Thank you for the beautiful story and coverage of the TRC event! It was a pleasure to meet you and I hope it’s only the beginning of opportunities to work together.
“My Simple Book of Goals allowed me to sit down and write out my goals with really helpful tips. I have improved my focus not only in school but at home and in my everyday activities.”
“Alicia’s Get Up And Goal book is very insightful. It can be applicable to all people of all ages. Whether your goal is to maintain your current priorities or set new ones, its always good to have a guide. The books instruct you to list whatever your goal may be, and then directs you to the steps you need to complete it successfully. Already this school year I can tell that I’ve become more studious. Not that I wasn’t before, but I realized how important it is to make goals, and knowing that you’ve accomplished them is a good feeling.”
NBC NEWS Articles
by Alicia Via NBCBLK
This page does not include all NBC articles written by Alicia.
Please visit the NBCNEWS.com website to read more.
“As a contributor Alicia understands a 360 approach to feature story telling. She can take a complex narrative or straightforward subject and turn a compelling and enjoyable read. Alicia has proven to be a reliable contributor who understands how to support a startup media venture — with speed, flexibility and of course, creativity.”
Alicia article “Gospel Legend Andrae Crouch’s Memory Lives on In Melodies” was NBCBLK’s first online story to be posted.
Crouch’s songs fueled the flames of my burning desire to become a gospel musician and songwriter. To me he was a musical genius who could arrange melodies to stir the soul and write lyrics to prick the heart.
“The blood that gives me strength from day to day, it will never lose its power …”
These soulful lyrics by gospel trailblazer Andraé Crouch rang in my ears upon learning of his death. Crouch died on Thursday at Northridge Hospital in the Los Angeles area from complications of a heart attack.
The music of Andraé Crouch has touched my life for as long as I can remember. During my early childhood, Mom played his “More of the Best” album like a broken record. Yet, the more she played it, the more I grew to love his songs “Soon and Very Soon” and “The Sweet Love of Jesus.”
Crouch’s songs fueled the flames of my burning desire to become a gospel musician and songwriter. To me he was a musical genius who could arrange melodies to stir the soul and write lyrics to prick the heart. I strive to create songs with the depth of Crouch’s “Take Me Back” and “Oh It Is Jesus.”
When speaking of his music, many testify of songs of deliverance and healing.
“When I was 12, I sang on the youth choir at my church and was asked to lead ‘Take Me Back,'” recalls praise and worship singer Vonte Boyd of River of Life Church in Orlando, Florida. “I remember really thinking about the words as I led that song one Sunday morning. It was those words that led me to give my life to Jesus that day.”
Minister Jason Hall, a Los Angeles native, reflects on the personal effects of “Through It All.”
“‘Through It All’ really impacted my life because my mother used to sing that song when we were young. My father had left the home, and we were struggling financially, mentally and spiritually. When she would sing that song, it would help keep hope alive in my life, in my heart and in my mind.”
As a military child, I was afforded the opportunity of fellowship with churches of diverse backgrounds. In my experience, I witnessed the music of Andraé Crouch reaching beyond denomination, age and race.
“Andraé released songs that were so impactful to the nation and to the church that his regular songs for records became hymns. If you look in certain hymnals right now, ‘Soon and Very Soon’ is in the hymnal,” says gospel artist and producer Larry Clark.
After Baltimore: Can the Church Heal Our Crushed Communities?
In an effort to bring dialogue and healing to a community, local and national leaders gathered for a town hall meeting in Baltimore this week at Morgan State University.
“State of Emergency: Baltimore and Beyond,” was broadcast on TV One and addressed police relations, criminal justice reform, and disenfranchised communities. Among voices advocating criminal justice reform was Bishop Harry Jackson, senior pastor of Hope Christian Church in Beltsville, Maryland.
“The bigger end of this funnel is 2.4 million people in prison in America. Every year nearly 600,000 come out. Eighty percent of them are going back and what that’s creating in the black community and brown community is a permanent underclass,” said Jackson. “But what we have to do now is, the church has got to stand up like we did in the old time civil rights days.”
Alicia interviews Bishop Harry Jackson of Hope Christian Church in Lanham, MD
Alicia interviews Bishop T.D. Jakes of The Potters House in Dallas, TX.
Jackson’s comments were received with applause and affirmations. The church undeniably played a monumental role in the civil rights movement of the 1960s. And in the midst of perilous rioting last week, church leaders marched through the streets of Baltimore proclaiming the the lyrics of a faithful hymn:
We are Soldiers,
In the army
We have to fight,
Although we have to cry
We have to hold up the bloodstained banner
We have to hold it up
Until we Die!
Obviously the racial division which has always existed in our country has been brought to the forefront. Advanced technology and social media have aided in exposing the ugly truths about our society to the point that it can no longer be ignored.
Blatant injustices have resulted in killings, rioting, and increased racial and political tension. Cities have been burned and people deeply wounded. At a time of much unrest, Americans of all races are seeking answers, hope, healing and peace. Where do we turn? Many wonder whether the church is really at the helm of reconciliation.
Help Your Child ‘Get Up and Goal’ in 2016
It’s a new year and you’re looking forward to greater things in 2016. In fact, at the least, you’ve made a mental list of goals you plan to accomplish over the next 365 days. That’s awesome, but before you set out to reach for the stars, remember that your child has a few hopes and dreams of their own. Maybe not verbally expressed to you, but they too would love to have a year of improvements and accomplishments.
One of the most vital steps a child can make toward success is to set goals. Cheryl Smith, Director of School Support and Improvement for Montgomery Co. Maryland public schools agrees, “Goal-setting allows students opportunities to be accountable for their own learning. Preparing college and career-ready students begins in the primary years and goal-setting helps to make learning visible and achievable along the way.”
As a youth and young adult leader for over 15 years, I’ve come to understand the importance of parent involvement in the goal-setting and achievement process. Verbal affirmations aren’t enough. Parents who play an active role in helping their children accomplish their goals help create better opportunities for success.
So, as you strive to do better this year, how about making a greater commitment to assist your child in attaining what’s important to them. To get you started, here are a few ways you can help your child “Get up and Goal” in 2016.
History Now: Troy Berry, Charles County’s First Black Sheriff
It’s Black History Month, a time we pay homage to the great stalwarts of the past and the prolific blacks of our time; those who are currently breaking racial barriers and paving ways for our next generation of black leaders. One of those leaders is Sheriff Troy Berry of Charles County, Maryland.
In December Sheriff Berry was installed as the first African American Sheriff in the history of the county’s 356 year old sheriff’s department. NBCBLK caught up with the Sheriff to discuss Ferguson, hostage negotiation, and of course his historic accomplishment.
How does it feel to be Charles County’s first black sheriff?
I’m humbled and I know that I stand on the platform of many fine Americans who came before me; who have allowed me this opportunity to place my name on the ballot.
Why did you run?
I ran to become sheriff not to make history, but to really make a difference and serve my community at a higher capacity.
Faith-Based “War Room” Promotes Healing Through Fervent Prayer
Since 2002, Alex and Stephen Kendrick have been on a quest to change lives through faith-based films. With a humble $20,000 worth of church donations, Microsoft Word and volunteers, the brothers, along with Sherwood Baptist Church, produced their first movie, “Flywheel”—the story of a dishonest car salesman who finds faith and changes his ways. The film was a tearjerker and set the stage for heavy hitters—”Facing The Giants,” “Fireproof” and “Courageous.” With quality acting and soul-stirring plots, all four movies have taken the Christian film industry by storm grossing a combined $78 Million at the domestic box office and distributing in over 75 countries.
Part of the Kendricks’ success is due to their uncanny knack for producing films that speak to issues of daily life. Without effort, most viewers can relate to circumstances, struggles or emotions of at least one main character.
