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Archives for September 2019

Treehouse’s 5th Annual African American Community Conversation

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Treehouse’s 5th Annual African American Community Conversation is on Wednesday, October 23rd  at 5:30 p.m. at the Northwest African American Museum (NAAM) in Seattle, and I hope you’ll join us! This year’s conversation is titled “Black Excellence: Celebrating our success and preparing for the future.” We need each of you to join the conversation, as Treehouse seeks to close the academic/opportunity gap for African American youth that have experienced foster care. We encourage youth to attend the event and participate in the discourse as well.

 

The exhibits at NAAM are open to those attending the conversation. We encourage you to show up at 5:30 p.m. and explore the museum before our discussion.

 

See event details attached, and register at https://engage.treehouseforkids.org/AACC19. Feel free to bring a friend and spread the word.

Are Washington students are missing out on basic life skills ?

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Math, science and language arts are standard classes that Washington students will be learning when they head back to school, but it is the class that is not on their schedule this year that can affect them the most. Personal finance is a lifelong beneficial subject for children to learn in school, yet a recent study analyzed 11,000 high school course catalogues and concluded only 1 in 6 high schoolers is currently required to take a personal finance course to graduate. Washington currently does not have a law that requires students to take a standalone personal finance class. Without these classes, students are missing out on critical life skills that help everyday adults avoid money problems such as budgeting, saving, investing and even how to do their taxes.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) The New Frontier  In Cybersecurity

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Why AI Is The New Frontier In Cybersecurity
 
With breach attempts and cyberattacks increasing, many companies say artificial intelligence (AI) is a necessity in identifying and thwarting threats, and they are devoting bigger pieces of the budget for AI’s role in cybersecurity.
“It’s a fundamental tool going forward due to the approaching reality of the 5G-enabled world, where massive amounts of data will need to be analyzed in real time,” says J. Eduardo Campos, co-founder with his wife, Erica, of Embedded-Knowledge Inc. (www.embedded-knowledge.com) and co-author with her of From Problem Solving to Solution Design: Turning Ideas into Actions.
“5G will empower machine-to-machine communications, and the new wireless technology will be faster, carry more information per second, and interconnect sensors, devices, and computers at large scale.
“With more data flowing at higher speeds, only AI solutions will be able to handle such high volume of transactions while monitoring applications and sensors at the edge of companies’ networks.”
Campos offers some reasons AI is an effective cybersecurity tool for businesses:
  • System-entry protection. AI systems can scan the retina and fingerprints for biometric logins, identifying small changes in patterns — a more secure point of entry than traditional passwords provide. “Hackers cracking passwords open Pandora’s Box,” Campos says. “Passwords are vulnerable to cyberattacks, and personal information such as credit cards are easily compromised. Changing passwords alone isn’t a solution. Biometric systems lower your risk of breaches because biological characteristics are hard to duplicate.”
  • Enhanced threat detection and attack prevention. Cybersecurity firms are training AI systems to detect malware and viruses by using special algorithms. “This enables AI to use pattern recognition, which helps identify malicious software and isolate them,” Campos says. “AI systems are being trained to recognize ransomware before it encrypts. The predictive analytics AI uses are much faster than a manual approach.”
  • Time and cost saving. The average overall time to detect threats and respond to breaches is reduced by up to 12%. “This time reduction occurs by repeatedly scanning for anomalies that show threat patterns,” Campos says. “AI used in fraud detection has saved some companies millions.”
  • Natural language processing. This is a subfield of computer science, information engineering and AI related to programming computers to process natural language data and narrow down the most pertinent information. “AI-powered systems can collect data for reference by scanning articles and studies on cyber threats, helping organizations prepare effective strategies,” Campos says.
“There is still no guarantee against a cyberattack,” Campos says. “But AI certainly takes cybersecurity a step further, and businesses of all sizes are taking notice at a time when threats are always knocking at the door.”
About J. Eduardo Campos
J. Eduardo Campos is co-author with his wife, Erica, of From Problem Solving to Solution Design: Turning Ideas into Actions. Campos spent 13 years at Microsoft, first as a cybersecurity advisor, then leading innovative projects at the highest levels of government in the U.S. and abroad.  His consulting firm, Embedded Knowledge Inc. (www.embedded-knowledge.com), works with organizations and entrepreneurs developing customized business strategies and forming partnerships focused on designing creative solutions to complex problems.

America’s Automotive Trust Honors John D. Barline with President’s Award

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John D. Barline

David L. Madeira, Vice Chairman of America’s Automotive Trust announced today that the organization is distinguishing John D. Barline with the 2019 President’s Award for Outstanding Service to LeMay – America’s Car Museum (ACM).

The President’s Award recognizes a member of the automotive community that has made significant contributions to the Museum’s success as the home of the LeMay Collection and nation’s largest automotive museum. Barline was instrumental in establishing ACM, securing land agreements with the city of Tacoma, handling disputes, planning a capital campaign, and helping secure the New Market Tax Credit Financing agreement.

“What a wonderful and totally unexpected honor to receive the ACM President’s Award. It truly means a lot to me since it was Harold who got me involved at the very beginning,” said Barline. “So, I really have to thank my good friends, Harold and Nancy LeMay for this—Thank you Harold and thank you Nancy!

“I vividly recall back in the ’90s having many long meetings centered around how to keep Harold’s car collection together, the creation of the Museum, his purchase of Marymount, the city’s desire for a location next to the Tacoma Dome, the first nonfamily board of directors, and so forth.”

Barline’s name will be placed permanently on a plaque outside the administrative offices at ACM with other recipients from past years. The award will be conferred prior to the Wheels & Heels Annual Gala on September 7 at ACM.

“Each year we make the presentation of the President’s Award to honor those that have taken large who have made outstanding contributions to the success of America’s Car Museum,” said Madeira. “John has been an important partner in many ways, providing us with wise legal and strategic counsel and strong leadership as Board Chairman when we launched the drive to build the Museum. We are thrilled to be able to present him with this honor, forever recognizing his many, significant contributions to LeMay – America’s Car Museum.”

The groundbreaking at America’s Car Museum took place in 2010, followed by its grand opening in summer 2012. The 4-story, 165,000 sq.-ft. Museum is the largest auto museum in North America and houses over 300 vehicles. Funding for the massive complex took part over nearly a decade with the help of Barline, Madeira and many others.

Barline added: “There are lots of memories, but of special meaning was the hiring of one David Madeira to be our first true museum director. He became our fearless leader, raised big dollars, created a hard working national board, and got the museum built and running. What a spectacular and special place Tacoma now has, the LeMay – America’s Car Museum! Thank you David and thanks to our tireless board of directors. It’s been a long road and although quite challenging at times, it has been fun and most definitely worthwhile!”

For more information on AAT, visit www.aat.org.

 

About America’s Automotive Trust (www.aat.org)

America’s Automotive Trust (AAT), headquartered in Tacoma, Washington, is a not-for-profit corporation that seeks to secure America’s automotive heritage and to transfer the skills and knowledge necessary for the future of collector vehicles and the enthusiast community for generations to come. AAT is made up of four founding members: LeMay – America’s Car Museum, the RPM Foundation, Club Auto and the Concours Club.

 

About LeMay – America’s Car Museum (americascarmuseum.org)

America’s Car Museum (ACM), a member of America’s Automotive Trust, is an international destination for families and auto enthusiasts to celebrate America’s love affair with the automobile and learn how it shaped our society. Based in Tacoma, Wash., the stunning 165,000-sq.-ft. facility has been recognized as one of MSN’s 10 Best Automotive Museums worldwide, USA Today’s 10

Best Museums in Seattle and KING5’s Best Museum in Western Washington. ACM serves as an educational center for students of all ages, features 12 rotating exhibits and hosts AAT’s annual

Signature Events.

 

The Black Hair Conspiracy

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Since California passed Senate Bill 188 known as the CROWN Act, becoming the first state to provide expanded discrimination protections for natural hair, other states have followed suit — New York, New Jersey, and now a proposed bill in Kentucky.
Desreta Jackson, known for her iconic role in the film “The Color Purple” as the young Celie, is today a natural hair expert and California native well-versed in the hair discussion. As author of “The Black Hair Conspiracy,” Jackson has extensive knowledge of the history of hair and the ways in which common myths and customs have been falsely ingrained in popular culture. As a thought-leader in the natural hair realm, she provides an insiders-view on this current topic with broad insights and well-versed responses. Desreta is available for interviews to educate your audience on the CROWN Act and its implications for 2020.

 

The Black Hair Conspiracy takes an in-depth look into the psychological effects of social media standards of beauty and its mental and physical impact by connecting historical facts with psychological theories by some of the greatest philosophers in history, The Black Hair Conspiracy debunks a series of lies put in place to psychologically enforce and control the thinking that we have learned today.

The Black Hair Conspiracy is a step-by-step guide on how to grow and maintain healthy, natural hair from maintenance to protective styling; while disproving common lessons and practices passed down by mass media and the hair care industry. The Black Hair Conspiracy will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how the hair grows along with how to safely find protective styles. It also warns you against the dangers of bad braiders, hair stylist and salons, all while invalidating common myths and customs we have psychologically been brainwashed to believe. “It is not just hair” is the core of the book that teaches how to connect your own hair energy and harness the powers to understanding your personal and financial wealth connections!

•Learn how to care for chemically treated hair
•Learn hacks to solve common hair problems
•Learn how to make homemade products they don’t want you to know about
• Learn how to use your own natural hair energy

Have fun documenting your own journey with our interactive hair diary and learn your hair Do’s and Don’ts.

Breastfeeding Unlocks Lifesaving Benefits to Black Mothers and their Babies

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Removing Breastfeeding Stigma Could Unlock Lifesaving Benefits to Black Mothers and their Babies

Black Breastfeeding Week: Disparities in access to maternity care are alarming

The United States is one of the most dangerous places in the developed world for a black woman giving birth and for black infants in their first year of life.[i]

Stark racial disparities exist between black and white infants in the U.S. The infant mortality rate of non-Hispanic black infants is 10.9 per 1,000 live births, which is 2.3 times the infant mortality rate as non-Hispanic whites (4.7 per 1,000 live births).[ii]
Despite the news, there is a healthy, cost-effective strategy to help reduce infant mortality: Breastfeeding.

Dr. Lenaye Lawyer, an OB-GYN and a market chief medical officer for AmeriHealth Caritas, a national leader in Medicaid managed care, said there should be greater awareness of the importance of raising the low black breastfeeding rate. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), black infants are 13 percent less likely to be breastfed than white infants.[iii]

“There are many factors that contribute to the low black breastfeeding rate,” Dr. Lawyer said. “We have to help ensure that hospitals and health clinics in minority communities have breastfeeding and lactation resources and information. And, we have to work with our community partners to remove the stigma of breastfeeding.”

The CDC’s Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care (mPINC) survey found that hospitals and health clinics in communities with more than a 12.2 percent black population were less likely to be supportive of breastfeeding.[iv]

Comparing facilities in areas with more than 12.2 percent black residents with facilities in areas with less than 12.2 percent black residents, the largest differences were in the percentage of facilities that implemented recommended practices related to helping mothers initiate breastfeeding early on (46 percent compared with 59.9 percent), having infants spend the majority of their time in the same room as their moms (27.7 percent compared with 39.4 percent), and limiting what infants eat or drink to only breast milk (13.1 percent compared with 25.8 percent), according to the CDC survey. These findings reveal racial disparities in access to maternity care practices known to support breastfeeding.[v]

An international study found that breastfeeding for at least two months cuts a baby’s risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) almost in half, and the longer babies are breastfed, the greater the protection.[vi] Breast milk is good nutrition for a baby, providing all the proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that a young body needs to stay healthy.[vii] Infants who are breastfed have a lower risk of developing asthma, Type 2 diabetes, eczema, and obesity.[viii] For premature infants, breast milk can be lifesaving, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The organization recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed for about the first six months with continued breastfeeding alongside introduction of complementary food for at least one year.

AmeriHealth Caritas works with local breastfeeding advocacy groups to promote awareness about breastfeeding to expectant mothers in historically disadvantaged communities. The organization’s Bright Start® maternity program hosts Moms2B community baby showers where expectant mothers can connect with local social service organizations and resources, including lactation specialists. The goal of Bright Start® is to improve birth outcomes and reduce pregnancy-related complications through early prenatal education and intervention.

“We have to work to help ensure that there is equal access to prenatal care and lactation programs and to help ensure that there are policies and practices to support women’s breastfeeding goals during prenatal care, during the maternity stay and after the birth,” Dr. Lawyer said.

About AmeriHealth Caritas
AmeriHealth Caritas is one of the nation’s leaders in health care solutions for those most in need. Operating in 11 states and the District of Columbia, AmeriHealth Caritas serves more than 5 million Medicaid, Medicare and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) members through its integrated managed care products, pharmaceutical benefit management and specialty pharmacy services, and behavioral health services. Headquartered in Philadelphia, AmeriHealth Caritas is a mission-driven organization with more than 35 years of experience serving low-income and chronically ill populations. AmeriHealth Caritas is part of the Independence Health Group in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. For more information, visit www.amerihealthcaritas.com.

A simple, universal way to say I love you and connect with others

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Pamela Morey’s debut publication shows why ‘Pssst…Means I Love You’

Pamela Morey marks her debut in the world of children’s fiction with the release of “Pssst…Means I Love You” (published by Balboa Press), a tale showing how anyone can share their love and connect with others on sweet and simple levels.

 

Through the daily adventures of an extended family, the book teaches a way for people to say “I love you” without having to know different languages — using only the sound “Pssst…..” to convey love and connect with each other. Complemented with illustrations, the book invites readers to create fun family traditions that can be shared through the generations to come.

 

“With news today being centered around unfortunate violence and a disconnect between cultures, this simple book demonstrates ways we can all be more loving and caring towards each other and our planet as well,” Morey explains. “Saying I love you and caring for others is simple and can be fun.”

 

At its core, “Pssst…Means I Love You” proves how there is no language barrier to love and kindness.

 

“Pssst…Means I Love You”

By Pamela Morey

Softcover | 6 x 9in | 24 pages | ISBN 9781982228736

E-Book | 24 pages | ISBN 9781982228743

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

 

About the Author

Pamela Morey now resides in the Sierra foothills of Northern California. She is the mother of three and grandmother to one, and enjoys a sweet and simple life amid the rivers and trees portrayed in her first book, “Pssst…Means I Love You.”

 

‘Run for the Badge’ to Honor Law Enforcement Officers National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund holds 9th annual 5K on Saturday, October 12

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The National Law Enforcement Museum at the Motorola Solutions Foundation Building, a project of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, will host the Run for the Badge 5K, taking place at 9:00 am on Saturday, October 12, 2019, on-site in Washington, DC, and virtually from across the country. This fun, community-oriented, athletic event is designed to raise awareness and honor the men and women who serve in law enforcement while generating funds in support of the Museum. The run/walk will start and end at the National Law Enforcement Museum, on E Street, NW, between 4th and 5th streets.

Lacey Township Police Department – The picture (left to right) depicts participants Rod Bradford and Peter Donahue, Lieutenant Christopher Kenny, participant Mary Ellen Rumola, Chief Michael C. DiBella, and participants Emily Eng, Ahmed Lawson, and Michael Nevil. All participants were sponsored by Copline

“The Run for the Badge continues to be a meaningful celebration of law enforcement each year,” said Memorial Fund CEO Marcia C. Ferranto.  “We believe this is a great way for people to show their support for law enforcement, and for the Museum, whether they’re participating with us in Washington, DC or virtually in cities across the country. It’s a fun and family-friendly way to show and share support for such an important cause.”

The Run for the Badge benefits the National Law Enforcement Museum, which is located directly across from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and tells the story of American law enforcement through immersive and interactive exhibits while paying homage to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the Museum’s Hall of Remembrance.
This year’s 5K will commemorate the Museum’s 1-year anniversary! The Run for the Badge will also take place in conjunction with Free Family Fun Day at the Museum. Activities will include a scavenger hunt, obstacle course, take-home crafts, and more.

More information about the event is available at www.RunForTheBadge.org.

Premera Blue Cross and MOBE announce an expanded relationship; 10,000 more members to receive progressional health guidance

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Premera Blue Cross expands relationship with MOBE, helping more members connect health care and lifestyle choices for lasting, positive health impact

Premera Blue Cross, a leading health plan in the Pacific Northwest, and MOBE® today announced an expanded relationship as a result of program success and member health improvements. Nearly 10,000 more members will have access to MOBE’s professional health guidance, at no additional cost.

MOBE works with eligible health plan members, improving their member experience and health outcomes by helping them understand how their health care options and lifestyle choices work together as they pursue improved health and well-being.

“This expanded relationship will open the door for more of our customers to access guidance and support that leads to better health,” said Dr. John Espinola, the executive vice president of healthcare services at Premera. “With Premera’s increased focus on behavioral health and MOBE’s expertise in connecting the dots between physical and mental health, we can improve the lives of more of our customers, supporting them in pursuit of whole-person health.” 

With educational content and one-to-one support from experienced health professionals – by phone, through an app or both – MOBE is an additive to a member’s health care experience, focusing on the connections between diet, sleep, movement, medication and happiness. MOBE Guides come to understand participants’ unique challenges and goals and empower them to act and make decisions to maintain or improve their health.

For Premera member Susanne Bruland, 52, who experiences chronic facial pain, MOBE services helped her understand and manage her pain, as well as the stress and anxiety that came with it. “Mia, my MOBE Guide, really knew me and all I was dealing with both physically and emotionally,” said Bruland. “She helped me go from bedridden back to part-time teaching.”

“Our MOBE Guides are able to help participants like Susanne by building a relationship of trust, listening, educating and sharing suggestions,” said MOBE Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer Eric Hamborg. “When individuals are better equipped to navigate their health care and lifestyle choices to manage their health effectively, everyone wins. We’re excited to be expanding with Premera to improve the lives of more of their members.”

Premera first offered MOBE services to eligible members – about five percent of a select population – in 2016, resulting in improved outcomes and reduced health care utilization.

To learn more about MOBE services, visit www.mobeforlife.com, or to learn more about Premera Blue Cross, visit www.premera.com.

 

About MOBE

MOBE was founded in 2014 to address a gap in the health care system for people who are frequent users of health care but are not finding resolution for their underlying health issues. MOBE partners with insurance companies and large employers to provide health solutions to their customers and employees. Through one-to-one guidance on lifestyle, medication and health care choices, MOBE helps people live happy, healthy lives.

About Premera Blue Cross

Premera Blue Cross, a not-for-profit, independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association based in Mountlake Terrace, Wash., is a leading health plan in the Pacific Northwest, providing comprehensive health benefits and tailored services to approximately 2 million people, from individuals to Fortune 100 companies.

Business and Labor Summits; City Tours Encourage Year of Return Visitors to Invest in Ghana

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NAACP Leads Largest Delegation of African Americans to Ghana to Commemorate Year of Return

Nearly 300 African Americans reconnected with their African roots in the journey of a lifetime marking the 400th Anniversary of the Transatlantic Slave Trade

Baltimore, MD (August 28, 2019) – NAACP led a delegation of nearly 300 African Americans, ranging in age from 4 to 90, on a transformative journey from Jamestown, VA to Jamestown, Ghana to reconnect with their African roots and commemorate the Year of the Return – a landmark spiritual and birth-right journey inviting the global African family, home and abroad, to mark 400 years since the arrival of the first enslaved Africans to the United States.

Participants in the Jamestown to Jamestown journey, explored two complementing sectors in Accra, the cultural landmarks and monuments, and the prime opportunities for investment in the city, and to a larger extent, what the country represents for the Black Diaspora. Hosted by the Ghana EXIM Bank, NAACP President Derrick Johnson gave poignant remarks as to the purpose of the Jamestown to Jamestown trip, reminding the group that the threat to exploit Black labor is still an unfortunate reality across the world, and the need to recognize the value and power of Black labor and consumerism.

The group also took part in a variety of group tours in Accra and the surrounding area, visiting sites such as the home and museum of one of the founders of the NAACP, W.E.B. Du Bois, the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Park, the Centre for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine, and the very first cocoa farm in Ghana, the Tetteh Quarshe Memorial Cocoa Farm.

To learn more about Jamestown to Jamestown, please visit: https://www.naacp.org/ghana/ and NAACP on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naacp/.  Hi-Res images are also available upon request.