Take a look at our newsletter this month!
WWW.OBIORAHFIELDS.COM | 404.994.6218 | FEBRUARY 2019
THE INFLUENCE OF DR. KING
WHAT BLACK HISTORY MONTH MEANS TO ME
F ebruary is such a critical time because of what Black History Month means to our community. So many strong African-American individuals have blazed the trail for equality in human life, and each one deserves to be recognized for their dedication. While I know it’s common to focus on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during this time, and though I don’t want to be like everyone else, I can’t think of a more important person to highlight. In a way, I feel close to Dr. King. He was so young when he passed, very close to my age. He always preached peace and was such a civic-minded young man. The way he articulated his compassion for others was as if God had touched him. I can’t help but admire how Reverend King devoted his life to his people and consistently stayed dedicated to his cause. As our society progresses and technology makes superstars out of even the simplest of people, I can’t help but think about how Martin Luther King never let his celebrity derail his purpose. Sure, he received attention. But he used it to influence people to do what’s right, not for his own gain. Everything he did, he did for our people. Everyone in the deepest and darkest corners of the world recognizes the name of Dr. King, and that’s something to be revered.
Having a firm of African-American lawyers is possible because of those who ran the race before me. I look at the way Martin Luther King Jr. went about his work, and I seek to have the same effect he did. It’s true that no man is an island. People look up to us at all times, and that means we need to have the proper intent fueling our actions. Reverend King helped me understand the way I should live my life. I know that it’s difficult to have responsibility, but as African-Americans, everything we do affects our perception. I wouldn’t be living up to that responsibility if I didn’t try to have integrity every single day. “ “THE WAY HE ARTICULATED HIS COMPASSION FOR OTHERS WAS AS IF GOD HAD TOUCHED HIM.”
those around me. At times, I experience stress and adversity, but these are ultimately good things. They help keep you grounded and allow you to realize how much you need other people. During this Black History Month, I hope everyone takes the time to recognize peace. Success isn’t rooted in dollar signs or the profound gestures that gain celebrity status. It’s about finding peace in who you are.
How I define success is directly tied to the values that Dr. King instilled in me. I understand that success is not a destination; it’s a journey. The more material items I have, the more the goal posts move, so I try not to place value in anything other than my treatment of
–Teri Fields
404.994.6218 | 1
Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.TheNewsletterPro.com
When life throws you legal obstacles, anxiety, fear, and uncertainty are all common emotions, especially if it’s your first time using a lawyer. Navigating the unknown can be terrifying and present unique challenges. In the case of personal injury, the addition of medical bills and time off work can almost make the physical trauma an afterthought. Because of this, it’s imperative you have a good attorney who can help you through each step with competent representation and effective communication rather than being another pain point for you to navigate. Those are just a couple of qualities you should look for. Here are three more. EXPERIENCE, HONESTY, AND COMPETENCY WHAT MAKES OUR NEW PERSONAL INJURY FIRM UNIQUE?
WHAT DO YOU REALLY KNOW ABOUT GROUNDHOG DAY? 3 MYTHS ABOUT OUR FAVORITE FURRY METEOROLOGIST Despite the fact that most, if not all, meteorologists place little value on a furry marmot’s ability to predict an early spring, the annual tradition of Groundhog Day is still one that millions of people love to celebrate. Because it is based more on folkloric legend than scientific evidence, Groundhog Day is associated with shams and spoofs of varying degrees. There are many myths regarding the tradition as well as the famous Punxsutawney Phil himself.
MYTH 1: THE PREDICTIONS ARE ACCURATE.
Many event-goers put a lot of faith in Punxsutawney Phil’s predictions. Unfortunately, he is more likely to be wrong than right. According to studies based on Phil’s predictions and the weather patterns that follow, it seems Phil’s predictions receive an accuracy rate of only 39 percent.
EXPERIENCE
There are many options to choose from in the Jonesboro area, but when you’re hurt, finding personal injury experts is a must. These attorneys have experience handling the specific challenges of cases involving physical or emotional trauma. We suggest you look for a firm’s expertise by searching their testimonials.
MYTH 2: GROUNDHOG DAY IS HARMLESS.
Much like humans, most groundhogs don’t like being suddenly jostled out of their sleep. Their frustration often leads to them biting their handlers. For this reason, the handlers usually wear heavy gloves to protect themselves. However, that isn’t always enough of a precaution to ensure everyone’s safety. In 2009, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg was bitten through his glove, and subsequent Mayor Bill de Blasio dropped his groundhog in 2014. While Phil is probably the most well-known ground-dwelling meteorologist, he is not the only groundhog with weather predicting abilities. For example, General Beauregard Lee is the weather predictor for the city of Lilburn, Georgia. Staten Island Chuck takes care of the New York territory, and Lancaster, Pennsylvania, has three groundhogs of its own, which is probably due to its rich Pennsylvania Dutch history. Canada has even started a Groundhog Day tradition with Shubenacadie Sam in Nova Scotia and Balzac Billy in Alberta. Even though Groundhog Day is a holiday based on many myths, it still provides a great time for event-goers all across the world. You might not be able to fully trust Phil’s predictions, but the superstition and mystique associated with this unique and festive day make it one you shouldn’t skip out on. MYTH 3: PHIL IS THE ONLY FAMOUS RODENT.
HONESTY
Approaching law in an ethically and morally responsible manner is essential. There are plenty of firms that will offer guaranteed settlements and other empty promises, but the best way to assure results is to find a firm that cares about you as an individual and wants you to receive the compensation you’re entitled to.
COMPETENCY
A good lawyer will instill confidence by being knowledgeable. Use a free consultation to discuss communication frequency and strategy with prospective lawyers so you can make an informed decision. Stop by our offices today so we can show you how we exemplify these three ideals. Our new personal injury division of our firm — South Atlanta Injury Lawyers — is here to help.
2 | www.obiorahfields.com | Your Rights, Our Fight
MOVIES MEET JUSTICE WHAT DOES ‘THE INVISIBLE WAR’ SAY ABOUT MILITARY ABUSE
With the Academy Awards on the horizon, this is a good time to bring the world of movies into the world of law. Every day, we work with clients who have been involved in military misconduct or veteran abuse. Questions continuously arise regarding whether this epidemic is slowing or accelerating into something that plagues our society at every level. In 2012, filmmaker Kirby Dick addressed this topic head-on in the groundbreaking film “The Invisible War.” Nominated for best documentary feature in the 85th Academy Awards, the movie tackled one of the most complex and unnerving areas of military exploitation: rape. At seemingly every level of our modern- day culture, the notion of sexual abuse is viewed as an inhumane and harrowing act, but somewhere along the line, it’s perception in the military became
regrettably convoluted, even accepted. In 2010 alone, 108,121 people screened positive for military sexual trauma. Yet only 244 individuals were convicted. Let that number sink in for just a moment. Traversing through years of footage, the film tackles one of the most challenging topics of our day. As attorneys who deal with sexual trauma in the military, this film starts a discussion that is pivotal for our country to have. Abuse is unacceptable in any environment, but especially so in an institution that is meant to bring safety to the American people. We want to continue the dialogue started by Kirby Dick by asking you to reach out to us about any issues you encountered in the military. For those of you looking for more information on this issue, we encourage you to watch the film and have a conversation that promotes awareness.
WORD SEARCH
TIRAMISU
INGREDIENTS
• 6 egg yolks • 3 tablespoons sugar • 1 pound mascarpone cheese • 1 1/2 cups strong espresso, cooled
• 2 teaspoons dark rum • 24 packaged ladyfingers • 1/2 cup bittersweet chocolate shavings, for garnish
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large mixing bowl, use a whisk to beat together egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale, about 5 minutes. 2. Add mascarpone cheese and beat until smooth. 3. Fold in 1 tablespoon of espresso. 4. In a small, shallow dish, combine remaining espresso with rum. Dip each lady finger into mixture for 5 seconds. Place soaked ladyfingers at the bottom of a walled baking dish. 5. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture on top of the first layer of ladyfingers. Top with another layer of ladyfingers and another layer of mascarpone. 6. Cover and refrigerate 2–8 hours. 7. Remove from fridge, sprinkle with chocolate shavings, and serve.
AQUARIUS ARROW CANDY CHOCOLATE CUPID DATE
FEBRUARY FLOWERS HEART
ROSES SWEET VALENTINE YEAR
LEAP LOVE PISCES
Inspired by foodnetwork.com
404.994.6218 | 3
WWW.OBIORAHFIELDS.COM 404.994.6218
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
157 South McDonough Street Jonesboro, Georgia 30236
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
How Martin Luther King Jr. Shaped My View of Success 3 Myths About Our Favorite Furry Meteorologist 3 Qualities of South Atlanta Injury Lawyers
1
2
Sexual Abuse in the Military
3
Tiramisu
The Most Iconic Super Bowl in NFL History
4
ONE FOR THE AGES
HOW SUPER BOWL XXXIV MADE AN ICON OUT OF A GROCERY STORE CLERK
Going into the 1999 NFL season, no one expected anything from the St. Louis Rams. When starting quarterback Trent Green went down with a gruesome knee injury in the preseason, ESPN The Magazine slated the Rams to be the worst team in the NFL that year. With few options, coach Vermeil named a virtually unknown player as his new starting quarterback, humbly stating in a press conference, “We will rally around Kurt Warner, and we’ll play good football.” Five years before his start, 22-year-old Kurt Warner was stocking shelves at a Hy-Vee grocery store in Cedar Falls, Iowa, for $5.50 an hour. However, he had amassed a whopping 16 snaps in the NFL prior to taking the reins for the 1999 season, and what proceeded to transpire on the field was utter pandemonium, giving the Rams the nickname “The Greatest Show on Turf.” This improbable season and the resulting MVP award for Warner set the stage for one of the most dramatic games in Super Bowl history. After going up 16–0 against the Tennessee Titans in Super Bowl XXXIV, Warner and the Rams looked poised to coast on their way to the Lombardi Trophy, but the late Steve McNair and the Titans had different plans. The Georgia Dome was rocking after two Eddie George
touchdown runs, and a field goal brought the Titans level at 16–16, with just over two minutes of play remaining. In response, Warner dropped back and found receiver Isaac Bruce for a 73-yard touchdown, bringing the score to 23–16 with 1:54 left on the clock. But the Titans weren’t done fighting.
Quickly moving the ball down the field, Titans quarterback Steve McNair found himself with a third and 5 inside the Rams 30-yard line with 22 seconds left. Scrambling around and fighting off two players trying to pull him down, McNair threw the ball to Kevin Dyson at the 10-yard line. A quick timeout left six seconds on the clock, and the Titans were one play away from tying the game. What proceeded was a play that will be forever known as “the tackle.” McNair found Dyson on a quick slant, and when he caught the ball at the 4-yard line, it appeared a touchdown was imminent. Suddenly, linebacker Mike Jones wrapped the receiver up at the hips. As he fell to the ground with the ball in his hand, Dyson extended his arm, but when he hit the AstroTurf, he was 1 yard short of the goal line. The Rams had pulled off the impossible, earning their first Super Bowl title ever.
4 | www.obiorahfields.com | Your Rights, Our Fight
Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.TheNewsletterPro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online