Red Earth 2016 - Pictures by Patricia Smith (Freelance Writer / Photographer - Cheyenne Arapaho Tribal Tribune)

Red Earth 2016

Patricia Smith
Freelance Writer / Photographer
Cheyenne Arapaho Tribal Tribune
https://www.c-a-tribes.org/tribal-news

Pictures are available at:the link below:
Patty Cake Greetings From The Heart
http://pattycakegreetings.smugmug.com/Red-Earth-2016  

Read the complete story in the July 1st Issue:
Cheyenne Arapaho Tribal Tribune   https://www.c-a-tribes.org/tribal-news 

Oklahoman Rankings in Education, Suicides, Divorce, Health, Incareration and more....by Blogger Patricia Smith

I guess that I didn't realize the importance of gun / weapon laws in the state of Oklahoma .....Come November, Oklahomans will be allowed to carry weapons like a dagger, Bowie knife, sword cane in public without a permit. This was just passed by Oklahoma lawmakers.

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OMG --- we have so many other things that we need to be working on ---- i.e. EDUCATION of our children...

#49 EDUCATION RANKING IN OKLAHOMA

http://okrankings.okkim.info/index.php?title=Education

Spending and Education

OKLAHOMA RANKS 49TH IN THE COUNTRY IN TERMS OF MONEY SPENT PER PUPIL

#34 IN THE NATION FOR ITS HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION RATE, according to the national report “Diplomas Count 2011”. Accessed June 8, 2011, at http://okrankings.okkim.info/index.php?title=Education

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Here is our ranking in state right now on suicides, health, families etc......this is sooooo sad :(

OKLAHOMA IS #11 IN TEENAGE SUICIDES THAT SUCCEEDED IN THIS COUNTRY. For every actual death by suicide of teens, there are 100 to 200 suicide attempts. Clearly there is a serious problem.

Suicide has been the second-leading cause of death for Oklahomans age 10 to 24 for 18 of the past 20 years, second only to automobile accidents, according to medical examiner reports.

http://www.news9.com/story/16657185/metro-teen-suicides-mount

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#13 state in Suicides overall in the nation

http://www.businessinsider.com/most-suicidal-us-cities-2011-7

http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/state/oklahoma-watch-state-suicide-rate-ranks-among-highest/article_22395679-f3d9-516a-8a3d-780063c2cf52.html

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#1 state in the nation in prescription drug abuse usage and top 10 in the country in non-prescription drug abuse usage

OKLAHOMA RANKS...

• #1 in Opioid abuse.

• #4 in alcohol related accidents

• #6 in drug overdose (up 400% since 2009)

• #11 in alcohol poison deaths.

• Tulsa is called the Meth capital of the U.S.

http://city-sentinel.com/2012/03/prescription-drug-abuse-in-oklahoma-leads-most-states/

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#1 state in Divorce in the nation

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44308315/ns/business-personal_finance/t/oklahoma-tops-list-highest-divorce-rates/

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#3 state in Domestic Abuse for women killed by men

http://newsok.com/article/3896304

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#5 IN TEENAGE PREGNANCIES IN THE COUNTRY.

he number of teen girls giving birth in Oklahoma in 2008 was more than double the number of female freshmen entering the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University that fall semester, according to a recent data analysis.

http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=17&articleid=20100916_11_A1_Tenmef914289

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#4 hungriest state in the nation / 6th in restaurant food waste

1 out of 4 CHILDREN in Oklahoma... Are FOOD INSECURE!

http://needsokc.org/

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#1 in incarcerated women

OKLAHOMA WOMEN INCARCERATED RANKS #1 IN THE COUNTRY

Oklahoma continues to be ranked as the state with the HIGHEST female incarceration rates in the U.S. The Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women has voted to make this topic their primary issue area for the FY'10 year.

Female prison in Oklahoma has highest rape rate in U.S.

https://www.ok.gov/ocsw/Issues/Oklahoma_Women_Incarcerated/index.html

http://newsok.com/article/3922988?utm_source=MobileNewsOK.com&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=ShareBar-Facebook

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#4 in incarcerated men

http://oklahomawatch.org/2013/07/25/oklahomas-incarceration-rate-remains-among-highest-in-nation/

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#48 state in the nation in health rankings

OKLAHOMA HEALTH RANKS 48TH IN THE COUNTRY in 2011 overall health rankings by the United Health Foundation.

#49 state in physical activity in the nation

#50 state in per capita consumption of fruits and vegetables.

Our infant mortality is higher than the national average and life expectancy is shorter by almost three years. We are 49th in physical activity and 50th in per capita consumption of fruits and vegetables. If the present trends continue, Oklahoma will hold the ranking as the nation’s most obese state by 2018.

http://www.edmondsun.com/opinion/x584477421/The-Norman-Transcript-Smoking-obesity-inactivity-push-health-rank-to-No-48

(If the present trends continue, Oklahoma will hold the ranking as the nation’s most obese state by 2018.)----this will be the first generation of children that will not outlive their parents.

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SOCIAL:

• Poverty #10

http://okpolicy.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Oklahoma-Poverty-Profile-2012.pdf

According to the National Center for Children in Poverty (NCCP)

http://www.nccp.org/

Here are the statistics of Children in Low-Income Families in Oklahoma, by Race, as of the year 2010 records:

39% (198,746) of white children live in low-income families.

70% (48,723) of black children live in low-income families.

70% (85,846) of Hispanic children live in low-income families.

45% (6,573) of Asian children live in low-income families.

55% (40,524) of American Indian children live in low-income families.

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• Violence (Per capita) #10

• CRIME(Per capita) #7

• RAPE #6

• Gangs (Per capita) #5

http://www.koco.com/Report-Ranks-OKC-Among-Worst-For-Gangs/10735624

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Oklahoma ranks #5 in CHILD HOMELESSNESS!:

HOMELESS CHILDREN IN OKLAHOMA

12,139 KIDS ARE HOMELESS IN OKLAHOMA THAT ATTEND SCHOOL BETWEEN THE GRADES OF K-12.

This is such a disturbing fact that there are over 12,000 students homeless in Oklahoma public schools. The above information was taken from the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

Kindergarten through second grade statistics are even more alarming. Those grade levels are noted to have over one-thousand students that are homeless.

Primary nighttime residences of homeless children and youth

• Shelters, transitional housing, awaiting foster care 2,321

• Doubled-up (including runaway youth or unaccompanied youth who live with relatives or friends due to being homeless) 8,441

• Unsheltered (cars, parks, campgrounds, abandoned buildings, temporary trailer, substandard or inadequate housing, etc.) 1,086

• Hotels/motels 291

• Total 12,139

Source: Oklahoma State Department of Education

Call for more information

Every school district has a designated homeless education coordinator. For more information, contact the state Department of Education homeless education office at

(405) 522-3251 .

Oklahoman’s….we can make a dent in this number. We can make a difference. We must develop a plan to solve this situation. The first step is awareness. Now, that we have awareness—-We must work together!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=3554585145198&set=a.1066280419135.2011007.1289786475&type=1&theater

There is a place we dare not go: a place that springs up feelings of fear and discomfort. It’s easier just to turn our heads and look the other way. However, this place of fear and hurt is the same place many others are confined to.

They can’t escape the grip of misfortune just as they cannot let their thoughts of hope escape them. When they turn and look away, they see all they don’t have, but desperately need. When we turn and look away, we see all we’re grateful for and all we have yet to desire. It’s easier to ignore it; it’s easier to pretend this rising issue plaguing America is immaterial, but it’s right to help.

It’s up to us, the more fortunate, to do what is necessary to aid our ailing social class. We must let go of our inhibitions and our restraints.

We have to forget the thoughts and ideas of our peers and do what is right. It is our obligation to be the source of hope they look to.

The next time you turn your head, don’t look to the tangible, but look inside your heart, and do what you know you should.

It will soon become a source of inner peace and satisfaction for you and a source of hope, help, and relief for those who truly need it.

The Black Oklahoman would like to give a warm welcome to Freelancer Patricia Smith

The Black Oklahoman would like to give a warm welcome to Freelancer Patricia Smith.  We look forward to reading and sharing her wonderful stories here on our site.  Ms. Smith has captured some of Oklahoma’s greatest moments, and she shares many of those moments with the world.  Listed below are some of her accomplishments:
http://blackoklahoman.info/welcome-oklahomas-finest-freelancer/

Freelance Writer, Social Media Strategist, Public Relations, Event Planning, Graphic designs, Photography

***Recent Winner 2016 American Airlines / Miami Heat VIP Fan Experience Sweepstakes for tweeting on Twitter about the MiamiHEAT***

***Freelance Writer / Photographer - CHEYENNE & ARAPAHO TRIBAL TRIBUNE***

195,825+ views on my Youtube Channel
http://www.youtube.com/user/patriciasmith1955

47,425+ views on CNN iReport with 18 stories actually airing on CNN.com and/or CNN TV
http://ireport.cnn.com/people/Patricia0117

Have had 2 Editors Picks of my stories on CNN:

Okla. Tornado Survivor by Pat Smith-The Wall that saved Michael's life
http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-978245
Also this story was selected to be on CNN International TV 6/29/13 and 6/30/13

MLK Celebration -- AN ARTS EVENING IN OKC -- A Salute to Contemporary Black artists in Oklahoma
http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-731201

Feature story of the day on CNN.com U.S. home page
Breast Cancer Awareness Day at The Oklahoma State Capitol-Part II http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-437178

Won a Webby Award for CNN in NYC June, 2011 - Okla. Memorial Bombing entitled: “Walk In Our Shoes – Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building Memorial – Okc”
http://cnnpressroom.blogs.cnn.com/2011/05/03/ireportwalkaroundthe-world/

Featured 'CNN iReporter' on CNN - June, 2013
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=4822056591192&set=a.2634783310727.2113923.1289786475&type=1

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Follow me on LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-smith-61a84511

Follow my Twitter:
http://twitter.com/patricia0117

Follow my personal blog:
Patty Cakes Greetings From The Heart
http://pattycakesgreetingsfromtheheart.blogspot.com/

My new photo gallery is up----Please come by and visit:
Patty Cake Greetings From The Heart
http://pattycakegreetings.smugmug.com

Follow me on my Journalist Facebook where I blog:
https://www.facebook.com/Patricia-Smith-Journalist-Blogger-Freelance-Writer-that-Loves-GOD-1720044738215742/

Follow me on my personal Facebook where I blog
https://www.facebook.com/patricia.smith.585559

Follow me on Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/patricia0117/

Follow me on Instagram:
http://instagram.com/patriciaannsmith1/

Periscope:  Patricia0117

30,000+ Shared / Viewed on Facebook my Scholarship Research for kids wanting to go to college + thousands of more views on my other media resources.
http://pattycakesgreetingsfromtheheart.blogspot.com/2013/07/scholarships-going-to-waste-please.html

INTEGRIS Health -African American Women Health Forum Committee Member/Photographer

CHEYENNE & ARAPAHO TRIBAL TRIBUNE - Freelance Writer

p.s. Also some of my pictures / stories have appeared in these media.
The Oklahoman
NewsOk.com
The Black Herald
The Black Chronicle
MetroFamily Magazine
Edmond Outlook Magazine
Okc Friday
CNN
KGOU (NPR)
INTEGRIS Health
The Black Oklahoman

Thankssss everyone for your continued prayers, love, support and encouragement <3 <3 <3

Highlighting Native American languages during 14th Annual fair - Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune - April 15, 2016 Edition

My First Story and pictures for the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal Tribune - April 15th, 2016 Edition.

HIGHLIGHTING NATIVE AMERICAN LANGUAGES DURING 14TH ANNUAL FAIR
Patricia Smith​ - Freelance Writer and Photographer

Subscribe to the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal Tribune
http://www.c-a-tribes.org/tribal-news

Patricia Smith - Journalist, Blogger, Freelance Writer that Loves GOD​

I just won the 2016 American Airlines / Miami Heat VIP Fan Experience Sweepstakes - Patricia Smith

I am sooooo excited. @MiamiHEAT

I just won the 2016 American Airlines / Miami Heat VIP Fan Experience Sweepstakes..... by tweeting about the Miami Heat.

Miami Heat / American Airlines are flying me in to Miami to watch a game in April.

Twitter Social Media works.....I never thought I would win.  Can't wait to go see Joshua Richardson and Dewayne Wade play.

I told them I was their #1Ultimatefan in Oklahoma.  Go MiamiHEAT!!!! 

Video of me being recognized at the game
https://www.facebook.com/patricia.smith.585559/videos/vb.1289786475/10206094149694652/?type=3&theater

Celebrating Black History Month: Honoring --- ERROLL IGNATIUS BYER, SR., MD

Celebrating Black History Month:
Honoring --- ERROLL IGNATIUS BYER, SR., MD

In honor of Black History Month, it is a pleasure to introduce distinguished Barbadian Physician, Dr. Erroll Byer, Sr. --- 'the only person in the world to discover an 'Erythrocyte Antigen', on human red blood cells. Dr. Byer has received many accolades for his discovery and has been recognized, honored, and awarded numerous times for his discovery by all the governing bodies of Medicine Worldwide! In 2015, he received the "Outstanding Unsung Heroes Award".

Erroll is the the Director of New Life Medical Associates in Brooklyn, NY...He and his son Erroll Byer, Jr. own and are also physicians at New Life Medical Associates.

Dr. Byer graduated from Suny Downstate Medical school and is a renown medical doctor in the field of OB/GYN. He has practiced medicine for over 30 years and delivered over 3000+ babies and not lost a one. Dr. Byer also has a Harvard degree in Mind Body Medicine.

Dr. Byer was born in the parish of St George, in the district of St Jude, in the gap of Rock Hall. Being the third of four boy children, born to the union of George Cameron Byer,(aka, Cammie or aka, Pa Byer), and Cynthia Agatha Byer, nee Hinkson, (aka, Too-Too, or MotherByer, or Sis).

Dr. Byer shared a little about his life growing up: 
"I had to learn early to defend myself from two older brothers, and a little "upstart favorite", little brother. I think that I became a little defender of those other little ones, my playmates, all partners in our little "innocent" crimes, such as "borrowing our neighbors mangoes, golden apples, mandarins, ackies, plums, cherries, and gooseberries, all "without permission", or taking a cane from the nearest plantation field. I participated in most of the children's fun and games of the times, keeping in mind that I am referring to a period in Barbados, in a "rural" parish, pre independence. Games did not include anything electronic at that time, since electricity was not widely available to the majority of our population on a routine basis then; neither were most of the games yet invented. Our fun and games most often took place out of doors, on pastures, and in the "roads and gaps", as they were then, or within your own yard; if you were fortunate enough to have yours enclosed with corrugated galvanized sheets, as was the standard then for most of us being raised in our chattel homes."

He's a remarkable / highly respected individual with an exceptionally high degree of education...yet, he's a down-to Earth, practical, and regular guy. A type 'A' personality, of which one can identify. You wouldn't even know he was a phenomenal / successful physician by his demeanor --- unless he told you.

Dr. Byer starts his email message in typical fashion...
Hi, Peace be unto you and yours! Good morning! 
"Wide Eyed, and Bushy Tailed"!? All ready to work!??
Let's go!! 
And he always ends in typical fashion...not forgetting to recognize who has been at the forefront of all his accomplishments..."Peace and be blessed!"

Dr. Erroll Byer, Sr. and Dr. Erroll Byer, Jr., Mrs. Barbara Byer, RN and Dr. Byer's entire family that are in the medical field are all phenomenal individuals that contribute to the medical field and the community in NYC. Dr. Byer and his family have the utmost respect from the community. He is known in the community as 'the doctor with a big giving heart'. Dr. Byer is an amazingly gifted hero, inspiration, and proud Barbadian….and a shining example to aspiring youth everywhere.

GOD bless you and your family for representing and being leaders in the field of medicine!

Patty Cake Greetings From The Heart - Many Thanks to my many followers: Love Yal!!

THANKS FOLLOWERS.....I LOVE YOU!!....just checked my youtube and other stats...

PCG & Co.
Patty Cake Greetings From The Heart

Freelance Writer, Social Media Strategist, Public Relations, Event Planning, Graphic designs, Photography

************** I am sooooooo excited!!!!  Thankssssss everyone! *************

Just reached 195,825+ views on my Youtube Channel
http://www.youtube.com/user/patriciasmith1955

Goal on Youtube is 200K by the end of October......Hope you can help me reach it!!  :)

Now at 47,252+ views on CNN iReport with 18 stories actually airing on CNN.com and/or CNN TV
http://ireport.cnn.com/people/Patricia0117

Have had 2 Editors Picks of my stories on CNN:

Okla. Tornado Survivor by Pat Smith-The Wall that saved Michael's life
http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-978245
Also this story was selected to be on CNN International TV 6/29/13 and 6/30/13

Feature story of the day on CNN.com U.S. home page
Breast Cancer Awareness Day at The Oklahoma State Capitol-Part II http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-437178

Won a Webby Award for CNN in NYC June, 2011 - Okla. Memorial Bombing entitled: “Walk In Our Shoes – Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building Memorial – Okc”
http://cnnpressroom.blogs.cnn.com/2011/05/03/ireportwalkaroundthe-world/

Follow my Twitter:
http://twitter.com/patricia0117

Follow my personal blog:
Patty Cakes Greetings From The Heart
http://pattycakesgreetingsfromtheheart.blogspot.com/

Photo Gallery: Patty Cake Greetings From The Heart
http://pattycakegreetings.smugmug.com

Follow me on my personal Facebook where I blog
https://www.facebook.com/patricia.smith.585559

Follow me on Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/patricia0117/

Follow me on Instagram:
http://instagram.com/patriciaannsmith1/

30,000+ Shared / Viewed on Facebook my Scholarship Research for kids wanting to go to college + thousands of more views on my other media resources.
http://pattycakesgreetingsfromtheheart.blogspot.com/2013/07/scholarships-going-to-waste-please.html

p.s. Also some of my pictures / stories have appeared in these media.
The Oklahoman
NewsOk.com
The Black Herald
The Black Chronicle
MetroFamily Magazine
Edmond Outlook Magazine
Okc Friday
CNN
KGOU (NPR)
INTEGRIS Health -African American Women Health Forum Photographer

♥♥♥

THANKS AGAIN EVERYONE-----FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF ALL OF MY MANY CAUSES.  :) <3  I trulyyyyyy appreciate you---Couldn't do it without your support!

GOD BLESS!! <3

Philippians 4:13 - We can do all things through CHRIST who strengthens us!