The UVA Murder: Dating Abuse is a Ticking Bomb

The UVA Murder: Dating Abuse is a Ticking Bomb

Found a commentary on UVA's Yeardley Love's tragic and brutal murder by her boyfriend. The blog by The New Agenda aims to be "a voice for all women." It calls dating advice a "ticking bomb." Are there ways we can prevent such tragedies in the future?

Almost one in three teens state they have been victims of some sort of dating abuse. The New Agenda urges people to take action after this grief. Check out the link above to read the entire blog entry.

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What does "feminism" mean to you?

The term "feminism" generally holds a negative connotation in people's minds today. People associate it with radical and aggressive behavior. However, it doesn't have to mean that at all. The definition, according to Merriam Webster Dictionary, seems pretty cut and dry:

fem·i·nism \fe-mə-ˌni-zəm\
1 : the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes
2 : organized activity on behalf of women's rights and interests

So, how can you change the meaning of feminism? How can you spread the positivity of women's equality without seeming crazy?

YWCA Knoxville strives to further the empowerment of women through positive efforts and work in the community. The issue of equality does not mean a gender against another gender. Through equality, men and women can achieve higher success through comradery. "Feminism" does not have to mean you are a radical for your beliefs. Instead, make it a part of your everyday life and help spread the positivity of what this concept entails.

Suffering from allergies? Knoxville's reigns with worst allergy index

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Knoxville has consistently been in the top 10 worst allergy-prone cities in America. Often as No. 1, Knoxville delivers all of the factors in the ranking of allergy indexes: pollen score, how much allergy medicine used per patient, and the number of board-certified allergists per patient.

Allergist Dr. Robert Overholt is quoted in a CNN Health article on Knoxville's pollen count, claiming it has already had counts above 6,000 particles per cubic meter. This is caused from an abundance of vegetation and excess of moisture in the air.

So are your allergies driving you nuts? Several perscriptions and over-the-counter medicines can help you be rid of your stuffy nose and nasty cough. Little efforts like keeping windows closed will help lessen the exposure to pollen.

Here is Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's Top 10 Worst Places to Have Allergies:

1. Knoxville, Tennessee

2. Louisville, Kentucky

3. Chattanooga, Tennessee

4. Dayton, Ohio

5. Charlotte, North Carolina

6. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

7. Greensboro, North Carolina

8. Jackson, Mississippi

9. St. Louis, Missouri

10. Wichita, Kansas

Check out CNN Health's article for more: http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/04/09/spring.allergies/index.html?hpt=Sbin

Photo taken from http://evolvedc.com/blog/2008/04/fitness_works_alternative_alle.html

Who is Phyllis Wheatley?

Phyllis Wheatley was born in 1753 in Gambia, Senegal. Enslaved by age 8, she was brought to America in 1761 aboard a slave ship, The Phillis, the root of her name. She was then bought by Wheatley family in Boston, Massachusetts. The Wheatleys taught her to read and write. She became and educated woman and enjoyed writing poetry in her free time.

She became the first African American woman to become a published writer in September 1773. Wheatley was given her freedom in October of 1773 as a result of her popularity and success as a poet. Her poem celebrating George Washington gained her notable attention and respect. Wheatley was legally freed in 1778 when her master, John Wheatley, died. Her commendable strength and courage while remaining true to herself continues to inspire women today.

In 1920, dedicated community volunteers opened YWCA Knoxville's East Knoxville community center after her. The Phyllis Wheatley Center was opened on Thanksgiving Day at 125 East Vine Avenue. The center moved in 1943 and again in 1962 to its current location at South Cruze Street to accommodate the growth and progress in the community.

Today, churches gather for worship and a variety of groups and organizations are able to meet for events. A free After-School Program for at-risk children is available, offering tutoring, mentoring, sports and artistic opportunities and nutritional education. The Summer Day Camp welcomes families to enjoy the community with safe and constructive fun. The center also offers seniors a place to gather weekly for lunch, exercise, education and socialization.

Through the contributions of a dedicated staff, volunteers, and community collaborations, the Phyllis Wheatley Center is making a difference in the Knoxville area and in the lives of those they touch.

Phyllis Wheatley Center's to Commemorate 90 Years of Service

The Phyllis Wheatley Center, a branch of the YWCA Knoxville which benefits East Knoxville, the Greater Knoxville and Knox County, will hold a Block Party on June 19, 2010. To commemorate 90 years of service, the Phyllis Wheatley Center announces the Ninety Notable Moves Forward Campaign.



The community is invited to attend the Block Party and learn more about the campaign. The campaign encourages individuals, families, groups, organizations and community partners to join together and provide aid to the center in efforts to achieve "Ninety Notable Moves." With the incredible support from the community, the Phyllis Wheatley Center strives to accomplish this goal which will provide enhanced, innovative and effective service to the Greater Knoxville Community.



The Phyllis Wheatley Center asks you: are you helping your community reach its best potential? We invite you to attend the Open House and learn more about what you can do. Your support will help further the positive efforts of the YWCA Knoxville- eliminating racism and empowering women.