SF Event: Rock The Runway For Domestic Violence, Host NeNe Leaks Feb. 4th

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If you are local, into fashion, and want support a good cause, I’d come check out Rock The Runway for Domestic Violence, Saturday, February 4th, 2011.  This will be an inaugural event for the San Francisco based organization, Lift Up Lives (LUL)  that caters to women affected by domestic violence.   This red carpet event will be hosted by infamous Real House Wives of Atlanta, NeNe Leaks and will feature a runway show, silent auction, and a VIP brunch.

There will also be live performances by Kim Hill (former member of the Black Eye Peas and Nesta Rae. Tickets range from $25 – $1,000 with an opportunity for VIP access and tables. You can get your tickets here.

Lifting Up Lives is a non-profit organization founded by Mark Rogers in San Francisco.  Since January 2010, they have been serving women in the community through unique programs such as fitness and character building.  This gives women who have been effected by domestic violence a platform and support system to share their passions and go through life changing effects of Fitness and Health. The awareness of Domestic Violence doesn’t get enough publicity so in my eyes I think this is a great event that LUL and the San Francisco Community are putting on in February!

Event Details

Date: Saturday, February 4, 2012

Location: The Clift Hotel
495 Geary  Street
San Francisco, CA

Time: 11:00am-2:00pm

Attire: Fashionably Chic

Red Tails Review – I won’t be throwing Tomatoes…This Time

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I almost found myself hesitant to see Red Tails, but that’s what reading mixed reviews, looking at comments, and having small debates before even seeing the film would do to you.  This past weekend social media went on a marketing frenzy to support the all black cast Red Tails, which is a film about the Tuskegee airmen; first black elite flight corporation.

Those of you who don’t know, the Tuskegee airmen were black pilots that fought in World War II, and although Red Tails was based on true events, this film gave just a snippet of the segregation, trials and triumph they went through as pilots in the 1940’s.  It was no history lesson but rather a classic war movie about courage, triumph, and fear.  I didn’t come in expecting to learn something new about black history or critiquing whether or not the facts of the Tuskegee were accurate enough to my liking.   However, I’m definitely going to give George Lucas of Lucasfilm all the credit for picking up this film when no one else would because we do need to keep all black films and actors in Hollywood whether it be George Lucas or even Tyler Perry.

I’m not the biggest fan of action movies, war or combat, but having Andrew McGruder (Creator of Boondocks) as one of the writers gave the screenplay a soft edge.  I was on the tip of my seat during the battle scenes and I felt a since of pride after every victory of the red tails. One of the four main actors that stood out to me was Nate Parker “Easy”.  He was the captain of the team and a also drunk.  In one scene he was going to give up on leading the pack after injuring two of his airmen, but after Terrance Howard gave that cheesey “Never Give Up” speech he flew the Red Tails to victory. I got it but it could’ve been more.

Yeah, Lucas didn’t spend a lot of time perfecting the dogfight scenes or the sentimental moments, and sure he could’ve cropped out the love interest, and not to mention the dialogue was corny cough cough Ne-Yo , but I am happy I went to support the movie and the purpose of Red Tails for me was expected.  I encourage everyone to go see it and help it’s box office sells, then you can be a movie critic later =)

Happy New Year: Reflection from the Afro Chic

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Happy New Year! …a tad bit late but here’s why!

I would first like to thank everyone who has been an asset to my success in 2011. Without my support system I would not be where I am today.  I would also like to thank anyone that has ever read my blog, supported me as a writer, or has been a helping hand in my progression to becoming a better person.

The ending of 2011 has been a blessing in disguise for me.  For those of you who don’t know, I sprained ligaments in both of my wrists over the holiday season and since then I have been going through a healing process that doesn’t allow me to use my hands as much.  (I sneak the social media part cause its my life) The first few weeks have driven me crazy because…HELLO?! I use my hands for everything.  My hands are my money-maker; it allows me to write, to exercise, and do all the things that I love in my free time.  I’ve shed some tears and almost fell into a slump but with the help from my friends, family, and of course rehabilitation I am bouncing back! God has given me so many obstacles in my life that I feel that I am prepared with anything that comes my way, so a hand injury?! I got this!!

When something is instantly taken away from you it makes you reevaluate and question yourself and the people in your life. This past year I have been working on my own lifestyle change and I was able to achieve my weight loss goal.  I started in January around this time and by September I had lost 50 lbs and was able to maintain my weight loss until today.  Even with the minor speed bumps with my ankle problem and hand injury I am still able to keep up with my healthy lifestyle change.  I absolutely LOVE it and I will be sharing my story and tips with you soon.   My vision board still sits on my dining room table today with just a picture of a smiley face and it was when I walked by it today that I realized exactly what I want this year; Happiness!

As I continue to heal these money-makers, I just wanted to let you guys know that I didn’t fall off the face of the earth.  This is a new year and I will be taking Reesa Speaks on a new journey! I want to be able to share my progress with you as well as continue to bring you all the new dope things in Art, Fashion, Hair Care, and Entertainment.

Thanks again for everything and let’s have a GREAT new year =)

Ludacris and Daughter Karma Launch Educational Website – KarmasWorld.com

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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

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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 http://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.”

Milk + Honey: Episode 2

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Check out the second episode of scripted series “Milk + Honey” that captures the lives of four young women who are navigating their life in Hollywood.  The imaginary playground scene with Eva Monroe was REAL ….After you watch it, I want you to answer this question for me – Why are you the “Ish”?

The Misadventures of AWKWARD Black Girl: Ep. 11 “The Exes”

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Happy Friday Folks! I haven’t posted awhile on here but I have been following what’s been going on in the media so I thought I’d do a little Friday catch up just in case you were absent from your computer.  Check out Episode 11 “The Exes” from the hilarious web series The Misadventures of AWKWARD Black girl.  It’s getting pretty heated for J right now, talk about a love triangle!

Wale – Lotus Flower Bomb ft. Miguel (Video)

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Check out the latest visual for Wale’s sensational “Lotus Flower Bomb” featuring one of America’s Next Top Model’s Bre Scullark.  To be honest, I’m not at all impressed by this video and I am still upset they cut her hair off in the all star season but nonetheless, Wale always looks handsome!

Red Bull Academy – Erykah Badu talks Dilla, The Beginning, and Relationships (Interview)

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Shout out to Red Bull Academy’s annual series for the full interview on Erykah Badu in Madrid 2011 where she gave the ultimate breakdown of her relationship with Dilla, the beginnings of her music, and what inspires her today.  I’d like to say that she is one of my top ten favorite artists but somehow I learned a lot from the two hour interview (took me a couple days).  Check it out!

Lecture: Erykah Badu (Madrid 2011) from Red Bull Music Academy on Vimeo.

(Just a side note, it was interesting how she said she always played the wifey in her relationships. All them kids girl…hmmm lol)