Some political stories from my archive.

Obama’s first Georgia rally in 2007. How time flies.

Chip Dizard covers an Obama rally in Maryland.

In 2008, minor kinks didn’t stop voters.

Make sure you VOTE today!

HorrificStorms shares a glimpse of life after Sandy.

Since 2010, New Leaders Council has been training Atlanta progressives in the business of political and nonprofit work.

NLC calls it political entrepreneurship, and each year, 15-20 Fellows are selected for a mini MBA styled program that focuses on leadership development, fundraising, campaign management, social media and communications.

To get accepted, you have to apply. The NLC is interested in progressive professionals from all industries.

On Wednesday, October 17, the New Leaders Council Atlanta chapter is hosting a Meet the Fellows mixer meet NLC Atlanta alumni, board members, and its founders.

I hope to see you there!

#TrayvonMartin

After weeks of waiting, I honestly had lost hope that Zimmerman would be charged with anything.

These are my personal thoughts. A George Zimmerman charged rant if you will.

#TrayvonMartin

***UPDATE***
Surveillance footage appears to indicate that Zimmerman didn’t suffer any visible injuries.

***UPDATE***The rant below was recorded before I saw the video that shows Zimmerman being led in handcuffs for questioning. It doesn’t look like Zimmerman sustained any serious injuries.

These thoughts are my own, and forgive me for speculating or for providing any information that is less than accurate.

Fox 35 (Orlando), has an exclusive interview with George Zimmerman’s father, Robert who says that Trayvon swung first, and threatened to kill George Zimmerman (you have to watch the story though, because Trayvon apparently said that after Zimmerman pulled out his gun).

I wasn’t there and honestly only God, Trayvon (RIP), and admitted shooter – George Zimmerman knows what happened.

(cc: @marchofdimes)

I haven’t shared this particular part of the story with many people, but I think it helps explain why we March for Babies.

Our goal hasn’t changed.
We’re raising $5,000 this year, and I know we will get it.
Thanks to all of you that shared our story over the years, or donated.
It warms our hearts to have friends and associates who are so giving.
Please donate to Team Rico and Jordan now.

You can always donate to the twins’ memorial band through the March of Dimes. Either way, we appreciate all that you do.

Thanks!

Amani Channel and MushyMamma Daphne

P.S. This is really important to our family and I won’t stop talking about it, or sharing our story.

I just made $50.00 donation to the March of Dimes to Team Rico and Jordan, and hope you’ll join my wife and me as we raise money on behalf of our twin boys.

If you want to know and haven’t seen this short documentary called, “My Boys,” please you watch it now.

If you’d like to join me and made a donation now, please follow the link, or you can keep reading. www.marchforbabies.org/amanichannel

It’s been almost six years since our first born sons Rico and Jordan were born prematurely at 20 weeks. We think about our little angels every day.

Of course, we have plenty of reasons to celebrate. We’ve been blessed with an adorable three-year-old boy, Devin. As we watch him grow and learn, we often think what our lives would be like if his two brothers were still with us.

Each year we ask for our friends and family to help us support a cause that is near and and dear to our hearts, and each year you answer by generously giving to Team Rico and Jordan. In fact, we are among one of the top fundraising teams in the Atlanta metro area .

The March of Dimes March for Babies is approaching, and as we’ve done for the past five years or so, we’re asking for your generous help.

This year, my personal goal is to raise $1,500.00 dollars, and with your support, I know that I’ll get it.

I want to keep this short, but if you have $5, $10, $25 or even $100 dollars, please take a moment to make a donation.

www.marchforbabies.org/amanichannel

The March of Dimes is a great nonprofit working diligently to insure that all babies get the chance to live healthy lives, and I thank you in advance for your generosity.

Please donate now.

With kind regards,

Amani Channel

Aside from video production, I have a passion for education and I’m humbled to have the opportunity to share my knowledge.

Stay tuned.

Just because you know a reporter doesn’t mean that your story will be covered.

Back in my local news days, people would ask me all the time if I could do a story about x, y or z.

Remember that reporters are always looking for their next story, but they don’t decide what they will cover.

It will help if your story is new, unusual, or affects the general population in a community.

Since my background is TV news, my suggestion is always try to develop some compelling visuals with your story. Why do you think that fires, accidents and crime scenes get so much play? Because there are usually going to be visuals with emotional witnesses or victims.

Sometimes it will take time and work developing a relationship with a reporter. Other times it will just be plain old luck, and of course when the media calls you have to be available.

In this Media Jedi installment, I share some secrets to help you understand how to get your story in the news.