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| | Share Writings Network ◄Prev | Next► | | | | Challenging Stereotypes:
No one challenges traditional roles and stereotypes more than Arlether Wilson. After spending more than ten years in foster care she moved back to Fifth Ward, a poverty stricken community in Houston, Texas where no one was expected to excel. While her life story is similar to many African American women, it is surprisingly distinctive. Arlether has always been an achiever and attributes her drive, determination and will to survive to her unyielding faith. As the oldest of three children she was expected to grow up fast and relinquish much of her childhood. Then just when she thought the generational cycle of teen pregnancy was broken she became pregnant and was forced to drop out of school during her senior year.
Struggles:
During her journey Arlether encountered many struggles, but none as arduous or impactful as homelessness. In the end it proved to be a great learning experience, even though several people tried to discourage her by telling her that she would never succeed because of her family history. Fortunately, Arlether was determined to defy their beliefs and follow her own dreams. Her life changed after Black American poet, essayist and lecturer, Nikki Giovanni visited Phillis Wheatley High School. That was the first time that Arlether was inspired to write.
Defying the odds:
After her divorce she applied and was accepted into the police academy, where she graduated number one in her class. Three years later she was promoted to sergeant and later excelled to the rank of captain. During her tenure as an officer Arlether also earned her Master Peace Officer Certification, which is the highest certification an officer can attain. Then in 1998 she was honored as “Officer of the Year” and later earned several congressional commendations.
Arlether is a veteran officer and has gained a wealth of experience, which includes being a certified Child Abuse and Family Violence Investigator. But she didn’t stop there. In 2001 Arlether graduated from cum laude from the University of Houston and later earned her Masters Degree in Behavioral Science.
Then in 2005 Arlether was offered a position with another agency where she created and manages a Victims’ Services Division. Today Arlether is an advocate for abused women and children throughout her city. She believes that it is important to take an active and supportive role in one’s community, and not just sit back and “point fingers”. Therefore she is an avid volunteer for many charitable organizations.
Although Arlether has an unusual background for a writer, she is the debut author of an inspirational memoir, Rewriting the Script, which will be available in bookstores, online, and in e-book format this fall.
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 | | "Be the Change that you wish to see in the world" | Arlether's debut novel, Rewriting The Script is not just another story about a girl surviving life in the streets. It’s much more than that. It is a soul stirring and motivational story of a girl abandoned and abused in the foster care system. After being placed back into a community plagued by crime, drugs, violence, and prostitution she decided to choose a different path. Life was difficult. However, she was determined not just to survive, but to change the course of her family’s history. Rewriting The Script is a heartwarming story of desperation, grief and triumph. This courageous girl’s story confirms that it is possible for anyone to Rewrite Their Life’s Script.
This phenomenal Memoir will be available October 2007. | | Update on the Fight Against Sexual Predators | First of all I commend the owners of Myspace for helping our justice system expose some of the predators lurking throughout cyberspace. However, it seems like every time we turn on the news there's another story about sexual predators preying against women and children.
The problem of child sexual abuse has attracted a great deal of attention lately. Fox 26 has teamed up with Crime Stoppers to launch billboards of sexual predators who have not registered throughout the city of Houston, Texas. The billboards display the offender's photo and warrant number. The Predator Check Campaign is committed to helping our families stay safe. They have even provided databases of sexual predators living near schools. The information is organized by school district and location. Fox 26 is doing a great job. We need more programs like this. For more information about their campaign visit their website at: http://www.fox-26.com/
Statistics indicate that one in three girls and one in six boys are sexually victimized before their eighteenth birthday. The numbers alone should get your attention, although I think they're higher. In my opinion too much attention is focused on the word SEX and that tends to make some people leery. They may believe that the subject is too mature for their children or it may make the parents feel uncomfortable. Perhaps we should stop focusing so much on that word and look at the real issues like crimes, abuse, assault, and victimization. It may seem easier to just ignore the issues or pretend to be unaware. However, that doesn't stop innocent children and women from being hurt. Some never tell anyone.
Do you want to continue disregarding the issues? Do you realize how much power we give these offenders when we do nothing? If you were standing next to, working with or living with a sex offender could you really identify him/her? Do you care? If you do speak up and take a proactive approach. Find out who is living in your neighborhoods, colleges, daycares and around your schools. More importantly, know who is volunteering to work with our children. Women get to know the men you date. Be careful when you're out alone and don't EVER let your children out of your site especially in public. And NO it's not being paranoid it's called being smart. Trust your instincts.
Here are a few resources for those who may need a little assistance. There are many other resources available on the internet. However, if all else fails check with your Attorney General's Office. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Don't wait until it happens to you or your child. Educate yourself and your family.
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