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.