Thanksgiving: Cherokee Youth Choir Featured in Macy's Parade

What a joyous event! The multiple-award-winning Cherokee National Youth Choir gave an outstanding performance during the Macy's annual Thanksgiving parade in New York City.

For today's performance, a special rendition of "Jingle Bells" was performed in the original Tsa li ge (Cherokee) language. Clad in traditional Cherokee clothing, the talented voices soared in a cultural expression of traditional tribal values and outreach to other communities.

They've won several NAMMY's (Native American Music Awards) and NAMMY nominations-- the music industry equivalent of Grammys for Native American performers. "Voices of the Creator’s Children," their CD pairing with Grammy-winning Cherokee musician singer Rita Coolidge earned two nominations and one win. The next year, the choir again won a NAMMY for "Building One Fire."

The choir has also appeared with Dolly Parton, performed at major events in Washington, D.C., and sung at Ground Zero in New York City.

Organized in 2000, the 50-member choir is sponsored by the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. Singers, who are between middle school and high school ages, must go through rigorous auditions to land a coveted spot in the choir.

The photo shows the choir performing in Tahlequah, OK, the capital city of the Cherokee National of Oklahoma.

Black Friday, Kathleen Savio, Stacy Peterson & Domestic Abuse

It's called "Black Friday"--the day after Thanksgiving, when retailers hope that the holiday shopping season will put their revenue in the black.

I think it's time for another Black Friday--one that remembers the women and children who are the victims of domestic abuse. After writing about the Drew Peterson saga--and new revelations are forthcoming--I've decided that I've had it with bullies who hurt and terrorize other people.

The bottom line: abusers are cowards. They'll coerce, control, bully, hurt, torture (mentally, spiritually, and physically), and even kill--but only those who are vulnerable to them.

If you know someone who is abusing animals--get away from them. People who abuse animals never stop there.

If you are in an abusive relationship, seek help. Make your escape plan. If you have children at risk, consider this: why do you want their psyches and their very lives to be at risk?

Let's honor the countless victims of domestic abuse on Black Friday. Using the great Ribbon-a-Matic, I've created a special ribbon to remember those who suffer at the hands of abusers.

Feel free to post this on your websites and blogs if you think it has a worthwhile message. All I ask is a link back to this website, as more coverage of the Peterson saga and other relevant issues is planned.

No more excuses. No more letting bullies get away with it. If you know someone who is abusive, don't tolerate it anymore. Don't say "well, it's good ol' Joe's business, but he's a great fishing buddy." Stand up for what's right.

Abusers are cowards, and if enough strong people and strong communities stand against them, they can be outed.