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*The birth of my son has changed my life in unimaginable and immeasurable ways.
If you are the primary caregiver of any child then you can understand how this life changing experience forces you to evaluate your beliefs and personal contributions to society.
As parents and guardians, we teach our children by setting examples. It is our actions and, maybe more importantly, our in-actions that help mold the behaviors of our kids which prepare them for the lives that they will ultimately assume.
My good friend Donna Adkins came up with the title for this column during a telephone conversation several years ago. I shared my ideas about interviewing entertainment industry leaders to learn how they are using their status to make the world a better place for future generations.
We decided to launch this series this month to coincide with the inspiration and momentum felt by millions following the 2008 Presidential race.
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Caleb
ODE TO CALEB is about life choices and how one's personal journey can change the path of history. When we think of history, there are a number of major historical events that come to mind. For instance, the Civil Rights Movement, Women's Rights, and the privilege given by the Voting Rights Act. The combination of these milestones paved the way for America to elect the first Black President to serve as the nation's Commander-in-Chief. History, for many of us, is viewed as those massive movements or events that take place over a period of time and are chronicled in periodicals and books for the world to reference.
But, have you ever considered that your life choices may play a significant role in those larger events? As individuals we make history everyday, whether consciously or subconsciously our actions determine the future of our nation and the world. Personal ideology and the personal history that inspires that ideology plays a huge role in how we live and how we view and care for our world. The decision to hire a woman for a position traditionally reserved for a man. Disagreeing with family about race relations and embracing the idea of someone whose racial and cultural background is different. It's the decision to create opportunities for minorities typically reserved for the majority. It's the decision to demand diversity and take a stand for equality … or do nothing.
ODE TO CALEB takes us on a journey into the lives of those for whom we have great admiration. It is my hope that this column will offer guidance, insight and provide answers where we think there are none and road maps to help us navigate rough terrain. It is my belief that if we pay close attention to another person's journey we may just find the answers to our own.
The first interview - in tomorrow's EUR - is with Paula Madison, Executive Vice President of Diversity for NBC Universal. I interviewed Mrs. Madison some months ago at her office in Universal City, California. She was my top choice as the first profile for this column. Mrs. Madison is the first person to hold her current position. And, as you will learn, she is no stranger to trailblazing. She possesses a quiet, subtle self-confidence that is rooted in a solid command of self-awareness and self-respect.
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Paula Madison
Paula Madison
Mrs. Madison is one of three siblings, the only girl and the child of immigrant parents with extraordinarily high expectations. Her journey is expressed through a series of personal moments that helped to strengthen her resolve about self, family, career, her legacy, and how one's life plan can sometimes take a backseat to God's plan. Learn how those moments began to affect her thought process at a relatively young age. She also shares her thoughts about President- Elect Barack Obama and what his presidency may mean for those of African descent.
You will meet Paula Madison tomorrow in Part I of our conversation. I know that you will find her journey fascinating. I do!
Tibberly G. Ríchard served as an entertainment writer for EURweb.com for a number of years. She also served as an on air personality with RadioScope, the Entertainment Magazine of the Air. Ms. Ríchard currently does a weekly television segment called The Parents' Corner, and runs a consulting business. She received a BA in Mass Communications from Southern University A&M College , Baton Rouge , Louisiana and completed Masters Degree courses in Public Administration from Southern University, Baton Rouge , Louisiana and the University of Maryland , College Park . She also received a Certificate of Completion, Charles Hamilton Houston Law School Preparatory Institute, Georgetown University Law Center, Summer Program. Contact her via tibberlyrichard@eurweb.com, or tgr@vit-com.com. "My greatest joy is my three-year old 'hand-full' of a son Caleb W. Cox. He inspires me to be better in every aspect of my life. He is my reason for writing this column. I love you sweetheart. I thank God that you chose me!" Mommy.