by April | Community, Team Building
The Blue Heart Foundation in partnership with the Old Globe Theater provided a night out for the youth and families from the HEART mentoring program. HEART (Higher Education And Rising Together) is a locally based mentoring program that is focused on the empowerment and education of under-served youth. Our program is based on nine (9) core competencies which fall under three categories: 1) Abilities, 2) Applications, and 3) Character. One piece of our program is to expose youth to events they may not normally have the opportunity to see and in the instance we viewed “Camp David,”
What would happen if you placed a born-again Christian, a pious Muslim and an orthodox Jew behind closed doors for thirteen days to try to find peace for their nations? This is the question Gerald Rafshoon, former President Jimmy Carter’s media advisor, posed to Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Lawrence Wright. The resulting theatrical piece, “Camp David,” directed by Molly Smith and now playing at the Old Globe is a fascinating and illuminating depiction of an unparalleled moment in history, the forging of the 1978 Camp David Accords, a diplomatic triumph, which, though imperfect and incomplete, has preserved peace–at least the non-presence of war–between Egypt and Israel during the ensuing three decades. Beyond the considerable historical impact and value of the play, which is enjoying its West Coast premiere, it is an immensely absorbing and personal portrait of three political figures, each driven by his own sense of humanity and higher purpose in an effort to achieve a lasting peace.
We believe culturally enriching field trips matter. They produce significant benefits for students on a variety of educational outcomes that schools and communities care about. The effects of field trips to see live theater demonstrates that seeing plays is an effective way to teach academic content; increases our youth’s tolerance by providing exposure to a broader, more diverse world; and improves the ability of students to recognize what other people are thinking or feeling. These are significant benefits for students on specific educational outcomes that schools pursue and communities respect. Especially when considered alongside our community service efforts.
You never know what may impact a child’s life. Not all learning occurs most effectively within the walls of a school building or classroom. Going on enriching field trips to cultural institutions makes effective use of all of a community’s resources for teaching children. You can never know what may impact a young man’s life… There’s nothing like seeing a group of young men engaged in a play that touches on both societal and historical issues.
by April | Community, Volunteerism
MAY 28th was volunteer day at Sharia’s Closet whose goal is to alleviate clothing needs in San Diego County, seeking to fulfill their mission of providing free clothing to people in need. What a turn out with over 50 volunteers showing up to help carry out their mission. Volunteers are the backbone of Sharia’s Closet. We could never achieve what we do without the unfaltering commitment of time, support, skills, creativity and knowledge generously shared by so many.
Volunteering provides many benefits to both mental and physical health.
- Volunteering increases self-confidence. Volunteering can provide a healthy boost to your self-confidence, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. You are doing good for others and the community, which provides a natural sense of accomplishment. Your role as a volunteer can also give you a sense of pride and identity. And the better you feel about yourself, the more likely you are to have a positive view of your life and future goals.
- Volunteering provides a sense of purpose. One can find new meaning and purpose in their lives by helping others. Whatever your age or life situation, volunteering can help take your mind off your own worries, keep you mentally stimulated, and add more zest to your life.
- Volunteering combats depression. A key risk factor for depression is social isolation. Volunteering keeps you in regular contact with others and helps you develop a solid support system, which in turn protects you against stress and depression when you’re going through challenging times. Working with others has been shown to improve mood and reduce stress and anxiety.
Sharia’s Closet clothing room provides for the needs of families as well as many homeless and destitute people in our area. When people come to their programs they offer them a clean change of clothing. Most needs are: Jeans, sweaters, underwear, shoes, warm coats and business attire for those reentering the workforce. If you are considering a food or clothing drive at your congregation, organization, workplace or school, please let us know. They will work with you to launch a successful drive that will bless those we serve.
Lastly, Mrs. Linton (Sharia’s Closet Founder) remarked “Thank you to each and every one of you. The impact of your hard work is felt by the children and families we are able to help. Our success is your success. We can’t thank you enough for your time spent with us today. I want to say thanks to Tracy Morris and The Blue Heart Foundation for having a big part in today’s Volunteer day.We will be helping to sort and fold clothes for people in need and any other help requested”
by April | Education, Personal Growth
May 26th, 2016 – Invited by Prince Habib our young men had the opportunity to volunteer and view Hidden Colors 4. Hidden Colors is a documentary series about the cultural history of African Americans, identity and race in America — recently released the trailer for it’s third installment, “The Rules Of Racism.” And it looks good. The project features various speakers from scholars to entertainment vets like Nas, KRS-ONE, and Paul Mooney who begs the question: “whites have always done whatever they wanted to black people, so what are the rules?”
The series’ director and producer Tariq “Elite” Nasheed — a New York Times bestselling author, public speaker, and radio host — is widely known for his social commentary. In the trailer he briefly alludes to a certain motivation in approaching the topic of racism, “there’s never been a real dialogue in America about race because every time we talk about race the conversation then turns into ‘what’s wrong with black people.’:
Traveling around the country, the film features scholars, historians, and social commentators who uncovered such amazing facts about things such as: The original image of Christ; The true story about the Moors; The original people of Asia; The great west African empires; The presence of Africans in America before Columbus; The real reason slavery was ended And much more.
What is exceptional about this series is that there are solution based conversations at the end of each film. While the series is meant to help one understand how we got here as well as understand the psychosis of systematic oppression. We are responsible for turning things around, we are living in a hostile society and environment and must stop believing that the oppressor will ever understand the dilemma of people of color. Thus, we must stand together and unite as opposed to look to curry favor from the supremacist.
Each film has had a prevailing theme with first one we really focused on history, history that is untold. We talked about the Moors in Spain and in Europe. We talked about the African presence in America before Columbus. So we focused on a lot of hidden history.
In the second “Hidden Colors” was focused on scientific racism. We talked about things like Henrietta Lacks, a woman whose stem cells were used for medical experiments. We talked about medical warfare, talked about the prison-industrial complex. And talked about racism from a political-scientific standpoint. For part three, it talked a lot about racism in America and the rules of racism, things that black people are told to do in order to fit in with dominant society and how each rule contradicts the next.
Hidden Colors 4: The Religion Of White Supremacy is the latest follow up film to the critically acclaimed hit documentary series Hidden Colors. In this installment of the Hidden Colors series, the film explores topics such as: The motivation behind European global subjugation The history of rarely discussed vast West African empires How germ warfare is used on melanated people The history of slave breeding farms in America and much more.
by April | Community, Team Building
May 19, 2016 – We participated in our first Padres Game of the year against the San Francisco Giants which was a huge success as we partnered with the San Diego Padres Charity Ticket Program. Identified as a charity group to partner with the Padres we were sure to take full advantage and had 100% participation. Some of our guys were featured twice during the game with live shots on FriarVision.
Olijah (HEART Member) stated ” I had a great time watching the Padres with the group; it was even cooler when we were on the big screen!!! and when asked his thoughts about being on Friarvision; Olijah exclaimed “That was a great experience, I never thought that would happen to me!” all while smiling ear to ear.
We partnered with the San Diego Padres Major League Baseball’s “Commissioner’s Community Initiative” and MLB Player’s Association “Players Give Back” to donate complimentary tickets to deserving non-profit organizations who serve children within the Padres focus of LIVE (children’s health), LEARN (education) PLAY (recreation), and SERVE (military and first responders).
Though the Padres lost to the San Francisco Giants, it did not diminish the excitement of the group, all had a fabulous time staying until the last out was recorded. We look forward to our next trip to Petco Park and have to thank Christina Papasedero and the community relations and Padres Foundation for the opportunity. Shani McGowan (Parent) framed the event perfectly when he said “All the kids had a great time last night, they just wish the Padres had gotten more hits… This was the first baseball game for many of them and I’d like to thank the Padres for the opportunity.”
by April | Education, Mentoring
April 30th, 2016 – To often in today’s society the focus is on athletic prowess or celebrity; not so much on focusing on the growth of the youth and celebrating their academic accomplishments. In this vein The Blue Heart Foundation held its 2nd President volunteer award and Signing Day Celebration. The purpose of this dinner is to acknowledge the dedication and drive of the members of the Blue Heart Foundation’s mentoring program HEART (Higher Education And Rising Together) as they work to improve the quality of life of themselves as well as community.
As Blue Heart graduated their first class of seniors the feel was that one that created a sense of celebration as well as community. These young men are the driving force for many successful community clean-ups, programs and events. Blue Heart feels it’s very important to acknowledge these young men for their accomplishments. Salina Scott (Parent) stated “Our son James has had the wonderful opportunity to be part of such a great experience, The Blue Heart Foundation Inc., has given him various opportunities to better himself, and in doing so has extended his perceptions of how much he can impact others as well as himself, by showing compassion for others’ lives, and experiences. James has always had words of encouragement to share with others, but his participation with Blue Heart has allowed actions as well.”
As the awards portion of the event began with the recognition of this year’s President Volunteer Service Award winners with Bronze Level Awards going to Jamil Duke, James Scott, Jacques Morgan and Demaurier Palmer; the Lifetime Achievement Award went to Isaiah Coleman. Next came recognition from Congressman Juan Vargas by District Representative Stephanie R Allen who’s beautifully compelling presentation filled the room with appreciation and love.
Finally, we get to the signing day … Where will the seniors be taking the next step in their academic journey? First was Dallas Edge who committed to UC Merced followed by Demaurier Palmer (Alabama A&M) whom stated “When Tracy trusted me, I has no choice but to give 110 %. So, when it was my last chance to take my SAT.. I wasn’t going to let walking 6 miles stop me! Next was Jamil Duke (Sacramento State) followed by Jacques Morgan (Alabama A&M), Bernard Richardson (Northern Arizona University), James Scott IV (California State – Los Angeles) whom said “I’m not done with Blue Heart and going to come back to mentor” and closed with Isaiah Coleman whom said “I never had a fraternity of brothers until now…and I’m proud to be a member of The Blue Heart Foundation.
We want to be sure to thank both the San Diego’s Black Police Officer Association and Edith Jimmerson for their contributions. Last but not certainly not least we want to be sure to thank all the parents and community supporters. Without your support there would be no HEART of Blue Heart Foundation. Tracy Morris proudly exclaimed “I am so full of joy, pride and thankfulness that these wonderful people trust me with their most precious gift… their children”
What would happen if you placed a born-again Christian, a pious Muslim and an orthodox Jew behind closed doors for thirteen days to try to find peace for their nations? This is the question Gerald Rafshoon, former President Jimmy Carter’s media advisor, posed to Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Lawrence Wright. The resulting theatrical piece, “Camp David,” directed by Molly Smith and now playing at the Old Globe is a fascinating and illuminating depiction of an unparalleled moment in history, the forging of the 1978 Camp David Accords, a diplomatic triumph, which, though imperfect and incomplete, has preserved peace–at least the non-presence of war–between Egypt and Israel during the ensuing three decades. Beyond the considerable historical impact and value of the play, which is enjoying its West Coast premiere, it is an immensely absorbing and personal portrait of three political figures, each driven by his own sense of humanity and higher purpose in an effort to achieve a lasting peace.
We believe culturally enriching field trips matter. They produce significant benefits for students on a variety of educational outcomes that schools and communities care about. The effects of field trips to see live theater demonstrates that seeing plays is an effective way to teach academic content; increases our youth’s tolerance by providing exposure to a broader, more diverse world; and improves the ability of students to recognize what other people are thinking or feeling. These are significant benefits for students on specific educational outcomes that schools pursue and communities respect. Especially when considered alongside our community service efforts.
