I Want to Go Green!
by Brandi Richard
I’ve always wanted to be one of those cool environmentalist-type people who wore only pure cotton clothes with no dye and ate organic legumes. The kind that rode really neat bikes to the store and whose svelte shapely bodies screamed yoga everyday!
But alas it was not to be, I’ve driven two gas-guzzling cars in succession, opted for cheaper “inorganic” vegetables and couldn’t make it to all those yoga classes at the gym. Deep in my spirit, I feel the wheels of change turning. There’s a new clean air engine sweeping through the country side and I am jumping on board.
In honor of my new green participation, I’ve purchased a green leather handbag, a pair of green open-toe pumps and a couple of fab green shirts. (No, not really. I just threw it in for my fashionable friends.) Nonetheless, I’m starting small.
1. Planting a garden. As soon as the landscape man comes back, I will ask him to till the back corner of my yard for a beautiful garden. And then I will continue to participate in the economic recovery by asking him to regularly remove the weeds.
2. When having my clothes dry cleaned, I will recycle the hangers and ask them to keep the plastic bags. Until I can afford to swap out all of my polyester for pure cotton, I still have to go.
3. Recycle all of the carrying bags that I receive at professional conferences and conventions and turn them into reusable grocery bags. Heck, I’m not going to use them anyway.
4. Repurpose all of my excess stuff. By reducing the number of eastern-inspired floor pillows in my den, I can increase the feng shui experience in my den and contribute to the comfort of someone else’s bottom. (Yes, I will have them cleaned first.)
Let's see if I can do better...
http://www.footprintnetwork.org/en/index.php/GFN/page/calculators/
(Thanks Joyce!)
http://www.brandirichard.com/ * http://www.brandirichard.blogspot.com/ * www.facebook.com/brandirichard
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
The Starbucks Lady
The full post can be found at http://www.brandirichard.blogspot.com/.
Starbucks is my personal treat, my stress reliever, my comfort when I don't have sense enough to pray, and a way to warm myself against the bitter cold of the fan sitting next to me. The fan's owner takes walks on his breaks and regularly uses the fan to blow the perspiration from his brow and keep wet spots from showing on his shirt...This practice often leads to my nose turning up in disgust as I grab my purse and make a b-line to Starbuck's.
My Starbuck's of choice is located in a grocery store. I love it for the close proximity to work, vanilla bean scones and the Starbuck's lady (Rosemary). She greets me with a "Hey hun, are you having the apple chai fusion today," my new drink of choice after becoming a little bored with the chai tea latte soy (no water). Then she asks about my friend Tiffany. She knows her drink as well. She writes my name on the cup with a happy face and every so often informs me that I've earned a free drink.
The Rosemary takes pride in her job and seems to adore smiling. On this particular visit, I realized that I should have the same mindset. I'm sure that all of her customers aren't nice to her and some days she doesn't feel like coming to work. But when she sees me, she treats me like her most valued customer. So I keep going back for my uplifting cup of chai. Thanks hun!
Starbucks is my personal treat, my stress reliever, my comfort when I don't have sense enough to pray, and a way to warm myself against the bitter cold of the fan sitting next to me. The fan's owner takes walks on his breaks and regularly uses the fan to blow the perspiration from his brow and keep wet spots from showing on his shirt...This practice often leads to my nose turning up in disgust as I grab my purse and make a b-line to Starbuck's.
My Starbuck's of choice is located in a grocery store. I love it for the close proximity to work, vanilla bean scones and the Starbuck's lady (Rosemary). She greets me with a "Hey hun, are you having the apple chai fusion today," my new drink of choice after becoming a little bored with the chai tea latte soy (no water). Then she asks about my friend Tiffany. She knows her drink as well. She writes my name on the cup with a happy face and every so often informs me that I've earned a free drink.
The Rosemary takes pride in her job and seems to adore smiling. On this particular visit, I realized that I should have the same mindset. I'm sure that all of her customers aren't nice to her and some days she doesn't feel like coming to work. But when she sees me, she treats me like her most valued customer. So I keep going back for my uplifting cup of chai. Thanks hun!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
THANK YOU!!!
I would like to express my heart felt gratitude for the support you showed me for the first edition of The Advocate. My heart was full as I read the responses from so many of you.
My brother and other family members from Louisiana thought that I was featured in an article in the Baton Rouge Newspaper, "The Advocate." Calls were coming to my parents like, "Cher, may Brandi was featured in the paper, yeh?"
Some wanted to know the reason that I created such a vehicle. It was primarily to give voice to the awesome Young Professionals that I see each day... some patiently waiting for their shot, others taking it by wit and maneuver, but all with passion, exuberance and skill. Besides, I wanted someone to advocate for me.
Here are some of the comments that I received...
"Brandi,I think that this is absolutely awesome! I commend you on your advocacy of spreading information that young professionals need to know. Great idea...and you're doing a good job of presenting it! If I can be of any assistance, please let me know."
"Greetings Brandi,Very nice and very well put together. Congrats, I am proud of your accomplishments. I would love to support in some way."
"Just wanted to send you a note letting you know that this was put together well and very informative."
And yes I did get a constructive comment:
"when mixing politics with business you need to make sure you're on the same side of table before mixing.Private business, hotel and tax payer's money isn't a good mix for me.."
Unfortunately, politics, business, tax payer's money, etc. are all a part of my life as a Young Professional and I have to call it like I see it in whatever combination.
Now I've got to start working on the sequel. :)
My brother and other family members from Louisiana thought that I was featured in an article in the Baton Rouge Newspaper, "The Advocate." Calls were coming to my parents like, "Cher, may Brandi was featured in the paper, yeh?"
Some wanted to know the reason that I created such a vehicle. It was primarily to give voice to the awesome Young Professionals that I see each day... some patiently waiting for their shot, others taking it by wit and maneuver, but all with passion, exuberance and skill. Besides, I wanted someone to advocate for me.
Here are some of the comments that I received...
"Brandi,I think that this is absolutely awesome! I commend you on your advocacy of spreading information that young professionals need to know. Great idea...and you're doing a good job of presenting it! If I can be of any assistance, please let me know."
"Greetings Brandi,Very nice and very well put together. Congrats, I am proud of your accomplishments. I would love to support in some way."
"Just wanted to send you a note letting you know that this was put together well and very informative."
And yes I did get a constructive comment:
"when mixing politics with business you need to make sure you're on the same side of table before mixing.Private business, hotel and tax payer's money isn't a good mix for me.."
Unfortunately, politics, business, tax payer's money, etc. are all a part of my life as a Young Professional and I have to call it like I see it in whatever combination.
Now I've got to start working on the sequel. :)
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Dallas Convention Center Hotel - The Issue of Creditability
After having worked with the Mayor of Dallas, Tom Leppert, for the last year on a community task force, I would say that he is a very smart guy, engaged when he speaks to you, passionate about the work that he does and willing to work long hours performing his duties as Mayor.
So initially when he explained the importance of a convention center hotel for the city of Dallas, I thought... cool. Knowing him, I was confident that he had commissioned studies to determine whether or not it made sense and fleshed it out with the numerous community groups that he meets with on a regular basis. Besides, he didn't stop the discussion with the hotel, he also discussed the need for an improved school district, code enforcement and increasing sustainable minority businesses in the community. (We talked about improving the sustainability of diverse art institutions, but I'll save that for another blog.) Most of all, I was impressed by his desire to respond to our toughest questions with what always felt like an honest answer and his challenge to us to participate in the change we sought in Dallas.
So when I saw my first Vote Yes ad, I was taken aback. Were they talking about the same person that I had so many conversations with? The person who though I was the youngest person at the table, always thanked me for my input. I mean really. But even more so than that, who were these people. They couldn't be the citizens of Dallas. Up until this, I'd heard wonderful things about his donating his salary for scholarships among other things.
Do we not believe that he would do research prior to bringing this to the people? Or are we all just afraid that the dip in the economy will keep us from recouping the financial outlay? My entrepreneurial spirit says that times of recession are times to prepare for the upturn, because it will come. And while there are many other areas to focus on, bringing conventions and tax revenue back to the city could promote business in downtown Dallas. We need more tax revenue to supplement Dallas homeowners with kids taking their children and their tax money to the suburbs in search of better schools.
So, I would say a few things about the Convention Center Hotel. I'm for bringing conventions, revenue and opportunity to the city of Dallas. If you don't want it, what is your plan to improve our school district and/or increase our tax base? And can you disagree without annihilating a mayor who has heretofore been well liked by the community? Or is that not even the people of Dallas, but Mr. Crow?
So initially when he explained the importance of a convention center hotel for the city of Dallas, I thought... cool. Knowing him, I was confident that he had commissioned studies to determine whether or not it made sense and fleshed it out with the numerous community groups that he meets with on a regular basis. Besides, he didn't stop the discussion with the hotel, he also discussed the need for an improved school district, code enforcement and increasing sustainable minority businesses in the community. (We talked about improving the sustainability of diverse art institutions, but I'll save that for another blog.) Most of all, I was impressed by his desire to respond to our toughest questions with what always felt like an honest answer and his challenge to us to participate in the change we sought in Dallas.
So when I saw my first Vote Yes ad, I was taken aback. Were they talking about the same person that I had so many conversations with? The person who though I was the youngest person at the table, always thanked me for my input. I mean really. But even more so than that, who were these people. They couldn't be the citizens of Dallas. Up until this, I'd heard wonderful things about his donating his salary for scholarships among other things.
Do we not believe that he would do research prior to bringing this to the people? Or are we all just afraid that the dip in the economy will keep us from recouping the financial outlay? My entrepreneurial spirit says that times of recession are times to prepare for the upturn, because it will come. And while there are many other areas to focus on, bringing conventions and tax revenue back to the city could promote business in downtown Dallas. We need more tax revenue to supplement Dallas homeowners with kids taking their children and their tax money to the suburbs in search of better schools.
So, I would say a few things about the Convention Center Hotel. I'm for bringing conventions, revenue and opportunity to the city of Dallas. If you don't want it, what is your plan to improve our school district and/or increase our tax base? And can you disagree without annihilating a mayor who has heretofore been well liked by the community? Or is that not even the people of Dallas, but Mr. Crow?
Monday Night Politics: The Convention Center Hotel
Dallas Convention Center Hotel Debate - Proposition 1
No means yes to the hotel.
Yes means no to the hotel.
Mayor Leppert - "If Mr. Crow is being demonized..."
"Who Supports the Convention Center Hotel"
No means yes to the hotel.
Yes means no to the hotel.
Mayor Leppert - "If Mr. Crow is being demonized..."
"Who Supports the Convention Center Hotel"
Opposition - "3,000 jobs will only last..."
Monday, April 6, 2009
National Urban League Legislative Policy Conference
State of Black America 2009: Message to the President
The Press Conference
This year's press conference included National Urban League President, Marc Morial who said of the economic crisis, "We are all in the same boat. And we will rise and fall together."
What's In the Book
Introduction to the 2009 Equality Index
Valerie Rawlston Wilson, Ph.D.
Letters to the President
Urban League Clients from Across the Country
12 Essays on Health, Education, Jobs and Homeownership by
Noteable authors like Earl Graves and Senator Christopher J. Dodd
Commentary from Various Scholars including Young Professionals
David J. Johns & NULYP President Cassye D. Cook, J.D.
Celebrity Sighting
Dorothy Height - Chair of the National Council of Negro Women
http://www.ncnw.org/about/height.htm
Jil Littlejohn - Greenville, SC City Council District 3, Southern Regional Vice President - NULYP
http://www.scelectswomen.com/candidates/jil_littlejohn/
http://www.jillittlejohn.com/
Saturday, March 28, 2009
OMB Presentation at Legislative Policy Conference, Robert Nabors
One of the most interesting presentations at the conference was in reference to the President's new budget. Robert Nabors provided us with an inside look at the budget...and here are some in-depth videos.
Well maybe one for now...more to come.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Dallas Urban League Affiliate meets with Texas Congressional Leaders on the Hill
The Dallas delegation with Marc Morial (AK Mago not pictured)
Meeting with Kay Bailey Hutchison
John Cornyn Returns to a Senate Hearing
Meeting w/Ryan on behalf of Congressman Marchant
Dallas Delegation
Dr. Beverly Mitchell Brooks, Urban League of Greater Dallas CEO
Stan Levinson, Urban League of Greater Dallas Board Chair
AK Mago, Immediate Past Urban League of Greater Dallas Board Chair
Anthony Murphy, Urban League of Greater Dallas Young Professionals President
Brandi Richard, Board Member
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Words from the National Urban League Young Professional President
During this year's Legislative Policy Conference in Washington D.C., I had an opportunity to catch our National President for a message...
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Marquelon Siegler, one of Birmingham's Finest
Marquelon Siegler, president of the Birmingham Urban League Young Professionals Chapter was recognized in this year's Young Professional highlight article in Ebony Magazine (along with Southern Regional VP, Jil Littlejohn).
Marquelon befriended me from my first days in the movement and I am truly excited about his honor.
Marquelon befriended me from my first days in the movement and I am truly excited about his honor.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Monday Night Politics - Dallas District 3
The Players
Dave Neumann - Incumbent
Casey Thomas - former Dallas NAACP President and Educator
Victoria Walton - Entrepreneur & Community Activist
The Location
Methodist Hospital - Hitt Auditorium
The Questions
Will Dave Neumann's strategy of engaging and building coalitions with neighborhood groups during his first term translate into the new politics of inclusion, diversity and mobilization?
Is Casey Thomas really ready for a City Council seat?
Is Victoria Walton feeling well enough to answer the questions that her constituents ask?
Dave Neumann - Incumbent
Casey Thomas - former Dallas NAACP President and Educator
Victoria Walton - Entrepreneur & Community Activist
The Location
Methodist Hospital - Hitt Auditorium
The Questions
Will Dave Neumann's strategy of engaging and building coalitions with neighborhood groups during his first term translate into the new politics of inclusion, diversity and mobilization?
Is Casey Thomas really ready for a City Council seat?
Is Victoria Walton feeling well enough to answer the questions that her constituents ask?
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
ULGDYP Blueprint hosted by the University of Texas at Dallas
Dr. Calvin Jamison, Vice President for Business Affairs http://www.utdallas.edu/businessaffairs/
Michael J. Sorrell, President of Paul Quinn College
http://www.pqc.edu/president_bio.htm
ULGDYP Moderators
Frances Reno, Shaunte Allen
Notable Quotes by the Panelists
"Learn as much as you can about as much as you can." - Michael Sorrell
"Never believe your own press clippings." - Michael Sorrell
"Be a prolific reader." - Dr. Jamison
"Be Better! It doesn't turn on race, it turns on skills." - Dr. Jamison
They both agreed that to be successful, you must bring your swagger!
Books to Read (Suggested by the Panelists)
The Alchemist
Tipping Point
Outliers
Good to Great
Financial Times
www.slate.com for news stories
Biographies of Carnegie, Rockefeller, etc.
Dr. Jamison
Michael J. Sorrell, President of Paul Quinn College
http://www.pqc.edu/president_bio.htm
ULGDYP Moderators
Frances Reno, Shaunte Allen
Notable Quotes by the Panelists
"Learn as much as you can about as much as you can." - Michael Sorrell
"Never believe your own press clippings." - Michael Sorrell
"Be a prolific reader." - Dr. Jamison
"Be Better! It doesn't turn on race, it turns on skills." - Dr. Jamison
They both agreed that to be successful, you must bring your swagger!
Books to Read (Suggested by the Panelists)
The Alchemist
Tipping Point
Outliers
Good to Great
Financial Times
www.slate.com for news stories
Biographies of Carnegie, Rockefeller, etc.
Dr. Jamison
President Sorrell
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Fahamu Pecou Art Experience
The most engaging and fun art show that I've attended with a huge number of YPs and 80's fans!
The title of the show - Fahamou Pecou is the Sh--! may have drawn the crowd or maybe it was their desire to dress up in 80's fashion. All of the hot pink tights and big hair couldn't compare to Fahamou's Shonuff outfit. But hey, he was the main attraction!
The art included Pecou 's own image in a variety of pop culture poses on huge canvases depicting hip hop legends on magazine covers (Puffy, LL, and the like) sometimes laced with song lyrics. It was unique, fresh and interesting... I even left with an autographed book!
Most interesting was the DJ spinning Thriller, Soul Train line and the best dressed contest.
Artistic response...
Thriller night at the Conduit Gallery...
Watermelon Democracy
Watermelon Democracy
I have been a Banana Republic girl for quite some time. So much so that I even have friends that work there! And how weird was it for me to bump into an articulate young entrepreneur with a twist on the name that I've grown to love so much.
Here is a great introduction from the founder. Yes, and he is definitely a YP. Enjoy! Find him on Facebook in my friends list...
I have been a Banana Republic girl for quite some time. So much so that I even have friends that work there! And how weird was it for me to bump into an articulate young entrepreneur with a twist on the name that I've grown to love so much.
Here is a great introduction from the founder. Yes, and he is definitely a YP. Enjoy! Find him on Facebook in my friends list...
Monday, March 16, 2009
Monday Night Politics
I'll be sitting on a panel for six weeks of Monday Night Politics debates with Dallas area leaders running for City Council seats. We will also hold a forum for and against the Convention Center hotel with the Mayor of Dallas arguing against the proposition (for the hotel).
They are sponsored by the Urban League of Greater Dallas, Urban League of Greater Dallas Young Professionals, NAACP, Delta Sigma Theta and presented by the Dallas Examiner.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Marshawn Evans: Skirts in the Boardroom @ SMU
Marshawn Evans: Skirts in the Boardroom @ SMU
On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of attending a book signing for the former Apprentice-hopeful, Marshawn Evans. Beauty queen, attorney and entrepreneur, Marshawn gave the hometown crowd an overview of her new book, Skirts in the Boardroom and a flash of her engagement ring.
The lovely Marshawn, native of Richardson, TX is engaged to be married. And by the smile on she and her fiance's faces, they are extremely happy.
But back to the point, her message was very timely and her delivery was impeccable. 6 months shy of 30, she spoke with the swagger of a seasoned professional. Her book includes fun, yet sage advice for young "skirts" working their way to success.
Her final words to me in my book, "Work your skirt!"
...I just so happened to have a knee-length black one on, so I worked it out to my car and on to my next engagement! :)
On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of attending a book signing for the former Apprentice-hopeful, Marshawn Evans. Beauty queen, attorney and entrepreneur, Marshawn gave the hometown crowd an overview of her new book, Skirts in the Boardroom and a flash of her engagement ring.
The lovely Marshawn, native of Richardson, TX is engaged to be married. And by the smile on she and her fiance's faces, they are extremely happy.
But back to the point, her message was very timely and her delivery was impeccable. 6 months shy of 30, she spoke with the swagger of a seasoned professional. Her book includes fun, yet sage advice for young "skirts" working their way to success.
Her final words to me in my book, "Work your skirt!"
...I just so happened to have a knee-length black one on, so I worked it out to my car and on to my next engagement! :)
Monday, February 2, 2009
My Favorite Super Bowl Commercial
I will not comment on my job. I refuse. It may cause me to lose it. And that would be really tragic!
But this is my fav ad from the Super Bowl.
http://www.careerbuilder.com/tv/
But this is my fav ad from the Super Bowl.
http://www.careerbuilder.com/tv/
The Superbowl: The Victory of the Young Professional
Mike Tomlin: Given a chance at 34
I am not a sports buff by any stretch of the imagination. Like many, I watch the Superbowl for the commercials and the musical entertainment.
This year, I was intrigued by the coach. Of course, he is an African-American, but upon closer inspection, he was young...very young. And since I watched the game with the Dallas Young Professionals Executive Board, my mind was already wired for young achievement.
Coach Tomlin was hired at the age of 34 in 2007 and finished his 1st season with a winning 10-6 record.
Teachable moment, at the time that he became the coach of an NFL team, he had never been the coach of an NFL team. How many times are we told that we can't because we haven't before? How will we know if we never try?
The next time someone tells you (or more importantly you tell yourself) that you can't. Tell them that Coach Tomlin led his team to a Superbowl win with only two years as a Head Coach. When in key positions at Tampa Bay and Minnesota, he honed his craft, watched, learned and waited for the opportunity to realize his dreams!
Way to go Coach Tomlin! I might start watching football next year.
Read more about Coach Tomlin: http://news.steelers.com/team/coach/49255/
I am not a sports buff by any stretch of the imagination. Like many, I watch the Superbowl for the commercials and the musical entertainment.
This year, I was intrigued by the coach. Of course, he is an African-American, but upon closer inspection, he was young...very young. And since I watched the game with the Dallas Young Professionals Executive Board, my mind was already wired for young achievement.
Coach Tomlin was hired at the age of 34 in 2007 and finished his 1st season with a winning 10-6 record.
Teachable moment, at the time that he became the coach of an NFL team, he had never been the coach of an NFL team. How many times are we told that we can't because we haven't before? How will we know if we never try?
The next time someone tells you (or more importantly you tell yourself) that you can't. Tell them that Coach Tomlin led his team to a Superbowl win with only two years as a Head Coach. When in key positions at Tampa Bay and Minnesota, he honed his craft, watched, learned and waited for the opportunity to realize his dreams!
Way to go Coach Tomlin! I might start watching football next year.
Read more about Coach Tomlin: http://news.steelers.com/team/coach/49255/
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