Category: Everyday Musings

Review: Best of the Bay 2010 Party

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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:

http://baylist.sfgate.com/winners/best-of-the-baylist/4766

http://eastbayexpress.wordpress.com/

Six Months Brings Mental Illness to Haiti

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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

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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?

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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.

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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

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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”. . .

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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

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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 🙂

Jamaican Drug Violence turns to War

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As if there are enough problems going on in our world, Jamaica is undergoing alot of violence revolving around the drug lord Christopher “Dudus” Coke, who was charged last year with the U.S. Supreme Court with conspiracy for distributing marijuana and cocaine.  We all know that Jamaica is known for the greenery but it’s all getting out of hand.  There have been over a dozen people killed included officers over this allegation.  I feel as if “Dudus” has so many followers that are rebelling against this charge and will start a war just to protect him.     The Prime Minister has even declared a state of emergency in Kingston, Jamaica shutting down schools and offices.  But is this all worth it? “Dudus” needs to turn himself and realize that he isa #FAIL.  I feel like this is real life movie but I hope that somehow Jamaica comes to peace because it is getting ridiculous.  Well, with all this going on Poverty still exists, it’s a sad world we live in folks.

The Graduating Class of 2010

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On May 9, 2010, Hampton Univeristy graduates, family, friends, and people from all over the world gathered in the stadium of the “REAL HU” for an experience of a lifetime .  The 2010 Commencement was not only special because I was a graduate but also because our honorary speak was President Barack Obama.  It was one of the greatest days of my life to achieve one of the milestones that I have lived up to and have my very own black president give me the recognition that I deserved.  Graduating with a Bachelors of Arts in Public Relations, I held my diploma high as a marched acrossed the stage with gratitude as the crowd looked on with respect.

It is not everyday that the President of this free world agrees to speak to a Historically Black College so I am proud that my alma mater had that honor.  Although secret service put us through many stipulations, it was worth every penny to stand there in the blazing sun in my uniform black and stockings to hear the commencement speech. Below you can view what was the best day of my life!