Natural Light Network

Respect

I would expect

no more than I offer.

Nor will I accept

any less than I give.

© Paul Howard Nicholas

National Urban League Summer Internship Program: Deadline March 1, 2012

Submitted by Earl Nero

January 24, 2012

Talent Management Services Bulletin

Summary:

The National Urban League Summer Internship Program provides an insight into the world of non-profit management for college students, from the New York City metropolitan area and in
Washington, DC. The National Urban League is looking for candidates interested in a career in the not-for-profit sector, or in understanding the connection between non-profits, corporations,
and government in the work of our nation.

This is an eight week paid program (June 11^th through August 3^rd,
2012). We are interested in students from a variety of academic backgrounds and majors who:

- Have demonstrated academic achievement

- Have strong interpersonal and communication skills

- Are eager to learn about the National Urban League

- Are involved in extracurricular and community-related activities

Why Participate?

The National Urban League offers valuable work experience in a professional, fast-paced environment. Some highlights of this summer’s activities include:

- Behind the Business Tours with corporate partners in the tri-state area

- Special Assignments at the National Urban League Annual Conference in New Orleans, LA

- Lunch with the Presiden and CEO, National Urban League

- Interns day on the Hill, a visit to the National Urban League Policy Institute in Washington, D.C. and the opportunity meet a legislator

• Work on The President’s Project - a special assignment from the President and CEO presented to Senior Leadership of the National Urban League at the end of the program
• Participate in the Black Executive Exchange Program Leadership Conference in Orlando Fl.
• Visit a National Urban League Affiliate
• Lunch with National Urban League’s “Women of Influence”
• Lunch with National Urban League’s “Men of Influence”

Requirements:

• Official current academic transcript (minimum 2.8GPA)
• Resume
• Cover letter
• Two academic letters of recommendation
• One page essay expressing interest in the program

Deadline:

• March 1^st, 2012

PLEASE SEND ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS TO:

National Urban League Internship Program

Attention Dale Y. Johnson, Talent Management Dept.

120 Wall Street, 8^TH Fl.

New York, NY 10005

Fax 866-532-4638

Email: recruitment1@nul.org

The National Urban League is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Princeton University Summer Journalism Program

Submitted by Earl Nero

To Whom it May Concern,

We are writing to inform you about an all-expenses-paid summer program for high school student journalists from low-income backgrounds that will take place for10 days in August on the campus of Princeton University.

The program is entering its 11th year; since 2002, more than 200 students from high schools
across the country have been selected to participate in the program. They were taught by journalists from The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Miami Herald, The New Republic and The New Yorker; they covered Yankees, Mets, Jets and Liberty games and held a press conference with New Jersey's secretary of state; they met with Princeton University's president and dean of admissions; they received counseling on their college applications from our staff, which consists of Princeton University alumni and
undergraduates; and they published their own newspaper.

We hope that you will consider nominating some of your students to participate in this exciting
program for aspiring young journalists. To learn more about the Princeton Summer Journalism Program and to read previous editions of our publication, The Princeton Summer Journal, and to read testimonies from our students, please visit our website: www.princeton.edu/sjp.

To be eligible for the program, students must meet the following qualifications:

- They must currently be juniors in high school.

- They must live in the continental United States.

- They must have at least an unweighted 3.5 grade point average (out of 4.0).

- They must have an interest in journalism.

- The combined income of their custodial parent(s)/guardian(s) plus
child support payments, if any, must not exceed $45,000.

Note: This program is for students from low-income backgrounds. If the combined income of the custodial parent(s)/guardian(s) plus child support payments, if any, exceeds $45,000 and a student still wishes to apply, he or she may attach a letter explaining why his or her family qualifies as financially under-resourced.

We ask that you encourage students to apply to this all-expenses-paid program at Princeton University. If you are an administrator, we ask that you help us spread the word by publishing an announcement to teachers or other administrators who might know students who
would be interested in applying. See below for more information.

Please feel free to nominate as many students as you have who are interested. We will happily accept several students from the same school, so there is no need to worry about your own students competing for slots in the program. We have not determined the exact dates, but the program will run for 10 days from a Friday to a Monday at the end of the July through the first week in August.

The application process will take place in two parts. For the first part, students should fill out the application, which can be found and submitted online here: https://fs4.formsite.com/pusjp/form1/secure_index.html.

We must receive the application by 11:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 15, 2012. No extensions will be given for any reason. Please do not mail a hard copy of the application to Princeton University.

In the second round of the application process, finalists will be interviewed by the program directors—either in person or over the phone—and they will be asked to provide printed copies of the following items via U.S. mail: an official transcript; the first page of the 2009 (or 2010, if available) income-tax return form (the 1040 or 1040EZ form) of their custodial
parent(s)/guardian(s), or a signed statement by their parent(s)/guardian(s) saying that their income is below the level at which they would be required to file income tax returns; a recommendation letter from a teacher; and clips from their high school newspaper or other publication (optional).

A final word: We know that the process of applying to any selective program can be stressful, not to mention a lot of work—for students as well as their teachers. But, over the years, the students we have had come through our program have told us that, ultimately, the work they put into their application was worth it.

If you have questions, the best way to reach us is via email at sjp@princeton.edu. All
application materials—as well as additional information about the program—are available at www.princeton.edu/sjp.

Thanks so much,

Program Staff

The Parable of the Heathen and the Boom Box

To illustrate how easily the limits of human perception can lead to inaccurate
conclusions, Natural Light Network presents “The Parable of the Heathen and the
Boom Box.”

Picture yourself as a primitive person with no knowledge of electricity or electronics.

One day, while searching the forest for food, you come upon a clearing where a modern house has been built. You hear music and singing coming from the front porch of the house, but you don’t see anybody. As you edge closer to the house, you discover that the sounds are coming out of a strange black box with a colorfully lit face filled with dancing lights.

You marvel at the box, envisioning the pleasures it would bring to your family’s humble dwelling. And you start to think about how important you would become in your village if you possessed such a magic box.

You have no qualms about stealing it because the rules of your culture say that anything of value left unprotected outside the boundaries of your village is fair game. So you decide to take the box home.

But as you sneak onto the porch, you encounter a problem: the music box is attached to a long cord that runs into the house through the slightly opened front door. Maybe you could cut it with your sharp knife, and free the box from the cord. But would it still flash and make music?

Examining the back of the box, you find that the cord easily detaches, and, behold, the magic box still sings, and the lights still dance across its face! So you take the box and run, concluding that the cord is totally unnecessary, and that your magic possession, because of what you have seen with your very own eyes, will continue to operate just fine.

For those of us who understand the workings of an AC/DC boom box, the epilog to this scenario is easily predictable: Eventually the batteries will fail to produce enough power to drive the circuits and, unless the device is returned to a source of electricity, or its batteries are replaced, the magic box will slowly lose it's abilty to fill the air with music.

Compare this illustration to what we see in everyday life: People of every description, living what appear to be successful lives with no discernible connection to God:

Brutal dictators murder and torture human beings to stay in power; weapons developers devote all of their resources to finding more efficient ways to kill people; wallstreeters steal the life savings of mainstreeters to finance lavish lifestyles; and atheists campaign to keep God out of our lives while religious leaders teach us to worship a jealous, vengeful, and violent-when-provoked supreme being.

And most of these people, along with countless others who don’t know God, seem to be doing okay. They live, they laugh, they cry, and they die like everybody else, right?

Not quite. What these people don’t do is pray for God’s guidance in learning to utilize their talents to improve conditions for mankind, and what they don’t receive is the spiritual education that will allow them to advance to the next phase of life at the end of their allotted time on Earth.

One of the greatest messages Jesus brought to us is God’s promise of eternal life for those who qualify themselves for acceptance into Heaven during their tenure on Earth.

So do not be deceived, my brothers and sisters, by the limits of human perception. When confronted with circumstances that require an understanding that goes beyond what our eyes can see, and our ears can hear, ask for God’s assistance.

He will guide you to outlets that allow you to plug into the Eternal Power Source of Light, Life, and Accurate Information.

©Paul Howard Nicholas

For the Love of Money

Of the many things on Earth that human
beings will lay their lives on the line for, love, money, and vengeance,
though not necessarily in that order, are generally found near the top of
the list.

People of every creed and color constantly
demonstrate that they are willing, if necessary, to make the ultimate sacrifice
for the sake of love, the love of money, or the satisfaction of vengeance: A
man risks his life to save loved ones from a burning building; thieves risk
their lives in daring robberies; a gangbanger, seeking, to avenge a homeboy’s
death, is gunned down on enemy turf.

Without question, love, money, and
vengeance are powerful motivators. Money, however, is in a category all
its own. Of the three, it is the only tangible. It can be piled up, counted, and
stored in banks or blown on a spree. Money is also unique in that it can be
helpful or hurtful, depending on who employs it.

True love is always positive.
Vengeance is always negative. But money can be either. Used to open a much
needed hospital or school, money becomes a blessing for the community these
institutions will serve. Money used to promote misleading messages, however, or
to suppress human rights, is a curse to those who seek truth and freedom.

The bible offers various statements
about money and material wealth. King Solomon, writing in the 10^th
chapter of Ecclesiastes, verse 19, says, “A feast is made for laughter. And wine
maketh merry; But money answereth all things.”

While it may seem ironic that Solomon,
considered one of the wisest men of his time, could have arrived at such an
indefensible conclusion about the virtues of money, his words, from a king’s
perspective, make sense.

If enemies threatened to unseat him,
money would buy the spies, the armies, and the weapons he needed to defeat
them.

When key allies showed signs of
wavering in support for his causes, monetary gifts usually brought them back
into the fold.

And when it came to maintaining
harmony among the members of his harem of two thousand wives and concubines,
money made it possible for Solomon to provide them with a lavish lifestyle.

The problem with Solomon’s statement
about money being the answer to everything is that it is patently false. It won’t
open the gates of Heaven and it can’t buy love. And If happiness could be
purchased with money, rich people would never commit suicide.

The only instructional value of such a
misleading message is that it serves as a reminder that the holy scriptures
were written by, and subsequently translated by, imperfect human beings. And
while much of the information found in the bible provides sound advice for
spiritual enhancement, it is important to pray for God’s guidance whenever it
becomes necessary to sift jewels of universal truths from the shifting sands of
an author’s personal agenda.

The new testament of the bible offers
more fact-based counseling about the accumulation of wealth. First Timothy,
chapter 6, verse 10 says, “For the love of money is the root of all evil…” This
statement is as accurate today as it was when it was written two thousand years
ago. History is littered with the mental, physical, and spiritual wreckage of
perpetrators and victims who got caught up in obsessive quests for material
gain.

In Luke 12:48, Jesus is quoted as
saying, “…For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required…” The
message here is clear: The bigger the blessings, the more God expects the
blessed to share in making the world a better place.

The most troubling statement regarding
the accumulation of wealth, however, is found in the 19^th chapter of
Matthew, verse 24, where Jesus says that “…It is easier for a camel to go
through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of
God.”

Jesus made this statement to his
disciples after counseling a wealthy young man who claimed to be living in
harmony with the commandments, but wanted to know what more he could do to
achieve eternal life.

Jesus tells the young man in Matthew
19: 21 that he would have “treasure in Heaven” if he would sell all of his
possessions, give the money to the poor, and follow him. Matthew 19: 22 says
that the young man, upon hearing this, “…went away sorrowful: for he had great
possessions.”

Jesus makes it clear in this passage
that material wealth on Earth, if valued more than Heavenly treasure, can
become a stumbling block in the middle of the path to spiritual enlightenment
and weaken a rich person’s desire to stay connected to God.

A wealthy man doesn’t pray for God’s
will to be done on Earth because he’s fine with the way things are. There’s no
need to ask God to help him secure his daily bread because he’s already eating
the best food. He hires security personnel to take care of trespassers, and if
he trespasses against someone, he hires a good lawyer.

But Jesus leaves no doubt that, while
it may be difficult for a rich person to earn salvation, it can be done. In
clarifying his statement about the camel and the eye of a needle, Jesus says in
Matthew 19:26: “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are
possible.”

And so the message for rich people who
want to establish a better relationship with God is clear. As stewards of one of the most formidable
powers on Earth, it would be wise for them to determine whether the current
status of their money is positive or negative and make the necessary
corrections.

Is it being used to lift people up, or
push them down? To enlighten the less fortunate, or keep them in darkness? To
line the pockets of the oppressor, or to feed the oppressed?

And most importantly, the rich should always
keep the true value of their material wealth in its proper perspective. For as
much as money is cherished on Earth, it will never be allowed in Heaven.

© Paul Howard Nicholas

Religious Rites of Spring, Part Two: Easter

 Photo by Paul Howard Nicholas

The observance of Easter is a time to honor the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, the highest ranking Heavenly Messenger ever born into our world. It also presents an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the religious concept of blood sacrifice as it pertains to Jesus' mission on Earth.

And it forces those who truly wish to establish a closer relationship with Jesus to ask this simple but important question: Why do so many people refer to the day he was crucified as "Good Friday"?

Missionaries all over the world have converted millions to Christianity by employing the "Jesus died for our sins" mantra as an effective recruiting tool. In essence, these messengers teach that at one point in the evil history of mankind, God became so angry and disgusted He decided to kill every man, woman, and child on Earth.

But then, He came up with a better idea. Instead of resorting to genocide again, as He had allegedly done during the time of Noah, He would send His only begotten son to absorb the sins of the world. The son would then be subjected to persecution, torture, and a brutal death. In the course of shedding his blood, the son would act as a sacrificial offering, and God would consent to give mankind a fresh start.

It is truly unfortunate that modern, "enlightened" religions would continue to associate our Heavenly Father and Jesus with such a primitive concept. Surely it would be more logical to proclaim, as the foundation of true faith, Jesus' many great contributions to the spiritual enhancement of mankind.

Instead of focusing on the agonizing, humiliating final hours of his Earthly career, and his brutal execution by a pagan government at the height of his ministry, wouldn't it make more sense to introduce non-believers to Jesus by celebrating his achievements?

Jesus' greatest gift to human beings was not the shedding of his blood. His death, at the hands of murderers, has not changed the spiritual status of one Earthly soul.

Simply stated, Jesus' most important contribution to the betterment of mankind was not the death he died, but the life he lived while on Earth. He elevated our understanding of mankind's status in the Universe by teaching that all humans are the children of God. And he introduced the revolutionary concept of a relationship with our Heavenly Father based on love, rather than fear.

Considering that Jesus also created the first "service ministry" by healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and comforting the oppressed, it is most difficult to comprehend how the untimely execution of such an extraordinary benefactor ever became known as the best thing that could have happened to the human race.

And, in light of the fact that Jesus volunteered to trade his lofty position in Heaven for a challenging mission on a dangerous, barely civilized world, it is inconceivable that any clear thinking individual would refer to the day of his death as a "Good Friday."

How would the average person react if the day a beloved family member was brutally killed became known as a "good day?" Even if the victim's heirs each received a million dollars following his death, would they ever use the word "good" in connection with his violent demise?

If we truly understand how much more Jesus could have contributed to the enlightenment of mankind had evil conspirators not cut short his sojourn on Earth, every human being should mourn his untimely departure, and pray for his promised return. The day of his "sacrificial" crucifixion should be acknowledged as one of the darkest days in human existence, instead of an event that appeased an angry God.

Jesus, himself, obviously disagreed with the practice of offering sacrifices to gain favor with God. In the twelfth chapter of Mark, he makes it unmistakably clear that honoring God above all others, and loving your neighbor as you love yourself, "is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices." (Mark 12:33, KJV)

Additionally, according to several accounts in the New Testament, Jesus, in a rare display of anger, upon entering the Temple of Jerusalem, did forcefully evict, along with the moneychangers and other vendors, those who sold sacrificial doves. (Mark 11:15 KJV)

What on Earth, one might ask, could have possibly driven the Prince of Peace to such an uncharacteristic outburst of anger?

The answer is simple: First of all, the whole concept of blood sacrifice paints an inaccurate, disrespectful picture of our Father in Heaven. He is not someone that can be bargained with, bribed, or influenced by savage customs.

Furthermore, the idea that the suffering of any living creature can atone for the misdeeds of others cannot coexist with the reality of free will and personal responsibility. In other words, one person's debts can never be assumed by another in God's Kingdom, nor can the rewards reserved for one of God's children be claimed by anyone else.

While it is technically accurate to say that Jesus did die for us, his death should be compared with the battlefield death of a soldier who gives his life in service to his people, or the assassination of a crusader for justice.

The true nature of the sacrifice Jesus made for his Earthly brothers and sisters was his willingness to leave the comforts of Heaven to come and experience life as one of us. He was not required to come. But he loved us enough to make the trip himself, instead of sending a representative.

This would be similar, on a much smaller scale, to the President of the United States moving out of the White House and committing himself to living in an urban housing project without bodyguards in order to better understand the problems faced by residents, and to help them find solutions. He fully understands the enormous threat such a mission might pose to his physical, mental, and spiritual health, but his love for this particular group of constituents motivates him to forge ahead.

Viewed from this perspective, the incredible sacrifices made by Jesus on our behalf come into sharp focus.

Like most social and religious revolutionaries, however, Jesus incurred the wrath of the power elite. The rising popularity of his radical teachings about a loving, compassionate God, as opposed to a jealous, vengeful God; his willingness, as a spiritual teacher, to work for a living rather than obligate his followers to support him; and his disapproval of blood sacrifices and other pagan rituals were viewed by political and religious leaders of the day as a direct threat to their wealth and authority.

To understand the vehement opposition to Jesus' growing influence during his ministry on Earth, one need look no further than the economic implications of his teachings.

By the time Jesus stormed the Temple in Jerusalem and disrupted the operations of the moneychangers and animal vendors, the sacrificial slaughtering of animals had become a thriving business. The doves, lambs, goats, and cattle offered to God had to be without blemish according to law. So most worshippers, rather than risk the humiliation of having their sacrificial offerings rejected by the temple priests, simply purchased their animals from authorized Temple dealers.

The priests also feared that if people accepted the notion that it is possible to worship God at any time and any place, such as the outdoor settings Jesus used, financial support for the Temple and its ruling members would be substantially diminished.

Political leaders, equally obsessed with maintaining the status quo, worried over the possibility of Jesus recruiting a large enough following to remove them from power.

Jesus fully comprehended the motives of those who worked to undermine his ministry. And he accepted the probability that his enemies would resort to violence to silence him. But he continued his courageous mission undeterred, secure in the knowledge that his soul, the part of him that would return to God, would remain immune to the weapons of man.

This is an important message for all human beings: nothing built by man can destroy that which is created by God. The soul is bulletproof, bombproof, poison-proof, etc. As a matter of fact, it comes with an eternal warranty against any and every man-made weapon. The only being with the power to destroy the soul is the soul itself.

Since his death, mankind has failed to fully understand the messages Jesus brought from Heaven. After more than two thousand years since his untimely departure, the human race remains mired in spiritual stagnation. Empires have appeared and disappeared, crushed by rivals that value competition over cooperation. The only things that really seem to change regarding cultural interaction are the weapons humans use to destroy each other. They become more lethal with every passing generation.

And instead of helping man to rise above the primitive mindset of ever escalating violence, the most advanced monotheistic religions on Earth still teach that God Himself is more like a warrior than a healer, and that fear is the most important element of man's relationship with God.

At this point in our history, it truly seems that mankind has reached a point where nothing short of Devine Intervention will save us from extinction. Left to our own devices, the human race would surely self-destruct in the not too distant future.

And so, as we reflect on the annually observed rituals of Easter, we should all recognize that, until Jesus puts God's plans for the rescue of mankind into action, it is important that we start clearing away the stumbling blocks of primitive beliefs and pray for a clearer understanding of our Savior's messages about love and faith and personal accountability.

The following poem is dedicated to Jesus' departure from Earth:

Bad Friday

Weep not for the Teacher, slain by his students.

For even in the midst of the tragic,

untimely termination of his mission,

he forgave them all.

Cry your tears instead for the ears

and for the years that

would have benefited from

an extension of his tenure.

© Paul Howard Nicholas

Procter & Gamble Finance & Accounting (F&A) Intern Opportunities

Submitted by Earl Nero:

F&A Internship 

Our intern assignments are real Finance and/or Accounting work designed to allow you to experience, first-hand, the type of work we do within P&G.  As an intern, you can make an impact on the business as well as continue to build your analytical, technical and leadership skills.

Most projects offer the opportunity to work with individuals in a variety of capacities within the area you're assigned and, potentially in other functions.  You'll have an individualized work plan that will guide you throughout the summer and you'll get coaching from your immediate manager throughout your internship. 

Candidates in their junior year of an undergraduate or MA/MS degree program in Finance or Accounting or a First year MBA student in Finance or Taxation, are eligible for one of these roles. 

Requirements also include at least 2 college-level accounting courses and a willingness to relocate. 

A solid background in Finance and/or Accounting along with demonstrated leadership ability is required for those interested.

FACT Seminar

FACT is a 4 day early reach program designed to expose top sophomore undergraduate students or those in their fourth year of a 5 year program to Procter & Gamble and the types of Finance, Accounting, and Tax intern and full-time roles available. 

The seminar is held each year at our Global Headquarters in Cincinnati, OH August 2-5, 2011.
All travel and accommodation expenses will be funded by P&G.

 Students will have the opportunity to:

• Speak candidly with Senior Managers about Corporate America
• Interact with other top students from across the country
• Interview in advance for a 2012 Summer internship                                                                                    

We are seeking top undergraduate students who will graduate in 2013 with a BBA, BS, BA, or MS in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business, or Taxation.

How to Apply Online:

Go to www.experiencepg.com and Click Search Jobs

In Job Number box type: (Case Sensitive)

FIN00002188       Finance & Accounting Manager – Intern

FIN00002222       FACT – Student Seminar 

Click Search

Click APPLY after scrolling down to the posting

Message to Black People in America, Part 3

This is the third in a series of three installments taken from Chapter Seven of Extinguishing the Flames of Hell: A Journey of Spiritual Evolution by Paul Howard Nicholas. 

Topics covered in Parts 1 and 2 of this presentation were: 

1)    Slavery and the destruction of cultural identity 

2)    Selective extermination 

3)    Economic oppression 

4)    Break-up of the black family 

 Part 3 continues with Insufficient transfer of assets and Development of a culture of mediocrity: 

5)    Insufficient transfer of assets.  Unfortunately, African Americans transfer less wealth from one generation to the next than any other group in the country. This means that the average black person starts his or her life at a significant disadvantage when compared to members of other ethnic groups.

Some would say this situation is caused by a “I got mine, you get yours” black mentality. The truth, however, is that this problem can’t be seriously addressed until we overcome economic oppression, and reunite the black family. 

In order to transfer wealth to our descendents, the wealth first has to be created the old fashioned way: through hard work, combined efforts, and sacrifice. Then we will have to ensure that our children are raised to become worthy recipients of their inheritance, and that they are inspired to pass on an even greater legacy to their own heirs.

In the meantime, every black parent should dedicate a portion of every paycheck, no matter how small, to a savings/investment account for his or her children. The bottom line is that the children will benefit from knowing that their parents love them, regardless of the amount of money involved.

And, even if the weekly or bi-weekly contributions to the accounts seem small, these funds, wisely managed over eighteen years, will provide our young people with a foundation of financial stability as they take on the challenges of becoming productive, independent adults in a highly competive world.

Another thought to keep in mind is that love is also an important asset in the life of every human being. The same is true for integrity, sincerity, and faith in God. And they are assets that can be transferred from one generation to the next. 

6)    A culture of preferred mediocrity.  Why are so many black children terrified about being labeled smart by their peers? Like the black honor student who intentionally trys to appear less intelligent to gain acceptance among other blacks who are more interested in partying and fashions than they are in SAT scores, many of our gifted children are failing to truly appreciate and fully apply their God given talents.

 In today’s world, it often seems that the more intelligent a young black person appears to be, the harder it becomes for him or her to fit in with their "homies."

But how did we get to the point where a side-ways cap wearing, woman bashing, obscenity mumbling, crotch grabbing, saggy-pants rapper can count on much more respect and support from our young people than a dedicated black doctor, engineer, or scientist? And why has some version of this negative mentality been passed from one generation of African Americans to the next?

To understand this phenomenon, one must turn back the clock to a time in black history when stupidity was a more desirable trait than intelligence. Difficult to accept, but true. 

During slavery, if a black woman had an exceptionally bright child, the only way she could hope to save him from extermination or isolation was to teach him to conceal his intelligence. (This was a survival tactic similar to a slave mother teaching her healthy young son the “pimp walk” so the master would think the child was crippled and not bother trying to sell him.) 

Consequently, over the course of several centuries, a perverted, but necessary, set of equations became firmly entrenched in the minds of black people: mediocrity = life, intelligence = death. (See "Selective extermination" in part one of this presentation.)

In light of our history in America, it is easy to understand how our values regarding intelligence have become twisted. And four hundred years of indoctrination will be difficult to overcome. 

But if we don’t start teaching our children what mediocrity and intelligence really mean in a free society, they will never be inspired to use their God given abilities to reach their fullest potential. 

This presentation concludes Natural Light Network’s Black History Month Special. As always, your feedback is appreciated. 

 © Paul Howard Nicholas  

Scholarship and Intern Opportunities

From the desk of Denise Boutte, RN.

Please see the following opportunities:
  
Internship at Mager & Associates, LLC

Small, progressive, women-owned public policy consulting firm representing women’s health, non-profit and corporate clients, seeks organized self-motivated individual to provide administrative and project support for firm principal and associate.  Attention to detail and strong writing, organizational, and computer skills required.

Responsible for office administrative duties, Internet research, legislative/regulatory issue tracking, and some event planning, including upcoming lobby day events.  Great opportunity to gain experience.  Prefer candidate who is available for the Jan. – May semester, with the possibility of continuing over the summer.  Stipend provided.  Near Farragut N&W metros.  EOE.

Email resume with cover letter and writing sample to mmager@magerandassociates.com. No phone calls, please. 

U.S. Agency for International Development Internship

The Office of Human Resources (OHR) is currently accepting
applications for the 2011 USAID Summer Intern Program. This
program offers an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the
significant challenges and rewards of public service, to evaluate
college students for potential long term employment and to
introduce additional diversity into the Agency.  In addition, to
educational institutions nation-wide, (OHR) will partner with
organizations, such as the Hispanic Association of Colleges and
Universities (HACU), Washington Internships for Native American
Students (WINS), Historically Black Colleges and Universities
(HBCU), and the Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) for students
with disabilities.

The 2011 USAID Summer Intern Program is a formal paid internship
program, centrally managed and funded by the office of Human
Resources.  The program has been developed to complement, not
replace, any existing internship programs within the Agency. A
notice has been sent to all Agency AMS Officers with instructions
on how to request interns.

Additional information about the internship programs at USAID may
be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/careers/studentprograms.html.

Coalition for Nonprofit Housing & Economic Development
 
Interested in working for a progressive non-profit organization that’s truly making a difference?  Like the idea of ending each day knowing that you’re part of team that’s helping thousands of low-income residents in the District of Columbia ?  If so, CNHED could very well be the place for you!
 
Contact:  Please send resume and cover letter via email to aadye@cnhed.org, by fax to 202-745-0898, or by mail to Alan Adye, CNHED, 1432 U Street, NW , 1st Floor Annex, Washington , DC   20009 .  The Coalition is an equal opportunity employer.

The Close Up Foundation
We are a multi-partisan civic education organization that brings middle and high school students to Washington DC for an experiential education experience that informs, inspires and empowers them to be engaged active citizens when they return home. We are committed to hiring a diverse group of Program Instructors and would like to pass along our job announcement to students who have already graduated or who are graduating in December. A BA is required for the position.
For more info, contact: Jessica Cisneros, Program Leader at: 571.722.4193

Department of State Internships
The Department of State is currently accepting applications for Summer 2011 internships.  Not to be confused with the Embassy’s Summer Hire program, this is a Department-wide internship program for U.S. college students who wish to serve in internships at embassies around the world.  For more info: http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=90717417
Washington, DC 20016
202-237-1799 (Phone)
202-537-1966 (Fax)

AAUW Fellow Position
Summary Description
AAUW’s Leadership Programs seeks one full time or two part time fellows for spring 2011. Fellows will learn about women’s leadership development and provide assistance to members, students and colleges/universities. Past fellows have had the opportunity to volunteer and attend our annual National Conference for College Women Student Leaders, research and develop materials for student and college/university programs, and participate in Washington , D.C. events as an AAUW representative.  A minimum of 20 hours per week is strongly desired, and preference will be given to fellows available on a full-time basis. Fellows receive an hourly wage.

To Apply:
Send cover letter, resume, 1-2 page writing sample, and two references to:
American Association of University Women
1111 Sixteenth St., NW Washington , DC 20036
Or email: aauwjobs@aauw.org (Please note “Fellow, College/University Outreach” in the subject line).

William T. Grant Foundation
The William T. Grant Foundation is pleased to announce the release of the 2011–2012 William T. Grant Scholars Program Brochure. The Scholars Program supports the professional development of early-career researchers from diverse disciplines, who have demonstrated success in conducting high-quality research and are seeking to expand their skills and expertise. Studies from William T. Grant Scholars contribute to theory, policy, and practice on the settings of youth ages 8 to 25.
The new Brochure contains a description of the program, application
guidelines, and a list of current William T. Grant Scholars. The
Foundation is particularly interested in reaching applicants of color.
The brochure can be accessed here:
http://www.wtgrantfdn.org/File%20Library/RFPs/2011-Scholars-Brochure.pdf

Additional information about the Scholars Program is available on our website. Questions about the program should be sent to info@wtgrantfdn.org.

Black Boys in Jeopardy: 10 Poems

Ten poems dedicated to the countless black boys in America who run into trouble while teaching themselves to be men:

Perfect Balance

With medicated fears/tranquilized emotions

I dance on a tightrope between

darkness and daylight

without a net.

Forward…

Backward…

I have mastered the act,

high above the madness, yet

far beneath the sky.

After the Crash

Two ravaged vehicles sit awkwardly sprawled

on their knees, mortally injured,

unable to face each other.

Hissing, cringing in shock, they glare

at the curious crowds gathering

beneath a high noon sky.

Their broken eyes cry steamy streams of

bright green tears that splash on the pavement

and dribble over pebbles in a race

to the gutter.

Large ribbons of twisted metal,

ripped from their posts,

lie scattered on the asphalt,

reflecting sunlight amid

a heavy sprinkling of shattered glass

spattered with a spray of

alcohol and blood.

Drunk Tank

Feeling too heavy inside a hollow block

of ice…

Days over my head, hours under my feet…

Looking at life through a crack in my heart,

keeping things out that would keep me

locked in, struggling to bounce back

from a head-cracking collision

with a concrete floor,

sticky with the sickness of the dying

and the dead.

Robbery

With my sack packed,

filled by a man who loved his life

more than money, I

jump behind the wheel

of a barely running car, tearing off

into the night!

Loud music booms from my speakers,

blocking out the pleading voice

of the conscience I left behind

and the maniacal laughter of Mr. Payback

lurking up ahead.

Correctional Education

This is where we study

the infinitely intricate structure of the

permanent upper hand,

where the apprentice learns to master

many different patterns of colorful deceit,

where the weak become more aware

of the strong,

where lessons inspire weapons for

a survivor’s defense.

Yes, this is where we study,

striving for the diploma that will

unlock the front door.

Attack Therapy: Inside the Fish Tank

An unfortunate group of the highly stressed

make clever commitments to live better lives,

bathing the master’s ear in medicine so vital

to his health.

Under the guise of progress they practice

a vicious game, chewing petty secrets

down to the quick,

cursing the demons they say drove them mad,

challenging others to purge the venom from their brains,

tearing at crusty scabs that shield soft, fleshy wounds.

They yell and swear, a few even cry

till the musty little room reeks with a pungent,

fuming mixture of anger and fear.

But the timekeeper outside can’t wait any longer.

It’s time to go home.

Ignoring the hearts and minds nailed to the walls,

he points to the cheap watch choking his wrist.

Business as usual.

Get back to your cells!

On an Island Called Jail

How long will these fireflies of hope

flicker in the darkness, offering so little

in ways to light my path?

How much longer can I beat down the anger

that would easily consume my life?

And what shall be my pace in this race

of the wise, and the swift,

and the unburied dead?

Visiting Day at a Quarter to Three

Your warm embrace and tender, farewell kiss

lift me into a different realm of existence.

A bright beam of light propels me forward

to a far away place where

nights of pure satin, and unleashed passion

let me touch you deep inside.

I could hold you close forever

in this spinning autumn wind, lost

and yet protected from the empty days alone,

sheltered from the distance between us that

grows with each good-bye…

But reality intrudes to pull you from my arms,

testing my strength, teasing my needs,

taunting my soul with an unfinished dream.

And so I watch you walk away

into the spaces where our future lives…

looking back, a sigh beneath a smile…

so pretty in the sunlight,

so precious in my heart.

A Prayer Someone Once Prayed for Me

Our Heavenly Father,

we come before you to request Devine Intervention

in the emergency rescue of a drowning soul.

The energy of this confused, restless spirit is enormous

but he has taken the wrong river and, at this very moment,

faces mortal extinction, thrashing about wildly

in a whirlpool of lies, cursing the darkness,

growing weaker by the hour.

And, while we do acknowledge the faults and misdeeds

of our wayward brother,

so do we also pray for Your merciful consideration of

his greater self,

asking that You brighten his midnight sky

with even the faintest flicker of lightening

so that his eyes may focus upon the nearness of the shore

and upon the many strong, outstretched hands.

Amen.

Act Four

I portrayed the fool, broke every rule

till even I believed the role.

Then I learned the part of the wooden heart

to silence questions in my soul.

Now I pray to see a better me,

never too heated, never too cold.

© Paul Howard Nicholas