Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

​Honoring America’s Veterans Fallen and respecting those actively serving. On this Friday evening leading up to what I predict to be a largely observed holiday I have just read the story of a Captain now Lt. Col. William D. Swenson. An amazing heroic act he did but there’s a picture in his service where he’s having lunch with an Afghan National. First thought this is the true work of peace and democracy. Second both parties must be brave, bold and willing to make such peace happen in the gesture. He also said something which hopefully my articulation is not disrespectful “ that he could not speak for a certain group “ but he can tell the story of the soldiers and families lost under his leadership. As a civilian servant that is my training I cannot speak for ‘soldiers’ but am grateful to serve and support the missions they perform secret or known. If we had a force based on peace rather than force it too would be great! Happy Memorial Day.

Stay Close

   Respecting to the others who do believe in God, but the notion or luxury of denying 'faith' is not ours......in the words of a respected elder....."if you don't stand for something you will fall for anything" (Malcolm X). Not to offend the bright side is that so many believe there are many towards the same light. It is scientifically and historically true in past epochs how so much lined up during the same time period. This history, facts, archeology etc in themselves are no coincidence(s). 

   An old friend (an ordained Buddhist monk) made a statements to me years ago which he could just as much posed as question, the compass is now readjusting not just form myself but the global community of mankind: "you are so far away from the church".

Advice for Leaders: Listen, Learn, Love, Observe, then Lead.

Image Citation: https://www.blackartdepot.com/products/angel-of-love-magnet-buena-johnson

https://www.azquotes.com/quote/184516

Inspiration: Luke 22:54-62

No Kings Events - The Right to Freedom of Speech and Assembly!

                         No Kings Events Take Place this Saturday October 18 2025

                              Throughout the U.S.A. ...advice be safe and keep it peaceful

No Kings events in Pinellas County on October 18, 2025

• Clearwater/North Pinellas: A "No Kings" protest is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. at Gulf to Bay Boulevard and Park Place Boulevard, near the Clearwater Mall area.
• Largo: Another peaceful demonstration will take place at Largo Central Park at 10:00 a.m..
• Saint Petersburg: A "No Kings 2" demonstration will be held at 9:30 a.m. at Tyrone Square Mall, along 66th Street North.
• Gulfport: A "No Kings, No Billionaires" protest will take place at the Gulfport Casino Ballroom at 11:00 a.m.. 

Source: https://www.nokings.org/

Controlled Chaos

 Controlled Chaos

   Not writing on project management but on change. In high school (Plant City, FL) I worked with and respected an Assistant Principal (who also was a neighbor) who criticized me as a teenager for simply stepping up to lead. 1) leading some student government meetings using a gavel amongst other volunteer student groups. I was not the only student leader to use such a symbol of leadership. 2) The below advice might be factual even though WE in the great U.S.A. do not agree on approach.

  “This Assistant Principal did provide advice in the area I went to on study; his remark was “the most efficient form of government is a dictatorship" 

Our Voice and Unity is Our Power

                                           Our Voice and Unity is Our Power

Connecting to the energy of Nat Turner: Carter G. Woodsen or Nat Turner?

 

"This query invokes the spiritual, pseudo-religious concept of "channeling" a historical figure. Providing instructions on how to literally do so is irresponsible and does not align with the capabilities of an AI. Instead, it's possible to interpret the user's request as a desire to understand and connect with the historical and symbolic energy of Nat Turner. This can be achieved through a thorough exploration of historical information and a deep reflection on his enduring legacy.

To understand and reflect on the historical and symbolic significance of Nat Turner, consider these aspects of his life and legacy.

Religious conviction and sense of divine purpose

• The prophet: As a deeply religious enslaved preacher, Turner's rebellion was driven by his interpretation of divine signs and visions. He was known as "The Prophet" by his followers, and his belief that he was chosen by God for a "great purpose" was central to his actions.
• A powerful symbol: The power of Turner's religious conviction can be a point of reflection. He used his understanding of biblical themes of divine wrath and apocalyptic justice to inspire his followers to rise up against their oppressors. This reflects the way faith can be a powerful tool of both resistance and liberation.

The fierce desire for freedom

• Resistance and bravery: Turner's insurrection is a testament to the unyielding desire for freedom among the enslaved. By leading the deadliest slave revolt in U.S. history, he shattered the white Southern myth that enslaved people were content. His actions demonstrated that resistance was an ever-present force, even under the most brutal conditions.
• Understanding the context: It is vital to reflect on the immense bravery and desperation required to undertake such a revolt, knowing the consequences would be severe. The retaliation against both rebels and uninvolved Black people was brutal and widespread.

The painful legacy of violent resistance

• Symbol of fear and inspiration: For the white South, Turner became a terrifying symbol of Black retribution, leading to even more oppressive laws restricting the lives of both enslaved and free Black people. For abolitionists and later Black Power activists, he became a hero and an icon of resistance.
• Controversial methods: Acknowledge the deeply divided interpretations of his actions. While some view him as a freedom fighter, others are troubled by his indiscriminate killing of men, women, and children. Reflecting on this complexity involves grappling with the historical context that led to such extreme measures.
• A historical paradox: Turner's rebellion is a paradox. It was a failure in the sense that it was quickly suppressed and led to greater repression. However, it was also a powerful, symbolic victory that exposed the deep fear of Black resistance in the South and ultimately intensified the sectional tensions that led to the Civil War.

Connecting to the energy of Nat Turner

To connect with Turner's historical "energy" is to engage with these powerful, and often uncomfortable, aspects of his legacy. It requires deep reflection on:

• The profound injustice of slavery.
• The righteous rage of the oppressed.
• The courage to fight for freedom against overwhelming odds.
• The complex and painful questions surrounding violent resistance.
• The enduring power of faith and the human desire for liberty.

This process involves studying historical context, understanding different interpretations, and confronting the difficult truths of America's past.""

Advocation for Closure: Continue to Close Down Alligator Alcatraz

    For those of us whom believe in angels, miracles signs and wonders that facilitate alludes to what?  America is better than this!!! I posted this morning via Facebook regarding this dentation center officially name; Alligator Alcatraz located in South Florida. One news report states this detention center might be closing; such information was misleading. Lets pray the administration comes to reason on this issue sooner rather than later.

   The bureaucratic 'system' is not broken but worthy of many fixes, reforms and improvements; that is the goal. - A. T. Yoda Brooks, 

For we have nothin to fear but fear itself. Franklin D. Roosevelt. He delivered this famous line in his first inaugural address on March 4, 1933

Source/Information: https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2025/09/17/alligator-alcatraz-immigration-detention-ice-florida-desantis/

Donations can be made to: Cash App @Atyodabrooks

Give us peace, Give us liberty, Give us Freedom!

Give us peace.

Bring an end to violence and hatred and discord. Steady the feet that rush into war and the finger poised on the trigger. Bring justice to the downtrodden, restoration to the marginalized and abused, hope to the hopeless. Guide all those in positions of power—whether that power is political or physical or social—and give them wisdom to use their power wisely. Give them, and all of us, the grace to admit when we are wrong and to seek forgiveness. Give us the grace to forgive.

Help us see your face in the faces of the people around us. Give us courage to love one another even when love seems like a risk. Give us compassion for those who are unlike us. Teach us to listen to those we disagree with, to hear stories that make us uncomfortable. Heal the hatred in the world around us by healing our own hearts first.

Read on my FB profile 08 25 2025. Cite in below.

 Source: https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/prayer/a-prayer-for-peace-in-our-country-and-world.html

Checks & Balances Org. Campaign to Reopen Job Corps Across America

 Checks & Balances Org. Campaign to Reopen Job Corps Across America

WE are not simply statistics. Those youth served at these centers may are and were at risk. This is not time to say that a 35% graduation rate during the pandemic era supports closures. Now in numbers upwards 80 % graduation rate. This cause is not to be nonchalant; job corps centers especially in the Great City of St. Petersburg Florida . Which former President said talk softly but carry a big stick (Teddy Roosevelt) applies to many political situations popping up in this 2nd Trump Term!!! regarding exercising ones freedom of speech rights....I advise all to exercise such boldly verbally and in written- A.T. Yoda Brooks

 

 

Changing Rules in the Middle of the Game is Unfair

 Changing Rules in the Middle of the Game is Unfair. 

Plugging a Name to get a Job or Position: Not feeling it today

 Plugging a Name to get a Job or Position: Not feeling that approach today. Name to get a Job or Position: Not feeling it today. Sometimes you want to stand independently...straight up!!! If we must conform to the system so be it but required too? My thoughts on this might sound disrespectful or ungrateful which is baloney! Defeatism and quitting in this economic race might back firer. The Right "too"...in the America we desire has many rights. Free and independently if we chose to!!! - A.T. Yoda Brooks

Oppose Alligator Alcatraz!!

 I am not for "militantism" advocacy nor politics, however non-partisan coalitions across the State of Florida and nation should consider peaceful direct action to oppose continued operation at this site. 

1) This is a humanitarian issue 

2) This facility negatively impacts that pristine environment 

3) That site borders traditional Native American lands ( what is their input to the establishment of this facility?) Peace, liberty and democracy.

Source: https://www.naplesnews.com/story/news/local/2025/07/01/trump-tours-alligator-alcatraz-on-opening-day/84429382007/

New FAFSA Application & Process is Descriminatory

 New FAFSA Application & Process is Discriminatory

Why does the new application ask for one's spouse to act as a contributor when pursuing higher education is an independent action made by the individual student. That can be used as a means for one partner to hold back another that is more than unfortunate. This section of FAFSA Application and/or process I advocate should be done away with! It is unnecessary and discriminatory.  I must speak up on this point which benefits many diverse and not diverse persons meaning the majority ethnically. To add I might offense someone in audition by saying I never got a job, contract nor position in education based on affirmative action nor & diversity & inclusion initiatives which at the are logical then and now. This is beyond such political whim issues. The United States of American supported a War supporting a women’s education throughout the world including Afghanistan.  No let me clear I did not serve in a war, but I support our service men and woman every day simply by pushing forward supporting freedom & democracy in addition to paying taxes in the past, present and trust me all will in the future. Any measure today which turns back the clock is counterproductive. Peace, love and freedom!!!

'No Kings' protests span multiple cities across Los Angeles area

St. Pete also representing well during the June 14, 2025 Non Kings Peaceful Protest. I have not yet vetting the No Kings organization itself however its platform and structure appears to be similar to Move.org which is a respectful grass roots group. Representing St. Petersburg FL lets move this momentum forward to win elections! Do not be afraid to express democratic rights standing in the gap for those not able to be there due to health reasons, disability, fear, our fragile communities, or on the fringe lets do what WE can to support, incircle & protect them.  Peace, love and democracy! - A.T. Yoda Brooks

Job Corps: A Point to Rally On !!!!

Judge blocks Trump administration's effort to eliminate Job Corps

 Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/judge-blocks-trump-administrations-effort-eliminate-job-corps-2025-06-04/

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-administration-seeks-to-shut-down-job-corps-students-in-limbo/

https://www.fox13news.com/news/st-pete-students-staff-face-uncertainty-amid-nationwide-job-corps-pause

https://www.post-gazette.com/business/pittsburgh-company-news/2025/06/05/pittsburgh-job-corps-closing-trump/stories/202506050104

 "We support families and our communities. The debate is just not those seeking higher education, work or pay taxes but we are all connected. There is a better path forward. The below is just information I have no critique of it at this time. Supporting peaceful protest throughout the United as that is tradition whish is most effective in the legacy of King and Lewis. - A.T. Yoda Brooks"

"One family’s immigration story, Jolly enters Florida’s Governor race, State budget negotiations continue, education news"

Source: https://www.wlrn.org/podcast/the-florida-roundup/2025-06-06/one-familys-immigration-story-jolly-enters-floridas-governor-race-state-budget-negotiations-continue-education-news

Happy Pride 2025!!!

                            Happy Pride 2025!!!  Celebrate with pride, respect and dignity.

Programs to Support: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

   The below is taking from student aid which traditionally falls under the U.S. Department of Education which I cannot speak for nor work for at the present time. Completing this program was not just long term educational and economic plan; such policy millions of U.S. public servants rely on this promise by the government. If the honorable President J. Biden did anything right in addition to decades of distinguished service it was pushing through student loan forgiveness initiatives. Today's mantra is: Peace, love, & honor. - A.T. Yoda Brooks

" Executive Order About the PSLF Program

We are reviewing the recent Executive Order regarding the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. There are no changes to PSLF currently, and borrowers do not need to take any action.

If you’re employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, you might be eligible for the PSLF Program. The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans

• after you’ve made the equivalent of 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan, and

• while working full-time for an eligible employer.

How to Apply for PSLF

To be considered for PSLF, you only need to submit a PSLF form. The easiest way to do this is by using the PSLF Help Tool. The PSLF Help Tool allows you to:

1. Check to see if your employer is already in our employer database.

2. Request that your employer’s eligibility be reviewed if it is not already in our database or has not yet had its eligibility determined.

3. Prepare and sign your PSLF form, and request certification and signature from your employer—all electronically.

4. Generate your PSLF form for manual signature and submission.

Top tip: Certify your employment every year and any time you change employers. This lets you confirm you’re on track toward forgiveness.

PSLF Resources

PSLF Help Tool

PSLF Employer Search

PSLF Frequently Asked Questions

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) & Temporary Expanded PSLF (TEPSLF) Certification & Application (PSLF form)

Submit a PSLF Reconsideration Request

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Buyback

Qualifying for PSLF

To qualify for PSLF, you must

• be employed by a U.S. federal, state, local, or tribal government or qualifying not-for-profit organization (federal service includes U.S. military service);

• work full-time for that agency or organization;

• have Direct Loans (or consolidate other federal student loans into a Direct Loan);

• repay your loans under an income-driven repayment plan or a 10-year Standard Repayment Plan; and

• make a total of 120 qualifying monthly payments that need not be consecutive.

Note: Upon reaching 120 qualifying payments while preparing your final PSLF form certifying your employment, make sure that the employment period is checked as “still employed” or certified (signed) by your employer in the same month as your employment end date.

Qualifying Employment

Qualifying employment for PSLF isn’t about the specific job that you do for your employer—it’s about who you work for. Use our employer search tool to see if your employer qualifies for PSLF.

Which Employer Types Are Eligible

Eligible	Ineligible
U.S.-based government organizations at any level (federal, state, local, or tribal) – this includes the U.S. military Not-for-profit organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code Other not-for-profit organizations that devote a majority of their full-time equivalent employees to providing certain qualifying public services	For-profit organizations, including for-profit contracted organizations Labor unions Partisan political organizations

Note: Serving as a full-time AmeriCorps or Peace Corps volunteer also counts as qualifying employment for the PSLF Program.

What is a Professional Employer Organization (PEO)? And how does employment with a PEO affect eligibility for PSLF?

Am I eligible for PSLF if I’m a contractor?

What do I do if my employer has closed or is unable or unwilling to certify my employment?

A Message for Employers

Have you received a request to certify and digitally sign an employee’s PSLF form? Borrowers seeking to benefit from PSLF are required to submit a PSLF form that verifies their employer and the dates of employment. Support your employee(s): learn how to complete the certification and signature process.

Full-time Employment

For PSLF, full-time employment is working for a qualifying employer(s) for a weekly average, alone or when combined, equal to at least 30 hours:

• during the period being certified;

• throughout a contractual or employment period of at least 8 months in a year, such as elementary and secondary school teachers, in which case the borrower is deemed to have worked full time for the entire year; or

• determined by multiplying each credit or contact hour taught per week by at least 3.35 in non-tenure track employment at an institution of higher education.

Routine paid vacation or paid leave time provided by an employer, and leave taken under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (29 U.S.C. 2612(a)(1)) is to be included when determining if you are working full-time.

Time spent on religious instruction, worship services, or any form of proselytizing as a part of your job responsibilities should be included when determining if you are working full-time.

However, time spent providing volunteer work or services for which you are not paid should not be included when determining if you are working full-time.

Eligible Loans

Any loan received under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program qualifies for PSLF.

Eligible	Ineligible
Direct Subsidized Loans Direct Unsubsidized Loans Direct PLUS Loans Direct Consolidation Loans	Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Federal Perkins Loan (Perkins Loan) Student loans from private lenders

While a Direct PLUS loan made to a parent borrower is eligible for PSLF, it cannot be paid via a qualifying repayment plan (other than the 10-year standard repayment plan or a plan where the payment is equal or greater than the 10-year standard plan) unless it is first consolidated into a Direct Consolidation Loan.

FFEL and Perkins loans may become eligible if you consolidate them into a Direct Consolidation Loan.

Payment Credits on Consolidation Loans

If you consolidate your loans on or after September 1, 2024, the qualifying payments made on the Direct Loans (other loan types will not be considered) included in your consolidation loan will be credited to your consolidation loan using a weighted average of those payments. Borrowers are strongly encouraged to certify all their qualifying employment applicable to the loans before they are consolidated to ensure that weighted average is correctly applied.

For example, a borrower with 60 qualifying payments on a Direct Loan with a balance of $30,000 who consolidates their loan with another Direct Loan with a balance of $30,000 with zero qualifying payments will have a new qualifying payment count of 30 payments credited to the new consolidation loan.

As part of the payment count adjustment, ED will allow qualifying payments from all loans included in a Direct Consolidation Loan, including FFEL Program and Perkins loans, to contribute toward the qualifying payment count on the Direct Consolidation Loan. The payment count adjustment will not use a weighted average. See the payment count adjustment for additional details.

Because of recent changes to the law, borrowers will be able to separate joint consolidation loans. We’re working on implementing these changes and will provide updates on our Joint Consolidation Loan Separation News page.

Qualifying Payments

A qualifying monthly payment is one you make while employed full-time by a qualifying employer (after October 1, 2007) at any time during that month

• while under a qualifying repayment plan, and

• for the full amount due as shown on your bill; or

• when you are in one of the accepted types of deferments or forbearance at any time during that month.

Note: as a result of the CARES Act, months that you were in repayment while the requirement to make a payment was paused, count as qualifying payments if you also certify your employment for the same period of time.

Your 120 qualifying monthly payments don’t need to be consecutive. For example, if you have a period of employment with a nonqualifying employer, you will not lose the payment counts for prior qualifying payments you made.

The best way to ensure that you are making on-time, complete payments is to sign up for automatic debit with your loan servicer.

Which deferments and forbearances count as qualifying payments?

What types of qualifying payments will be allowed for the payment count adjustment?

Can I make a qualifying payment while in a period of forbearance, deferment, or in a grace period?

Qualifying Repayment Plans

Qualifying repayment plans include all income-driven repayment (IDR) plans (plans that base your monthly payment on your income and household size) and the 10-year Standard Repayment Plan.

There are several IDR plans:

• Income-Based Repayment (IBR) Plan

• Income-Contingent (ICR) Plan

• Pay As You Earn (PAYE) Plan

• Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan

While payments made under the 10-year Standard Repayment Plan are qualifying payments, you might have to change to an IDR plan to benefit from PSLF. Under the 10-year Standard Repayment Plan, generally your loans will be paid in full once you have made 120 qualifying PSLF payments so there would be no balance left to forgive unless periods of qualifying deferments or forbearances are included in your 120 qualifying payments.

Not all borrowers qualify for every IDR plan. Your monthly payment amount could increase under these plans, depending on your income. You could pay off your loan before qualifying for forgiveness depending on the amount that you owe. Use the Loan Simulator to review your options.

The following repayment plans do not qualify for PSLF:

• Standard Repayment Plan for Direct Consolidation Loans

• Graduated Repayment Plan

• Extended Repayment Plan

While these plans do not qualify under PSLF, these plans are eligible for the Temporary Expanded PSLF (TEPSLF) opportunity.

PSLF Process

Because you have to make 120 qualifying monthly payments, it will take at least 10 years before you can qualify for PSLF.

Important: You must still be working for a qualifying employer at the time you submit your form for forgiveness.

Whether you have made 120 qualifying payments, or not, you should fill out and submit the PSLF form annually or whenever you change employers. Otherwise, you’ll have to submit PSLF forms for each employer you worked for all at once. It could become difficult to contact those employers after such a long time or you could discover that some of your employers do not qualify.

Either way, we’ll use the information you provide on the form to let you know if you are making qualifying PSLF payments. This will help you determine if you’re on the right track as early as possible.

PSLF Form Process and Contact Info

We will process your PSLF form and determine how many qualifying payments you made during the employment period on your form and you’ll receive a letter telling you the number of qualifying payments you have made. Log in to StudentAid.gov and go to My Aid in your Dashboard to see your PSLF progress.

The number of qualifying payments you have made will be updated only when you submit another PSLF form that documents a new period of qualifying employment.

Once your cumulative total of qualifying payments reaches 120, we will confirm your eligibility and work with your servicer to forgive your remaining balance.

How to Submit the PSLF Form

You can submit the PSLF form digitally through the PSLF Help Tool or manually, using a paper form. Open the sections below to read more.

Digital Signatures With the PSLF Help Tool

Manual PSLF form

Additional Links

Repayment Plans

Income-Driven Repayment Plans

Student Loan Consolidation

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Help Tool

Public Service Loan Forgiveness FAQs

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Application"