SOLVE- Impactful Community Resources

Happy April everyone,

I wanted to kick things off this Spring talking about an impactful community software that was brought to my attention.  I have taken an initiative to always promote positivism and connectivity. I blog about resources, upcoming entrepreneurs/artists, activism, poetry, music critiques to my readers. This month I wanted to spread the word about a great new resource called SOLVE. A couple weeks ago, I interviewed Matt Strauss the Co-Founder and CEO of SOLVE.

The 27-year-old tech genius has done a phenomenal work. Three years ago at 24, this man decided to put his heart, passion, and finances into investing in and building up communities that have previously been looked past. Since 2016, Matt has been advancing the SOLVE’s software. The SOLVE software was developed to solve the market failures in the current economy, the employment gap, and to provide financial freedom to disadvantaged communities. SOLVE partners with workforce centers and non-profit organizations on the West and South Side of Chicago.

First,  SOLVE give organizations client referrals. Next, the new clients are given community profiles on the software. After the organizations receive new clients, they provide them with successful workforce programs to help clients achieve job placement. The software and program makes sure that issues such as trauma, substance abuse, or any barriers are resolved with clients to ready them for reentry or entry into the workforce. Organizations also, use the SOLVE software program to calculate the savings costs for welfare, housing, and Medicaid. Currently, the software platform is partnered with community leadership organizations and training programs such as Re:work, Blue 1647, UCAN, and Chicago Star Alliance. Some of the communities that are currently partnered with SSC are Roseland, Bronzeville, and North Lawndale.

The software hopes to equate and stabilize communities by helping them gain job security, housing, financial literacy, and mental health. Before SOLVE, Strauss was the Board of Directors for Go Civic Chicago which a technology platform built for the advancement of cities help citizens stay updated with community events. Matt’s background has always been to provide resources and access to the underserved.  His advocacy and software are a great investment in eliminating social inequality and making a collective impact. I encourage everyone to keep in tune and check out https://solve.is/

 

Favorite Artist of the month

 

New monthly topic coming to tolivelovecreateinspire blog is favorite artist of the month. This month’s favorite artist of the month goes to Audrey Valentine.

This artist has truly blossomed from performing at open mics, music venues, and music sets to recording in the studio. She has worked with artists such as Tony Famous and D. Lylez. Her latest singles are “Down Low,” “Give Love,” and “Never Let Go.”  “Down Low” is a multilayered track about the songstress being attracted to a guy and wanting to give him a chance but first, she wants to make sure that they have a mental/spiritual connection. — Come correct honey or don’t come at all. We hear you Audrey! Later in the track, the message transitions to focusing on the pleasure of the woman. “Down Low” describes that to be her partner a man must be able to fulfil her emotionally, mentally, and sexually. — I hear you girl! Haha. “Give Love” is a soulful remix to Jackson 5 “Give Love on Christmas Day.”  It entails on her spreading love and positive vibes to all during the holiday season as well as her being open to finding a new love in the New Year. “Never Let Go” is about her unbreakable love with her guy, blocking out rumours/opinions from her relationship, and maintaining a healthy bond. Audrey Valentine’s lyrics and flow are remarkable.

This lady’s grind is impeccable. Her music is relatable about being in love and its highs and lows. Her message is full of empowerment and a fun-loving spirit. It displays phrases we all have been through such as discovering our worth and having the courage to move forward and still have an open heart for what is to come.  Her transition from track to track and project show a story of crazy in love, deep vulnerability, and discovering her truth. Her style ranges from smooth and soulful to upbeat and energetic. Audrey Valentine is musically seductive. Dope choice of beats and her voice play the ultimate combo. She is a popping artist who is bringing R&B back and I look forward to hearing more from her.

 

 

Men, it is okay to be in tune with your emotions: Society’s falsified image of a man.

“Real men are hypermasculine,

sexually experienced,

and unexpressive with their feelings.”

 

These are some of the myths about “manhood”. Who is really at fault society or us for believing them? Society teaches us since birth as women that our partners are to be our protectors and conquerors but less about men maintaining self-care and positive communication along the way. As society teaches we believe them. Parents don’t provide equal emotional treatment among their children regardless of sex. Fathers show your sons that they don’t have to always be emotionally strong and that men can show love and kindness to other men. It is so important. Men should be able to confide in other men without being afraid of judgement or feel as though they will be looked upon as less masculine.

 

Women give your man space to be able to voice his opens and not bottle them up. The cycle of thinking and acts continuing without any adjustment leads to a lot of men getting into improgressive unhealthy relationships whether platonic, romantic, father-daughter or father-son. Open dialogue is one if not the most important factors in a relationship in order for men to be able to give and receive love properly. Men should be able to discuss when they are mad/upset, sad, or indifferent to situations and not just ” Man Up about it” and brush it off.

 

Just when we thought society was enough we have some of the older generation who says back in the day “Men were men”. We get it, GRANDPA, back then most men were the breadwinners and took life burdens on their shoulders without a complaint or saying a word and that is okay.

 

 

However, men are still men today. There is just a difference in the household dynamics. Mental health is something that is not just swept under the rug. It should be kept in order to maintain relationships, employment, and sanity. Society teaches us that women are the more emotional creatures.

However, just as women need emotional support, MEN DO TOO. As men and women, we are here to support each and hear each other needs. Women pour love, encouragement, and most of all transparency into your man. Men need to have open space where they can talk about their injustices and their TRIUMPHS.  Being strong and being emotionally vulnerable are not separate entities but intertwined in the character of a man.  When a man reveals something in his heart or that’s bothering him the world should let him speak his peace.

Positive mental health and self-care are important. In African-American society, the prevalence of depression is high for black men. Reasons may be that black men feel they are not able to discuss the daily challenges they have to overcome whether it is poverty/employment, sexual harassment/assault, family drama/conflicts, violence, fear, resentment, or addiction. Men should be able to talk about it openly and not be afraid of judgement or ridicule. Men you are entitle to your emotions and your feelings are valid.

Men

It is okay to love.

It is okay to be with selective when it comes to your body and partners.

It is okay to smile and be happy.

It is okay to have healthy friendships with men and show them, love.

It is okay to cry.

It is okay to be upset.

It is okay to not be okay.

 

Adult-ING

 

 

In a better sense the transition from college life  or  post secondary education to career setting, may come off a little tragic.

From college where your parents help with your loans, send your care packs, and random money on occasion to seeking for your own  can come off a little intimidating.

Trust me I know from pa-rentals helping to pay from things to paying your pills by yourself.

But you’re here now.

You took the leap.

Now it’s sink or swim.

We can achieve what we set our minds to or just get whatever comes to us.

Sometimes we can obtain our dream career now. Sometimes we can’t. If you don’t get the dream career don’t sweat it. Don’t feel like you’re defeated use the time to help develop skill sets that will better qualify you for it in the future.

We have the opportunity to build our careers.

We are in our twenties that’s what it’s for.

Messed up, fall down, get back up, and start all over.

Pick a career, start it, or pick another career.

Careers don’t have to be lifelong like our grandparents anymore.

Saving is key.

Budgeting is way harder.

These are all things I learned and still learning about myself and life.

I hope I was able to provide you guys with any insight.

Love you all and oh yeah don’t forget to tune in for my next post “Dating, Flaws, and all” <3.

Roadtrip to One Music Fest

Hi everyone. I’m sorry I haven’t being posting. I have been super stressed out about the GRE, post graduation goals, and applications for grad school. My mind has literally been everywhere. I’m back and ready to share my experience with you guys about my first road trip to the One Music Festival. My first road trip was amazing. We left Friday September 11 at 10:30 am and encounter interesting events from eating KFC Chicken in Pacuach, KENTUCKY ( you see what I did there) to getting detoured in a random Southern Illinois town for an hour lol. It rained so bad that day. The drive to Atlanta was everything, even though the small hills and sharp curves on the country roads were nothing to play with. The was 9 and 1/2 hour ride was worth every minute and we definitely found ways to occupy our time. Since, it rained most the drive we listened and vibed out to throw back 90 and early 2000’s jams. During the ride, we also had conversations about relationships, black consciousness, and unity in the community. The rain started to clear up when we approached Knoxville. The huge scrapers,arena, and its downtown view were beyond beautiful. We end up stopping for gas a couple times before reaching Georgia, but during one of our last stops we experienced seeing something disheartening. We stopped at a small town gas station in Tennessee to pump gas and encountered a pick up truck that had a few Confederate flags on the back and flags stating “We will keep our flags flying.” My friends and I were super disgusted and shocked to see racism so super boldly displayed. We updated on the current times and what has been happening , but we’re still surprised we would see it with our own eyes that day. However, we realized that the current conflicts that have been happening for over a year between races had being excelling to an all time high. This event or something of the sort was bound to witnessed by someone regardless if it was us or not. Nevertheless, we decided to brush it off and continue our trip on a happy note. After, we got snacks we got back on the road. We didn’t get to Atlanta until 9:30 pm and we were SUPER tired, but we’re determined to do something both nights of our stay, so we went straight to the downtown area. Our friend Mary told us that her friend Brianna was going to see the Perfect Guy at Atlantic Station because it just came out that night. We decided the movie was the plan for the night and we headed straight there. Everything was so high class in Midtown Atlanta. Girls were dressed in heels and big fedora hats I never knew Atlanta was that high scale haha. The movie was horrible lol just a warning if you’re thinking about seeing Perfect Guy don’t. The chemistry was great between the couple, but overall it was pretty predictable -_- lol. We all still had fun together watching it and walking around the town seeing what the city had to offer. We ended up checking into our hotel at 4:00 am on Saturday morning .On Saturday, we got continental breakfast around 9:30 am right before it ended at 10. Then, we started to get ready for the One Music Fest. On our way to the festival we did fast touring around Morehouse and Spelman College. The campuses were beautiful and my friend and I who were already thinking about relocating to Georgia for graduate school have really started to consider the move since visiting. We didn’t leave out the hotel until 1 to see SZA perform at 2pm. The parking at the concert was crazy expensive (as you could imagine haha) it costed you over $30 to park anywhere near the arena hall. The prices being high we decided to keep driving around and found out that people were only charging $10 for people to park on their property for the night. Great idea. I would of never thought people having 2 or 3 acres of land would allow us to rent it for the night. We couldn’t pass it up very innovative thinking . We got in the concert we all had seats for the 15 row, but we ending being able to get to sit in the pit. Yes the PIT right next to the main stage. Mannnn was the whole fest lit from Big Krit to Lauryn Hill at the finisher. SZA was so live and energetic. She’s a dope performer who I have mad respect for being the only female artist of Kendrick Lamar’s TDE label. SZA definitely gives a vibe to the audience that can’t be found anywhere else straight euphoric. Wale was amazing super turn as always . First, he performed “Bad”, “Bloom”, and “Matrimony”. Lastly, he performed my all time favorite “The Need to Know” with SZA. As you see from the picture above Mary was turnt as soon as Wale threw his sweat towel to the audience she leaped for joy to get it. Her and Latrice who are holding the towel in the picture claim they are going to each share it or cut it so they both can have a piece of Wale lol. Oh, the things we do for love. The next line up was Janelle Monae & the Wondaland Crew. Seeing her in concert, I found a new fond respect. She announced in all her shows she lets all of the performers get equal distributed performance time. I just love how they bring in activism and current events into their music. Music is a universal language and one of biggest ways to talk to the youth and society. Asap Rocky got the crowd super live. Lauryn Hill started at 9:45 pm as the last performance of the night. She vibed with her band and danced with her background singers. She performed all of my favorite hits from her Fugees days “Ready or Not.” Then, she performed “X factor”,”Killing me Softly”, and “Mystery of Iniquity”. Last, she performed Doo Woop”, and Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good.”I was on an all time high watching her grace the stage. I can’t even explain how I felt watching her sing. The Queen was getting it ya’ll!! I was beyond honored to be able to experience seeing the great Ms. Hill. The experience is something I will never forget. The weekend was one of the greatest weekends. I had the best crew to do the trip with. Road trips definitely bring people together to make bonds may this not be the last one we do together. Love you all and oh yeah until next time Atlanta ❤ 🙂

A Man’s Worth

I’m not gone act like my old words haven’t slained them with all the names and claiming how much we hate them. The way we’re set up we seem to only degrade them until their lives are taken. See society makes it’s easier to spread HATE then to LOVE. Our scars on our hearts are sometimes left unmended. So sometimes us women may tend to reciprocate our pain by harsh reprimanding. We forget that men experience tough trials too. So let us come together to do the healing. Let’s stop bashing the other sex just to achieve a temporal satisfactional feeling. I apologize for the negativity I played part in my community because men are everything. Yes, you heard me I said men are everything. You are Kings. You feed us before you feed yourselves. Your presence helps our children establish stable emotional care and health. You supply our power when have ran out of strength. Your love can heal a broken heart into a new revision. You are beautiful in all your complexity. Oh man. Oh men! Do you know your worth!? Do you know your power?! No matter how strong we are we still need your presence in our despair hour. So allow our love to flow in! Allow our love second chances! Because we truly believe you can achieve anything no matter WHAT the circumstances. We appreciate you in all the shades and style that you come in too. Because just as you elevate us we need to elevate you. ❤

What is Beauty?

You’re not beautiful because what you wear. You’re not beautiful because of your body. You’re not beautiful for the length of your hair. You’re not beautiful because of your looks. I know alot of people may question the point I’m getting at. The point I’m trying to make is that you’re beautiful because the light that shines with in you makes you just that. Society has a funny way of making people think that if they’re are not FINE like Halle Berry or have a bangin body like Nicki Minaj that they are less than others or irrelevant.Your look is no better or greater beauty than the next person. We all no matter what shade, race, ethnics, culture, shape have no right or by any means entitled to belittle people who don’t look similar. It’s nothing wrong with being attractive, but don’t let that be the only thing YOU allow to be seen or put on the table. Let your physical beauty and inner beauty be the attraction as a collaboration. Don’t get so caught up on making your outside presentable that you forget that your inner beautiful (Kindess, humility, humor, empathy, and intellect) is of great importance. Your internal beauty will be the the one that is eternal. It’s easy to forget these traits and their importance in the fruit of your soul and identity. Be internally beautiful and I guarantee that no matter what both appearances externally and internal will show true.

The Beginning

My name is Brittanii’ B. I am 22-year-old recent graduate. I’ve been wanting to make a blog for quite a while and just not had the time to do it. I know making a blog takes consistency and time, which I am now dedicated to give my full efforts. I am making this blog because I want to be able to shed a positive light in the craziness going on in the world by providing my insight of current events, inspirational quotes, interests, and personal experiences. I will do so through poetry, images, and providing passed on words of wisdom. I hope that my posts can help bring positivity, relatability, love, new understanding, and a smile to those who come to read. I’m so excited about this new writing journey and what’s enstore for the website. I hope you all enjoy my posts ❤