EMPOWERING MINDS MESSENGER
FEBRUARY 2018
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February is here and we, at Empowering Minds, hope the new year's been kind to you. This month celebrates National Black History Month and Valentine's Day. Below you'll find Black History Month Events in Baltimore City/County, Anne Arundel County, and Harford County, a helpful article on Valentine's Day and agency news, and events.
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FREE Black History Month Events
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Free Black History Month Concert
Fri., Feb. 23, 7 p.m.
5400 Loch Raven Blvd
Daniel C.X. Rich, baritone will present a concert of by African American composers, spiritual arrangements and songs set to the texts of Black poets. Daniel has performed with several opera companies including the role of Surnani in an operetta commissioned by The Smithsonian and the Sultanate of Oman. Most recently, he took the rolls of Horseman in Strauss' Rosenkavalier and Falstaff in Verdi's Falstaff. Daniel is a graduate of Morgan State, and currently a graduate student at Manhattan School
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African American Film Series
Mon., Mar. 5, 6:30 p.m.
855 Sulphur Spring Road
Celebrate Black History Month with this documentary film and discussion series. This evening, a screening of the film Anita: Speaking Truth to Power, about Anita Hill's sexual harassment testimony in Senate hearings.
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Harriet Tubman Visits Hampton
Sun., Feb. 25, 2 p.m.
535 Hampton Lane
Janice Curtis Greene, master storyteller and former president of The Griots’ Circle of Maryland brings Harriet Tubman to life. This living history portrayal will have Harriet recounting her early years at the Brodas Plantation, the horrors of slavery, how she eventually escaped, and her involvement on the Underground Rail-road. This portrayal will also include songs like “Steal Away” and “Go Down Moses.”
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Lexington Market Hosts Black History Month Concerts
400 W. Lexington St.
Lexington Market will host a free Black History Month Concert Series featuring some of Baltimore’s most established and up and coming musicians. The live concerts take place in the Market’s Arcade from noon to 2 pm on Saturdays: February 3 (Black Magic Blues Mission), February 10 (Rosegold Experience), February 17 (The Rise Band), and February 24 (David Cole).
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African American Genealogy: Research Your Roots
Thu., Feb. 8, 7 p.m.
320 York Road
Learn how to research your lost or unknown ancestors through census records, historic photographs, funeral programs, slave narratives and other rich sources of information.
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Freedom Bound: Runaways of the Chesapeake
Mon.-Sat. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sun. from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
99 Main Street
The Historic Annapolis Museum
"Freedom Bound: Runaways of the Chesapeake" exhibit focuses on the stories of nine real men and women whose lives testify to the universal desire for personal liberty. It uses videos, audio, historic artifacts, runaway advertisements from 1728 to 1864 and hands-on activities to convey the defeats and triumphs these men and women experienced in their struggle for freedom. Operated by Historic Annapolis.
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Saturday Family Day: Celebrating Frederick Douglass! A Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Celebration Event
Sat., Feb. 24, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
84 Franklin Street
Banneker-Douglass Museum
Come celebrate the Banneker-Douglass Museum’s 34th Birthday/Anniversary as we celebrate by honoring our namesake, Frederick Douglass. Families with children of all ages can stop by the museum between 11am to 2pm, and celebrate the life and legacy of Frederick Douglass through fun guided tours and arts & crafts activities. Snacks will be provided.
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Musical Journey through Africa
Wed., Feb. 28, 7 p.m.
1 E. 11th Avenue
Brooklyn Park Branch Library
Enjoy a taste of West African culture through games, dances, and songs with this highly interactive program! Sponsor: PACAC (Performing Arts Center For African Cultures) For all ages
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The Salon: Icons of the Harlem Renaissance - A Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Celebration Event
Sat., Feb. 10, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
194 Hammonds Ln
Chesapeake Arts Center
Experience this dramatic portrayal of the meeting of great African American authors, artists, musicians, and dancers of the 1920's who gather to entertain and enlighten one another through conversation, presentation and performance.
Read more at http://www.visitannapolis.org/events/5621
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Tuskegee Airman Colonel Charles McGee
Sat., Feb. 24, 2 p.m.
1325 Annapolis Rd
Odenton Branch Library
Colonel Charles McGee, a highly decorated Tuskegee pilot, will be visiting our library to talk about his life from entering the Tuskegee University to flying in three wars: World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, amassing a United States Air Force record of 409 fighter combat missions. A question period and book signing will follow.
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BATALA, Afro-Brazilian Women’s Band
Sat., Feb. 2, 3 p.m.
1681 Riedel Rd
Crofton Branch Library
Learn about Brazil’s dynamic Afro-Bahian culture and samba reggae music through this fascinating and diverse women’s drumming band. For all ages
Read more at https://www.aacpl.net/events/batala-afro-brazilian-women%E2%80%99s-band-102484
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The 7th Black Gospel Music Experience
Tuesday, Feb. 6, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
121 N. Union Ave.
Cultural Center at the Opera House
At this library-sponsored event geared toward the whole family, local gospel choirs and soloists will perform the sounds and history of Black Gospel. Participants will learn about the roots of Black Gospel and its place in the African American community today.
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"Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman and Francis Harper: 19th Century Freedom Fighters"
Wednesday, Feb. 28, from 6 to 7 p.m.
629 Edgewood Rd.
Edgewood Library
Vivian Fisher, manager, African American Department, Enoch Pratt Free Library/State Library Resource Center, will lead a discussion about the lives and accomplishments of Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman and Francis Harper, prominent African American abolitionists, social reformers and civil rights advocates with deep Maryland roots. Participants will discover lesser known stories about these freedom fighters and gain an appreciation for the legacy of resistance and progressive reform they left behind.
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Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Annual Presentation
Sat., Feb. 3, from 10:30 a.m. to noon
120 N. Union Ave.
Havre de Grace Library
The featured speaker will be Peter Byrd, author of "The Son of Seven Daughters: A 350-Year American Family Album." Byrd will discuss the book, which features the history of the 11 generations of his family in North America and what he learned about the United States, his family and himself while writing the book.
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Many people think of February and Valentine's Day as the most romantic time of the year. What information would you share with someone about living with a mental illness while being in a romantic relationship?
"For someone living with mental illness and in a relationship, Valentine's Day is a good time to reflect on boundaries, expectations and making sure that both you and your relationship are as healthy as can be. I would encourage anyone to reach out to their support system if they have any doubts or concerns, and be honest and up front with their romantic partner in order to keep open communication, which is key to a successful relationship." - Julie P., Massachusetts
"True love involves admitting when you are wrong, and forgiving your partner when they are wrong. Love is not a fairy tale. It takes a certain amount of effort by both parties to make things work. It can be difficult when a relationship doesn't last, but you can learn something from every relationship, and get better at giving and receiving love." - Penelope C., Massachusetts
"My advice would be to not over-do it just because it is Valentine's Day. Don't get yourself too hyped up and overwhelmed by trying to do something over the top for your romantic partner. If you don't have a romantic partner, do something special for yourself- go get your nails done, take a walk, or buy that new shirt you've been wanting....you deserve it!" - Bethany J., Delaware
"I think that having a relationship with someone who has mental illness is at its foundation the same as having a relationship with someone who doesn't have a mental illness. The difference lies in the ability to be understanding and communicate your unique needs and desires specific to your illness. The more you are able to advocate for yourself, the more your partner is able to support you in the ways that are helpful to you." - Allison T., Maine
"I am a CPS (Certified Peer Specialist), which allows me to share that I live with numerous mental health challenges on a daily basis. This is advice from me to a peer: 1. Consider yourself a diamond and multifaceted and MH happens to be one of them. 2. Romance for me means taking a risk to show and share your true self with another human being, including any challenges, no matter the detail. It means finding the positive characteristics by sharing that and moving forward transparently to be comfortable intimately. 3. Be confidently vulnerable while being empowered by your morals , values, and beliefs in who you are and open minded enough to not judge another's views but see if they coincide with what both of you want for the future. If you're in a romantic relationship, don't expect your partner to be a mind reader. Express yourself in an inclusive way, advocate for what is needed to grow and love in the relationship without losing yourself or being a people pleaser or trying to make someone see through your perception. Allow them to have their own thoughts and feelings without creating resentment." - Walter D., Rhode Island
"In terms of those living with a mental illness, I think there are several parallels with those who live with a substance use disorder, or issues of addiction. As wonderful as a meaningful connection can be, the idea of being in love can be a deterrent for recovery. The feeling of being in love alters brain chemistry which affects decision making behavior. I think we are all guilty of making some regrettable decisions in relationships, and when one copes with mental illness or addiction, every life decision we make can support or jeopardize recovery efforts. So, proceed with caution when in relationships, because the being love drunk can have some significant consequences." - Brandon R., North Carolina
"In any relationship, whether it is with someone that has a mental illness or not, communication is key. Your thoughts, feelings and any questions you may have for your loved one should always be voiced even when you're unsure of how to. Bottling up emotions and diverting your issues will only create animosity in the relationship. Speak clearly, share what is on your mind, and love fully, always." - Holly P., Massachusetts
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Mondays 6-7 PM
Women's Group, Teen's Group, and Youth Group
Tuesdays 6-7 PM
Men's Group
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Anne Arundel County Groups
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ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS
Empowering Minds Resource Center is proud to announce there is currently
NO WAIT LIST
at the agency. We work hard everyday to ensure referrals are quickly processed and clients are engaged by our staff and partnered therapists immediately. We are ready, willing and able to accept new clients TODAY.
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NOW ACCEPTING HARFORD COUNTY REFERRALS
Empowering Minds Resource Center has no waitlist for our
CARE COORDINATION FOR MINORS
and our
PSYCHIATRIC REHABILITATION PROGRAM
in Harford County
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Empowering Minds recognizes
Temple Parker
as the agency's Direct Service Coordinator of the month.
Temple
is an excellent collaborator, team player and provides valuable insight and expertise to her clients. She helps with finding outreach programs within the community to help support clients in out out of Harford. Her hard work and diligence to support her clients and EMRC are commendable.
Thank you for your hard work,
Temple
!
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WE'RE HIRING!
Empowering Minds is looking to add some new members to our wonderful team. Check out the link below for more information!
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Like/Follow Us on Facebook!
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| Empowering Minds Resource Center | 410.625.5088 | Fax: 410.625.4980 |
Website
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