I thought I was taking care of me pretty good, until I realized I treated people better than they treat me. That has now changed.

Growing up in Washington, DC, in the early 60's was difficult for many African American families, and my family was no exception. The DC I knew, had all of the ills of any inner city during those trying times, poverty, crime, low income, dismal education and tell tale signs of overt racism. As a child my family moved around quite a bit, and I had few friends, and I trusted no one.

In elementary school, I had an African American teacher named, Mrs. Bacot, who introduced me to the other DC, one t… Continue

In May of 2004 I was asked to represent our Tacoma, WA chapter of Toastmasters International at a regional conference held in Gig Harbor, WA, and I delivered a rousing speech about “Team Work”. I’ve posted an excerpt of the speech as well as the “ABC’s of a Winning Team” as delivered.

“ Good morning toastmaster, fellow toastmasters and guests.
Have any of you ever worked with a group of talented people and you just couldn’t figure out why… Continue

There has been so many versions over the years, and this particular version is surely one that most people would find easier to read, howerver I am going to also link you to another one that may or may not be that easy, but I bet you'll get through it, with flying colors. There is even a poem that was developed from her speech. Happy reading, after all… Continue