Black El Paso Voice

All Things Black in El Paso

Nonprofit

McCall Neighborhood Center: A Call to Advertisers for the 2024 African American Historical Calendar

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The McCall Neighborhood Center, a cherished institution dedicated to celebrating African-American heritage and community achievements, is thrilled to announce the forthcoming release of its fourth African American Historical Calendar for 2024. This initiative, driven by a commitment to uphold the legacy of local trailblazers, organizations, and churches, also serves as a vital fundraiser for the center’s continued operations and programs.

This annual publication pays homage to individuals, institutions, and places that have paved the way for progress in the McCall neighborhood and beyond. The African American Historical Calendar showcases the community’s rich achievements, art, and cultural heritage. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of founder Leona Ford Washington, who envisioned a platform for celebrating African American heritage and fostering community unity.

As part of this fundraising initiative, McCall Neighborhood Center invites individuals and businesses to participate by purchasing advertisements in the 2024 African American Historical Calendar. The following advertising options are available:

  • Full Page Ad: $100
  • Half Page Ad: $50
  • Business Listing: $15
  • Church Listing: $15
  • Events Listing (Birthday, Anniversary, etc.): $10

The deadline for ad submissions is November 10th, providing an excellent opportunity for businesses and individuals to show their support for this noble cause.

For each full-page ad purchased, contributors will receive a complimentary calendar and one free event date listing. Additional calendars are available for purchase for $10 each. 

As a token of appreciation, McCall Neighborhood Center will recognize the generous contributors to this fundraiser project as “Olympian Supporters.” Donors who contribute $100 or more will be celebrated as GOLD supporters, those donating $50 or more as SILVER supporters, and contributors of $25 or more as BRONZE supporters.

For the past 38 years, McCall Neighborhood Center has remained steadfast in its mission to celebrate African American accomplishments and culture while providing a space for community engagement. The center is immensely grateful for the unwavering support it has received from friends and supporters throughout its journey.

McCall Neighborhood Center invites everyone to participate in this meaningful project by submitting an ad or contributing as an Olympian Supporter.  

Sincerely,

The McCall Neighborhood Center African American Historical Calendar Committee:

Patricia White

Doris M. Taylor

Karen Cooper Linen

Barbara Byrd 

For more information or to purchase an ad, visit https://mccallcenter.org 

Your support ensures the continuation of our mission and honors the legacy of those who have paved the way for our community’s success.

White ParTee on the Green | El Paso, TX Chapter of the Links, Inc.

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Via The El Paso, TX Chapter of the Links, Incorporated.

“Have a business or a cause? Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in scholarships for students and service programming efforts. Become an event sponsor or “swing” your marketing items into our Swag Bags!!
Proceeds from “White Par-Tee on the Green” will also benefit The Links Foundation, Incorporated, a non-profit corporation operating within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Contact us at epclinksinc@gmail.com for details!”

#BlackBusinessMonth | Young Pioneer Changemaker: Wilbur “Bookie” Coleman III Named Black El Paso’s Youth of the Year

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Young Pioneer Changemaker: Wilbur “Bookie” Coleman III Named Black El Paso’s Youth of the Year

 

Wilbur “Bookie” Coleman III has emerged as an inspirational force in El Paso, earning the coveted title of Black El Paso Voice Youth of the Year – he’s also affectionately known as the “Fresh Prince of El Paso.” His dedication to driving positive change shines through his co-founding of “Bookie and Mommy’s Helping Hand,” a nonprofit committed to alleviating hunger among the homeless population in the city.

 

Bookie’s journey started during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic when he actively participated in distributing essential supplies to those in need. This experience ignited his empathetic drive, leading to the creation of a brilliant nonprofit venture. Through their 501c3 organization, Bookie and Mommy (Cheree Coleman) play a pivotal role in providing sustenance and support to vulnerable segments of society.

 

His journey from visionary advocate to Black El Paso Youth of the Year exemplifies the potential of youth-led change, underlining the spirit celebrated during #BlackBusinessMonth.

 

As #BlackBusinessMonth takes center stage in August, Bookie’s narrative gains even more significance. His tireless dedication to addressing homelessness underscores the power of youth-driven initiatives. By raising awareness and garnering community support, Bookie and Mommy’s Helping Hand exemplify the potential of emerging young activists.

 

You can contribute to their cause through platforms like CashApp, Zelle, ApplePay, and Venmo. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram: @bookieandmommyshelpinghand. For inquiries or collaboration, contact them at bookieandmommyshelpinghand@gmail.com.

 

Bookie’s upcoming 9th birthday on September 2nd will bring a unique challenge to the community. Black El Paso Voice is challenging the community to participate, so stay tuned for details within the next two weeks as this young advocate continues to shape the positive narrative we so desperately need in our community, especially for young Black leaders. 

 

Bookie and Mommy’s Helping Hand stands as a testament to the impact of empathy and proactive action.

Fine…

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How are you? I’m fine

How are you feeling? I’m fine

Fine is the word many of us use when stressed from work, going through relationship problems, and even facing health concerns. We’re always fine. Everything is fine, and everybody is fine until we’re not fine, but what happens then. Who do we reach out to? Friends, clergy, or mental health providers. I believe it’s okay to reach out to friends and clergy, but there comes a time when we need help from mental health experts. I strongly believe that it’s okay to have Jesus and a therapist too.

Last year, I connected with a new therapist through the Therapy for Black Girls Podcast as my former therapist, and I was not working out. Until the pandemic hit, I didn’t realize the podcast had a curated list of black therapists on their website from all across the US. With the pandemic in full bloom, I needed to speak to a virtual therapist because everything in my life was not fine. For many, going to a therapist can be taboo or have a stigma connected to it, but it has helped me get through a lot, such as divorce, empty nest syndrome, and just life period.

There are other organizations besides Therapy for Black Girls that can connect you to a mental health therapist. One such organization is Get Headstrong, a nonprofit that sees veterans and spouses at no cost. During the mid-stages of pandemic lockdown, I interviewed the Chief Executive Officer, Jim McDonough, for the podcast Talking Nonprofits. He stated at Get Headstrong, “They are first and foremost veterans themselves, so they understand what it means to serve veterans.” They serve veterans and spouses who have suicidal ideations, PTSD and they see veterans like me who aren’t always fine.  They pride themselves on their ability to get people to talk and reduce some barriers associated with stigma and access to mental health. Get Headstrong uses a proven, evidence-based approach model that is highly individualized and joins the person wherever they are in their mental health journey. There are also no limitations on service; veterans can continue to get treatment for a lifetime.

An additional organization that can help others get beyond feeling fine is the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) El Paso. NAMI El Paso is a local organization that’s the largest grassroots mental health organization. NAMI El Paso focuses on providing education, support, advocacy, and awareness to those with mental health conditions. In my podcast interview with Isidro Torres, Executive Director, he shared that, “Many times we don’t want to talk about it and so when it comes to mental health and suicidal behaviors. We don’t understand the symptoms.”  He said, “If we’re able to understand the symptoms of mental conditions and intervene before they get worse, we can prevent suicide.”   We need to have open and honest conversations about mental health and suicide ideations, and I agree.  There are so many resources out there to get help; let’s talk and get beyond feeling fine; let’s feel great.

Resources:
EP NAMI – https://namiep.org/
Get Headstrong- https://getheadstrong.org/
Therapy for Black Girls- https://therapyforblackgirls.com/