Law School Blues...

Alive and well with plans to return soon... :-)

"Good Hair"

Can't wait to see this one...

R.I.P. Naomi Sims: Black is still Beautiful

America's First Black Supermodel died today after battling with cancer. She became symbolic during the late 60s and 70s as the "Black is Beautiful" campaign spread throughout the country. She graced the covers of National Magazines such as Cosmopolitan and Life.

May she rest in peace.

Obama at the 100th Anniversary of NAACP

My favorite part was the end when he quoted the Negro National Anthem.

Happy Friday Everyone!

Sotomayor

Patiently waiting for the updated U.S. Supreme Court photo. :-)

To all Dreamers...

For the past few weeks, I struggled with a decision whether or not to pursue something that is very important to me. My ultimate dream as a professional, is to attend law school and one day advocate for women and children in family courts and public policy. I have been blessed with the opportunity to attend law school this Fall, despite many odds. Yet, until this past week, I was not sure that I was ready for a number of reasons. However, today, I decided that I will step out on faith and pursue my dreams.

Therefore, I am posting these quotes to encourage the dreamers:

"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world." --Harriet Tubman

"No one should negotiate their dreams. Dreams must be free to flee and fly high. No government, no legislature, has a right to limit your dreams. You should never agree to surrender your dreams." --Jesse Jackson

"All our dreams can come true - if we have the courage to pursue them." --Walt Disney

"A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song." --Maya Angelou

"Hold fast to your dreams, for without them life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly. " --Langston Hughes

"So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable."--Christopher Reeve

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
Eleanor Roosevelt

" I will! I am! I can! I will actualize my dream. I will press ahead. I will settle down and see it through. I will solve the problems. I will pay the price. I will never walk away from my dream until I see my dream walk away: Alert! Alive! Achieved!" --Robert Schuller

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've always imagined." --Henry David Thoreau

And my all-time favorite:

"Pray that God will not let you miss your destiny. Ask him not to let you hope for things that are not part of his plan for you life. Listen to his voice and attune your heart to his spirit so that when he speaks you will know it and know what you must do to see your own dream being birthed into being." --T.D. Jakes

Sweet Dreams...Love it! Love it! Love it!

Beyoncé - New Music - More Music Videos

This video is amazing! She has totally redeemed herself from the last two videos. Enjoy!

Hotlanta = Reality Show Haven

The Atlanta Reality TV drama is about to begin! Tonight, BET will premiere Tiny & Toya, another reality show about women living the glamours life. While Toya and Lil'Wayne are no longer married, it will be interesting to see what type of life she will choose to portray on the show.

This show is just one of a few that will feature women of color in the Atlanta area. Keyshia Cole's family will be back on the screen as well, but without Ms. Cole. Apparently, Nefie and Frankie will have their own show on BET. Also, who could forget those fabulous "Housewives of Atlanta?" Their season 2 premieres on July 30, 2009.



This season there is a new housewife, Kandi from the 90s R&B group Xscape. Kandi is more of a celebrity than the other women because she was a part of a successful group and continues to write songs.

And if all that was not enough, Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas will have her own show on VH1. According to several sites, Chilli will be searching for love with the help of relationship expert Tionna Smalls. Let's just pray this is not another I Love New York, For the Love of Ray J type of show. I will give all the shows the benefit of the doubt, but it will be interesting to watch Tiny & Toya's premiere tonight.

I am happy to see more women of color with their own television shows, but why must they all be "reality" based or court judges? Can we see more shows like "Hawthorne?"

Oh and do not forget about Mo'Nique's new talk show on BET. This should be interesting. BET has not featured women in a talk show format since Oh Drama! I hope this show is produced a bit better and without the shouting matches.

Truth be told, I am happy for all of them. We are making progress. Its unfortunate that drama has to take place in order for Black Women to get air time, but hopefully this is just the beginning and we will strive towards excellence and continously pushing the limits. I would really like to see shows that break the stereotypes and challenge preconceived notions about who we women of color really are...

Peace.

Sisters and Love

For the past two months or so, I've spent a lot of time thinking about what love is and what it is not. And I admit that there is no definition of love greater than the description described in the Holy Bible.

1 Corinthians 13

Love

1If I speak in the tongues[a] of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,[b] but have not love, I gain nothing. 4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

This description requires believers to not only love God, but also love others and show love by interacting in a particular manner with others. When we interact in love with one another, we also want the best for each other and encourage one another. We show respect and consideration for one another...

While interacting on all the various social network sites, I have become increasingly aware of how much we women criticize one another. From giving our opinion on fashion and hair of celebrities to down right attacking another woman's character, far too many women are left without a support system of sisters. How often do you hear women say that they do not socialize with women, and would prefer to hang around men? Do you remember the reasons why they claim to only socialize with men? How much of it is true?

On top of all that, there are many images in the media and certain groups of men that continously attack a woman's self-esteem/body image and refuse to show respect. I think respect is love. For example, one song on heavy rotation on R&B/Pop stations is, "Every Girl" Lil Wayne feat Young Money. Have you sat down and listened to the words? I was so disgusted while watching the BET Awards last night, especially this performance because they had to censor so many words--not to mention what the song is about.

I just think that we can do better...and it starts with us, women. We have to love ourselves enough to know what types of things we are exposing ourselves to, whether its junk food or dirty and disrespectful rap lyrics. All of these things are important and have a great influence on the beings that evolve into...

I just had to say something.

R.I.P. Michael Jackson

Men, Women, & the Shop

Men, Women, & the Barbershop--a great combination.

Today, I vibed with barbers at my stylist's new salon in Atlanta. It was a typical barbershop-type visit but its been so long since I visited a salon that had male stylist/barbers that I forgot how much fun people have with those conversations! You know what conversations Im speaking of...issues between Men and Women in relationships, commitment/marriage, prenuptial agreements, celebrity marriages, etc.

Anyway, apparently the entire shop is passing around Steve Harvey's book "Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man." And for some odd reason, I could not help but ask this brother if I can take of picture of him while he reads. He had a lot of deep things to say and of course you know I put in my two cents. But I was listening too.

And for the first time in a long time, I think brothers are paying attention...well some of them.

Happy for Kelly!

Kelly Rowland is free!

Free from Columbia Records and Matthew Knowles.

I'm not sure what this means for her career, but I'm all about fresh starts.

I actually like this song & video.

I'm happy for you Kelly! You are finally "Doing you!" :-)

Wacky Oprah?

Apparently, last week's Newsweek's cover story entitled, "Crazy Talk: Oprah, Wacky Cures & You" prompted the talk show Queen to respond. As you may recall from the news stories, the weekly magazine challenged the advice given by some of Oprah's guest and tried to hold her responsible for their medical advice. Now I'm sure the show broadcasts some sort of disclaimer during the viewing, but the magazine decided to make the discussions a matter of national news.

Accordingly to Yahoo! News, the article praises Winfrey's health and fitness experts Dr. Mehmet Oz and trainer Bob Green, it's particularly critical of such celebrity guests as Suzanne Somers and Jenny McCarthy, who advocated taking 60 daily supplements and avoiding vaccinations out of fear that they cause autism, respectively.

Here is Oprah's response: "For 23 years, my show has presented thousands of topics that reflect the human experience, including doctors' medical advice and personal health stories that have prompted conversations between our audience members and their health care providers," Winfrey said in a statement. "I trust the viewers, and I know that they are smart and discerning enough to seek out medical opinions to determine what may be best for them."

Why do they want to bother the Queen? Are there not more important things to talk about? This just seemed completely random!

The Ecstatic!

Just a little clip from Black Dante.

I cannot wait to raid iTunes on Tuesday for Black Dante aka Mos Def's new album. I heard the previews and so far I'm in love with "Priority." The whole album promises to be solid. Can't wait....

Another Phenomenal Woman...

Here is an update on one of my favorite actresses Phylicia Rashad. She play a leading role in "August: Osage County" at the Music Box Theater. Apparently, Mrs. Rashad plays a mother to a white family AND she is a drug abuser. This is definitely something a little different, but I'm sure she will be incredible.

Was she not the DIVA Mom in The Cosby Show? Here is my FAVORITE "Clair Huxtable" Scene: "The Wrethched"

The Princess and the Frog

The New York Times recently published an article about the upcoming Disney Film, The Princess and the Frog. Apparently the discussions over the Afrocentricity of this Disney character have already began. We all knew that it would be a matter of time before Disney created a Black Princess, and we also knew the uproar and debate it would cause. This situation is no different than Pocahontas.

Some of the main problems people mention include skin tone, the fact that the Prince is a Frog, and the setting being in New Orleans. We all know that colorism is a problem in African American neighborhoods. I think that no matter what shade the princess turned out to be, someone would find fault with it. If she had darker skin, perhaps people would think they were making the Princess look like the infamous "pickaninny" carcicatures. If she had more fair skin, others would talk about the media's preference for portraying African Americans in lighter skin. This can go on...not to mention the sexist themes throughout all of the Disney films.

At the end of the day, Disney will never be able to please everyone. I look forward to taking my sister to see The Princess and the Frog. This movie is another "teachable moment" for families to have with their children. Its a discussion parents have the option to lead; but for me, its a discussion that will be required.

Girls, Barbies, Harlem

The title of this picture is "Girls, Barbies, Harlem" from 1970.

When I first saw it online at the New York Times, I went from feeling nostalgic to disgust. What are you thinking?

Mean Girls

Although I loved the "Mean Girls" movie, its sad to know that this situation is starting to hit elementary and middle school kids harder. What happened to the days of playing the dozens?

Apparently, Mean Girls are getting younger and seriously dangerous. Watch the video below from CNN. This is just too incredibly sad.




Please visit the Government's website: http://www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/kids/
for more info on tips for bullying.

I wonder what happens to those children whose parents are simply too "busy" to ask their kids how their day at school went? Or better yet, what happens to those children who "act out" at school and parents never get to the bottom of their problems because they are single parents or working two jobs, etc.

The Rehearsal

My cousins and I recently called ourselves having an indoor "Ladies Night." Getting all six of us together on the same weekend is tough! We are all twenty-somethings and have our own lives to work out. However, on rare occassions we have opportunities for nights like this particular night. Just as when we were teenagers, the topic of our discussions surrounded men and women in relationships.

My eldest cousin in the house got pretty furious during our discussion. She said she is tired of "the rehearsal." She went on to equate relationships to any sport or hobby. She talked about the struggles of sharpening technique, building skills and finding the "right" players for the team. I began thinking about all the time women invest into their "crafts," which can vary with each woman. Some of us spend time preparing by getting our careers, finances, spiritual well being, etc together. While others want to make sure they know how to hold down the homefront with cooking and running a household. No matter your position, women of color in their 20s are usually preparing and not getting married or into really serious relationships until late 20s/early 30s. With all that said, it can be exhausting to put so much effort into the rehearsal. We spend so much time preparing for the big dance or the big show, and we forget to dance!

When she shared her perspective, I thought about the movie "Center Stage" and the ballerina lifestyle. I cannot even begin to imagine all the time, money, and patience put into building their talent. The shoes, the scuffed up toes, issues with weight, the classes, expectations,performance mistakes and anxiety, and the really "important" recitals. All of these things are expected and its no different for relationships. Everyone is waiting for the main event also known as the wedding. But people rarely think about what happens after the show or the wedding. Some women just want the title: Principal Ballerina. Wife.

Its exhausting. I finally told her...just dance.

If you focus on your dance, the magnitude of the event or who will or will not be there will not matter. Why? Because if you've done what you were supposed to do, the "right" player will not be able to take his eyes off of you. Your presence, style, technique, and talent would be hard to miss.

And if you are passed over, it was not meant for you. NEXT!

Idiocracy Looks Backwards

While at work today I stumbled into one of the most ridiculous conversations I have ever had the unfortunate experience of witnessing. First let me say that, I can understand why someone might not be happy that Obama is president or someone may have chosen not to vote for him last November. All ignorant reasons aside (racism, bigotry, etc) perhaps they are a die hard republican, they don't agree with his views, or they just felt the other guy would do a better job. Regardless of my point of view on the matter, all of these points are valid matters of opinion. After all, you can't know what the future holds. Being weary of the future is one thing, but wanting to go back is a completely different issue.

In this ghastly conversation someone actually said that they longed for the days of Bush? Bush! As in George W. Bush himself. The man, the confusion, the awesome SNL tag lines. I was so dumbfounded I actually asked the individual to repeat himself just to make sure my ears were not playing tricks on me He did and I stood there. It felt like time stood still as he regaled us with his backwards logic. There was talk about Bush caring more about our economy and doing more to fix our foreign relations issues. There was also mention of Bush coming to Africa's rescue and during the Bush administration gas prices were lower. I have never been in so much shock about anything in all of my days.

How, pray tell, does this even come out of someones mouth? That is like longing for leg warmers, acid wash jeans, and that perm you got in 1984 to return after wearing tall boots, boot cut jeans, and a layered bob- you've already seen it in retrospect so you know it's a bad idea. If I even thought it, I would be afraid of saying it if only because my stupidity could show a clear lack of judgement and lead to a whole host of problems.

A Brief Introduction

I've known Ms Blake for the better part of a decade. I've always found her poised, but frank nature refreshing and even when we've disagreed I have always appreciated her insight. The Ebonic Muse is a great way to spread thoughts and opinions (popular and unpopular). I am happy to be a part of it.

I'm not going to bore you or give away all of my secrets by giving a biological rundown of my life. You know: age, race, height, favorite color, favorite food, sexual orientation, education, etc. You'll get to know more about me as I participate in this blog. What I can say is that you can expect me to offer a wide range of opinions from logical to borderline crazy and most definitely devil's advocate (I like to stir the pot). I believe in the free exchange of ideas and less about who's right and who's wrong. I'm also pretty sarcastic and that's hard to express in writing so I am going to make one blanket apology now in case my humor offends someone in an unintended way.

Let's have some fun!!

XOXO
~Nai

Keisha and Kaseem

So I heard through the Grapevine that Keisha Knight Pulliam has a new reality show debuting on Oxygen called "Keisha and Kaseem. I have to stay on top of any updates.

Mighty Michelle: Holding it Down as Usual

Revelations on Black Manhood & Love

What is Black Manhood?

Unfortunately, I managed to make it to age 25 and still not understand it completely.

All that I know about Black Manhood is that its tough--but so is Black Womanhood.

What do you get when you mix Black Men & Love?

In a recent conversation with another close friend of mine, we talked about our experience with our fathers and its impact on relationships we have with men--platonic or romantic. The conversation was somber towards the end because we had so many unanswered questions and left the phone line reflecting on our own experiences with Black Manhood.

One of the most profound illustrations of Black Manhood was described to me in Steve Harvey's book, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man. Somehow, this brother was able to break down the essence of being a man in a way that I actually understood. In Steve Harvey's book, there is an entire chapter where Harvey explains how men show love towards women in ways that women may or may not be fully aware. He spends a whole chapter describing three things that men will do if he is really into you and wants to show that he loves you.

1. Profess: meaning that a man goes out of his way to make sure every man in the room knows you're his woman and not "just a friend" or not just " (insert name here)."

2. Provide: bringing home the bacon to provide for the family. He talks a LOT about bills and their priorities. You have to pick up the book yourself to get all he has to share on this one.

3. Protect: self-explanatory. A "good" man can recognize you for the strong independent woman that you are but he feels its necessary for him to be able to protect the woman and family that he loves. So, while he understands that you are a strong Black woman, taking out the trash, carrying the groceries, and mowing the law are things young black men were taught to do at an early age to prepare them for providing and protecting their woman in manhood. NOTE: This is a totally different conversation but I will keep it moving.

Later in the book, Harvey mentioned that in return, Black men only need 3 things: loyalty, support, and "the cookie." With these six ideas, we learn that once "good" Black men know what they want and believe to have found it, they will do what is necessary to keep it. Now there is a lot of work to get all of these pieces to fit together, but the basics are there.

On top of reading Harvey's book, I happened to be working with a client recently who was seeking counseling primarily due to the bruising of his dignity and pride in his ability to maintain a certain definition of manhood.

This client broke down the significance of how it feels to be a man and provide for a family. He talked about the importance of being able to connect with the woman he married. He explained that he promised her father that he would do whatever necessary to take care of her when he asked permission to marry her. For various reasons, he felt he had let both her and her father down. He was hurt. While I cannot explain the nature of this client's predicament, please believe that whatever happened to this person was sincerely not a situation he created.

Now for all the people who really know me understand that I can be a bag of water at times....this was one of those times...but I held it down.

I was really moved because for the first time in a long time, I witnessed the true love of a Black man. I felt the tension and emotion in his voice. This man had to humble himself and ask for help. He was a man that did not believe in going to see "therapists." He always takes everything to GOD. However, this "situation" was one that brought him to a place he had never been before and it scared him.

The fact that he was not only physically distant from the love of his life and they were having issues was enough to deal with; but he was seriously hurting because he felt that he failed to be the man that he always believed himself to be. He cried--perhaps for the first time.

Thats love...

Its sad that it took me 25 years to witness the power of romantic love within a black man. Whats even more unfortunate is that it did not come from someone I know--a family member. I first felt and understood "real" romantic love of a Black Man from virtually a stranger.

There was so much to his story but I think you get a snippet of the raw emotion coming from this client and the significance of upholding manhood and his love for his family.

The picture in this post is my favorite picture of Barack Obama. My interpretation of this picture could go on forever. Yet, the words that come to mind is Black Manhood. I see love in that picture.

If only we can see brothers love on each other like this everyday....

If only we could see Black men love Black women as my client loves his wife and respects her family.

If only black men could begin to love themselves and seek God in everything they do...we all would have a more firm understanding of Black Manhood.

Women & Labels

Women love Labels.

We want to know the quality of the item we were seeking. We believe that if we at least know the name on the label, we are able to determine if the item is worth purchasing, sacrificing, and tailoring. If only we knew the label, we could make decisions on when and where to wear this item. The material, the fit, the color, and your feel in the item matters, but if the label is not suitable for your tastes some women shy away at even bringing the item along to certain events. Women love labels because the labels give women a since of how significant the item can appear to not only themselves, but society at large.

Unfortunately, we sometimes get so caught up in labels that we disregard how precious an item can be and ignore how it may compliment our features. Why shy away at a Payless pump if the color goes perfect with your gown and they feel great on your feet? Should we not just enjoy the time we have with the shoe and Thank the Lord they do not hurt our feet while out with friends? Far too often, we mistake labels with superiority and we miss the opportunity to just live in the moment. Yes, women love labels---especially when it comes to relationships.

Last night I sat with a close friend who is confused about a relationship with her boyfriend (or whatever label/category she will ultimately decide). We discussed the problems we both share with having to know exactly what our relationships with men mean. She explained that its easier to know what to expect when you have labels. She went on to say how much easier it is to know that you are with someone exclusively and he is with you too. So of course I had to play Devil's Advocate for while. I asked whats in a label? Is it not enough to know that you have a healthy relationship with a great guy? A guy who supports you, prays for you, and wants the best for you? Then we started to discuss, at what point is it really necessary to have a label?

According to Steve Harvey's new book, Act Like A Lady Think Like A man--there are five questions you must ask a man to know where you really stand in a relationship with him. But I will not spoil the book, you have to go buy your own!

I honestly think labels get in the way of building a relationship, but at the same time, it is comforting to know where you stand. This year I have resolved to focus on MsBlake and wholeheartedly believe that all things will come together in due time. Until then...live life and forget the labels....

...At least until my biological clock really starts to tick.

**Sighs**

Women and Labels.

My President...

Before I call it a night, I had to post a comment on Barack Obama's Press Conference.

CNN's Ed Henry asked Barack Obama why it took him a few days to respond to the AIG Bonus fiasco.

My President said : "It took us a couple of days because I like to know what I'm talking about before I speak."

He said it with a straight face and immediately moved on to the next question. I was initally shocked. Then I laughed. And I finally was like, "Yeah! Obama is no George W. Bush!"

Change has come...

Dumbest Thing I ever Heard!

A Harvard Professor named, Jeffrey Miron, recently wrote commentary for CNN arguing that Legalizing Drugs will Stop Violence.

In what world?

Although the Professor has some interesting points (e.g., prohibition breeding disrespect for the law but I think this has more to do with institutional discrimination especially targeting specific neighborhoods and groups of people), the majority made me very angry for a number of reasons.

1. Research shows that people in the most distressed situations turn to abusing alcohol and drugs to "ease the pain" of their hardships. The fact the there are a disproportiate number of African-Americans and Latinos enduring hardships leads to an inevitable spike in their abuse of alcohol and drugs. As a professional advocating for change in these types of communities and also as a fellow citizen, legalizing drugs would devastate these communities and add to their ongoing issues that have been present for decades. Do you recall what the boom in crack use did to Black families and neighborhoods in the 80s? Is it not already a problem that there is a liquor store on every street corner in Black neighborhoods. Just image adding hard drugs to the inventory...

2. If all drugs were made legal, we would still need task force to regulate the sale and distribution of these items. A great example of this issue is with alcohol. Colleges across the nation have to continuously deal with underage drinking. Parents are also increasingly unaware of their childrens' behaviors sometimes even at home. Far too often we hear sad stories of teens and young adults dying due to overdosing on drugs; not to mention the alcohol related car accidents that take the lives of innocent commuters. I think this will open up a can of worms!

3. These recreational activities do nothing to help people cope with their real problems. Drugs sugar coats real problems! This includes marijuana (oh I will hear it from some people I know)!

4. Another point, which is one of the most important is the fact that most of the illicit drugs this professor would condone legalizing are deadly. We all know that too much of a good thing is no good at all. Just think about someone who is not familiar at all with drugs and their side effects overdosing.

5. Its an unacceptable argument! Legalizing drugs to stop violence is ridiculous. I would argue that it will only make matters worse and bring drug abuse and crime to another level.

I wonder if this Professor's thinking would be different if he actually grew up in neighborhoods destroyed by drugs. I wonder if this Professor's thinking would be different if he his mother or father were addicted to crack all of his life.

This is another fine example of White Male Privilege.

I am sure I could come up with more reasons or arguements but I just could not wait to write this blog.

This is the dumbest thing I ever heard....

Michelle Obama: She Got It

She got it! This woman has been holding it down even before Barack Obama announced his run for President. However, since winning the White House, Mrs. Obama has been everywhere! From working directly with military families to visiting area schools, she has made it clear that she wants to stay connected with the American people. This is definitely a good look...

Ok. Back to working on getting those "Michelle Obama" arms...

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man

Despite whether or not you listen to the Steve Harvey Morning Show, Steve Harvey's Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man is being read by women of all colors, shapes, and sizes throughout America right now. I attempted to purchase the book the first week it was released and walked away from the bookstore very frustrated. When I finally purchased my copy of the book I could not put it down.

Harvey gives women some very interesting things to think about in his book, but there were definitely portions when I rolled my eyes as he suspected. I urge you to pick up a copy of the book for yourself and consider some of the things he mentions. Steve Harvey not only challenged the "Independent" women to let the man take the lead, but he also suggested that women start to set high standards and requirements of the men we date. He does of these things and more with funny descriptions/stories.

Pick it up! I promise that you will find it entertaining.

Love is Patient

According to MediaTakeOut.com, T.I.'s fiancee, Tiny, from the 90s R&B Group Xscape shared details of her relationship with Essence Magazine. Here is a excerpt from the article which I feel is amazing.

ESSENCE: What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about you and T.I.'s relationship?

TINY: "That we're not a real couple. They think because we're not married yet and have been engaged for two years that something must be wrong. I know it's a long time, but there are so many restrictions placed upon him now before we can think about planning a wedding. There is so much love between us it's ridiculous, and we like [spending] time together. So the things that people say and write about us doesn't bother me. I know what we have and what he shows me every day and that's all that matters."

ESSENCE: Do you have any words of encouragement for women who might be going through a similar situation as you?

TINY: "Yes. Depending on the situation and the person, you should stick it out through thick and thin—the good and bad times. If you know you're with someone who would give his life for you and is somewhat a responsible better half, then stand up for him. I know my man's heart and because of that I'm going to be everything I need to be for him. Yes, he's made mistakes, but so have I."

"If your man stands up for you and is there whenever you need him, then doesn't he deserve your unconditional love and support? If I know that about my man, then that's the kind of woman I'm going to be for him. I might need him in different ways than he needs me, but if being his woman means loving, supporting and putting his mind at ease, then the least I can do is step up to the plate and be there for him and our family."

Whether or not you believe T.I. continues to get the "milk for free," you have to admit she really loves him and he is blessed to have her. I think she held it DOWN!

Equal Pay!

Barack Obama signed his first bill today: The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act.

The bill was overturned by the Supreme Court after Lilly Ledbetter, a Goodyear Tire employee, sued for pay discrimination. The only reason they overturned this case was because she filed the lawsuit after the 180th day of receiving her 1st paycheck that had unequal pay. Ridiculous!

Barack Obama said, "It is fitting that with the very first bill I sign … we are upholding one of this nation's first principles: that we are all created equal and each deserve a chance to pursue our own version of happiness."

I love my President, but let us continue to push him into working hard for the American people.

Peace.

Rush

To say that you want a new President to fail is ridiculous!

This is all the attention he will get from me.

Another Phenomenal Black Woman: Ann Lowe

With all the controversy over Michelle Obama's dress chosen for the Inaugural Balls, I decided to re-introduce Ann Lowe. Ann Lowe was an African-American Mid-20 thCentury fashionista who designed Jackie Kennedy's dress shown above. Mrs. Kennedy wore this dress on Sept.12, 1953 when she married former President John F. Kennedy.

Ann Lowe received very little recognition for her success. Ann Lowe was a great-grandaughter of a slave and plantation owner. She designed dresses for elite families. It seems Ann Lowe was another Southern woman with city dreams. She enrolled in fashion school during 1917.

Can you imagine a Black woman enrolling in fashion school during 1917? Absolutely amazing and progressive! Perhaps most of her peers were domestic workers or even sharecroppers during that time in Alabama. She is definitely another phenomenal Black woman!

I thought it would be interesting to share this story because a lot of Black women are in conversation over First Lady Michelle Obama's choice not to pick a dress designed by a Black designer. Personally, I thought Mrs. Obama look beautiful regardless.

Sasha & Malia Dolls

Beanie Babies maker sells Sasha, Malia dolls

The Inauguration

In case you missed the news around the world, this weekend Americans of all ages, races, gender, sexual orientation, and religion will gather in Washington D.C. to witness the swearing in of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States. I will be there!

There are news stories circulating about the absence of Black people at work. There were millions of people like myself who requested PTO/Vacation time months ago.

I am not sure where you will be for the next few days, but I definitely know where you should be on Tuesday January 20, 2009. Find a television, the radio, follow the events on Facebook, or even Myspace---this is an event of a lifetime.

The next time I write to you...my President will be Black. :-)

We Will Survive!

If you are one of those Americans holding on to your wallet (that should be all of you right now), I would suggest you grap Suze Orman's new book! I am a huge fan of Suze Orman and cannot wait to pick up a copy myself. It just may be the best $10 you spend this year.

Peace

Aging Gracefully

CNN.com reports the new oldest woman in the world is Gertrude Baines, an African-American woman. She is 114 years old (born in 1894). She recently cast her vote for Barack Obama and spends her time eating/sleeping. She was a House Mom at a State University before retiring.

I love how women of color age gracefully...thank God for melanin and being naturally tanned. :-)

Take care of yourselves Ladies...

Oh and just because you are naturally tanned does not mean you can go without sunscreen. Take care of that beautiful skin!

Peace.

Work

"People might not get all they work for in this world,

but they must certainly work for all they get." - Frederick Douglass

Happy New Year Everyone!!! I hope you saved a moment to give thanks for being alive in 2009. As we all attempt to start afresh with our goals and plans for the New Year, this note is just a reminder that we all have to work for what we want. No matter how much or little you agree with Douglass' statement, take the momentum you have at this moment to share your goals with a friend. I find that this holds you accountable for not only remembering the goal but actually following through.

Miracles and Blessings.