of our favorite speech from Dr. King: The Drum Major Instinct where he reminds us what being great is really all about.
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Over the past couple days the State Department’s text giving program has raised over $5 million for Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti. For all those who have given or spread the word, thank you. We all know its going to take a long dedicated effort to help our brothers and sisters rebuild from this disaster, so let’s keep up the good work.
To find out more about how you can get involved previous post.
-JH
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As our collective thoughts and prayers turn towards the people of Haiti while the devastation of Tuesday’s quake continues to unfold, the question becomes: “How Can I Help.” Here is a list to several ways you can contribute, and some of our favorite organizations like World Vision, One Day’s Wages, and Save The Children have set up relief initiatives you can partner with as well.
In addition we wanted to pass along this story about how nations around the world are joining together to respond to the crisis. It’s good to see such an outpouring of support.
-JH
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The Alabama Crimson Tide were impressive in their victory over the Texas Longhorns last night. And while they deserve all the credit for their win, I have to admit that I was also pretty impressed with the Longhorns senior QB Colt McCoy.
Prior to this game McCoy was the winningest quarterback in NCAA history, and had a chance to finish his storied career by leading his team to a National Championship. Instead, after suffering an arm injury minutes into the game, McCoy went out on the sidelines, watching his team go down in defeat.
I can’t come close to understanding the disappointment he must have felt after having worked so hard to get to the top and not being able to play in your last game, but as he walked off the field with reporters surrounding him, McCoy gave us a great example of what it looks like to maintain dignity despite defeat.
-JH
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After a spree of arsons devistated the main business district of Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood this past October, a local mural arts collective began putting together a piece to help cover the destruction and restore a sense of peace to the community.
The final product, an 89-foot mural featuring a rising phoenix and tributes to local firefighters, and historic Greenwood cultural events was unveiled last week (see video above). Its inspiring to see people using their unique talents to give back to their communities like this.
-JH
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Is it too late for one last “Best of 2009″? We just wanted to congratulate our friends at TOMS for their continued success with a look at their Top Ten ‘09 Shoe Drop moments.
Find out how you can join them on a 2010 Drop here.
-JH
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As you may have noticed we’ve taken a few days off here during the holidays to relax and spend time with family, but before we say hello to 2010 and all the ”newness” it has in store, we thought we’d take one last look back at some of the great things were were able to be a part of in 2009.
In February we linked up with The Vagabonds from TOMS Shoes and put on an event called SOLE MUSIC to sell shoes and raise awareness for TOMS one for one movement. Lots of friends and readers packed out a local Forza Coffee Shop to hear some great music (The BGP and Danielle Hunich), buy shoes, and support a noble cause.
MajorityMag Mother’s Day Makeover 2009 from Brandon Ghorley on Vimeo.
We all know May is about the moms, and we wanted to do our part to honor some who who may have been facing some challenging times this year. Combining forces with our friends at Humanity Salons as well as several readers, local churches and businesses, we put on our first Mom’s Makeover Day providing 14 local moms with free makeovers as well as access to a mini-boutique with a variety of donated clothing, shoes, and accessories.
In June we headed out on our biggest adventure yet, a two-week trip to Cape Town, South Africa. During our time in Cape Town we were able to work with organizations like The Baby Safe, Justice A.C.T.S and These Numbers Have Faces who are all doing amazing things to help the people of South Africa. Along the way we made lots of new friends in the township of Masiphumelele and forged even closer bonds with our American friends Bethany and Christina who live in Cape Town full time. You can read more about our trip here and here
July brought the opportunity for us and some readers to spend a day putting the finishing touches on a local Habitat For Humanity house. We had a great time painting, landscaping, and cleaning, and we even got to meet the family, who was very thankful and excited to move in.
In September we got to be a part of the World Vision Experience: Village at the Puyallup Fair. The exhibit helps people see a glimpse of what life is like for many children in Africa, with a focus on the great ways that World Vision is able to help thanks to all those who generously donate to their cause. We had a wonderful time being able to help share this important experience with thousands of people, and saw many of them choose to be regular contributors.
Lots of friends and readers joined us for our Second Annual Trick-Or-Treat Challenge in October. Wearing our most creative costumes we went door-to-door collecting non perishables for the Federal Way Multi-Service Center. Everyone had a great time and we were able to hand over a pretty good haul to the Food Bank as well.
November brought us the chance to share about Majority Mag at The Otherlyness Trade Show which was a part of the Off The Map’s 2009 Mirrors and Maps Conference. It was fun to be able to meet so many people who are making a difference in the lives of others and share with them a little bit about what we are doing.
In closing we would like to say a big ‘THANK YOU’ to everyone who reads our blog, contributes stories, tells friends about us, and helps out with our various events. You all played a major part in making this a memorable year and we look forward to another great one ahead.
-JH
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Christmas came a little early for 80 customers at a Citgo gas station in Memphis, TN. Local resident Don Reid, hung out at the station for over an hour picking up the tab for everyone who came through. Not only did he pay, he pumped the gas for them too!
This is the second straight year Reid has given away free gas, and the only thing he asks in return is that recipients pass the giving on to others.
-JH
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Yesterday was a day to remember for thousands of inner city kids in Los Angeles. The Dream Center hosted their 15th Annual Christmas In The City event at the LA Sports Arena, handing out over 8,000 brand new bikes and 15,000 toys as well.
In addition families were treated to special music performances including one from former American Idol favorite Danny Gokey. To find out more about the Dream Center and how you can be a part of future events with them click here.
-JH
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