Dasi-Ziyad Family Institute

Who knew that the first Annual Black Marriage Day in Cleveland would be so special?

Select any image to enlarge and view a photo slideshow.

Almost 40 couples from a variety of religions and backgrounds renewed their vows with spectacular entertainment from Hue People & Distinguished Gentlemen of the Spoken Word and a keynote by the Parks, who journeyed from Pennsylvania with a memorable message about marriage, hope and practical application of love.

Other highlights:

• Marriage sharings from the two co-directors, Krsnanandini & Tariq, from an Imam and from 2 couples who renewed their vows.
• Proclamations from Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs-Jones and Cleveland City Hall.
• Delicious refreshments and a renewal ceremony highlighted by Rev. Lassiter’s powerful words rounded out the day.

Buy the Black Marriage Day 2008 DVD in our store.

“Forget about the other person, what qualities should I develop to attract a healthy relationship?” This question was sent in by one of our readers who indicated that he was:

• Tired of falling into the same of old patterns with his relationships and

• Wanted to become better skilled at communicating and resolving conflicts

“I want to get prepared,” he told us, “for a healthy, dynamic, spiritually rich relationship that would end in a loving marriage commitment. “I’m afraid,” he said, “because I am hard pressed to find examples of happy marriages in my circle. I’m scared. But I still believe it’s possible.”

So we’ll share with you some of the suggestions we gave to this very serious young man.

First, it is a fact that successful relationships are a direct consequence of personal commitment (connected with character), preparation, and learning of healthy relationship skills.

Having a strong, principled character is a prerequisite; it takes character for one to make a thoughtful consideration before making a commitment and then to honor one’s commitments with determination and creativity. Association with persons of high quality character will encourage our own character qualities, Qualities such as honesty, patience, forgiveness, and cooperation.

Why is it that we prepare for and get training for so many of the important things in our lives: employment and careers, driving motor vehicles, becoming a foster parent, swimming and other sports, speaking other languages, achieving and maintaining physical fitness, — while for what is arguably the most significant relationship in our lives (outside of with God) — we receive no preparation or training?

So we recommended that our inquisitive young man first work to clarify his own spiritual values and personal goals, then prepare for marriage by taking premarital skill-building courses or workshops.

Have a relationship question? ASK US and we’ll endeavor to respond in an upcoming newsletter.

(Dasi-Ziyad Family Institute has developed a Healthy Relationship Skill-building course for Singles – unmarried men and women who want to learn appropriate and comprehensive skills to prepare them for successful, principled marriages and other relationships. This course will be implemented in the greater Cleveland area later this year.)

The Dasi-Ziyad Family Institute is coordinating the 6th Annual National Black Marriage Day on Sunday March 30, 2008 at the Eastview United Church of Christ, 15615 Chagrin Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44120.  Up  to 100 couples will renew their marriage vows!  Five couples will be inducted into the Black Marriage Hall of Fame.  Entertainment and refreshments will be provided.

We are pleased to present this event because  a healthy marriage is the best environment to raise children and there are many benefits for men and women.  In Cleveland, nearly 70% of Black children are born out of wedlock.  Blacks have the lowest marriage rate and the highest divorce rate.  In many instances, 80%  of prison inmates come from single parent households.

So Black Marriage Day is a day to celebrate strong families, healthy marriages and something good that is happening in the Black community.  Ministers, educators, community leaders and others are joining us in this effort, encompassing couples from a variety of socioeconomic, religious and cultural backgrounds.

The public is invited to participate in this family celebration to highlight the benefits of marriage, pay tribute to successful marriages and to promote marriage in the Black community.

To nominate a couple for the Black Marriage Day Hall of Fame or to register as one of the couples who renew their vows, call 216-321-0930.