Happy Thanksgiving! Here's What I'm Thankful For!

Published: Thu, 11/28/19

Hi ,

Just a quick email to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and share what I am personally thankful for.

It’s has to do with something that Marianne Williamson said in one of the presidential debates.

She said, there are dark psychic forces of collectivized hatred that are rising up in this country… something that this President is unleashing and bringing forth.

I’m definitely no mystic. I’m rational, categorical and logical by nature.

But I agree with Marianne Williamson. There is an ill wind blowing across America today. You can feel it. If you can’t feel it, you can certainly see its’ effects.

We see it in the reckless disregard white policeman have for black lives.

You see it in small children being separated from their parents and kept in cages.

We see in in the rise of white supremacy.

You see it in the Republicans’ boldfaced lies and delusional defense of Donald Trump during the impeachment hearings. If Obama had done such things, they would have dragged him out of the White House and crucified him on the front lawn.

As you know. that ill wind is exactly why we decided to bring back Ethnic Expressions. But, what does that have to do with Thanksgiving?

I’m thankful to have a fresh opportunity to work with all of you who represent the first wave of EE 2.0. It feels good to re-connect with everyone and embark on a mission that is more important than ever. I’m especially thankful for the culture warriors who were the first to take the leap of faith on our opening weekends.

Bernadine Kirkland was Consultant #1 in 2.0. She was also the first to do a show. It was a test show that was done way before opening weekend, and it really helped us to clarify what EE 2.0 needed to be. The picture below is from one of Bern's actual shows after we launched.

Deborah Gaul, who lives across the street from Bernadine, was Consultant #2. Deborah hadn’t been a consultant before. She was a former hostess. But when she heard about EE’s rebirth, she was ready to get busy and did two shows on the opening weekend. The picture below is of Deborah stepping out in her new Dashiki Jumpsuit Dress.

Chevelle Williams was Consultant #3. Chevelle’s life took a different trajectory when a friend by the name of Virgie Carter invited her to an EE show several years ago. The consultant doing the show that day was the great Cheryl Rickard.

Chevelle decided right then and there that she wanted to do what Cheryl was doing. So she became a consultant in the old EE. When Cheryl told her EE was coming back, Chevelle was "all in" and had a couple of shows on the opening weekend. One of them was hosted by none other than Virgie Carter. So, in doing Virgie's show, Chevelle had come full circle.

Another consultant who started on our opening weekend was Donna Wright. Donna didn’t even have her kit yet. But, where there’s a will there’s a way. Not to be denied, Donna used her big screen TV and a laptop to do her show. It was a good show too! The picture below is actually a picture of Donna's flat screen TV at her first show.

Belinda Wilson was another consultant who started up on our second weekend. Belinda did three shows that weekend.

All the courageous ladies mentioned above are to be commended for leading the way. So, kudos, congrats and woo-hoo's to you all.

But, if you are reading this, you’re to be commended too. We’re still very early in the journey, and anyone who has started, is starting, or is going to be getting started soon is stepping out on faith.

So, shout-outs are in order for many others.

Christine Rutledge, who was the first to crank up EE 2.0 in California. Cynthia Flowers, is the first consultant in Texas. Keily Denny, is the first consultant in Tennessee. Deanna Alexander, is the first consultant in New York. Akita Parmer will be the first consultant in Atlanta. Gay Williams, Sheila Whitehead and Carol Manigault are the first in Maryland. Cheryl Rickard, Terzah Bembridge and Jana Lang are holding it down in New Jersey. Angie Dickerson and Roni Goffigan are early adopters in Boston. Ledley Smith and Joyce Johnson, the Angel of Philadelphia, will be joining Belinda Wilson and Daphne Davenger in Philly soon.

I’m thankful for all of you faith walkers. You're like the Montgomery Bus Boycotters... or the Freedom Riders. You're modern day pioneers. It’s an honor to work alongside those who love black people, believe in black people and are passionate about their culture to the extent they just don’t talk about it, they’re doing something about it.

So have a great Thanksgiving Day with your family. Don’t take anything or anyone for granted, because tomorrow is not promised.

Since I started with her, I'll take my leave with more words from Marianne Williamson.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Go make a ruckus,

Brian