Articles written by Jessica Detiege

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What's in a Promise?

No one holds you to your word better than a kid who remembers a promise. Maybe that's how God intended things to be because kids come along and keep us honest if we allow them. As I have gotten older, I have realized what is truly in a promise. Many...

 

Out of the Box

Venturing out one morning, I found myself passing by a luxury department store while on an errand. Determined to avoid the usual crowds, I had risen earlier than usual that day. This store is renowned for offering high-end luxury designer pieces...

 

Black Friday

Temperatures are continuing to drop, and people around the globe are settling into the cozy time of year. When the calendar marks November, I begin to anticipate the shopping sales that happen as the end of the year approaches. I get excited about sh...

 

Atomic Habits

In 2012, author James Clear wrote Atomic Habits, outlining how to be consistent when creating positive habits. The book focuses on the science of habits and how tiny changes can lead to remarkable results over time. The book provides a comprehensive...

 

Make the Most of Your Time

Of all the age groups I enjoy teaching, high schoolers may be my favorite. High school is a pivotal phase of an educational journey, and it is a time when opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery abound. It's crucial that high school...

 

Life's Zest: Embracing Versatility, Inspired by Lemons

In a world where multitasking is celebrated, lemons are the epitome of versatility. The zesty citrus fruits are not just reserved for your culinary creations; they have a variety of uses that span from the kitchen to the household and beyond. In the...

 

Let's Talk Political Leadership

There is always a continued need for Black leaders who can address the unique challenges and opportunities facing the Black community and society. While the specific needs may evolve over time, some key areas where Black leaders can make a...

 

Fall Into Better Mental Health

As the vibrant hues of summer begin to fade into the warm embrace of autumn, it's essential to adapt to the changing season not only in terms of wardrobe but also in taking care of your mental health. Seasonal transitions can affect mood and...

 

Do God Good

I recently purchased this cool hat while on summer vacation. The hat is made up of bright green and blue colors with the words "DO GOOD" typed in bold white type font. Sometimes, I am out and forget what I am wearing, but I am often reminded of what...

 

Great expectations

It is interesting to me how people have expectations of one another. We all have our preconceived notions and depictions of one another. In my observations over the years, I have noticed that our relatives and those closest to us certainly develop...

 

When It Is Your Turn

Last night I had the pleasure of watching new royalty take their place in the history of Wossman High School in Monroe LA for its homecoming coronation ceremony. Senior Da'Naya Ross was crowned homeco...

 

When It Is Your Turn

Last night I had the pleasure of watching new royalty take their place in the history of Wossman High School for its homecoming coronation ceremony. Senior Da'Naya Ross was crowned homecoming queen in the place where she established excellence on...

 

Mental Health and Back-to-School

The back-to-school period can sometimes trigger or exacerbate mental health issues in children and adolescents. Transitioning from a relaxed summer schedule back to the structure and demands of school can be stressful for some individuals. Academic...

 

No Social September 2023

As we shift our mindset to prepare for a new semester of learning through formal schooling, many things should be considered. Since its inception, the smartphone has been an invaluable device to many. With smartphones came social media networks and p...

 

Atomic Habits

In 2012, author James Clear wrote Atomic Habits, outlining how to be consistent when creating positive habits. The book focuses on the science of habits and how tiny changes can lead to remarkable results over time. The book provides a comprehensive...

 

What Makes Dazzle Dance So Special

The arts hold significant importance for girls, just as they do for people of all genders. Engaging in artistic pursuits can have a range of positive effects on girls' personal, emotional, social,...

 

The Luxury of Convenience

I love the convenient luxuries I have grown accustomed to, and now understand convenience can be both a necessity and a luxury, depending on the context and the level of convenience being considered. In many cases, convenience is considered a...

 

Neighborhood Safety

Last week my mom and I decided to take a workout walk in our neighborhood. I wore a long sleeve sweat suit and hat. On our first trip on our route, we alternated, walking side-by-side and behind one another. We were about 5 minutes away from home...

 

Abandoned Vehicles

I hate to see abandoned vehicles along highways. I instantly empathize with the driver and always wonder what happened to force someone to abandon their car. I am always confused when I see a nice shiny car idly sitting because I feel like it should...

 

A Name You Can't Forget

I got the chance to meet many amazing people during a time in my corporate career. There were many hardworking and educated people who wanted to do their best and represent the company well. As I type this, their names and faces come to mind. Jane...

 

The Commandments

The more I am intentional about growing my relationship with God the more revelation is revealed. I love this because it’s a true reminder that there’s always something new and interesting to learn. A person can read scripture one time and get...

 

Post Grad

While attending this year's Wossman High School graduation, I met many new graduates and congratulated them on accomplishing such a tremendous milestone. I always ask what's next out of curiosity,...

 

Artificial Intelligence

Some are raving about AI and other new modern efficiencies that are now becoming more well-known, but I think it is time to evaluate our future. There are some benefits of AI. 1 - AI will bring more automation to jobs, which will potentially lead to...

 

Non-Black Readers: are you a true ally?

Last week reports of another Black teen who was unjustly shot by a White man in Kansas City, Missouri, were shared worldwide. 16-year-old Ralph Yarl was shot by Andrew Lester, who fired two shots through the glass window of his front door, hitting...

 

Playing Favorites

One of my favorite artists is Stevie Wonder. His talent is one of the clearest gifts from God I have ever witnessed. What is most remarkable to me is that the blind-since-birth star never used his disability to hinder him from becoming a great...

 

Our History, Black History: Ebonics and Black Vernacular

There is an adage that states, “You never know where you are going unless you know where you have been.” In the spirit of Black history month, the Monroe Dispatch will highlight stories and the history of Blacks that are not commonly known....

 

Our History, Black History: Freedman's Bank

There is an adage that states, “You never know where you are going unless you know where you have been.” In the spirit of Black history month, the Monroe Dispatch will highlight stories and the history of Blacks that are not commonly known. The...

 

Staying Afloat

Recent national news outlets shared the miraculous story of a young man who was lost at sea but rescued by his family hours after going missing. The man was on a diving trip off the coast of Key West, FL with several others when the current simply...

 

Mary and Bright

As Christmas approaches, I often think about Jesus' mother, Mary, and all she had to endure to bring Him into this world. She was first visited by the angel Gabriel who told her her fate. She then had to share the news with her husband and endure...

 

Tribute to Chris Brown

Last month controversy in pop culture surfaced after artist Chris Brown was axed from performing at this year's American Music Awards (AMAs). The R&B star was working on a performance for the show that would pay tribute to Michael Jackson in...

 

The Preacher's Wife

Watching the movie, The Preacher’s Wife is a holiday tradition that I have for myself. It is themed around Christmas time, so it is appropriate for this time of year. The movie is set in New York City and features an all-star cast featuring Denzel...

 

Fresh Squeezed OJ

I love fresh squeezed orange juice. Each Christmas my parrain would gift my brothers and me a large box of fresh oranges and apples. As young kids, we didn't always appreciate getting fruit on a holiday for extravagant gifts, but as the years...

 

When Tragedy Strikes

When tragedy struck the Black community in Buffalo, NY on May 14, 2022 it served as a harsh reminder of the intense hatred that still exists in this country. That hatred is fueled by racism and radical hate groups who encourage attacks on Black...

 

Another Chance

The start of a new school year is the mark of a new beginning for a child. During this time, they get new clothes, new shoes, new school supplies, and sometimes even a new hairdo all with the premise of starting with a clean slate. This is big for a...

 

God's Intention

The past two years have been a stark reminder that life is short. I understand that we can all die in an instant, but COVID-19 has been such a powerful wake-up call to show that life and days are so fleeting. If I had only one week left on this...

 

Life in a Box

In October 2021, Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg announced the name change of Facebook and the creation of Meta and the Metaverse, an extension of the social media organization into the virtual reality space online. Prior to the introduction of...

 

Do Your Best!

At Dazzle Dance, I begin the season by teaching the fundamentals of dance through a series of progressions. As the year progresses, the girls learn to comprehend quicker and, with deliberate practice, execute movement with precision and confidence....

 

Modern Efficiencies

Born in the 80s, I can honestly say I have had great childhood and coming-of-age experiences that spanned across significant decades. My house is musical, and I remember things like records and a record player, but the portable cassette player stood...

 

Get Ready

The pandemic has brought many changes in the lives of lots of people across the globe. The most significant thing that is changing is the way we work and the work that we do. The first computer in the US was created in 1946, invented by J. Presper...

 

Dazzle's 10th

This year marks the 10th year of Dazzle Dance, and I could not be more excited to present this year's showcase. This year's show is to pay homage to the ladies inspiring us to live life glamorously....

 

The Most Vulnerable

When tragedy struck the Black community in Buffalo, NY on May 14, 2022 it served as a harsh reminder of the intense hatred that still exists in this country. That hatred is fueled by racism and radical hate groups who encourage attacks on Black...

 

What do you believe?

A belief is having trust, faith, or confidence in something, an idea, or a thought. It is deemed as an acceptance that a statement or thing is true or actually exists. When we are asked what we believe in, the concept goes beyond our thoughts of if w...

 

Parting Wisdom

Graduation season is upon us once again and after two years of restrictive living, it appears as if we can now live and celebrate more. I happen to know quite a few graduates this year. I am excited to see them switch their tassels and begin a new...

 

Tech Savvy

I sometimes find it hard to believe how much technology has evolved over the past 20 years. In 2002, popular cell phones like Nokia or Motorola made the convenience of communication more accessible to the masses. Today we have moved past the...

 

Do We Need the Church?

The pandemic has shifted a lot in our world, but nothing has changed more than the way we gather. Coming from a society that centers a lot of activities in and around the church, these past 20 months have changed my perspective on the body of...

 

Beware: Deadly Drugs

Discussion about drug use within the Black community is a restricted conversation. Beyond hearing the occasional sad story of how someone overdosed and ended up in jail for explicit behavior or witnessing someone exhibit obnoxious erratic...

 

What's Best for the Kids?

This past January, Florida state GOP lawmakers introduced and advanced a bill prohibiting schools from 'encouraging' talk of sexual orientation and gender identity in some classrooms. On March 8, 2022, the Florida Senate passed the Parental Rights...

 

Is Virtual Reality Safe for Kids?

In October 2021, Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg announced the name change of Facebook and the creation of Meta and the Metaverse, an extension of the social media organization into the virtual reality space online. Prior to the introduction of...

 

Our History, Black History: Janette Hoston Harris

There is an adage that states, “You never know where you are going unless you know where you have been.” In the spirit of Black history month, the Monroe Dispatch will highlight stories and the history of Blacks that are not commonly known. Janet...

 

Our History, Black History: Donna Brazile

There is an old adage that says, “You never know where you are going unless you know where you have been.” In the spirit of Black history month, the Monroe Dispatch will highlight stories and the history of Blacks that are not commonly known....

 

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