Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author Douglas Blackmon To Speak About His New Documentary "The Harvest"

Douglas Blackmon Author of “The Harvest”

September 28, 2017, at 5:30 p.m., Pulitzer Prize-winning author Douglas Blackmon and Rose Scott, WABE's host of "A Closer Look," will be at the Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library to discuss Blackmon's new documentary, The Harvest.  

The film tells the story of the integration of public schools in one Mississippi Delta town, and how decades later, schools are once again segregating.  Through this local lens Blackmon explores a paradox of modern American life—how a society that so widely defeated legally mandated segregation, at the same time failed in building the diverse, interwoven, empathetic communities in which the vast majority of Americans say they want to live. 

Blackmon won the Pulitzer Prize, Slavery by Another Name: The Re-Enslavement of Black Americans from the Civil War to World War II. He is the host and executive producer of American Forum, a weekly public affairs program broadcasted on PBS. 

"We are honored to have Douglas Blackmon and Rose Scott at our library to talk about, The Harvest, and to engage the audience in discussion about the struggle for school integration and its impact on the quest for diversity today," said Library CEO Loretta Parham.

This program is co-sponsored by Georgia Humanities and The AUC Woodruff Library and will take place at the Library, 111 James P. Brawley Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30314. The event is free.

The Atlanta University Center (AUC) Woodruff Library is a member of the nation's oldest and largest consortium of historically black colleges and universities, which includes Clark Atlanta University, the Interdenominational Theological Center, Morehouse College and Spelman College. 

The Library provides high level information resources and services in support of student and faculty success. The Library is winner of the 2016 Excellence in Academic Libraries Award from the Association of Collegiate and Research Libraries.  

Learn more at www.auctr.edu.

Georgia Humanities is an independent, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities serving the people of Georgia. In a spirit of collaboration, Georgia Humanities gathers, preserves, and shares the state's distinctive stories through a range of cultural and educational programs and resources. 

Its work nurtures Georgians' understanding of themselves and of their state's place in history and in the world, and it fosters thoughtful and engaged citizenship. 

For more information, visit GeorgiaHumanities.org.

SOURCE: Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library

$1 Million Donation Goes to Help 'The Grief Girl' Save Lives

R U OK? Teen Depression and Suicide

Kristi Hugstad, author of "What I Wish I'd Known: Finding Your Way Through the Tunnel of Grief" and "R U OK? Teen Depression and Suicide" recently received an incredible gift: an anonymous "angel" donated 100,000 copies of her book "R U OK? Teen Depression and Suicide" for distribution to schools and youth organizations around the country.

The donation, which is the retail equivalent to $1 million, will help Hugstad in her mission to open an important conversation with teens – one that seeks to dispel the stigma associated with depression and mental illness, and offers hope to teens considering self-harm or suicide.

"This donation is an amazing display of generosity and faith in my cause," Hugstad said. "I visit schools and talk to teens on a regular basis and I know that many are struggling without the resources they need to cope in a healthy manner. This book can help open up the conversations that save lives." 

Those conversations are happening, thanks to Hugstad's mission as a health educator, grief counselor, public speaker, blogger and host of her own podcast and radio show. Previously a health and fitness guru, Hugstad's career – and life – took a new trajectory four years ago when her husband, Bill, completed suicide by throwing himself in front of a train.

"It was an experience that no one should ever go through," Hugstad recalls. "But in dealing with it, I found my true mission in life – helping others who are going through what my husband went through."

That mission now includes distributing the 100,000 copies of "R U OK? Teen Depression and Suicide" where they are needed most. As part of this endeavor, Hugstad has asked for nominations for schools or organizations to receive copies of the book. 

To request books for a school or organization, please visit The Grief Girl. According to Hugstad, the lives of teens you love could depend on it.

"Teens today have so much to deal with, from depression to bullying to social media pressure to gender confusion to alcohol and drug abuse – and the list goes on," Hugstad said. "This book is my way of saying, 'hey, we understand what you're going through and we want you to know there's help out there.'"

Kristi Hugstad, The Grief Girl

About Kristi Hugstad

Kristi Hugstad is the author of "What I Wish I'd Known: Finding Your Way Through the Tunnel of Grief" and "R U OK? Teen Suicide and Depression." She is also a professional speaker, certified grief recovery specialist at South Coast Behavioral Health, grief and loss facilitator for Addicts in Recovery, and credentialed health educator. Hugstad hosts "The Grief Girl" Podcast and "The Grief Girl" OC Talk Radio Show, and is a longtime blogger for Huffington Post. 

For more information on Hugstad, visit www.thegriefgirl.com.

SOURCE: The Grief Girl

Rapper Offset Launches $500K Fundraising Campaign for the American Cancer Society

Offset Launches $500K Fundraising Campaign for the American Cancer Society

Rapper Offset, of the chart-topping hip-hop trio Migos, is teaming up with the American Cancer Society and mobilizing his fellow artists, corporate sponsors and passionate fans to raise $500,000 for the organization.

Offset's dedication to the fight against cancer is personal. His inspiration for working with the American Cancer Society is his late grandmother, Sallie Ann Smith, a significant role model in his life who died of bladder cancer in 2012. After Mrs. Smith's cancer diagnosis, her family learned firsthand about the positive impact the American Cancer Society programs and services make on families.

"It was really tough losing my grandma to cancer and one of the hardest things I have dealt with in my life. She motivated me to do my best and go for it; one of my biggest coaches," said Offset.

Fellow Migos members Quavo and Takeoff, along with their record label Quality Control Music are rallying their networks to help Offset reach his fundraising goal because cancer has impacted all members of Migos. 

"We're proud to support Offset's efforts to help raise money for the American Cancer Society, so they can address cancer in underserved communities," say Quavo and Takeoff. "We encourage all our fans to donate if they can."

Despite recent progress against cancer, not all Americans have benefited equally. African- Americans have the highest death rate and shortest survival of any racial/ethnic group in the United States for most cancers. The causes of these inequalities are complex and reflect social and economic disparities. Much of the disparity is due to unequal access to health care.

Offset is honoring his grandmother through this campaign by helping raise funds to promote cancer prevention and access to care in underserved communities. In addition, money raised through this effort will also help fund an ACS Research Grant focused on bladder cancer research.

"I am thankful to be partnering with the American Cancer Society to help save lives against this horrible disease. It's especially important for me to give some love to my community and do what I can to help," Offset says.

Offset's mother, Latabia Woodward, an American Cancer Society supporter and volunteer for over a decade, is proud of her son. "Losing a loved one to cancer is devastating, and we need to continue to help educate our communities about early detection and screening guidelines. I am incredibly proud of Offset's desire to help save the lives of others, genuine heart and talent as an artist."

Offset hosted a launch party yesterday at Main Event Entertainment in Atlanta, Georgia, where he spent the day with teens and young adults whose lives have been impacted by cancer. In addition, Offset's fans can also donate to a special Prizeo campaign – prizeo.com/offset – which will enter them for chance to win a shopping spree with Offset.

"We are honored that Offset chose to work with us. His inspiration and support for the American Cancer Society is one that makes him a unique artist – one who wants our world to be better." said Sharon Byers, chief development and marketing officer, American Cancer Society. "Offset's fundraising campaign is a significant opportunity to leverage the music industry and his contacts to support our mission which is why we are very appreciative to be able to partner with him." 

To join Offset's fundraising campaign, visit prizeo.com/offset. For more information about Offset's work with ACS, please go to cancer.org/offset.

About Offset
Offset was born and raised in North Atlanta where he began his music career and still calls home today. He is one-third of the platinum selling group, the Migos. In 2017, Migos, won two BET Awards and were nominated for multiple Billboard and MTV Video Music Awards for the success of their album Culture and chart topping single Bad and Boujee. 

The Video:

SOURCE: American Cancer Society

Book "The Forgotten Ones" by Ellipsis International Founder Natalie Herrington Helps Children Find Freedom From Trauma in Hurricanes' Wake

The Forgotten Ones, by Natalie Stephens Herrington with Brindy Epal

In light of the recent natural disasters and calamity caused by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, trauma is on the radar.  America is unifying around these issues despite differences in politics, race, religion, and region.  

The survivors of such trauma need immediate assistance to meet basic needs.  But more than that – once the waters recede, homes are rebuilt, and lives slowly return to normal – one thing will remain… memories, fear, and, ultimately, trauma.  

Each time it rains, each time a storm forms nearby, these fears and memories of what once happened will surface just as quickly as the waters rose.

More than the basic necessities of life, the will to survive in the years to come will be much more difficult.  Many lost everything, including precious family members who can never be replaced. Rebuilding must include more than what meets the eye.  

The Forgotten Ones, released by Natalie Stephens Herrington, sheds light on this very topic.  Though not unearthed through the aftermath of an actual storm, the experiences she faced in meeting some of the most traumatized children in the world gave her insight into what children need beyond the basics – to survive and thrive.

Dancing after a monsoon at Freedom Camp

The Forgotten Ones tells of an orphan in the Philippines who lost both of her parents by the age of 10. She found comfort in the commonality shared with the others in her orphanage.  It wasn't until she left that she recognized her deep pain from losing her family and her need to begin healing. Herrington's unexpected friendship with Brindy caused her to discover a way to bring freedom to traumatized kids.

The same trauma found in the Philippines can be found in children affected by the recent hurricanes. They may seem to move forward in their lives in the coming months, but the deep effects of trauma will remain until someone guides them to understand that what has happened to them doesn't define them.  

"There are so many kids out there with similar stories, traumatized and growing up without having dealt with it. The situations these stories convey cause kids to stay in the mindset in which they were left—unless someone steps in to help," said Herrington.

The Forgotten Ones points out the important fact that the sooner trauma is vocalized and understood, the sooner breakthrough and freedom comes.  

Herrington is the founder and president of Ellipsis International, a non-profit focused on helping kids break free from the trauma of their past in order to realize their full potential. 

Their program called Freedom Camp is a five-day intensive experience teaching kids about identity, burdens, freedom, community, and hope.  Ellipsis plans to bring Freedom Camp to the hurricane-affected areas in the near future.  

To learn more, visit www.ellipsisinternational.org.  To bring a Freedom Camp to your community, contact ellipsis.us.info@gmail.com.

The Forgotten Ones is on www.nataliestephensherrington.com or Amazon.

SOURCE: Ellipsis International

Rock Band Daughtry Boosts Habitat For Humanity's Response To Hurricanes Harvey And Irma

Rock band Daughtry is making a major contribution to Habitat Hammers Back, the initiative effort helping to repair and rebuild in the aftermath of hurricanes Harvey and Irma. The band is donating $50,000 and is encouraging their fans to contribute as well.

Click on the video below to hear their message...

"We've been struck by the images coming out of Texas and Florida after these two devastating storms," said Chris Daughtry, lead singer of the band. "The destruction is enormous, but so is the love and compassion we've seen with people helping each other out. Habitat for Humanity is already on the ground helping folks assess damage, dig out and repair their homes. We're making a donation to Habitat, and we'd like to ask you to join us by visiting habitat.org/hurricanes to make a contribution today."

Working through its local offices as well as by deploying trained Disaster Corps volunteers, Habitat conducts rapid assessments of storm damage and helps clean out homes damaged by winds and floodwaters. Habitat's long-term post-disaster recovery efforts include repair of damaged homes and construction of new affordable homes. Construction plans are determined after evaluations and are dependent on the level of support received from donors, volunteers, corporate partners and other community organizations.

Habitat has been responding to disasters since 1997 and to date has helped more than 230,000 families in 52 countries through its disaster response work. Following Hurricane Katrina, Habitat organizations along the Gulf Coast built more than 6,000 homes and removed debris and cleaned more than 2,500 homes in preparation for rehabilitation. Habitat also mounted responses to Superstorm Sandy, tornadoes through the South and Midwest, and earthquakes and typhoons overseas.

More information on Habitat for Humanity's response to Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma can be found at habitat.org/hurricanes.

About Habitat for Humanity

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. 

The Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in more than 1,300 communities throughout the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. 

Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. 

To learn more, visit habitat.org.

SOURCE: Habitat for Humanity International