‘Fitness Month’ – a focus chance for African-American women

Evidence has shown that while African-Americans have high cholesterol levels, they are slightly lower compared to white Americans. But then they have a 30 percent chance of dying from heart disease, according to a 2010 report from the American Heart Association.

Since April is National African-American Women's Fitness Month, it has been on Leona Buchanan's mind to change her diet, her lifestyle, and start exercising. "Black people are known to have high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and diabetes," said Buchanan, who grappled with high cholesterol herself.

Buchanan has given up beef and pork, and eats only fish, chicken and turkey. She also joined the Healthy Church Challenge 100-day weight loss competition to work off those unwanted pounds.

Math Made Simple ready to kick fear at summer camp

2 + 2 = 4. Math isn't always that simple, but with the help of trusted instructors math can be made simple.

From Pre-K to Pre-Cal, the professionals at Math Made Simple, Etc. have a track record of helping students of all ages overcome their anxiety and excel in mathematics. The tutoring and solutions center teaches an array of innovative techniques to empower and equip students to make better grades and pass standardized tests.

But, that's not all – tutoring in English, Language Arts, and Reading is also available.

Black Girls Code extends its roots to Memphis

For African-American girls in Memphis, positive things in the world of technology have come to town via Black Girls Code.

Credit Nnaemeka Egwuekwe – the Chapter Lead for the Memphis chapter of Black Girls Code (BGC) – with the hook-up. When Egwuekwe found out about the national organization and the opportunities it provides for young girls, he decided to do all he could to bring it to Memphis.

The founder of BGC is Kimberly Bryant, a native Memphian. Egwuekwe contacted her and made a successful pitch for a Memphis chapter. Two sold-out workshops speak to the need for the local chapter.

For the grill: Spicy lentil cauliflower burgers

CHEF TIMOTHY: It's almost time to fire up the barbecue grill. But don't brag to your family and friends that you're the master chef until you've tried making the spicy lentil cauliflower burger – totally different in taste than the hamburgers and golden fries we are accustomed to eating.

With this burger, we hope to recapture those flavors – or more succulent flavors – that tantalize the taste buds. However, we're going to prepare the spicy lentil cauliflower burger in a non-fattening way.

The burger world is changing with the introduction of more fatty and greasy burgers that are often promoted as healthy. As consumers, we must consider our overall health and the high rate of obesity linked to our consumption of fast food.

Film shines light on autism and need for public awareness

April is Autism Awareness Month and many people misunderstand or just don't know about the lives of children diagnosed with autism. Shannon King Nash is on a mission to turn that around.

Nash's 14-year-old son has autism. She is the creator of "Color My Mind," a groundbreaking documentary on autism awareness. The film features five mothers of autistic children and provides a glimpse of their journey to overcome the challenges their children face.

At one point, Nash felt as though she was the only person in the world – especially in the African-American community – dealing with such a situation. She would go to autism-support groups and not see many African-American people. Knowing that autism doesn't exclusively attack any one racial group, she couldn't figure out why people of color where so uninformed – or just didn't want to accept it.

ArtsFest serves as proving ground for MCS students and teachers

Evidence aplenty – anecdotal and studies – exists to bolster the declaration that arts programs are crucial to student development and performance. That was the backdrop recently as Memphis City Schools hosted the fourth annual ArtsFest at the Board of Education to spotlight the district's arts program.

School groups in the visual, music and dance arts from various schools, including Overton High School, Florida, Kansas Elementary and Hickory Ridge Middle performed on stages. The students were able to showcase their talents, and it was an experience for teachers as well.

ArtsFest is an extension of the hard work arts teachers, also known as non-tested teachers, put in with their pupils throughout the school year. Although there is no standardized test for the arts, teachers must still ensure their students show growth throughout the year.

Heal the Hood: build a better Memphis via better children

Ladell Beamon and the Heal the Hood Foundation of Memphis take another step in their fight against youth crime and violence with the "The Living the Dream Conference & Benefit Concert" on Saturday (April 20).

American Way Middle School at 3805 American Way will be the venue. The conference is set for 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., followed by a meet-and-greet from 4:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. prior to the benefit concert from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The purpose of "The Living The Dream Conference and Benefit Concert" is to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by raising funds and awareness for "not-for-profit organizations that demonstrate clear, community-driven solutions to social issues that stem from social economic disempowerment."

Former Sec. of Ed. Paige to keynote AKA scholarship breakfast

Dr. Rod Paige Sr. – the 7th United States Secretary of Education and the first African American to serve in that role – will be the keynote speaker at the annual Educational Advancement Foundation Breakfast hosted by the Beta Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

The breakfast event, designed to continue the sorority's legacy of scholarship and service, will be held at Middle Baptist Church, 801 Whitehaven Lane, on Saturday (April 20) from 10 a.m. to noon.

"Awesome Support for Education: The AKA Way" is the theme.

‘Princesses’ saluted at father-daughter ball

The Upward Steps Outreach Girls Ministry held its Second Annual Father-Daughter Princess Ball last Saturday (April 13) at the Davis Community Center in Orange Mound.

Rosemary Austin, Tammy Adolphus and Desiree Thomas run an after-school program via the ministry, focusing on girls from the 4th grade through high school. Brandi Burson, a 10th grade student a White Station High School, was crowned queen.

‘Gifted Hands’ Dr. Carson connects with Crump

At Crump Elementary School in southeast Memphis, renowned neurosurgeon, author and rising political factor Dr. Ben Carson rapidly is becoming a lifeline.

Carson was in Memphis Wednesday as part of the "Think Big, Dream L.I.G.H.T." Enlightenment Seminar held on the campus of the University of Memphis. He's never stepped foot inside of Crump, but now he has shaken hands with some of the school's Eagles.

That pressing of the flesh came at the Holiday Inn-University after a private luncheon and before a meet-and-greet mixer with U of M students prior to the public seminar at the Michael Rose Theater. The look on his face and on the faces of the students spoke to the instant connection.

Pledge of abstinence ceremony set for 40 Mid-South girls

Forty girls from throughout the Mid-South will receive a charge to remain abstinent from sexual and substance abuse behaviors during the inaugural Promise Ball Oath Ceremony & Ring Presentation at the Cook Convention Center on Sunday (April 21).

Pinky Promise International (PPI) is sponsoring the event, which begins at 5 p.m.

The participants – high school students in grades 9-12 – will make their pledges before a crowd expected to number about 900. Vivian Scott Chew, Intercontinental Music Executive, Founder and Principal of TimeZone International will be the keynote speaker. Chew is the wife of Ray Chew, musical director for "American Idol."

Africa in April Cultural Awareness Festival, No. 27 underway

If the Africa in April Cultural Awareness Festival, Inc. were a person who had just turned 27, what would one who knew him or her well say?

"At 27, alive and well, 100 percent plus and moving on up," said Yvonne B. Acey, the festival's associate director.

"We are quite excited and quite grateful for those who started with us and helped us along the way and gave us encouragement."

Acey said people often ask her and her husband, Executive Director David L. Acey Sr., "Why Africa? Why April?"