As part of the recently signed relief bill, the Biden administration wanted to do more to help struggling families. For weeks we heard about a monthly payment to Americans, that would last throughout the pandemic to help with living costs. After lengthy meetings that featured hundred of pages of documents, a couple of those pages were finally dedicated to the topic. The increased child tax credit, would be am extension of the one filed on your tax return. What does that mean? Families would get $250 to $300 a month per child, until the end of the year. Also, there is a maximum allowance of the credit that would not be reached by end of the year, thus allowing families to claim the remainder on their tax returns in 2021. Families can expect to see this begin to pay out in July, according to multiple reports. Have a safe week!
MKE Monday Juice
George Floyd: Justice will be Served
After months of bereavement, thousands of tears, protests, riots, and more. The officer who killed George Floyd will be held responsible. On April 20,2021 Derek Chauvin, who killed George Floyd was found guilty. Chauvin, 45, faces up to 40 years in prison after a jury found him guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and manslaughter. Derek’s sentencing is scheduled for June 16.
It’s been said that because Derek Chauvin was convicted of murder, the three other former Minneapolis police officers charged in George Floyd’s killing have almost no chance of walking free, according to insider.com. Former officers Tou Thao, Thomas Lane, and J. Alexander Kueng are expected to go to trial in August on charges of aiding and abetting second-degree murder and aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter.
While this is victory, we still have to continue to fight. We have to continue to speak and March. This brings us joy but the danger of the black man still remains. The danger of a black woman still remains. The danger of our black kids still remain. Let’s keep working to eliminate racism!
Self Lover
It’s so easy to get caught up in this thing called life. Yet, every moment is precious. Every minute is a blessing. Sometimes situations and circumstances try to get the best of us. We get tired. We get frustrated. We get angry. We lose focus. At times we even want to give up. We feel defeated.
Although life has its way of attempting to throw you off, you still have the power to balance. You have the power to unplug. Sometimes the idea of unplugging seems selfish. But in all honesty, sometimes it’s just something that you need to do for your own health, physically and mentally.
How you treat yourself directly affects your self esteem. Whether you talk down on yourself and beat yourself up when you make mistakes or you speak affirmations and take care of yourself, the way you treat yourself affects how you value yourself. That’s why it’s imperative to be intentional about the love you give yourself.
But maybe self love is new for you. Maybe you don’t know what it means to love you. Maybe you’re a person that doesn’t want for anything, believe it or not there’s things that don’t matter, until they do. Learn to develop monthly or weekly self care tasks. It will literally change your life.
Here’s a list of self care fun:
- Facial
- Manicure/Pedicure
- Buy yourself fresh flowers
- Date yourself
- Clean your house or apartment
- Watch your favorite movie
- Candlelight bath
- Organize your workspace and files
- Rest/Relax
- Dance in the mirror
- Take mental health days
These are just a few ideas. No matter what works for you, stick to it. Remember, it’s all about you!
How to Make Someone’s Day
We have finally stepped into the second quarter of the year and it’s clear that 2021 is a challenge. Though some things are looking to turn back to “normal” the reality of the matter is that some things will never be able to be “normal” ever again. This pandemic has literally torn some people to pieces.
Between the countless number of deaths, the numerous jobs lost, and the amount of chaos, many people have literally almost lost their minds. Therapy is at an all time high. Depression and anxiety has many people worried sick. Families have changed due to the many unexpected deaths, alone.
With that being said, today is always a great day to make someone’s day. Maybe a friend of yours has been struggling with their emotions. Maybe a family member seems to be down. Maybe a co-worker that you usually see smiling has an attitude that’s unusual or weird. Maybe you can tell a complete stranger is having a rough day.
Well, here’s a list of super inexpensive ways to make someone’s day:
Have flowers delivered to a friend/family member
Grab donuts for your office staff
Give stuff away
Send a goofy pic of yourself to someone via text or email
Tell someone they inspired you
Give a compliment to someone
Leave a generous tip to your waiter/waitress
Write an uplifting poem and leave it in an envelope on the sidewalk
Leave a song on someone’s voicemail
Edible Arrangements
Run and give someone a hug as soon as they walk through the door
Leave a rose on someone’s car
Give/Feed to a homeless person
Share a memory that you could never forget with a special someone
Write a love letter (not a text)
Go on a hugging spree. Hug friends, family, and even strangers (COVID SAFETY: wear a mask)
Send a text to someone you haven’t talked to in a while. Let them know you’re thinking of them
In all reality, there’s hundreds of ways to make someone’s day. You never know who might need it.
Walk For Daunte
Sunday I enjoyed seeing those gathered to show opposition for this past weeks unfortunate events. In what’s becoming and all to familiar story of a police involved killing, the victim was 20-year-old Daunte Wright.
Duante Wright Shot and Killed by the Police
On April 11th, a 20 year old black man, by the name of Duante Wright, was shot and killed by the Brooklyn Center Police Department, after a traffic stop. According to The New Your Times, Chief Tim Gannon of the Police Department says officers pulled Mr. Wright over on Sunday afternoon for a traffic violation related to expired registration tags. Then the officers discovered that he had a warrant for his arrest. He says that as the police tried to detain Wright, he stepped back into his car, prompting a brief struggle with the officers.
In a video that’s gone viral of the body camera, it shows an officer that can be seen pointing a handgun at him and shouting “Taser.” Once the car pulls away, the officer yells and says, “I just shot him” to two other officers, according to the video.
The car traveled several blocks and struck another vehicle. The police and medical workers pronounced Mr. Wright dead at the scene.
“It is my belief that the officer had the intention to deploy their Taser but instead shot Mr. Wright with a single bullet,” Chief Gannon said.
The Hennepin County medical examiner concluded Monday that Mr. Wright died of a gunshot wound to the chest.
Since then, thousands of protesters fled the streets, demanding justice. Officer Kim Potter was arrested but later released on a 100,000 bond. The Washington County Attorney’s Office has charged Potter with second-degree manslaughter. She faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
These types of issues continue to happen in our communities over and over. The question is how do we make it stop? Is it possible? What are your thoughts?
COVID Vaccine Cards FAQS
As the COVID vaccine have made its away to 38% of Wisconsinites, many can expect a vaccination card. The vaccine is taken in two doses in addition to the second appointment, the card needs to be carried in the following situations. I talked to a handful of Milwaukeeans, and when to carry it was among other universal questions.
The Week Of Great Tasting
Black business venues like the Sherman Phoenix, the 6th district as a whole has seen growth over the last few years. I myself enjoy both for the entertainment venues, and other historical places, but what many look forward to is the variety of food selections.
Affordable Dating Ideas in the Spring
The weather is breaking finally and we’ve officially entered into Spring. Flowers are growing. April is showering. There’s nothing better than this amazing weather mixed with a little love.
Sometimes it seems like the romantic side of dating has come to an end. It seems intimacy has become nonexistent with all the vulgar content easily accessible. Nowadays, it feels like respect has gone down hill.
However, I’ve learned that sometimes, because of the generation we live in, we forget how to truly date. We go to dinner and play on our phones. We text instead of call. We chill instead of live.
Well, tis’ the season to be intentional. No more mediocre conversations and connections. It’s time to date and have fun with it.
If you’re a person that has run out of ideas for dating, I got you covered. I’ve put together a list of inexpensive dates that can heighten your relationship this Spring.
- Go to the Park
Okay, so what you’re an adult. Let the inner child come out while engaging in good conversation. Play on the swings or even the monkey bars. Have fun.
2. Exercise Outdoors
Find a nice spot, like a park or the lake, and work up a sweat. Exercise together. Stretch together. Feel good while holding each other accountable.
3. Go for a walk or a drive
Scenery is everything! Enjoy the weather. Enjoy the breeze. Enjoy the little things.
4. Have a Picnic
Yes. Picnics are still one of the most romantic choice of dates. Pack some food. Grab a blanket. Make a pallet. Don’t forget the Bluetooth speaker.
5. Attend and Baseball or Basketball Game
Doesn’t matter if it’s a professional league or a high school game. Have fun and root for your favorite time.
6. Volunteer Together
There’s something magical about giving/serving together. You will feel incredible and it builds great character.
7. Travel
Okay, this may be a little more expensive than the others but traveling does something for the soul. Even if it’s just driving to a town nearby, go and explore. Make memories.
8. Visit the Zoo or a Museum
Check out the animals or beautiful works of art. Walk together. Hold hands. Take breaks. Converse.
9. Rent a Boat
Boat rentals are more affordable than you think. Pick a day and plan it out. Grab some wine or champagne. Plan a playlist. Create a vibe and go for it.
10. Attend a Cool Event
Whether it’s a live band, stand up comedy, a movie premiere, or a poetry slam, go! Check it out. Enjoy the energy. Enjoy the talent. Enjoy yourselves.
4th Relief Check?
Washington is still in talks on the next level of COVID relief, while some are still waiting on the their third check, a call of for more has already been established. Last week President Biden met with lawmakers, to prioritize the spending agenda over the coming months. Of that list many were calling for a fourth stimulus check already, despite millions still waiting on the third. However, seeing how many families have been helped and the economy it self it makes sense to at least consider. The new round of checks still face a uphill battle, as they grapple with monthly checks or another one time payment. Support has come from the democratic side, who have been pushing Biden to sign it into law right away. With only minimum Republican support , the checks are unlikely to muscle through like the last. Stay tuned as update come.