Category: Community

Is the Truth Divided Between Community & Law Enforcement? - Interview with Author & Officer Nakia Jones of "The Truth Divided"

7/15/2018

by Lyn Lomasi; Co-owner of Brand Shamans & Write W.A.V.E. Media

In our recent interview with Nakia Jones, we discussed the reasons behind writing her book “The Truth Divided” and gained some insights into the book’s title, the Black Lives Matter movement, and what the book can do for all who read it.

Q: What is discussed in your book and why did you feel it needed to be written?

A: In my book, I discuss why I became a law enforcement officer and the challenges of being a women in law enforcement and being an African American mother of two sons and dealing with the divide between the color of my skin and the uniform I wear. The difference is I can remove my uniform, but I can't remove the color of my skin. The book also talks about the first time I felt the divide between law enforcement and the police during the Rodney King beating. It also touches on black on black crime as well as Black Lives Matter and Blue Lives Matter, and the importance of them both to me .

Q: How did you come up with the title “The Truth Divided” for your book?

A: The title reflects how I feel wearing both hats as a Law Enforcement Officer and being an African American, as well as being an African American mother of two sons. The divide that is going on between the community and the law enforcement community is the same divide I feel inside of me.

Q: Would you call “The Truth Divided” a “tell-all” kind of book?

A: No, “The Truth Divided” is not a tell all book. There were many things I couldn't discuss. The next book will definitely fill in a lot of the blanks.

Q: Were there any parts of this book that were difficult for you to write?

A: The entire book was difficult to write because it’s about such an emotional topic, a subject that has a mass effect on our country, even outside our country, today.

Q: What did you learn through the process of writing this book, about yourself and others?

A: I learned that writing and reading this book has begun to help me heal. It also has taught me that no matter what the color of your skin is in a lot of ways we are all saying the same thing. Lives matter and rights have no color. I also believe that if we can just dispel some of our fears and biases we will all be capable of living in harmony. Because, at the end of the day, we are all one race, the human race. Our skin, hair and eye color may be different, and we may have come from different regions, but we are all human beings and one race is not superior to another.

Q: How do you feel “The Truth Divided” will help the Black Lives Matter movement?

A: I believe this book will help the Black Lives Matter Movement, because it allows others to see what and why we are fighting and why the movement is so important. It also will help people understand why a movement like this even exist and that it’s not to downplay or be against any other race. Black Lives Matter understands and has never disputed that ALL LIVES MATTER. It is just right now it seems to be fact that the only lives that seems not to be a part of ALL LIVES MATTER are BLACK LIVES.

Q: What do you hope that “The Truth Divided” will do for people?

A: I pray that this book first of all brings Unity and Understanding between Law Enforcement and the Minority Community, as well as it becomes a teaching tool to dispel the myths and biases that we learn when we are younger, which in turn will end racism. I also hope that it brings the Minority community together and also to let Mothers of African American sons know they have a voice.

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How to Be More Involved in Your Community

8/27/2015

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Getting involved in your community is pretty much as simple as having the desire and just getting out there. There are plenty of organizations that are ready and willing to let you help out. Even if volunteer work is not normally on their agenda, there are many things you could offer to do for them that would be appreciated.

Check With Local Schools and Organizations That Help Children

Local schools always need a helping hand. Whether you are helping to build a playground or reading a book to a classroom of kindergartners, it is likely a school will welcome volunteer work with open arms. Check with the administration at your local schools to see what is needed. If you have ideas, don't be afraid to make suggestions.

Another good way to find about volunteer and community opportunities involving children is to seek out companies and organizations that might serve children. For instance, the Texas Farm Bureau helped third and fifth graders with a cabbage garden and a butterfly garden. This may sound small, but both are educational, as well as fun. From this type of activity, kids can learn about teamwork, learn gardening skills, learn to appreciate nature, get some exercise, as well as just plain have fun. Not all kids have opportunities like this on a daily basis.

Give Back at Work

Many companies give back to the community as well. Ask your boss if your company participates in volunteer work. One company that has an excellent volunteer program for its employees is The Home Depot. There are various ways Home Depot gives back to the community. Employees are encouraged to volunteer for The Home Depot Foundation (established in 2002). Home Depot associates (called Team Depot) can volunteer by building and restoring playgrounds, assessing and correcting safety and accessibility issues within the community, participating in affordable housing projects, helping with emergency preparedness, and more.

Look Up Various Shelters, Educational Assistance, and Other Programs

Perhaps there are adults in your area that don't yet have their high school diploma or GED. Rather than them paying high costs for classes, you may want to volunteer for tutoring. Oftentimes, shelters will offer programs to help people in this situation. If you would like to help, try going to your local shelters and asking administration about these programs.

Speaking of shelters, another way to volunteer and help those in need is by going to local shelters and asking about their greatest needs that a volunteer such as yourself would be able to provide. If they cannot think of any needs, but would like help somehow, you could make suggestions based on your talents and skills. For example, if you have experience counseling, you may want to provide counseling to families in tough situations, such as the youth at a shelter like Covenant House in Houston, TX.

No matter what type of volunteer work you choose, you can be sure that it will help someone in some way. Getting involved in the community is a great way to help others, gain character, and build a great resume. Not only can volunteering make the recipient of your efforts happy, but it also can lift your spirits as well.

*I originally published a version of this via Yahoo Contributor Network
(this version updated 8/27/2015)

Is the Truth Divided Between Community & Law Enforcement? - Interview with Author & Officer Nakia Jones of "The Truth Divided"

How to Be More Involved in Your Community

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