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Monica May
Sundays 6AM - 8AM & 5PM - 10PM
A radio & television veteran, community affairs expert, and founder of Let’s Spill the Tea, a nonprofit organization supporting parent/teen relationships. Her latest pivot is principal consultant with Monica May Communications.
In addition to keynote speaking, political forum moderation, and corporate consulting, Monica facilitates workshops on an array of topics including her flagship workshop, Let’s Spill the Tea®,(www.letsspillthetea.org) came to life after a heart-to-heart with her daughter and other young women who felt guarded when having conversations with their mothers. To expand its reach, she co-authored, Let’s Spill the Tea: A 21-Day Mother-Daughter Journal, with her daughter, Monique.
You can hear Monica on Star 94.5 during the following times:
Sunday mornings from 6-8a.m. hosting “Monica May’s Point Of View”; Conversations will be built on today’s hot topics and issues concerning African Americans. Local and national guests will share their points of view as well.
Sunday afternoons from 5-10 p.m., Monica will host her own show; playing the hits and integrating her warm, engaging, witty, and compelling personality
Monica May's Point Of View
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Mother’s Day Concert Updates: New Opening Act – Singer Sisaundra Lewis and BBIF/ Real ID Info/ Mental Health Awareness and our Youth
Sisaundra Lewis is a staple voice in our community, who has sung with Peabo Bryson, toured with Celine Dion and even appeared on The Voice. She has her own television show on the Afrotainment Network and new music coming out this week. Lewis will open for Fred Hammond at this week’s 4th Annual Mother’s Day Concert. About Sisaundra: EPK | Sisaundra Live Tickets onsale now - info at STAR945.com. One of the sponsors for the 4th Annual Mother’s Day Concert is the Black Business Investment Fund who has been in our community for 35 years now. They service the entire state of Florida, and started providing loans in Georgia as well. Lamont Jackson, shared that Their goal is to be able to match the resources and give access to capital funds to help Black entrepreneurs and businesses. BBIF is focused on leveling the playing field, as well as providing the time needed to guide clients the opportunity to grow a successful business. They follow up monthly roundtables and offer free financial planning. One thing they shared is that if a business is offered a loan, repayment begins 30-45 days after closing. So make sure you are ready for the first payment. May 7th is the deadline for Real ID to go into effect. A 2005 mandate passed by Congress was recommended after 9/11 to set tighter security standards. You will need to be ID Complaint to travel domestically on planes in the US. Will need it to access Federal Buildings. Documents needed... Certified Birth Certificate Social Security Card, or W2 form with SS # on it. 2 forms of Residency, Utility Bill, Rental Agreement, If married or name change, bring Marriage Certificate. Florida is 99% Compliant – For more information www.octaxcol.com The Summer Slide is real and so is Mental Health Awareness when it comes to our students. Dr. Treshonda Baucom with Enriched Life Counseling discussed what’s causing stress with our kids today. School’s out for the summer, less activity and structure can lead to real turmoil Talk with your kids about a plan for their summer – whether it be camp, travel or at home. There has to be structure. She discussed the Mental and Social effects of isolation and boredom and told parents to Praise the Process - encourage your children, check in with them, ask questions on how they are doing and find ways to help . Want to create some sense of normalcy similar to the school year as well as provide options to keep children out of trouble. Schools create spaces for these children and keep them engaged. The food programs ensure children are fed over the summer. Connect with Dr. Baucom www.Enrichedlifecounseling.com or call 407-593-4500 Another way to keep kids engaged is through writing. PAGE 15 was founded in 2008, after joining forces with Parramore Kid Zone. It is a literacy based Non-profit, located at 363 N Parramore,Ave. Orlando, FL 32801 in the Grand Avenue Neighborhood Center. It is a FREE after school and summer program to help with Children’s literacy. It is a creative writing program to get them engaged. It gives children a chance to build resilience as well as find their voice. Helps them with creative storytelling and narrative therapy, which gives students a way to tell their life stories by changing the negative to a positive. Young author Jordan said Page 15, “Creates a safe space. and that Parents should think about how they felt when they were children and understand that they have the same feelings.” She will be one of the many students highlighted in their 13th Annual Anthology, “Inspired.” Meet the young authors May 8th Students participate through a Writing Contest Across Central Florida who chooses 15 authors to publish in their book. The event sponsored by the Orlando Magic at the Orlando Museum of Art May 8th and is FREE to attend. To find out more www.Page15.org
Download File--:-- --:--UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF MEDICAL RESEARCH – CARE ACCESS/LOCAL & LEGISLATIVE UPDATES – EQUAL GROUND/ CITY OF ORLANDO D-5 COMMISSIONER ROSE UPDATE
Our mantra “You Can’t Treat Me if You Don’t Know Me,” is the reason why CARE ACCESS is making clinical research available to all. It is the only way African American DNA will ever be considered when developing new drugs. Jammie Wood with CARE ACCESS shared how they bring FREE health screenings and education to communities of color in order to advance strides in medicine. They offer specific cholesterol testing as well as lipid panels, liver screenings, A1c to determine pre-diabetes or diabetic status, kidney function and protein analysis for Alzheimer’s Disease. To find out when the screenings are happening, call 407/917-2868 for Joneal Brunner or www.myhearttest.com Executive Director of EQUAL GROUND, Genesis Robinson gave a comprehensive update on the current legislative session. They are still trying to balance our state budget, since the House wants to reduce our sales tax from 6% to 5.25%. Not only will that be less revenue to operate with, the cuts will drastically affect areas like health & education which is already seeing millions of dollars in deficits. The Senate Democratic Leader Jason Pizzo resigned under pressure from constituents on the floor last week. The interim is Laurie Bermon with Tracey Davis stepping into place in 2026. Republicans in the Florida state House of Representatives have been investigating whether Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration illegally used $10 million tied to a federal Medicaid settlement to help defeat a 2024 ballot measure legalizing recreational marijuana. The organization is tied to one his wife Casey operates. Dates to remember are as follows: May – August EG will do statewide updates, May 27th is the deadline to register to vote in the upcoming June 24th Primary election. However, you must register again by June 12th if you plan to vote by mail in the June 24th Primary election for Senate seat 40 (vacant since the sudden death of Senator Thompson) and House seat 15 (which will become vacant as Lavon Davis plans to run for Senator Thompson’s seat). September 2nd is the General Election. Interim Commissioner Shan Rose of D-5 in the City of Orlando talked in depth about what she’s been working on over the last 10 months of being in office. The former City employee and resident of Paramore talked about housing and employment opportunities available now and on the horizon for residents. Safety is her top priority along with procuring business opportunities and career development for residents. Her youth mentorships, advocacy for the homeless and senior citizens in her district have been priorities as well. Connect with the Commissioner who plans to run to retain her seat in November. Stay connected: District5@Orlando.gov on social media orlandodistrict5 or call 407.246-2005
Download File--:-- --:--RESSURECTION SUNDAY PRAYER/APRIL IS SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS & FINANCIAL LITERACY MONTH
An Easter Sunday blessing started us off with Reverend Terence Gray, sr. Pastor of St. Mark AME Church 1968 Bruton Blvd. in Orlando offering prayer to start our conversation on this Resurrection Sunday. Then we segued into a conversation on Sexual Assault. Dr. Crystal Raphael, CEO of ShesThankful.org shared openly about 3 separate assault experiences beginning at the age of 9. We discussed the trauma of assault and why women and men don’t come forward. It’s out of shame, fear or disassociation from the impact. Sexual Assault is not something readily discussed and especially not in the African American community. However, every 68 seconds someone is sexually assaulted. Get Help through Victim Service Center 407/500-HEAL (4325) or through RAIN @ 800/656-HOPE.Join Dr. Crystal Saturday April 26th for Courageous Conversations @ the Grand Avenue Community Center 9am-12pm Register @shesthankful.com For financial literacy month, we spoke with Dr. Regina Hightower, Attorney Odessia Joyner and Cherlynn Williams of the Central Florida National Council of Negro Women about Life Insurance, Wills, Trusts and Assets. Dr. Regina Hightower talked about the difference between term and whole life insurance. We need to provide for our family in our death by determining our income on a DIME = Debt, Income, Remaining Mortgage and the Education of our Children. To ensure that our families are further taken care of, you can provide a description of how your assets will be distributed. You can do that with a will or through a trust document. Wills go through the courts and trusts can be managed through documentation. Get an attorney’s assistance to determine which is best. However, you can draw up a will on your own, but you must have it notarized. For further discussion attend their open forum Wednesday April 23rd @ the Heart of West Lakes @ 5:30pm
Download File--:-- --:--MASK OF MASCULINITY/FINANCIAL LITERACY MONTH/STRENGTHENING OUR POLITICAL VOICE
Men account for 75% of all suicide victims in the U.S. with one man taking his own life every 20 minutes. They are dealing with depression in silence and afraid to express their inner feelings. Behavioral changes such as agitation, emotional disconnection and outbursts are a few signs of mental health challenges. Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Schellie Fan Fan offers the “Teach Me How to Heal” one day conference focusing on mental health with the “Iron Sharpens Iron” men’s edition Saturday April 19th. Open to males 18 and up at www.teachmehowtoheal.com. April is Financial Literacy Month, financial wiz Reshell Smith of AMES Financial shared 5 Tips for 2025 – 1. Time is your most valuable commodity 2. Make savings and spending your goal 3. Make your money work for you 4. B.Y.O.B – Be Your Own Boss 5. With 8 Billion people in the world, there is room for your talent. She also shared that tariffs are actually taxes that will apply to all Americans in the products we purchase. IMPORTANT TAX FILING INFO – Taxpayers that request an extension by April 15the have until October 15th to file without penalties. However, if you owe IRS taxes you still need to pay by April 15th to avoid penalties and interest. Connect with Reshell @ www.amesfinancialsolutions.com. Orange County Democratic Chair, Samuel Vilchez Santiago invited the community to an open Town Hall to discuss pressing issues and our country’s future. Being held in Republican Congressman Daniel Webster’s district (11), you can learn more about the cuts coming out of D.C. now on our Healthcare in general including Social Security, Medicare, as well as voting and veterans' rights. Join the discussion Monday April 14th 6pm at the John Bridges Community Center in Apopka – connect https://orangefldemocrats.com/.
Download File--:-- --:--Healthy Start Orange Baby Shower/ Women's History Spotlight: Deloria Nelson Streete , Kelly Charles Collins
The Healthy Start Coalition of Orange County (HSCOC) is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that was established in 1992 to decrease Florida's high infant mortality rate, low birth weight babies and to improve health and developmental outcomes for all children. They also offer Teen Dad and Dad University for men with babies 0-3 years-. Mom's are invited to attend a FREE baby shower April 5th 9am - 2pm at First Baptist Church. Registration is open to pregnant mothers www.healthystartorange.org call 407/227-1478 Deloria Nelson Streete is the owner of "Authentic Culture & Engagement Company Solutions" a mentoring agency. She is the author of REST; Resilience and Resistance, a journal that helps you focus on renewing your vision while you rest (for real). Connect www.DeloriaNelson@AceSolutionsGroup.com. Kelly Charles-Collins is an attorney, writer and mentor. Her book, "The Art of Strategic Resistance" was written for women in response to their emotions after the recent election. Connect with her at kellycharlescollins.com
Download File--:-- --:--60th Annual Bob Hayes Invitational Track Meet/Olympic Bronze Medalist Omari Jones Shares What’s Next/Women’s History Spotlight – Arlene Blake, Women on the Rise
The 60th Annual Bob Hayes Invitational Track Meet spotlights 60 of the most elite high school track stars March 13th –15th at the University of North Florida. Originally spearheaded by track star Hayes, it focuses on student athletes and provides scholarships for their future endeavors. Visit www.BHITM22.org for more information. Edgewater H.S. and Valencia graduate, Omari Jones shares his journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics where he won the Bronze medal in boxing. Jones was the only American boxer to bring home a medal and now he’s set his sights on his professional career. His debut fight will be March 15th at the Caribe Royale and you can purchase your tickets through www.ticketmaster.com. Our Women’s History spotlight featured Arlene Blake, Executive Director of Women on the Rise. The organization focuses on empowering women’s careers, financial literacy and more. Free childcare and meals provided during training and for many of their events. To learn more visit www.wotrinc.org.
Download File--:-- --:--TAJIRI ARTS DOCUMENTARY/ HOW TO TAKE ACTION AND GET YOUR POLITICAL VOICE HEARD/ FACE OF TRIUMPH OVER TRAGEDY
Join Artistic Director Patricia Whatley in a roast and documentary about Tajiri Arts on Friday March 21st at Midway Community Center 2251 Jitway Avenue in Sanford. For 20 years, Mrs. Whatley and her staff provided after school artistic direction to more than 3,000 students. Many have gone on to perform with the likes of Ledisi, Patti LaBelle or performed on Broadway. To participate in the event contact whatleypatricia5@gmail.com or text 404-201-1464 Samuel Vilchez Santiago, Chair of the Orange County Democratic Party and Rashad Young, legislative aide to Lavon Bracy Davis joined us to talk about how to engage with our elected officials. They also invited the audience to stay abreast of what’s happening with the upcoming legislative session that begins this Tuesday March 4th in Tallahassee. You can get involved by attending county commission meetings, join the citizens legislature or by participating in Equal Ground Day at the Capital March 26th. To find out How to Take Action Against Overreach in our local government go to www.orangefldemocrats.com and at the state level visit www.flhouse.gov A local author and non-profit director, Kim Hill shared her story of triumph over tragedy. Hill, who as a foster child was molested, faced rejection and acted “out” as a youngster. She attempted suicide numerous times and even went to jail for a crime she was falsely accused of committing. Hill finally learned that the through the love of Christ her life could be restored. Since then she has written a book, “The Faces of Life…” and started the non-profit Tailor Made which focuses on children of incarcerated parents. Follow her at www.IAMTAILORMADE.net
Download File--:-- --:--HIV Stigma in Orange County Research Results/ Grandmother of Juneteenth Dr. Opal Lee/Four Pillars of Happiness
Dr. Andrea Dunn, Dr. J. Richelle Joe and Dr. Shan-Estelle Brown completed a four-year research project on “Removing Obstacles to HIV Prevention for Black Women in Orange County.” Florida now stands 6th in the nation for newly infected cases of HIV. The three researchers interviewed 75 women and determined that stigma and socioeconomic barriers remain the main contributor to the high rate of infection. To learn more, please attend a free event offered by Let’s BeeHIVE. Queen Bee is March 8th 3pm – 7 at Ocoee Lakeshore Event Center. To register visit www.letsbeehive.org Dr. Opal Lee is considered the grandmother of Juneteenth. The now 98-year-old is famous for walking from her state of Texas to the Nation's Capital to bring attention to the importance of the celebration for freedom. The Emancipation Proclamation to end slavery was signed in 1863 but it took 2 ½ years for the news to reach Texas. Hence Dr. Lee wants us to continue the walk for freedom every year by gathering to celebrate and walk 2.5 miles to correspond with the 2 ½ years it took for the end of slavery. Tony Jenkins with Florida Blue is Chair of the Winter Park Institute. The organization brings speakers to our community such as Harvard Professor and author of Build the Life You Want Arthur C. Brooks. A lucky STAR listener was invited to attend and hear more about the 4 pillars of happiness which are Faith, Family, Community and Work
Download File--:-- --:--TIGER PRIDE CELEBRATION For JONES H.S. & THE PASSING OF STATE SENATOR GERALDINE THOMPSON
Sonya Hill, the Co-Chair of The Unity Celebration which is the annual event of Jones H. S. shared the itinerary for the weekend that brings graduates back to fellowship. More information can be found on the Jones H.S. Facebook page and Eventbrite. Other graduates who shared their stories of the school's pride as well as heartfelt memories of the late, great historian and State Senator Geraldine Thompson included: Grammy Award Conductor Dr. Jeffery Redding, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, District 6 City Commissioner Bakari Burns, Orange County School Board Member Vicki Felder and Florida State Representative LaVon Bracy-Davis
Download File--:-- --:--NATIONAL BLACK HIV AWARENESS DAY – STATS FOR ORANGE COUNTY/THE CELEBRATION OF LOVE THROUGH GALENTINE’S, VALENTINES OR SINGLES AWARENESS DAY/TURNING A DREAM INTO A REALITY
HIV/AIDS Research in Orange County Since 1996 we have acknowledged the disparity in HIV Awareness and Treatment during National Black HIV Awareness Day. Dr. Andrea Dunn, Executive Director of Let’s BeeHIVE (HIV educated) and a team of black female researchers received a grant from the Robert Wood Foundation to study stigma in HIV and preventive wellness. They presented their findings at a 2-day symposium and unpacked the results. This conversation is just a snippet of what’s to come February 23rd on STAR 94.5 Find out more @ www.letsbeehive.org FRIENDSHIP Consultant Anika Allen shared several statistics on the importance of friendship and how isolation can cut your life span. Whether it’s platonic or romantic, there are ways to develop friendships that will last. She shared how your attitude will determine who you will attract. Connect with Ms. Allen at www.Fivestarfriendships.org Justin Storey picked up a camera in Middle School, got his first wedding photography opportunity at the age of 14, did a professional shoot later on and developed his company after that. JStorey Media trains young entrepreneurs and other creatives on following their dreams. His next workshop will help creatives in all phases of media connect and put their ideas together. Learn more at www.creatorsescape.com and to connect with Justin visit justin@jstoreymedia.com
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STAR Cares is an exclusive Community Affairs initiative of STAR 94.5, committed to enriching the lives of African-Americans in our community who need to be informed and benefit from programs targeting Education, Health and Financial Literacy
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