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For
some journalists, convention is a family affair
Syndicated columnist Donna Britt juggles between answering her 13-year-old son Darrell's questions and cleaning up her 3-year-old son Skye's breakfast mess. This year, Britt and her journalist husband, Kevin Merida, both of The Washington Post, reflect a trend among minority journalists - they are professionals incorporating family into the traditional convention environment of networking and shop talking. As the parents and two of their three sons ordered a breakfast of waffles, sandwiches and fruit at the Golden Bagel CafZ the other day, Skye's playfulness demonstrated that for this and other families, Unity '99 is a balance between business and family. "It's good to see people of color," Merida said. "It's a lot of positive people here, which reinforces the idea of positive minority figures ... We are trying to have these boys experience public speakers, important figures and cultural sessions." Unity '99 presents parents with abundant opportunities for their children to see minorities of all colors working together in a collaborative effort. While no statistics are kept, observers say the numbers are increasing each year in the frequency in which working professional parents are bringing their children to events such as Unity. This can be expected, observed Seattle family therapist Diana Soto, who adds that incorporating family in business and everyday life is common among minority cultures. "Including family in something that is good and appropriate for them would be a positive thing,'' Soto said, referring to the children. Other parents are taking advantage of Unity to have a learning family vacation, see old friends and further their professional careers. "We like the exposure to dynamic, accomplished people of color, peaceful interaction and positive images that are demonstrated," said Taressa Stovall, a communications consultant whose husband, Calvin Stovall, is managing editor of the Courier-Post, a Gannett Co. Inc. newspaper in Cherry Hill, N.J. "It is the planting of seeds." The trip to Seattle for the Stovall family has an added benefit - she is from the area, and he has family here as well. This allows their children, Mariah, 6, and Calvin II, 8, to visit with cousins. Bringing younger family members to Unity can sometimes turn into a labor of love. Britt recalls the memories of when she came on her own, but adds quickly that now is a different time. "Of course, it's fun to come on your own,' Britt said. "But we are in a more serious phase of our lives. "It comes down," she continued, "to basically some things are about individual gain, and some things are about sharing and gaining as a family. ... You have to factor them [children] in. You have to find ways to keep them occupied. You are always cognizant that they are here." Given the difference in their children's ages, the Britt-Merida family and the Stovalls have pursued different approaches. On Wednesday, while the Stovalls tackled opening ceremony activities and recruiting, their children participated in Seattle enrichment programs. This week, Mariah is attending an art program at The Children's Museum while Calvin II is participating in a science program at the Pacific Science Center. "It was really hard when they were with me," Taressa Stovall remembered of past conventions. "These programs keep them occupied during the day." The Britt-Merida team has a different set of challenges. Eldest son Hamani is 17 and can fill in as a baby-sitter. Still, the parents want to make sure their two teen-age sons are kept busy. "I still like to spend time with them, but I like to go out on my own," Hamani said. With strong interests in movies, sports and video games, Hamani and his younger brother Darrell hope to take advantage of "high-tech" Seattle. "I wish the Mariners were here, but they're in California," lamented Darrell. Taressa Stovall, a communications consultant for Freddie Mac, the home mortgage firm that sponsored Wednesday's opening night reception, is glad her children have reached an age where travel has become easier. "When they were younger, it was hard," Stovall said. "Now, with them carrying suitcases and Gameboys, it's a wonderful world."
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