Excellent credit is definitely a worthwhile goal. The credit crunch is well underway and has placed a lot of attention on those individuals with poor credit, who some say are partly to blame for the present credit crisis. We never know what the future holds but I suspect that individuals with poor credit will face many hurdles and pay dearly for their blemished past. So whether or not you desire to buy a new home, car, or just to get a student loan, it is definitely something to pay closer attention than ever before.

 
The words “credit repair” are like music to the ears of those who have been plagued by poor credit. Everyone is looking for the magic bullet and I am sad to announce that it does not exist. You get good credit the old fashioned way: you must earn it. However, the credit reporting agencies are operated by humans and mistakes happen so you should examine your credit report periodically and correct it for inaccuracies. Reviewing your credit must be placed near your annual check up with your medical doctor on your list of priorities.

 
You have two main approaches when addressing your credit woes: The first is focusing on credit repair, and the second is credit rebuilding. Both play a significant role in reaching your goal of having good credit. Credit repair is more about correcting errors, whereas credit rebuilding is about engaging in behavior that increases your scores, like paying your bills on time, keeping credit card balances below 50 percent of the credit limit, and opening up new credit accounts only as needed. The process of making corrections to your credit report requires that you review your report at least twice a year. Identity theft is on the rise and anyone can be a victim. The Trans Union Corporation reported that two thirds of all consumer inquiries to the company’s Fraud Victim Assistance Department involved identity theft. Erroneous information can often be listed on your report as a result of your lender or the credit reporting agency offering misinformation or fraudulent activity caused by identity thieves. No matter what the reason, you need to address these issues sooner rather than later. Self help can be the best way to repair your credit and save money. However, you can seek the assistance of a reputable credit repair, counseling agency, or hire an attorney. Please keep in mind that no one can remove accurate negative information on your credit report.

Here are a few ways to recognize a credit repair scam, according to the Federal Trade Commission:

• A company tells you they can eliminate the negative credit information in your credit report, even if that information is accurate and current.
• A company wants you to pay for credit repair services before they do anything for you. Under the Credit Repair Organizations Act, credit repair companies cannot require you to pay until they have completed the services they have promised.
• Anyone suggests that you try to invent a “new” credit identity, and then, a new credit report, by applying for an Employer Identification Number to use instead of your Social Security number.

10 Steps to Repairing Your Credit

1. Be proactive and get your credit report from all three reporting agencies and check it for errors.
2. Contact the consumer reporting agency who reported the error. There are three major agencies: Experian, Transunion, and Equifax. You can dispute incorrect information via certified mail, phone, or online.
3. Contact creditors and file a dispute. The creditor has 30 days to verify or dispute information.
4. Review your credit reports two to four months after the corrections are made to see if they reappear.
5. Be organized and keep good records. Enclose supporting documentation with your dispute letter. Be sure to hold onto all correspondence from both the bureaus and your creditors regarding your disputes.
6. Check for accurate negative information that may be outdated. The consumer reporting company can report most accurate negative information for seven years and bankruptcy information for 10 years.
7. Make sure that your credit file reflects all your credit accounts. You may be denied credit because of insufficient credit on file.
8. Add a consumer statement on your report explaining why an accurate negative mark is uncharacteristic.
9. Defend yourself against identity theft by placing a fraud alert on your credit reports, close accounts that have been opened fraudulently, and file a report with the local police.
10. Some credit issues will only go away with time and patience. Give yourself a jumpstart toward better credit by keeping debt under control and paying bills on time.

Jaynee Sasso is President of Faithful Assistants Inc. and creator of coaching program, “The Commonsense Way to Wealth.” Email infodesk@FaithfulAssistants.com with questions or comments.

“Mommy, look! Fire in the sky,” my daughter recently exclaimed with excitement as she pointed to the fall foliage. One of the things I love most about Richmond is the divine show that she puts on right before the winter. With all of the bright red, orange, yellow hues that dot the city, nature has a way of doing change in style.

 
The change in season is highlighted even more with the change that is happening in our nation. With the election of Barack Obama, there has been paradigm shift. What was thought to be impossible is now possible. Unity has triumphed over division. Dreams have now become reality. It is not only a shift occurring in politics, but in our homes, hearts, and minds. For many, this change has been both emotionally and spiritually overwhelming. Many are still in shock, and are pinching themselves to see if they are dreaming. We may wonder how we can get that raw constructive energy transferred into our own personal relationships when they undergo big changes. We are forever evolving, and so are our relationships. We go from casually dating to marrying “the One.” With the birth of children, we create our families. We buy homes and plant seeds for our future. Although our personal accomplishments may not ever find the pages of a history book, they are still defining moments of who we are and who we will become. It is important to approach the changes in our lives in the right fashion.

 
The first step is to recognize and celebrate the challenges that were overcome in the past and use that strength and wisdom found in those situations to build for a better tomorrow.

 
Much like the turning of the leaves, change tends to start slow and catch on fast. Once we acknowledge and accept the normal cycles of change in our relationships, it is easier to prepare for them.

 
Second, setting some goals, or laying a foundation for you and your family is essential. To do that, you must know where your relationship has been in the past to know where you can take it in the future.

 
Once you have set your minds to the future, one of the best tools to utilize in times of change is the serenity prayer, most commonly attributed to Detroit minister, Reinhold Niebuhr. The Serenity Prayer asks: “God, give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, courage to change the things that should be changed, and the wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.” You may recognize instances in which it is better to leave your partner alone versus trying to comfort them. As a couple, you will be able to maneuver in situations that are unfamiliar or uncomfortable to you because you will know your strengths and weaknesses as partners. By adapting to the current environment you set for your relationship, you can achieve the flexibility needed to handle anything that may come your way.

 
Finally, the glue that keeps our relationships strong through all types of weather is trust. Next time you step outside this fall, let the symphony of colors remind you of the certainty you may strive for in your relationship. It is only natural for the season to change, but it is our knowledge of that phenomenon that allows us to truly enjoy it.

It’s that pivotal moment of any holiday dinner: turkey carving time. This year, instead of letting someone else steal your thunder, be the life of the party by learning how to carve like a pro. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have an attractive platter of delicious turkey to impress your dinner guests!

What You’ll Need

• Cooked Turkey
• Long, Thin, Sharp Carving Knife or Electric Carving Knife
• Meat Fork
• Cutting Board (2 would be even better!)
• Serving Platter
• Apron (If you’re wearing something nice!)

Step 1: Wait

About 15-20 minutes after you’ve cooked your turkey, to be exact. You don’t really want to eat the turkey right out of the oven anyway because it needs a little time to obtain its maximum moistness. Plus, it will make the whole carving process easier. Use this time to wash up so you’re not touching your guests’ food with dirty hands.

Step 2: Remove the Leg

Use the fork to stabilize the turkey as you cut, and remember to be gentle for the best results!

1. First, place the turkey on a cutting board or surface.
2. If the string or wire that has tied the two legs together is still on the turkey, remove it.
3. Gently pull the drumstick away from the body.
4. Use the knife to cut through the thigh at the joint. You can find where it is by feeling around with the knife for where there is no bone.
5. As you cut, continue to pull the leg away from the body until you cut through the joint and it comes off completely.
6. Although the wings are not traditionally served, you can remove them from the body by similarly cutting through the wing joint. No need to waste any meat!

Carving the Dark Meat

The drumsticks and thighs provide the dark meat.

1. Now that you’ve removed the leg, hold it up by the drumstick end over a cutting board.
2. Starting from the thigh and working your way up to the drumstick, slice meat off in a downward motion.
3. As an alternative, cut the drumstick and thigh apart at the joint, carve only the thigh and serve the drumstick whole.

Step 3: Carve the Breast

Carving in Front of Guests (“Traditional” Method)
If you’d like to show off your carving skills by doing it in front of your guests, the fanciest way to do it is by cutting meat from the breast while it is still attached to the rest of the bird.

1. Towards the bottom of the turkey (just above the wing joint), cut horizontally into the breast until you meet the breastbone in the middle.
2. Starting from the outside edge of the breast, cut vertically from the top until you meet the horizontal cut you just made.
3. Each slice will easily slip off, ready for stacking on a platter or serving directly to your guests!

Carving in the Kitchen (“Kitchen” Method)
There’s no shame in carving your turkey out of the public eye and having it ready to go on a serving platter for your dinner party! Here is a method that is even easier and will still help you achieve great turkey presentation:

1. Cut the meat directly down the breastbone that runs down the center of the turkey.
2. As you gently work your way to the bottom, the entire breast should slip off as one piece.
3. Lay the breast on a cutting board skin-side up and slice into serving pieces.

NOTE: Don’t forget that you’re working with a very sharp knife. Any time you cut, be sure to cut away from yourself and your other hand in case the knife slips. Otherwise you’ll be carving more than turkey, and nobody likes a Thanksgiving emergency room visit!

Step 4: Serve and Impress

Now you’ve successfully carved half a turkey. Congratulations! Repeat the exact same steps for the other side and you’ve carved the whole thing. A couple more things to consider:

1. If you can guess correctly, carve only what will likely be eaten that night. Turkey dries out much faster after it is sliced, so keeping leftovers in large chunks is in your best interest!
   • Dark meat doesn’t dry out as quickly, so that is why it is carved first.
2. Separate white meat and dark meat on your dinner platter. Try to arrange the slices in an attractive fashion.
3. Bask in the glory of your perfectly carved turkey and hope your guests stick around to help clean up!

Used courtesy of Mahalo under terms of their license.

 
In 1991, two premier organizations partnered to meet the need of African-American boys across the nation. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (APHIA) and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBS) joined arms to rally more African-American men to mentor the many young African-American boys with potential in our country. In 2006, at the APHIA Convention, the General President Darryl R. Matthews issued a call for 10,000 Alpha men to fulfill the absolutely critical need for African-American BBBS mentors. In that same year, the Beta Gamma Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. located at Virginia State University (VSU) answered the call of their General President. No one, not the Petersburg school system, not the BBBS Tri-Cities Office, nor the Beta Gamma themselves had any idea to what greatness was going to be achieved in the following two years.

A Promising Beginning

In 2006 the first Beta Gamma members became Big Brothers at J.E.B. Stuart Elementary School in Petersburg. Seven members mentored for the academic year. In addition to mentoring, the organization recruited their VSU peers, growing the number of children served by BBBS in Petersburg from 10 in 2005 to 35 in 2006. In September 2007, Beta Gamma made history as being the only APHIA Chapter to have 100 percent of their membership become Big Brothers. For the 2006-2007 academic year, the Beta Gamma Chapter members served 17 Petersburg African-American boys, the most by any APHIA Chapter in the country in one year.

 
Now is the time for the Greater Richmond African-American community to continue the historical steps made by the men of Beta Gamma in Petersburg. “Our African-American boys are one of our most critical assets deserving our attention, time and wisdom,” states Michael Tucker, President of the Beta Gamma Chapter. “We have so much potential in the students in our schools, children in our churches and the kids in our neighborhoods. They are future great men.”

 
“Our boys need to see a man to become a man,” says Brother Dale Long, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. BBBS Liaison.

 
“I didn’t learn to be a man from my father, I only saw him twice in my life because he was in jail,” Idris Robinson shares. “I looked up to my grandmother as a man because she was a provider. A man does not have to be a ‘physical man,’ a man has to be a provider. I have learned from my Fraternity [what] a man is. I don’t always have to be in the limelight, I don’t always have to be a ‘the man on campus.’ I am much more of a man making a difference with my Little Brother John’Trell in the shadows of the school, than I am anywhere else.”

 
“My dad died when I six and I don’t like to think about it,” states Timothy James. “My family then moved near my Uncle. My Uncle taught me how to think like a man, that came about through him sharing, giving advice. My Fraternity taught me to better myself so I can then better those around me; to better the community, not necessarily through money, but giving back in all other ways. Before joining the Fraternity I didn’t really get involved, and they made me. And that involvement made me more of man, and even a better African-American man.”

 
“I did not have a father figure,” Christopher Coleman says. “My older brother made sure I did not fall through the cracks. My Fraternity taught me to be responsible, be disciplined, how to respect women, and how to present [myself] socially and in the business world. I was told to become a Big Brother by my fraternity, but then once I met Charlie, my Little Brother, I couldn’t believe I had not been a Big Brother before.”

Undeniable Impact

“I had never met a man in college before, and never an African-American man who went to college,” says Trey, the Little Brother of Timothy James. I had never met a man as smart as my Big Brother. He gave me really good details about everything we talked about. Because I want to be a doctor, I try to be like Tim so that I too can get a full-scholarship to college just like him. He gives me a perfect example of what I should do right.”

 
“In the year and half Ashmore has taught me science, how to be more serious about my work, how to be less shy and most exciting, how to step,” says Little Brother T’Quan of his Big Brother Ashmore Hyndman.

 
Ashmore says, “I know for sure that I am making our society a better place by supporting T’Quan. T’Quan is an especially bright and gifted child who has the potential to impact his school and community in ways never done before.”

 
“In the beginning Charlie was shy,” Christopher Coleman remembers. “And then he became energetic and always came to me with a warm welcome. I hope he learned from our relationship to always strive, always be good, believe he has a future and that no one can stop him from getting what he wants. He taught me that I can be there for someone. I am someone a boy can look up to. Since I didn’t have a dad or anything like a Big Brother, our relationship made me know I am capable of being a good father figure. I know that I will never let my son go through what I went through.”

 
This year Tim and Trey could have gotten new Brothers because Tim accepted a position at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C. However, Tim and Trey keep in contact through weekly phone calls, letters, and visits. “When Tim calls I get so excited because I know he has not forgotten about me. I know he cares for me and that feels so good!” exclaims Trey.

 
Idris Robinson credits his Little Brother John’Trell as one of the most significant people in his life. “When John’Trell told me that if he could be anybody in the world he would want to be me, that changed my life. He makes me want to be the best man I can be. John’Trell looks innocent, but he acts up in class, he is just like I was in school. He is a person I know I can really help. Knowing how close we have become in our second year together, I cannot wait for our third year together.”

 
Romell Floyd, “If I help DeMarkus be a better person than me, then he can mentor a boy to become an even better person than DeMarkus himself.” The power of the legacy of such a relationship will never be quantifiable, but the positive impact can never be questioned.

 
The goals and legacy of the Beta Gamma Chapter have already proven to be alive in the next generation. Trey confirmed with authority that he is going to become an Alpha when he attends college, “I want to become an Alpha, not just because my Brother Tim is, but because of how they work together, they get along and they help you in all types of different ways.”

Creating Positive Statistics for African-American Boys

One in nine African-American men ages 25 – 29 compared to 1 in 133 U.S. residents were behind bars on June 30, 2006 (SOURCE: One in 100: Behind Bars in America 2008 The Pew Center on the States). This statistic hit too close to home for Angel Lopez, who said, “When my Little Brother said ‘[All] men fight, that is why I fight,’ I knew I was needed.” Angel’s Little Brother Jamaa now wants to be like Angel; in the Army and jumping out of airplanes. Angel used his military and fraternity leadership training to teach Jamaa how to march, set goals and respect others.

 
Romell Floyd says that Beta Gamma is breaking that statistic and making a new one. Studies suggest that the BBBS mentoring program prevents Littles from engaging in a range of high risk behaviors that would lead them to become incarcerated. The Beta Gamma Chapter wants to create positive statistics regarding African-American men. They want the statistic to be, 1 in 9 African-American men mentor with BBBS.

 
President of Beta Gamma Michael Tucker declares, “I challenge all fraternities, alumni and college, all civic and service organizations, businesses, colleges, spiritual communities and neighborhood associations to work toward achieving this positive statistic.”

 
“It is powerful that we can be involved in these Little’s lives and actually decrease the negative statistics they are susceptible to,” pronounces Amos Pierre.

To learn more about joining BBBS in the Tri-Cities Region, please call 541-8208

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Richmond, 261-4940 www.BigBroBigSis.com.

To learn more about the Beta Gamma Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., at VSU, contact Michael Tucker at 943-7010 or Idris Robinson at (267) 475-5656. www.AlphaPhiAlpha.net

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles. Compared to the general population, African Americans are disproportionately affected by diabetes:

• 3.7 million, or 14.7% of all African Americans aged 20 years or older have diabetes.
• Twenty-five percent of African Americans between the ages of 65 and 74 have diabetes.
• One in four African American women over 55 years of age has diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and was previously known as juvenile diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar (glucose), starches and other food into energy needed for daily life.

 
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin, or the cells ignore the insulin. Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to use glucose for energy. When you eat food, the body breaks down all of the sugars and starches into glucose, which is the basic fuel for the cells in the body. Insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can cause two problems:

• Right away, your cells may be starved for energy.
• Over time, high blood glucose levels may hurt your eyes, kidneys, nerves or heart.

How to Prevent or Delay Diabetes

Pre-diabetes is a serious medical condition that can be treated. The good news is that the recently completed Diabetes Prevention Program study conclusively showed that people with pre-diabetes can prevent the development of type 2 diabetes by making changes in their diet and increasing their level of physical activity. They may even be able to return their blood glucose levels to the normal range.

1. Make Healthy Food Choices

Knowing what to eat can be confusing. Everywhere you turn, there is news about what is or isn’t good for you. Some basic principles have weathered the fad diets, and have stood the test of time. Here are a few tips on making healthful food choices for you and your entire family.

• Eat lots of vegetables and fruits. Try picking from the rainbow of colors available to maximize variety. Eat non-starchy vegetables such as spinach, carrots, broccoli or green beans with meals.
• Choose whole grain foods over processed grain products. Try brown rice with your stir fry or whole wheat spaghetti with your favorite pasta sauce.
• Include dried beans (like kidney or pinto beans) and lentils into your meals.
• Include fish in your meals 2-3 times a week.
• Choose lean meats like cuts of beef and pork that end in “loin” such as pork loin and sirloin. Remove the skin from chicken and turkey.
• Choose non-fat dairy such as skim milk, non-fat yogurt and non-fat cheese.
• Choose water and calorie-free “diet” drinks instead of regular soda, fruit punch, sweet tea and other sugar-sweetened drinks.
• Choose liquid oils for cooking instead of solid fats that can be high in saturated and trans fats. Remember that fats are high in calories. If you’re trying to lose weight, watch your portion sizes of added fats.
• Cut back on high calorie snack foods and desserts like chips, cookies, cakes, and full-fat ice cream.
• Eating too much of even healthful foods can lead to weight gain. Watch your portion sizes.

2. Be Active Throughout the Day

In addition to a formal exercise routine that includes Aerobic Exercise, Strength Training, and Flexibility Exercises, there are many opportunities to be active throughout the day. These strategies can help you increase your activity level:

• Walk instead of drive whenever possible
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator
• Work in the garden, rake leaves, or do some housecleaning every day
• Park at the far end of the shopping center lot and walk to the store

Information provided by American Diabetes Association and used with permission. For more information on diabetes and other complications, visit www.Diabetes.org.

Doug Wilder knows something about historic firsts. In 1985, after serving several terms as a Virginia Senator, Wilder ran for lieutenant governor. It was a position many said he could not win, but Virginians elected him. Four years later, he ran for Governor and became the first elected African American governor in U.S. history. He became Mayor of Richmond in 2005. He reflects on the recent historic Presidential Election.

“Barack Obama’s Presidency is one of tremendous hope and inspiration to so many millions of people across our country and indeed the world. His Presidency represents a further ‘opening of the door’ so that opportunities can be there for individuals to pursue their dreams. It raises the bar for others to follow, yet this is not the beginning nor is it the end, but simply a continuum as we move forward.

“When I ran for Governor, as with Mr. Obama running for the Presidency, neither of us sought to ‘make history’ by making race an issue. Rather, we ran based on the merit of our qualifications. He himself has said, as have I, that we stand on the shoulders of so many others who have worked so hard and sacrificed so much over the years in order for our society to be where it is today.”
L. Douglas Wilder

Harvest at Hand: Autumn and Winter Pears

As the leaves change colors and nights grow longer, luscious pears appear at farmer’s markets and grocery stores. While shoppers spot Bartlett pears as early as late summer, the peak of pear season is in fall and winter.

Types of Pears

Bartlett is the most common pear as well as the familiar variety found canned. It is juicy and sweet. Many consider the smooth and sweet flesh of the Comice pear the best for eating, and they’re excellent with cheese. The sweet and juicy Anjou pear is ideal for both eating and cooking. The famous Bosc is a winter pear great for eating and cooking, with creamy white flesh and yellowish brown matte skin. Seckel pears are small and sweet, with olive green skin. The grain of their flesh means they’re better for cooking.

Selecting Pears

Bartlett pears will ripen from yellow to green, often with a wash of red. Most other types of pears do not change appearance when ripening. Avoid any with bruises or very marred skin.

 
Buy pears when they’re unripe, and then allow them to ripen off the tree, a few days before you plan to eat or cook with them. Pears are sensitive to carbon dioxide so don’t store them in a bag. Instead, let them ripen on the counter or in a bowl.

Cooking with Pears

Poaching is a classic way to cook pears. In addition to the simplicity of poaching, it is ideal if the pears haven’t had time to ripen and are still hard, because the sweet, steaming poaching liquid will soften them.

Poached Pears in Cinnamon Ginger Sauce

Approved by the American Diabetic Association

Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 6 Bosc or Anjou pears, slightly under-ripe, peeled, halved, and cored
• 2 lemons, cut in half
• 6 cups water
• 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 whole cinnamon sticks
• 8 quarter-sized slices fresh ginger, minced, or smashed with flat sided knife
• 1 tbsp. minced candied ginger

Directions

1. Rub pear halves with cut lemon to prevent browning and set aside. Combine water, sugar, cinnamon and ginger in large non aluminum pan. Heat until boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
2. Add pears and heat until liquid almost boils. Reduce heat until liquid is just under a boil and poach pears until just tender, 12 to 15 minutes. (Knife will pierce center easily.) Remove pears with slotted spoon and let cool slightly. Arrange cooked pears on serving dish or in individual serving bowls.
3. Remove ginger and cinnamon from poaching liquid and reheat liquid until boiling. Cook until liquid is reduced to thick syrup, about 25 minutes. Let cool slightly. Pour warm syrup over pears. Sprinkle with candied ginger and serve. You may also serve with scoops of vanilla or ginger ice cream.

Calories: 280
Protein: 1 g
Sodium: 8 mg
Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Exchanges: 1-1/2 Fruit, 1/2 Bread

The holiday is quickly approaching and I want to share with you my book picks for great gifts for children. It’s time to turn off the television and get back to reading. Why not give a basket of books for the holiday?

Listen First

How often do you sit quietly and listen to the sweet sounds of the birds as they speak to one another? How about when the squirrels jump from tree to tree as they chase each other to see who’s going to get there first? First Music (August House $16.95) by Dylan Pritchett will allow a child imagination to hear the sounds and rhythms of the West African forest. The illustrations are vibrant and will capture your little one as they bring this story to life. You’ll want to meet Mr. Elephant as he makes sounds that grab everyone’s attention. Don’t miss this jam session with the animals.

Get It Together

How many of you wish your children were organized? A Kid’s Guide to Organizing (Jehonadah Communications $12.95) by Jarret Carter, Jande Carter and Jolene Carter will give you and your child fun ideas on how to share a room with a messy sister or brother. It will show your young reader how to get much out of his time, and get homework done more efficiently. This book will also provide fun checklists and worksheets to get the job done.

Feel Good About Yourself

Many of our young girls feel overwhelmed with all of the pressures of the world. Feel Good Girl (Universal Press& Productions $14.95) by Felicia Richardson-Battle gives girls tips on how to handle the stresses of life. It includes projects that will help her relax as it instructs in how to tackle the tough stuff and take control of life. This book will teach girls how to feel good about the young woman in the mirror, and it’s a must-read to build self-esteem.

Learn about independent publishing at “Publish Your Dreams Workshop,” Nov. 15, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Precious Memories Bookstore, 3229 Idlewood Ave, Richmond. Free. Linda Pate is the Bookstore owner as well as host of “The Talking Book Show” on www.LoveBroadcasting.net every Friday at 7 p.m. www.PreciousMemoriesReading.com

Advised early on by his father that real estate was a wise career, particularly for an African American, Eddie L. Jackson, Jr. was recently made a Senior Associate at CB Richard Ellis, the largest commercial real estate firm in the world. “This is an honor and testament to the theory that you can achieve anything you put your mind to,” Eddie says.

 
But Eddie Jackson, Jr.’s principles have always placed people first: He attended VCU in the ‘90s, where he majored in Social Work and minored in Real Estate and Urban Land Development. Today, Eddie lives on the Southside of Richmond and enjoys time with his “four wonderfully talented children,” Trinity, 8, Eden, 6, Jordan, 4, and Eddie III, who is 4.

How long have you been with CB Richard Ellis?
I joined the team at CB Richard Ellis about thirty days ago as a Senior Associate. I have had the opportunity to work with and be trained by one of the Richmond office partners for the past 4 and a half years. Transitioning to the firm full time and converting my business solely to commercial real estate was an easy decision. Currently, I am the only African American working for this firm throughout our MidSouth region, which is Fredericksburg, Richmond, Norfolk, Raleigh and Charlotte. Additionally, I am the only African American in Richmond working for any of the “true commercial brokerages.”

What drew you to a profession in real estate?
My father gave me the thirst and understanding of real estate and development. As the saying goes, “Since I was knee high to a grass hopper,” this is what I learned and easily established a love and passion for. He added one important fact which helped me focus and learn to go after what my goals are. He shared his thoughts regarding this industry, “Eddie, Real estate is a black man’s ticket to wealth and freedom. If you own land, you can learn to leverage your financial status and lift your family out of poverty.”

Do you specialize in a particular kind of commercial property?
I am a jack-of-all-trades, which will narrow down as my career continues to unfold. I have extensive broker experience in the historic tax credit and development side of the business. In addition, I work in the following areas: Industrial office, multi-family and retail. I am able to offer consulting services to business owners who may wonder how to expand their market presence. I am currently working toward the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation. A CCIM is a recognized expert in the disciplines of commercial and investment real estate. A CCIM is an invaluable resource to the commercial real estate owner, investor, and user, and is among an elite corps of more than 9,000 professionals who hold the CCIM designation across North America and more than 30 countries.

What are some of your hobbies, and how do you relax when you have time off?
My hobbies consist of looking for new projects to develop mainly. In addition, I spend time with my shared pets, Leonidus, Neapolitan Mastiff, Moses, an English bulldog, three cats, Stella, Memphis and Assar. Oh yeah, and [I have] two very fertile rabbits. At home, I enjoy quiet times to reflect on my blessings and how I can be a better role model to my children and youth of today.