Empower

Leanne Morancie: Using life experiences to empower and enrich others

Published

6 years ago

August 21, 2018

BY: KRISTINA RAMCHARRAN

Leanne Morancie is not your average young woman you might meet during your morning commute, or during your evening drink at the bar. It does not mean that it isn’t a part of her personality, but due to the fact that she is always on the go.

Born on the island of Dominica, she always shared a love for the arts and communications. She grew up in Houston, Texas which sparked her interest in the arts even more. Her love of the arts snowballed into a love for dance, pageantry, teaching and even youth empowerment. “My passion in youth empowerment and development is throughout the defined arts, I’ve always implemented that in my day to day life.”

But adding to Morancie’s list of skills, she also focuses on the empowerment of women as well. “My personal motto is first love yourself, also as a preschool teacher, I’ve always got to implement those on my day to day basis. I’ve also launched an organization in Dominica for women empowerment.”

So how exactly did Morancie’s free spirit unleash all of these talents and focuses upon her? She recalls gaining her inspiration for this from the symbolism of butterflies. “When I was younger I was obsessed with butterflies. I also think that’s my spirit animal. I experienced a lot of lows and my gaining confidence in myself and practicing my self-esteem I’ve been able to implement that with everyone I’ve come across.”

In 2014, Morancie launched her first show in the island of Dominica titled ‘Stay Golden’ and says “we were able to highlight some of the artists on the island because there isn’t a platform for that in the Caribbean for the non-mainstream artists.”

Morancie not only advocated for empowerment through the arts but also through teaching. “I was also a preschool; teacher for five years, I taught kindergarten and was able to take everything I used throughout that time and implement it in my own program.”

As she currently lives on the island of St. Croix, Morancie still uses her time to teach empowerment to others. “I was able to host workshops for confidence boosting, walking with structure and all of those beautiful things I just take and put it together and just do what I do currently.”

In 2015 Morancie tried a new avenue and found herself immersed in the world of pageantry. She used this as a way to expand her reach to others who craved her teachings of empowerment. “I was always a natural born humanitarian. I intend to work with a lot of non-profit organizations, for young women and even young girls before they enter womanhood, they need that support, sometimes support doesn’t come from home or people that you love [and] we need support from different avenues especially from black Caribbean women, that has always fuelled my passion for pageantry.”

One of Morancie’s main goals is to build an empowerment empire that can reach women and children around the world. “I wanted to be able to have a hub in various parts of the world to cater to women who have been sexually assaulted and abused, I do believe I have a niche in that aspect because I was once a victim as well and I’ve experienced all of those things. This continues to fuel my passion because I believe that when we stand together especially as coloured Caribbean women we can cause a greater impact on society.”

In recent times, Morancie has furthered her skills and is now a certified Yoga instructor, specializing in tantric yoga. She notes that yoga was a key part in getting her out of depression and cleansing her mind. “Meditating, changing my diet around really helps me personally and I was able to flourish. I wanted to show everyone else that there is a better way of living especially changing my diet.”

Morancie’s advice to anyone facing the difficult dilemma of what they want to do for their life is, “whatever you feel that you are passionate for or about, that’s what you’re here for, that’s your spot in the world to make a difference. Do what you’re passionate for, do not hesitate, always start somewhere. I would also advise any young lady to be inspired by acting, dancing or anything in the arts. Always put your best foot forward do a lot of research, we have a lack of knowledge of what’s really out there.”

You can keep up with Leanne Morancie on her websites misslegacy.com and lutterfly.com.

Related Topics:abuse empower society teaching women yoga

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The cost of convenience: how much does delivery really cost?

Published

3 days ago

April 25, 2024

TOCaribNews

BY AMARI SUKHDEO

Have you ever been excited to camp-in and order your favourite meal for delivery, only to be taken aback by that bill? That $18 ramen suddenly balloons to $32. Why the hefty price tag? Here’s what’s happening:

Markup mayhem:

When opposed to ordering straight from the restaurant, ordering through delivery apps frequently entails a surreptitious price increase. The menu items found on these platforms are typically more expensive than those found inside. Remarkably, a recent survey found that the cost of things ordered through delivery apps may be up to 26% more than that of items ordered straight from the restaurant. A lot of customers are caught by surprise by this markup, which turns what could have been a relatively inexpensive dinner into a costly affair.

Fee fiasco:

Not only is there a markup, but there are also significant service costs added to the bill. For instance, Uber Eats determines prices based on the quantity of your order, while DoorDash charges a $3 minimum service fee in addition to a 15% service charge. These extra fees have the potential to significantly raise the overall cost of your meal, giving customers the impression that they have been taken advantage of.

Restaurant shares:

It’s not just diners who are experiencing financial hardship. Restaurants face a big competition from delivery apps, which can take up to 30% of their earnings. This is especially true for smaller businesses that depend significantly on delivery services. Restaurants may find it extremely challenging to generate a profit due to the weight of high commissions, given their already extremely narrow profit margins.

A troubling tendency is shown through data: the cost of using delivery apps is progressively going up. Fees have increased to previously unheard-of heights in recent years, leaving many customers unable to pay more for their favourite dishes. For a few, the price hike has caused them to reconsider their dining options.

At home diners, keep in mind that you have to account for the hidden expenses the next time the convenience of a takeaway menu entices you. It’s a story about: delivery workers’ financial struggles, increased rates, and outrageous surcharges. Bon appétit, with caution.

https://www.vox.com/money/24118201/food-delivery-cost-expensive-doordash-ubereats-grubhub

https://www.foodandwine.com/news/delivery-app-prices-higher-fees-2021-pandemic

Junior Contributors

Beneath the waves: Unveiling the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade in the Bahamas

Published

3 days ago

April 25, 2024

TOCaribNews

BY KAHA G. – 15 YEARS OLD

What is archaeology? Archaeology is the study of human history and prehistory through the excavation: of artifacts, structures, and other physical remains. It helps us understand past cultures, societies, and lifestyles by analyzing material culture left behind by ancient civilizations. In this case, archaeologists in the Bahamas have found underwater wrecks of 14 sailing ships involved in the Trans-Atlantic slave trade between Africa and the Americans.

The Bahamas Lost Ships Project, led by Allen Exploration and the Bahamas Maritime Museum, aims to catalog shipwrecks in the Bahamas. They’ve found 596 wrecks so far, dating back to 1657. Also, these findings were published around Black History Month, emphasizing the importance of preserving the experiences of marginalized communities.

The Bahamas’ history is deeply connected to the transatlantic slave trade, with events like the arrival of the first slaving vessels shaping the islands’ population. The wrecks of ships like the Nancy and the General Oglethorpe remind us of the individuals who suffered and resisted enslavement. This research also highlights the Bahamas’ role in the transatlantic slave trade, connecting: Africa, the American Southeast, Cuba, and the Gulf of Mexico. Making it an important trade route for these places.

According to Livescience, the wrecks included the “Peter Mowell which is an American schooner (sailing vessel) that sank off Lynyard Cay near Great Abaco Island in 1860 with about 400 enslaved Africans on board; as well as smaller vessels that carried slaves to plantations for sugar, coffee, cotton and tobacco in North America and around the Caribbean.”

Alongside that, the team of archaeologists, and Allen Exploration have found three wrecks, but their locations are currently undisclosed. The CEO, emphasized the historical significance of these wrecks, noting their importance in understanding the conditions aboard slave ships and the broader history of the slave trade.

Additionally, the type of living conditions of enslaved Black people were atrocious. They lived in miserable huts, which were said to be “Unfit for the habitation of wild beasts.” They wore iron slave collars and worked seven days a week, with just four hours a day of rest in cane-cutting season. Unfortunately, about 10% of enslaved Africans died on the plantations in Cuba each year during the slave trade, and some were even flogged to death.

In conclusion, the discovery of these shipwrecks in the Bahamas sheds light on a significant, yet often overlooked aspect of human history: the transatlantic slave trade. These findings provide valuable insights into the conditions endured by enslaved individuals and the intricate networks that facilitated this cruel trade. As we continue to explore and preserve these historical sites, we honor the resilience and bravery of those who resisted oppression and strive to ensure that their stories are remembered for generations to come.