'Beyond every cloud, the sun is still shining"

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It has been an unprecedented year full of challenges for everyone due to the Covid19 epidemic. In spite of these challenges, it hasn't stopped us from being there for others. And so my friends, Here is to a beautiful hope in a changing world as we all seek to find hope everyday in a broken world. As we mark the 10th Annual Holiday for Hope project to help kids in my home country Sierra Leone, I am asking for your help because I was just like these kids, and knew first-hand, and being very aware of the challenges out there. But knowing that I can help change the world and  give that smile and pass it on one kid at a time, I was filled with joy and happiness, and the simple fact that I can help to bring that radiance and a glow, a smile and hope was at once reassuring.

Through these unprecedented little acts of kindness B-Gifted will rally friends and families, communities together to  sow the seeds of Love and support the most vulnerable children in Sierra Leone during our Holiday for Hope Season and beyond. We will reach beyond borders to do so. It is our hope that one community at a time, we will give children in Sierra Leone the chance to experience the joy, generosity and love of the holiday season. Can I count on you as we count down? 

Join us so that these kids in Sierra Leone will know that they are not alone. Thank you,May Peace Prevail on Earth. Andrew #givingtuesdaynow #givingtuesday #generosity #sierraleone #globalgiving #humanity #compassion #leadership #respect #peace #courage #gratitude #covid19 #inspiration #life #loveWe count on you as we count down. Join us! but first read my letter from my desk.

https://preview.mailerlite.com/k3e9a9

https://preview.mailerlite.com/x2o6k5

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Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.

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James Baldwin — ‘The world is before you, and you need not take it or leave it as it was when you came in.’  

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“You don’t need to be the tide to rise and fall, you don’t have to be a wave to touch the shore; just be a little sand-grain and feel them all” ― Munia Khan

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‘Never dim your light’! Holiday for Hope 2019

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AMERICAN PROMISE UNRAVELS 'THE PURPLE EFFECT'.

The purple effect

From October 19-21 2019, I joined others for the annual American Promise event National Citizen

Leadership Conference, which took place  at the Hilton Crystal City in Arlington, VA.  

Participants were provided with a unique opportunity to connect with Americans from all the 50 states. Undoubtedly, these are motivated citizens who are truly passionate about seizing the opportunity for once-in-a-generation structural reforms at such a critical time when it is needed most. in the country. The event embraced all people whether participants came from a business background or  a student, a faith leader, a farmer, a philanthropist or a political leader, It bridges the political divide between Independent, Republican or Democrat, and geared towards making a better America for families and the wider society.

At American Promise, they see a democratic society that is being flawed by big money in politics and political corruption, and they want to change this by eliminating the interference of big money in politics through citizenship participation and collective voice. They see where the political parties represented by two major political parties’ democrats and republicans can also find common ground to tackle the issues that are at the core of everyday Americans. It is just coincidental that This Fall, in one of my Law classes at the Maryland University Francis King Carey School of Law, I read about the US constitution and it’s numerous amendments and articles.

Then to discover an organization such as the American Promise that is really bringing people to help find ways to amend the US constitution, people from all 50 states who care about the stability of American democracy was a welcoming invitation to activist for democratic change throughout the country. The American Promise is relentless in its efforts in finding solutions to fill the gaps and the unforeseen errors in the US constitution. I welcome the invitation to be part of this group and received a scholarship to attend.

They have seen the troubles that emanate from Big money in Politics. They see a democratic society where the political parties represented by two major political parties’ democrats and republicans can also find common ground to tackle the issues that are at the core of everyday Americans. I call this the ‘purple effect’ a result of blue and red combination. But it goes beyond this color combination symbolic of putting the interest of the American people beyond politics and greed, and to find a common ground which creates more impact and ripple effects.

It is indeed an ongoing battle and a struggle to win the Big money out of politics, but it is not insurmountable, as the energy, passion, dedication of the attendees at the 3rd annual American Promise National Citizenship Leadership conference reveals.

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On December 12th, the University of Maryland Baltimore gave a fitting farewell to a remarkable leader, Jay A. Perman, MD, President. During his leadership, the school excelled in sundry ways in improving health research to help African communities, uplifting lives in communities in Baltimore and many more. At the event, President Perman was greeted by staff and faculty, students, and workers all of whom worked tirelessly to make UMB a great learning experience, and to radiate that learning experience to beam out positively to the larger society . A video was screened which unveiled his outstanding contributions to UMB and Maryland, as well as a decade long experiences in making a difference beyond the confines of Maryland. President Perman took a people-centered approach to stirring the ship of UMB. 'This was the best decade of my life' he said. He thanked the staff and everyone who made his years as President successful. He says it's not just because of what they have done, but because they do so with such love and dedication and purpose and it was a privilege to have been 'surrounded by servant-leaders driven by a mission to be of help to others'.

President Perman tells the story with wisdom and passion. "One day a group of them, 8 or 9 years old, asked to meet with me, and gave me a piece of artwork they’d made. The art featured a quote that’s stuck with me for many years. It’s something Malcolm Forbes once said: People who matter are most aware that everyone else does, too. Those children in rural Kentucky who gave me that quote — they knew what it felt like to not matter. They knew what it felt like to be overlooked and underestimated. And then I saw them transformed under the warm, clarifying light of attention and encouragement and resources. I saw their new confidence and poise. I saw them shine — just like they were always meant to. Just like all of us are meant to. Those kids taught me what it feels like to matter". 

"And so as I leave here to become chancellor of the University System of Maryland, my charge to you is threefold. The first is to live your lives in the certainty that you matter. That your work matters. That this University matters. The second is to tell the story of UMB — to everyone, every time you can. Because we have to win people to our work. It shouldn’t be hard. After all, talent is a magnet. Talent attracts talent. Innovation attracts innovation. And just as assuredly, service attracts service. Love attracts love". We thank him was his illustrious service! 

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"And so as I leave here to become chancellor of the University System of Maryland, my charge to you is threefold. The first is to live your lives in the certainty that you matter. That your work matters. That this University matters. The second is to tell the story of UMB — to everyone, every time you can. Because we have to win people to our work. It shouldn’t be hard. After all, talent is a magnet. Talent attracts talent. Innovation attracts innovation. And just as assuredly, service attracts service. Love attracts love". - Jay A. Perman, MD, President. 'We thank him was his illustrious service'!

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Our belief is that by sharing, we provide kids with hope that someone does care and that they are not alone in the aftermath of all that happened during the Ebola outbreak, mudslides (flood) and post-war effects. In turn, kids will grow up with a sense of generosity, peace in their hearts and love, and eventually learn from this and 'pass it on'. Passion For A Purpose, Valerie Martinelli Consulting, LLC — with Andrew Benson Greene Jr.  

https://www.gofundme.com/f/holiday-for-hope-show-some-love-teddy-bear-project 

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I wanted to kindly let you know that this year, I am giving back to my home country to support kids https://www.gofundme.com/f/holiday-for-hope-show-some-love-teddy-bear-project who have been challenged and orphaned by the recent Ebola outbreak, and the decade of conflicts. Here is a link to my campaign as part of my work with my innovative program b-gifted.org Any support, and sharing will help me reach the goal of giving 200 kids books, school bags, toys, and teddies during this holiday for hope season. Warm wishes, Andrew

https://preview.mailerlite.com/k3e9a9 

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#BIW2019 #ETC

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Kansas City welcomed us to a great variety of food, great scenery and folks who are recharging their enthusiasm every single day  to help change the world through entrepreneurship an building the much-needed ecosystem to help give opportunities to the thinkers and problem solvers

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At Kaufmanfoundation ESHIP Summit, it was not all about brainstorming ways to carve a path for entrepreneurs through the ecosystem building programs, but there were lots of fun time. Music was not only considered entertainment, but also one of several art forms that were explored. Music was also regarded as an intrinsic and important part of entrepreneurship, and which also demonstrates the many talents of the attendees. Artist like the LA-based Landlights center for voice and other musical contributions just rocked the stage to promote joy and entertainment for the 2019 ESHIP summit attendees and ecosystem builders.

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My first stint with ESHIP (Kauffmann Foundation) event has been impressive and I have had the fortune to meet so many great entrepreneurs and people who care about the quality of life on our planet. And so, I am determined to pass it on and encourage others to join the innovative ecosystem bandwagon as we all pool our ideas and resources to make sure that there is a thriving eco-system that supports and sustains entrepreneurship at all levels.

The summit also encouraged diversity and gender participation and the opportunity to bring Mayors to interact with the changemakers and entrepreneurs is a novelty and a positive interconnection. This collaboration has far-reaching impact in the community, allowing for both sides to appreciate the various lenses in which they view problems in the community and help proffer solutions.

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At the inspirational Small Business Expo, May 9th, 2019.  Held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Centre. DC