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READY Blog Take 2

We’re back! READY has officially relaunched our READY blog.  This time it’s READY Take 2.

READY continues to be edgy… different… content-rich… positioned to create and to encourage passionate conversation about a host of topics around real life issues. Ready is challenging and courageous enough to expose hidden thoughts and to entertain closed-door conversations.

Want to write for READY?! We are seeking contributors for our READY blog who can contribute thought-provoking commentary.

READY is here to help influence women and girls to move beyond the status quo…Read More

Come Sunday: Super Bowl Sunday


By Taylor Houston

In various cities around the world, sex trafficking of minors has proven to be a problem. Washington D.C specifically has struggled with this topic throughout the years. Investigators have proven that young girls and boys are lured in as targets because of their troubled households and poverty status. In Chicago, women specifically are targeted. Holidays are known to be the worst days for the streets of Chicago, specifically a rise from Super Bowl Sunday. In Dallas, Texas, an estimated 400 teens and young adults are sold in the sex trafficking industry every night; this is a part of the 99-million-dollar industry in Dallas. Among these cities, Los Angeles is known for dangerously high levels of adolescent exploitation. Some say this could be because of their city’s diversity. Columbus, Ohio, is ranked in the top 10 worst cities when it comes to minors and sex trafficking. Atlanta, Georgia, has not escaped this problem either. Thousands of men are seen each month using and selling individuals for sexual needs. Although the numbers in these cities across the United States are rising, help is still being served. Many cities like Dallas, Atlanta, Columbus, and Chicago are opening up organizations to help lower these numbers. The City of D.C has initiated a task force to help the community, and the City of Los Angeles has opened up a public report to help solve their city’s issue. Sex trafficking is not just a United States problem but also a global issue. Countries like Pakistan, Thailand, China, India, and Bangladesh are seen in the top 10 worst countries for the number of sexual exploitations. Public awareness, advocacy, campaigns, and organizational support have been known to be aiding these countries.

My name is Taylor Houston. I am a student at the University of Cincinnati studying Journalism while also working toward getting a certificate in Digital Engagement. I enjoy hanging out with friends and playing Lacrosse. The Verse that keeps me going is ‘God is within her, she will not fall’ Psalm 46:5.

From Formation to FREEDOM

Today more than ever outcries for social, economic and racial justice are escalating. People around the world are weary of living under the weight of dehumanization. While some have described what is going on as an uproar, I find myself searching desperately for the right words to express my thoughts. Finally, I found my voice during my recent experience of Beyoncé’s Formation World Tour. Beyond just being a brilliant performer, Beyoncé is a masterful storyteller. I now understand better why women are able to connect with her so easily. At age 50, I was content to sit through a rainstorm in Chicago in complete awe as I lived and enjoyed the moment. From ‘Formation’ to ‘Freedom,’ Beyoncé captured the experience of women and girls around the world. Truly amazing…

#FemaleBlackHistory

at its finest,

and on a very deep level.

Beyoncé has the gift to speak authentically to women and girls of different ethnicities and cultures, but there was something particularly transformative about that night for me. Something triggered within me that connected me with my God-kissed inner blackness. I experienced a multitude of emotions, but I sensed very deeply a renewed confidence and undeniable empowerment that I had been neglecting for years.

It is easy to stray from one’s history, but hearing Beyoncé recall simple memories of hot sauce, cornbread, collard greens, and baby hair took me way back. I remembered so vividly my childhood when the elders would lovingly prepare our Sunday meals. It was at the family table that we would experience life-affirming and life-changing conversations. Kitchen-table talk with my aunt, sisters, and grandmother solved every problem there was, as my mom brushed my hair and applied Vaseline to the edges for a smooth finish. Present as eavesdroppers, the kids were to be seen and not heard, and we didn’t dare let the table-talk leave the room. When I finally took my seat at the concert to gather my thoughts, I wondered if all those kitchen table conversations are part of the reason why we today have such a strong voice…a fierce roar from women who are truly alive!

I am grateful to my daughter for including me on her journey with “Queen Bey.” A few of us shared a meal the next day to process the experience. The beauty of  the moment around the table was witnessing moms and daughters having open dialogue, raising tough questions, taking strong positions, but in the end, finding common ground. We were empowered, ready to move beyond the status quo, and to be heard.

The concert opened with Formation. I recalled Beyoncé’s controversial halftime performance during the 2016 Super Bowl, when this beautiful black woman testified in front of more than 100 million people, having just released the song the night before. Taking the field, dancers adorned in afros and berets formed an “X” and a militant march proceeded. Together, Beyoncé and the gifted army punched the air with their fists in a visual embodiment of power and agency being reclaimed.

It didn’t take long for the negative rhetoric through tweets, blogs, news media, Facebook posts, and articles to intensify the unresolved divide that we all know exists in our country. But when the Formation World Tour was announced that same night, the ‘Beyhive’ fan club (my daughter included) waited in anticipation for the dates and cities to drop, even while police officers in Florida made clear that they would not help staff security at Beyoncé’s upcoming sold-out concert. (http://thegrio.com/2016/02/18)

What had just happened?

Could it be that African-Americans desperately crying out for justice makes others so uncomfortable that they can’t even fathom having a productive conversation? There was a time not long ago when black people struggled in silence: Keep your mouth shut, keep your head low, and stay in your lane. Through the empowerment of my generation’s upbringing and the children of my generation, we have decided that we cannot afford to let our voices be hushed. Communities of African-Americans are responding and refusing to sit back passively. We will not allow aggressive, micro-aggressive and passive-aggressive behaviors to rob us of our God-given dignity.

Could it be that tensions are rising now because women and girls refuse to be quiet? We have come into our own. We are fierce. We are taking a stand against being mistreated, discriminated against, being paid lower wages, and being controlled by those who reject our humanity.

I went to the Beyoncé concert for two reasons: One, because my daughter invited me. Having just graduated from Howard University, we decided this would make a wonderful mother-daughter get away with friends. The beauty of this particular concert was that many other mother and daughter teams were attending. But the other reason I attended was related more to my social consciousness. I wanted to understand why this brilliant artist deserved to receive such constant resistance, hostility, and opposition.

Beyoncé is a woman, a wife, and a mother. She is a successful businesswoman who operates on a global platform. She is young, gifted, and black. Her performance radiated empowerment. I came away empowered beyond measure, inspired and ready to make radical changes in how I think, how I do business, how I lead, and how I respond to whatever challenges and opportunities that life brings.

On that opening night of the Formation World Tour in Chicago, I stood in the rain, drawn in completely by the performance. I could not resist standing and cheering Beyoncé on as she performed. I was moved to join the ranks when she and her team displayed their artistic genius.

I found myself singing along on several of her older songs, even crying when she sang Sandcastles. At the height of the concert I jumped and I danced like never before. That was it! The transformation and transition from ‘Formation’ to ‘Freedom’ was undeniable.

Pride…Empowerment…Boldness…

Confidence… Resilience…

Self-esteem…Life

The journey came full circle for me that night as I let my life speak.

Reprinted from 2016, READY Publication, The Fierce Issue ~ Gail Dudley, co-founder

February 1, 2020 #BlackHistoryMonth

Gail Dudley

Co-founder of READY. Producer of Progress. Publishing Strategist. Consultant. Accountability Coach. Wife and Mom. Follow Gail on IG and Twitter @GailDudley and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/AtTheTableWithGail

What Does It Mean To Be Ready?

During the week at around 7:50, my brother and I create a clutter of confusion around the house as we rush out of the door striving to make it to school on time. My backpack half zipped as I struggle to finish breakfast and put on my shoes all at once. However, if the clock was rewound to earlier that same morning, there would be silence, a kind of calm before the storm. Over the years my parents have begun to equate this to a false apprehension between my brother and I which indicates we have plenty of time. In our minds we are ready. Ready to start the day and surely get to school on time. My parents, however, know that there are no signs that symbolize readiness, therefore there is little success with the timeliness of my brother and I’s morning routine. Read More

Carrie Lawal

I may be young but I am old enough to understand when ones voice should be heard. Through writing I hope to express my perceptive, passionate viewpoint while helping others alter what they perceive to be a common shared reality.

What does it mean to be FIERCE?

Being fierce is empowering and a huge favor you can do for yourself. Being fierce means standing your ground when the going gets tough. A woman who is fierce is always looking to better herself and the world around her. When I think of fierce women, I think of Beyoncé, Rowan Blanchard, Yara Shahidi, Malala Yousafzai, and Megyn Kelly. Read More

Kyra O'Connor

Hi, my name is Kyra O’Connor and I am a junior at Dublin Scioto High School. I love the outdoors, reading, and pumpkin spice. I love being a journalist because having the privilege to share people’s stories is an amazing opportunity.

Who’s To Judge An Expression Of Beauty

I have always acquired a sense of being through poetry. The first time I wrote poetry, however was not by choice. On a car trip back from Illinois I was abruptly woken up, not by the horns or the car radio but, by an idea. I pulled out my journal and a pencil and began writing what I thought was the best thing ever written. Read More

Carrie Lawal

I may be young but I am old enough to understand when one’s voice should be heard. Through writing, I hope to express my perceptive, passionate viewpoint while helping others alter what they perceive to be a common shared reality.

What’s On Your Mind?

Do you ever feel like when someone asks what’s on your mind, you can’t give an answer? Not because you don’t want to, but because there is just so much? I’ve been struggling writing this post (this is the fourth rewrite!) because there is so much happening not only in my life, but in the world. The women representing Peru in the Miss Universe competition citing facts about crimes against women in Peru instead of their measurements, France placing a ban on underweight models, multiple shootings this week alone, sexual harassment cases emerging in Hollywood at a rapid pace, Disney’s first gay storyline in popular television series Andi Mack; it can be really overwhelming just opening a web browser. How could I pick just one topic to write about? Read More

Kyra O'Connor

Hi, my name is Kyra O’Connor and I am a junior at Dublin Scioto High School. I love the outdoors, reading, and pumpkin spice. I love being a journalist because having the privilege to share people’s stories is an amazing opportunity.

Women And Girls Rights

For my 16th birthday, my mom gifted with the book, We Should All Be Feminists, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. A year after I wrote this poem, she began to realize that I had taken an interest in the topic of women and girls rights specifically reflecting feminism. As I was reading the book, a quote jumped out of the surrounded text and plastered itself onto my reflection, “Culture does not make people. People make culture. If it is true that the full humanity of women is not our culture, then we can and must make it our culture.” Read More

Carrie Lawal

I may be young but I am old enough to understand when one’s voice should be heard. Through writing I hope to express my perceptive, passionate viewpoint while helping others alter what they perceive to be a common shared reality.

The Good and Bad of Halloween

Halloween is scary movies, carving pumpkins, free candy, and one of the best excuses to go party since Fourth of July. I have always loved Halloween since I was little and I dressed up as Jessie from Toy Story to the time I went to Comic-Con on Halloween weekend dressed as the Cowardly Lion. Plus, I have a bit of a sweet tooth. In my house, candy trading is a strict business. There are no fun and games when it comes down to the last Snickers. But Halloween isn’t always as it seems, and as with everything in life, there are pros and cons. Read More

Kyra O'Connor

Hi, my name is Kyra O’Connor and I am a junior at Dublin Scioto High School. I love the outdoors, reading, and pumpkin spice. I love being a journalist because having the privilege to share people’s stories is an amazing opportunity.

College: The Influence of Education

If you walk into my room you can probably find five books relating to college; one labeled PSAT Prep another labeled ACT Practice test and three others relating to college vocabulary. Growing up in the Olentangy School District, the essential life decision of going to college has been repeated and heard by every student. Read More

Carrie Lawal

I may be young but I am old enough to understand when one’s voice should be heard. Through writing I hope to express my perceptive, passionate viewpoint while helping others alter what they perceive to be a common shared reality.

How Can We Mentor Our Young Girls?

A mentor: a trusted counselor or guide, as defined by Merriam Webster Dictionary. I can think of countless people who fit this role in my life. My mom and dad, my grandma and grandpa, my sisters, my teachers, my coaches; I have so many mentors in life and I will always be in awe of how fortunate I am. All of these people have so many different qualities that make them as qualified as they are to help me and so many others in life. Read More

Kyra O'Connor

Hi, my name is Kyra O’Connor and I am a junior at Dublin Scioto High School. I love the outdoors, reading, and pumpkin spice. I love being a journalist because having the privilege to share people’s stories is an amazing opportunity.