Event: Love Shouldn’t Hurt – Valentine’s Day Luncheon for Domestic Abuse Victims
If you are or know someone who has ever been a victim of Domestic Violence come out to this Valentine’s Day Luncheon. It’s a great way to show your support, give and receive love, and enjoy yummy food and warm spirits! check out the deets!
Date: Tuesday 02.14.12
Where:Mt. Zion Baptist Church 1302 Willow St. Oakland, CA
Includes: Guests Speakers, Testimonies, Building Session Musical Selections, Give Aways for the women that are affected and more
Even if you aren’t able to attend you can donate to the cause! Register for the “Band with us: Take a Stand” Ticket ($5 Donation) to get YOUR #LoveShouldntHurt Bracelet!
For more event details please click HERE.
Ludacris and Daughter Karma Launch Educational Website – KarmasWorld.com
Rapper/Actor Ludacris launches an educational website with his 3rd grade daughter Karma, creating her very own online platform to help make learning fun and exciting for kids her age. Karma’s World was her idea and with the help from her dad she was able create an exciting concept for grades K-6. I had a chance this morning to view a few of the games and capture the essence of learning. It’s kind of like Dora the Explorer, the black girl version, and with a cool soundtrack. Not only does it take you on an interactive journey, the site offers lesson plans for parents and teachers, sing-a-longs to learn fractions, ethical lessons, and the act of politeness.
I commend Ludacris on this business venture because it is necessary for young children to find learning fun, especially from on of your favorite rappers. You can’t stop them from being on the internet so you might as well give them some positive to do.
Check out Karmasworld.com and share it with your little ones!
Solange Knowles Wants You To Cure Blood Cancer – getswabbed.org
As the new DKMS embassador for the Blood Cancer foundation, Solange Knowles asks people everywhere to help to cure blood cancer by registering to be a bone marrow donor at www.getswabbed.org. I for one have been registered through a different organization but these easy steps you take at a donor drive can help save at least one person’s life. Below is the PSA that has been released sharing her dedication to register new donors and educating the public on the simplicity of a potential cure.
From the website…
“Since attending the DKMS gala couple of years ago, I have wanted to lend my support in any way I could. People are dying and we can save them. Patients like Kara could be cured with a bone marrow transplant,” said Solange Knowles. “A lot of people don’t understand that it’s literally a cotton swab that determines if you’re a match. This can actually save someone’s life!”
Every day thousands of patients search the national registry in the hope of finding a bone marrow donor match. Less than 30% of patients find a match in their own family; the other 70% must search for an unrelated donor. Sadly, 6 out of 10 patients who can benefit from a transplant never receive one.
“Solange has a heart of gold and we are thrilled to have her as a DKMS ambassador who can help register bone marrow donors and save countless lives,” said Katharina Harf, COO of DKMS Americas. “Her PSA, which is powerful and honest, shares a message that is critical yet simple — get swabbed and you could save a life.”
Black Girls Rock Solutes Youth in Community
After a long day of work, I tuned into BET for Black Girls Rock 2011 where I immediately turned my frown upside down. As I watched the second annual celebration of black women in business, politics, community service, and sports I couldn’t help but get a warm feeling of empowerment. A few of the most influential and powerful women graced the stage; Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Angel Davis, Shirley Cesar, and Tichina Arnold shouting out words of wisdom, reflection, and remembrance of why black girls rock. Although there were many honorees, the youth recognition to community service stood out the most to me.
The co-hosts Traci Ellis Ross and Regina King introduced a fashion model and DJ by the name of Mari Malek. She is the co-founder of Southern Sudan Initiatives, a charity catering to the lost boys and girls and overcoming the hardships of Sudan, Africa. By incorporating Healthcare, Agriculture, Business, clean water, and Education Southern Sudan Initiatives plans to rebuild the community, lives, and give hope to the people of Southern Sudan.
Not only did I find this recognition of community service empowering but it was the fact that Mari Malek is a young model with dreams and goals with one being her priority to give back. Ye, she is in the fashion industry and yes, she DJ’s in New York, but she also has made an effort and dedicated apart of herself to give back to her own community in Sudan. My only hope in life is to do what I love by making a difference in someone’s life. I love Black Girls Rock for giving us a platform and so it was only right for me to highlight what I liked best about the awards show tonight.
If you would like more info on Black Girls Rock Inc. and Mari Malek you may click the links below:
Occupy Oakland – The Wake Up Call to Take Action (Video)
Photo by Leon Sykes (@Dnas)
What happened this past Tuesday, felt like a flashback to the 60′s. As I sat on the edge of my bed watching the news footage while tracking the hashtag #occupyoakland via twitter I was amazed at what I saw happening in Downtown Oakland. If you haven’t been following Occupy Wall Street I suggest you google it because Oakland surely wake you up on what you’ve been sleeping on. That early Tuesday morning, Mayor Jean Quan ordered police officers to evacuate the protestors and take down the encampment at city hall. This more than ruffled feathers for the occupy protestors and they took the streets to march the streets in an organized fashion. One thing led to another, beer bottles and rocks were supposedly throne and in results tear gas bombs and rubber bullets were released to detain the crowd. Many people were arrested, small children were present, and it was just not a good look for the community.
Take a look at this video and you will get a very disturbing visual of all that happened that evening. Although, Tuesday night was very violent the occupy protestors reconvened last night (Wednesday) and the march continued. Not to mention, Mayor Jean Quan allowed them to set up camp again.
Occupy Oakland Tuesday October 25 from Raleigh Latham on Vimeo.
My Question is, Was Tuesday night all that necessary? How do you feel about the Occupy Movement and if you could/or if you participating what are you fighting for?
Please share your thoughts in the comments below!
The Occupy Wall Street Movement Comes to Oakland (Photos)
If you haven’t been following, heard of, or participating in, shame on you. Occupy Wall Street demonstrations have been happening all over the country and in my hometown I go to work seeing protestors diligently fighting against corporate greed for over a week now. Occupy Oakland is right outside of City Hall and for the past week there have been demonstrations, rallies, marches, and even celebrity appearances from different spectrums; Danny Glover and Lupe Fiasco. Yes, I’ve been reading the concerns about public safety and people taking advantage of this opportunity but let me show you the positives visually that’s happening in my neck of the woods!
Photo by Fred Shavies
Photo by Ben Margot
Photo by Reuters Pictures
If you have stories, photos, reflections, or other protest demonstrations in you area share them in the comment box below. You may also email your photos to reesaspeaks@gmail.com and I’ll post/retweet them =)
Life is Living Oakland: A Free Celebration of Urban Life (Oct. 8)
It’s that time of year again for the LifeIsLiving.org annual festival and celebration of Urban life through Hip Hop, intergenerational health, and Environmental Action. I had a chance last year to participate with my internship Bay Localize so this is definitely an event you wouldn’t want to miss. A few crowd pleasers like Quest Love and Bay Area’s own Ryan Nicole will grace the stage as well as exhibits from urban gardening to HIV testing, visual and hood games. See you next week, Sunday October 8th from 11- 6 pm @ Defremery Park in West Oakland 
A Must See: The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975
This week I went to see Black Power Mixtape 1976-1975 at the Shattuck Cinema and it was definitely a powerful and knowledgable evening of history. This documentary was created by a Swedish filmmaker by the name of Goran Hugo Olsson who came to America to seek out change, progress, and document the movement that will forever go down in American History. Angela Davis, Huey P. Newton, Bobby Seale, and Stokely Carmichael were amongst the few interviewed on never before seen footage.
Schools today still can’t give the real message or the proven words of Black Power without stepping out of your comfort zone of the history books and into the real world of African-Americans. I honestly didn’t know too much about Stokely Carmichael, but that his beliefs of non-violence were similar to Martin Luther King Jr. In the documentary, you have a chance to capture his character and philosophy through an interview with his mother. He asked her questions where she seemed to show passive comfort to racism and he gently fired back with more questions that gave her a since that her answers, “because I’m black” were not acceptable to the human race.
The footage of Angela Davis in jail shows another perspective of activism and the message she gives about her upbringing and how growing up in Alabama, has shaped her beliefs is powerfully illustrated in this interview. Although at times I wish it were a bit more graphic and gave further explanation in some scenes I’d give this film 4.5 stars!
The commentators, Talib Kweli, Kathleen Cleaver, Harry Belafonte, and Erykah Badu, spoke of the leaders and time period and also shared their personal thoughts about the black political issues of 1967-1975.
I highly suggest that you go see this while it’s in selected theaters because it will definitely provide a wake up call for our generation. Check your local listings here & do share your thoughts!
“Young, Black, and Amazing” – Advice from the New Essence Editor-In-Chief
I’ve always read the editor’s column of Essence magazine, but it was brought to my attention (from my mentor Rachel) how beautiful and brown skin representin’ the new Editor-In-Chief is, Constance C.R. White. Not only is she representing women of color in the print industry, she’s rocking her fro loud and proud. It’s always a surprise to see new faces, new management, and new writers in your favorite magazine but her work has been well received and I really appreciate it.
This month’s issue discussed all aspects of black women power. In her column entitled, “Young, Black and Amazing”, I was not only reminded how amazing it is to be black woman but she gave some great advice for us twentysomethings. It’s really hard out here and through dissapointments and challenges we face when establishing a career its always good to have a support system of powerful black women to look up to. Constance White is definitely a powerful black woman to look up to and so her advice month hit room for me.
She listed 15 things a YBA should know so here are a few:
1. Ask yourself, what do I want to be doing at 40?
2. Make a plan and work it. You can tweak it along the way.
3. Reach out. You don’t have to do it alone. We’re here for you.
4. Save a little bit every week, even a single dollar
5. Don’t accept negative things others say about you. If they have an observation, tell them to make it constructive
6. You are responsible for your actions
7. Video dancer is not a profession.
“Whatever you dream, there is a Black woman who has done it. You can do it, too.”
You can follow her on twitter @CWhiteEssence and of course he column monthly on Essence
First Lady Michelle Obama graces October Essence
I can’t wait until September 12 (or earlier cause I subscribe) until I get the October 2011 issue of Essence just so I can hold this powerful copy in my hands. If you are anything like me; young black woman, ambitious, aspiring, and reeking with goals in life then of course you would find the First Lady, Michelle Obama, to be an inspiration. I really appreciate her efforts to encourage young women and people in general to follow your dreams, stay healthy, and live your best life. Ladies need to stop modeling Kim K. and get with the Obama program =)
Morning Inspiration: Jill Scott x Hear My Call (Video)
Good Morning to you all. Thought I’d share with you Jill Scott’s newest video off her album Light of the Sun entitled “Hear My Call”. This is one of my favorite songs off her album. We all need spiritual healing sometimes and so if you listen to the words you can possibly relate these feelings to your own personal life. I love how vulnerable she makes herself in this visual, not to mention her voice is always breathe taking. Enjoy!
“Look Like You Give a Damn”- Nivea ad to Re-Civilize Men
The Nivea ad for men has been quite the buzz in the past 24 hours. I’ve shared my thoughts all over the net but I’m curious to know what your take is on it. In the above ad, the black man is throwing his own head which is an unruly afro and beard, portraying to the black male demographic to “Re-Civilize Yourself”. (Note: The caucasian ad doesn’t say re-civilize) so what’s going on here? To be honest, I don’t even use Nivea products because they dry my skin out, however, this campaign comes off as very offensive to those who wear their hair natural or like to have beards. Then again, I am not surprised by these ad agencies trying to capture the minority demographic but I do suggest they add more diversity to their team cause this should’ve never slipped through the board room.
What do you guys think about the Nivea ad? Is it too much? or are we (people of color) too much into it?
Spring Movements x Ode to the Middle East
This needs no introduction because I reckon you have been following what’s been happening in the Middle East and East Africa. Check out this video paying tribute to the fight for democracy by using their freed of expression and body movement. I am so proud of the young people coming together in those countries and fighting for what is right. If only Americans can do the same. . . .Tell me what you think of the video and share your thoughts.
“This Time” Short Film dedicated to Lives Protecting Our Country
Check out this short film entitled “This Time” which was written by Reagan Gomez-Preston and directed by Matthew A. Cherry starring Reagan Gomez, Michael Moss, Terri J. Vaugn, and Sinorice Moss. This film tells a story of a recently returned Iraqi war veteran, Kevin (Michael Moss) that finds out the love of his life, Cheyenne (Reagan Gomez) is getting married. He confronts her about the situation and forces her to make a life changing decision. Please watch and find to find out the answer!
“This film is dedicated to the men and women who have given their lives to protect our country. And their family members with whom their memory lives on.”
The writer, producers, and actors did a great job at capturing the emotion in relationships, trials, and tribulations of the family and loved ones who fight for our country. I cannot fathom how it must feel to have the love of your life oversees when at any moment he or she can lose their life and never to return. By covering the issues of neglect, love, and loss I was able to feel passion in my heart for these type of situations. After viewing this film tell me what you think? And for all those affected by a fallen soldier near and far this is dedicated to you.
Director: Matthew Cherry
Written By: Reagan Gomez
Executive Producer: Liberty Madison
Director Of Photography: Zubari Duniani
Edited By: Reginald Harrison
Production Company: Cherry Entertainment in association with Liberty Madison Productions and Supremacy Films
http://www.themoviethistime.com
Visit http://www.ourfallensoldier.com to make a donation.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1612102/
What about Pakistan?
dams burst, tears flood
washed away millions, villages submerged
the world sits deaf, the children’s cries go unheard
media got you glued to the tube, now what’ve you learned?
to the truth you are blind, an entire country victimized
makeshift camps in graveyards &treetops, take a second to visualize
monsoon rain caused flood devastation, Pakistan left paralyzed
water’s receeded, from dark to light, survivors for you i sympathize
return from Atlantis, out of house &home, little aid, health compromised
suffering exceeding 04′s tsunami,Kashmir &Haiti’s quakes combined!
sources i’ll extinguish, skills i’ll utilize, people i’ll gather, a plan to save you will be devised
great minds, big hearts, free souls, world citizens with out forces combined
we can save the world, to this occasion let’s rise!
-Pheben Meharena
The Pakistan Floods that happened in July caused one the most devastating natural disasters in the middle east. You may not remember or even heard that over 2,000 people have reportedly died leaving over a million homes destroyed of their natural habitat. It wasn’t until I got my latest issued of the Time magazine when I read a heartbreaking article about the current condition of certain regions of Pakistan. Pheben Meharena, a strong advocate, reached out to the website for your help. Although this natural disaster has been put under the rug by the media it still should get the light and support that it deserves. The Embassy of Pakistan, DC is working together with savethechildren.org to fun the Pakistan children during this emergency. Celebrities continue to neglect and the recognition isn’t out there leaving only 50% of the requested emergency relief fund not received. For more information on how you can reach out on the Pakistan Floods of 2010, click the link below.
If God is Willing and da Creek Don’t Rise: Spike Lee Documentary
Photo Courtesy of HBO
Last night I watched the HBO Spike Lee documentary “If God is willing and da Creek Don’t Rise” which is the The LeveesSequel about the devastating natural disaster called Hurricane Katrina. The news did somewhat of a good job at highlights the aftermath but Spike Lee took it into his own hands to get the voice out that New Orleans is still going through a struggle and the aftermath is nothing short of a progression. Through interviews with local and former residents I was able to capture the anger and disappointment that has affected them since Katrina.
I find Spike Lee to be phenomenal at projecting a message through spoken word, psychological analysis, and different angles of the camera. I was able to see footage of happiness, disperse, regret and even darkness from the New Orleans communities. I’ve studied his films so I know that when he does a documentary he makes sure to leave you pondering your thoughts and rebirthing your revolutionary mind.
Two years after the hurricane hit, I was able to travel with my school in helping to rebuild and bring life back to New Orleans. Never in my life did I find myself in such devastation when they were demolishing the projects and building housing that was not fit for the community. Spike Lee covers many issues in this two-part sequel, which airs again tonight at 9pm (PST) on HBO. There are many issues that have been brushed under the rug or are still ongoing and I feel that he does a great job at giving you visuals of the aftermath of this disaster. We are vastly approaching the 5th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and progress is being made but not enough. I am currently working with Bay Localize on ways to uplift this issue and I’m sure that you can do your part too. So check out the second part if you haven’t already and educate yourself with the cold facts and the effects on Hurricane Katrina.
Review: Best of the Bay 2010 Party
East Bay Express hosted its yearly “Best of The Bay” 2010 East Bay edition festival along the Jack London Square waterfront in Oakland, Ca. on August 6, 2010. For those of you unfamiliar of the Best of the Bay, every year the Bay Area readers and editorials vote on the best everything, from Restaurants to small business, and even nightlife and wineries.
This year there were over 71,000 voters that produced this year’s “2010 Best of the BayList”. It was the perfect Friday evening for over 15,000 Oaklanders to enjoy ethnic foods and a variety of activities that presented the best of the East Bay. Attendees gathered on this Friday night to view live painting and graffiti art galleries, Dance Competitions, fencing, and Blues bands to entertain the eclectic crowd who came out to support the Best of the Bay. Oakland’s own, Goapole made an appearance as one of the judges for the B-Boy contest that accumulated this biggest crowd at the main stage that I was unable to see for myself with my tippy toes.
The best part of the festival were the many food vendors. The festival brought you different types of the best ethnic foods such as Mexican, African, Jewish, and even soul food Vegan, which gives our Bay Area taste some diversity. From 5-11 p.m I was able to enjoy live bands and interactive music that was sponsored by Amoeba Music and the Bay Area Blues Society. Oakland showed love and showed out for this successful event. If you missed it, better come out next time!
For more information on the winners of the Best Of the Bay 2010 Visit:
Six Months Brings Mental Illness to Haiti
I was watching ABC World news this past Monday and my heart became swollen as I watched a small boy tide up by all his limbs rolling around in the dirt, abandoned by on-lookers in the community of Port Au Prince, Haiti. It’s been months since the fatal earthquake has hit the capital of Haiti leaving lives lost and forgotten in now small institutions.
I had to fight back tears because knowing that I had no way of healing the minds of these forgotten humans. Just think of if you were stripped away from your house, you life, and your belongings, it will drive you insane to get back from rock bottom. There are many issues going on in the world today and not enough resources for the important ones that we should value like the Oil Spill and the aftermath of Haiti. We must lose hope on our world and faith on God that he will be a natural healer for the disasters that are taking over.
No Justice and No Peace
When the world seems to crash down on you, I will be there for you.
In a society that have never accepted the color of your skin, the power of your destiny and the magnitude of your soul, I will be there for you.
I don’t point the finger in this situation, because I too am a black woman, suffering in a world that has never fully accepted my well being. From my “rebellious” hair to my rooted curves, white America will never fully understand me. So I raise my fist for justice.
Justice.
If you haven’t been following the Oscar Grant Bart Shooting Trial, just think of Oakland, California revolting in a modern day Rodney King riots over police brutality that seems to slip away in America. About a year ago, a young black man by the name of Oscar Grant was shot and killed on the Bay Area Rapid Transit by a police officer pleading innocent with the “I thought it was a tazer” tale. I knew the police officer wanted to tame him, but in no way do I feel that he should have led it to death. Accident or not, when life is involved it is never something that should be taken lightly. Earlier today the verdict was released that police officer Mehserle is found guilty of involuntary manslaughter with 2-4 years in prison. Being that he has already done a year and some change his time is served with just a slap on the wrist and he will be let loose for “accidently” killing an innocent black man. I can’t even imagine how the family of Oscar Grant feel and to know that the killer will be free, free in my mind, but not in soul; this is not what I call justice.
Peace.
How can we bring peace to a community that has forever been foreshadowed in society as one of the worst and dangerous cities of America, Oakland; where black boys and girls grow up and only the gifted and blessed get out free. Where crack babies are having crack babies and the cycle repeats because they are neglected because of a drug that has never died in our community. This drug has infested our minds, took over our school systems and has corrupted our hearts. What can we do? Do we continue to let the system betray us time and time again or do we as a black community rise up not with sticks and stones but with our intellect and education to beat the system. The only way that black people can ever beat the system is to be more powerful and smarter than it. Become lawyers, Civil Rights Activists, officers, and prove that Justice can and will be served.
To my black men, keep your head up to the heavens and the sky. This is a very discouraging time in your lives but just know that even though another innocent one of us has fallen short to the system, this should not give us less of hope of our character. Use this trial as a reminder of how powerful you need to be in America and how you will help lead us as a people to get to our promise land; a place that to many, seems so far away…..
Date Night?
As if going on Dates exist these days, I’ve come across some cool spots that you should know about and I should look forward to in my future. With the single girl woes beyond me, we always find the perfect places to go on dates when were lonely. HA! I’ve decided to share with you the top 3 places that I would take my significant other on a date in the Bay Area.
MUA
2442 Webster St. Oakland, Ca.
(courtesty of Oakland town Art)
This eclectic place has the perfect happy hour. I met one of my girlfriends here for drinks, and despite the hot bartenders that might distract you the have great FOOD! Happy Hour is from 4:30-6:30 pm where you can indulge Quesadillas, Kabocha Squash Tempora, or cripsy Tofu. If you’re feeling hungry I’d go for their famous Hamburger and fries, all made to order. The setting is warm and the enviornment is creative, with great music and conversation you will be sure to enjoy ur date.
Exploratorium
3601 Lyon St. San Francisco, Ca.
Okay, call me a nerd but I love going to museums and re living my childhood. You learn so much and it’s very interactive for you and your date. The Exploritorium is celebrating its 40th Anniversary, you can experience the sound sandwich, cow’s eye dissection, and even a canoe tour. So forget about your dinner plans and hit San Francisco for a day of exploring the human body, culture, art, and science.(Ah, educational).
Yoshi’s
510 Embarcadero West, Jack London Square, Oakland Ca.
So, I’ve been to both the one in Oakland and in San Francisco and for some reason I find it a little cozier for a perfect date night. If you are anything like me snuggling up to your mate with the sounds of Dwele, Goapole, Mos Def, or even other known jazz sensations would be the perfect way to start your weekend. Over japanese food and cocktails, if you seem to agree with the nightlife, I’d suggest you get your tickets for your latest jazz, smooth ensemble.
There you have it, my top 3 picks for the perfect date in the Bay Area, I honestly think that couples have no excuse when it comes to places to go and things to do in your location. I always seem to spot a museum or bar somewhere, get creative and ditch those sorry excuses for boredom.
Black Love.
I was walking in Piedmont, California today and noticed the cutest couple, romantically strolling in the park with their baby carriage. Her natural locs were woven into a large bun that so elegant rested on top of her head as He had a stretched out dark haired afro with piercing on his eyebrow and ears. I immediately caught their essence of black love as I secretly ate my pizza while trying to stare. Usually I would compliment that woman on her hair, ask her about products and conduct business but I just watched. In amazement.
It’s not every day that me, as a black woman, gets to experience young love outside of my parents house. My mom and pop are perfect examples of what I want my love to be like when I get older, but what about now? As a young woman completing yet another chapter in my life I’ve always wondered about who will be in my next chapter. I’ve been on the natural journey for two years now and I have been single in the process. I value the friendships I’ve kept and made who stand by every natural curl that I create. But at age 22, you don’t get any younger. All the days will seem to mush together if you don’t live them properly and pretty soon I will be barefoot and pregnant. Yikes!
I took this photo from www.blackloveposter.tumblr.com because it’s not only just “Obama Love” but inspiring to me and hopefully all black women that there is a man standing behind your individuality and will love every bit of you no matter the circumstance may be. And in this case, presidency didn’t get between their love.
Black Love Poster is a blog that celebrates black love between women of color. I have seen posts on lesbian couples, black women with white, African, Asian, Latino, all races. Some are sharing the Naturality and some are embracing the beauty of just being black. I think it’s wonderful and I hope that will not only give my single black women hope but also every woman that LOVE does exist.
Celebrating Juneteenth
This past weekend I had an opportunity to experience a Juneteenth festival at Leimert Park in Los Angeles, California. Among the plethora of festivals going on that weekend it was an honor to have a very cultural and historical experience in the other stomping grounds of my mother’s neighborhood. I was able to capture a few photos that highlighted my beautiful Saturday afternoon. Leimert Park is a black owned and influenced community in the Crenshaw district that has black owned businesses like bookstores, restaurants, and boutiques. I love this place because it has so much culture and just by walking down one block my five senses are active as I touch, smell, feel, and see the black heritage unveiled.
For those of you that don’t know, Juneteenth is a commemorative celebration of African American Freedom which takes place on June 19th. It is a time of special observance that originated in Galveston, Texas in 1865. 
Communities would gather and share food, guest speakers, music, and dancing. This is a time of reflection and remembrance of all of our achievements as a people and the influence it has on our society today. Not only is it celebrating the independence from slavery but how far African Americans have come in the U.S. and how far that they are willing to go in the future. With the support of business, community leaders, and officials celebrating Juneteenth has been a nationwide event for 145 years and counting!
Today in “Angry Black Women World”. . .
Ever since 2010, we have hit a reoccurring theme that depicts and highlight the Angry Black Women Complex. The media has done a horrific job at putting black women under a magnifying glass to portray them in TV shows, movies, and even music videos for over decades now. The media has become masterminds at telling the whole world o the whole idea of black women being acceptable only if you shut up and shake your ass in the background of some music video then everything will be okay. Just like in my previous post with Chad OchoCinco, it still don’t find it hard to believe that Slim Thug, Texas Rapper, would find would continue this black woman bashing epidemic. He goes to say in an interview with Vibe Magazine all his reasons for why he doesn’t like black women. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but Brothas you have to do better on how you present it to the public. This isn’t barbershop talk where you can say whatever you like and only way people will know is through hear say. Brothas should already know that we are sensitive about how badly our name has been portrayed so take it into consideration that if you want to get a point across, think about it and word it in a less ignorant manner. Slim Thug may a few reasonable points but look at what he surrounds himself with. He’s yet another product of his environment, I feel sorry for him that he can only base his judgments off his surroundings and what comes his way. What about the entrepreneurs, lawyers, Executives, and CEO’s. Black women all over the nation can NOT and WILL not be categorized into these selfish antiques. Brothas like Slim Thug are the problem; it’s like the pot calling the kettle black. If you demand a certain entity in your women, generalize it for yourself, not all black women are what you want them to be, no women of any race for that matter. So Slim Thug, You want a submissive and passive woman that will cook you dinner with ducktape on her mouth every night, to call your own? I am pretty sure you will find it but it isn’t me.
Signed,
Afro Chic.
Check out more opinions on this matter from @bellametaphor www.rawemag.org & @IamAndreaBrown www.iamandreabrown.tumblr.com
My Appreciation
This is my dedication and appreciation for all the sistahs out there with rebellious hair. Where ever I go no matter what state, what country, use the compliments uplift eachother. I don’t know if anyone understands me, but once you’ve experience the natural lifestyle it’s not like no other. No lacefront, remy weave, or bone straight lifestyle can’t take away the shine that magically seems to glow between each sending happiness that only the rebellious can understand. I have recently noticed the natural community and how on such a forbiden and touchy subject women of all textures come together through internet, on the streets, or work enviornments and uplift eachother when society only wants to bring us down. This is me appreciating those that give compliments, advice, or just slient gestures to those who choose to wear their hair how it has been naturally rooted from the scalp. Even if it’s just one day, one hour, or a couple months, just remember we are born natural and I will continue to live this natural life
What are you Talking About?