SISTERS' SANCTUARY

Lacey Loves

2008-09-13T02:14:00.000-04:00

-clothes dried in the sunshine

-knowing that my physical, emotional and spirtual needs are worthy of being met

-the art of clarity (getting rid of vaguness)

-recyclying

Self-Love Day Activity

2008-09-13T02:11:00.000-04:00

Self-Love Day Activity:

What fears have been holding you back?

What judgements and toxic beliefs do you carry?

What can you do to add pure love to the situation or thought ?

Commit to doing that thing today. Right now!

Happy Self-Love Day

2008-09-13T02:05:00.001-04:00

Greeting Beautiful People!

Will you turn your Divine Spark into a flame on this Self-love love day? In this life time?

The Divine Spark

n Divine Humanity believes that each and every person has an immortal ʽsparkʼ within them. This is oursacred self.

n This starlight that we have within us needs to be awaken, to grow and to be brought to the surface and nourished until its radiance suffuses the world.

n In so doing our relationship to ourselves and to all other things of the world is transformed from being based on fear to being based on love.

New Consciousness

n Life is not about ʽsinʼ or ʽguilt.ʼ

n Life is about Awakening.

n Awakening to a new consciousness that the divine is in all things, all things have consciousness and that we are divine human beings born in love and in goodness.

n This transformation of consciousness from a sinful human being to a divine human being is essential for the well-being of humanity and the earth.

Rev. Dr. JC Husfelt and Rev. Sherry Husfelt

of http://www.divinehumanity.com

This Self-love Day let us celebrate and ignite our Divine Sparks and inspire our youth to do the same.

Happy Self-love Day Beautiful People!

Lacey!

Personal Empowerment Coach

Sisters' Sanctuary

Video Pick of the Month - Zora Howard - Biracial Hair

2008-08-24T11:39:00.001-04:00

Sisters' Sanctuary Sponsored Event

2008-08-23T18:19:00.002-04:00

Philly Stand UP! in LA! 215 LA!

Calling ALL PHILADELPHIANS!!!
It has been a long time coming and now we have arrived. We all came from the City of Brotherly Love to the City of Angels for one reason or another. Some of our original focuses have shifted to other goals and some of us are on the same path. It is time for us all to meet and create an epicenter of Family and Community of Philadelphians.

WE WELCOME YOU TO 215LA!

Faruq Jenkins, Lacey C. Clark! of (www.sisterssanctuary.com) & Nana
Location: The House of Nana
11445 Stagg Street, North Hollywood, CA 91605-2620 US

When: Saturday, September 13, 2:00PM
Phone: 323-445-2565

Our mission is to pool all of our resources to support each others endeavors, artistic and otherwise, by developing a collective network of togetherness in an effort to help the visions of its members manifest into a reality.

Are you teaching a class?

Fundraising for a project?

Performing Live?

Do you need a babysitter?

Do you need a ride to the airport?

Fun stuff too...Bowling Night, Pot Luck Dinners, and Basketball Games when the 76ers are in town! Possibilities are endless. LET US COMMUNE!!!

Please spread the word to all Philly people in your circle and beyond by forwarding this invite.

Happy Sisters' Sanctuary Self-Love Day

2008-08-13T00:48:00.002-04:00

Hello Beautiful People!
How are you? Happy Sisters' Sanctuary Self-love Day!
I wanted to share this message of personal empowerment for this month's self-love day! Enjoy!

Be Proactive:

We’re all born dependent and experience years of solid effort at getting us to do what others want us to do. Most still carry a mental map which puts them below the powerful and truly capable “other people” of our real or =0 A fantasy lives. The habits of self-acceptance and listening to our internal drummers are hard to develop, but critical for full living. Self-confidence is where it all starts. It’s not an “act”— but it is a “decision” which one can make and struggle to live with. Self-confidence comes from experience at taking risks to try things out, and giving yourself some credit for doing so.Self-confidence comes from abolishing guilt, putting fear on the shelf, and telling yourself every moment of your life that you are o.k. It comes from habits of listening to, and going with, one’s heart and desire, rather than being 0D cowed by the fears which one can always apply to circumstances. When things could go either way, Winners get in the habit of describing the glass as ‘half full’ rather than ‘half empty’.

Steve Iman

excerpt from: Personal Growth

http://www.csupomona.edu/~sciman/steve/articles/essaysonggowth.pdf

Here's to truly accepting and honoring you and inspiring our youth to do the same!
Happy Self-Love Day Beautiful People!

Lacey!
Personal Empowerment Coach/Founder
Sisters' Sanctuary

Self - Love Activity

2008-08-13T00:47:00.000-04:00

Practice developing your intuition. We have all have it. Sit in quiet without t.v. radio or computer.
Ask a question, take deep breaths and listen for the answer. Repeat until the answer feels right in your spirit or center of peace.

Lacey! Loves

2008-08-13T00:43:00.000-04:00

Lacey! Loves:

-Trees...the varied shapes and sizes.

-Salmon pate' and caviar on an omelet.

-Making Friends

-DA (Debtors Anonymous) (Please do a google search)

-Cashing checks

-Avocado

-People who ask, "How are you doing?" and really care to hear the true answer.

Word from The Youth

2008-08-06T00:10:00.000-04:00

Tell us the truth, and give us room to live! We want advice, and what better guidance to give then from true experiences from our parents, who we hope have our greatest interest at heart.

Anjanae DeCoursey

Imhotep Charter High School

01/09/07

Sisters' Worth Celebrating - July 2008 - The Black Women's Art Festival

2008-07-30T09:35:00.000-04:00

The Black Women’s Arts Festival (BWAF) was founded and produced in March 2003 by Founder and Former Director Cassendre Xavier. Xavier produced a 3-day event, which showcased the work of black women artists in: performance, visual arts, literary arts, and film. Now in its fifth year BWAF has become a non-profit which produces a once-yearly 4-day festival which showcases: Music/Live Performance, Literary Arts, Visual Arts, Film/Video, Workshops, and Dance/Theater and hosts over 60 artists from across the globe. BWAF is committed to being a platform that values black women and their work; emphasizing unique, under-represented art forms, showcasing new and emerging artists while promoting the necessity of health and well-being. Led by Creative Director Monica McIntyre, BWAF is poised to become a world-renowned arts festival. Sisters' Sanctuary was able to have a brief Q & A with BWAF Creative Director, Monica McIntyre.

What is BWAF?

BWAF is the Black Women's Arts Festival, an annual festival and non-profit organization. It's a Philadelphia based community event which focuses on the visibility and viability of black women artists of all genres and media without regard for: age, gender expression, physical ability, religion, sexual orientation or size. BWAF is a 501(c)3 organization.

When was BWAF started? Who are the founders of BWAF?

The Black Women's Arts Festival was founded in March 2003 by Cassendre Xavier and began as a 3-day one-time event.

Where is BWAF located?

Our festival, as of BWAF 2007, takes place in multiple locations. Our venues for this year are: First Unitarian Church, The Rotunda, Kaffa Crossing, Vivant Art Collection, The Metropolitan Bakery & Cafe, Sanctuary, and World Cafe Live.

Why was BWAF started?

Cassendre Xavier created the Black Women's Arts Festival in response to a lack of visible and viable black female artists; she knew they existed and made an opportunity to feature their talent.

Why are you apart of BWAF?

I first became involved with the Black Women's Arts Festival in 2003 as a performer and recognized the beauty and inspiration that this event gave me. I just knew this event had to keep happening and was given the opportunity to curate it in 2004 and have since been heavily involved in its organizing and production. This is such an important and necessary event for our community and the world at large and I am compelled to stay involved.

What is the membership of BWAF made up of? (For example, type of people, their location, etc.)

At present the Black Women's Arts Festival doesn't have membership.

Do BWAF have any upcoming events? Tell us about this event? (for example, purpose, location, date, time, price, etc.)

We are preparing for our 5th Annual Black Women's Arts Festival happening July 31st-August 3rd, 2008 in Philadelphia, PA. For more information, complete schedule, pricing, and discounted tickets go to: www.bwafphilly.org or call 215.951.0330 ext 2108.

Tell us about the past participates?

We have been blessed to have some amazing performers grace the Black Women's Arts Festival. Our past years have featured: Sparlha Swa, RhapsodE, Davina Stewart, Walidha Imarisha, Olu Butterfly, Ryva Parker, and Voice of Africa, to name a few.

How does this event encourage teen girls? How does BWAF look to affect the lives of teen girls?

By honoring black women artists we send a positive message to young women about their importance as people, females, and artists. Seeing the wide range of talent that is presented by our festival: dance, theater, visual arts, literary arts, films, and workshops; helps to expand their perceptions of what women can and are able to do.

Photos In Order of Appearances: Creative Director, Monica McIntrye; Founder, Cassendre Xavier; 2007 Featured Artist, Keisha Hutchins; 2007 Featured Artist, Nedra Johnson; 2004,2005 & 2007 Featured Artist, Marcia McIntyre; 2003 & 2005 Featured Artist, GHETTOSONGBIRD; 2007 Featured Artist, Sparlha Swa.

Video Pick of the Month

2008-07-24T02:30:00.004-04:00

This video is dedicated to all the sisters who are in pain. Unresolved hurt in girlhood evolves into more unresolved pain in womanhood. Please know that healing, peace and beauty is possible.
I love you.

Lacey!

Happy SELF-LOVE DAY BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE!

2008-07-13T15:39:00.003-04:00

Greeting Beautiful PEOPLE!
Happy JULY Sisters' Sanctuary SELF-LOVE DAY!

I wanted to share some inspirational nuggets that will carry you through the month. Please share with as many people as you can!

"Lack of self-worth is the fundamental source of all emotional pain. A feeling of insecurity, unworthiness and lack of value is the core experience of powerlessness."~ Gary Zukav & Linda Francis - from "The Heart Of The Soul" ~

Self-love is priceless!
Be inspired to create healthy models for our youth.
Model self-love!

Happy Self-love Day Beautiful People!
Lacey !
Personal Empowerment Coach and Founder
Sisters' Sanctuary

Sel-Love Day ACTIVITY!

2008-07-13T15:33:00.003-04:00

Refer 5-10 people to this blog to watch the posted video and discuss the relevance of the posted quote.

Lacey Loooves:

2008-07-13T15:06:00.006-04:00

The design and the summer events at the Ford Ampitheater in Los Angeles.

The grounds, gardens and view of the hill and mountains from the Getty Museum.

Mya aka “My-My” the medium burnt orange colored dog because she is so sweet.

A freshly laundered, big, fluffy and white comforter because it makes me feel like I am wrapped in a soft cloud.

Trader Joes! Because they have inexpensive, high quality, and gourmet health food.

Creating and being part of community because it reminds me that people need each other for support, understanding and love. Isolation is a dream killer.

The Spa Soiree presented by VIBE HOLISTIC. Free high quality spa services… (I got the Rain Drop Therapy and reflexology )and a free buffet of health food with coconut water and cashew juice. YUM! It was delectable! Loved every second of it! Another one is coming up in Sept in LA and in 09 in NY.

What do you looooove?

Word From Our Youth

2008-07-06T10:43:00.002-04:00

Does abuse equal love? If it doesn’t comments like “I’m beating you because I love you” imply that. Personally I’m not a supporter of beatings.

Anjanae DeCoursey

Imhotep Charter High School

01/09/07

Earth & Women Documentary

2008-06-30T02:11:00.001-04:00

New Vision was Associate Producer and Director of Photography. This project ended up being the pilot for a series about caring for Mother Earth & Nature by utilizing Sustainable Living. Producer, Lyndol Michael - Differentia Films www.media-theater.com and it was picked up by a distributor in USA.

Statement of Black Men Against the Exploitation of Black Women

2008-06-21T04:00:00.000-04:00

*Statement of Black Men Against the Exploitation of Black Women*

Six years have gone by since we first heard the allegations that R. Kelly had filmed himself having sex with an underage girl. During that time we have seen the videotape being hawked on street corners in Black communities, as if the dehumanization of one of our own was not at stake. We have seen entertainers rally around him and watched his career reach new heights despite the grave possibility that he had molested and urinated on a 13-year old girl. We saw African Americans purchase millions of his records despite the long history of such charges swirling around the singer. Worst of all, we have witnessed the sad vision of Black people cheering his acquittal with a fervor usually reserved for community heroes and shaken our heads at the stunning lack of outrage over the verdict in the broader Black community.

Over these years, justice has been delayed and it has been denied. Perhaps a jury can accept R. Kelly's absurd defense and find "reasonable doubt" despite the fact that the film was shot in his home and featured a man who was identical to him. Perhaps they doubted that the young woman in the courtroom was, in fact, the same person featured in the ten year old video. But there is no doubt about this: some young Black woman was filmed being degraded and exploited by a much older Black man, some daughter of our community was left unprotected, and somewhere another Black woman is being molested, abused or raped and our callous handling of this case will make it that much more difficult for her to come forward and be believed. And each of us is responsible for it.

We have proudly seen the community take to the streets in defense of Black men who have been the victims of police violence or racist attacks, but that righteous outrage only highlights the silence surrounding this verdict.

We believe that our judgment has been clouded by celebrity-worship; we believe that we are a community in crisis and that our addiction to sexism has reached such an extreme that many of us cannot even recognize child molestation when we see it.

We recognize the absolute necessity for Black men to speak in a single, unified voice and state something that should be absolutely obvious: that the women of our community are full human beings, that we cannot and will not tolerate the poisonous hatred of women that has already damaged our families, relationships and culture.

We believe that our daughters are precious and they deserve our protection. We believe that Black men must take responsibility for our contributions to this terrible state of affairs and make an effort to change our lives and our communities.

This is about more than R. Kelly's claims to innocence. *It is about our survival as a community*. Until we believe that our daughters, sisters, mothers, wives and friends are worthy of justice, until we believe that rape, domestic violence and the casual sexism that permeates our culture are absolutely unacceptable, until we recognize that the first priority of any community is the protection of its young, we will remain in this tragic dead-end.

We ask that you:

o Sign your name if you are a Black male who supports this statement:

http://www.petitiononline.com/rkelly/petition.html

o Forward this statement to your entire network and ask other Black males to sign as well

o Make a personal pledge to never support R. Kelly again in any form or fashion, unless he publicly apologizes for his behavior and gets help for his long-standing sexual conduct, in his private life and in his music

o Make a commitment in your own life to never to hit, beat, molest, rape, or exploit Black females in any way and, if you have, to take ownership for your behavior, seek emotional and spiritual help, and, over time, become a voice against all forms of Black female exploitation

o Challenge other Black males, no matter their age, class or educational background, or status in life, if they engage in behavior and language that is exploitative and or disrespectful to Black females in any way. If you say nothing, you become just as guilty.

o Learn to listen to the voices, concerns, needs, criticisms, and challenges of Black females, because they are our equals, and because in listening we will learn a new and different kind of Black manhood

We support the work of scholars, activists and organizations that are helping to redefine Black manhood in healthy ways. Additional resources are listed below.

Books:
Who's Gonna Take the Weight, Kevin Powell
New Black Man, Mark Anthony Neal
Deals with the Devil and Other Reasons to Riot, Pearl Cleage
Traps: African American Men on Gender and Sexuality, Rudolph Byrd and Beverly Guy-Sheftall

Films:
I Am A Man: Black Masculinity in America, by Byron Hurt
Hip Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes, by Byron Hurt
NO! The Rape Documentary, by Aishah Simmons

Organizations
The 2025 Campaign: www.2025bmb.org <http://www.2025bmb.org>
Men Stopping Violence: www.menstoppingviolence.org <http://www.menstoppingviolence.org>

Happy Self-Love Day Activity !

2008-06-13T12:22:00.000-04:00

Take a few moments to ask yourself what the Self-Love Day message mean to you.

What does it mean to you?

I invite you to leave a comment so we can all share in the reflection.

Peace and Greatness,
Lacey C. Clark!

HAPPY SELF-LOVE DAY BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE!

2008-06-13T12:07:00.002-04:00

Greeting Beautiful People!

Happy June Self -Love Day! YEAAAAAAAAH!
I came across this quote...it vibrated with my spirit and I wanted to share it with you as the theme of this month's Self-love Day:

"Hearts are blocked by attachment. The heart is a radiant energy and we block it from flowing out. If we let if flow peace, love and joy would become real. " -Sian

Here's to being in the DIVINE flow with our cups overflowing with peace, love and joy and inspiring our youth to do the same.

Happy Self-love Day Beautiful People!
Lacey!
Personal Empowerment/ Self Esteem Coach!
Founder
Sisters' Sanctuary

Temple Sanctuary by Monisha Garner of Moya Body Care

2008-06-13T09:37:00.008-04:00

Apply a light Yoga and Breathing routine in the morning before you start your day. You will have increased blood circulation and oxygen throughout the body which enhances skin tone, keeps eyes bright and clear and promotes a healthy mental outlook.

Moya Body Care is about returning back to our natural state, becoming centered beings and maintaining a balance between a healthy lifestyle and genuine wellness. Our mission is to assist in creating a wholistic approach in attaining greatness in life. We offer a combination of Colon Hydrotherapy, Massage Therapy, Yoga and Organic Body Care as well as individualized Wellness Coaching that is designed to empower and move you to take action.

Website Link: www.moyabodycare.com
Email: monisha_garner@yahoo.com

Lacey! Loooooooves:

2008-06-13T07:45:00.009-04:00

Hanging out with Monique and Z(he's so beautiful, he's only 1.5 years), Monisha and Ksands. Monique, Z and I went to a non denominational church and during one of the musical selections, I was overwhelmed with joy and vulnerability that I began to cry. As soon as the tears fell he began to rub me in comfort. The DIVINE speaks through the youth. Are we listening? I just met Z(two weeks ago)... but he is so intuitive. He was 95 percent quiet the whole service..imagine that.

Kiting on the beach at sunset.

Jumping and laughing uncontrollably in a bounce house (the kind at amusement parks).

My friend, "Beats".

The time spent with Michael in Long Beach,CA...so effortless and beautiful! Thank you.

Grilled fish.

Leslie Odom - because he exudes grace, greatness and an artistic brilliance and I am filled to the brim in his presence. Here is Leslie singing, Try a Little Tenderness.

What do you looooooOOve?

Word From Our Youth

2008-06-06T05:18:00.001-04:00

Name calling is disrespectful, words like “ho”, “bitch”, and “slut” hurt us. Approach us with encouraging words like, “beautiful”, “smart”, and “sacred” when talking to us. To find out more ways to handle difficult situations see “Celebrate HER Now!” An Interactive Guide to Loving Ourselves and Embracing Female Youth of The Hip-Hop Generation, By Lacey C. Clark!

Anjanae DeCoursey

Imhotep Charter High School

01/09/07

Video of the Month - "A Powerful Noise"

2008-05-30T18:40:00.002-04:00

An official selection of the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival, this inspiring documentary follows three extraordinary women -- in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Mali and Vietnam -- as they overcome barriers to lead day-to-day battles against ignorance, poverty, oppression, and ethnic strife. Visit www.apowerfulnoise.org to learn more.

Executive Producer Sheila Johnson talks about "A Powerful Noise" on Fox Business News.

At the Tribeca Film Festival in New York, viewers discuss the new documentary "A Powerful Noise."

Sister's Worth Celebrating - May 2008

2008-05-24T10:49:00.020-04:00

Good Day Everyone,

I am your blog manager, Shanny. I will be formally introducing myself later this month.

This month in Sister's Worth Celebrating, I could not settle on one Sister. So, I am going to talk about a few and I want you all to share your thoughts. I also want you all to tell us about a Sister or Sisters you think are worth celebrating. The Sisters I have chosen are Mary McLeod Bethune, Mary Mahoney, The Square Rootz, Priscilla Maddox & Joan Reid.

Mary McLeod Bethune was African-American teacher who, with only $1.50, began a school to help educate young African-American women. Sister Mary McLeod Bethune has inspired all of us to sisterhood and protecting our younger sisters. She also has shown us it does not take alot to start. I feel Sister Bethune's spirit throughout Sisters' Sanctuary, which is why I am a supporter. I am confident Sister Bethune would too.

Mary Mahoney was the first African American woman to study and work as a professionally trained nurse. Mahoney received her diploma from the New England Hospital in 1879, one of only four of 18 to pass the difficult course. So to all of those who are nurses and aspiring nurses, this is one of the Sister that paved they way for you. If you have a young lady that has shown interest in nursing make sure she knows who this woman is.

These next Sisters are a personal inspiration to me. I say personal, because they are running the type of business I am building at the moment. When I started researching Kitchen Co-ops, I found there were none in my area. I widen my area search and found an article entitled, 'Can’t Stand the Heat? Then Rent the Kitchen' by Joseph P. Fried from the New York Times. In his articles, he spotlights Priscilla Maddox & Joan Reid, the owners of Kitchen For Hire in Brooklyn. I was inspired by how these ladies well into retirement, decided to venture out onto something new. They shared a lot of information that helped me with what I needed to know about my business venture. I have recently had the opportunity to reach out to them an learn more. I celebrate these Sisters because they were not afraid to try and fail. We need to encourage ourselves, each other and our younger Sisters NOT TO BE AFRAID TO TRY AND FAIL.

Last, but not least The Square Rootz. I had the pleasure of interviewing these Sisters for my magazine. These young vibrate ladies bring color and inspiration to their movement. The present members are New Yorker native Kat Noel, Brooklyn born Boston raise Philly transplant Marly Pierre-Louis and West Coast native Brooklyn transplant Jessica Jones. The have dubbed themselves the official street beaters. These Sisters aim to bring the African Diaspora together through event and media. These Sisters are also very active in their communities. The Square Rootz have formed to be another artery in the positive push for our young Sisters.

These Sisters have made a great impression on my life past, present and future. I only hope to be able to repay them, by making them same sort of impression in other Sisters' lives and paying my represents to them whenever I have the chance. In the upcoming months, I will be presenting more in depth spotlights on these women. Come back and learn more and be inspired more.

Mary McLeod Bethune
Mary Eliza Mahoney, R.N.
Kitchen For Hire
The Square Rootz

Who is the Sister You Celebrate? What does she do? Where is she from? When did you start to celebrate her? Why do you celebrate her? How do you celebrate her inspiration in your daily life?

Shanny aka Shanise B. is the creator/owner of The Akua Projects & Designs By ASH. She is a Philadelphia native and a life long activist for Sisterhood within the African Diaspora. Shanny became a supporter of Sisters' Sanctuary in 2006 and an active part of Sisters' Sanctuary in 2007. Shanny is a lover of creation and creative people. Shanny aspires to open her first brick and mortar business in 2009.

Self-love Day Activity:

2008-05-13T10:58:00.004-04:00

Examine the quality of your relationships. Is there an ebb and flow? Do you give as well as receive? Is there balance? Ask yourself, is this relationship based on love or fear? If it is based on fear, how can I give more love to myself to attract a more love-centered relationship in my life?