Protect our children...

"It is our duty as adults to protect children even though they may not have come from our own flesh and blood..."

Rest in peace Avonte.

WILL YOU VOTE?

Hey all,
        Freedomblogger is still here and we greatly appreciate all who follow us and continue to support us.

We are just curious to know if you will be voting this election for our President of the USA?
What makes you want to or not want to vote?
What issues are important to you? Why?

Let's have an open discussion to see where our nation stands!

Justice for Trayvon Martin!

"A black person in a hoodie isn't automatically suspicious."

I am sure that most of you by now have heard a few details about this tragic shooting?!?!? Well if you haven't let me be the first to tell you that there has been yet another moment of injustice in our society.  With that said I ask that all of you take the time to support this young man's family in their battle for justice. They deserve it!!  Imagine that this was your own family member. Wouldn't you want justice? This young man's life was taken for what, a bag of skittles and juice.

Is this the kind of world we live in?

JUSTICE FOR TRAYVON MARTIN!

Martin was fatally shot February 26 while walking to the house of his father's fiancee in Sanford, Florida, after a trip to a convenience store. Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch leader, said he shot the teen in self-defense.

Zimmerman has not been arrested or charged in the killing of the black teenager. A police report describes Zimmerman as a white male; his family says he is Hispanic.

The U.S. Justice Department has also launched a civil rights investigation into the shooting. 

The shooting occurred when Zimmerman -- who was patrolling the neighborhood -- saw the teen walking home after buying candy and a drink at a convenience store.

Zimmerman called 911 and reported what he described as a suspicious person. A few moments later, several neighbors called the emergency number to report a commotion outside.

"So it goes without saying, even if you don't get to the thing that everyone is debating, he already had a mentality when he got out of that car that this was a young black man and he had assumed that he was a criminal, and you know what happens when you assume," Crump said.

While some neighbors were still on the phone with the emergency dispatchers, cries for help followed by a gunshot sounded in the background.

"The time that we heard the whining and then the gunshot, we did not hear any wrestling, no punching, no fighting, nothing to make it sound like there was a fight," said Mary Cutcher, one of the callers.

When Zimmerman said he was following the teenager, the dispatcher told him, "We don't need you to do that."

News Source: www.CNN.com

United Colors of Fashion: Fashion for Humanitarian Causes

This week I would like to share with you all a GREAT Non-profit Organization making a difference in and around the world.  You can help them continue their journey through volunteer work or financial support.  If this blog does not give you all the information you need to help them make a difference please visit them at http://www.unitedcolorsoffashion.org/ for more information.


RECENTLY: United Colors Of Fashion, which uses fashion for humanitarian traveled to South Africa on March 6th to do charity work at the Soweto Hospice.
 

The Mission

United Colors of Fashion, Incorporated (UCOF) is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to enlist creative, gifted, and underprivileged aspiring artists in New York who have dreams of being in the fashion industry-arts and giving them the tools to make their dreams come true.

Additionally, the organization aims to provide financial assistance to people living with HIV/AIDS, sickle cell anemia and paralysis living in South Africa and Asia who are at risk and unable to obtain services through normal channels.

Interview with, Ciano Clerjuste
President & Chairman of the Board

 

What inspired you to begin UCOF?
My business partner, Veronica Rovegno and I formed United Colors Of Fashion based on our family calamities. At age 17, my mother was hit by a car, which has left her paralyzed from the waist down. Shortly after, my father died. My sister was only eight years of age at the time-and I had to raise her on my own and take care of my mother simultaneously. Hence, my youth was not normal. I had a full time job while attending school full-time. I was only able to make it through with the help of Yeshua, and wonderful individuals from all walks of life. 
During my years of trials and tribulations, after Yeshua, as a gifted individual only the arts and fashion kept me going. While performing in “South Pacific” at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in 2002, I promised myself to one day help gifted and underprivileged youth just like me. Never knew it would be UCOF. Back in 2010, when Veronica and I started brainstorming about forming the organization together, we shared our stories, and UCOF was formed under the State of NY.

Why South Africa and Asia?
We aim to help as may countries as possible. However, we can only work on one project at a time. 
We started first in South Africa because of the need there. The number of people living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa is 5.7 million, and in the US we have 1.2 million. 
The people in Soweto need help, and since we love the rich history of the country and want to assist people living with HIV/AIDS, we thought starting in Soweto was the perfect place. 
In 2013, we plan to help Haiti, and 2014 we will begin our project in Bangkok, Thailand. 

How can people help UCOF going forward? 
To become involved or to make a donation to our project, people can visit our website: www.unitedcolorsoffashion.org or by calling 917-266-4171. Donations can be made directly through our website. 100% of all donations go directly to our projects. 


What is UCOF's message to the world?
Our objective to use Fashion For Humanitarian Causes -by providing our fashion education to talented underprivileged students, and our Charity Care Programs. If everyone can assist us with making a difference in the lives of those who are less fortunate, we can have a better world. 


Are there volunteer opportunities available for young people in the local areas of UCOF? If so, how can someone find out more information? 
We are always looking for volunteers. We can only move forward with the help of volunteers. Even if someone resides out of the country, they can still volunteer remotely. For those who are interested, they can contact us: info@unitedcolorsoffashion.com or 917-266-4171.  


**All photos are the property of United Colors of Fashion Inc.,**

Whitney Houston: "...Welcome home my child..."

Rest in peace to Ms. Whitney Houston. As the lord has called her home, myself and the world mourns with her family. An icon, mother, friend, sister and mentor has been called home. Her voice, talent and dedication to her life will live on forever.