Creating the New.

Peace Yall,

I have been M.I.A - most certainly missing in action on here. Please forgive me. I am back at it. Graduate School, Master's Candidate Educational Leadership. Pretty Amazing.

Since my journey began, I have decided to become a wonder. One who will venture at times to city to city, state to state, and country to country. Seeking to gain to much needed revolutionary yet humble insight about life and education in its many forms. Also, I am me. A she black being who desires to be inspired forever to publish a book full of life educational experiences. Which includes poetry lines. Complete and incomplete. This is will also be a marketing tool for my online store. Yay me.

Stay Tuned.

-Blessed

Morning To All

Morning to all who read and/or follow.

Decided to take a snapshot of my current living space (my momma place). My spot speaks peace, creativity  and glory. Truly am I feeling vibrant this blessed morning. My to-do besides working with my wonderful students range from the heavens to the earth. Have a great day all!

Why I write

I write to evoke truth through every aspect of life and to exert power through my language. I am strongly influenced by my ancestors who were pioneers in this country. I find myself wanting to take on their spirits of strength, wisdom, and courage only to empower the minds of those around me who are held mentally captive. Writing as a woman in society today enables me to liberate minds of those who are constantly in search of truth and freedom, like myself. As a woman (wu’man) who find myself seeking greater ventures far beyond the simplicity and physical of man because of my .... Therefore, I write because I believe writing by far is an essential tool to express and expose the wisdoms, truths, and struggles of women of color. Women who were once the subject of extreme abuse and oppression based upon the inaccurate or faulty perception of man. I strive to create the immaculate characteristic traits of  my ancestors through words of empowerment. My voice that is not not silenced with a pen and tab or the advancements of technology allows me to transcribe the lives of those before me as a blueprint for women today. The women who are often forgotten or lack recognition in society are brought to life, yet I allow myself to work in a form of reconciliation. I cross exam women of history from the past and present whom have assumed positions of leadership, militancy, and roles that are parallel to beautiful black women who shaped and paved the way for women like me to identify with their spirits of strength, wisdom, and courage.

As a woman who identify with the commonality of what it mean to be a black woman in society who possess the fullness of strength, wisdom, and courage, I channel my energy to dig deep into education. And the major role literacy and writing have on women of color. bell hooks, who was progressive in her time and still progressive today first piece on education, Teaching to Transgress, a collection of essay arguing for progressive holistic education engaged pedagogy emphasizes how teaching within the black community as a means of liberation has help define the plight of black women..... She highlights rebelling based on knowledge of the system you’re in. A system that has that has silenced the voices of many black women because of American culture carelessness to recognize them as individuals who deserved an education.

I write to give language power, a power that was past down from my ancestors to I. Ultimately giving me the ability to exercise my rights in a form of integrity and self-confident, which will eliminate judgemental calls. I once wrote about the Power of Language: Black Women and Feminism. I explored history illustrating how the Power of Language has empowered and disempowered women of color in various eras of history. Which resulted to women of color redefining their status in America because their issues did not reflect that of the black man or white woman. I became intrigued with “Black” feminist thought as a woman. I was able to identify with women of color issues and struggles. Black feminist Black Feminist Thought: Knowledge, Consciousness and the Politics of Empowerment thought according to Patricia Hill Collins who came to the knowledge of black feminist thought in her book,   argues sexism, class oppression, and racism are bound together. Yet uses the art of black feminist politics to overcome for liberation of black women. When I write, I write not only about one specific struggle, but struggles consisting of Black feminist goals. I write about influential women such as Maria Stewart, Sojourner Truth, Angela Davis; women who paved the way.

During the 1960’s and 1970’s Black women struggled with acceptance of Black men and White women. This struggled eloped from a series of recurring women’s experiences which was part of the Black Liberation Movement. The Black Liberation Movement consisted of the Civil Rights Movement, Black Nationalism, and the Black Panther Party yet Black women’s voices were by large silent because the lack of support of Black Men. The Black Liberation was intended for the Black race; however the Black Liberation Movement was used as a means to liberate Black men. This movement men recognized their power of language, they did not recognize women of color power of language. Men sought to control Black women with their power of language. Having come to a realization about the Black Liberation Movement, the power of language used amongst men was displayed towards their attitudes towards Black womens rights. Throughout this movement Black women was represented and their presence was overshadowed through a series of political, social, and fundamental patriarchal roles. I write to share Black women past experience during periods of history when discrimination was present. I see myself writing to highlight moments of history that need to be recap which will contribute to society as a whole today.

African American women of the past and the present hold many truths in common, and the history of Black women teaches them that unless they fulfill their duty to family and community, there is no satisfaction and no possibility of peace. However your self-worth must come from inside (A Shining Thread of Hope). I struggle to fully possess the traits of Black women of the past and future. For I am a Black woman of the future, however, I undergo continuous thoughts of what it truly means to be a woman of the 21st century who have the time, space, opportunity, and liberty to write about women of color from my own perspective. Moreover, writing enables me to journey through herstory (history) to obtain their spirits of strength, wisdom, and courage. As time progress and I continue to search my soul as a woman, my writing will continue to transform. I will bring the past to present life. I will dig up historical evidence that will shape my writing skills. Through my writing I will bury the dead, the dead being what is not relevant to a black woman's history and plant the positive seeds, that will blossom into inspirational elements which will potentially travel through time. To me writing is a blessing. It’s a written form of art I have embraced to share the lives of women who have abiding faith and the spirit of truth, wisdom, and courage. A spirit I want to possess on a greater level in the near future.

come.

come dance me away mentally and spiritually. come capture my thoughts, jarring them away in your soul. come to me. come with me.

written by: ericka duke

Designsofzuri Coming Soon!

My Black Man

My invisible Black man: loves me. supports me. accepts me w/flaws. notices me. esteems me. motivates me. teach me. leads me. pray for me.

California Teacher Corps Conference

California Teacher Corps will be hosting it's 3rd annual conference in Sacramento, CA! April 14th-15th.

Word to educators/future educators, leaders within the educational sector. Check this event out! Plenty of time to prepare.

http://www.cateachercorps.org/resources/events.html

Part of the mission of the California Teacher Corps is to help connect alternative certification professionals with one another to share best practices, strengthen programs and have fun!

Third Annual California Teacher Corps Conference
Capital Ideas: Leaders Networking With Leaders

Join us for the 3rd annual California Teacher Corps Conference on April 14th and 15th in our capital, Sacramento.

Hundreds of teacher preparation leaders will be coming together from local and state leadership to engage in conversations about our shared goals in preparing highly qualified teachers through Alternative Certification routes.

Your voice is essential to the mix of leaders from the Special Education Committee, CCTC, CDE, Association of California Administrators, a variety of California policy officials, Regional Intern Directors and Alternative Certification Program Directors representing universities, district offices and county offices from all over California.

Other Highlights include:

• Dynamic Keynote Speakers
• NEW location – the beautiful Embassy Suites (all suites) Hotel situated on Sacramento River within walking distance of museums, restaurants, shopping, and historic Old Town
• Free Airport Shuttle, Free Full Breakfast, Free Hotel Reception
• Pre-Conference events including Special Education Program Directors' meeting on the afternoon of April 14th.
• Built in opportunities to enjoy time with colleagues
• CA Teacher Corps Conference (April14-15) leads up to the CCTC Spring Directors' Meeting on April 16th also in Sacramento

Got get your BLESSING!

Mary Mary new single Go get it!

Be blessed!

designsofzuri

I give it to God. I am merely a reflection of him. He blessed me with this skill, craft, and gift.

Enjoy - be on the look out!

Blessed!

Grateful

There's so much going on in my life  Foremost I give glory to God!  

It is something when you depend on the Most High "God" to lead and guide you. When you are able to use the word (bible) as your very own GPS/your blueprint to life, it reawaken you as the being you are. Lately, I have been pondering on the thought of growth and maturity in Christ. Growing in the spirit despite what the world may think. Setting my flesh, and imperfections, flaws and all at the cross. It's funny because I was given a word of truth I have been avoiding for quite some time. Running and simply trying to hide from my calling. However, as the woman I am. I know I can not hide from the Holy Spirit. Now is the time for me to let my pride go, my fear, and bind the enemy. A begin to walk upright as the woman God created me to be. Reminded of a few things. 1. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. 2. God promised us if we search for him we will find him.

I am searching. "Drawing near to him, so that he may draw near to me." And walking in my full purpose and destiny. 

James 4:8 (NIV), come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Pray for me as I begin my journey. I have always been on the journey, but there is a difference when you submit yourself to God. Allowing him to be active and in full effect throughout your life - mind, body, and soul. 

It is my prayer and desire. that I may be a vessel that will draw men, women, and youth from all walks of life, religions to the kingdom simply by the life I lead through Christ. He is the Way. 

Peace and Blessings,

Ericka Duke

God is the God of Creativity

Peace & Love to everyone!

I have currently deactivated my online boutique simply because I am in the process of creating new pieces. It is my hope to give God the glory in my creations. Knowing he is the God of creativity. Therefore, I want him to be glorified in all I do. Just as the birds in the sky are free, and as the grass flow with the sway of the wind. So am I free to do as well. Please be on the look out, as I continue to write, create, and grow in the truth of the gospel and God. My creations are a mere refection of who I am as a woman and my African heritage. As well as humanity. Below I have posted a few new pieces. Enjoy.

Be well.

2013: 3 P's

The three P's of 2013: Peace, Prosperity, and Passion

Just a thought -- Guidance / counseling from the Most High. Never resisting the power of prayer. Taking on the world mentally, physically, and spiritually. Submerging my mind with a diversified way of life. A life where I have the power of immunity, yet catering to my God conscious mind. No longer focused on my problems, now identifying solutions. Walking by faith and not by sight - all the while creating opportunity and fulfilling priority to self as a woman. Forever participating relentlessly in the manifestation of my blessings. 

Ase. 

Express what you know

Express what you know in a loving way. Share what you know from a place of love. Love harmonizes all things, and all people.

DESIGNSOFZURI!!!

CHECK OUT MY ONLINE STORE! DESIGNSOFZURI!!!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/designsofzuri

ENJOY- BE PEACE!

Frantz Fanon

I recently ordered two great reads by Frantz Franon: Toward the African Revolution & The Wretched of the Earth. Today I received Toward the African Revolution. Excited about this read, longing to be transformed mentally & consciously as I delve deep into it. Also, because I am in the process of applying for Graduate School, I also feel it will be a good resource within the Educational Leadership field. There should be leadership ques I maybe able to pick up.

For those who are not familiar with Frantz Franon- Fanon was born in 1925, to a middle-class family in the French colony of Martinique. He left Martinique in 1943, when he volunteered to fight with the Free French in World War II, and he remained in France after the war to study medicine and psychiatry on scholarship in Lyon. Here he began writing political essays and plays, and he married a Frenchwoman, Jose Duble. Before he left France, Fanon had already published his first analysis of the effects of racism and colonization, Black Skin, White Masks (BSWM), originally titled "An Essay for the Disalienation of Blacks," in part based on his lectures and experiences in Lyon (http://www.english.emory.edu/Bahri/Fanon.html).

I will be sure to keep everyone posted about my new journey I am embraking on as I begin my new interesting and empowering read. 

Peace 

designsofzuri

new goodies

http://www.etsy.com/shop/designsofzuri

currently working on many great peaces/arrangements for the FALL. Also loc jewelry COMING SOON!!!

Enjoy

California Teacher Corps

California Teacher Corps will be hosting it's 3rd annual conference in Sacramento, CA! April 14th-15th.

Word to educators/future educators, leaders within the educational sector. Check this event out! Plenty of time to prepare.

http://www.cateachercorps.org/resources/events.html

Part of the mission of the California Teacher Corps is to help connect alternative certification professionals with one another to share best practices, strengthen programs and have fun!

Third Annual California Teacher Corps Conference
Capital Ideas: Leaders Networking With Leaders

Join us for the 3rd annual California Teacher Corps Conference on April 14th and 15th in our capital, Sacramento.

Hundreds of teacher preparation leaders will be coming together from local and state leadership to engage in conversations about our shared goals in preparing highly qualified teachers through Alternative Certification routes.

Your voice is essential to the mix of leaders from the Special Education Committee, CCTC, CDE, Association of California Administrators, a variety of California policy officials, Regional Intern Directors and Alternative Certification Program Directors representing universities, district offices and county offices from all over California.

Other Highlights include:

• Dynamic Keynote Speakers
• NEW location – the beautiful Embassy Suites (all suites) Hotel situated on Sacramento River within walking distance of museums, restaurants, shopping, and historic Old Town
• Free Airport Shuttle, Free Full Breakfast, Free Hotel Reception
• Pre-Conference events including Special Education Program Directors' meeting on the afternoon of April 14th.
• Built in opportunities to enjoy time with colleagues
• CA Teacher Corps Conference (April14-15) leads up to the CCTC Spring Directors' Meeting on April 16th also in Sacramento

Now is the time to devote some of my posting to those who may need Educational resources. This will be a tool to help benefit our students of color from different socioeconomic communities. Let's empower, build, and educate our young. "Generation Y" 

"Keep the brain fit by learning Ms. Ericka." -4th Grade Student '12

**If you know any valuable resources which will benefit youth, parents, and educators please share. 

Peace

follow me on Twitter!

WORD!
Yes I now have a twitter!


https://twitter.com/designsofzuri

morning

Woke up this morning feeling great. Listening to Robert Glasper one of the best pianist of time.

Grateful about what the Most High is doing in my life, family, and community. he is always shining a light upon humanity. Thankful for the feedback I am getting about my blog and online boutique. Keep the love coming. 

Stay in the light & don't give up your power today or any day. You have the power. 

Peace