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cloveroctobers · 2 years ago

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DECEMBER DRABBLES — 6. Jessie Raymond Jr. + Tammy Ocampo 🌨️

A/N: I can’t believe we have to wait deep into January to get another season but if we don’t think about it…it’ll arrive faster than we think! ☝🏾 Anyways i have a crush on Sylvester & Gigi that’s that bi panic 🤭 and since the all american universe and bridge & tunnel series are non-existent on this site—mainly bridge and tunnel, I thought I’d take one for the team and do the writing. GIF BELONGS to: @katelliot

SN | | I’m planning to do 12 prompts of Xmas which means I have 6 more left to do but honestly—no promises! 😬

PROMPTS: #25. “My car was not made for this weather!” + #16. “Don’t slip!” + #31. Scenario: told parents about SO and now you have to rope someone into it for the holidays.

Synopsis: OC involves her ex-lover, JR into being her fake boyfriend for the holidays, along with her bestie and main-driver, Tammy uncovering the reasons why there shouldn’t be secrets.

͙ ˘͈ᵕ˘͈ ┊͙ ˘͈ᵕ˘͈ ┊͙ ˘͈ᵕ˘͈ ┊͙ ˘͈ᵕ˘͈ ┊͙ ˘͈ᵕ˘͈ ┊͙ ˘͈ᵕ˘͈ ┊͙ ˘͈ᵕ˘͈ ┊͙ ˘͈ᵕ˘͈ ┊͙ ˘͈ᵕ˘͈ ┊͙

“My car was not made for this weather!” Tammy Ocampo, Linnea’s best friend, complained as she kept a tight-grip on her fuzzy steering wheel.

She wanted to leave on time, much earlier when the sun was still out along with less traffic, to get to Linnea’s family’s house up in the mountains, which was also considered a village town. Ultimately this did not make sense to Tammy really, since she didn’t picture Linnea’s parents living in a secluded area such as Helen, Georgia but to each their own of course!

“We’re going up this mountain to save my marriage,” JR joked from the backseat, snacking on something that made Tammy roll her eyes.

She was unaware that she was taking Linnea’s old fling along for the ride as well. And she also wished her friend would have communicated this so that she could tell her that this was a bad idea.

Tammy rolled her eyes again, which JR caught in the rear view this time. He decided to close up his snack to shove back into the book bag he had beside him in the backseat. As previously stated, JR and Tammy tried to be on their best behavior towards each other since they cared about Linnea and he figured that the Latina was just pressed he was here. He was a gentleman, knew shit wasn’t for free, and knew Tammy would probably feel a way about him being here but Linnea asked him to do a favor for her so he was here. Simple as that. He offered to pay for the gas as the bare minimum—which Tammy shot down, and even pumped the gas at this sketchy station when the snow started coming down again.

The only one that seemed to have an attitude here…was Tammy.

“So…Tammy,” JR started, “how do you get along with Linnea’s parents? Anything I should be warned about as a friend looking in on the outside?”

Tammy pulled her bottom lip into her mouth as she thought about that. Sure she could make up something but she knew Linnea wouldn’t let that slide. However JR was in a much different predicament than she was. Linnea and Tammy were friends since middle school living in Lula, Georgia—a railroad town up until Linnea’s parents decided to move to Helen months after Linnea started at the HBCU in Atlanta.

“Well you’re not bonding with them as Linnea’s friend right? so your process will be different compared to mine,” Tammy responded, noticing Linnea peek over at her choice of wording.

Linnea could feel the tension in the car since the moment JR climbed into the backseat. The girl could understand Tammy’s position to a certain extent, you can’t just invite someone else when you’re not the one providing the transportation. Honestly it was a spur of the moment kind of thing, from receiving a text message from her mom late at night two days ago reminding her of her “significant other,” mind you—that didn’t exist, to reaching out to her old lover and friend? Jessie Raymond jr. To be her fake boyfriend.

Then there was Tammy who’s been around Linnea’s parents for awhile now. Although her mother and Linnea’s mother were not on the best terms before Tammy’s mom’s passed, her father still sent a Christmas card to their home every year.

This would be JR’s first time ever meeting the girl he’s been intimate with parents and this isn’t something usually that he does. He often avoided this part of the relationship because they weren’t serious and he felt it wasn’t needed. He was starting off with a lie for the sake of Linnea’s sanity yet he wasn’t expecting this to bite him in the ass later.

The relationship between Linnea and JR was a monthly subscription. From spending late night studying sessions, to showing up to nearly everyone of JR’s games and Linnea’s skating competition in return, to Linnea throwing a cartwheel on his north pole for the first time, quickly changed things—as to be expected. It was the usual friends with benefits storyline but once it started to mean something, Linnea distanced herself and that made things very confusing to JR—however he was the main one proposing that they didn’t get attached.

He had to give the girl some shit when she called him, requesting that he be her man for the holiday season in front of her parents. Since she spent time alone and away from JR, he tried not to think too much about it and focused on himself as well. It felt weird but he didn’t want to discuss it and carried on like it was nothing although everyone in the group, including Tammy noticed the shift.

This also gave JR the time to give his baby bro, the opportunity to spend a few days with their mom alone. He didn’t mind giving Damon that but would definitely be back to spend the rest of the holiday season with his family too.

“It’s sounding like you ladies might be setting me up,” JR stated, “I just want to know what I’m walking into. I already know the basics of your folks names and what they do for a living. I’m making sure I’m not blindsided when I walk through the door, that’s all.”

Tammy laughed, “this isn’t a exam. Just be natural, anyone can see if you’re genuine or not.”

JR tilted his head to the side, looking at Linnea who could feel his stare. She slightly turned to meet his eyes, sent a smile his way, followed by a thumbs up.

“What she said. You’ll be fine.”

“…are your folks expecting you to bring anyone home this holiday, Tammy?” JR asked.

Tammy inhaled as she sat up straighter in the driver’s seat, “last person I brought home to my dad, cousins, and aunties it became a mixture of threats of kidnapping him and bringing him to Colombia; to never be heard from again if he broke my heart and my aunties begging him to marry me. So I’d rather not do that or lie about my love life.”

That was a jab.

Linnea had to check if her hearing aid was turned on at that. She even peeked over at JR to make sure he heard that last bit too and he held his hands up basically telling her to check that herself, despite it being his question to Tammy.

“I’ll tell them it’s all a prank at the end of the trip so they don’t kill me while also hinting that I want them to butt out of my business.” Linnea explained, beginning to play around with the case of her phone.

Tammy shook her head, “Is it really worth lying though? I mean how long have you been telling your mom about him? Just tell them that you’re focused on school, it always works for me.”

“That’ll only get you so far.”

“We’re only nineteen!” Tammy exasperated, “it’s so frustrating between my family wanting to marry me off and yours expecting you to be in a relationship.”

Linnea folded her fluffy covered arms, “I’ve been single so long in their eyes that they’re starting to question my sexuality.”

“Wait, forreal?” JR questioned, “why?”

“Oh you know the ignorant saying: If you never talk about your interests in the opposite sex in front of them or gush about your crushes or bring anybody around, you’re immediately gay.” Linnea informed.

The car was met with silence at that until Tammy snickered.

“Well…they’re not 100% wrong.”

JR found himself tilting his head at that, “what do you mean by that?”

Tammy laughed, looking over at Linnea who gave her a playful side eye.

“You’ve never told him?”

“Told me what?” It felt like JR was watching a match right now and usually he caught on pretty quick but it didn’t feel like it when it came to Linnea Griggs.

Linnea twisted her body around, setting her back against the car door so that she could face both Tammy and JR.

“Tams and I used to date,” Linnea revealed making JR raise his brows, “from Christmas break during our junior year in high school up until the summer going into senior year. Then as soon as Mikey Diaz wanted to take her to prom instead of Stacey—whatever her last name is, Tammy dropped my ass even as her friend. We had beef for awhile.”

Tammy gasped, “that’s not true!”

“Yes it is.”

JR bursted out laughing at the two’s bickering, making Linnea question with her eyes what he found so funny. It was when Tammy’s eyes peered back at him through the rear view, he pointed in her direction, still chuckling.

“The hell are you laughing about?”

“It all makes sense,” JR said, “I finally know what Tammy’s problem with me is.”

“Problem? Oh no, we don’t have a problem.” Tammy tried to persuade.

JR gave her a look of pure disbelief which made her clear her throat and turn her attention back to the road.

“You must know about Linnea and I,” he spoke so matter of factly that it made Tammy want to slam on the breaks, so maybe the seat belt would yank on his neck a bit but decided against that—she was safe driver, “you two have history too so it’s obvious that you feel a way about me even if it isn’t intentional.”

It was Tammy’s turn to laugh as she shook her head, “you say you’re this nice guy but you really radiate cocky energy majority of the time you know that, huh?”

“No, don’t get that misconstrued baby, I’m confident.” JR flashed his white teeth at her while Tammy scoffed.

“Oh, are you? How confident are you in Linnea’s feelings about Gabby?” Tammy fired off which made Linnea reach over and whack her arm.

JR’s eyes flicked to the bundled girl. He wasn’t sure what that was supposed to mean or how Linnea even knew what was going on with him and Gabby. There wasn’t much besides flirting…yet.

“What’s wrong with gabby?” JR quizzed, sliding forward to rest his elbows against the back of the seats, “Cam told me y’all were cool…”

Linnea couldn’t help but to suck her teeth at that, making more confusion appear on the brown skinned boy’s face. Why was JR asking her god-brother about her opinion on gabby? They sat next to each other in class, borrowed pens off each other, and cackled once or twice at the professor getting on each of their nerves but there wasn’t a issue.

JR was not Linnea’s man, he made that clear.

So why did it matter what she thought about him getting involved with someone else?

Tammy bit down on her bottom lip, realizing that she probably should have kept her mouth shut but it needed to be out in the open.

Especially if they were going to play along with this little scheme Linnea came up with to get her parents to chill on her relationship status.

“It doesn’t matter,” Linnea muttered, ready to turn back around but JR reached out for her fur covered wrist.

Her round eyes met his full-length lash framed ones, “it does to me.”

Sure Linnea distanced herself from JR once she realized she was falling for him. She swore she wouldn’t let this happen but the more time she spent with the guy, made that incredibly hard. Which is why she put up the distance, although she wanted more but it was dangerous not allowing yourself to love.

Yet it seemed like JR was a pro at it.

“It’s too late,” Linnea whispered, making his brows furrow for what felt like the thousandth time tonight, just as Tammy pulled into the driveway of Linnea’s parents’ cabin.

A thick silence filled the Honda even with the heat still flowing through the vents. Tammy clapped her hands together trying to break it as they all stared out at the snow-covered cocoa powdered home, “I guess we should head in, I don’t think I’ll stay since…my dad is probably waiting for me.”

Linnea couldn’t believe Tammy and she knew it with the way she cut her brown eyes at her. Normally Tammy didn’t mean any harm and still probably didn’t but Linnea was highly annoyed with her. This break wasn’t meant to be drama filled, it was about spending time with loved ones but now Linnea just felt like going right to bed.

“You know my mom’s not going to allow you to travel out to Lula by yourself at this hour,” Linnea grumbled, shoving her hands into her gloves, “so let’s just get this over with, okay?”

She didn’t wait for a answer from either of the two, unlocking her side of the door, tossing the door open to engulf herself into the frozen air and wet snow. A slam of the door made Tammy wince, she tried to perk up and say something else to JR but he also smoothed a beanie over his ears, lifting his book bag with him before he exited into the cold too.

Carefully JR walked down the rest of the driveway, his eyes in slits as the snow whipped past his face, slightly quickening his steps to Linnea who was stepping downwards to the house.

“Don’t slip!” JR called out, his hands going around her coat covered waist as she did.

He steadied her as Linnea’s breath puffed out into the air, attempting to catch her breath as she leaned back into JR for a bit before straightening up. Rolling her shoulders Linnea whispered out a, “thanks,” before carrying on around the front patio towards the front door.

He couldn’t help but to let out a sigh as he heard the steps of Tammy stomping behind him. He stepped to the side, holding his hand out for her to walk in front of him before he followed the girls to the main entrance.

Linnea was quick unlocking the door, holding it open and waving her two guests in after her, before closing and locking the wind out behind them.

“LINNEA!” The squeakiness of mother’s voice called out from the living room on the left of the entry way.

The girl took a deep breath, tossing her hood back as the small woman entered the entry way, hands on her hips, eyes only set on her daughter.

“You’re late!”

“Sorry, mommy. We got caught out there once the wind and snow started to pick back up.” Linnea tried to explain but the woman just shushed her, placing a bright smile on her lips as she turned to Tammy; holding her arms out for the dark haired girl.

“Tammy, baby! You just missed your dad and Tia about two hours ago.” The woman pulled the girl into her arms, swaying her from side to side, “come on, get out of them jackets, get you all something to eat, and get comfortable.”

“Oh, I just came in to say hi.”

“Did you hear what I said,” The woman was stern, as she glanced over her shoulder at the long haired girl, who quickly dipped her head and swallowed, not saying anything more.

Linnea’s mother smiled some more as she turned to JR who quickly yanked his hat off and held his hand out to the woman, “Mrs. Griggs, it’s good to meet you—I’m—

“Mhm. You’re Jessie! My sweet pea’s boyfriend! Finally! Bring it on in, darling!” Mrs. Griggs yanked the taller boy into her grip, providing the same treatment to him as she did Tammy, as if she knew him for a long time.

Linnea took this time to get out of her outerwear, while he mother hugged on everybody.

“You’re so handsome,” Mrs. Griggs analyzed, making JR laugh and smile, “you did well, sweet pea. Y’all make a cute couple, you match.”

“Why thank you ma’am,” JR continued smiling as he looked over at Linnea who stared up at the ceiling, “you hear that, Linny? Your ma says we fit. I say we should believe her.”

“As you should, I’m a woman of my word!” Mrs. Griggs patted JR’s shoulders as she then turned to her daughter.

She gripped her hands, “let me get a good look at you, make sure my sweet pea is staying well-fed before your grandmomma does it tomorrow.”

Linnea knew that was coming as she did a full-spin for the woman who just hummed before cupping her face. Then she cradled Linnea into her chest for awhile, which Tammy found awfully sweet.

“I love you and I’m glad you made it home.”

“I love you too, mom.” Linnea kept her head on her mother’s chest for awhile before the woman patted her butt and pulled away.

Mrs. Griggs waved her fingers, “Come on and let’s head into the kitchen, I know y’all are hungry. And you can tell me all about the drive.”

“Demetrius! They’re here!” Mrs. Griggs called out as she entered the living room.

Tammy followed after the family friend while JR held Linnea back for a few seconds.

“Are we going to talk about us at some point?”

“It’s late. We’re all exhausted…let’s just give it a rest…lucky for you, my parents don’t care much for the PDA so this should be easy considering…” Linnea trailed off, beginning to walk by JR.

He grabbed her hand.

“Just say the words and it doesn’t have to be too late,” JR whispered, “we can—

“NEA?! Where you at baby girl?!” The booming voice of Mr. Griggs caught the pair off guard.

Right after that, a buzzing sound escaped from JR’s pocket was enough to end whatever this was. He reached into his pocket and glanced at the screen, and with the look on his face was enough for Linnea to send him a small smile because she already knew who was on the other line.

“You better get that and tell Gabby we made it.”

And with that she pulled her hand from his fingertips, learning her lesson for the night.

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Continue along with my December anthology prompts here.

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lboogie1906 · 9 months ago

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Lula Vashti Turley Murphy (February 22, 1885 – March 17, 1960) was an educator and community leader, and one of the founding members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

She was born February 1884 in DC, the daughter of Hamilcar Turley and Ida H. Francis Turley. Her father was a clerk in the Pension Bureau and a church choirmaster. Both of her parents died when she was a girl, and her older siblings both died while she was in high school.

She graduated from the M Street School and trained as a teacher at the Miner Normal School. She graduated from Howard University in the class of 1914.

She taught school and traveled. She was a founder of the Baltimore alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta. In 1932 she and Vivian Johnson Cook co-founded the Philomathian Club, an African American women’s study group. In the 1950s, she encouraged all Delta alumnae to vote and join the NAACP. In 1957, she was honored as Mother of the Year by the Baltimore alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta.

She was a member of the board of directors of the Baltimore YWCA, president of the St. James Episcopal Church Women’s Auxiliary, a member of the wives’ club of Alpha Phi Alpha, and active at Morgan State College. She was the first president of the Women’s Auxiliary of Crownsville State Hospital. She was president of the PTA at Public School #103.

She married Howard University German instructor/Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity member Dr. Carl J. Murphy (1916-1960). He was a newspaper publisher. They had five daughters: Martha Elizabeth (1917–1998), Ida Ann (1918-1996), Carlita (1921 - 2006) and Vashti (1921 - 1981), and Frances (1922–2007). Her eldest daughter Elizabeth Murphy Moss was a journalist, war correspondent, columnist, and editor. Her granddaughter and namesake Vashti Murphy McKenzie is a bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and National Chaplain of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence #deltasigmatheta #womenhistorymonth

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kamino-blues · 3 years ago

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Hey, how you doing?

So, could you please write something we’re the reader is a princess who needs to be escort by The Bad Batch, but she is also a fan of them?

Thank you, and sorry if this is confusing 💕✨

I'm doing extremely well love thank you so much for asking! I'm sorry that this took so long & I hope that you enjoy!! I had a lot of fun writing this, hopefully I didn't stray to far from the prompt <3

Word Count: 2,746

Warnings: None 💖

As a princess of a Mid Rim planet, you were often required to attend banquets on the regular

Usually you would just attend these on your planet, as your parents preferred not to put you at risk by having you travel off world

So suddenly you found yourself swept up in getting prepared for one of your first trips off world

However, this next banquet was extremely important

It was only being held on Coruscant, as it was a chance to have royalty, senators, and Jedi interacting in one safe (-ish) venue

Due to you not traveling off world, that made you a huge target

There were many people who wanted you dead as your planet was important to the republic, and this was their opportune moment to do so

So it was decided by your parents that you would have to travel undercover, not accompanied by your royal guard or anything to give away that you were of royalty

Your kingdom had gotten in contact with the republic, trying to see if they could get you a safe passage to Coruscant

There were no squads available, but in a moment of luck, the royal guard stumbled upon Clone Force 99

They were on planet to refuel and restock on supplies

So your parents were contacted about this new piece of info, and after a call with the republic, Clone Force 99 suddenly had a new mission to do

They were informed that they would need to get you to coruscant, having to pass through a rogue checkpoint set up by enemies of your planet

As this was all going on, you were getting ready to leave for your first ever off planet banquet

You were excited, your home world was lovely but you had read about so many other planets

After your servants had helped you pack up what you needed for your trip (your actual items for the banquet were being sent on a different ship, you just had some spare changes of clothes and other necessities), You quickly got changed out of your royal garb into something much less conspicuous

Dressed in maroon leggings, black boots, a dark gray undershirt, and a black poncho, you felt completely different then how you usually dressed

You quickly tied your hair back into a bun, throwing the bag with your stuff over your shoulder as you walked to the main hall

You heard many voices, one in particular that was booming through the halls that you couldn’t put your finger on

You stepped into the main hall, stopping as you noticed five men standing with their backs to you

You recognized the armor right away, and let out a small gasp

In the past, the 212th has come to your kingdom to help and protect at banquets

You have had Commander Cody assigned to you personally a few times, and over the years you have become pretty close friends

As you were pretty sheltered from the war, you would always pester him to tell you stories about everything

At first he refused, but over time he started to open up and tell you the stories he had

It was interesting hearing about the 212th

But the stories that really stuck with you were the ones surrounding the clones who dubbed themselves ‘The Bad Batch’

The crazy antics, the fact that they just charge head-on into battle, it was nothing that you have ever heard of before

Especially compared to the clone troopers you knew, it was just so,, out of character

So needless to say you became a big fan (and Cody knew it)

The most recent time Cody had visited, he showed you a holovid of the batch fighting

You were completely and utterly awestruck by them

So seeing the men who donned the armor that you had seen in that holovid weeks ago made you completely stop in your tracks

You quickly take in a deep breath and made your presence known

Hunter

When Hunter turns around to see you, he was taken back by how pretty you are

He noticed your increased heart rate, at first he figured that it was because of the armor, but it didn't seem like you were scared?

He just mentally shrugged it off, raising an eyebrow under his helmet

He would then take the initiative and introduce himself and the Bad Batch to you

He carefully took his helmet off, giving you a small smirk as he walked towards you

Seeing his tattoo in person put you in a state of awe, he was gorgeous - Intimidating, but gorgeous

You would go to stand in front of him, giving a smile and sticking your hand out for him to shake

Throughout the entire trip, you were intrigued by Hunter

You thought that he would be a lot more intimidating, but he was honestly extremely laid back

He gave you a tour of the entire ship and made sure that you felt safe and comfortable before he gave the command to take off

When you had to go through the checkpoint, he had to leave you to talk with the guards, but when he could he would sneak glances back to make sure that you were ok

The checkpoint went smoother then expected, and Hunter was able to come back pretty quickly and sit by you on his bunk (he had allowed you to stay on it while you were being transported)

After a few hours on board, you finally mustered up the courage to ask him about his senses (you were dying of curiosity) - which deeply confused him since he had never mentioned them

You would then confess how you knew Cody and that he told you about them

He would chuckle, mumbling under his breath about how that explained why your heart rate went up before

Hunter would then put his hand on your shoulder teasingly, just so he could see how it would affect you

Of course it made your heart rate go up, which made him chuckle

He then went into explaining his senses, and mentioning how he could feel your heart rate

You were a blushing mess! Especially when you realized that he could tell how you were being affected by him

But the moment ended to quickly, him getting up to prepare for the landing on Coruscant

When you land, he would lead you out with his hand on your lower back, making sure you safely got off

And then when it was time to depart, he pulled you in for a hug, lowering his mouth to your ear

“Hopefully we’ll see you again sometime Mesh’la”

Wrecker

When he notices Hunter turn around in the throne room, he automatically follows suit, holding in a gasp when he first saw you

He could not get over how beautiful you are, living for how your outfit is matching the Batches color scheme

It took all of Wreckers self control to not yell out a greeting, realizing that you are royalty

But when Hunter introduced him to you, he automatically gave a wave and a hearty hello

Honestly it was so adorable, it caused you to grin and wave back (much to your parents dismay, you weren’t acting very princess-y)

When you shake his hand, you are absolutely baffled by how big his hand is compared to yours

Your were expecting to feel intimidated by him, but honestly you felt the complete opposite

Hunter led you on a tour of the ship, and Wrecker automatically tagged along, curious of you

He pointed out small items around the ship, introducing you to Gonky and showing off Lula

Lots of laughter came from him as you glanced curiously around the ship, not used to being on this type of transport

Wrecker definitely made you giggle, and made you feel safe as you crossed the checkpoint

He stayed back with you, pulling you behind him when the guards entered the ship

You had a light blush on your cheeks as you stood behind him, feeling completely and utterly safe in his presence

When the guard was off the ship, he quickly pulled you into a hug and spun you around, picking you off the ground

You let out a little squeal at this, never being picked up like this in your life before (but you really liked it)

He held you against him for a little longer, hesitant to let go

When you did, you gave him a wink, turning when Hunter came back from the cockpit

You left this man a blushing mess

When it was time for you to leave, he was visibly upset

You gave him a hug, and leaned up to give him a kiss on the cheek (to the best of your abilities, this man is tall)

You assured him that the Bad Batch would be your go to whenever you needed help with anything

Wrecker smiled brightly at this, quickly kissing you on the forehead and stepping away

While you were walking away, Wrecker brought his hand up to his face

“Have fun at the banquet!!!! Eat as much food as you can for me!!!”

Tech

Tech was fidgeting with his datapad when you arrived in the throne room, trying to figure out the schematics of the transport mission so that your parents would be reassured that you would be safe

He’s the last to turn around, when Hunter introduced him to you

Tech gave a small greeting, reaching out to shake your hand, then going automatically back to his datapad

You raised an eyebrow at this, but you weren’t bothered

Cody had told you about how Tech was always like this, focused on his work

You two didn’t interact again until you were on board of the Marauder, him piloting the ship

You sat down in the co-pilot's seat, staring out into space

This was one of a few times you got to see it in person, so you were amazed

Tech noticed this, and was honestly confused why you were so infatuated by something so simple

In fact, he was so confused, he decided to state that out loud

You described how you barely left your home world, for your safety according to your parents

He raised an eyebrow at that, but noticing how your eyes were flashing from every object you saw, he started giving you facts about what you were seeing

It was extremely comfortable, you were excited to be learning about concepts you had never seen until now, and Tech was excited to share facts with you

After a while, you asked him if he could tell you about different planets he had been to recently, and Tech happily obliged

When Hunter came into the cockpit to prepare for the checkpoint, you got up to excuse yourself

As you passed Tech's seat, he grabbed your wrist, squeezing it slightly and giving you a small smile, before pulling away

You replayed that moment in your mind for the rest of the evening

When the guards came into the ship, you weren’t able to see Tech

But in the cockpit he was bouncing his leg, flicking his eyes between the guards

When they left, he mentally let out a sigh of relief, piloting the ship towards Coruscant

Soon it was departure time, sadly not being able to see much of each other since of him being the designated pilot

He stood off to the side, and you quickly ran over to him

You pulled him into a hug, him tensing before wrapping his arms around you

As you pulled away, you noticed how he fixed his goggles, fidgeting slightly before he looked back up at you with a slight tint of color on his cheeks

“Thank you for listening to me”

Echo

You hadn’t seen Echo before, he wasn’t on the holovid that Cody had shown you

But as he took his helmet off to properly greet you in the throne room, you were in awe of him

He had a small smile on his face, reaching forth to grab your hand with his intact hand, and bowed his head slightly to you as you shook it

Echo seemed like a complete and utter sweetheart (and you were slightly mad at Cody for him never mentioning Echo to you)

When you were first boarding the Marauder, he offered to take your bag, and was overall being such a gentleman

You thanked him multiple times, and after you took a tour of the ship, you plopped down on one of the boxes in the main area

Echo was sat across from you, and gave you a small smile

He was honestly taken aback by you, he had worked with royalty before, but they had usually been extremely rude to him

So meeting someone so excited to be in his company made him slightly flustered

Crossing your legs, you looked up at Echo to ask him about himself- You let him know how you had known of the Bad Batch from Cody, and from that he quickly rubbed the back of his neck

He talked about how he had just recently joined them, and how his bsttalion often worked with Cody's in the past

That made your eyes widen, excited to meet a friend of your friend

You got up quickly to make your way closer to him, standing in front of him with your hand out with the intentions of having him shake

"Well hello Cody's friend, I'm also Cody's friend nice to meet you!"

He quickly grabbed it, letting out a chuckle and stood up, but he didn’t let go of your hand

You reached out with your other hand to hold onto his arm cybernetic, giving him a small smile

He was about to say something, before Tech yelled for Echo to join him in the cockpit as they were making their way to the checkpoint

Echo quickly squeezed your hand, before quickly moving away from you

The checkpoint went well, you were unable to see Echo during it though as he was sat in the co-pilot chair, fiddling with the ship (You honestly had no clue what he was doing, you weren’t that ship savvy)

He stayed up there until you all arrived at Coruscant, and as you were leaving he quickly grabbed your hand, pulling you towards his chest

Echo then pulled away, before handing you your bag, patting your hand as you gripped onto it

“Stay safe please, if you need anything comm me”

Crosshair

Crosshair was not that excited to be doing a transport job

They had done it a few times in the past, and the people have always been rude

But when Crosshair turned around, he mentally couldn’t avoid how beautiful he thought you are

He didn’t let it show though, giving you a small smirk as he shook your hand

“Nice to meet you princess”

You blushed automatically, stepping away from him and giving him a slight nod

You gave a quiet response, respectfully giving a slight bow

Crosshair could tell how he affected you with his words, and he decided that he was going to use it to his advantage

He could tell you weren't going to be like the other passengers they've had in the past, and it was only going to be for a day so why not mess around with royalty?

So when you tripped going the ramp of the Marauder and he caught you, he held onto you and leaned down to your ear

“You better be more careful princess, you wouldn’t want to damage that pretty look you got going”

Needless to say your face was bright red, and ran into the ship while his smirk widened

You could hear Hunter chastising Cross, and you let a small giggle out, holding your hand to your face

This is not how you thought your interactions with the sniper would go at all

You didn’t see him until the checkpoint happened, Cross joining Wrecker in protecting you by keeping you behind them

He didn’t say anything as the guards came on board, but he did move slightly back towards you

When the threat was over, he plopped down into his bunk, taking his gun kit out and started to clean it

Wrecker had stepped away to go and check on what was happening in the cockpit, making sure everything was good

You watched curiously, not saying as you both sat in silence

It was relaxing until he looked up at you and raised an eyebrow, not understanding why you were just staring at him

He figured he might as well continue messing with you, and sent you a wink

With your face bright red, you rolled your eyes and walked to the front of the ship away from him

Crosshair let out a chuckle at that

When it was time to leave the ship, you walked out behind him

Cross purposely stopped halfway down the ramp, forcing you to run into him

He turned around, feigning a look of surprise with his eyebrow raised, leaning his face near your ear

“I guess you are just drawn to me princess, sad I can’t join you at your fancy banquet”

#I had so much fun writing this #I spent a lot of time brainstorming since I had so many ideas #I made Crosshair super flirty lmao hi #Ask #Oh my gosh happy bad batch eve!!#Hunter x reader #Hunter #Wrecker x Reader #Wrecker #Tech x Reader #Tech #Echo x Reader #Echo #Crosshair x Reader #Crosshair #The Bad Batch #The Bad Batch x reader

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deaconusdelirium · 3 years ago

Note

Um so I don't actually know how to submit a request so, I've never done it before, but I hope this is right.

So I read this enemies to lovers with Tech where the reader is the Batch's new mechanic/medic/pilot (y'know something like that) and Tech is constantly trying to outsmart the reader and is kinda rude to her. So I am requesting either that or Tech and reader are already together and Tech makes a comment that hurts the readers feelings but Tech doesn't understand why she's upset cause he was merely stating "factual evidence". Also can the reader be female or like no gender. I hope I did this right.

Time will tell

(Tech X F!Reader)

Oh yeah! Either way is good, but I prefer taking requests in DM’s. I’m originally from a different writing platform and I took requests directly in messages, but send in an ask like this is good too. I don’t mind either way. That goes for everyone else who doesn’t know how to send in a request!^^

I love the first one, and I have a little something for that

———

“And that’s… Tech” Hunter sounded disappointed as he seen his brother not only did not look up, but didn’t say anything as he introduced you to your new team, Tech just gave a small wave without looking up and walking off. “He’s a busy guy, I presume” you spoke, watching ‘Tech’ walk off and into their ship. “You’ll get use to him, he’s not all that bad. The worse he could do is fill your head with useless info for hours on end” Hunter explained while putting a hand between your shoulders, guiding you into the Marauder. Ok, so it might have been a bit small but at least you were off Kamino where everything was too sterile and creepy looking. You were all alone in your room after all, no one ever really came in but a few clones, Nala Se and Omega usually handled them all though.

You gave another look around, making sure you tried to memorize everything. “We have a mission in a few hours, so I suggest you grab what you need from your place” “oh, no. I’ve got all I need, I’m going to head back and tell Nala Se we’re leaving soon” you walked out, Hunter nodded in agreement. “Well, we’ll tell you when we’re ready” you nodded, walking away from the ship and back into Kamino to Nala Se

—

Tech had only ever heard your voice, and by the sound of it. He was already annoyed, since when was there ever another person who does exactly as he does? It was only him, but.. the thought of sharing ideas and thought with someone else ‘smart’ would be nice. But no, he wouldn’t take it. He had to see for himself, he was sure you were going to fail, and he surely wasn’t going to be pushed aside, especially for all he’s ever done for his brothers. You weren’t the one who upgrades their armor for them, you’re not the one who has a datapad much like he has, and you couldn’t possible know anything about mechanics. He’s never met anyone who knew as much as he did, and if he hasn’t within his life, then there’s probably no such thing as it.

—

He thoughts were cut short, when you sat in the co-pilot seat next to him. Only Echo sat there, maybe Hunter on some occasions, he still didn’t look, and he grew annoyed as you tried to tell him what to do. “Do you even know what planet we are on?” Tech asked, finally looking at you, “what does that have to do with this? You haven’t told me where we are and I’m stuck with you. So if you could just focus on the task at hand then maybe we could actually try and get along” you spoke, his eyes widen at your words, he didn’t want you to know anything. It may sound selfish, but he thought of it as a training, I guess you could say. How would you go about in a situation where you don’t know where you’re at, and what you’re doing? What is your next steps for an unexpected change of plans?

His gaze was still hard on you, how could you know something about flying? “Tech, if you don’t help them, Omega and Hera could be shot down” you sounded desperate, but he was the one in charge. He was the one flying, you weighed your options, you didn’t know what to do. He only sat there, observing you like it was his job. “Forgive me” you apologized to him as you pushed him out the seat and took over the wheel. “Hey” Tech called from the floor, standing up, but soon holding onto your seat as he seen what you were going to do. “Hang on Wrecker!” You warned the man in the back, you pushed the petal as Tech almost flew back and Wrecker yell from the back. You turned the ship around for Wrecker so he could take out the cannons.

Tech held on as your flying was not something he was expecting, once you had all of the turrets down and Wrecker finished off the clones on the ground, you stood up, grabbing your helmet and gun. Tech grabbed your arm before you ran out, “hey-” you spoke, “careful with my ship next time” he glared at you, but Wrecker broke the both of you up by running through his grasp on your arm. “Your ship Tech? Or all of ours? She did great!” Wrecker said, hitting you on your shoulder as he laughed and ran off. “Still, we got what needed to be done, I suggest we drop this.. this argument and actually help. And for your information, we’re al Ryloth” you ran after Wrecker, and Tech stood there. You were stubborn alright, but that doesn’t mean you were better than him. No, he won’t allow it

—

After Hera was reunited with her parents and uncle, you all took off. For their brother Crosshair was after them, maybe even you now since you were with the Batch. Taking a deep breath in, and letting it out, you continued to clean your helmet, a few new scratches, but nothing bad. “Y/n?” Omega asked you, coming up and holding your shoulder as she stood on one leg. “What’s wrong Omega?” You asked, looking at her leg, “I got a cut, and my legs hurting. Could you look at it for me?” She asked, sitting on the chair in front of you as she turned to meet your body. “Yeah, let me just grab my stuff, stay right there” you told her as you stood up, walking to grab your bag and come back. You pulled her pants up to her knee, seeing a small scrape on it, “hmm, you only scraped it, nothing too bad if we clean it. Glad you came right on time” you tried to lift her mood up. Looking like you did since she laughed and held Lula.

“This might sting a little, but it won’t hurt” you showed her the bottle, calming her down as she was worried what you had in hand. She gave a small nod, handing it back to you, you smiled and slowly poured the liquid over the cut. She winced, hugging Lula tighter as you grabbed a bacta pad and placed it over her knee. “Alright, that should be good. Come back later for another cleaning, I’ll remind you so don’t worry, and if the ache still continues after a few minutes. Tell me so I can give you some medicine, it might be from all the time you haven’t treated it, but be careful next time” you pulled her pants down, patting her lower leg as she set it down. “So you aren’t going to treat the ache she has?” Tech asked, datapad obviously in hand as he watched you, “Tech! She cleaned it up just now, I should be fine. I think it was just dirty” Omega spoke, Tech looked at her, the back at you, he walked over to another seat, making Omega face him as he turned the chair. “What are you doing?” Omega asked as Tech pulled her pants up again.

Taking the tape off and looking at her scrape, he almost nodded in approval, but stopped himself. “Oh come on, I’m not going just throw a bacta pad on there and say I’m done” you told him, “still, you could have left out an important part” he spoke, Omega watched, “and just because you’re a medic, doesn’t mean you know it all” he harshly said, you wanted to just leave, everyone’s been nice except for Tech, “yeah? Well just because your name is ‘Tech’ doesn’t mean you’re actually a technician. You can multitask yet I haven’t spoken one word about your work” you spoke up, gathering your things and leaving. Omega watched as it all unfolded before her, “that was a bit rude Tech, maybe try and be nice, she’s new. You’re probably making her feel bad” Omega defended you

Tech took his helmet off, watching you walk off and disappear down the hall. “Maybe we only needed one, medic aboard. That was only a small scratch Omega, anyone could treat that” he stood up, “maybe you think we only need one medic, but I think differently. You should respect her more, I came to her because you were busy making repairs, and I’m glad to have let you work while she wasn’t busy. She even helped us back on Ryloth” it wasn’t new that Omega put yet another one of her brothers in place. She was right, you did save them, and treat her. He bet, if she would have went to Wrecker, he would have only plugged it up with trash and dirt then throw a bandaid on it.

Omega walked out the cockpit, Lula in her hands as Tech was left alone. So what you knew how to fly and treat a small wound, anyone could do that… anyone who knew what they were doing. And he was intrigued at how much you knew and what you’ve done.

—

Everyone sat in their seat, you sat behind Echo as he sat in the co-pilot chair. Your hands gripping the pen as you worked an equation out on a piece of paper. Tech heard you whisper quite loudly the numbers, so he worked it out in his head as he watched the stars go by while in hyperspace. “205” he said, you looked up, sighing in annoyance and putting on a fake smile, “thanks Tech, I’m sure me working it out and trying a different way of solving this problem was to easy for you. What a pity, me working with pen and paper as you have a datapad? What was I thinking?” You scoffed out, Echo laughed a bit at your bite back. Tech turned to you, “what do you mean ‘a different way’?” He asked, you threw the paper at him as he caught it then glaring at you for doing so.

His eyes scanned over the numbers, this wasn’t right. None of this was, “give me the pen” he spoke, you looked at him, “what for?” “Just give me the pen” he demanded as you shook your head no. Echo was curious to see what you both were arguing about, his head peaked over the paper and was met with messy writings and scrambled numbers. “How can you read that thing?” You heard Echos disbelief in his voice, “here, I’ll explain it” you reassured him as you clicked the pen. Tech watched as you began to explain what this new trick was. He was fascinated, he found himself looking up your arm until he watched your face as you spoke about something that actually interested you… interested him.

He continued to hold the board with the paper on it for you while you worked it out, circling the answer. He wasn’t sure why, but when you turned to Echo to talk about it, he was quite jealous. Echo wouldn’t understand, but Tech did, why didn’t you argue with him about it. He hesitantly tapped two fingers on your shoulder, you turned and faced him, “perhaps, we could further discuss what you put into motion here? I could teach you some new things as well” he offered, Echo had seen his frail to finally try and get closer to you. He stood up, “excuse me” he walked off, giving you and Tech the time together. “Not sure, I feel like you’re only going to insult me further while thinking you’re smarter, you also offered me something. Don’t know if I should take it that you want something or you hit your head” you crossed your arms, looking at him. “I assure you, I have something’s I would like to share” he lightly laughed.

You thought about it, “fine, but if anything” you threatened him, “there no need to get hostile with me now Y/n, I want to see just how much you know” he leaned back into his seat, arms and legs crossed as he eyed you down. But if anything did happen, the Batch was on board. You sat in the seat Echo sat in before, questioning your choice on agreeing.

—

It seems Tech had underestimated you to soon, you we’re definitely smarter than he had thought. Was there actually someone just like him? Someone who he could rely on and wouldn’t have to explain too, mainly going into details. But you, oh you… you just gave him this feeling. He didn’t want you to leave the seat when you both sat, it was interesting seeing how you knew some things he didn’t. You both shared theories and facts about unusual things people would have probably brushed off and thought was annoying or just plain boring. He found himself moving ever so closer to you when you both started getting into.. deeper matters. What you did on Kamino versus what he does for the galaxy with his brothers. You told him how you wanted to get off the planet and explore while he suggested he explores all the time.

That was until you both found each other, knees touching while you both leaned forward. It was wrong, you abruptly stood up, “I’m sorry Tech, I shouldn’t have” you fixed your armor and set out. Just what happened there?

He didn’t have feelings for you, if he did. It’d most likely be jealousy and anger, for he didn’t want to be replaced for someone they had just met. He was their brother, you can’t just remove them from their life. Now you were off somewhere in the ship, probably have already forgotten about him. But his thoughts were stuck on you, was he too mean to you? Now that whenever he got close, you either brushed him off or you walked away. But what if he wasn’t, would you two have been closer? Together perhaps? It was like talking to himself, actually finding interest in the conversation. Feelings were never in his area of expertise, so he couldn’t exactly pinpoint what he was feeling at the moment. He was sure to keep an eye on it and write down anything he feels on his datapad, maybe even do some research.

—

“Y/n!” “Coming!” You replied to Echo as he yelled for your assistance. Walking down the hall to to Echo kneeling before the console trying to fix whatever he was trying to. “Yeah?” You asked, “I need..” he trailed off, trying to get the control panel fixed. “Oh! I’ve done this plenty of times back on Kamino for the clones’ ship when they got back” you spoke while kneeling next to him, undoing the wires as he looked at you, “what are you doing?” “Relax, you can’t just keep the control panel like this, you have to make sure it clean, this this part” you pointed to the corner of the panel as there was dirt inside, “that’s blocking this part, from entering. So brush this aside, and put it back. Now you’re going to want to make sure all the wires and whatnot are still good. Some could burn out and that could ruin the whole thing, and then you’d have to replace it all. But other times, it just needs a little cleaning” you walked him through it, telling him what goes where and how to clean the board without ruining it, while still making it easy for him to understand without using the big confusing words

He nodded, understanding, “Tech would never say anything like this. He does all the repairs like this, the only time he needs help is when he needs tools or for us to hold something” “Ah, I see. I’m sure he means well. I never had anyone to talk to about this and it feels good to finally share some knowledge” you told him to screw the panel back on. He stood up, offering you his hand and helping you up. “Thanks” “no problem, you learn something new everyday” Echo laughed at your joke, giving you a pat on the shoulder and walking off. You kneeled back down picking up the tools and gathering them into a bag. Another pair of hands helped you, as you looked up, you noticed he had no thigh armor. Tech.

“Thank you Tech, you didn’t have to-” you were pushed on your back as Tech was on top of you. You groaned at the pushed, opening your eyes to see Tech giving you a kiss. Your senses finally returning as you felt the harsh action, making your lips hurt. He softened the kiss, making you now blush as you laid there under him. He pulled back, “T-Tech?” You let out the breath you held in, “Y/n. I’m so sorry about before” your brow furrowed in confusion. “What for?” “All those words, bringing you down. It’s wrong now and it was wrong then, but how could I have not appreciated your actions before?” He questioned himself as you now remembered all those things he said and what he did to try and put you down.

“I can’t let someone, so good and loving leave. I’ve seen the way you treat Omega and my brothers when I’m not there too, you’re smart and beautiful. Yet you’re ready for battle when you’re thrown into it. I’ve been thinking, about my feelings, and… and us” your eyes widen at the last part. About, you? Him? Together? You haven’t thought about it, maybe once but that was when you both were talking that night in the cockpit, he was rude and unforgiving when you were introduced and given a task, always saying he knew and could do better than you. And that your tactics were sloppier than his, and to be frank, he didn’t mean that. It was his feelings he was confused about, “Tech.. I actually don’t know what to do. While you say you’ve thought of us, I haven’t, maybe once but that was wrong. We could never work out” you confessed, his gloved hand on the side of your head as he stroked a few hairs out of your face.

He sighed, thinking. This time it was his heart speaking, not his brain, this has nothing to do with what he normally did. So he had to wing it. “Tell me. What do I need to do to show you, how much I appreciate and want you by my side? Tell me what’s making you feel uncomfortable about us and how I can help. I’m willing to give this a chance if you are” he sounded desperate, the first time you’ve heard him like this. But you had to think on it, he was just as smart, maybe even smarter, he was blunt which made you not have to worry about his opinions on others and how you feel. And he was strong, both mentally and physically. You’ve never met someone as close knowing and interesting like you.

“I.. I’m willing to give this a chance as well” your hand came up to his hair, then pulling him down for another loving kiss. All those problems and feelings he couldn’t explain and work out, have now blown away. If seemed like being close to you felt like ecstasy, your aura felt so welcoming and warm. His lips ghosted over yours before coming down for another. This new found feeling was something he could get use to, yours lips felt so soft against his, your fingertips slightly trailed along his jawline and cupped his cheek. “We, better get up before someone sees us” you suggested, he nodded. A quick kiss on the side of your mouth was given before he got up. Pulling you along. He wanted to see where this relationship would take him.

He was excited to have you by his side now, he knew you two could take on anything. The thought of having someone just like him by his side put a warm feeling in his stomach, someone he could protect along with his brothers. Maybe the jealousy before was telling him something, maybe you both were destined to be together since you both could agree that you’ve never met anyone like the other. And he was glad to have someone to return to every time he came back from a mission, or having you on a mission with him in general. He already had hundreds of reasons why he fell in love with you, and if that’s just the beginning, he wondered what being with you forever would he like. Only time will tell

———

I hope you enjoyed, again! If you ever want to send it a request, I take it in DM’s for those who want to stay anonymous, but others can also go to my ask box. Either way is fine, I don’t mind!^^

#tech the bad batch #star wars #star wars tcw #the bad batch #tbb #tech bad batch #Star wars the bad batch #tech x reader #oneshot #requested

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comixconnection · 3 years ago

Text

Choose Your Three Free Comics!

At long, long last...Free Comic Book Day is here! Unlike the usual “first Saturday in May” celebration that has defined the even in normal years, due to issues with the ongoing pandemic the folks in charge have decided to move this year’s celebration back to August 14th. Want a sneak-peak at the books...?

The following titles will be available at Comix Connection on Aug 14th (while supplies last!). Everybody gets to pick three! Unlike previous years, we will NOT be accepting FOOD DONATIONS in exchange for additional comics. Instead we will be collecting monetary donations to give to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. For every DOLLAR donates, you may select an additional free comic book!

We know the line for the FCBD comics can get long (if you want to come in and shop first, you can skip the line and head straight inside!) so in an effort to both entertain you while you’re in that long line and to help it go a little faster by giving you a preview of the various titles so you can decide ahead of time what looks good, the Comix Connection Counter Monkeys have read and reviewed all of the available FCBD books! Take a peek!

CHOOSE YOUR FREE COMICS:

One hundred years before the Skywalker Saga began, the Jedi Knights were the guardians of peace and justice in the galaxy! In this prelude to the ongoing Star Wars: High Republic Adventures comic series, follow padawans Ram Jomaram, Lula Talisola, and Zeen Mrala as they try to save Lonisa City from the dreaded Nihil. Also read the beginning of Star Wars: High Republic Adventures #1! [All Ages]

“Two brand-new adventures from the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender! In Clearing the Air, Tenzin attempts to teach his rambunctious children a lesson Aang taught him about how to resolve conflicts. In Match Makers, Iroh runs into some trouble with a few friends...that just might lead him to something fun he’s been trying to hide from!” [All Ages]

Who Sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott? gives a sample of the upcoming graphic novel by the same name, a tale telling the true story of the “Mother of the Civil Rights Movement,” Rosa Parks! This excerpt features the immediate aftermath of Rosa’s arrest, and her decision to start a legal battle that would change the course of American freedom! [All Ages]

“There's nothing better than a beautiful sunny day reading comics, so join us for a look at this summer's fantastic all-ages reads, courtesy of Oni Press! From the gentle, magical worlds of The Tea Dragon Tapestry (by K. O'Neill) and The Sprite and the Gardner (by Rii Abrego and Joe Whitt), the adventurous magical mystery of Mooncakes (by Suzanne Walker and Wendy Xu), and the action-packed Jonna and the Unpossible Monsters (Chris and Laura Samnee), there's something for everyone. Sneak a peek at these four fantastic fantasy graphic novels!” [All Ages]

Sonic is 30 years old! Celebrate the anniversary of the world’s fastest hedgehog with this peek into the ongoing Sonic comic series. Things get meta when Amy Rose starts drawing a comic about Sonic, Tails, and their friends...but what will Sonic think when he finds out he’s been turned into a comic book? Prepare for the big 30th Anniversary Sonic Celebration here! [All Ages]

It's the crisis of infinite Archies! Celebrate 80 years of the Riverdale Gang with this tale featuring a dimension-hopping Archie Andrews in his quest to save the multiverse. Then, witness Archie go toe-to-toe with... himself?! May the best Archie win! Plus, get a preview of the newest Archie One-Shot in shops! This title includes several versions of Archie (from classic to TV to horror) and showcases his evolution as a character over eight decades, all while being a tie-in to the company's 80th Anniversary plans. [All Ages]

“Despite the pandemic and the swirl of world events, back issue comics are booming! It's not all record prices (though there are many) or bargain basement deals, but rather it's many different categories! The team that brings you The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide shines the spotlight on this exciting part of the universe of comic books. Includes tips on how to collect, care for your comics, and preserve them, among other things.” [All Ages]

“Get a sneak peek at book four in the bestselling InvestiGators series! With agent Brash trapped in a mysterious coma, the technicians at S.U.I.T. have designed the ultimate replacement: RoboBrash! This high-tech replica has been programmed with all of the original Brash's crime-fighting skills and know-how--but it seems he's got a few bugs in his system! Will Mango and his new partner be enough to stop the giant ants that are on a rampage in the city? Orchestrated by the spaced-out villain, Maestronaut, and Houdino, the dinosaur escape artist, it seems criminals are certainly upping the ANT-e!” [All Ages]

“My name is Grace, not ‘Kyle's little sister’!” Having a good-looking, friendly, outgoing older brother sucks--especially when you're the total opposite: someone who likes staying home and playing video games. Your parents like him better (even if they deny it!) and everyone calls you "Kyle's little sister" while looking disappointed that you're not more like him. Grace was really hoping she'd get to go to a different middle school, but no such luck. At least she has her friends...until he finds a way to ruin that, too! What will Grace have to do to get out of his shadow?! [All Ages]

Jewish mythology has it that when God created the universe, He left one corner of it unfinished. Opinion is divided on why, but everyone agrees that the Unfinished Corner is a dangerous place full of monsters. Twelve-year-old Miriam is too busy preparing for her Bat Mitzvah to care about the Unfished Corner. She spends her days wrestling with whether she even wants to be Jewish--until a peculiar angel appears, whisking her, her two best friends, and her worst frenemy off to this monstrous land with one mission: finish the Unfinished Corner. [All Ages]

“The City of Gloomhaven isn't "safe" at the best of times, but lately, more folks than usual seem to be disappearing. In a city paralyzed by an unknown menace, only one adventuring crew will do: The Jaws of the Lion! Based on the hit games, Gloomhaven and Jaws of the Lion from Cephalofair Games, comes a fantasy adventure with humor and heart.” [All Ages]

The Last Kids on Earth and their friends each tell their own best story of the Monster Apocalypse, including Jack's high-stakes baseball game, Globlet's attempt to take over the world, Quint's bad-day-away invention, Dirk's bragain with a witch, and June and Skaelka's creepy carnival--plus a surprise story from some bad guys on the run... [All Ages]

Being the new kid is tough, even for a superhero/ward and heir to a billionaire, Damian Wayne (aka Robin)! Join Damian as he struggles to learn patience and understanding from the students at Gotham Metro Academy, including star student and all-around Great Guy, Howard! Plus, an adventure of Amethyst, princess of the mystical realm of Gemworld by bestselling authors Shannon Hale and Dean Hale! [All Ages]

To celebrate the new animated TV series premiering on Nickelodeon Fall 2021, Papercutz is releasing a new series of graphic novels entitled The Smurfs Tales. Preview it here with a number of silly short Smurfs Tales, with a back-up appearance by one of Peyo’s other beloved creations: Johan and Peewit, the young page and the court jester. [All Ages]

In Edge of Balance, a new High Republic story set in the wake of the Hyperspace Disaster, meet new Jedi and their enemies 100 years before the events of the Skywalker Saga! Young Jedi Knight Lily Tora-Asi is assigned to help displaced civilians relocate to Banchii in the Outer Rim. She and her padawans will face more threats there than just anxious settlers, from the insidious Drengir to the Nihil! And in Guardian of the Whills, encounter Baze and Chirrut before they join the Rebellion against the Empire in Rogue One! Presiding over the Kyber Temple on Jedha, the Guardians of the Whills had hoped to maintain the balance despite the growing presence of the Empire in their Holy City. Yet when a rebel named Saw Gerrera appears, Baze and Chirrut must decide if they're willing to compromise for peace, or if Saw's plan is too dangerous to risk. Read the first chapter of these two new Star Wars Manga Graphic Novels here! [Teen]

It wouldn’t be the Teen Titans without heightened teenage emotions and romance! Fan favorites Beast Boy and Raven are travelling away from the dwellings they know to find homes they can feel comfortable in. Along the way, their paths cross, sparks fly, and even a destiny or two might be found. [Teen]

“Street Fighter heads back to school, as the world's young fighters flex both their academic and martial arts prowess! Fan favorites Sakura, Ibuki, Karin, Makoto, and Elena come face-to-face with a new challenger - the leather-clad, motorcycle-riding Akira! It's a square-off of (rival) schools in this action-packed one-shot!” [Teen]

[NOT FINAL ART] “This Fall, jump on board here as VALIANT UPRISING overthrows the status quo with new titles, new creators, and new takes on Valiant's most iconic characters! The VALIANT UPRISING FCBD SPECIAL features: A brand new X-O MANOWAR story from Harvey Award-winning writer Dennis Hopeless and breakout star Emilio Laiso. It's the perfect jumping-on point as Valiant's flagship hero prepares to "Upgrade the World"! Then, get a special advance preview of THE HARBINGER #1, an all-new series from co-writers Jackson Lanzing and Colin Kelly join superstar artist Robbi Rodriguez that promises to take Valiant's psiot rebel in a vivid new direction! Plus, find out how the world's greatest spy responds to being unmasked, hunted, and trapped in a first look at NINJAK #1, the pulse-pounding thrill ride from Ringo Award-winning writer Jeff Parker and legendary artist Javier Pulido. Finally, get a sneak peek from writer Cullen Bunn and artist Jon Davis-Hunt of what's to come when SHADOWMAN returns!” [Teen]

Three epic new Marvel moments begin here! Read the beginning of the upcoming Spider-Man Beyond story that will be starting in Amazing Spider-Man #75! Big changes are coming to everyone’s friendly neighborhood Spider-Man...but are they for good, or ill? Also discover the new Venom series, which will take spider symbiosis to whole new levels in the wake of King In Black. And last, sneak a peek at the Luke Cage: City On Fire mini-series, which will pit Luke against not just the Kingpin, but Daredevil too! [Teen]

Gotham is under attack, and it’s by the people claiming to keep it safe! Billionaire Simon Saint has slowly been taking over the institutions of Gotham with his insidious private security Magistrate program. Meanwhile, Batman finds his mind infected by Scarecrow’s fear gas, forcing him to question every decision he makes. It is all leading to the DC-spanning event FEAR STATE that will rock Gotham to its core. Plus, read a preview of Oscar-winning screenwriter John Ridely’s I Am Batman series in which the sons of Lucius Fox struggle with the legacy of both their father and Bruce Wayne as they take up the cowl to defend Gotham. [Teen]

Who is Avenger Prime? And what has spurred the chronal collapse that has them sending their army of Deathloks out to save all of space and time? Discover the start of the end here! Then, journey into the unknown with the Incredible Hulk! Bruce Banner never wanted to smash, he wanted to discover. Now, it’s finally time for the Hulk to expand his horizons with Operation: Smashtronaut! [Teen]

In this story from Critical Role, explore a small but important corner from the adventures of the Mighty Nein. Then, in The Witcher, it's an original tale featuring the iconic witcher himself, Geralt! Created in close collaboration with CD Projekt Red! [Teen]

A fascinating graphic adaptation of historian Timothy Snyder’s book On Tyranny, a collections of essays and reflections on lessons from history and how they can help America steer away from the course of authoritarianism. Recommended for anyone looking to learn more about how tyrants all through history have manipulated people and systems to take away the freedoms of others. [Teen]

“Side A: "BLACK: Interlude" What else was going on the night Kareem Jenkins was shot by police and discovered only Black people have superpowers? Find out in this FCBD one-shot! Side B: "CALEXIT: Hollywood Babylon" Once California refused to be ruled by the US government, its resistance fighters became overnight celebrities. Zora used her infamy for recruiting, but Emmie-X has other ideas.” [Mature]

In 2019, James Tynion IV (Batman) and Werther Dell'Edera (Briggs Land) introduced the world to Erica Slaughter, the iconic monster hunter who came to Archer's Peak, Wisconsin to save the town's children from the monsters only she can see. But Erica is not the only member of the House of Slaughter... With nearly half a million copies sold, Something is Killing the Children has become a true comic phenomenon and this Free Comic Book Day you are invited to enter the House of Slaughter...if you dare. [Teen]

Crewed by teenage geniuses frozen in cryosleep, the JEMISON is on a mission to terraform other worlds and provide hope for the human race. But when the ship is mysteriously stopped over a planet that isn't on any of their maps, the crew finds themselves suddenly awoken ten years early. One half remains behind to try and assess the damage and the other is dispatched to the planet below to figure out the answer to a perilous question: What stopped the ship, and is it friend or foe? [Teen]

As the earth dies, salvation is offered to five thousand children who will be spirited away from our planet’s apocalypse -- but what of the other children, still hoping to find one of the bracelets that give them their ticket off planet? In this wistful one-shot from the sci-fi hit We Live, go into the Broken Lands with a group of friends...but there are four of them, and only one bracelet to be found. How will they decide who gets to leave? Then, preview the Rainbow Bridge graphic novel where Andy has to help his beloved dog Rocket save eternity! [Teen]

“The comic adventures of Max, Chloe, and Rachel from the award-winning video game Life Is Strange continue in this exclusive lead-in to an epic new story arc! This FCBD special features the first comic book appearance of an all-new character who will feature heavily in the Life is Strange universe in 2021! This FCBD issue contains exclusive original material!” [Teen]

“To reclaim the Dungeon that fell to the scheming William Delacour, the plan is simple: Marvin the dragon, Isis, and Herbert the duck must find some magic “fugus purit” and use it to dislodge the current occupants of the fortress. But is this really the Guardian's plan? Our heroes will have to fight against everyone to save the Dungeon. Meanwhile, will Marvin succeed in his engagement blast-of-firebreath 'Tong Deum'? Preview the new series here!” [Teen]

See the next chapter of the super-powered scifi epic The Resistance, and then meeet the “Moths”: a subset of the super-powered Reborn. The pandemic that granted the Reborn their gifts during The Great Death gave power to people like Emily Kai and the rest of the Moths, too...but the moment they use their gifts, their clock starts ticking and they have six months to live. Also, get a sneak-peek at the just-released Not All Robots futuristic techno-depressive-thriller! [Teen]

The second semester of School for Extraterrestrial Girls is in session! Peer into the lives of Tara Smith (fire lizard!), Misako Sato (extra-dimensional fairy!), Summer Cortez (pink tentacle void beast!), and Ekaterina and Zvenislava (anthropomorphic Russian kittens!). They’re all normal teenage girls...except that they’re all aliens stuck on Earth, and since Tara partially destroyed their old school they’ve been sent to bunk at the School for Extraterrestrial Boys while it’s repaired...that’ll go fine, right? Read the first issue here! [Teen]

This official spinoff manga of Rent-A-Girlfriend, the rom-com turned hit anime, features fan-favorite Sumi, the shy girl longing to come out of her shell. Written and illustrated by original creator Reiji Miyajima! Catch up on the manga before the Rent-A-Girlfriend anime returns for a second season, coming soon! [Teen]

Zom 100 is a violent and funny take on the zombie apocalypse! Its main character, Akira, is so depressed in his soul-crushing job that he uses the undead hordes as motivation to finally complete his bucket list! Also included is a sample of the hit fantasy manga Demon Slayer. [Teen]

“Known as the the Weakest Hunter of All Mankind, E-rank hunter Jinwoo Sung's contribution to raids amounts to trying not to get killed. Unfortunately, between his mother's hospital bills, his sister's tuition, and his own lack of job prospects, he has no choice but to continue to put his life on the line. So when an opportunity arises for a bigger payout, he takes it...only to come face-to-face with a being whose power outranks anything he's ever seen! With the party leader missing an arm and the only healer a quivering mess, can Jinwoo somehow find them a way out?” [Teen]

In the small Pennsylvania town of White Ash, there isn’t much going on aside from mining...and keeping the fact that there are elves and dwarves living in the town secret, of course! In this pre-launch of Season Two of the ongoing series, a romantic rendezvous for the grieving dwarf Alex and mischievous elf Lillian doesn’t go as planned...with potentially disastrous consequences! Also read a preview of The Game, a new series where your every action affects impacts the score of your life! Plus a sneak-peak at some vampiric troubles in colonial America in Stake! [Teen]

World of Zorro gives readers a peak at the upcoming titles for the legendary masked swashbuckler, both new stories (that range from the familiar to supernatural horror) as well as newly-translated classic tales! [Teen]

For FREE COMIC BOOK DAY, enjoy this special expanded edition of the hit IMAGE series, STRAY DOGS! Stray Dogs is a comic thriller that features art inspired by classic Don Bluth-style animation, telling the story of a group of dogs brought together by a mysterious loner. Rather than behave like four-legged humans, the brilliance of Stray Dogs is that it gets inside the heads of its canine characters, showing the human world from their perspective. Unique, entertaining, and creepy. [Teen]

The undead Vampirella has been around since 1969, and as the celebrations of her 50th anniversary draw to a close, Dynamite presents a reprint of the first issue of their series that kicked-off her modern adventures! [Teen+]

Take an inside look at everyone’s favorite bipedal shark god, King Shark (aka Nanaue)! Suicide Squad’s many-toothed muscle is currently inside Belle Reve prison, but he won’t remain there for long. PLUS: a sneak peak at the just-released Suicide Squad miniseries Get Joker! [Mature]

“After 20 years of antics coming out of Sunnyvale trailer park, the underground TV phenomenon Trailer Park Boys is finally coming to comics! Full of short stories and activity pages, several of comics' finest join to create a series of comic book specials in 2021 and beyond honoring Ricky, Bubbles and Julian and everything fans have come to love about the series.” [Mature]

Fungirl is a humor comic that is as unpredictable and hilarious as it is observant and smart. Cartoonist Elizabeth Pich’s creation does as much smashing the patriarchy as she does dreaming of delicious donuts and being spit on by llamas. [Mature]

“Tensions between the clans are high, so when Cecily Bain, an enforcer for the Twin Cities' vampiric elite, takes a mysterious new vampire under her wing she finds herself in over her head and dragged into a massive undead conspiracy! Meanwhile, on the outskirts of the city, a rebellious found-family of clan-less vampire cast-outs investigates a vicious killing.” [Mature]

“Preview the forthcoming full color, original Space Pirate Captain Harlock series from ABLAZE, personally overseen by the legendary Leiji Matsumoto! In this brand-new Captain Harlock adventure, planet Earth is threatened by an upcoming invasion by the Sylvidres and despite being banished as a pirate, Captain Harlock won't give up trying to save the world. Will Captain Harlock and his crew manage to solve this mystery and save the Earth from yet another menace? Also includes teasers for 3 highly anticipated upcoming manga/manhwa releases from ABLAZE, including The Breaker Vol 1 omnibus (critically acclaimed martial arts manhwa), Versus Fighting Story Vol 1 (Capcom e-sports shonen manga) and Crueler Than Dead Vol 1 (zombie horror seinen manga).” [Mature]

“An evil so profound it threatens all mankind... the mightiest heroes on the planet uniting to defend us all... a secret crisis of such utter finality that a countdown to civil or infinite war seems unavoidable... but have you ever wondered what really happens during Crossovers? The Seven, Payback, Teenage Kix, Fantastico and every other supe on Earth team up for an annual event like no other... and where the supes go, can a certain "five complications and a dog" be far behind? Vought-American prepare to make their move, in a story that will change the world of the Boys forever: Herogasm #1. The first-ever Boys spin-off mini-series features the pairing of Ennis with Hitman artist John McCrea and covers by Boys artist and co-creator Darick Robertson!” [Mature]

“The most eagerly-anticipated series of 2021 gets the FCBD treatment with this ALL-NEW "bonus" issue of the series! Featuring 33 pages of comics produced exclusively for FCBD, from the creator of Hip Hop Family Tree and X-Men: Grand Design, designed as a perfect entry point for new readers and a must-have for those already on board. Aided by the anonymous dark web and nearly untraceable crypto-currency, there has emerged a subculture of criminals who live-stream and patronize webcam murders for entertainment. Who are the murderers? Who are the victims? Who is the audience? How do we stop it? An outlaw, splatterpunk masterpiece, as seen on Piskor's YouTube channel sensation, Cartoonist Kayfabe!” [Mature]

“An award-winning comic and soon to be Netflix anime series! When dusk arrives in the city of Manila, that's when you become the most likely prey of the underworld. Kidnappers and thieves will be the least of your worries. Beware the criminals that can't be bound with handcuffs nor harmed with bullets. Beware the ones that crave your blood, those who hold your heart ransom, and the ones that come to steal your soul. When crime takes a turn for the weird, the police call Alexandra Trese. Featuring a preview from TRESE Vol 2: Unreported Murders, a section on the forthcoming Netflix TRESE anime series launching this summer (including an interview with Director Jay Oliva), bonus pages with w/ background about the monsters of Philippine myth as told by TRESE creators Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo, and a teaser on TRESE Vol 3: Mass Murders, coming this Sept from ABLAZE!” [Mature]

“2000 AD Presents All-Star Judge Dredd is a thrill-powered showcase of the past and shocking present of the iconic lawman of the future! Witness the birth of the world of Judge Dredd in an incendiary preview of upcoming prequel graphic novel Dreadnoughts by Michael Carroll with art by Watchmen's John Higgins. Fan-favourite Judge Hershey travels to the ends of the earth to dispense her own brand of justice in long-anticipated blockbuster spin-off, Hershey: Disease by Rob Williams (Suicide Squad) and Simon Fraser (Doctor Who). Along-side these teases for Fall 2021 epics enjoy a bone-rattling all new stand-alone Dredd caper from elite writer Al Ewing (Immortal Hulk, Marvel's Empyre) and Caspar Wijngaard (Star Wars, Home Sick Pilots)!” [Teen]

“Four titanic tales of pure fun and entertainment for everyone to enjoy! First up. It's no dog and pony show here! Bringing back the iconic puppets from the San Francisco Bay Area "Charlie and Humphrey"!! The modern-day Gumby and Pokey! A true love for al ages featuring a tale by Justin Sane and John Hageman! Next up is "Red Dawn" Written and created by Brandon McKinney, with inks by Bill Anderson and vibrant colors from Ross Hughes!! The government has created the first "controlled" superhero doing the bidding of a shadow operation until things go bad leaving our hero to blame and now on the run. The following story is only exclusive to this FCBD edition. Written by Greg Boucher and illustrated by Victor Moya they bring you "Rock and Roll Biographies: FIGHt" See how a troubled Rob Halford leaves the world biggest heavy metal band to form his own supergroup and take metal back!! Our last preview is written by Mel Smith, illustrated by Frank Cirocco/Alex Sheikman and hand colored by Gerhard! "Becoming Frankenstein" takes down the journey of a troubled Victor Frankenstein as he grieves the loss of his mother while harvesting the body parts of victims to create life again for his monster! Learn the tales of the victims and who they were before they became what becomes Frankenstein's ultimate creation! : This will be the only edition to feature this Rock and Roll Biographies story featuring FIGHT “ [Mature]

Enjoyed your Free Comic Book Day books? Want to read more? Let your friendly neighborhood Comix Connection Counter Monkey know which ones caught your eye, and we’ll be happy to direct you to the next part of the story!

#free comic book day #fcbd #fcbd 2021 #free comic book day 2021 #comixevent #comixmech #comixyork

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clubpassim · 5 years ago

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Women in Folk - Isa Burke

Hi there!

Katie here with another wonderful interview for the ‘Women in Folk’ blog. Today’s interviewee is none other but Isa Burke!

Isa is a founding member of the famed Lula Wiles band. She has been in and around music longer than she can remember. Both of her parents are professional musicians who have been making their way around the New England folk scene for quite some time. Growing up, the hallways of her house were filled with the likes of the Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Ella Fitzgerald, and many other iconic figures in music. A little known fact is that for three years, Isa Burke was a band geek, playing trumpet in her school band and stealing hearts at every pep-rally. However, her love of trumpet just wasn’t enough to continue her on this path, and so when she was 10 years old her parents gave her her first - bright red - electric guitar.

Isa thought that rock music was her calling, because “folk music is for old people.” But when she was 12 her parents convinced her to attend the Maine Fiddle Camp for the first time - where her parents both taught. That was the first place she saw young people playing folk music, and, well, the rest is history.

The following year she decided to pick up the fiddle and attacked it “with the fury of hell”. Most of her fiddle-playing friends were older and had been playing fiddle for much longer than she, so Isa practiced, practiced more, and practiced hard. She got pretty good pretty fast, but her technique still wasn’t where she wanted it to be, so she started taking private lessons in both fiddle and classical.

“One really pivotal thing for me was the Black Bean Cafe in Rollinsford, NH. Every month they had an open mic night geared towards songwriters, and I must have attended every single one from middle school all the way through high school. I made a lot of wonderful friends there, as well as collaborated with a ton of wonderful musicians.”

This, in addition to her many returns to Maine Fiddle Camp, pushed her to apply to Berklee to study violin, which eventually became her reality. Once there, Passim was a frequently visited and locale for her, as well as a favorite venue of hers to perform at. College wasn’t the first time she found herself on Passim’s stage...

“The first time I played at Passim was with my first band ever. It was a duo with my friend Lina, and we were called Isa and Lina. Matt Smith (booking manager for Passim) asked us to play at the Campfire. festival, and we were horrible. We couldn’t get our instruments in tune and Lena had forgotten her tuner at home. It was such a mess. Clearly, I overcame it, though.”

And overcome it she did. Lula Wiles often credits the founding of the band to a particular night at Maine Fiddle Camp where Ellie and Isa sang harmonies together and said they “felt this really special thing when we sang together”. Through Berklee, they got a showcase at the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival and decided they wanted three-part harmony and bass. They asked incoming Berklee freshman and longtime friend Mali if she wanted to play the gig with them, and she quickly became an indispensable member of the group. “We realized we were a band now, and that’s how Lula Wiles happened.”

In addition to her work with Lula Wiles, Isa plays rock guitar in Shawn Trischka’s band Corporate Punk and is producing her first record for Liv Greene, an up and coming singer-songwriter. You can also catch her at Passim’s School of Music where she has taught classes from harmony singing to music theory to our Bluegrass ensemble. Catch her Vocal Harmony Singing Workshop on Monday, July 8th!

The next part of the interview discusses her role as a female in the folk industry.

(*strong language warning*)

[full interview under the cut]

Club Passim: Talk a little about your experiences as a female artist/all-female group in a heavily male-dominated music genre.

Isa Burke: It’s such a double-edged sword. That’s something I always come back to. Being a member of an all-female band vs. just being a female musician are totally different experiences too. I think often times women will start bands with other women because they know they won’t be belittled or talked down to, they know that their bandmates will assume that they generally know what they’re talking about, or they’ll feel comfortable enough to voice something if they don’t know it. This happened all the time at Berklee when I was the only girl in my classes. If I didn’t know something I would be too afraid to ask because I didn’t want all the guys in the room to think, ‘Well of course she doesn’t know this because she’s a woman,’ when in fact a lot of them probably didn’t know what that thing was either.

Being in an all-women band is so amazing. That’s a huge reason why I started playing lead guitar. When Ellie and I played duo, we were playing all of these country songs and I just said, “Wouldn’t it be funny if I took a guitar solo? I don’t really know how to do that’. But then I started doing it, and then I started getting pretty good at it. I think if I had been in a band with men, I wouldn’t have been comfortable trying to do this thing I’m not very good at yet but will get better at. We’re all very supportive of each other in the band.

Biases can come in many different forms. For example, when I was just starting to play electric guitar, my friend asked me to play a gig with them. We were rehearsing and I borrowed my friend’s pedal because I was still new to the electric and didn’t have my own set-up figured out yet. One of the other band members asked me, “Oh, is that your pedalboard?” And I just thought to myself, ‘Motherf*cker, you would never have asked ANOTHER GUY if that was their pedal board, you’re asking me because I’m a girl.’ But it wasn’t my pedal board. I didn’t want him to think that women can’t own sick pedal boards and by the way, I have a sick pedal board now, so I think I just ended up lying and saying that it was mine.

I’ve also noticed real differences in how people talk to me about my fiddle playing vs. my guitar playing. People expect women to take fiddle solos more than guitar solos. Often there’s a tone of surprise when they compliment me on my guitar playing because they’re not expecting it, you know? All of these things are very subtle and most of the time people probably don’t even realize or notice the little biases that they have. I take very seriously the role that I have to be visible to other women and men. I get really psyched when I see a young boy in the audience at a gig and I take a guitar solo because then he’s not going to grow up thinking only men can play the guitar, and maybe if he starts a band he’ll hire a woman guitarist. But of course, inspiring the young gals is my literal favorite thing in life. I feel really lucky that I have a platform to move the needle a little bit and help break down these biases.

CP: Do you notice a difference in how you’re treated by other artists, venues, audiences, and industry professionals before vs. after you play?

IB: Yes, I’ve definitely noticed it more when Lula Wiles was younger. We’d walk in to play a gig and here were three girls in floral-print dresses with our “little band”, but then we get on stage and you see three multi-instrumentalist women doing their thing and playing pretty powerfully. That’s when people usually figure out we know what we’re doing.

I have heard some crazy stories from other people though. For example, a friend of mine was an instructor at a music camp and after she played in the faculty concert one time, one of the other faculty members who was a guy came up to her and her bandmate and said, “At first I thought of you two as sexual objects but now I know you’re also great musicians.” I think he thought he was joking but like, come. On. My blood still boils every time I think about it.

CP: Incredible classical artists such as classical pianist Yuja Wang use their performance attire as a way to express themselves. This provocative style of dress has been viewed as “distracting” from the music. What are your personal thoughts on women using fashion and sex-appeal as a means of bringing in more audience members and assisting in selling their music?

IB: Another one I could talk about all day. It’s so complicated, right? You want to look good and feel good on stage. That is usually my primary goal when I am getting dressed for a show: ‘what will make me feel good and enable me to give the best possible show?’ A lot of times it feels like putting on armor.

As women, it is drilled into our heads that we have to look attractive, that we have to look sexy. It’s really hard to escape that. I never want to fault women for using that phenomenon to their advantage, but I also want the music world to be a hospitable place for women who don’t want to do that, who want to just wear a t-shirt and sneakers on stage and not wear make-up and sound incredible.

I still don’t really know where I come down on that one, to be honest, but I had a really great conversation with my bandmates in the van last week. We were talking about the “whatever choice you choose to make is a feminist choice” brand of feminism, but we had a problem with that. The thing is, all choices can’t be equal choices if some are rewarded by society and certain others are punished.

It’s really important to interrogate your own desires. Ask yourself, ‘am I doing this because it makes me feel more like myself? Or am I doing this because it makes me feel more acceptable to the world?’ Until all traces of patriarchy are gone from the world, which will probably never happen, we won’t ever really know what our true deepest desires are because they are so shaped by the world around us. At the end of the day, it’s important to constantly ask yourself questions, interrogate, and critique.

CP: What do you do in a situation when you feel disrespected by the artists/co-workers you’re surrounded by?

IB: It depends on the situation. If someone is blatantly rude to me I would probably just call them out on it and walk away. But if someone does something a little more subtle or if they show a bias they have, I will try to find a way to poke at that in a friendly way. For example the pedal board guy. I probably would have said something like, “Well, what makes you think this isn’t my pedal board? Why wouldn’t it be?” It’s a hard balance because you do want to stand up for yourself, but you also want to reach them, right? You hopefully want to change someone’s mind a little bit.

Sometimes people will give my bandmate Mali a condescending or patronizing compliment such as, “Oh you sweet girl, you play such nice music! You must have been gifted this talent”, and what I love that she does is she’ll say something like, “Oh well, thank you, but I actually just practiced a ton and worked hard to get good at my instrument.” I think letting people in on the hard work musicians have to put in can shift their perceptions in a subtle way.

CP: In your opinion, how can men be more aware or informed about their women peers and co-workers in the music industry?

IB: First off, I think that it’s really important to examine your own perceptions and try to figure out where you might have a bias, which is not your fault and is the fault of society. Take a mental inventory of the way you regard your male musician friends, versus the way you regard your female musician friends and see if there are any significant differences. Really try to dig into why you think that may be.

The second thing I would say is to make a conscious effort to hire women. Try to stay away from all-dude bands. I think that men instinctively go to other men when starting a band because they’re more visible in this male-dominated industry, but I think with a slight mental adjustment you can find equally qualified women who maybe haven’t been given as many opportunities, even though they deserve the opportunities just as much. That also has the pleasant side effect of increasing visibility for women, and I cannot say enough how important it is for people to see themselves represented. It’s something I focus on a lot.

There’s also a real premium and value placed on being able to “shred” on your instrument and being technically proficient; I saw this at Berklee a lot. I know a lot of women who can seriously shred on their instrument, but this value placed on shredding is so prominent amongst men, and I just don’t think that’s the most important thing about music. A lot of my favorite musicians aren’t that technically proficient but play with such emotion and musicality. I love getting to hear musicians play on their second or third instruments because they can’t fall back on their muscle memory and so they have no choice but to express themselves. Remember what music is all about.

CP: What message do you want to display as a woman in folk music?

IB: Overall, what I want to project into the world is that there is nothing weird about a band of women in floral dresses who have hairy legs and play the shit out of their instruments. Those things can all co-exist very peacefully. I think it is equally important to increase visibility to women and trans/non-binary people in the music industry so that we can eliminate the expectation that only certain genders can do certain things; who can be a producer, who can be a band leader, who can play drums, who can play guitar. I think that it didn’t even occur to me that I could be a producer until I heard about women producers. It didn’t occur to me that I could be a drummer (one of my secret but not-so-secret dreams) until I heard about women drummers.

I want to make people aware we all have certain biases that aren’t our fault. We’re all born into a world that creates those biases in us, but it is our responsibility to dismantle them and un-learn them.

I also want to pass on all the help and opportunities that were given to me when I was first starting out. There were a lot of incredible women that gave us the chance to open for them, as well as some great men like Matt Smith and Matt Glaser who helped us out and guided us, and now that I’m in a position where I can help others out I want to do that because so many people did it for me.

CP: What words of wisdom/encouragement do you have for aspiring women in folk?

IB: Keep an eye out for the sexist bullsh*t, but also give men a chance to surprise you. A lot of them can learn. Plan for the worst, hope for the best. That’s what I try to approach every new situation with. I also think that collaborating with other women will pretty much always give you a huge confidence boost. I think that playing with women will give you a chance to explore parts of your musical identity you haven’t before, which will give you more confidence the next time you’re in a rehearsal and some guy makes a comment assuming you don’t know how to play your instrument.

Our society tries to put women in a box, and I think really trying to see the box as clearly as you can so you know how to break out of it is important. Recognize that women are often working with a confidence deficit, and ‘fake it till you make it’ is honestly one of the best pieces of advice I can give to anyone. Obviously, know your weaknesses, know what you need to work on and work hard at it. Hit the shed and work hard but don’t feel like you have to be totally perfect at everything. There’s a common feeling among women that you have to be twice as good to get half the recognition. But try to say f*ck that. Whenever you can.

Thank you, Isa, for such a thoughtful and eye-opening interview! You have such wonderful and informed opinions. I think we can all learn from this and try to examine our own biases a little more.

When’s the last time you’ve given your judgments a second thought?

Thanks again to Isa, and thank you for reading! Stay tuned for the next installment of the ‘Women in Folk’ blog!

Katie

PC: Louise Bichan

#womeninfolk #club passim #women #feminism #lulawiles #band #boston #folk music #womeninpower #speakup

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giovannicavalcanti-blog · 5 years ago

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THE LIES OF DEMOCRACY

The Oscars 2020 is taking place today at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, California, and among the highly rated, multi-million-dollar Hollywood productions, there is also a number of foreign work competing for the statuette.

One of them being the self-proclaimed "documentary" 'The Edge of Democracy', directed by Brazilian director Petra Costa, in which she narrates her side about the recent political situation in Brazil.

Who is Petra Costa?

Petra Costa is a Brazilian actress and filmmaker. She is daughter of far-left activists who integrated a communist armed guerrilla in the 70s and fought the Brazilian military dictatorship during the time. She is also the granddaughter of Gabriel Donato de Andrade, one of the co-founders of Andrade Gutierrez, one of the country's major construction companies––directly involved in the corruption and bribery scandal revealed by the Car Wash Operation in 2015, leading to the impeachment of President Dilma Rousseff.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-brazil-corruption-andrade/brazils-andrade-gutierrez-to-pay-381-million-fine-to-settle-graft-charges-idUSKBN1OH22U

Her mother is also affiliated to the far-left party PT (Worker's Party).

Petra is flat-out biased. She even states that in the beginning of her film.

In her documentary, however, she is not just simply utilizing her bias to distort reality and depict the facts the way she feels the most convenient for her narrative. She lies repeatedly throughout the film––at least once every 5 sentences. She blatantly distorts the facts so that PT can be perceived as an inoffensive political party who did nothing wrong.

The saddest thing is that she believes every single word of it.

Furthermore, among the cesspool of lies and cynicism, Petra also presents us with dramatic testimonies of her mother about Dilma Rousseff and how she loves the former President. Lula also compares himself to Jesus Christ. Yes.

The whole thing boils down to a documentary produced by a left-wing activist––whose parents are affiliated to the party that she (the author) is trying to persuade us into believing did nothing wrong. It is the PT standpoint on the impeachment process and corruption scandals that brought their party down.

PT is responsible for orchestrating one of the biggest corruption schemes ever seen in politics.

With the insane amount of lies and distortions, I have listed 8 of the most blatant ones so we can keep reality in its place.

1. The dimension of protests in favor of the

impeachment of Dilma Rousseff

The documentary blatantly omits the real dimension of protests against then-President Dilma Rousseff, presenting just a couple of scenes from local demonstrations, as opposed to the humongous protests in favor of her impeachment that took place during the time––thus painting the impeachment process as something unwanted by the majority, which in reality is the utter contrary. In March 13, 2016, a massive protest in Sao Paulo gathered nearly 2 million people––the biggest protest in the history of the country.

To ignore this fact is to ignore history. To omit it is to try to erase history and rewrite your own.

It is undeniably comical the way these protests are depicted in her documentary.

An utter and complete fiction.

2. Lula was unjustly imprisoned

Petra hilariously hurls out key pieces of Lula's process in the Car Wash operation, which resulted in his imprisonment. The documentary affirms that, after 2 years of investigations, the only evidence found was that Lula had 'supposedly' (she actually uses this word, as though it is not factual) received an apartment as kickback payment from the Petrobras corruption scheme––known as Petrolão.

Lula was sentenced to 9 years in prison, in the district court, by then-judge Sergio Moro, for corruption and money laundering. He was accused of receiving a beach apartment as kickback payment from one of the construction companies that benefited from the Petrobras corruption scandal and nearly bankrupted the company––the OAS. Lula appealed the sentence.

His defense's main argument was that Lula was not the owner of the apartment and that he was solely interested in buying the luxurious property.

A highly contradictory argument: the apartment was never put up for sale. According to testimony given by the CEO of OAS, Léo Pinheiro, the apartment in case, a luxurious three-floor property, was never up for sale.

That heavily blows out of the water Lula's main defense that he was only interested in buying the property, which. . . was never put for sale.

The federal police stormed Lula's home and found documents of the apartment registered in his wife's name.

The police also obtained security footage of the building, which shows Lula and his wife visiting the apartment on multiple occasions, as well as pictures of the two in the property.

It is a 200-page report detailing the crime with exculpatory evidence Lula is guilty and his pivotal intention was to hide the property but utilize it as the real owner.

Lula appealed the sentence, but was found guilty again in the appellate court.

Lula was also sentenced in a second case, accused of receiving a ranch house as kickback payment––from the same company––, in which he was sentenced to 12 years in prison, appealed, and then had his sentence raised by the appellate court: 17 years in prison.

He is also a defendant in 6 other cases.

3. Mensalão Scandal

Petra downplays the importance of the Mensalao Scandal––dirty money paid to legislators in order to get them to vote and approve bills put forward by Lula's government. The fact is that then-President Lula, PT party and his Chief of Staff, José Dirceu, extorted House representatives so that Lula would get his projects and bills passed in Congress.

PT congressman José Guimarães's assistant was caught on camera filling up his underwear with money––$200 thousand dollars––and was later arrested trying to scape with the money he had received from the scheme.

The scandal resulted in 24 people convicted and sent to prison. Among them, here are the ones with direct ties to Lula:

José Dirceu (Lula's former Chief of Staff)

José Genoino (former president of PT)

Delubio Soares (former treasurer of PT)

4. Economic crisis

For some reason, Petra thought it would be a smooth idea to omit the fact that the economic crisis she mentions in the documentary was, solely, of PT's responsibility–– which ran the country for 14 years with both Lula and Dilma.

She maliciously downplays the significance of the economic situation and does not bother to explain, of course, the actual dimension of the crisis caused by years of PT in power–– the worse economic crisis in the history of the country, leading to an estimate of 15 million people without jobs.

5. Lula was leading the polls in 2018

In 2018, Lula was indeed leading the polls for the presidential election. However, the documentary completely omits the fact that Lula was also the most rejected candidate out of the bunch.

His rejection, according to polls, was 55,8% as of March 2018, precisely 8 months before the election. It was nearly identical as that of then-canditate Jair Bolsonaro.

6. Jair Bolsonaro's stabbing

Jair Bolsonaro, then presidential candidate, was stabbed in the stomach during one of his rallies in the city of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, precisely one month before election day.

Petra maliciously ignores this fact while describing the circumstances in which the 2018 elections happened.

The documentary, which narrates the polarization and waning of democracy, completely leaves out an actual assassination attempt suffered by one of the main candidates during the election process.

7. Leaked audio between Lula and Dilma

Rousseff

The documentary blatantly tries to undermine the actual content of a leaked audio executed by then-judge Sergio Moro, where Lula (while having his phone tapped by authorities) receives a call from Dilma Rousseff, then President, in which Dilma offers Lula the position of Chief of Staff (a ministry) in her government. All of this happened while Lula was being investigated in the Car Wash operation. The position would have given Lula parliamentary immunity, thus blocking him from any possible investigations and putting an end to the one already at place.

Sergio Moro saw this as a blatant attempt to obstruct justice. Then, lawfully, he allowed the content of the audio to become public.

There was absolutely nothing even remotely ilegal in making the audio public, other than the audio itself.

Petra also falsely states that Sergio Moro was tapping Dilma Rousseff's phone, which is a bizarre lie. Moro had legal authority to tap Lula's phone––the one actually being investigated. Dilma, then, called Lula and was the second player in the story.

8. Sergio Moro removed Lula from the

presidential election

That is insanely false.

Sergio Moro was a district-court judge in the state of Curitiba, south of Brazil. He was the judge in charge of the Car Wash operation––which sentenced 155 of the most powerful people in the country, including politicians, entrepreneurs, etc. Furthermore, Lula, then-House speaker Eduardo Cunha (who led the impeachment of Dilma Rousseff), and many other politicians were put in prison by the operation, as the country witnessed white collar criminals going to jail for the first time.

Moro sentenced Lula in only one case: the beach apartment. He was found guilty and sentenced to to 9 years in prison, in September of 2017.

Sergio Moro's sentence did not imprison Lula or removed his political rights.

The sentence in the district court of Curitiba did not put Lula in jail, neither did it remove his political rights, as Lula appealed the sentence and waited for the ruling from the appellate court out of prison.

In January, 2018, the appellate court convicted Lula in the apartment case, increasing his sentence from 9 to 12 years in prison. Lula was then sent to prison, as the only court he could appeal to was the STJ (Superior Tribunal of Justice).

According to the Lei da Ficha Limpa or Supplementary Law no. 135 of 2010, one's political right has to be revoked immediately upon conviction in the appellate court.

Lula was also found guilty in the Superior Tribunal of Justice - STJ.

That is the last court Lula could have appealed to, except for constitutional issues that shall be brought to the Supreme Court.

Thus, Lula was found guilty in every level of the Judiciary system.

Petra blatantly dismisses all of these facts and propels the narrative that Moro actually blocked Lula from running for president: a comical delusion perpetuated by the far-left in Brazil. It also so happens to be a perfect regurgitation of the exact narrative ran by Lula himself and the PT party.

As fiction, the movie successfully stay on theme: it perfectly distorces every fact there is, allowing the viewer to be subjected to a complete alternate reality, in which PT and Lula are perceived as the saviors of Democracy, who suffered a coup perpetrated by evil white oligarchs and bankers who run the countries market––the same ones PT benefited the most while in power.

A sad truth.

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naijawapaz1 · 5 years ago

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Robin Quivers is the Highest Earner on The Howard Stern Show after Stern

Born Name Robin Ophelia Quivers Parents Lula Louise Quivers

Last Updated on September 15, 2019

Imagine being an integral part of somebody’s success but not getting the recognition you deserve for years and still doing it. That’s Robin Quivers.

Robin is the co-host of The Howard Stern Show. She has played an integral part in the show’s success since the early days; however, still remains…

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torusmistress · 8 months ago

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Co-Parent Series Part 3 SNIPPET!!

part one!

apparently your parents biggest fear was their daughter being known as some cheap skank. after the photos surfaced of you and eijirou, your mom and dad came to the conclusion that it would be better for your family's image if you two just came out as a couple. yet behind the scenes you two were barely friends with benefits. his PR team agreed as it’d be good publicity for both parties. you were swore to secrecy as it would be problematic if the public found out.

the public pertained to katsuki as well. he and eijirou weren't exactly that close at the moment. (raya being at fault for that) so katsuki was under the impression that his best friend and his baby momma were together. it ate at him in a way. how did this happen? he knew you and kirishima still talked but he wasn't aware it was in a romantic way.

#lulas co parent #katsuki bakugou #katsuki x reader #bakugou x reader #lulawrites #katsuki bakugou x reader

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warriorsouljah-blog · 6 years ago

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#BlackHistory Richard Bowie Spikes (10/02/1878- 01/22/1963) Hometown: #Dallas #Texas #USA An Inventor, registered multiple parents, barber, entrepreneur, schoolteacher, and a musician Richard Spikes patented or developed the following inventions: •U.S. Patent 928,813, Beer Tapper (1908) •U.S. Patent 972,277, Billiard Cue Rack (1910) U.S. Patent 1,362,197, U.S. Patent 1,362,198 Continuous contact trolley pole (1919) •U.S. Patent 1,441,383 Brake Testing Machine (1923) •U.S. Patent 1,461,988 Pantograph (1923) •U.S. Patent 1,590,557 Combination Milk Bottle Opener and Cover (1926) •U.S. Patent 1,828,753 Methods and Apparatus of Obtaining Average Samples and Temperature of Tank Liquids (1932) •U.S. Patent 1,889,814 Modifications to the automatic gear shift (1932) •U.S. Patent 1,936,996��Transmission and shifting thereof (1933) •U.S. Patent 2,517,936 Horizontally Swinging Barber's Chair (1950) •U.S. Patent 3,015,522 Automatic Safety Brake System (1962) Spikes was a very capable musician (piano and violin,) but Richard Spikes also learned to cut hair in his father's barber shop, and then became a public school teacher in #Beaumont, Texas. On October 8, 1900, he married Lula Belle Charlton (1880-1970), daughter of Charles Napoleon Charlton, an ex-slave who co-founded the first public schools for African Americans in the city of Beaumont. Richard and Lula would have one son, Richard Don Quixote Spikes (1902-1989.) #ushistory #us #America #Arizona #California #Inventor #Barber #Teacher #Beer #Cars #pool #billiards #Bottle #Temp #gear #gearshift #transmission #modification (at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia) https://www.instagram.com/p/BuPNvpRnTr0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1ultm8882hd6f

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the-record-obituaries · 6 years ago

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Jan. 30, 2019: Obituaries

Etta Harrold, 84

Etta Sue Harrold, age 84, of Hays, passed away Sunday at her home. She was born December 31, 1934 in Wise County, Virginia to Dewey B. and Rachel Chandler Durham. Mrs. Harrold attended Round Mtn. Baptist Church as long as she was well. She was a dedicated N.C. State fan and loved her grandchildren and being with them. Mrs. Harrold was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William "Rex" Harrold; son, Michael Harrold; and sisters, Lula Coomer and Virginia Heard.

Surviving are her daughter, Sherry Shumate and husband Roy of Millers Creek; son, Eric Harrold of Hays; grandchildren, David Johnson and wife Christina of North Wilkesboro, Matthew Harrold and wife Sarah of Statesville, Mikey Harrold and April Wagoner both of North Wilkesboro; brother, Carl Durham of Kingsport, Tennessee; sisters, Clara Tucker of Big Stone Gap, Virginia, Geraldine Houck of Troy, Michigan, Dorene Melson of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee; eight great grandchildren; and one great great grandchild.

Graveside service was January 29, at Mountlawn Memorial Park with Rev. Roger Jennings officiating. Flowers will be accepted. Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Raymond Marlow, 58

Mr. Raymond Marlow, age 58, of North Wilkesboro, received his eternal healing on January 26, 2019 after a valiantly fought battle against cancer. Raymond was born to Robert "Frank" and Margie Treadaway Marlow on October 3, 1960 in Savannah, GA.

Raymond was saved at age 20 at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church of Wilkesboro, where he later served as a Sunday School teacher and sang tenor in the choir for many years. Later in life, he became a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Hays where he served as a deacon for almost 12 years, and also thoroughly enjoyed serving in the Bus Ministry as a route driver. He had several riders who rode his bus while he was able to drive, including Evelyn and Jennifer who rode the entirety of the years he drove! Raymond loved animals, working hard, and serving others. His hobbies and interests included collecting coins, guns, enjoying his grandkids, and Tarheel basketball. In his own words, Raymond "wasn't perfect, and never claimed to be. Just a sinner saved by grace". He was always grateful for the blessing of his family and many friends and asked a special "thank you" be given to Jeff Shealy, who was more than just a financial advisor, but a friend for almost 20 years.

Surviving are his wife of 37 years, Wanda Absher Marlow; sons Devin Marlow and wife Jennifer of Wilkesboro, Ryan Marlow and wife Megan of Wilkesboro; mother Margie Marlow of Moravian Falls; sisters Kathy Marlow of Moravian Falls, Debbie Elliott and husband Danny of Hiddenite, NC; grandchildren Guenevere Marlow, Gabriel Marlow, and Levi Marlow; nephews Reggie Elledge, Barry Elledge, David Elliott, and Doug Elliott; niece Donita Stoehr; great nephews Jason Elliott, Noah Elliott, William Elliott, Luke Stoehr; great nieces Samantha Elliott, Hannah Stoehr, Maggie Stoehr.

Preceding Raymond in death were his father, Robert "Frank" Marlow, and his sister, Corina Marlow.

Pall-bearers will be deacons of Bethel Baptist Church. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 2nd at Bethel Baptist Church of Hays. Pastor Donnie Shumate will be officiating, along with Pastor Ryan Marlow and Devin Marlow. Burial will be in the Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, February 1st at Bethel Baptist Church. Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Bethel Baptist Church, P.O. Box 679, Hays, NC 28635 or the SECU Hospice House of Yadkin, 943 North Lee Avenue, Yadkinville, NC 27055.

Sophia Ward, 73

Sophia Janette Ward, age 73, of Millers Creek, passed away Saturday, January 26, 2019 at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. She was born March 3, 1945 in Ashe County to Manley and Hassie Blevins Stamper. Sophia worked 20 years at Wilkes Glove before becoming disabled. She was a member of Old Fashion Baptist Church. Mrs. Ward loved to spend time with her family and always took care of everyone. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Ernest and Lee Stamper; and great granddaughter, Abigail Paige Anderson.

Surviving are her husband, Gwyn L. Ward; son, Billy Denny of Lenoir; daughter, Shirley Anderson and husband Benny of Millers Creek; grandchildren, Eric Anderson and wife Cristina of Millers Creek, Chasity Denny, Autumn Walker and husband Andrew all of Lenoir, Lindsey Combs of Raleigh; step-son, Jerome Ward and wife Aletha of Hudson, step-daughters, Crystal Powell and husband James of Gamewell, Pennie Starnes of Hickory; great grandchildren, Abby, Gabe, Thad, Liam, Zach, Haleeh, Bethany and Trinity; sisters, Maxine Harrington of Tazewell, Virginia, Fran Franklin of Perry, Florida, Beatrice Miller of Creston, Wilma Blevins and husband Larry of Taylorsville, Sarah Lutts and husband Al of Delaware, Linda Norris of Millers Creek; and brothers, Willie Stamper of Newport, Virginia, Byrl Stamper of Whitetop.

Funeral service was January 29, at Miller Funeral Chapel with Pastor Jacob Winters and Pastor Jim Belcher officiating. Burial followed in Scenic Memorial Gardens. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the March of Dimes, Donation Processing Center, PO Box 673667, Marietta, Georgia 30006. Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements. Pallbearers were Adam Ravelin, Jerry Blevins, Jerome Ward, Ronnie Miller, Steve Blevins and Randy Miller.

Jean Potts

Jean Perry Potts, beloved wife, mother, sister and friend was surrounded by her family as she went to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 26, 2019.

She is survived by her husband; Robert Grayson (RG) Potts, daughter; Shelby Johnson Wright of (Mechanicsville, VA), three sisters; Patsy Barrow (Gerald) (Sylvania, GA), Carolyn Perry (Richmond, VA), and Peggy Ikall (Joe) of (Chocowinity, NC).

Jean was born in Beaufort County on April 16, 1939. Over the years she worked for many companies as a bookkeeper, secretary, etc. but may be best remembered as the co-owner and operator of Big John's Sporting Goods. Wherever Jean worked or came in contact with people, she was open to being a caring listener and loving friend. Jean loved her Lord and her church family. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church where she sang in the choir for as long as she physically could.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 PM Wednesday evening at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Thursday, January 31, 2019 at Calvary Baptist Church with Rev. Mark Hall and Rev. Jamie McGuire officiating. Jean will be placed in the sanctuary at 1:30 PM. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the charity of the Donor's Choice.

Roger Lambey, 83

Mr. Roger Holt Lambey, age 83, husband of Nancy Nelson Lambey passed away Saturday, January 26, 2019 at his home.

Funeral services were January 28, at Arbor Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Elliott Smith officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Mr. Lambey was born December 23, 1935 in Ivydale West Virginia to Varies and Rhoda Rogers Lambey. He graduated from Clay County High School in 1953, attended Glenville State College from 1953-1954. He worked for B&O Railroad and taught school at Adair. He moved to Cleveland, OH in 1955. He built 1955-1958 Chevrolets. Mr. Lambey moved to Florida in 1958 and worked for RCA Missile Test Project, helping put the first satellite in orbit and the 1st man on the moon. He also worked for Lowe's Companies and Louisiana Pacific. He was a member of Arbor Grove Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a grandson; Matthew Lambey and a brother; Edgar Lambey.

He is survived by his wife; Nancy Nelson Lambey who he married in 1955, two daughters; Lisa Parker and husband Mike of Hays, Kathy Higley and husband Mike of Palm Bay, FL, two sons; Tom Lambey and wife Janice of Wilkesboro and Ted Lambey and wife Margie of North Wilkesboro, nine grandchildren; Amanda Kilby and husband David, Hannah Lambey, Leah Lambey, Emily Brown and husband Joey, April Minton and husband Tyler, Paul Hill and wife Ashley, Michael Higley and wife Ashley, James Higley, Michele Going and husband Kyle, ten great grandchildren; Sophia Hill, Cameron Hill, Cadie Kilby, Colton Kilby, Nessie Higley, William Higley, Caleb Breden, Josh Breden, Aiden Going and Charlotte Going.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Wake Forest Care At-Home Hospice, 126 Executive Drive, Suite 110, Wilkesboro, NC 28697 or Arbor Grove Baptist Church, 196 Arbor Grove Baptist Church Road, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659.

Yvonne Gehring, 90

Yvonne Virginia Gehring, age 90, of Wilkesboro, passed away Friday, January 25, 2019 at her home. She was born September 18, 1928. Miss Gehring was a member of St. John Catholic Church and participated in "Seniors of Stage" and creative writers' groups . She had been employed as a teacher for the Foreign Service Department and worked in several countries.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 1, 2019 at St. John Catholic Church with Rev. John Hanic officiating. Burial will follow in St. John Catholic Church Cemetery. Miss Gehring will lie in state at St. John Catholic Church from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. on Friday, prior to the service. Flowers will be accepted. Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Joseph Shumate, 22

Joseph Tyler Shumate, age 22, of North Wilkesboro, passed away Thursday, January 24, 2019 at his home. He was born January 17, 1997 in Wilkes County to Joey Keith and Teresa Ann Brown Shumate. Mr. Shumate attended Bethel Community Baptist Church on Vannoy Road. He was a 2015 graduate from East Wilkes High School, where he was the Lightest Regional Heavyweight Champion in Wilkes County, also placed 4th in the State Wrestling Tournament. He loved sports and played all sports. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding four wheelers, nature and a big outdoorsman. He loved his children and his family. Mr. Shumate was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Peggy Jo Anderson Gryder; great grandparents, Prudie Ethel Bell, Estel Boyd Bell, Ethel Yvonne Brown and Spencer Monroe Brown.

Surviving are his parents, Joey and Teresa Shumate; daughter, Aubree Grace Shumate; sons, Jaxxon Lee Shumate, Joziah Tyler Shumate; his fiancée, Brittany Tillman; grandparents, James and Pauline Watts, Tommy and Darlene Brown; grandfathers, Roger Shumate, Willard Gryder; brothers, Mayson Shumate, Jarred Shumate; best friends, Dylan Foster and Chelsea Caudill, Nathaniel Tutterow; several aunts, uncles, cousins, and other love ones.

Memorial service will be held 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 30, 2019 at Miller Funeral Chapel with Rev. Richard Cox and Rev. Graylin Carlton officiating. The family will receive friends at Miller Funeral Service from 5:00 until 7:00 on Wednesday, prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to his children, 3375 Speedway Road, North Wilkesboro, Nc 28659. Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Annie Vannoy, 101

Annie Pardue Vannoy, age 101, of Clemmons, formerly of C Street, North Wilkesboro, passed away Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at Clemmons Village. She was born January 12, 1918 in Wilkes County to Wilson and Fannie Pardue. Annie was retired from Thalhimer's Dept. Store and a longtime member of Beck's Baptist Church in Winston Salem. Mrs. Vannoy was preceded in death by her parents; husband, R. Wrenn Vannoy; a granddaughter, Laura Vannoy and six siblings.

Mrs. Vannoy is survived by her sons, Gary Vannoy and wife Sheila of Millers Creek, Mike Vannoy and wife Lauren of Clemmons; grandchildren, Jay Vannoy and wife Beth of Wilkesboro, Mark Vannoy and wife Brandy of Raleigh, Merrill Shaw and Josh of Winston Salem; great grandchildren, Matthew, Jack, Londyn, Tate and Alec.

Funeral service was January 28, at Miller Funeral Chapel with Rev. Tom Vannoy officiating. Burial was in Mountlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Clemmons Village 2 Activity Dept., 6441 Holder Road, Clemmons, NC or to Trellis Supportive Care (Davie Co), 377 Hospital Street, Suite 103, Mocksville, NC.

Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

Clint Pike, 77

Clint O. Pike, age 77, of McGrady, passed away Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at Winston Salem Nursing & Rehab Center. He was born May 3, 1941 in Wilkes County to Thomas Franklin and Ethel Mayonie Pike. Mr. Pike was preceded in death by his parents.

Surviving are his wife, Eva Hester Pike; step-sons, Willie Lane of North Wilkesboro, Howard Lane of Lenoir; step-daughters, Wanda Wagoner of Lenoir, Bonnie Snyder of Roaring River; brothers, James A. "Jim" Pike of Bessemer City, Castor L. Pike of Wilkesboro; sisters, Becky A. Wagoner of Sparta, Ennis Pike of Sparta, Carrie Wagoner of Hays, Linda Wagoner of Wilkesboro.

Funeral service was January 28, at Union Chapel Baptist Church with Rev. John Taylor officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Flowers will be accepted. Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

A.C. Yale, Jr. 89

Mr. A.C. Yale, Jr. age 89 of Hays, passed away Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at Forsyth Medical Center.

Funeral services were January 26, at Reins Sturdivant Chapel with Rev. Glenn Dancy, III and Rev. Jesse Whitley officiating. Burial was in Maple Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

Mr. Yale was born December 13, 1929 to A.C. Yale, Sr. and Fonzy Byrd Yale. He served in the Army National Guard of North Carolina as a Sargent Major and was retired from the North Carolina National Guard where he served as a Unit Administrator. Mr. Yale was a member of Maple Grove Baptist Church, a charter member of Mountain View Fire Department and served on the Board of Directors at Garden Creek Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife; Lillian Ruth Cleary Yale, four sisters; Ruth Huie, Grace Walker, Doris Dancy and Lula Whitley and four brothers; EC Yale, Judd Yale, Thea Yale and Earl Yale.

He is survived by two sons; Tommy A. Yale and wife Janet of Hays, Rickey Yale and wife Patricia of Hays, a sister; Jessie Barton of Mulberry, Florida, two grandchildren; Tommy Yale, Jr. of Canton, NC and Justin Yale of Traphill and three great grandchildren; Maggie Mazza, Trea Yale and Ilex Yale all of Canton, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Maple Grove Baptist Church Cemetery Fund PO Box 103 Hays, NC 28635 or Garden Creek Baptist Church 446 Traphill Estates Road Traphill, NC 28685.

Online condolences may be made at www.reinssturdivant.com

Betty Jo Seymore Davis, age 81

Betty Jo Seymore Davis, age 81, of North Wilkesboro, passed away Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at Westwood Hills Nursing and Rehab Center. She was born April 23, 1937 in Smyth County, Virginia to Herbert and Betty Cox Seymore. Betty was a member of Cherry Grove Baptist Church in the Brushy Mtn. Community. Mrs. Davis was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Charles Seymore, Bill Seymore, Robert Seymore; sister, Sue Ferguson.

Surviving are her daughters, Debbie Denny and husband Ray of McGrady, Juanita Wyatt and husband Larry of North Wilkesboro, Sheria Prevette and husband Jeff of Elkin, Alma Fortner of Wilkesboro; grandchildren, Steven Denny and wife Missy of Hays, Amanda Fortner of Wilkesboro, Tasha Benge and fiancé Shawn Williams of North Wilkesboro; great grandchildren, Stephanie Crouse and husband Brandon, Jacob Denny and wife Katie, Samantha Hodge and husband Matthew all of McGrady, Hannah Colbert, James Colbert, Lesley Benge and Tyler Benge all of North Wilkesboro; great great grandchildren, Cameron Crouse and Elaine Denny; brothers, Johnny Seymore and wife Rachel of Tennessee, Tommy Seymore and wife Beth of Jefferson; sister, Ruby Friesland of Laurel Springs; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 26, 2019 at Cherry Grove Baptist Church in the Brushy Mtn. Community. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at Cherry Grove Baptist Church from 1:00 until 2:00 on Saturday, prior to the service. Flowers will be accepted. Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be made to www.millerfuneralservice.com

Phyllis Marie Adams Osborne, age 78

Mrs. Phyllis Marie Adams Osborne, age 78 of North Wilkesboro, passed away Monday, January 21, 2019 at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM, Friday, January 25, 2019 at Fairplains Baptist Church with Rev. David Dyer officiating. Entombment will be in Mountlawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 1:45 prior to the service at the church.

Mrs. Osborne was born January 12, 1941 in Wilkes County to Turner Roosevelt Adams and Claudine Alma Church Adams. She was retired from Lowes Companies as a Supervisor in the Accounting Department. Mrs. Osborne was a member of Fairplains Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband; Howard Ray Osborne.

Mrs. Osborne is survived by a daughter; Leslie Cheek and husband Marty of Elkin, three grandchildren; Garvey Cheek, McKinley Cheek and Lilly Cheek of Elkin, four sisters; Lee Wiles and husband Jerry of Wilkesboro, Janice Parks and husband Grover of Kernersville, Loretta Miller of Raleigh and Sandra Byrd and husband Keith of Winston Salem and a brother; David Adams and wife Kay of Wilkesboro.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wilkes Inclusive Play Park c/o Fairplains Baptist Church 141 Fairplains Church Street, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659.

Online condolences may be made at www.reinssturdivant.com

Gary Michael Sebastian, 73

Gary Michael Sebastian, 73, of North Wilkesboro passed away on Monday January 21st, 2019 after an extended illness. He was a beloved husband and father and his children where the most important thing in his life. They will miss him dearly. He was employed by Lowes of Mocksville and took a great deal of pride in his work.

Mr. Sebastian was born August 16, 1945 in Johnston County, North Carolina to Samuel Elihue and Hettie Davis Woodall Sebastian who preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife, Loretta Sebastian, of Clemmons, and two children: daughter Caroline G. Sebastian and husband Clint Simonson of Minneapolis, Minnesota and son Benjamin Sebastian of Seattle, Washington; and a brother Samuel E. Sebastian of North Wilkesboro and Fur Babies; Frankie, Jubilee and Apollo.

Services will be held on 12:00 Noon, Friday, January 25, 2019 at Reins Sturdivant Funeral Home Chapel in North Wilkesboro with Pastor Randy Johnson officiating. Burial will be held at Mountlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11:00 until 12:00 prior to the service at Reins Sturdivant Funeral Home.

Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made in his honor to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation at https://www.bafound.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/donate/.

Online condolences may be made at www.reinssturdivant.com.

Mark Gwayne Kilby, age 53

Mr. Mark Gwayne Kilby, age 53 of Wilkesboro, passed away Monday, January 21, 2019 at Wake Forest Baptist-Wilkes Medical Center.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, January 24, 2019 at Reins Sturdivant Chapel with Rev. Brady Hayworth officiating. Burial will be in Ole Garden Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 at Reins Sturdivant Funeral Home.

Mr. Kilby was born February 24, 1965 in Wilkes County to Gwyn Franklin Kilby and Maggie Ann Roberts Kilby. He was the owner of Mark Kilby Trucking Company. He loved to drive a truck. Mr. Kilby was a member of Parkway Garden Baptist Church. Mark was a wonderful loving husband and Paw.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Mr. Kilby is survived by his wife; Sandra Kaye Killen Kilby of the home, his mother; Maggie Ann Roberts Kilby of Purlear, a daughter; Jessica Simmons and husband Justin of Thurmond, two grandchildren; Kaylee Simmons and Mason Simmons of Thurmond, two nephews; David Lowe and Phillip Lowe, a niece; Kristen Lowe, a sister; Shelby Goodwin and husband Steve of Conway, SC and two fur babies; Tank and Daisy.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Ebenezer Christian Children's Home PO Box 2777 North Wilkesboro, NC 28659.

Online condolences may be made at www.reinssturdivant.com

Donna Lynn Spencer, age 63

Donna Lynn Spencer, age 63, of Millers Creek, passed away Monday, January 21, 2019 at her home. She was born October 11, 1955 in Wilkes County to Clayton Avery "Bob" Minton and Correna Minton Shepherd. Donna was a member of Bible Way Baptist Church in the Brushy Mtn. Community. She was preceded in death by her father.

She is survived by her husband, Donald "Donnie" Spencer; daughter, Kimberly Anderson and husband Robbie of Millers Creek; son, Andy Spencer and wife Heather of Wilkesboro; mother, Correna Minton Shepherd; grandchildren, Kirsten Miles and Meghan Miles of Sparta, Elysabeth Miles of Millers Creek, Alexis Spencer and Isiac Spencer both of Wilkesboro; step-granddaughters, Lauren Richardson of Millers Creek, Lacey Harris and husband Lane of North Wilkesboro; and brothers, Steve Minton and wife Linda of Moravian Falls, Clay Minton and wife Melissa of Wilkesboro.

Funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 25, 2019 at Bible Way Baptist Church with Rev. Paul Siceloff officiating. Burial will follow in the Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Bible Way Baptist Church from 12:00 until 1:00 on Friday, prior to the service. Flowers will be accepted. Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be made to www.millerfuneralservice.com

Julia Jane Staley, age 88

Julia Jane Staley, age 88, of Millers Creek, died Sunday, January 20, 2019, at Brian Center in Statesville. She was born October 22, 1930. Funeral will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 25, 2018, at Miller Funeral Chapel.

Anna "Jean" Pearson, age 71, of Ronda, one of the sweetest people to walk the earth, passed away Sunday, January 20, 2019 at Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital. She was born June 20, 1947 in Buncombe County to Delbert James and Sarah Brooks Redmon. Jean was devoted to her church. She enjoyed flower gardening, teaching exercise class in Ronda, the beach and helping friends and family.

Surviving are her husband, Michael "Mike" Pearson; sons, Ronald Tinnin and wife Michele of Wilkesboro, Rodney Tinnin of North Wilkesboro; grandchildren, Meredith Tinnin and Kyle Tinnin both of Wilkesboro; step son, Wayne Dale of Taylorsville; step-daughter, Marsha Griffin of Wilkesboro; sisters, Judy Parker and husband Tom, Anita Hendren all of Wilkesboro; brothers, Ray Redmon and wife Peggy of Hays, James "JE" Redmon and wife Scarlet of North Wilkesboro.

Memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 27, 2019 at Little Elkin Baptist Church with Rev. Seth Siceloff and Rev. Gwyn Anderson officiating. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Little Elkin Baptist Church, 1161 Little Elkin Church Road, Ronda, NC 28670.

Doris Elaine Bare, age 77

Doris Elaine Bare, age 77, of Elkin, passed away Saturday, January 19, 2019 at Chatham Nursing Center. She was born October 12, 1941 in Locust, N.C. Ms. Bare was preceded in death by a brother, Junior Simpson and three daughters, Tammy Mastin, Janet Spark, Catherine Griffith.

Surviving are her son, Ricky C. Bare and wife Teresa of Hays; daughters, Samantha E. Branaman and husband Ken of Bloomington, Indiana, Lori Mastin and husband Keith of Ronda; and sister, Elaine Simpson of Locust, N.C.; grandchildren, Gage Branaman, Jesse Walker, Jonathan Walker, Cory Walker, Kayla Mastin, Matthew Mastin, Joshua Johnson, Lauren Johnson, Dustin Bare, Anthony Stone, Bobby Sprinkle, Shannon Arthur, Brent Couch, Megan Eggers; and thirteen great grandchildren.

Memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 26, 2019 at Miller Funeral Chapel. Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be made to www.millerfuneralservice.com

Elahna Leigh Adams, 42

Ms. Elahna Leigh Adams, 42, of Wilkesboro returned to her heavenly home on the morning of Friday, January 18, 2019.

Elahna was born on September 13, 1976 to Kathryn Faith Ledford (Baldwin) and William Howard "Buster" Adams.

She attended West Wilkes High School and graduated in 1994. She gave birth to her first daughter in 1995 and her second daughter in 2000.

Ms. Adams was a member of the Church of Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Ms. Adams is preceded in death by her parents.

Surviving are her daughters, Abigail Faith Harrold of Mocksville and Kassidee Alexis Kidrick of the home; sisters, Elicia Adams Brown of North Wilkesboro, Kathleen Ledford Nicholson of Denver, North Carolina; niece and nephew, Alexandra "Nicole" and Zachary "Kaleb" Brown of North Wilkesboro.

She was a woman of golden and immense heart and she touched the hearts and lives of anyone she met with her kindness and compassion. She will be deeply and sorely missed.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to J.D.R.F 26 Broadway, 14th Floor New York, NY 10004

Condolences may be sent to: www.adamsfunerals.com

Adams Funeral Home of Wilkes has the honor of serving the Adams Family.

Donald Lee Jones, age 57

Donald Lee Jones, age 57, of Wilkesboro, passed away Saturday, January 19, 2019 at his home. He was born October 1, 1961 in Alamance County to J.D. and Mildred Irene Higgins Jones. Donald attended St. Paul's Episcopal Church and was employed with Craft Master Furniture. He was preceded in death by his father; and a brother, Dennis Wayne Jones.

Surviving are his mother, Mildred Jones of North Wilkesboro; brothers, David Jones and wife Hilda of Byron, Georgia, Douglas Jones of Wilkesboro; and sister, Denise Jones of North Wilkesboro.

Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 26, 2019 at Miller Funeral Chapel with Rev. Robert Duncan officiating. Burial will follow in Scenic Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at Miller Funeral Service from 1:00 until 2:00 on Saturday, prior to the service. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to St. Paul's Episcopal Crisis Ministries, PO Box 95, Wilkesboro, NC 28697. Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be made to www.millerfuneralservice.com

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lboogie1906 · 2 years ago

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Lula Vashti Turley Murphy (February 1884 – March 17, 1960) was an educator and community leader, and one of the founding members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She was born February 1884 in DC, the daughter of Hamilcar Turley and Ida H. Francis Turley. Her father was a clerk in the Pension Bureau and a church choirmaster. Both of her parents died when she was a girl, and her older siblings both died while she was in high school. She graduated from the M Street School and trained as a teacher at the Miner Normal School. She graduated from Howard University in the class of 1914. She taught school and traveled. She was a founder of the Baltimore alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta. In 1932 she and Vivian Johnson Cook co-founded the Philomathian Club, an African American women's study group. In the 1950s, she encouraged all Delta alumnae to vote and join the NAACP. In 1957, she was honored as Mother of the Year by the Baltimore alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta. She was a member of the board of directors of the Baltimore YWCA, president of the St. James Episcopal Church Women's Auxiliary, a member of the wives' club of Alpha Phi Alpha, and active at Morgan State College. She was the first president of the Women's Auxiliary of Crownsville State Hospital. She was president of the PTA at Public School #103. In 1916, she married her Howard University German instructor Carl J. Murphy. He was known as a newspaper publisher. They had five daughters: Martha Elizabeth (1917–1998), Ida Ann (1918-1996), Carlita (1921 - 2006) and Vashti (1921 - 1981), and Frances (1922–2007). Her eldest daughter Elizabeth Murphy Moss was a journalist, war correspondent, columnist, and editor. Her granddaughter and namesake Vashti Murphy McKenzie is a bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and National Chaplain of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence #deltasigmatheta #womenhistorymonth https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp45-fkLuML/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#103 #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence #deltasigmatheta #womenhistorymonth

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czhang11ubio-blog · 6 years ago

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CRISPR bombshell: Chinese researcher claims to have created gene-edited twins

Genetic and genomic research can have social and environmental implications.HONG KONG, CHINA—On the eve of an international summit here on genome editing, a Chinese researcher has shocked many by claiming to have altered the genomes of twin baby girls born this month in a way that will pass the modification on to future generations. The alteration is intended to make the children’s cells resistant to infection by HIV, says the scientist, He Jiankui of the Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen, China.

The claim—yet to be reported in a scientific paper—initiated a firestorm of criticism today, with some scientists and bioethicists calling the work “premature,” “ethically problematic,” and even “monstrous.” The Chinese Society for Cell Biology issued a statement calling the research “a serious violation of the Chinese government’s laws and regulations and the consensus of the Chinese scientific community.” And He’s university issued a statement saying it has launched an investigation into the research, which it says may “seriously violate academic ethics and academic norms.”

Other scientists, meanwhile, asked to see details of the experiment and its justification before passing judgment.

He told The Associated Press (AP) that he altered embryos for seven couples during fertility treatments, with one pregnancy resulting thus far. In each case, the father was infected with HIV; the mothers were HIV-negative. He’s goal was to introduce a rare, natural genetic variation that makes it more difficult for HIV to infect its favorite target, white blood cells. Specifically, He deleted a region of a receptor on the surface of white blood cells known as CCR5 using the revolutionary genome-editing technique called CRISPR-Cas9.

According to the AP report, He was not trying to prevent transmission of HIV from the father’s sperm to the embryo, a highly unlikely event. The risk of transmission drops even lower when the sperm is washed before insemination through in vitro fertilization, as occurred here. Rather, He said he wanted to protect the babies from infection later in life.

The International Summit on Human Genome Editing begins here on Tuesday and many researchers, ethicists, and policymakers attending the meeting first learned of He’s claim through media reports. Organizers of the conference told reporters at a pre-event briefing they were awaiting further details.

Scientists are investigating the use of CRISPR-Cas9 as a treatment for many genetic diseases, such as muscular dystrophy and sickle cell anemia. One long-running study in HIV-infected adults has crippled CCR5 with another genome-editing technology, and a similar study is underway in China with CRISPR. But these cases involved gene editing of so-called somatic cells that are not passed on to the patient’s children. He reportedly went a step further, altering the genome in early stage embryos, which would affect sperm and eggs—the germ line—and make the change heritable. Such work is effectively barred in the United States and many other countries. Whether it fits within China’s regulatory environment is not clear.

He is scheduled to speak at the summit on gene editing on Wednesday, but organizers were unsure whether he planned to discuss his experiment. He put a series of videos on YouTube to justify the experiment and explain how it was done. He also invited viewers to send comments to his lab and to the two babies, named Lula and Nana.

Yet many scientists say the experiment was premature and the potential benefits not worth the risk. “The underlying purpose of doing the experiment was obviously to show that they could do gene editing on an embryo, but the purpose for the party involved does not make any sense,” says Anthony Fauci, an HIV/AIDS researcher who heads the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in Bethesda, Maryland. “There are so many ways to adequately, efficiently, and definitively protect yourself against HIV that the thought of editing the genes of an embryo to get to an effect that you could easily do in so many other ways in my mind is unethical.”

Pablo Tebas, a clinical researcher at the University of Pennsylvania who led a small study that crippled CCR5 in HIV-infected adults using what’s known as zinc finger technology, similarly denounced the embryo alteration. “The experiment is not medically justified,” said Tebas, who noted that CCR5 mutants are not benign as people are more susceptible to serious consequences from West Nile infections. “Hopefully these kids will not have any health problems," he says.

“Gene editing itself is experimental and is still associated with off-target mutations, capable of causing genetic problems early and later in life, including the development of cancer,” Julian Savulescu, an ethicist at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, said in a statement released today by the U.K. Science Media Centre. “This experiment exposes healthy normal children to risks of gene editing for no real necessary benefit,” he says. Sarah Chan, a bioethicist at the University of Edinburgh, worries that the premature use of gene editing prior to consideration of social aspects of the work “threatens to jeopardize the relationship between science and society … and might potentially set the global development of valuable therapies back by years.”

CRISPR pioneer Jennifer Doudna of the University of California, Berkeley, notes that the work has not been published and urged caution in a statement released today. However, "Assuming that independent analysis confirms today’s news, this work reinforces the urgent need to confine the use of gene editing in human embryos to settings where a clear unmet medical need exists, and where no other medical approach is a viable option, as recommended by the National Academy of Sciences,” Doudna wrote.

Apparently anticipating the criticism, He boldly proclaimed in one of this videos that his group has reflected deeply on how to help families facing risks of genetic diseases. “We believe ethics are on our side of history,” says He, who calls the term “designer babies” an epithet.

Richard Hynes, a cancer researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge who co-chaired the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report that Doudna referred to, says it laid out “stringent conditions” that should be met before undertaking genome editing: There had to be a serious, unmet medical need; the effort should be well-monitored and with sufficient follow-up; and there had to be informed consent of the parents.

He adds that the United Kingdom’s Nuffield Council on Bioethics’s report on human genome editing, released in July, reached similar conclusions. “All these questions need to be looked into when we hear what he’s actually done,” Hynes says. Alta Charo, a bioethicist at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, notes that the National Academies report does mention CCR5 as a potential target of gene editing. Whether the current experiment is justified “comes down to a risk-benefit analysis,” she says.

A Chinese researcher claims to have altered the genomes of 2 female twins born in November of 2018. Fellow researchers are shocked and have responded with outrage, calling it unethical and “monstrous”. The Chinese Society for Cell Biology called it “a serious violation of the Chinese government’s laws and regulations and the consensus of the Chinese scientific community.” He Jiankui, the man behind all this, changed the childrens’ code to be more resistant to HIV. He has already altered the embryos of 7 couples, with one resulting in pregnancy, all of the embryos coming from an HIV positive father and an HIV negative mother. His goal is to create a mutation and thus a variation that would delete a region of a receptor on white blood cells, that would effectively make it very difficult for HIV to latch on. He did not intend to prevent transmission from their fathers, rather prevent them from getting the disease in later life. He edited the babies’ genome using a technology called CRISPR-Cas9, which is also used to treat other disorders such as muscular dystrophy. However, instead of editing the somatic cells that would render the trait non-heritable, He Jiankui edited the genome to make the trait heritable. This kind of move is illegal in many countries, however, it is unclear if Chinese regulations were broken. Many scientists have condemned this, saying that it does more harm than good.

Genetic and genomic research can have social and environmental implications.

He Jiankui did his experiment in the name of helping families and individuals in the future, however, he left a mess in the scientific community while doing so. While researchers in today’s time have condemned He’s experiment, it is unsure whether this kind of genetic research is or will be socially and ethically acceptable in the future.

Reference

Normile, D. (2018, November 27). CRISPR bombshell: Chinese researcher claims to have created gene-edited twins. Retrieved from http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2018/11/crispr-bombshell-chinese-researcher-claims-have-created-gene-edited-twins

#genetics #crispr #ethics #human testing

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iambeauchamp · 7 years ago

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So, how was Indiana?

Yes, I have a tumblr. Yes, I haven’t posted in like 3 years. Yes, looking through my old posts made me laugh and marvel at how much I have grown. Yes, I plan on writing more now that I have the energy, distance, and perspective to make sense of everything I’ve experienced since 2014.

Over the course of the last month I have been asked “So how was Indiana?” by more people than I can count. Now, I know they ask me in an attempt to begin to understand how this queer Puerto Rican navigated an experience at the complete opposite end of the Americana spectrum, and I trip and stumble over my words and feelings every time I attempt to answer. It wasn’t until yesterday that I realized that I had already written my most honest response to that question before I had even left Bloomington. So, in an attempt to get this answer out to as many people as possible, I am immortalizing it here. Below is the text of the speech I gave at the Latinx Graduation Ceremony. When I was nominated to be the Graduate Student Speaker, I vividly remember thinking “I am not important enough. I have not done enough. I have barely survived this place, so how can I speak kindly about it?” At the encouragement of the Director of La Casa, I still accepted the nomination. A month and a half after writing it, I now realize that this opportunity to speak was never about me being or doing enough to speak on behalf of my community. It was about me reflecting and sharing how I navigated Indiana. While my story is uniquely mine, it does not belong only to me.

And so, without further ado, I present the entire text of my speech. Or, what I personally think of as the only love letter to Indiana University that I will ever write.

May 6, 2017

Buenas tardes a todos, y FELICIDADES CLASS OF 2017! LO HICIMOS!

En este momento despido que me desculpen por el discurso que les voy a presentar a los jovenes hoy dia en Ingles.

For those who do not know me, my name is Alyssa Beauchamp, and, yesterday, I graduated from IU’s Higher Education & Student Affair’s master’s program. Now, for some of you in the room, you know that this program is ranked top 10 in the nation. But, two years ago when I announced to my dear friends and family on the east coast that I was moving to the Midwest, they couldn’t fathom WHY I would do this. For my family in New Jersey to my long time friends in Washington, DC, where I had worked for almost 5 years after graduating from undergrad, I attempted to answer the question “WHY are you you going to Bloomington, Indiana” with facts and figures about this amazing master’s program that I was about to enter. Because, honestly, I had no idea what I would find here.

After two years of blood, sweat, and tears, I know I’ve discovered the true answer to everyone’s question: Why are you moving to Bloomington, Indiana? I moved to Indiana to push myself out of my comfort zone. I moved to Indiana to carve out as much space as this singular voice could for students in my Latino community. I moved to Indiana to challenge students to deconstruct everything they were taught about what it meant to be a leader, and to be vulnerable enough to learn from each other and not just their professors. I moved to Indiana to serve as living proof to IU’s Latino undergrads that, not only was finishing your bachelor’s possible, but that they too were capable of pursuing a graduate degree. I moved to Indiana to grow under the care of outstanding faculty. I moved to Indiana to be inspired by brilliant Latina faculty members, yes I’m talking about Silvia and Mitzi. And, lastly, I moved to Indiana to create community with, probably the greatest gem of all, other Latino graduate students. It has been these phenomenal humans who have helped me get through the days and nights I never thought would end.

The support, care, and fierce love of this tiny community of graduate students helped push me to the finish line. From Willy, literally, making me homemade sopita when I was ill to Jonathan, Patty, and Gabe always being down for a “study” party to Stephanie and Gionni never letting me miss a Salsa night at Serendipity, and to my co-graduate assistant, Juanita, who has stood side by side with me as I worked through two of the hardest semesters of my life - I have been the recipient of so much love. The kind of love that reminds you that you are not alone. The kind of love that pushes you to reach higher. The kind of love that makes you feel the joy of your friends’ accomplishments in your heart. The kind of love that makes it a gut reaction to protect your familia from the hateful, racist, xenophobic, garbage that the Cheeto in Chief and his minions hurl at us on, what feels like, an almost daily basis. The courage to resist and protect is rooted in love, and, let me tell you, our collective roots run deep.

As Latinos, it is important to us that we honor the legacies of those who came before us. Family members who sacrificed everything to put down roots in new lands - all in the pursuit of a better life for their children. Mami’s, Papi’s, Tia’s, Tio’s, and Abuelitos who did backbreaking labor day in and day out so that we could even dream of this day. We, graduates, are the manifestation of our ancestors wildest dreams. Our accomplishments are not just our own. I did not walk across that stage all alone yesterday. I walked accompanied by my grandparents, Dolores, Francisco, Lula, and Juan, and my parents, Maleni and Jonas. They will all also accompany my brother when he walks across the stage to receive his bachelor’s degree at Virginia Tech next week.

After many years of growing, learning, laughing, and loving in this place, I think I can safely speak for all the graduates in the room, when I say that we will take the very best of IU with us into the next chapters of our lives. Cream and Crimson roots will beautifully intertwine with the legacies of our ancestors to help us grow higher than we ever thought possible. Even after two years, it still amazes this Boricua from Jersey that part of her roots will forever span half of the country. My roots will join the long legacy of other IU Latino graduates whose roots extend deep beneath the prettiest, warmest, and safest house on 7th street.

In closing, to my fellow graduates, as you embark out into the world and enter new spaces where you find yourselves to be the sole representative of your entire community, again, I hope these words by Toni Morrision will remind you how important it is to our community that you are there: “I tell my students, when you get these jobs that you have been so brilliantly trained for, just remember that your real job is that if you are free, you need to free somebody else. If you have some power, then your job is to empower somebody else. This is not just a grab bag candy game.”

Thank you, and, again, Congratulations Class of 2017.

#IU Reflecting LoveNotes

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