Photo & Video Gallery - Part II

Michele's Memoirs

Happy Valentines Day 2014
Twenty Years Later and I Am Still Here: From Despair to Victory!

Monday, February 14, 1994 was not only a game changer for me but a life changer. I expected to search for love on this Valentine's Day 1994, but what I received was far from love on this most unforgettable day of love and triumph.

Just ten days earlier on Friday, February 4, 1994, I sought much overdue medical attention after months of agonizing muscle pain, swelling in joints and limbs, low-grade fever, rashes of unknown cause, chest pain, difficulty breathing, hair loss, sensitivity to cold, purple fingers and toes, sensitivity to sun, fatigue, tiredness, weakness, confusion, frustration, and extreme gastrointestinal complications.

Almost immediately, the doctor advised me that these symptoms were suggestive of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), an Auto-Immune disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs. But I kept believing that his assumed diagnosis was just that ... "an assumption". That was, until it was confirmed on that day: Valentine's Day 1994.

Since lupus can be fatal and since my prognosis was extremely poor, I originally took this as a death sentence. But through the grace and mercy God, I learned that my diagnosis was not a reason to die, but a reason to embrace and celebrate life for the better. And now, twenty years later, I celebrate not only life, but life more exceedingly abundant in mind, body and soul. God has not only healed my body, but my mental, physical and spiritual battle scars. This is why I am reminded that although Valentine's Day is a celebration of Love, it (as with any other day) is a foremost reminder that "God is Love"!!!

And on this Valentine's Day 2014, I am grateful as I continue to "Learn from Yesterday, Live for Today, and Hope for Tomorrow" (~ Albert Einstein). I am also excited about joining Sistah's with Ink (SWI), an online multi-cultural organization just for women. SWI is a place where women can come together from all over the world to share their passion and love for writing, meet new people, share ideas, show case their work, promote their books, but most significantly find sisterly love and support for one another.

SWI welcomes members who have struggled through heartache, pain, trials and tribulations, hardship, incest, abuse which they survived through determination and their faith in God. It is a place of belonging, where women can express their feelings, find a purpose, get encouragement, be motivated, inspire one another and also find valuable information about upcoming events, workshops and resources within the group.

And as I begin my many new journeys and adventures in 2014, Sistah's with Ink CEO and Founder Luella Hill-Dudley has graciously selected me to become a New Blog Talk Radio Co-Host on Sistah's With Ink Blog Talk Radio!!! And ironically, the official live launch of my "THE BEST IS YET TO COME" Talk Show will air on no other than Valentine's Day, Friday, February 14, 2014 (to uniquely commemorate my 20th Anniversary of Survival, Triumph and Ultimate Victory since my lupus diagnosis on February 14, 1994)!!! Thus, this 2014 Valentine's Day now represents an even better, wiser and stronger game changer for me, Sistah's with Ink and our beloved followers. Moreover, it is a rare and most priceless, ordained and purposeful life changer and confirmation that the best is still yet to come in Christ and in Life!!!

Learn more about the SWI by visiting http://www.sistahswithink.com/

Tuskegee-born Native Dr. Michele R. Wright, Milton Pitts Crenchaw Aviation Training Academy (MPCATA) Board Member and MPCATA Committee Board Representative, joined Aviation and Aerospace professionals and supporters from across the nation to celebrate the 95th birthday of Arkansas native and original Tuskegee Airman, Dr. Milton P. Crenchaw on Saturday, January 11, 2014 at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Terence L. Bolden, MPCATA President and Board Chair, opened this "2nd Annual MPCATA Awards Banquet & Birthday Celebration" by introducing Dr. Crenchaw, an MPCATA Honorary Lifetime Member, alongside Dr. Michele Wright and other fellow MPCATA Board Members: Senator Joyce Elliott, Linda Fowler, Judge Berlin Jones, Barbara Rice, Secretary Raymond Rogers, Treasurer Ron Wingfield, and Honorary Board Members Edmond Davis and Attorney Reba Wingfield.

This event also included a special new documentary presentation featuring Dr. Milton P. Crenchaw and honored several fellow Tuskegee Airmen including: Honoree Claude Robert Platte, Honoree Jerry T. Hodges Jr., Honoree Dr. Roscoe D. Draper, and Honoree Dr. Granville G. Coggs. Tuskegee Native Colonel Palmer Sullins, Former elected President of the Black Pilots of America, Inc. (2005-2011) and current Chairman of Friends of Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site, Inc., was also honored during this historical event.

The Keynote Speaker was Colonel Edward Scott Brewer, USAF Commander of the 314th Airlift Wing, Little Rock Air Force Base. Special Guests included Senator Ulysses Lee "Rip" Gooch of Wichita, one of the most respected and longest serving Senators of the Kansas Legislature. Senator Gooch is a member of the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame and in 2001 became one of the initial inductees into the Black Aviation Hall of Fame. Additionally, he has a lengthy association with the Tuskegee Airmen organization.

This event not only celebrated Crenchaw and the other Tuskegee Airmen's achievements, but also called attention to the need for increased minority representation in the aviation and aerospace industry.

Dr. Michele R. Wright was invited by President Bill Clinton and the Clinton Health Matters Initiative (CHMI) to attend the official unveiling of the "Central Arkansas Blueprint for Action" Panel Discussion and Luncheon held on Thursday, December 19, 2013, at the William J. Clinton Presidential Center (Great Hall) located at 1200 President Clinton Avenue in Little Rock, Arkansas.

The Panel Discussion segment (Moderated by President Bill Clinton) of this historical event included a discussion on the progress of the bold action steps and how the CHMI Blueprint for Action plans to move the needle together towards healthier outcomes for all Arkansans!!!

The CHMI Blueprint for Action, created in collaboration with more than 175 members of the Central Arkansas community, builds on existing community efforts and enhances existing community infrastructure to address key contributors to health and wellness for all Central Arkansas residents.

CHMI works to improve the health and well-being of all people by activating individuals, communities, and organizations to make meaningful contributions to the health of others. The goals of CHMI are to reduce the prevalence of preventable health outcomes, close health inequity and disparity gaps, and reduce health care costs by improving access to key contributors to health for all people.

American Red Cross Regional CEO and Community Trailblazer Michele R. Wright, Ph.D. was honored and spotlighted as an "OutSTANDing Community Leader" by The STAND Foundation, Inc. during "Mingling Minds On Mondays" held on November 18, 2013 at IV Corners located in Downtown Little Rock, Arkansas. This monthly Monday networking event uniquely allows business professionals to get connected and share common interests and goals.

Author, Speaker and Success Expert Michele R. Wright, Ph.D. was the "Featured Corporate Executive, Motivational Speaker and Success Mentor" during the Northwood Girls ROCK group session held on November 8, 2013 at Northwood Middle School (Principal: Dr. Kirk Freeman) located in North Little Rock, Arkansas.

Dr. Michele Wright, Ph.D., inspired, encouraged and motivated as the Featured Guest Speaker during the Executive Women International (EWI) organizational meeting held on Tuesday, October 15, 2013, at Arthur's Prime Steakhouse in Little Rock, Arkansas.

EWI is an organization which brings together key individuals from diverse businesses for the purpose of promoting member firms, enhancing personal & professional development, and encouraging community involvement.

Learn more about the EWI by visiting
http://www.womensfoundationarkansas.org/WomensOrganizations_EWI.html

Author, Success Expert and Executive Trailblazer Michele Wright, Ph.D., empowered graduates to continue to "STAND" in pursuit of their purpose and destiny during her commencement address as the Official Keynote Speaker during the STAND Foundation, Inc.'s Edward Coleman Leadership Institute Spring 2013 Graduation Program held on Friday, August 30, 2013, at the Maumelle Park on the River in Maumelle, Arkansas.

The Edward Coleman Leadership Institute is designed to train adults with leadership skills in the areas of personal, professional, and community development that will help them become more successful in their lives, their workplace, and their communities.

The STAND Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit organization created to empower individuals and organizations through leadership training that promotes economic opportunities, social progress, and community development in Arkansas.

Dr. Wright expounded on the importance and imperativeness to "Yearn for your Purpose", "Learn what's your Destiny", and "Earn the Right to Achieve and Succeed"!!!

Success Expert Michele R. Wright, Ph.D., an Award-Winning and Popular Author, Motivational Speaker, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. member, was a featured author at the Laurel Tucker Duplessis Artist Pavilion in the Carnegie Library during Delta Sigma Theta's 51st National Convention and Centennial Celebration in Washington, DC. on Monday, July 15, 2013 and Tuesday, July 16, 2013. Dr. Wright's book "DEAR SUCCESS SEEKER: Wisdom from Outstanding Women" was also selected as the "Delta Spotlight Author" in the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Spring/Summer 2013 Delta Bookmark Recommended Reading List and was a former USA "Best Books" Award-Winner for "Best New Non-Fiction". Dr. Wright joined National Bestselling Authors Victoria Christopher Murray, Kimberla Lawson Roby, Carl Weber, Mary Morrison, NFL Superstar quarterback Michael Vick as well as Judy A. Smith, the real life inspiration for the hit television drama "Scandal", alongside many more authors to speak, sign books, greet readers and share information during this most historical and landmark Centennial affair hosted by the National Commission on Arts and Letters (CAL) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.!!!

Michele R. Wright, Ph.D. was featured in the "Around and About Little Rock" News & Commentary section of the July 2013 issue of "The Lincoln Echo" for her recent promotion as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Greater Ozarks-Arkansas Region of the American Red Cross with responsibilities for overseeing the collection, processing and distribution of blood products to more than 50 hospitals in Arkansas, southwestern Missouri and the Memphis, Tennessee area. Dr. Wright is also an Author, Motivational Speaker and Success Expert. Her "DEAR SUCCESS SEEKER: Wisdom from Outstanding Women" Book (Atria/Simon and Schuster; ISBN-3: 978-1-4165-7079-0) was also recently selected as the "Delta Spotlight Author" in the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Spring/Summer 2013 Delta Bookmark Recommended Reading List and was a former USA "Best Books" Award-Winner for "Best New Non-Fiction". Also featured in this same section of the July 2013 Lincoln Echo was renowned National and Essence Best-Selling Author Victoria Christopher Murray who was a Featured Author during Hearne Fine Art, Books & Custom Framing Silver Anniversary Celebration. Ms. Murray's latest book, "Never Say Never", was selected as the USA Today newspaper Book of the Month Selection. Both Michele and Victoria were both selected as Featured Artists at the Laurel Tucker Duplessis Artist Pavilion during Delta Sigma Theta's 51st National Convention and Centennial Celebration in Washington, DC., held in the historical Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square, on Monday, July 15, 2013 and Tuesday, July 16, 2013. Both Wright and Murray are longstanding members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

On Monday, June 24, 2013, Little Rock Regional Chamber members gathered for a Successful "Monthly Monday" event featuring guest speaker Dr. Michele Wright, CEO of the Greater Ozarks-Arkansas Blood Region of the American Red Cross.

Generally scheduled for the last Monday of each month, "Monthly Mondays" are short on program and long on relationships. The focus is on introducing representatives of attending Chamber member businesses & organizations and learning how to get the most out of Chamber membership.

Dr. Wright shared with everyone that donated one pint of blood could save three lives and that donating one's blood is one of the easiest way to save a life. Learn More

Dr. Michele Wright was honored to attend the Little Rock Conventions and Visitors Bureau Community Breakfast on Monday, June 24, 2013, at the Central High School National Historic Site Visitor Center. Dr. Wright appreciated the unique opportunity to personally meet Sylvia Y. Cyrus, Executive Director of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, Inc. (ASALH), Washington, DC.

Founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, ASALH is the official Founders of "Black History Month"!!! Ms. Cyrus is looking to host in Little Rock for 2014. How historically exciting!!! And "The Best is still yet to come"!!!

Award-Winning "Dear Success Seeker" (DSS) Author Dr. Michele Wright joined DSS Book Contributor, Noted Educator, Author and Humanitarian Dr. Patricia Washington McGraw alongside Patrick M. Oliver, Edmond Davis, Janis F. Kearney, Nancy Robinson, Cheryl Batts, Lynell Logan, Angela Williams and other notable authors and members of the Arkansas Black Writers Network (ABWN) for a discussion of "Researching and Writing Arkansas History" and as a featured "Sister Talk" panelist in an effort to promote literacy during the ABWN Book Expo at the annual "Juneteenth Celebration" held on Saturday, June 15, 2013, at Mosaic Templars Cultural Center in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Dr. Michele Wright was the Featured Expert and Guest Speaker at the Nigeria Economic Development Forum
(May 30 - June 1, 2013) and Awards Gala held on Friday,
May 31, 2013 at the Peabody Hotel in Little Rock, Arkansas.

The theme of this forum was "United for Change: Working Together to Improve Health, Agriculture, Education, and Infrastructure Development". This event was hosted by the Nigerian-American Agricultural Empowerment Programme, NAAEP Ltd. (Chief Temitope Labinjo - Ajayi, Founder and Chairman/CEO); African Women Health Project International, AWHPI Inc. (Princess Moradeun Ogunlana, Founder); The Prometheus Consulting, TPC, Inc. (Chief Linda Oyewopo/Otunba Abbey Badejo) in association with the State of Arkansas Nigerian Embassy, DC & The Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Tuskegee-born native Michele Wright, Ph.D. was one of the select recognized Tuskegee University graduates in Health Care/Disparities Professions honored during the first annual "New Hope, New Spirit" Scholarship and Alumni Recognition Gala held at the City of Tuskegee Municipal Complex on Saturday, April 27, 2013. Dr. Wright also delivered the "Introduction of Guest Speaker", Tuskegee's very own Dr. Henry W. Foster, former nominee for the position of Surgeon General of the United States under the administration of President Bill Clinton and the doctor responsible for delivering the newborn Michele (Wise) Wright at the historical John A. Andrew Memorial Hospital, on Good Friday of 1966. The Gala was hosted by the Tuskegee University's Health Disparities Institute For Research and Education (HDIRE) in partnership with the Tuskegee University Biology Department and Biology Club.

Noted "Dear Success Seeker" Author, Speaker and Success Expert Dr. Michele Wright joined her cohorts of the Arkansas Black Writers Network alongside Chicago State University associate English Professor and author Quraysh Ali Lansana, Celia Anderson, Edmond Davis, Dr. Latanya Fanion, Angela Green, Matthew and Maria Hampton, Regina Norwood, Nancy Robinson, Angela Williams, Henry Dumas Foundation, and the Writing Our World Press to give the 411 on creatively and effectively reading and writing for success during the "Reading and Writing for Success Festival: National Poetry Month Celebrations" held on Saturday, April 13, 2013, at Winthrop Rockefeller Elementary School in Little Rock, Arkansas. This event was hosted in part by: Literary Consultant Patrick Oliver, Arkansas Black Writers Network, Little Rock Central High National Historic Site, Winthrop Rockefeller Elementary, and Say It Loud! Readers and Writers.

Dr. Michele Wright received special honor for her numerous successes and achievements in career and life from the Arkansas District Council (ADC) of the 18th Episcopal District Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. (Emeritus Bishop Leodis Warren; Presiding Diocesan Bishop Alfonso Madden and First Lady Evangelist Priscilla Madden) and the ADC Missionary & Christian Women's Auxiliary (President Evangelist Everline Tolbert) during the Council's annual Spring Session (April 9-13, 2013) held at Greater First Pentecostal (Host Pastor Jerry Warren and First Lady Carol Warren) on Wednesday, April 10, 2013. Dr. Wright was also recognized for recently being featured in honor of "Women's History Month" in the March/April 2013 issue of the P.A.W. "Christian Outlook" (distributed by the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. to approximately 1.5 million members worldwide).

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