This Sunday, March 28th 2010 is Black Marriage Day. After learning about this new Day and the organization behind it, The Wedded Bliss Foundation, we had to talk with their Executive Director, Nisa Islam Muhammad.
Nisa formed The Wedded Bliss Foundation in 2001 and not only serves as Executive Director, but is also a senior staff writer for The Final Call Newspaper and is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists. Read below to find out how Nisa has started a Marriage Revolution!
PROPOSAL: What inspired you to create the Wedded Bliss Foundation?
NM: I had a failed marriage and got tired of hearing all of the negative things being said about marriage in the Black community. I wanted to do something to change the reality. Wasn’t really sure if I could. That was in 2001. I’m always shocked at how well the notion of improving marriage in the Black community has caught on and the countless people who want to get involved and make change.
PROPOSAL: Black Marriage Day is this Sunday (March 28th ) For our readers who don’t know about this important day of awareness, tell us a little bit about what this day means to you and your community ?
NM: It’s an opportunity to do something positive to celebrate the joy many couples find in marriage. It’s a chance to create cultural change to think positively about marriage in our community rather than the negatives we usually hear about our marriages such as another one bites the dust or it just didn’t happen. It’s about changing the hearts and minds of people to reconsider marriage.
PROPOSAL: Is there any particular reason you chose March 28th to be Black Marriage Day?
NM: It’s a different date each year but always the fourth Sunday in March unless that day is Easter.
PROPOSAL: What were some of your biggest challenges that you have faced in bringing this organization to life and how did you overcome them?
NM: People asked me why I was doing this since I was single at the time. I was very intentional in my goals and would not let the naysayers get in my way. I knew this was a good thing to do and was affirmed every step of the way. The more couples and singles I talked to the more I knew this work was needed and could be inspirational. I knew that it could make a difference in the lives of people who were looking for hope and restoration.
PROPOSAL: Where can our readers find your organization’s website?
NM: www.weddedblissinc.com or www.blackmarriageday.com .
PROPOSAL: What activities do you have planned for Black Marriage Day 2010?
NM: We are partnering with Tyler Media to debut the new film You Saved Me in 25 cities around the country. We are also partnering with Allied Media the marketing company for Tyler Perry’s new film Why Did I Get Married Too to sponsor vow renewal events in five cities around the country. Also, communities and organizations large and small will have very unique events to celebrate Black Marriage Day.
PROPOSAL: What can our readers do in their communities to honor Black Marriage Day?
NM: They can go to www.blackmarriageday and download resources to conduct a Black Marriage Day event in their community. We have flyers, brochures, fact sheets and lots more to help people be successful in their activities.
PROPOSAL: Can you tell us about the Marriage Hall of Fame? What qualifies a couple for receiving this honor?
NM: The Black Marriage Day Hall of Fame is a great activity communities can implement. They induct incredible couples into their own Hall of Fame. It’s a wonderful event that recognizes the joy and pain of marriage and the couples that stand the test of time. Readers can get more information about this at www.blackmarriageday.com
PROPOSAL: What classes does the Wedded Bliss Foundation teach and how do they benefit couples?
NM: We offer classes using the curriculum Basic Training for Couples written by myself and Dr. Rozario Slack. It’s eight sessions toward a better marriage. It helps couples increase their awareness of the benefits of marriage, improves their communication, teaches how to manage conflict and deepens their commitment toward marital stability.
PROPOSAL: Can you tell our readers what You Saved Me is, and what is your involvement in the film?
NM: You Saved Me is a candid look into the lives of five couples that share how their marriages saved them. Most people don’t think of their marriage or marriage in general as having “saving powers” but these couples go beyond the obvious and dig deep to give us the real deal of the benefits of marriage. It’s a great production by a couple Ronnie and Lamar Tyler who also blog for EssenceMagazine.com and host a site called www.blackandmarriedwithchildren.com. It will debut all across the country for Black Marriage Day.
PROPOSAL: Is there anything else you would like to add about your organization that we can include in this article?
NM: Wedded Bliss can be yours and we can show you how. We offer classes for the DC Metro area and travel around the country bringing our successful program to those in need. Call us. We have a program for you.
Thank you Nisa for taking the time to answer our questions!
Make sure to check out more about Black Marriage Day & The Wedded Bliss Foundation at http://www.blackmarriageday.com/Black_Marriage_Day/Welcome.html !
Check back next Tuesday for another interview with a Wedding Pro!
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