Category Archives: Economy
Double Latte Project May 2011: Shea Yeleen
This month’s Double Latte Selection is Shea Yeleen, an organization that is improving the lives of women in rural Western Africa through sustainable development. The company has a series of products from shea butter to lip balms to soaps.
Double Latte Connection – People in DNMP’s Network
I had the pleasure of meeting the founder of this great organization, Rahama Wright, at a Montgomery County [MD] Women’s Commission event when I lived in Washington, D.C. We definitely hit it off and it was nice to meet another woman who wanted to make a difference and was actively doing so. When I interact with people like Rahama it always makes me think, “Why don’t I go ahead and make moves on the projects that I have in mind to make a difference. Their projects started as ideas.”
Because this is a sustainable development business, in addition to my normal Double Latte contribution of $10.10, I am going to purchase one of the products from the Shea Yaheen store. I am going to try something new so I will post what I decide to get. I have already tried the Shea Butter and I really like it. I even like the container that it comes it, very easy to transport.
Why Shea Yeleen?
Beyond the personal network connection, one of the reasons why I chose to highlight this organization is because it is giving people, specifically women, tools to make a living not just giving them a hand out. Shea Yeleen is not about collecting donations to just give money to those in need but they are about taking a skill that is already in use and giving people a market and business skills to be able to take the original skill to the next level. And bonus is the fact that these people are women!
To close, I always enjoy supporting companies like this because I know that my few dollars are going to help someone put food on their table and make a positive difference in their life.
You can find this company on Twitter and Facebook. Please follow and like them! Furthermore, please check out their store and make a purchase!
About Shea Yeleen – From Their Website
Shea Yeleen International, Inc. is an organization representing the issues and concerns of rural West African producers of shea butter. We believe in improving the livelihoods of communities by connecting rural communities to international markets in an effort to compete in an increasingly global economy. Through collective community development and support of cooperatives, we bring local issues to consumers interested in learning where their products originate from, and who want to use their consumer power to make a difference in the world.
Our project combines grassroots development with business development and the goal is to improve economic conditions in some of the most impoverished communities of the world. We focus on local resources that can be properly linked to international markets by seeking fair prices for traditional commodities. Through practical solutions, community engagement, resource development, and exceptional marketing, SYI is pioneering change for women producers of shea butter, and their communities!
Blog Organizing: Oldies But Goodies
So I have been doing a lot of cleaning and upgrading on my blog this month and this includes looking into the post drafts that I have. While, looking to the drafts I found some old links that I was not able to share. Well since they were already drafted I thought I would put this post together to share.
Enjoy the Oldies But Goodies!
- DNMP
Politics
Yes We Did/ Party like its 2009, ‘cuz baby, now the real work begins
Economy
Deep Discounts Draw Shoppers, but Not Profits
Education
Who Is The Ultimate Game Changer In Education?
Congratulations to Spelman College Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum for being nominated for this honor!
Going Off to College for Less (Passport Required)
A good idea. If I was a parent of a high school Junior or Senior I would encourage them to look into going to college abroad. Though I do remember when I lived in Spain I used to say Jesus couldn’t get an A in Spain the classes were so hard.
Environment
American Samoa, unlike California, bans plastic bags
Other
Are You Being Too Nice For Your Own Good?
Links of the Week 10 September 2010
Top Five
Where’s the outrage over immigrant slayings in Mexico?
Who Gets to Review and Be Reviewed? Authors, book critics drawn from narrow pool
10 Years of “Feminism is for Everybody”
The Worst Toys Ever Made for Girls–Our Top Picks
I don’t agree with all of the comments the author makes here, like I think she needs to better explain how she is okay with women choosing pole dancing as a career and then have issue with the doll for girls, but this post will make you think and ponder what do you think is appropriate for the young girls in your life. I have to say that in the past year I have been shocked to see how even the youngest girls (age 1) assimilate to society’s gender roles for women. I’ll end with this…if you are going to buy a girl in your life pregnant Barbie I hope you are prepared to have a conversation about sex that explains all options from abstinence to contraception to protection.
Quote of the Week
“Attendance issues aside, folks are more football obsessed than ever. More people watched the last Super Bowl than voted in the 2008 presidential election. Hallmark Cards reports that the Super Bowl has surpassed New Year’s Eve as the biggest at-home party of the year. It has become the second-slowest day for weddings in America and the second-greatest day of food consumption, after only Thanksgiving.”
Michael Wilbon in The NFL rules ingloriously over the sporting landscape (Emphasis is mine).
Photos of the Week
Source: PolicyLink.org and Bureau of Labor Statistics
Source: PolicyLink.org and Bureau of Labor Statistics
These photos come from the blog of PolicyLink.org Equity Blog where they discuss The Jobs Situation in Black and White. These photos and the post makes me wonder which “Main Street” US politicians are really worried about because the “Main Streets” of Black and Latino communities have had many of epic problems they now are using as sound-bites to get re-elected for decades!
Women & Politics
Republicans fear echoes of Alaska in Delaware primary
‘I had no idea who she was’: Meghan McCain breaks her silence on Sarah Palin
Politics
Dominicanos protestaron contra extradición de traficante de personas
APD recomienda eliminar Liga Municipal Dominicana
Cancelan cincuenta dirigentes PLD en Cámara de Diputados
Other
Who Owns the Civil Rights Legacy?
Sour Apples: Strike at Mott’s Plant Underscores Disconnect in Corporate America, Union Says
Finding Inspiration Through Music
Single-Minded: Being Black Abroad
Inauguración de “México 200 Años”
Capital internacional mira mais lucro no Brasil
Oldies but Goodies
America’s 5 Worst Deadbeat States
Women We’ll Be Reading 200 Years From Now
What Do Latinas Really Think About Feminism? / Join the Summer of Feminista
Clearing My Inbox: Oldies But Goodies Part 2
I’m still working on clearing my inbox. I have made a lot of progress. Here are more older links I have found while doing some Spring…err Summer Cleaning online. This time I will be more organized with the links. Part 3 coming soon…
July
Has American Apparel Gone Too Far?
Check out this post about a recent ad campaign that American Apparel has done. I’m not a fan of it.
Klobuchar Remarks on sexism in Sotomayor hearings
Sen. Klobuchar is one of my favorite senators. I heard her in a hearing last year and appreciated her frankness. I hope she continues to speak for the people and holds on to her unique senate style. This link is a link to Emily’s List’s new Blog Read My Lipstick but a link to the full article is there.
Death Toll Rises in Afghanistan; In US Key Econ Report Due
June
‘Save our CEOs’ Teaser for Michael Moore’s New Film
Susanna Madora Salter, America’s First Female Mayor and Elected Official
May
Former Interrogator Rebukes Cheney for Torture Speech
Article starts slow but a must need read about how the Corn Lobby is at work again…moving from food to fuel production. I wonder if this is why I haven’t seen one of those Pro High Fructose Corn Syrup commercials recently.
Hill Still A Climb For Female Staffers
April
A 19 Cent Raise in 45 years? Women Deserve Equal Pay Now
Cuba: “It’s Time to Talk” Say US Lawmakers
Women, Extremism and Two Key States
The G20 and Latin America: A “Rendezvous With Destiny” or a False Start?
Deal By Deal, China Expands Its Influence in Latin America
What Can Obama Do in Latin America?
Foreign Policy in Focus – Time to Deal With Haiti
Negritudes, la nueva estrategia de Uribe
The US-Columbia FTA and National Insecurity: A Call for Ethical Foreign Policy
Latin America: Summit Reveals a Changing Contient
March
Where to Now?: Women’s Leadership Needs New Direction
Beefy Résumé for a Giant Job: Policing Stimulus Spending
The Body Politic: Cutting Meghan McCain Down to Size
Connecting with Iraqi Entrepreneurs
Obama Responds to Reports of Violence at Border
Unknown
Murders By Columbian Military Increase, WFP Renews Calls to End Funding
Clearing my Email Inbox: Oldies But Goodies Part 1
So one of my big tasks for this summer is to clear my inboxes…over 1000 messages in one inbox and about 700 in another. I decided to start with older messages. Enjoy these links that I found while doing some summer internet cleaning 
Madoff and Company Spent Nearly $1 Million on Washington Influence
Global Sludge Ends in Tragedy for Ivory Coast
onPhilanthropy: Articles: Cultivating Young Professionals
Obama Confronting ‘Outsider’ Dilemma
Funny that Facebook two years ago was seen as popular with students, see photo caption in article, and now is a phenomena for people of all ages with those in their mid-30s leading the way as Facebook newcomers.
State owes much to George W. Bush — a black pioneer
An interesting article discussing Black History in Washington state. I also like how the Seattle PI used the name of former President Bush to draw attention to the article.
Joe Biden in Michigan, September 15, 2008
This is why Obama picked Joe Biden. Biden states in speech, “The Sequel is Worse than the Original.” Classic Joe Biden at his best! A Must Watch!
Anna Quindlen on The Leadership Lid
Barack and Joe Ending Domestic Violence
An interesting video about Domestic Violence and Vice President Biden’s efforts to pass the Violence Against Women Act during the late 80s & early 90s. The best part was when one commentator while discussing critics calls for the women to leave abusive relationships states, “Leave and go where?”
Money Wins Presidency and 9 of 10 Congressional Races in Priciest U.S. Election Ever
This is an overview by OpenSecrets.org about the 2008 election and campaign finance.
Will Obama Make the Mistake of Latin American Leaders?
An interesting look at the “minority” presidents of Latin America and what Obama can learn what not to do from them.
Change Everything Blog – A Front Row Seat to History Blog post from The White House Project describing witnessing the signing of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.
Women Transform ‘Welsh’ Politics
EMILY’s List: 5 facts about Robin Carnahan and Kirsten Gillibrand
Supreme Court Reviews “Hillary: The Movie”
Four Kuwaiti Women Become First to Win Seats in Parliament
Video: radicals beat girl, 17, in Islamic stronghold of Swat, Pakistan
President Obama Announces Key State Department Appointments
Borders Back in Atlanta Mayor’s Race
Looks like the Atlanta Mayoral Race is turning into an interesting off election.
Women Gain Political Ground in Burkina Faso
New law give parties additional public financing when they adhere to the country’s quota law.
Liberians Get Extension While Haitians Remain in Limbo
Interesting perspective here though I don’t know if anything has changed since the article was written a few months back.
Links of the Week 3 July 2009
Top Five
(In order)
Michael Jackson: Our Brother, Not our ‘N**ga’
Limiting migration: People Protectionism
This article reminds my why I miss my The Economist subscription…but budget cuts had to happen. I may try the online subscription though.
Letters from Luvvie: Dear BET (Guest Post)
Except for some of the language use, I don’t curse or use foul language, this post took the words out of my mouth. I am really disappointed in BET and I have been for years.
What Would Buffy Do? Notes on Dusting Edward Cullen
A Latin American Perspective on the Crisis (Part 1)
Don’t forget to check out part 2.
Photo of the Week
Source: marketplace.xbox.com
Quote of the Week
“Sorry sweetie, but Soulja Boy wants to “super soak” you too, and you’re dancing while he says it.” from BET brainwashing our kids.
Politico
Palin Stepping Down This Month
Powell ‘concerned’ about Obama’s agenda
‘Family Friendly’ White House Less So for Aides
Obama’s Border Fence
A Now on PBS article and show discussing the Border Fence that President Obama plans to complete and the fact that the fence may not/probably not produce the desired effect.
States Struggle to Meet Budget Deadlines
Another Batch of Obama’s Ambassador Picks Have Money-in-Politics Ties
I know that Obama is not the first President to reward those who donated or raised money during their campaign but the practice still saddens me as it is another downside to the US Political Culture. Read the article to links about all of Obama’s Ambassador selections. Thanks to OpenSecrets.org for doing work that I cannot do!
Economy
Dumbest Moments in Business 2009 Mid-Year Edition
Other
Wedding Disasters
Hardee’s and Quiznos Try to Out-Sleeze Burger King
Jackson left behind an ‘Endless’ Supply of Music
Oldies But Goodies
Chef-executive Obama’s Barbecue Time
Obama recently held a BBQ for local school students. I have to say when he does things like this I think he is so great!
Hallie Berry and Jamie Foxx: Whats the Financial Value of a Kiss?
Check out the radio show link in this article. An interesting description that discusses the challenges of being a Black actor in Hollywood.
Help for Paying Off Your Student Loans
This is an issue near and dear to my heart aka I have plenty of loans to pay off :{ Please share with others and teach students to be mindful of the debt they choose to take on to pay for their education expenses.
Links of the Week 26 June 2009
Inequality and Microfinance
Have to say this is the best solution I have found to poverty. It has the tone of teach a man to fish, it does not cost a lot and it can help the local economies of those who receive the loans. I think it would be neat to bring this to the US especially with the increased poverty we have experienced since 2000.
President Sarkozy Says Burqa Not Welcome in France
I am actually against this French law. People should be able to practice their religious norms especially if these women when given a choice would freely wear the burqa or other coverings used by Muslim women. It is important to note that many other religions use head wraps or coverings with females and males.
Education: The Last Fight For Civil Rights
What Do You Call a Lawmaker Anyway?
Interesting article about protocol and members of Congress.
The Box
This will make you think…
Mexico Progress on Green Fund
Oldies But Goodies
Food Inc.
All I will say is start reading food labels…
Raising the Baby Question
A discussion about Feminism and Motherhood.
Women are starting to achieve political parity
An op-ed by Marie Wilson, Director of The White House Project.
What You Won’t Catch on the Big 6: ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News
GRITtv: The People Fight Back Against Wells Fargo
I did find that MSNBC posted an AP article about this suit in January of 2008.
Shooting Back
Israeli NGO B’Tselem created a video department which in turn created a film series called ‘Shooting Back’. Giving cameras to Palestinians to film what they saw and experienced. Produced, shot, cut and music composed by Ben Aylsworth (exception of the clips of course)
Mexico Proposes Green Fund
Links of the Week 12 June 2009
Top Five
Age No Barrier in European Elections
A great story of two women that could be the oldest and youngest members of the European Union Parliament.
Michael Moore: Goodbye GM
Grading the Administration 19: Weekly Grades for Administration on Poverty: B-
This comes from a blog I found from my Google alerts, sometimes the things give you good information. The organization focuses on poverty and homelessness in the Cleveland area and they seem to consistently rate the Obama Administration on several things.
Racialicious – The Intersection of Race and Pop Culture
My new favorite blog. Very insightful.
Facebook’s Fatal Error
I have to say as a former Facebooker, this article is right on the money. One of the reasons why I left Facebook is that the network had gotten too big and too commercialized. I stayed for so long to stay connected with people I have met at various stages of my life but really the downturn for me started when they opened it up to high school students…
Quote of the Week
“Before people start swooning over Obama’s welcome embrace of his mother-in-law, remember: the dude lives in a 132-room house.” from Barack Obama, Stop Ruining My Marriage.
Photo of the Week
From Apple Unveils New iPhone: Hail, O Great One. I love languages so I had to post this picture. Also, I’m telling you if AT&T wasn’t so expensive I would have an iPhone…oh and I’d have to be able to afford the phone too 
If I Lived Inside the Beltway…
I would go to Running Start and WUFPAC‘s Book Signing Event featuring She’s Out There! edited by Amy Sewell and Heather L. Ogilvie. The book is a collection of 35 essays by young women (35 to 5 years of age) who aspire to lead the nation. The event will be at the Borders on 14th Street NW from 2-4pm on Saturday 13 June. Visit either organization’s website to learn about the event and of course to learn about the great work they are doing for gender equity in politics.
Politico
Ticketmaster & Live Nation: Obama’s Antitrust Test
Senator Tom Carper on Afghanistan and Pakistan
DNC Lays Foundation for Health Care Reform
Not sure if I’m feeling people paying a fine for not having coverage but we will see how it goes. Oh and I do want extensive Health Care reform just in case my criticism of the current bill does not show that.
Race getting silent treatment in healthcare debate
This article reminds me of the term used across playgrounds across this nation…’Silent but Deadly.’
Mitigating the Global Economic Crisis Through Enhanced Parliamentary Oversight
Article has a promotional tone to it but still has some good insights of how parliaments worldwide can turn the negative effects of the economic crisis into good sound public policy.
Dismay Over Obama’s Turnabout on ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’
Women and Politics
Where Sonia Sotomayor Really Stands on Race
Its very interesting reading this article becasue I see where the critics are coming for but I am reminded of a few articles I read this past school year stating, simplistically summarizing, that minority women are better at anyalzing certain types of cases better than white men due to their particular backgrounds as minorities and women. I think this is what Sotomayor was implying and once again the down side to the 24/7 newscycle as well as the constant access to information is that things are being taken out of context.
Women and Politics in the Muslim World
A discussion about women, politics and the Muslim world. This broadcast occurs in the aftermath of Obama’s recent speech and visit to the region.
Technology
How Twitter Will Change The Way We Live
Other
Save Women and Children First
Have to say until I read this article I did not think about how discount booksellers are harming smaller bookstores. They are like the WalMart for readers. Its a hard balance because I know there are so many books I would not own if it were not for B&N, Borders and the like but seeing great small businesses struggle and fail is not fun either :{
Advice to College Graduates
Forget the newbies on the block..this advice applies to us all Congrats to the Class of 2009!
Oldies But Goodies
White girls flashing Gang Signs?
So recently I’ve seen some news about Chicago Bulls’ star Derrick Rose throwing up a gang sign in a picture. I also got a link to the above article – the comments section is even more interesting. I find it compelling to see an example of how different people doing the same action can be perceived differently. Notice that there is no mainstream media investigation(s) about this but it appears that someone will be digging up dirt on Rose possibly going as far as things he supposedly did in High School…
