Inspire.. Dream.. Lead...

February is dedicated to commemorate the Black History.  All these days I was under the impression that it started with Martin Luther King until recently when I came to know of the inspiring history behind it.  Carter G Woodson son of former slaves James and Eliza Woodson of  New Canton Virginia, started the Negro Histroy Week in February 1926 to promote African American history and their contributions.  He was the first African American to get a Ph.D from Harvard University in 1912.  Later on, the month February was dedicated as the Black History month to remember the contributions of  the innovators, educators, artists, writers, scientists, politicians, sportspersons, philanthropists, men and women who fought for civil rights and justice.

Today I felt very honored to be a guest speaker at the Power Lunch program organized by IT'S TIME a non-profit  organization dedicated to help the youth to excel in social, academic and professional spheres.  The youth program is run in Washington DC under the leadership of Zalenda Cyrille. The first session is for learning and the second session is for the speech. When I entered John Burrough's Learning Center in DC,  Zalenda was  coaching the youth on public speaking. She showed them a video clip about the earthquake in Haiti and explained how to use the logical questioning technic to prepare a speech on Haiti.

I shared with the children about my education, career, my dreams and travels. The children asked me amazing questions on how I like my job, what is the most difficult thing in my job, how do I handle likes and dislikes in my job. Showed interest to know about my role models and my school days.  When I was telling them about my travels to S. Afrcia, Tunisia, and Egypt in Africa, they even recited all the countries in Africa in alphabetical order. Actually, it was a beautiful rap!

What a great Saturday morning. I felt very much energized by the enthusiam and interest shown by these young dreamers. It is about time that we need organizations like IT'S TIME to help young boys and girls to dream, to succeed, and to lead.