This blog is dedicated to finding a commonality that connects us all globally. I've developed this mathematical equation that equates success to me.
It goes like this: music, arts, entertainment, good food, good health, lots of laughter, happiness, and most of all, L-O-V-E (of self/family/friends) = the best quality of life!
So, I stand on my soap box and express my thoughts.
May they enlighten and strengthen you.
What would you do if you knew that your child's been diagnosed with Autism? You would pray for the best and search around for a support group, a team of people who could add practical ways to provide the best support for your child. You would probably reach out to other "brave parents of children with autism who have refused to give up." - Meet Areva Martin Esq., Award-winning Attorney, Author, Speaker,
Television Personality, and Co founder of Special Needs Network. You see, when she learned that her son, Marty, (at the age of 2) was diagnosed with autism, that is precisely what she did. Areva Martin, Esq. is a wife, mother, attorney, community activist and her sister's keeper. You see, everyday, the parents, staff and volunteers @Special Needs Network, Inc.(SNN) work to create a world where children with special needs are loved and cared for.
Areva Martin Esq. with JPAC participants 2013
Special Needs Network, Inc.(SNN) Mission: "To raise public awareness of developmental disabilities and to impact public policy, while providing education and resources to families, children and adults. SNN serves as a link between under-served communities and mainstream developmental disability organizations and governmental institutions, which often fail to address issues specific to these communities. SNN firmly believes that dignity, hope, opportunity are the birthright of all children."
Up and Coming Events: Parent Advocacy Mentor Program (PAM) - Providing especially designed classes (for Free) for parents, caregivers, and professionals who work with special needs children. These classes are provided on a quarterly bases. Childcare, breakfast and all materials are provided. To sign up for the next cycle of classes - contact 213.389.7100 | pam@specialneedsnetwork.org
Special Needs Network Holiday Toy Drive 2013 - #5000toysSNN plans to distribute more than 5,000 unused toys to special needs children! Please donate a toy! Drop off toys Special Needs Network, 4401 Crenshaw Blvd., Suite 215, Los Angeles, CA 90043 edguin@specialneedsnetwork.org or call 323.291.7100
"We know our goal of collecting 5,000 toys is ambitious, but we also know so many families depend on our toy drive. Kids with disabilities deserve for the holidays to be just as special as everyone else. It's eye-opening to see just how many children and families would go without if not for the generous donations of so many." Says Areva Martin Esq.
Hats off to Areva Martin, Esq. for being an advocate for children and their parents, providing the proper tools to help them navigate through an otherwise world that seems to allow some to slip through the cracks, without a voice. Thank you for co-sponsoring SB 946, "a bill that mandates that private insurance carriers cover autism therapies." (information taken from SNN.org - Activism)
There is so much to be grateful, and every single morning that I rise, believe me, I'm thankful to the Great I AM, for getting me up and on my way. I'm hoping that everyone got a chance to spend quality time with family and friends on the Holidays. For some, it's a lonely time of the year, so please be considerate and invite a Senior Citizen over for a meal with the family. Make a plate and bring it to someone who is home and not able to get out.
For those of you who are visiting Beverly Hills for the Holidays from around the globe, do yourself a favor. Stop in to Villa Blanca, and step into a little slice of Heaven, Honey Child. First of all, the Staff is amazing - and beautiful!
I say pop on by, to celebrate an occasion, or just you and your BFF can step into the world of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and have yourself some appetizers,a nice hot tea, a latte,
and dessert!
You will love the atmosphere.
Life is too short not to enjoy the different spots that Beverly Hills has to offer. Lisa Vanderpump and Executive Chef Francis Dimitrius know how to make it happen! For those who celebrate, enjoy the Holidays!
Smooches, Carla
Photography by Mathew Mitchell Villa Blanca of Beverly Hills | 9601 Brighton Avenue, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 | 310.614.4427 |
I remember when I was a little girl, my grandmother would say, "You can get more with honey then you do with vinegar." My grandfather would say, "If you treat people with kindness, they might not remember where they met you, but they will remember how you treated them."
Those words of wisdom have truly been like a beacon of light in my world. I thank God for my grandparents, who have since laid down with my ancestors.
I'm so grateful for the quality time that they spent with me and my siblings, and the consistent love that they showered us with on a daily bases. I can still feel their love, and it warms my heart, and puts a smile on my face. Love. It's so healing.
When I feel like I've go so much on my plate, and not enough time in which to get everything done, in a timely manner, I put on some American Jazz guitarist, Wes Montgomery - A Day in the Life. Oh yes. And then I tune into my all time favorite, "Bumpin' On Sunset" - I listen to those rare grooves, and get things done. Try it. You might just enjoy Wes Montgomery as much as I do.
Love & light,
Carla
There is nothing like a community of people that unite, stepping up to support an outstanding cultural expression in the heart of the downtown community, at the lovely, Historic Palace Hotel, and I mean in full force - to support
the Museum of the African Diaspora San Francisco as they celebrate their 8th Anniversary. The Theme?
The World's Canvas. Moet Hennessy USA, a major sponsor, spoke of the history and their legacy of supporting African-American Arts and Culture. Hats of to Moet Hennessy USA.
Being a Native San Franciscan, it was truly a remarkable evening, running into old friends, and making new ones....
In my humble opinion, the heart of the matter was truly what the Museum of the African Diaspora meant to each of us personally. Of course I couldn't ask everyone, but I was able to ask a few of the 450+people attending the Gala Event -
What does MoADsf mean to you?
Sandi Bethune - "My Heritage."
Mayor Willie Brown brought it home for so many, when he had a vision for a Museum that would be "inclusive" of all ethnic back grounds, highlighting the contributions made by people who are the descendants of Africa in America.Mayor Brown also spoke of his appreciation for the support of Moet Hennessy USA,
An excellent MC, Pam Moore, KRON 4 News, looked absolutely fabulous! I swear, she hasn't aged a day since I moved to Southern, CA, 18 years ago!
What does MoADsf mean to you, Pam? She shared her thoughts with all of us, stating,
"When I'm driving through the city, and I drive down Mission Street, and I see the collage of the face of the little girl that represents MoADsf, it makes me smile, knowing what's been accomplished w/ MoADsf."
There were three women eloquently dressed in traditional African garments. Small wonder! They were from Ghana! What does MoADsf mean to you three Ladies?
Mabel, Gladys & Vivienne -
"It speaks to our survival and represents the wonderful progress that has been made throughout the Diaspora."
Denise Bradley-Tyson, the first Executive Director of MoADsf, - "MoADsf literally, Something connected to the African Diaspora."
Renel Brooks-Moon, what does MoADsf mean to you? MoADsf moves me deeply. It represents generations of struggle and achievements, despite the adversity that we've gone through for years." Thank you, Renel. Very #powerful #words.
Do you want to talk about fabulous? Wilkes Bashford is truly a gentleman, charming, and very very stylish. Speaking of stylish, look at the photos of so many well dressed people.
San Franciscans do know how to dress for the occasion, Darling....
I promise, you, if you wish to revamp your style, please make an appointment with Sheree Chambers @Wilkes Bashford , this Lady sets the fashion trends....
Deborah Santana, Dr. Sandra Hernandez and Viviana Paredes truly were enjoying the evening. Mayor Willie Brown introduced Dr. Hernandez, who gave a very down to earth, compelling acceptance speech! Deborah Santana made it a point to speak to everyone.
Deborah Santana, Dr. Sandra Hernandez
and Viviana Paredes
(Drew Altizer Photography) MoADsf not only educates those who walk through the doors physically, but also provides an educational platform via multi-media, so that everyone around the globe can visit MoADSF with the tap of an iPad, or a click of a mouse. Support the Arts. Support MoADSF.org Remember, WE are only as strong as our weakest link. With love & light, Carla Special Thanks to: Michael DeFlorimonte, Michael D.Communications, and Cathy Adams, CDA Consulting Group. Thank you Shiree Dyson, Curator of Public Programs MoADsf, for always being a consummate professional Gwen McKee, Office Manager for providing the best first impression of MoADsf Kitsaun King, Moadsf, for taking a moment out of your busy schedule - at a moment's notice, to assist me. You are very kind. Big thank you to the entire Staff @MoADsf
Ledisi's vocal range is so beautiful, and she got the audience up on their feet and singing the lyrics to the songs that only Ledisi can bring to life, "Pieces off Me", "Higher Than This", and "Alright" and something from her new joint, "I Blame You" - GO Get it on itunes now! Keep on doing your thing, Ledisi!
Museum of the African Diaspora MoADSF- 8th Annual Gala Event, Oct 12, 2013 @ The Palace Hotel in San Francisco, CA. This year's theme? "MoAD: The World's Canvas" More to come....C
Dr. Maya Angelou. Her books helped me to heal. Her books helped me to understand what happened to me. We have a big connection. I talk to her every single day. Every single day. When I think of her, I say,
'I am proud to be a woman.' Dr. Angelou says,'You may not cannot control all the evils that happen to you. But you can decided not to be reduced by them.' And another thing she said,
'Nothing will work unless you do.'
I remember that."
Dr. Aklilu's second (First in her heart) woman that motives her?
The woman that gave birth to her, who was taken away from her, when she was a child, in Ethiopia.
That just cut me like a knife when
I heard her say that her Mother was murdered right before her eyes. Even after experiencing that kind of trauma, Dr. Aklilu keep pushing on. On to Italy, then on to The United States of America.
Power in Words
"My Mother. Even though she wasn't there for my teenager trouble. Even though she wasn't there for my High School graduation. She wasn't there when I was abused verbally physically, sexually. She wasn't the wasn't there to protect me to dry my tears. Even though she wasn't there when I brought my son in this world, to hold him. But she is always with me. Always. She's behind me to give me power. She's in front of me to pull me to go further. Every decision I made, every recited every step I take, she is always with me." I feel the power in your words, Dr. Aklilu. Amen?
So today, the love, the respect, the affection, the smile you give me remain in my heart forever. But the degree you give me, I want to dedicate to my Mother. Please allow me."
"I moved from Ethiopia to Italy. Things did not go very well. I got involved in an abusive relationship."
After realizing that things were not going to get better, and at the time, Dr. Aklilu was 9 months pregnant with her son, she went to God's house, and was sitting in a pew, crying her heart out. Then something happened. It was truly a blessing. Dr. Aklilu says,
"Father Gasparini walked into the church. 'Why are you crying?' I told him that I was homeless and 9 months pregnant." He said, "Let me give it to the Lord, and I'll come back to you." " The next day, he came back. He said, 'Menbere, I found a place for you. It's Mother Theresa's Women's Shelter.' I said, "Thank you."
I gave birth to my son at the shelter. His name is Christian."
One morning, Sister Superior Sister Matilde, said, "Menbere you have to be here tomorrow, because Mother Theresa is coming to the shelter." I said, "Okay". The next day, when Mother Theresa arrived,
"I was in the corner holding my baby and crying. Mother Theresa said, "Why you are crying? Give me that baby." She held him. "She said, Why you are crying?"
I said, "Mother, this it's not what I want. It's not my dream. I have a dream. I have passion. I a have fire inside me. I don't want this one." Mother Theresa said, "Well. Have Faith. Both of you - you are God's Child. God will never abandon you. HE will take you on the right path." I got a job and started living a normal life.
"Then I decided that I must move to America. I hear it's a wonderful country. It's an opportunity land.
I had to go. I had to take risks." Her son Christian was very upset over the idea of moving to America, leaving his church, his friends, his country. I told him, "There is a voice inside of me. I have to listen that voice. Otherwise that voice start screaming at me. I have to go. " It was 1995 when Dr. Aklilu and Christian stepped foot on American soil, making it their home.
Willing to Work
After arriving in America, she says, "I got a job paying $7.00 per hour. I asked,
"What's my job?" I was told to be a Hostess. No problem. I am an actress, I can do this. But I felt that they were paying me way too much money for what I was doing.
So I started cleaning and making sure things were in order. She got promoted. Today Dr. Aklilu owns Salute Restaurant in the Richmond Marina Bay
"When you do a good job. People see you. People remember you."
Giving Back to the Community in Which we Serve -
Dr. Aklilu's Three Lessons For Which She Lives By:
1) "No matter what it is you have to say and you have to do the right thing. The right thing comes back to you. It doesn't matter. Even if they don't agree, always do the right thing."
Are We Entitled to Success?
2) "Success. No one is entitled to be successful. You earn it. You earned your degree today. Success - it doesn't make you happy. When you are happy, you become successful. To be happy, you have to be in the community and you have to give back. You have to remember from where you came."
Dr. Aklilu said, "I took my son back to the shelter where he was born in Rome, Italy. The shelter looks the exact same as it did when I was there. Mother Superior is there. Mother Superior said to my son, "You have to give back. What you got, you got from the world. You have to give back to the world. You have to give back. You have to come back to the shelter, you have to give back." Christian said to Mother Superior,
"This will be my first job."
Don't Settle For Less
3) "Don't settle. Do not settle for less. Keep looking until you find what you like.
I am an actress. I greet people and talk to people and share my story, and I am happy."
"I give you all Gift Certificates to my restaurant for all of you! You can come and celebrate your graduation! Bring your parents, neighbor, boyfriend, girlfriend. Your job is, pick up the phone and say,
"I am 2013 Holy Names Graduate Student" - and I will open the door for you, you will have the best seat in the house! Thank you. Graci! Caio!"
Dr. Aklilu's Words to Live By
"The past has no power over this present moment. Because life is now. Life is this moment. You have to give back. Tell the past thank you. Tell the past, " I got the lesson, thank you." Then tell the future I am ready." Dr. Aklilu, those are true words of wisdom. Thank you. May you continue to be blessed 1,000 fold.
WE Salute you, Lady.
Dr. Aklilu is a Mother, humanitarian, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and things globally. Salute Marina Bay Restaurant, features Italian Cuisine and is located @ 1900 Esplanade, Dr. Richmond, CA 94804| 510.215.0803
The Southern California Community is celebrating Dr. Aklilu's philanthropic endeavors in the Los Angeles Area as well - in Little Ethiopia @ their 12th Annual Cultural Street Festival (celebrated September 8, 2013). Los Angeles City Council President, Herb J. Wesson Jr., Dr. Menbere Aklilu, and the Mayor of Los Anglees, the Honorable Eric Garcetti presented Dr. Aklilu with an honor.
(L to R.) LA City Council President, Herb J. Wesson Jr. Dr. Aklilu ,
Mayor of Los Angeles, CA The Honorable Eric Garcetti
