The Newmans reflect on the legacy of strong black marriages and note the importance of continuing to build a legacy that honors our past and our future; share Valentine's Day events to attend, scripture to meditate on as you prepare to celebrate your love, offer book suggestions for us to learn skills to enhance our relationships; share the recipe for a delicious Valentine's Day dessert, offer 25 Great Ideas for Celebrating Valentine's Day; and spotlight a beautiful jazz song to set the mood for your celebration of love! |
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Happy Valentine's Day! and
Happy Black History Month!
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Happy Valentine's Day!
Happy Black History Month!
Building a Strong Legacy of Love
Looking at this picture of this couple, we feel compelled to build a legacy of strong black marriages. Building a legacy means honoring the past and the future. Building a legacy involves learning about the history of black marriages, and working to create a better future for black families. We’re committed to building a legacy of love and we hope and pray that you are committed, too. Building a legacy of strong black marriages involves building financial stability, encouraging community involvement, engaging in healthy conflict resolution, maintaining our personal identities, embracing diversity, and building strong support systems. Let’s do it!
In the past, strong black marriages faced unique challenges and obstacles due to the historical and systemic injustices faced by the black community. Despite these challenges, many black couples have persevered and built strong, loving relationships.
We’ve had to overcome slavery. The institution of slavery had a profound impact on black families and relationships, with enslaved couples often separated and prevented from forming strong bonds. Despite these challenges, many enslaved couples still found ways to form close relationships and build families.
We’ve had to navigate segregation and discrimination. After slavery, black couples still faced discrimination and segregation in all aspects of life, including in their personal relationships. Despite these obstacles, many black couples still found ways to build strong, supportive relationships.
We’ve had to preserve our families and communities. Despite facing discrimination and prejudice, black families and communities have always been a source of strength and support for black couples. Many black couples have relied on their families and communities to help them through difficult times and to build a better future for themselves and their children.
We’ve had to adapt to cultural change. As society has changed, black marriages have adapted to new challenges and cultural shifts. Despite these changes, many black couples have continued to prioritize their relationships and have worked to build strong, loving partnerships.
Overall, strong black marriages in the past have been shaped by the unique challenges and obstacles faced by the black community, but have also been sustained by the resilience, strength, and love.
In the future, strong black marriages are likely to continue facing challenges, but may also benefit from progress in society and advancements in technology.
We’ll need to overcome persistent societal challenges. Despite progress in many areas, black couples are still likely to face challenges such as discrimination and prejudice in the future. Strong black marriages will need to continue to navigate these challenges and work to build supportive, inclusive communities.
We’ll need to embrace technology. Advancements in technology and digital communication are likely to play a growing role in the relationships of black couples. Couples will need to navigate the benefits and drawbacks of technology in their relationships and find ways to use technology to strengthen their bonds.
We’ll need to continue to foster a culture of openness and vulnerability. Strong black marriages in the future may benefit from a growing culture of openness and vulnerability, in which couples are more willing to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This openness can help couples build deeper, more meaningful relationships and find new ways to support each other.
We’ll need to build inclusive communities. Strong black marriages in the future may benefit from increased efforts to build inclusive communities that support and celebrate diversity. These communities can provide a supportive environment for black couples to thrive and grow together.
Strong black marriages in the future are likely to face new challenges and new opportunities, but will continue to be shaped by resilience, strength, and love.
As we celebrate tomorrow, let’s not only think about and celebrate our love for our spouses, but let’s reflect on and learn from our parents’ love for one another, and our grandparent’s love and devotion to one another. And, if it wasn't a legacy of love and devotion....let's learn from that, too! Let’s continue to stand strong for Black Love!
.....we’ve come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord, trusting in His Holy Word….He’s never failed us yet!
Enjoy!
With Love,
Paula and Sherman Newman
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· Enjoy a Staycation at The Willard- Feb. 11 – 14; from $40; 9 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC - Keep the night going after dinner by reserving a table for two at the Willard’s Rooftop for an intimate dessert and champagne pairing. Choose from a mixed berry pavlova with strawberry mousse or a warm petite brie with fig and blackberry jam to go with your flutes of Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne and the breathtaking view of the downtown Raleigh skyline. This romantic experience and more are included in the AC Hotel Raleigh Downtown’s Valentine’s Day room package, which features chocolate dipped strawberries and a bottle of sparkling wine in the room, complimentary parking, and a European-style breakfast in the morning; see thewillardraleigh.com
· Get Dressed Up for a Night Out- Stay warm around indoor fireplaces with a reservation at one of these relaxed, warm eateries for this year’s date night. Try something new at Margaux’s Restaurant, serving a special Valentine’s Day Prix Fixe Dinner in their quirky, cozy space at $74.95 a person.
· Take Your Afternoon Tea at Fearrington- Book a table during the weekend at Fearrington House Restaurant for an upscale afternoon tea experience that will transport you to a romantic cafe in Europe. Enjoy a rotating selection of savory tea cakes and decadent pastries alongside Fearrington’s extensive collection of loose-leaf teas, including hot cinnamon, Darjeeling, and Earl Grey. The sweet offerings often feature berry vanilla cheesecake, strawberry lemonade mousse, and pistachio orange madeleines, but are subject to change. Thursday – Sunday | 12 – 3 p.m.; $35; 230 Market Street, Pittsboro; see fearrington.com
· Savor herb-forward dishes and rose-inspired drinks at Rosewater- Rosewater is opening their doors this Monday so they can offer a Valentine’s Day experience. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to dine in their airy, greenery-filled space on a Monday. Known for their unique and delicious vegetable and seafood plates, rose-inspired drinks, and dessert selections, Rosewater’s charming interior and proximity to the shops at North Hills make it a wonderful selection for your Valentine’s Day evening. 110 Park at N. Hills Street; see rosewaterraleigh.com
· Head to the Movies- Feb. 12 – 14; From $9.75; 2116-D New Bern Avenue; drafthouse.com- Enjoy dinner (or brunch!) and a movie at Alamo Drafthouse, where you can choose from a selection of Valentine’s Day classics and romance flicks, including Bridesmaids, Fifty Shades of Grey, and Girls Trip weekend brunch screenings, or opt-in for a later showing of In the Mood for Love, Before Sunrise/Before Sunset, and Poetic Justice on Valentine’s Day evening. Chow down on their limited time holiday menus during these dreamy films, featuring a fried egg BLT, French toast, and specialty cocktails for brunch, and shareable milkshakes and classic movie theater fare for dinner.
· Enjoy an Intimate Italian Dinner at Mulino’s- Feb. 14; $125 per person; 309 N. Dawson Street; mulinoraleigh.com- Grab your sweetie and head to Mulino for an indulgent four-course wine dinner featuring dishes like scallops with parmigiana truffle fonduta, braised beef over polenta, and classic tiramisu. The fixed-price menu includes one bottle of premium red or white wine and two welcome beverages. Call ahead or make a reservation on their website to select your time.
· Get Dinner and a Show at Hummingbird- Feb. 14; $125 per person (beverages not included); 1053 Whitaker Mill Road; hummingbirdraleigh.com- For a spicier take on Valentine’s dinner, head to Hummingbird, where dancers from Vava Voom will perform their signature Burlesque dancing during a four-course meal. Enjoy food like lamb borek with lemon yogurt, a charred baby romaine salad, and steak or salmon for savories, and molten chocolate cake or poached pear for dessert. Expect fun music and incredible costumes as part of the burlesque show. Reservations are required (email info@hummingbirdraleigh.com); doors open at 6:30 for the 7pm show.
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Scripture to Ponder
as we celebrate love........
Philippians 2:3- Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.
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Book Recommendations:
Forgive and Forget: Healing the Hurts We Don’t Deserve by Lewis B. Smedes
Forgiveness Is a Choice: A Step-by-Step Process for Resolving Anger and Restoring Hope by Robert D. Enright, Ph.D.
Cherish: The One Word that Changes Everything for Your Marriage by Gary Thomas
Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas
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The BEST Chocolate Cake
(We made this for Sherman’s February 1st birthday and it was amazing!)
INGREDIENTS
· (1) 15.25 oz. box devil’s food cake mix
· 1 small pkg. Jello instant chocolate pudding mix
· 1 cup sour cream
· 1 cup canola oil
· 4 eggs beaten
· 1/2 cup milk
· 1 tsp vanilla
· 2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Buttercream Frosting
· 1 cup butter
· 4 cups powdered sugar
· 1/4 tsp salt
· 1 tsp vanilla extract
· 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large bow mix together all the ingredients except for the chocolate chips
Stir in the chocolate chips
Pour batter into a buttered and floured cake pan
For cooking time, use the cooking times on the back of the cake box as a guide and add about 10 minutes to that. Check for doneness using a tooth pick.
Buttercream Frosting
In a mixer cream butter until fluffy
Add sugar and continue creaming until well-blended
Add salt, vanilla, and whipping cream
Blend on low speed until moistened and then beat at high speed until frosting is fluffy.
TIPS & NOTES: You can also make this cake in a 9 x 13 inch pan or round pans for a layered cake or as cupcakes. Follow the baking time on the back of the cake box. You may have to add 10 additional minutes, but just because you see wet chocolate doesn't mean it's not done, remember the chocolate chips...if they are hot, they are melted...so don't overcook.
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25 Great Ideas for Celebrating Valentine’s Day, Celebrating Love!
3. Play hooky- Take off from work and spend the day sleeping in, cooking breakfast together and doing pretty much whatever you want together — even if all you want to do is lay in bed all day and enjoy some much needed rest and relaxation.
4. Workout together- Go to the gym or go for a run or walk together.
5. Make a bucket list- Spend February 14th creating a list of things you and your love want to do for the rest of the year and make a concrete plan to do some of them.
6. Volunteer together- serve meals in a soup kitchen, pick up trash at the local park or commit to doing some other activity that helps give back to your community in some way. One of our top picks for this one is Urban Ministries, https://umdurham.org/volunteer/ . You may also want to check out Volunteer Match, https://www.volunteermatch.org/ for a variety of options.
9. Order off the ‘dollar menu’- Go to your favorite fast-food restaurant and order off the dollar menu. For less than $10 each, you'll have a night of good food and laughs, and you'll feel great knowing you can put your cash towards something else you both want in the future.
10. Take a scenic drive- Put together a road trip playlist and go for a spin; there's something about driving that gets conversation flowing.
11. Go on a hike- Take a scenic hike together and enjoy all the beautiful sights and some fresh air. We like William B. Umstead State Park, Hanging Rock State Park, Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, Eno River State Park, and Chimney Rock State Park. See Eno River State Park…they have beautiful waterfalls that you can see while hiking, https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/eno-river-state-park
12. Exchange love letters- We facilitate couples doing when we present the Art of Marriage workshop, but you can do it on your own. Write a letter to your partner explaining in detail why he/she means so much to you; be specific, give personal examples, and be romantic….make it a letter that they will want to keep forever.
13. Recreate your first date or favorite date- Take a trip down memory lane by recreating your favorite date. If you can't go to the same restaurant or location, get creative by cooking up the same meal at home.
14. Plan a movie marathon- Get cozy on the couch and marathon watch all your favorite romantic movies. It's the perfect way to set the mood for some Valentine's night romance. Suggestions: Love and Basketball (2000), The Best Man (1999), The Photograph (2020), Girls Trip (2017), and How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998)....for an ole' school vibe.
16. Take a relaxing bath- Turn on the warm water, add your favorite essential oil (e.g., lavender oil, lemon oil, eucalyptus, sweet orange, sandalwood, chamomile) or bath bombs to relieve some stress and don't forget to include some aromatherapy candles and relaxing music. See https://www.healthline.com/health/essential-oils-in-bath#oils-to-try for more information about essential oils.
18. Take a dance lesson together- Take a dance lesson with your partner. Dancing cheek-to-cheek will create sweet memories and/or get you ready for the next time you're at an event on a dance floor. We highly recommend the Capital City Steppers, http://www.capitalcitysteppers.com/ . They host a Chicago Steppin’ class every Sunday at 3:30 p.m. at A Step to Gold Ballroom, for all levels and walk-ins are welcome for $10.00, https://www.meetup.com/capitalcitysteppers/
19. Spend the Night in a Fancy Hotel Room- If you know me, you know this is my favorite! Even if you don't leave your hometown, a staycation at a fancy hotel can feel like another world. Check into somewhere swank, change into a plush bathrobe and don't forget to order room service. Suggestions: The Siena Hotel, Autograph Collection (Chapel Hill, NC), 21c Museum Hotel (Durham, NC), The Durham Hotel (Durham, NC), The Umstead Hotel and Spa (Cary, NC), Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel (Raleigh, NC), The StateView Hotel, Autograph Collection (Raleigh, NC) and The Mayton (Cary, NC).
20. Go Ice Skating- If you don’t know how to ice skate, take a class, https://www.polariceraleigh.com/lts ....even if you fall, your honey will be there to catch you! Options: Invisalign Arena (Morrisville, NC), Polar Ice- Raleigh, Polar Ice- Wake Forest, Polar Ice- Cary, and Polar Ice- Garner, NC.
23. Paint together- Try Wine and Design, https://www.wineanddesign.com/durham-nc/ (Durham, NC) or https://www.wineanddesign.com/raleigh-nc/ (Raleigh, NC )or Cheers n Paint, https://cheersnpaint.com/?utm_campaign=gmb (Cary, NC) or Pinot’s Pallette, https://www.pinotspalette.com/briercreek (Raleigh, NC). Bring your own beverage (e.g., wine, soda, juice), but liquor is not allowed.
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Freddie's Steppers Groove Couples Style |
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Concert Tickets- A Great Gift Idea! |
Tickets to Beyonce’s Renaissance Tour 2023:
July 15, 2023- Saturday at 7:00 p.m.- Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN
August 5-6, 2023 (Saturday and Sunday) at 7:00 p.m.- FedEx Field in Landover, MD
August 9, 2023 (Wednesday) at 7:00 p.m. – Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC
September 23-24, 2023 (Saturday and Sunday) at 7:00 p.m.- NRG Stadium in Houston, TX (her hometown; her birthday month)
September 27, 2023 (Wednesday) at 7:00 p.m.- Caesar’s Superdome in New Orleans, LA
Or, if you’re not into secular music…..
Tickets to see Tasha Cobbs Leonard
April 30, 2023- Miami, FL at the James L. Knight Center
May 2, 2023- Atlanta, GA at the Fox Theatre
May 3, 2023- Charlotte, NC at the Ovens Auditorium
May 7, 2023- Oxon Hill, MD at the Theater at MGM National Harbor
Looking Ahead....
A great Mother’s Day gift surprise might be tickets to the Mother’s Day Celebration at House of Hope in Chicago, IL to see Tamela Mann, Donnie McClurkin, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Smokie Norful, and Zacardi Cortez on Sunday, May 14, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.
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Additional Date Ideas
(Reminders from the previous newsletter)
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Mike Mello on February 22, 2023
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Jess Hilarious on February 24-25, 2023
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Marlon Wayans, February 17-19, 2023
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Rickey Smiley, February 24-25, 2023
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Tracey Morgan, March 30- April 2, 2023
- Kem and Ledisi with Musiq Soulchild: The Soul II Soul Tour- March 10, 2023, at 8:00 p.m.
- Harlem Globetrotters- April 16, 2023, at 3:00 p.m.
- Lizzo with Special Guest: Latto- May 10, 2023, at 8:00 p.m.
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