“You Hear Them Talk About A New Wave of COVID-19 and…”

By Lou Yeboah

How it will be worst than what we are experiencing now. Well I tell you they are certainly right about one thing, what is to come cannot be compared to any other thing in the history of mankind. The Bible speaks of these days. [2 Timothy 3:1] warns us that “in the LAST DAYS perilous times will come.” Jesus himself spoke of a time that will be so frightening that men would faint from fear and foreboding because of what is coming upon the world. [Luke 21:26]. that they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us,’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us’ and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. [Isaiah 2:10; Hosea 10:8; Luke 23:30; Revelation 6:16]. And when the ordeal end, those who have not repented would have just one thought: What must I do to be saved? [Malachi 4:1-3, 5].”

I tell you, I tremble as I try to speak of this “coming wrath” because, divinity enters into the essence of it. God’s wrath conceived in heaven, confirmed through man, [it will be worst than], final result, reaped through judgment. [Romans 1:18-32]. I tell you, there has already been judgments that could be called the wrath of God, but what is to come is the great day of wrath. [Zephaniah 1:14-16]. This day, the great day of the Lord which is near and hastens quickly is a day of wrath, a day of trouble, distress, a day of devastation and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of fury and judgment all in one as the prophets have warned and the New Testament writers have warned. [Joel 2:1; Ezekiel 30:3; Joel 3:14; Obadiah 15; Zephaniah 1:7 Revelation 6].

Although this great wrath to come is delayed for a time; it will not always be delayed. The floodgates of God’s wrath will one day be opened, and the awful torrents will come pouring out, and will utterly overwhelm everyone exposed to their fury. For thus saith the Lord, “I will utterly sweep away everything from the face of the earth. I will sweep away man and beast; I will sweep away the birds of the air and the fish of the sea. I will overthrow the wicked; I will bring distress on men, so that they shall walk like the blind, because they have sinned against the Lord; their blood shall be poured out like dust, and their flesh like dung. [Zephaniah 1:17-18]. Behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble, says the Lord of hosts. So that it will leave them neither root nor branch. But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. And you shall tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day when I act, says the Lord of hosts. But behold, before that great and awesome day come, I will send My prophets to warn you. [Malachi 4:1–3, 5]. Take heed to the warnings. Flee from the wrath to come. For the end of all things is at hand.” [1 Peter 4:7]; Behold, I am coming soon. [Revelation 22:7]. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door. [James 5:8–9].

Listen! God is trying to get our attention! These SOON-COMING events are real. They will happen. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me.” [John 8:45]. But, God is a righteous judge, a God who expresses his wrath every day.” [Psalm 7:11]. And, whoever does not believe stands condemned already [John 3:18, 36]. I tell you, you must “flee from the coming wrath;” or else, as surely as you are living, the wrath would come upon you, and you will perish under it, and there is only one means of escape from the wrath to come, and that is through Jesus Christ. [1 Thessalonians 1:10].

I want you to know that just as John did not come to say what men wished him to say, but came to discharge the burden of the Lord, and to speak out plainly what was best for men’s eternal and immortal interests, so do I. Necessity is laid upon every person that has been called by God to preach the WHOLE COUNSEL of God and that includes preaching on judgment to come. For I have never spoken on My own initiative or authority, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment regarding what to say and what to speak. [John 12:49]. As God’s servants, this is, in a nutshell, what we’re all called to do. We’re called to do whatever God tells us. There are no ifs, ands, or buts here; there are no conditions for our obedience.

Therefore, I plea to you with tears in my eyes, “Flee from the wrath to come and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.” For a voice from heaven tells seven angels, to “Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.” These bowls contain plagues, reminiscent of the plagues of Egypt in the book of Exodus. But just like those plagues were designed to get Pharaoh and the Egyptians to repent, to worship God, and let God’s people go, the seven bowls of wrath are designed to get those perpetrating evil in the world to turn and acknowledge God as Lord.

This image of God’s judgment at the end of the Bible is just a snapshot of what the text has been saying all along since Genesis. “The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel. [Mark 1:15]. Because what is to come cannot be compared to any other thing in the history of mankind!

Robotic Innovations Pick Up Speed In India

GUWAHATI, India — In India’s northeastern state of Tripura, where sometimes finding a right adapter means scoping out a dozen shops, Harjeet Nath was determined to build a robot against all odds when Covid-19 struck.

Last year, Tripura was declared ‘coronavirus free’ with only three confirmed cases having fully recovered by April. Only to have a pandemic emergency a month later, first with the outbreak of over 100 cases in the Border Security Force battalion in the Dhalai district followed by an influx of stranded residents from different parts of India.

Closer to mid-May, Harjeet had already watched videos on the utilization of robots in other countries and made a makeshift robot using scrap from his lab: three rotors, two lead-acid batteries, a transmitter, a receiver, and a USB output.

“I even exposed myself to coronavirus while I waited on a few helpers to apply the finishing touches,” Harjeet, an assistant professor at the Department of Chemical and Polymer Engineering at the Tripura University, told Zenger News.

In the end, it was all worth it. “No healthcare worker was infected after my robot was installed in the Covid-care ward,” he said. Harjeet’s ‘Covid-19 WARBOT’ was deployed in a 250-bed Covid-care center — now closed shut with the situation under control — in Hapania, on the outskirts of the state capital Agartala.

Harjeet Nath with his ‘Covid-19 Warbot’ at Hapania C0vid-care center, Agartala. (Harjeet Nath)

With a 15-20 kilogram (33-44 pounds) payload, the device could deliver medicines and food to patients without human intervention. It could work for nearly three hours on a battery that took as long as eight hours to recharge. Harjeet had embedded a wi-fi-controlled camera with an inbuilt microphone and speaker to set up a “WhatsApp-like call” between healthcare providers and patients. The only constraint was the distance of 20 meters within which the robot could operate.

Robots have been taking on hazardous jobs across the world. In India, too, start-ups dealing in robots have risen to the occasion. India features among the top 10 countries in the world with the highest annual installation of industrial robots: a record 26,300 units, according to a 2020 report by the International Robotic Federation. The report states that India doubled the number of robots working in factories within five years.

People are using robots for disinfecting spaces, tracking down people not wearing masks, let alone life-saving surgeries, and warehousing. “For a country grappling with inadequate human resources, social media and television played their part in promoting contact-less deliveries, ranging from digital transactions to robots,” Jayakrishnan T, chief executive of Kochi-based Asimov Robotics, told Zenger News.

The company made waves on social media with its two Sayabot androids creating coronavirus awareness and distributing masks at the Kinfra Hi-Tech Park in Kalamassery, an industrial region in the southern state of Kerala.

Sona 2.5 robot assisting a health worker. (Club First)

Their ‘KARMI-Bot’ found its way to a Covid isolation ward at the Government Medical College Hospital, Ernakulam, to assist healthcare workers with spraying ultraviolet-based disinfection liquid and dispensing food or sterile containers onto trays.

Like Asimov, most of the robotic start-ups have been using inexpensive, off-the-shelf raw materials for robots.

Rajasthan-based Club First dabbled in a novel technology that helps robots balance almost anything they handle, say hefty payloads or even liquid. “The robots are based on a technology that helps them bend with ease, like a spinal cord. For navigation, they don’t follow lines or magnetic paths, they use artificial intelligence,” Bhuvanesh Mishra, managing director of Club First, told Zenger News. Its service robots, particularly Sona 2.5, have been pressed into service at Jaipur’s Sawai Man Singh Hospital for conducting thermal screening and delivering essentials to patients.

While Club First’s service robots can operate within 232 square meters, Guwahati-based Yantrabot Technologies Pvt Limited’s robots cover a wider range. “Much like cellular networks, a tower is placed between the robot and the person using the mobile app. If the distance exceeds 10,000 square meters, another tower will be installed. A tower just costs INR 4,500 ($61.5),” said Arunjyoti Borgohain, co-founder of Yantrabot Technologies. As of now, the company’s real-time robots are in use at a quarantine facility at the Assam Medical College and Hospital, Dibrugarh. They use a wireless navigation system for mobility.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal hands over robots to the Covid ward in Dibrugarh. (Arunjyoti Borgohain)

During the pandemic, hospitals relying on robot-assisted surgeries carried on with elective surgeries. Elective surgeries comprise a major source of income for hospitals, and delaying them affects patients psychologically, as per an article in the journal Nature Machine Intelligence.

Srivatsan Gurumurthy, a surgical gastroenterologist at Chennai’s GEM Hospital, performs minimally invasive surgeries using US-based Intuitive Surgical’s Da Vinci XI robot. He didn’t put his routine laparoscopies and robotic surgeries on hold as many others did during the pandemic.

“The in-built technology lights up lymph nodes that harbor cancer cells apart from the primary tumor, enabling enhanced removal of cancer during surgeries,” Gurumurthy said. The robot enables him to see 20 times better while performing surgeries.

Intuitive Surgical’s long-held monopoly over surgical robots might end in India. A new entrant to the surgical robots market is Asimov Robotics. The company is planning to expand its purview of service robots into surgery.

In 2018, it received INR 48 lakh ($65,593) from the government for research on a minimally invasive cutting technology to correct craniosynostosis, a birth defect.

A model of Intuitive Surgical’s Da Vinci XI robot. (Intuitive)

“We are seeking the usage of external magnetic navigation coupled with biometrics in this field. The main hurdle is the delay in getting patent approvals,” said Jayakrishnan, founder of Asimov Robotics. His technique clashes with Intuitive Surgical’s, the latter’s patent is due to expire by 2022.

Sensing the increased demand for cleaning products in the wake of Covid-19, leading market vendors invested heavily in the space. The growth of India’s cleaning robots market is slated to be more than 17 percent over the five-year-period between 2021 and 2025, as reported by TechSci Research, a global market research and consulting company.

Rajeev Karwal, who founded Milagrow HumanTech in 2007, has reaped the fruits of centering his products on housekeeping services since 2011. In the pandemic, the firm’s sales saw a 15-fold growth. “We made the right swerve towards the hospitality industry and facility management sector at the beginning of the company’s development,” said Karwal, also the chief executive of Milagrow HumanTech.

Talk about sales, Club First and Asimov posted an unprecedented surge — 60 percent and 200 percent, respectively, as claimed by their founders. “We hit the sales we had expected to clock two years from now,” said Bhuvanesh Mishra, one of the founders of Club First.

The price of Milagrow’s robots, some as high as INR 90,000 ($12,230) went down as low as INR 50,000 ($683). The company, which imports over two-thirds of its components from China, is still sorting out supply chain issues. “Freight costs are five times higher since February,” said Karwal.

Milagrow’s humanoid robots styled to render meal delivery. (Milagrow HumanTech)

The next challenge for the Indian robotics market is scaling up production, which will bring down the average selling price of robots. “The four cleaning robots launched during the pandemic cost between INR 8,000 ($109) and INR 500,000 ($6,833), which will be cheaper on mass production. Despite costing lower than the European or Chinese versions, only a select few can afford them,” said Arnab Barman, founder of the Defense and Space Robotics Laboratory. The start-up, initially vested in building robots for defense purposes, recently expanded its innovation towards surface-cleaning robots.

Widespread concerns of robots, be they ethical or future replacement of jobs, still run rife in a country where unemployment persists. “But at least you know that if there is a second wave of Covid-19, the robots will fight back,” said Barman.

(Edited by Amrita Das and Uttaran Dasgupta. Map by Urvashi Makwana.)

The post Robotic Innovations Pick Up Speed In India appeared first on Zenger News.

Boss: Lex Makes Music, Female Empowerment ‘Personal’ In Latest Release

The path to success is rarely easily. However, in the music industry, being under the watchful eye of an accomplished music exec such as Max Gousse opens doors. Gousse is known for his work with Beyonce, Kelly Rowland and B2K and Adina Howard, as well as putting his stamp on projects such as the “Dreamgirls” soundtrack.

Gousse saw something in Lex — her single “Personal” is a female anthem that sends a message women can put themselves first. “Personal” also found its way onto the soundtrack of the 2020 thriller “Fatale,” starring Michael Ealy and Hilary Swank. While working on other business ventures, Lex expects her EP to be released this summer. She provides music that resonates with women while empowering them.

Zenger News caught up with Lex to discuss the meaning behind her single and discuss future endeavors. Plus, she reveals her dream collaborations on the big screen and in the studio.

Percy Crawford interviewed Lex for Zenger News.

Zenger News: You recently released a new single called “Personal.” Did you have to go for our (men’s) jugular right from the first line?

Lex: People misinterpret that line. I’m not saying … I hate men. Men are cool, most of the time. It’s not that. I definitely don’t want people to think I hate men.

Zenger: No, I’m giving you a hard time. I understood the direction of the song. It basically says it’s OK to focus on yourself sometimes. Am I on the mark with that?

Lex: That definitely was the narrative. That was the message: Prioritizing yourself.

Percy Crawford interviewed Lex for Zenger News. (Heidi Malone/Zenger)

Zenger: I love that song. Where did your passion for singing come from and when?

Lex: I just grew up loving music. I was always around it. I’m from Anchorage, Alaska. I started singing in my grandfather’s church when I was six, and fell in love with having a mic in my hand. It’s definitely when I’m at my happiest. And then I moved to California when I was 12, and everything has been going great.

Zenger: Was it a culture shock to move to California or a smooth transition?

Lex: It was definitely a big shift, because in Alaska everything is more chill and laid-back. There’s not really a creative scene in Alaska. They really don’t have that. But living in California, everything is fast-paced — people work quickly — so just to keep up with everything was a big change. Plus, the weather, too, because it’s cold in Alaska. The crazy thing is, I’m not a big fan of heat, but I’m not a big fan of six inches of snow, either. I’m choosing California over Alaska weather any day.

Zenger: The title of your single is perfect because it symbolizes the bond with your fan base. It’s almost like you’re preparing your fans for the type of music they can expect from you.

Lex: That’s pretty much where I’m at. Being in the music industry and then having a personal life, it’s hard to juggle both — especially a love life. You invest all of yourself into a relationship. And right now, I am investing all of myself into my music and career. I would never want to put somebody through that type of neglect. That’s why “Personal” was the first out-of-the-gate song. It described my mentality as a person and as an artist.

Lex, who shares a black-Samoan heritage with Dwyane “The Rock” Johnson, would love to make a movie with the action superstar. (Photo courtesy of Lex)

Zenger: You are active on social media, and you seem to have a lot going on at all times. Is it just all about the grind right now for you?

Lex: Definitely! The grind does not stop. I’m focused on being consistent with putting things out, because I think consistency is key.

Zenger: Has anything surprised you about the music industry yet, or have things gone according to schedule?

Lex: There have been some ‘what the fuck’ moments. But those are generally when dealing with people behind the scenes. But I just remove myself from the situation and keep pushing. I never allow it to get the best of me.

Zenger: Max Gousse is managing your career. That is a big deal.

Lex: Max is definitely a heavy hitter. That’s another thing, going back to being consistent, because when Max reached out to me, I was just posting. I had just released my first project. He reached out on Instagram. I met with him. He saw the vision, and it just made sense.

Zenger: When you’re around Max, are you soaking up as much game as possible or asking a ton of questions?

Lex: I’m definitely a sponge. Whenever Max speaks, it’s knowledge to take with you. I learned a lot from him, just as far as the business side of things. He’s good at explaining and making sure that it’s clear, because you know, a lot of artists are just artists. They don’t really worry about the business side. But Max makes it clear what everything is — the ins and outs.

Zenger: Music is always consolidated on a few variables. You obviously have the look. You have an amazing voice — but there is always that intangible. What do you feel will eventually separate you from the pack?

Lex: I hope people fall in love with me as a person, but I think my music. My music is for my ladies. I love empowering them, and I’m a big advocate on ‘Boss Bitches,’ doing you and being bosses of yourself.

Zenger: Is there anyone you would like to collaborate with in the near future?

Lex: There’s a long list of creators that I would love to collaborate with. Drake is No. 1, because just a verse from Drake, I think, would be incredible. Or he can get a hook from me. We can do it, however. Megan Thee Stallion is another one I think we could slide on something. Jhene’ Aiko, I’m a big fan of Blast. I think we’d do something dope. Mozzy is dope, Kendrick [Lamar], [J.] Cole, H.E.R., Summer Walker. The list goes on.

Zenger: Your sound suggests you listen to more than just R&B music. Do you take from different genres and supplement it into your sound?

Lex: R&B is my roots. I love R&B. It has my heart. I’m an R&B singer, but I listen to a lot of rap. The storytelling of that genre I take into my own music. In pop, too, the melodies and switch up of things. I definitely take something from every genre and mix it into my own.

Zenger: “Personal” made it to the “Fatale” movie soundtrack. How did that come together?

Lex: The “Fatale” soundtrack is out now. If you haven’t listened to it, go listen to that now. There are a lot of dope artists on it. My manager hit me and was like, “Yo, we’re working on the “Fatale” soundtrack,” and I heard the soundtrack, and I was lit. I was hype. I was like, “OK, cool,” because I knew it was a dope opportunity, especially just starting off. Then I get the final phone call, and he was: “Personal” made it.” At that point, I’m on cloud nine. That was incredible, and it’s been a big accomplishment as far as this release

Zenger: Has that been your ‘Wow’ moment so far?

Lex: Yeah! And also, because it had been a minute since I had released music, and just seeing people rock with me. Seeing how they reacted to it was another ‘Wow’ moment.

Zenger: Is it imperative to interact with your fans and supporters on social media or do you prefer to keep a distance and let your music do the talking?

Lex: Social media is a great way to network — especially with the pandemic and quarantine. There is a lack of physical connection. Social media is definitely a great platform to connect with your fans; it’s crucial for any artist.

Lex is managed by Max Gousse, who has worked with Beyonce, Kelly Rowland and Adina Howard. (Photo courtesy of Lex)

Zenger: What can we expect in the near future?

Lex: An EP from Lex. I’m finalizing that. Hoping in the summer it will be released. You can also expect a movie on TV somewhere doing something, I’m a big fan of The Rock because we’re the same ethnic mix. He’s Samoan and black, and I’m Samoan and black. I think a movie from us would be great for the culture. Definitely a hair-and-beauty line coming real soon, something in fashion.

Zenger: California is still pretty much locked down. What vibes do you like to have when you’re creating? Would you prefer being out and about and creating from experiences or are you more of a secluded creator?

Lex: Honestly, with me, I pull inspiration from any and everywhere — whether it be a story my homegirl told me or a personal experience. Or, I can see it on social media, a TV show or just driving down the street. I’ll see something that sparks inspiration. And then I go into the studio and create from there. It just depends on the vibe that I’m trying to capture. Being in the studio with your own vibes, you can definitely create magic that way, too.

Zenger: Anyone who hears “Personal” will think you were hurt badly in a relationship. Is your music from the heart, personal experience or a combination of the two?

Lex: It’s from the heart, whether I’m experiencing it, or someone else is. But if it’s someone else’s experience, I speak on how I would handle it, that’s why it would be from the heart. As far as “Personal,” it’s really not from one situation, because I get that question a lot. It’s not really personal. It’s personal because it’s like a personal letter. I’m letting it be known that I’m focused on me and focusing on what I love to do. But I love love, so definitely later down the road, that will be in my life.

(Edited by Stan Chrapowicki and Fern Siegel)

The post Boss: Lex Makes Music, Female Empowerment ‘Personal’ In Latest Release appeared first on Zenger News.

5 Dating Mantras for 2021

By Shauntay Dunbar

This week is all about Dating Mantras for 2021. How do except to un-break your heart if you keep listening to another sad love song!?!By now we know that of we want to manifest more positivity in our life, we have to change our mindset.

It’s all about perspective. So when we speak those words of affirmation, we have to believe them. Why not apply that to your dating life?

Here are my top 5 dating mantras:

I am fully capable of giving and receiving love now.
Everyday I get closer to the loving, joyful partnership I always wanted.
I know what I want in a partner and I will not settle until I find it.
I do not fear dating failures; they bring me one step closer to success.
I love myself more everyday and my partner will too.

Wells Fargo Invests in Six Black-Owned Banks

Wells Fargo recently announced equity investments in six African American minority depository institutions (MDIs) as part of a March 2020 pledge to invest up to $50 million in Black-owned banks. In the ongoing pandemic, communities of color have been disproportionately impacted, and this investment is part of Wells Fargo’s effort to generate a more inclusive recovery.

Wells Fargo is announcing investments in the following institutions:

Broadway Federal Bank, in Los Angeles, California
Carver Federal Savings Bank, in New York, New York
Citizens Savings Bank & Trust, in Nashville, Tennessee
Commonwealth National Bank, in Mobile, Alabama
M&F Bank, in Durham, North Carolina
Optus Bank, in Columbia, South Carolina

Importance of MDIs in U.S. financial ecosystem

MDIs, some dating back to the early 1900s, serve communities in which a higher share of the population lives in low and moderate income (LMI) census tracts and in which higher shares of residents are minorities. MDIs have played an important role in providing mortgage credit, small business lending, and other banking services to minority and LMI communities.

Equity investment structure

Wells Fargo’s investments are in the form of critical equity capital, which is foundational to the MDIs’ ability to expand lending and deposit-taking capacity in their communities. These are primarily non-voting positions and are designed to enable the banks to maintain their MDI status. Regarding our commitment being in the form of equity vs. deposits, $1 of new deposits means an MDI can make $1 of new loans, but $1 of new equity means an MDI can make $10 of new loans.

Dedicated Wells Fargo banking relationships

As part of the capital investment, the banks will have access to a dedicated Wells Fargo relationship team that will provide financial, technological and product development expertise in order to support each institution grow and benefit their local community.

African American/Black History Month: Houston Native Reflects on Navy Supply Corps Service

Story by Thomas Zimmerman

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — “When I joined the Navy, I barely saw African American officers. I believe that African Americans are now making positive strides in the officer ranks,” said Lt. Nana Bonsu, a Navy Supply Corps officer assigned to Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Business Systems Center (BSC) in Mechanicsburg. “We’re still growing and breaking down barriers, but I feel lucky to be part of a group that is inspiring the next generation of Sailors.”

African American and Black men and women have a long history of distinguished service, dating back to the colonial days before the establishment of the Navy. Each February, the Navy honors their legacy of service, while recognizing the men and women who will secure the future for the next generation of African American and Black Sailors.

Yawnie! Yawnie! Yawnie! Yawnie! Yawn Mami Is What It Do!

By Lue Dowdy

Yes!!! This article is a MUST. I’d like to introduce a talented Female Rap artist I met in the entertainment circuit that goes by the name, ‘Yawnie Mami’. I can’t say enough about this artist. Her lyrics are definitely fire.

Yawnie Mami has a way of telling a story through her music that others are able to vibe to. Not only is she a rapper, she is a writer. She knows that writing her own lyrics is a major plus in the music game. Other talents include club promotions. She also has her own trucking business: a true BOSS! Find out more about Yawnie Mami below in her full bio.

In April 2013, her single “HTDL” was aired for the first time on FM Radio (102.5FM and 94.3FM KDUC). On November 9, 2019, Yawnie started a series in which she released at least one new music video per month on Facebook. Her latest single, “Blister”, was released in March 2020 on all platforms.

Yawnie expresses how she would like to experience music as a whole, taking her to the highest level possible with the enjoyment of knowing people are listening.

I can’t wait to see her perform live again. I miss hearing her say loud on the mic, ‘Yawnie, Yawnie, Yawnie, Yawnie, Yawnie’! Make sure you follow her at facebook.com/yawniemami.

Until next week folks and remember, keep music in YO LIFE! L’s!

Elk Grove Native Earns Black Engineer of the Year Award

Norfolk, VA. – An Elk Grove, California native received a Black Engineer of the Year Award (BEYA) during the virtual BEYA science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) conference, February 12.

Lt. Cmdr. Derik Rothchild, the Moored Training Ship La Jolla (MTS 701) engineer officer, was recognized as a 2021 Modern-Day Technology Leader, an award given to those who demonstrate achievement, leadership and impact.

The award recognizes African American scientists and engineers around the country who are shaping the future of STEM, while promoting diversity and inclusion.”I was filled with pride to be recognized on such a prestigious stage,” said Rothchild. “It means my efforts in leading my team to the best of my abilities did not go unnoticed.”

With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

Ayris T. Scales Named CEO of Walker’s Legacy Foundation and the Managing Director of Walker’s Legacy

Walker’s Legacy, the largest digital platform for multicultural women in business, has announced that effective March 1, 2021, Ayris T. Scales will be the CEO of Walker’s Legacy Foundation and the Managing Director of Walker’s Legacy.

Ayris T. Scales has built a strong reputation as a champion of women, entrepreneurs, and underinvested communities in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. Scales has nearly 20 years of leadership experience at both the local and national levels addressing racial and gender inequities. In 2018, Ayris was appointed by DC Mayor Muriel Bowser to serve as the District’s official Chief Service Officer where she led Serve DC, the Mayor’s Office on Volunteerism and Partnerships.

“Ayris has demonstrated herself as a leader at all levels. She is committed to advancing economic opportunities, expanding networks and driving solutions, stated Natalie Madeira Cofield, Founder & departing CEO. “We believe wholeheartedly that she is a phenomenal choice to shepherd the organization into its next era and aid in supporting the organization’s advancement and expansion.”

Previously, Ayris was the Vice President of Economic Growth and Jobs for World Business Chicago (WBC). She also has the distinct honor of having served as the inaugural Executive Director of the DC Promise Neighborhood Initiative (DCPNI), a flagship organization under President Obama’s White House Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative to end generational poverty. She is a sought-after advisor, speaker, moderator, lecturer, and blogger. Her work has been featured in Fast Company, Ebony, Fox, ABC, and NBC news affiliates, Telemundo, Blackher.us, and numerous other publications.

“I am honored to take the helm of this illustrious organization. Advancing entrepreneurship, building generational wealth, creating a legacy and empowering women economically are what keeps me up at night,” said Ayris T. Scales, incoming CEO and Managing Director. There is no greater time than now to uphold the vision of our founder and to amplify the mission of our work.”

Scales utilizes a mission-centered approach to generate solutions which has led to transformative public-private partnerships with numerous global brands, as well as innovative policies and initiatives in which she has secured over $50M in funding and overseen more than $100M in grants and subsidies. Ayris has held leadership roles in Indianapolis, Savannah, Atlanta, Chicago, and Washington, DC.

After 11 years, Cofield departs from the organization to join the Small Business Administration where she has been appointed to serve as the Assistant Administrator for the Office of Women’s Business Ownership, effective Monday, March 1, 2021.

For all questions surrounding the leadership transition, please contact Skylar Green at skylar@walkerslegacy.com.

Melanated Power

By C.K. McGhee

Sometimes you have to step away from yourself and step into your purpose. Because the bitterness of life and of people can feel like a circus. Quiet the noise, be steadfast and poised because at this very hour, you need to recognize your melanated power.

The only thing that separates you from me is the recognition that I have of my destiny. Purposely driven, yes…that’s how I’m living, I’m turning pain into purpose and I’m shedding the old skin…old things become new and I’m feeling like me again.

Trials and tribulations they lead to elevations…immersed in life affirming thoughts mixed into…revelations. Stronger each day as God has his way…moves throughout my life, erasing stress and all strife. Wiping me clean of all darkness within, For he’s preparing me…for all light to come in.

Sometimes we may not be aware of the damage within, until the waters of healing start to rush in, bringing life and hydration to all those dry places, witnessing looks of joy on black and brown faces.

Seeing and tasting the salvation of life, was going left for so long, it feels good to go right. People, places and things draining all of my energy but like Lennon said, its time to just let it be.

Tomorrow’s not promised and we know not the hour, so tired of attitudes that have grown sour, so stop wasting your time, seeking whom to devour, I’m walking in faith and my melanated power.

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