July Birthdays

Photos Courtesy of Paedams Photography

Pamela Johnson, July 30 - Age 44, Shirleshia Johnson, July 13 - Age 20, Lamarcus Johnson, Jr. - Age 6, Jessica Newton, July 29 - Age 3

Maintaining A Healthy Relationship - July 2008

Photo Courtesy of Paedams Photography ©2008

Maintaining a healthy relationship in a hostile environment (haters) proves difficult for many couples. However, it is not impossible when the couple truly love and respect one another. Infidelity is at the highest rate ever and yes your relationship will fall victim to it; but it's what you mean to one another that will get you through the storms of infidelity. I've noticed that many people do not like to see couples happy because they themselves are not happy; especially women. I myself have been guilty of this. It's like they say Misery loves company. However we as women must understand that we must be worthy of a healthy relationship ourselves. Yes, I said worthy! How can we form a healthy relationship if it was built from us taking our man from another woman? Isn't this sending him mixed signals? Shouldn't we expect that he would do it to us as well? He does. A relationship is not something that you play games with. Also, you cannot expect a good man to have you on his side if you have been with numerous men. First of all it's not healthy, secondly trust must be there and you having been with every Tom, Dick and Harry isn't a good recommendation for the job.

Relationships are just like 9-5 jobs and if you are not qualified you need not apply. Also, we as women cannot change what men have been doing as far back as the Bible days. Yes, we must expect fidelity from our men because in this day and time we are faced with diseases that a shot will not cure. But this is the variable...how.? I have watched and studied relationships between my grandparents and parents, etc., there is no easy answer, if there is any. The one thing that was made clear, each of them made commitments and they stayed true to those commitments. Men cheating does not reflect upon us as women and we should not let these situations validate who we are. I once believed that once a man cheated that he did not respect me nor loved me, but it was only after my last relationship ended due to infidelity that I sat back and took a long look at myself. Like me, many of us only add to the problems by trying too keep our men in line concerning other women. This is a battle we cannot win. We should trust that by being good women and respectable human beings that one day infidelity will come to pass and in order for this to happen, it must begin with us. We must stop these desperate attempts in hooking up with other women's men, you know trying to prove that we are the better woman for him, etc. If men did not have sideline hoes as they call us, then what other recourse would they have. Leave the job to the real prostitutes and that's if they still exist because sidelines are so easily available and don't require actual dollars, just a cheap meal, booze and motel and sometimes a handout on a bill. It's time we wake up and jump out this pretty woman existence and realize that when we began valuing ourselves and not sleeping with other women's men that men themselves will have no recourse other than to be faithful men, but until then "Let Go and Let God."

Best Wishes to each of you and God Bless.

PFP. © Copyright 2008 Material. Unauthorized Reproduction Is Prohibited.

Kids Corner - July 2008 - Preparing For Back to School

Tre' and Velle are enjoying playroom at local medical center as they wait too see their Doctor for their Back to School Checkups and Immunizations. Both are looking forward to going back to school in the next month.
Photos Courtesy of Paedams Photography ©2008

Helpful Links to Monroe, Louisiana

Photo Courtesy of Paedams Photography ©2008




City of Monroe - One City, One Future
City of Monroe, Louisiana. ... CREATING EXCELLENCE IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: A COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR THE MONROE, LOUSIANA REGION.www.ci.monroe.la.us/admin

Monroe Sports Travel - Reviews, Tips, Photos - VirtualTourist.com
Sponsored Links for Monroe. City Tourism Hotels in Your Favorite Cities! Book and Save with Hotels.com. Louisiana Insiders' Picks For Top Places to Explore.

Monroe Chamber of Commerce
Monroe Chamber of Commerce - Photo Courtesy of Patty Stewart Photography ... Monroe is a great place to open a business. In fact, Monroe is the home of many ...www.monroe.org

Attractions – Monroe Louisiana
Attractions Monroe LA - There is no shortage of things to do ...1 min 31 secvideo.google.com/videoplay

thenewsstar.com Monroe Opinion The News Star

Louisiana Genealogy Blog
Monroe Louisiana 909 N 33rd St Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana, United States Phone: 318-322-7009 Hours: T 12pm-4pm; Th 12pm-7pm; call for an appt. ...louisianagenealogyblog.blogspot.com

Top 10 Jobs in Louisiana
The Top 10 Jobs in Lousiana come largely from these and related businesses; ... Louisiana at Monroe Indians · Louisiana State Tigers - Baton Rouge ...hubpages.com/hub/Louisiana-Jobs


Louisiana Baptist Children's Home
Home How You Can Help About Us · Louisiana Baptist Children's Home © Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.www.lbch.org


All school districts in Louisiana, LA: A-Z
All school districts in Louisiana, LA: AZ. ... Louisiana School Districts ... Ouachita Parish School District, Monroe, Ouachita ...www.greatschools.net/schools/districts/Louisiana/LA


Louisiana Police Depts. - CriminalWatch
University of Louisiana at Monroe Police Dept. University of Louisiana Lafayette Police Dept. University of New Orleans Police Dept. ...www.criminalwatch.com/police/la.asp


GO TO THE ZOO! - Animal World Network
LOUISIANA, Greater Baton Rouge Zoo, Baton Rouge. LOUISIANA, Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo, Monroe. LOUSIANA, Audubon Park and Zoological Gardens ...www.animalworldnetwork.com/gotozoo


Louisiana. State & Parish Guide. LaParish.com
Louisiana State and Parish Guide. LaParish.com - Government departments, offices, ... Sulphur Calcasieu West Monroe Ouachita Alexandria Pineville Louisiana ...www.louisiana-parish.com

Black History - 365 - Quotes From Great Leaders - July 2008

Malcolm X - " By Any Means Necessary "





They call me "a teacher, a fomentor of violence." I would say point blank, That is a lie. I'm not for wanton violence. I'm for justice. I feel that if white people were attacked by Negroes - if the forces of law prove unable, or inadequate, or reluctant to protect those whites from those Negroes-then those white people should protect and defend themselves from those Negroes, using arms if necessary. And I feel that when the law fails to protect Negroes from whites' attack then those Negroes should use arms, if necessary, to defend themselves....I am speaking against and my fight is against white racists. I firmly believe that Negroes have the right to fight against these racists, " by any means necessary."
From the Autobiography of Malcolm X, pgs. 373-374


You can't separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom. Published in Malcolm X Speaks, Ch. 12, 1965

Sitting at the table doesn't make you a diner, unless you eat some of what's on that plate. Being here in America doesn't make you an American. Being born here in America doesn't make you an American. "The Ballot or the Bullet," speech, April 3, 1964

I believe in the brotherhood of man, all men, but I don't believe in brotherhood with anybody who doesn't want brotherhood with me. I believe in treating people right, but I'm not going to waste my time trying to treat somebody right who doesn't know how to return the treatment. Malcolm X - Speech Dec. 12, 1964

It's just like when you've got some coffee that's too black, which means it's too strong. What do you do? You integrate it with cream, you make it weak. But if you pour too much cream in it, you won't even know you ever had coffee. It used to be hot, it becomes cool. It used to be strong, it becomes weak. It used to wake you up, now it puts you to sleep. "Message to the Grass Roots," speech, Nov. 1963 (published in Malcolm X Speaks, ch. 1, 1965)

The common goal of 22 million Afro-Americans is respect as human beings, the God-given right to be human being. Our common goal is to obtain the human rights that America has been denying us. We can never get civil rights in America until our human rights are first restored. We will never be recognized as citizens there until we are first recognized as humans.
Malcolm X - "Racism: the cancer that is Destroying America," in Egyptian Gazette (Aug. 1964).

The negro revolution is controlled by foxy white liberals, by the Government itself. But the Black Revolution is controlled only by GOD.
Speech Dec. 1, 1963, New York City http:// http://www.malcolmx.org/











Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. - I Have A Dream

When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men would be guaranteed the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

America has given the Negro People a bad check which has come back marked "Insufficient Funds."

But there is something I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.

I say to you today, my friends, that in spite of the difficulties and frustrations of the moment, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American Dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: " We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at a table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a desert state, sweltering with the heat of injustice and oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream that one day the state of Alabama, whose governor's lips are presently dripping with the words of interposition and nullification, will be transformed into a situation where little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls and walk together as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.

When we let freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of GOD'S children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old negro spiritual, "Free at last! Free at last! Thank GOD Almighty, we are free at last!"

From the speech "I have a Dream" - Martin Luther King 1963 http://www.drmartinlutherkingjr.com/



Now in 2008, what Malcolm X and Dr. King believed and spoke of still holds true. We have come very far as a race yet in many ways we are still slaves. This country is still reaping from our sweat and blood without the effort of physical slavery because we are containing ourselves. This is why no nationality treat us with respect because from watching us themselves and listening to the views such as Dee Lee CFP. When I received the email that's circulating throughout the Internet it hurt and angered me at the same time. However, I had to ask myself if they are wrong? I had to admit that she did her homework about most of us, but not all us. We see everyday in our community: Ignorance, Greed, and Selfishness.

Is Ignorance our primary weapon of containment? I wonder what great man said that "The best way to hide something from Black People is to put in a book?" They believe that few of us read consistently, if any.
Is Greed another powerful weapon of containment? Apparently the word consumer was created just for us because we are primarily considered a "consumer people", they believe we function totally by greed and I quote "They continually want more, with little thought for saving or investing." Would we rather buy some new sneaker than invest in starting a business? Jay Z, P Diddy, Oprah, Lil Wayne and many others of the accomplished blacks would beg to differ. As a matter of fact....they don't beg for anything. But to play down their accomplishments as well as others they call them fools....because no matter how much money they make they feel that this is still not "status"; because the vast majority of our people are still in poverty. This is where the Selfishness as they see it, falls into place since it has been ingrained in our minds since slavery and they feel is the major way they can continue to contain us. One of our own, Dubois said that there was a innate division in our culture. A "Talented Tenth" he called it. They feel he was correct in his deduction that there are segments of our culture that has achieved some "form" of success. Dee Lee wrote that "The Talented Tenth" missed the fullness of his work because they didn't read/comprehend that they where responsible to aid The non-talented ninety percent in a better life. She named the Talented Tenth the "Buppie Class"(black yuppies) - ones that look down on their own people or aids them in a condescending manner.

In 2008 that holds true in every nationality/culture, not only in the black culture. I don't see them aiding what they call "white trash," their own people that rank higher than blacks in illiteracy. As a matter of fact blacks with all of their social ills has embraced and welcomed white trash into our neighborhoods and families. Black people have sustained throughout history as strong people regardless of what has been done to us, because we are GOD's people. No we are not perfect but as with any other race in any other country "we all have bad seeds."
The coldest thing about all of this is Ms. Lee and the like are now in the underground railroad hiding in the darkness awaiting their time too once again be free. But I digress. Editor PFP. Copyright 2008 Material. Unauthorized Reproduction Is Prohibited.

Poem Of The Month - July 2008

STILL I RISE - Maya Angelou

You may write me down in history

With your bitter, twisted lies,

You may trod me in the very dirt

But still, like dust, I'll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?

Why are you beset with gloom?

'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells

Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,

With the certainty of tides,

Just like hopes springing high,

Still I'll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?

Bowed head and lowered eyes?

Shoulders falling down like teardrops.

Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you?

Don't you take it awful hard

'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines

Diggin' in my own back yard.

You may shoot me with your words,

You may cut me with your eyes,

You may kill me with your hatefulness,

But still, like air, I'll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?

Does it come as a surprise

That I dance like I've got diamonds

At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of history's shame........I rise

Up from a past that's rooted in pain.....I rise

I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,

Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.

Leaving behind nights of terror and fear....I rise

Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear....I rise

Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,

I am the dream and hope of the slave.

I Rise !!!

I Rise !!!

I Rise !!!

Maya Angelou

http://www.poemhunter.com/

Welcome To Monroe, Louisiana

July - Dedication to Monroe

Copyright ©2008 Material. Unauthorized Reproduction Is Prohibited. All rights reserved to Paedams Freelance Productions.

Dance Competition - Kids Category

Copyright ©2008 Material. Unauthorized Reproduction Is Prohibited. Videos courtesy of Paedams Productions.

Roe-City Dance Competition for kids was created by Paedams in 2007 just so kids could show off their dance skills and be seen around the world. Although, actual prizes are not rewarded the kid's performances will be seen through our website and the You Tube Community. For further information you may contact us by email at sweetmochavideomagazine@gmail.com or visit us at www.youtube.com/paedams.

Featured Video - July 2008

Copyright © 2008 Material. Unauthorized Reproduction Is Prohibited.

Person Of The Month - July 2008

Mr. Willis Wooten, Businessman (DIXIELAND LAND AUTO BODY)

Monroe is full of good people but one stands out in being the First Person of the Month for Sweet Mocha Video Magazine and he's Mr. Willis Wooten, a local businessman (DIXIELAND AUTO BODY) located on 2665 Hwy 15, Monroe,La. Mr. Willis, is a compassionate, friendly person as well as a honest businessman. When you meet him it's as if you have known him all your life. Although his auto body shop is not as fancy as the newer ones....you will get the same quality work for less money and time. Stop by or give him a call @ 318-235-2921.

P.Adams

SPORTS (Fishing)

HE DID IT!!! A local fisherman Mr. Eric Carter did what most first time fisherman find difficult. He landed a big one. Mr. Carter caught a 13 inch-5lb big mouth bass in a local area pond.

Sexiest Couple for the Month of July 2008

On May 26, 2007, two lives became one. Mr and Mrs David Adams recently celebrated their First Wedding Anniversary. The following video commemorate scenes from their special day.

Congratulations Mr and Mrs Adams from us at Sweet Mocha Video Magazine ™ of Monroe.

© 2008. Video courtesy of Paedams Productions ™. Unauthorized Reproduction Is Prohibited.

People and Scenes of Monroe

The energy and the beauty in Monroe during the Spring/Summer Months is indescribable. During the Spring/Summer months everything comes alive. The birds and foilage are beautiful. The sounds of children playing and birds singing are like music to the ears.


Copyright © 2008. Video courtesy of Paedams Productions ™ Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

Featured Business for July 2008 JUNGLE GYM - West Monroe

Jungle Gym....A Great Place To Let The Kids Run Wild. I would recommend this business for weary parents and grandparents. The staff is wonderful and the process is simple...sit back and relax while the

children go wild. These are pictures from the " Mt. Horeb Free Will Baptist Church" Youth Department's trip to the wild.

Photos courtesy of Paedams Photography © 2008

Local Church Mourns The Loss Of Another Deacon

" Don't Cry For Me "

Photos Courtesy of Paedams Photography

On June 29, 2008, " The Mt. Horeb Free Will Baptist Church Family " under the leadership of Rev. Thomas B. White, Pastor, suffered another great loss when the Lord called another beloved and long time Deacon Oscar Manual to his eternal rest. This is the second Deacon the Church has lost in less than a year's time. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife and other family and friends.

The church also bidded farewell to the late

Deacon Dunn's widow Dorothy in mid June as well. She will be relocating back to her home in California. Both Deacon Manual and Sister Dunn will be sorely missed. The church was still dealing with the death of Deacon Douglas Dunn and to lose two other prominent members in such a short period of time has left the Mt. Horeb Church Family grieving.

PFP