, , , , , , ,

A Focus on the Future After a Year of Loss and Lessons

2020 represents a lot of loss for me, as it does for many others. It also represents a year where I was reminded of just how creative, flexible, compassionate, and resourceful I can be and how the lessons from my past can help me focus on the…
Summer Owens and Miriam DeCosta Sugarman
,

Becoming a Part of History- The Miriam DeCosta Sugarman Marker Dedication Ceremony

There are not many moments when you're invited to be a part of history. Last Monday, I had the honor of speaking on the program for a major moment in University of Memphis history. As part of the University of Memphis' initiatives to Eradicate…
,

20 Years Later. A Teen Mom Homecoming Achievement.

Have you ever achieved something that you didn't even consider pursuing because you didn't even know it was a "thing." Well, here's my teen mom homecoming achievement. 20 years I did just that when I was named Ms. University of Memphis 2000-2001. Teen…
Marker where Bertha Looney and the Memphis State 8 fought racial injustice
, ,

Racial Injustice – A Message from the President

No, this isn’t a message from that president. This one. Being a black woman with friends of all races, I feel it is important for me to address racial injustice. As the president of the national alumni association of my alma mater.…
, , , ,

7 Tips for Surviving 7 Years as an Entrepreneur

This morning when I woke up I followed my new normal routine. I drank a 32-ounce bottle of water with my favorite energy powder added, put on workout clothes, and headed out the door for a 3-mile walk/run. That's what gives me the energy…
, ,

Chapter 41- My COVID-19 Birthday

Because of the meaning of my birthday (much more than me being born), I always try to do something significant on my birthday. And write about it. Like for all the people who canceled birthday plans- and wedding plans, graduation plans,…
, , , , , , ,

10 Ways the Coronavirus is Forcing 2020 Vision

Unless you've been hiding under a rock, you're aware of the COVID-19 crisis that has disrupted our entire world in a matter of months. Rounding out 2019, I don't think anyone (with the exception of a few people) had any idea this was coming.…
, , , , ,

My Journey to the Motherland- Accra, Ghana Day 10

On the 10th day in Ghana, we returned to Mokola Market for Justin to try on the suits he was having custom-made. Justin, who is half Ghanaian, has done a beautiful job of incorporating his culture into his speaking business. When he does corporate…
, , , ,

My Journey to the Motherland- Accra, Ghana Day 8

Justin, who is half Ghanaian, has done a beautiful job of incorporating his culture into his speaking business. On the 8th day in Ghana, he worked with a local film crew to record footage for a documentary he is creating about the making of…