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Whitney Houston-The Voice, the Life, the Legend

2012-02-13T00:01:00.008-05:00

1963-2012

As LL Cool J said in the opener of the Grammys, “We’ve had a death in our family.” Miss Whitney Houston, affectionately known by her family as “Nippy”, has gone home.

Like I was telling a friend of mine, I don’t really have specific Whitney memories as her music served as part of the musical backdrop of my life. I was once (and secretly still am), an aspiring singer. And like most others, who grew up with Whitney’s music, “Whitney was the bench mark in terms of vocal ability,” as Keri Hilson so perfectly stated, echoing my exact sentiments. That is what Whitney represented; excellence.

Before her life became weighed down with personal demons, Whitney broke onto the scene serving up gospel tinged vocals layered on top of pop hits, making her known to the world while keeping her foot planted at home. Whitney was the quintessential crossover artist who could belt out a pop hit and take us to church all in one performance.

I, like many was rooting for Whitney. I was looking forward to her role in the remake of Sparkle and her possible comeback. But sadly, she has been called home. Who knows if this could have been prevented. Was this destined, or did Whitney veer off the path and could not be spared? These are the kinds of questions only The Divine can answer. But one thing is certain; she was one of the most gifted voices to ever grace the earth. And I am grateful she got the opportunity to share her gift with the world.

With this latest loss, and including our Nick Ashford, Heavy D, Etta James, Don Cornelius and earlier this month David Peaston (a lesser known but powerful singer), among others, it’s as if black history is vanishing before our eyes. But in our most recent and tragic loss of Whitney, the super-star, I am using this sad moment as a reminder to never give up or give in to our challenges. No judgment on Whitney, but life can hard-very hard at times. And we must do our best to stand tall in the dark, even if we are standing in tears. And let us, as human beings help others when we can, ask for help when we need it, and receive it when we get it.

Reach out, reach in, reach higher.

I wish Whitney’s family peace over time in this period of extreme grief. R.I.P. --Rest in Power Whitney. You are missed. You are loved.

Some of my favorite Whitney songs are:

Exhale

Heartbreak Hotel

I Believe in You and Me

I Have Nothing

I Wanna Dance With Somebody

I’m Your Baby Tonight

Saving All My Love

So Emotional

Where do Broken Hearts Go

You Give Good Love

What do you want to share about your musical relationship with Whitney?

Macy's Celebrates Black History Month and Honors Romare Bearden!

2012-02-10T14:28:00.001-05:00

Macy’s is celebrating Black History Month by honoring the 100^th birthday of one of our most prolific artists, Romare Bearden. In partnership with the Romare Bearden Foundation there will be satellite exhibits featuring the artist’s work at Macy’s in varied cities. There will also be pieces by other artists inspired by Bearden.

Though he was mainly known for his paintings that largely featured a collage style, as well as his photography, Bearden was a true renaissance man. He also expressed his talent through theater, poetry, dance and even song writing.

It was a great opportunity to go to the New York City Macy's Herald Square event and see some of the artists work, learn more about his legacy, and hear jazz ensemble, The New Cookers perform some of Bearden’s music. Varied activities are featured at other locations.

The New York event runs through February 12. So if you plan to get some shopping done over the weekend, check it out! (And if you buy at least $50 worth of merchandise-at any participating location, you can get a free scarf featuring one of Bearden's most revered pieces, "The Lamp".)

Click here to find out if this stellar event is happening at a Macy’s near you!

Check out a photo of the artist and some of his work below!

Disclaimer: I have received a gift from Everywhere for my post!

Roland Martin Gets Suspended From CNN Over "Gay Bashing" Tweets

2012-02-09T12:12:00.001-05:00

CNN correspondent Roland Martin has been suspended after controversial tweets he made during the Super Bowl were deemed by many, particularly the anti-defamation organization, GLAAD as gay bashing. Some of Martin tweets included:

If a dude at your Super Bowl party is hyped about David Beckham's H&M underwear ad, smack the ish out of him! #superbowl

And an earlier tweet read:

Who the hell was that New England Patriot they just showed in a head to toe pink suit? Oh, he needs a visit from #teamwhipdatass

Many are saying Martin is known for going rogue on Twitter and feel his tweets in this matter have been taken out of context. Others feel the suspension was unwarranted. Actor Don Cheadle responded on Twitter:

Suspending Roland Martin for tweeting? Is that the best way to deal this issue? How about, keep your job and open dialogue with a prolific

twitter contributor. The knee jerk reaction only polarizes opinions and does nothing to further education or perspective. #missedopportunity

However, I suspect Martin was not only suspended for his tweets, but for his history of anti-gay rhetoric, spurred by his religious beliefs, which were at least in part, chronicled in a Huffington Post article by Editor-at-large of Gay Voices , Michelangelo Signorile .

When I first heard of this controversy and then read Martin’s explanation, stating he frequently tweets about soccer, I bought it, not wanting to believe Martin would at the very least jeopardize his career with anti-gay language. But then I remembered Martin’s wife is a minister and that he himself at one point was studying Theology and therefore re-thought my position on Martin’s stance on homosexuality, figuring his religious beliefs color his perspective. And though I feel Martin is anti-gay (his apology was carefully crafted and political), to be fair, I don't believe he supports violence against the gay community.

I don’t agree or disagree with CNN’s decision to suspend Martin. I think this is how these kinds of situations are handled in media. If you are going to play in the big leagues, you have to play by the rules. And defaming or the perception of defaming any group of people, particularly over a period of time cannot go unaddressed. When you get to Martin’s level your public voice is arguably no longer your own. You represent a brand. Right or wrong, that is the game, and by now Martin should know how to play. And for those who say this is racial, I disagree.

I think if Martin was white he would still have been suspended. This is not a race issue, it’s a civil rights issue. With violence against the gay community still very prevalent in our society, language that appears to promote it, particularly by public figures is under a microscope.

I hope this serves as a wake-up call for Martin, and that if granted the opportunity to return to CNN, he goes back with a renewed perspective on how to use his voice. And I am happy to hear Martin is meeting with GLAAD. And frankly I think GLAAD should have called for a dialogue with Martin before calling for his suspension. But again, this is how these types of things go down. And without the threat of losing his job, it's possible Martin may not have offered an apology (as political as it was), or have agreed to speak with the organization. All in all, it will be very interesting to see how this all shakes out.

What do you think of Martin’s suspension?

Ten of the Top Classic African American Fashion Icons!

2012-02-06T00:59:00.005-05:00

As African Americans we have not only helped build this country but in addition to our labor, our ingenious inventions and creations, we are also historic tastemakers and creators of culture. From our music to our lexicon and our overall style. Whether we are ballin' or on a budget, we know how to keep it fierce and fresh to death! Here are ten of the top classic African American fashion icons!

Billie Holliday's iconic voice was matched by her memorable style that is still emulated and celebrated today! We get reminded of Miss Holliday whenever we see a woman rocking a flower in her hair with class.

Billy Dee Williams, or as I like to call him, "Mr. Smooth", is one the first black, male sex symbols of our time! From Lady Sings the Blues, to Mahogany, to Star Wars, and even Colt 45 baby! Mr. Williams has been representing black men with sleek coolness for decades!

What can we say about Diana Ross but that she's the original BOSS Lady! From The Supremes to her stylish role in Mahogany to her fashionable offspring Tracee Ellis Ross, fashion is in this woman's blood!

Wow! Harry Belafonte was and is not only one of the most handsome men to ever grace a movie screen, but we can't forget his memorable island influenced fashion. And with his continued civil rights activism he shows us how real men keep it classy!

Diahann Carroll is one of our original brown beauties who served up sophisticated style in Julia and gave us "Oh no she didn't!" fierceness in regal, beaded gowns and those "I mean business" shoulder pads on Dynasty as Dominique Deveraux. And Ms. Carroll still delights in classic glamor on occasion on White Collar.

Who can take a sunrise, sprinkle it with dew? The Candy Man, aka Sammy Davis Jr. can! Mr. Davis showed the world that Rat Pack cool wasn't just reserved for white America. He was the quintessential example of how to be refined, "on trend" and chic.

Lena Horne was one of our first black, female sex symbols. Her stunning good looks glowed whether she was wearing a floor length frock, or a more casual look, as seen here. She proved that real style is versatile.

I mean, can you even take it? Prince is the ultimate "Sexy Mutha-shut yo mouth!" What other man can pull of a thong and leg warmers, reminiscent of his Dirty Mind days, to ruffled shirts and high heels, to a tuxedo style funk? (Um, I can't think of anybody.) Prince has held it down, vacillating between androgyny and full-on sensual fire! Whoo! Somebody get some water!

Grace Jones was Lady Gaga and Madonna before either of them knew what was going on. Starting as a model and morphing into a singer and style icon, Jones has always gone H.A.M. when it comes to fashion. And she remains one of the most influential images in pop culture.

Awww, our MJ! Michael Jackson is still, even as he sits with the angels he remains the most recognizable star in the universe! From his glitter glove, to his chapeau, to his overall King of Pop vibe! His fashion imprint is indelible! We love you Michael!

What do you think about this list and classic African American fashion icons?

It's Black History Month! Looking Back and Forging Ahead!

2012-02-01T17:00:00.003-05:00

It’s Black History Month! In addition to looking back over our struggle, celebrating our achievements and reminding ourselves of our contributions to the world, I’d also like us to look ahead. Let’s keep reaching for the seemingly unattainable and making things that once were believed to be out of our realm of reality, come to fruition. Let’s harness our collective power and continue to shine!

One of my favorite quotes is from revered dancer and choreographer Bill T. Jones: "You have all the power you are willing to take." Take it and run with it!

In recognition of our dear friend who we have lost, Don Cornelius, who gave our music a legendary platform to be celebrated on Soul Train, for Black History Month and beyond, I wish you all “love, peace and soul”!

photo courtesy of blue mountain

Start the New Year With Your Best Smile! I Did With Dr. Toscano!

2012-01-24T16:13:00.001-05:00

The new year is here, and what better way to start it off than with a bright smile, one of the best accessories I think a person can have. I had the pleasure of meeting and profiling Dr. Nicholas Toscano DDS MS, a superb and accomplished Manhattan dentist, who specializes in giving people the gift of great smiles!

Dr. Toscano, who hails from Long Island, completed his undergrad education at the University of Scranton, receiving a bachelor’s degree in biology, and got his DDS degree at the Dental School of Columbia University. “I always had an interest in science,” Dr. Toscano told me when asked why he pursued dentistry. He mentioned his initial appreciation for orthodontics when he attended his first science fair as a child. I was very pleasantly surprised to hear that after he finished his education he went on to serve in the Navy for thirteen years!

Having reached the rank of Senior Lieutenant Commander, Dr. Toscano served in locations including Puerto Rico, Iraq, Maryland and our nation’s capitol, Washington DC, where he finished his service in the Navy as the Chief of Periodontics for the Washington Navy Yard. He provided dentistry services for marines, sailors and members of the Senate, Congress and White House. “My family has always been committed to service,” he explained. Dr. Toscano now has a friendly and thriving practice in Manhattan where he helps many achieve their best smile. His services include but are not limited to, overall periodontal health, (cleaning, fillings, etc.) dental implants, gum pocket therapy, extractions and bone preservation, and other cosmetic treatments. I was lucky enough to receive some of the services!

Fortunately I’m very blessed with good teeth (with the help of braces as a teenager). But in order to maintain my chops regular cleanings are in order. This is something I’m normally good at, but (sigh) I guess I’ve been slacking and Dr. Toscano agreed to examine and clean my teeth.

He found that I have a mild case of periodontis, bone loss, which is very common in many people, but if left unchecked can potentially cause bigger issues. The key, as he explained is getting regular cleanings, and stepping it up a bit if you have this condition. He explained that, "Only about ten percent of my patients know that periodontal disease is connected to heart disease and diabetes. I get a lot of referrals from cardiologists." But overall he reassured me that my teeth are in excellent shape, I believe he said, “You have beautiful teeth and excellent oral hygiene,” to be exact! LOL! And I do brush and floss regularly, so that was great to hear. And the experience in his office was awesome!

First, I was greeted by his cool receptionist, my new buddy, Enid! Then I was introduced to his dental assistant, Tahi (pictured below). We had a nice chat, and traded makeup tips while Groove Theory played in the background as she prepared to x-ray my teeth. Her warm demeanor put me at complete ease. Then it was time for the cleaning.

Now I really don’t like people’s hands in my mouth and the whole process of going to any kind of doctor to be honest, but Dr. Toscano’s very professional and friendly manner made the entire experience a pleasure. He didn’t hurt me while cleaning or polishing my teeth, and offered information about dental care while asking me some questions about my routine. I was happy to hear that aside from needing to suck it up and get my cleanings more regularly, that I was doing things right like using a toothbrush with a soft bristle and flossing every day.

After my cleaning Dr. Toscano showed me some of his photos and awards from serving in the Navy. (Cool!) He also gifted me with this awesome teeth whitening kit, (and a new toothbrush, toothpaste, and cute little pack of dental floss! Yaaaay!)

Check out my before and after pictures. I’ve been wanting a teeth whitening and frankly couldn’t afford it so this was great-and I notice the difference. Not sure if you can tell in these pictures but I think my teeth look amazeballs! (If I do say so myself!)

before

after

So if you’re looking to start the year off right with a brilliant smile, take a trip to Dr. Toscano’s office for a pleasant experience. He’s not only a highly skilled dentist but a really nice person who makes sure his patients feel comfortable and taken care of. (There’s even an image of a beautiful, blue sky with kites flying around to look at when you recline back in the dentist chair! He’s thought of everything!)

But if you can't make it to Dr. Toscano, just make sure you connect with a qualified professional who will maintain your oral, and therefore overall health. Bless yourself with the gift of a great smile!

I want to thank Dr. Toscano and his amazing staff for the best dental experience I’ve had in my life!

For more information about Dr. Toscano and his practice click here

His office is located at:

45 W 54th Street-Suite 1E

New York, NY

How do you feel about your smile?

Octavia Spencer and Idris Elba Win Golden Globes!

2012-01-16T01:04:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to Octavia Spencer who nabbed a Golden Golden Award for Best Supporting Actress, for the controversial movie, The Help, and to Idris Elba who also won for Best Actor in a Miniseries or Movie for the his work in Luther. Unfortunately Viola Davis, who was nominated for Best Actress in a Drama, also for The Help was trumped by Hollywood veteran Meryl Streep. And Streep’s win actually makes the Oscar race for Best Actress more interesting. Another interesting aspect of The Help receiving Hollywood accolades is that some not only don’t support the film, but the actors as well.

Regardless of the controversy surrounding The Help, Spencer and Davis did incredible jobs portraying oppressed maids in the 60’s in the South. I was very disappointed to see dissension on my Twitter timeline from people not wanting to congratulate Spencer for her win, or recognize Davis for her nomination. Black maids and caretakers do exist, and have helped create the foundation of this country. The role of an oppressed maid is a stereotype for black actresses, only in that there is no balance in terms of the range of portrayals of our experiences. And that is the real problem.

Spencer and Davis played the roles in The Help skillfully, and deserve recognition. And as Spencer so eloquently quoted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in her acceptance speech, “All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance.” The real women behind the portrayals were part of the civil rights movement that allows for the freedoms we have today. And to disrespect the portrayal of that struggle by not supporting the actresses who brilliantly brought their story to life in the movie is short-sighted and unfortunate. View Spencer's acceptance speech here: (It starts at about two minutes in.)

Instead of withholding support for the actresses, let’s hold Hollywood more accountable in making more black films that allow for a variety of roles for people of color. And yes, that includes NOT going to black films that include commonplace, stereotyped and degrading portrayals of the African Disapora. (I definitely didn't feel Spencer or Davis' portrayals displayed any of that.) Place the responsibility where it should be, and don’t ask black actors not to do good work.

So with that, I would like to again, congratulate Octavia Spencer and Idris Elba on their Golden Globe wins, and root for Viola Davis as the Academy Awards approach.

What did you think about the Golden Globes and Spencer and Elba’s win?

video courtesy of thewareaglereader

The Game Debuts Fifth Season on BET! Is it Still a Sitcom?

2012-01-10T23:47:00.002-05:00

The Game debuted its fifth season on BET. Over the last couple of seasons the show has taken a darker turn, almost totally abandoning the comedic roots. The final season on The CW featured a dramatic, hour-long episode with an R-uh Kelly type character who was getting too close to Malik’s underage, half sister “Poochie”. What??? Tasha wound up having to threaten him with “Pookie from Richmond”. It was all getting a little too deep for a sitcom…

And on BET’s debut season we saw Malik get totally out of control, engage in a dangerous affair with the wife of the owner of the Sabers, and wound up in rehab with his career in tatters. In addition, Kelly, who apparently isn’t on the show anymore, (Wendy Raquel Robinson and Tia Mowry Hardrict repeatedly told Wendy Williams that Brittany Daniels’ left the show to “take some time for herself”), went reality show rogue, something that was unexpected and felt out of character. And then the new Brittany, Jason and Kelly’s daughter, aged about 10 years and became a problem, stealing Tasha’s “medication”. (Um, why did I JUST realize that the character Brittany was probably named after Brittany Daniels? Duh…)

All of that over-the-top drama made me wonder when or if The Game will be funny again. And with this season’s bombshell being dropped about Melanie’s past abortion, (that had been exposed in clips before we even saw the show), funny isn’t the first word that came to mind. And in watching the first episode of the fifth season, that started with a model who was presumed dead, Jason with a jump-off in a cheap motel, and Melanie’s “McHottie” run-in, there was a lot going on, and I was hoping most of it was going to be funny. But I think it was about fifty-fifty.

There was a lot of jumping around from storyline to storyline. I guess they had to catch us up quickly within the time allotted but the pace felt erratic. And there were jokes here and there but the plot lines overall are much more serious than what we became used to in the first three seasons. Jenna (Malik’s model ex-girlfriend) has apparently fallen back off the wagon and her DEALER shows up at his house with a gun to collect what she’s owed. What? Guns again? And then we get a scene out of Pulp Fiction? And Melanie’s exes (yay Trey Wiggs!) are popping out of the woodwork? And we see Derwin on the toilet while chatting with Melanie? Um, noooooooooooo! We do not need for this show to be that real. We don’t. Let’s keep the men on The Game sexy. I don’t want, nor do I need to see ANYBODY on the toilet. YUCK!!! Then Brandy and Jason get married? (sigh)…

Okay, it must be difficult to write a show that pleases everyone, but from the looks of my Twitter timeline not many found much of this pleasing. People seemed to feel confused about what was going on and why the plots seemed so random. I would like to see the multiple storylines of the characters blend together more smoothly, and yes I’d like more laughs. But there were things about the episode that I did like.

I did love the discovery of the origin of Jason’s issues with black women. He was teased as a child by black girls and felt rejected by them. Awww… And I like that Melanie and Derwin seem to be coming into a more mature place in their relationship (even though Derwin acts on his machismo and punches out Trey Wiggs-who I’m HYPED to see back on the show!)

The thing about The Game is that I love this show and the cast so much. I got a chance to interview them last year and found them all to be so humble and grateful that their show was brought back to life. I also fulfilled a dream of meeting super duo Mara Brock Akil and Salim Akil. (Brock Akil created the show and her husband has directed.) So for that, I’m fan for life!

I hope the show gets on track soon, and that the debut episode of the fifth season was just the set up. I want to see more of the good, funny writing and character development that made us all "team Saber" to begin with.

Did you watch The Game? What did you think?

Interview With Erica Hubbard of BET's 'Let's Stay Together'

2012-01-06T00:01:00.022-05:00

I got a chance to interview the lovely and talented actress Erica Hubbard, who portrays Kita Whitmore on the BET sitcom Let’s Stay Together, a show that examines the ins and outs of black love. Many of us first learned of Hubbard when she played Cassie Sutton on the ABC Family drama, Lincoln Heights, but she’s been in the business since she was a child and has appeared in numerous other projects.

I find Hubbard to be a refreshingly delightful woman, and hope to see a lot more of her on TV and the big screen! Find out more about Hubbard, what’s she done, what’s she doing and where she’s going-and why I think she’s awesome in our interview below!

I read you got your start doing voice-overs. What was your first acting job?

When I first started working in the entertainment industry I did modeling, voice-overs and commercials when I was 9 years old. My first voice-over was McDonald's, my first modeling job was for Sears, and my first commercial was Chick-Fil-A.

When did you realize you had talent for acting?

I realized I had a talent for acting when I was 18 years old. Around that age I started booking more television and film roles. I had started appearing in studio films such as Light It Up and Save the Last Dance.

What’s been your favorite role so far, and why?

My favorite role that I am having fun portraying is Kita Whitmore in Let's Stay Together. Being Kita I get a chance to make people smile and laugh (which I love to do)! Kita is a fun, vocal and a loving character to play.

Is there a role you’ve always wanted to play?

I would love to portray an action hero from a comic book. And last but not least, I would love to be a leading lady in a love story again. I had a great time portraying Cassie Sutton on Lincoln Heights in a romance, and love those story lines!

Who are your inspirations? (personal and/or professional)

People who inspire me are humanitarians and philanthropists. I admire people who truly care about the well-being of other humans; such as Gandhi, Malcolm X, Mother Teresa, Dr. King, etc. Also, reading books by Rick Warren, Larry Julian, and John C. Maxwell help me be optimistic and keep my sanity in life.

I read you got your college degree in three years! What are your thoughts on creative people earning a degree? (necessary or not?)

I think everyone should at least try to get a degree because I believe you need a business mindset in the entertainment business to help sustain a career. College prepares you to "think" a lot in your studies, and that discipline can help you when you are developing a career in the entertainment industry. You have to "think" your way through this business and make extremely wise choices. People should not only operate from the right brain, but also use your left side of the brain. If you only use your intuitive brain you will lack using your analytical brain and vice versa. I studied that and remain aware of which one I am using in life! I believe attending Columbia College (in Chicago) helped be become a well-rounded individual.

Though there seems to be a slow resurgence of black images in media, how do you feel about the lack of black TV shows and films as compared to the 80’s 90’s?

Slowly but surely, networks are starting to pick up more projects that center around the African American culture. Our stories told in the 80’s and 90’s worked, and had huge ratings…that time has come back around again to be embraced. I know The Game, Let's Stay Together, Soul Food, Lincoln Heights, and other urban shows that have aired in the last few years had great ratings. Currently, a lot of networks are looking at the success of urban programming and creating and developing more for us.

How do you feel about the portrayal of black love in media?

The portrayal of black love in the media should exist more in programming, but TV One, BET, TBS, etc. are developing more shows about black love. However, that's why I select the projects I am in because they are centered around black love. Being on Lincoln Heights was great because it portrayed positive images of the Sutton Family loving each other. Let's Stay Together also does a great job relaying the same positive image of black love in relationships.

How do you feel about the portrayal of black women in media?

I have mixed emotions on the portrayal of black women in the media, but I feel I'm doing my part and only can hold myself accountable for my own actions. Some people are role models, and others are in it for the 15 minutes of fame. As long as I do my part in society I can peacefully lay my head down at night. I truly love the roles I portray because they set good examples on how to behave and live.

Tell us about Let’s Stay Together and your character, Kita. What can we expect from her this season? (She will be on a Survivor type of reality show?)

Kita is a strong, vocal, fun-loving, independent woman who has a great job, her own apartment, but would love to find romance in her life. Yes, Kita goes to seek love on a reality show because she hasn't had any luck finding a quality man/gentleman to settle down with. However, there is an episode where she thinks she might have found "Mr. Right" (played by Damien Wayans). By the way, I am enjoying all the Twitter and Facebook messages I'm getting in regards to what people think Kita should do! …. Stay tuned!

Let’s Stay Together is a show about “black love”. Do you have any feelings on what seems to be a growing disconnect in black relationships—(at least according to the media)? Do you have any feelings on relationships from your own experiences?

Let's Stay Together is about "black love" and what it takes to find someone, fall in love with someone and make love work with somebody. As for myself, I have always been in long-term relationships and love being in love! I find joy in getting to know someone so deeply you want to count the breaths taken at night when they’re sleep. It is a true blessing to care for an individual very deeply and have two spirits connect so well you can know each other's thoughts. I think one of the reasons why I connect so well in my relationships because I have always been passionate to make love work well in my life.

What do you like to do in your down-time?

On my down time I love to vacation and explore new environments. Recently, I vacationed on a remote island in Tahiti. I enjoyed staying in an over-the-water bungalow watching and listening to the ocean. I love vacationing by the ocean because I truly enjoy nature. Vacationing by the ocean is very therapeutic and peaceful!

And speaking of personal time, please tell us about the Erica Hubbard Foundation!

It's very important to take time to give-back to my community and speak to at-risk youth about self-esteem and being a confident in life. I formed my non-profit so I could travel from city to city to speak to youth dealing with peer pressure and poverty. I had those same issues growing up in Chicago and needed guidance as well. It is very important to encourage the youth who deal with so many issues in our economy and feel like giving up on life so we can make more leaders in our community. As the saying goes, "It takes a village to raise a child,” and The Erica Hubbard Foundation is part of that village that mentors the youth. Also, I am excited to say I wrote a series of children books that I will travel around reading to schools for my literacy campaign in 2012!

Catch Erica Hubbard in the second season of Let’s Stay Together when it debuts on BET Tuesday, January 10! And stay updated on her career and learn more about her foundation on Hubbard’s site here

Happy New Year-A Bright Future Awaits!

2012-01-03T19:47:00.001-05:00

Many New Year’s posts are filled with sentiments to pump us up to achieve. "Make this the best year yet!" We're directed to conquer our resolutions and meet our goals with unrelenting effort. Well, to be honest, I’m tired. I’m tired of the idea of “hustling” and “grinding” all the time. I have things I want to happen in my life, but I’m over the constant chase that has left me feeling out of breath.

Many of us have been in some kind of struggle and/or quest for a while now, and it’s time to be fulfilled. And that level of fulfillment needs to come to pass in a way that makes some kind of sense, instead of the haphazard, worrisome path many of our lives have taken over the past few years. Things need to start coming together in a way that allows us to maintain our sanity, our worth, and our connectedness to what matters.

And in watching our blessings take shape, let us be open when and if the desires of our hearts don’t manifest exactly the way we envisioned. Let us recognize and appreciate the gift even if it comes in different packaging. And if some goals are not met this year, let us have peace, with the unequivocal knowledge that we have planted the seeds for future growth.

I’m at a point in my own experience where I don’t want to feel like I’m chasing down dreams. I’d like to believe that the desires of our hearts can be accomplished with consistent and measured efforts that don’t leave us feeling drained and rattled. The frantic push to make things happen that many of us have become used to needs to make way for a more comforting and connected way of living. Sometimes it's important to push, but doing your part and letting things develop as they should with a peaceful and accepting spirit has a significant place in life as well.

For me 2011 was the year of “The End of BS”. No more absolutely, unnecessary nonsense. And to begin that process of clearing a trail to a more fulfilling existence, I did away with a lot of clutter-material, mental and interpersonal refuse that didn’t enrich my life. I feel more in control of what I can control and am even clearer about what I cannot. And that distinction assists me in creating a less chaotic and more mindful state of being; and that is my overall objective for the new year.

A couple of weeks ago I watched The Wizard of Oz, and this time I paid attention in a way I hadn’t before. I’ve heard this song many times, but never knew it was called "Optimistic Voices". (It plays right after Dorothy wakes up from the poppy field and the group proceeds to Oz.)

To me the song represents an awakening that guides you to step into your power and claim the bright future that's waiting for you as you decidedly leave the dark days behind. I finally looked up the lyrics and thought you might enjoy.

You're out of the woods
You're out of the dark
You're out of the night
Step into the sun, step into the light
Keep straight ahead for the most glorious place on the face of the earth or the sky…

Hold onto your breath
Hold onto your heart
Hold onto your hope
March up to the gate and bid it open…

I thought this was a nice way to start the year-without so much pressure. Just walk toward your brilliant future-put one foot in front of the other. Breathe deep, hold onto your faith, be kind to yourself (and others) along the way, and “march up to the gate and bid it open”.

Happy New Year! What would you like to see happen in 2012?

Janet, JHud & Mariah-Divas on Diets!

2011-12-27T17:32:00.016-05:00

I finally saw Janet Jackson’s Nutrisystem commercial, (sigh). Let me start by saying that I “luuuh” me some Janet Jackson. I knew all the words and (thought I knew) all the moves from all of her videos when she was in “Control” and leading the “Rhythm Nation”.

Janet Jackson recreated the blueprint for what it takes to be a “pop star”, and redefined the performance style of that genre. You may not have to be able to sing, but if you’re coming behind Janet, you better be able to dance! And in terms of female pop success over time, Janet’s career arguably rivals that of Mariah Carey and comes second only to Madonna. So when I saw Janet hawking a weight loss regimen, my only thought was, “It’s come to this?”

Yeah, Janet’s no longer the pop ingénue. Album sales have been low and the whole Super Bowl “wardrobe malfunction” debacle that got the FCC involved, has cast somewhat of a shadow over her shining stardom. And I’m not sure how the Tyler Perry movies affect her “brand”, but Janet is still a star. She still has a legacy as part of a musically prolific family and on her own that I don’t think should be tarnished by selling Nutrisystem. There are other ways to remain relevant, and it’s not like she needs the money. Part of the process of being a super star is to act like one. I doubt if we will ever see Madonna promoting other people’s products! And that brings me to Jennifer Hudson, who kicked off this trend of “Divas on diets”.

Though I’m completely opposed to JHud making a career out of weight loss, (especially since she can actually sing) I kind of get it. Initially Hudson probably needed money, and after her family tragedy, also needed a project that didn’t require too much of an emotional investment. In that respect I do think working with Weight Watchers made sense. But since the weight loss it seems all we hear about is Hudson’s shrinking body and I’m over it! I don’t care about her weight; I want to hear her sing. I want people to talk about her work, not her waistline.

Hudson has claimed it’s other people who keep harping on her weight. Okay, Jen, the media keeps asking you about your weight, but YOU keep answering. Why not instead offer a brief explanation and steer the conversation toward your career?

And maybe that’s the problem because Hudson’s career, at least at the moment, until her portrayal of Winnie Mandela hits theaters is her weight. What exactly is going on with her sophomore album, or a tour, or anything other than making the occasional appearance on award shows? We have come to identify Hudson, in as she has identified herself, as the spokesperson for Weight Watchers more than we recognize that she is an Oscar winning actress. And what happens if she gains the weight back? (Did we learn nothing from watching Oprah drag out that red wagon full of fat?) And don’t get me started on Mariah…

I’m not a big Mariah Carey fan. I like her music from back in the “Honey” days, but I’m over the butterflies, the hand waving during her ear piercing high notes, and the Nick Cannon nonsense. But, I can most definitely admit that Mariah, is a star-uh! And stars don’t do weight loss commercials…

First of all there is no way I believe that Carey, at nearly forty-two years old, and just having had twins, got her body back by using Jenny Craig, alone. No, you can’t sell me that with a fifty percent off coupon! We all know Carey has had a nip and tuck here and there, (as has Janet) which to me, makes me give her the “side-eye” when trying to buy into this belief that I too can get a body like that, in just a few short months if I use Jenny Craig. Chile, please!

But aside from the credibility issues, I just don’t think mega-stars should be reducing their careers to selling weight loss products! That is reserved for folks who have “fallen off” and need a little career boost, ala Valerie Bertinelli. (And it worked for her which is great!)

But I have to admit that Carey plays the situation very slyly by not even speaking a word in the ads. She only lends her image and cashes the checks! (I guess if you’re gonna be a super-star who sells weight loss products, that’s how you do it!) And on that, as much I hate this whole trend of dieting divas, I have to give Carey a “Werk”!

I’m opposed to these three divas doing weight loss commercials for various reasons. I think Janet undermines her legacy, and feel she’s worked too hard for it to come down to this. I’m completely sick of Hudson’s career being defined by her weight loss. (I abhor that new commercial where she sings to her former “fat” self as if she’s bidding adieu to a chunky loser.) And Mariah? I just don’t believe you girl...I just don’t.

The issue of maintaining your “integrity as an artist” has become less of an issue over the years, with everybody trying to be anybody doing endorsement deals, whether or not they make sense. But that’s the thing. As an artist who’s had an incredible career, and one who has the potential to, I think an endorsement needs to make sense, not just cents.

What do you think about these “Divas on diets”?

Rihanna's Style is Described as 'Niggabitch' in Dutch Magazine-And Ri Ri Goes O to the Double F!

2011-12-20T16:31:00.001-05:00

You know what? I’m already heated about some things and this latest racist stunt gives me just the right platform to blow off some steam.

You may have heard about the incident with a Dutch magazine, Jackie where they referred to Rihanna’s style as “niggabitch” Hmmm…. I’ve never heard of that term being used to describe a style of dress. Is it akin to Boho chic? Collegiate style? Let’s cut the crap, the comment was racist.

You can read the slur and the response from the the Editor-in-Chief, Eva Hoeke, who has since resigned, on Parlour Magazine here. She pretty much, (as I suspected before I read the details) blamed American radio and TV for allowing the racist jargon in the publication stating that “This word is used in America as slang.”

A lot of words are used in American slang, that doesn’t make them appropriate to use in describing a human being. But that’s the point, people in the African Diaspora are not viewed as human beings. In the eyes of many we are still objects to be degraded. This harsh and hurtful reality continues to be proven time and time again. In what universe, let alone country or culture is it acceptable to describe someone's style as "niggabitch"? This paltry explanation from Hoeke, sprinkled with feigned cultural ignorance just doesn’t hold water…. I'm not Dutch but I would know better than to call someone something like a "dirty clog-wearing trick!" I would know THAT'S NOT okay-even if I JUST heard another Dutch person say that on TV!

And I guess Hoeke thinks she’s slick by offering this pathetic excuse for an mea culpa where she takes no responsibility and tries to play it off like it’s all fun and games. But she merely demonstrates her true racist nature by claiming the comment and entire title of the piece started out as a joke, as she pointed out on Twitter, undermining the black intellect as if we can’t read between the lines and detect that this whole “apology” is bullsh*t. She claims the comments had no racial basis. How in THE hell does the n-word NOT ever have a racial basis-yes, even when the ignorant members of the black community use it?

It’s also funny when Hoeke writes that they are “fed up” with the comments they’ve received in response to this verbal equivalent to a burning cross. Yeah Hoeke, we’re fed up with your ignorant and racist crap too!

Funny this woman feels superior enough to degrade and debase an entire community of people, chalking it up to a poor judgment call, meanwhile her whole statement is rife with grammatical errors and typos… It’s not “…me and the publisher” it’s “the publisher and I.” It’s not “Apart from that I also offered an rectification.” It’s “Apart from that I also offered a rectification.” (You dumb*ss!) Note to racists: If you’re going to attempt to degrade me at least get the grammar right!

This is just another example of the ignorance that still exists in the world and the fact that many people have a very hard time taking full responsibility for their actions. And though it isn’t surprising, it is still sad. And apparently Ri Ri went all the way off on her Twitter page…offering a Cee-Lo type concluding remark . I suspect she had some assistance in crafting this comeback, but the fact she had the gumption to respond is greatly appreciated. If this had happened to Bey, I feel she would’ve just had her people scribe a tasteful reply to preserve her carefully crafted image. So I’m glad Ri Ri went all “hell to the hell no!” on these folks!

Hoeke can keep her tired-a-- apology. Rihanna doesn’t need anything from this woman or this magazine to remain one of the most visible and influential black women of style. And we as a community don't need fake apologies that only further a racist agenda.

What do you think about this incident?

'Stickfly'-Solid but Not Moving

2011-12-15T00:05:00.001-05:00

I got a chance to see Stickfly, the Broadway play presented by Alicia Keys. No, Keys doesn’t make an appearance, and nobody breaks out singing “Falling”, as I’ve heard some have feared. But she does provide the music for the multi-layered drama about an upwardly mobile black family, who vacations in Martha’s Vineyard, where familial dynamics are explored, race relations and class issues are discussed, and secrets are uncovered.

Stickfly, written by Lydia R. Diamond, stars a group of young notables including Mekhi Phifer, Dule’ Hill, Tracie Thoms, (Rent) Condola Rashad, (yes, Phylicia and Ahmad Rashad’s daughter) Rosie Benton, and veteran Rueben Santiago-Hudson, who portrays the LeVay family patriarch. Phifer and Hill play brothers, who bring their girlfriends, Benton and Thoms respectively, up to the Martha’s Vineyard estate. Rashad plays the maid.

Though well written and according to some reviews, “overly” written, (yes, Diamond knows a lot of big words and throws them all in to demonstrate that these people went to school) this contemporary depiction of an upper crust black family who’s made it to the “penthouse apartment in the sky” didn’t leave me feeling as if I’d heard or learned anything new about the conversations people are having about race and classism. And maybe it wasn’t supposed to. Maybe it was just an exposition. But within is this account of what it’s like to be black, educated and privileged in America, and the expectations and boundaries that come along with that, I found the dialogue to be entertaining enough to keep me engaged, but not insightful enough to keep me curious. And there wasn’t that much to be curious about in this play.

The underlying family secrets are pretty easy to figure out very early on. Within the first few scenes you can already piece together what is about to erupt. Your only guess is how. But I did appreciate the examination of how family clandestine behavior and denial can create lasting, rippled effects on the psyche and self image. There are great kernels of truth in this piece.

The actors provided mostly solid performances, except (I’m sorry to say) for Hill. Though I’m a big fan of him on the TV show Psych, I felt Hill’s depiction of the son seeking approval and acceptance was flat. His lack of nuanced delivery works for the campiness of Psych, but does not translate well in this work. Phifer, on the other hand, portrays the arrogant, classist, high-brow plastic surgeon quite well. (However, though it was a long time ago, that now infamous Honey magazine interview where he totally disrespected his ex-wife and mother of his son, actress Malinda Williams, leads me to believe playing arrogant characters comes easily to him.) And Thoms is a good stage actress, hitting every beat and making every mark, but she didn’t really make me feel anything. Santiago-Hudson plays the prideful, emotionally stunted father with the grace of a seasoned professional. Benton, as Phifer’s “Italian” girlfriend holds her own playing the lone “white girl” in the group who uses her work with “inner city” kids as a badge of honor. But it would appear as if the stand-out performance came from Rashad, who convincingly carries the character’s resentful chip on her shoulder. And I heard from one of the producers that there is already talk on Tony “buzz” surrounding her performance. (But how can you be Phylicia Rashad’s daughter and not be an amazing actress? It just has to be in the blood lines.)

The great thing about Stickfly is that it depicts a black family unit sans the usual stereotypes, which makes it relatable to many, as reflected by the varied makeup of the audience that night. I felt as if the story could have been about a family of any background, and I really appreciated that. I also valued this departure from the Tyler Perry-ized version of black life plaguing media right now. (No one is on drugs, getting off drugs, trying to "hoop" it out of the hood, or carrying a pistol!) And I liked that it’s a contemporary black story, not a period piece where the African American struggle is much more intense and bleak. We get to see a modern-day narrative about black people with careers, concerns, flaws and dreams like everyone else. And I give Keys credit for using her wealth and influence to bring a play of this nature to the forefront. Keys gets an “A” for effort.

Though the analogy of “Stickfly” doesn’t fully translate, (Thoms’ character studies bugs?) on the whole it’s a quality production that could use some tweaks. The structure is solid, and all the bones are sturdy and in place. I just wish it had more heart. I would have liked less wordy, analytical banter and more moving emotion with better intrigue. But all in all I would say if you get an opportunity to see Stickfly, take it. It’s not a perfect work, but it works well enough to give it a few hours of your time to support black theater.

Have you seen Stickfly? Do you plan to?

Not Feeling Very Christmas-y? Five Quick Tips to Get You in the Holiday Spirit!

2011-12-09T17:22:00.001-05:00

It’s Christmas time! Yaaay!!! Oh, not feeling it? In a “Bah-humbug”, “So what? Who cares?” kind of mood? Well, you’re not alone. I’ve heard a good number of people say they’re just not feeling very “Christmas-y”. And that’s okay.

The holiday season can be overwhelming for many people in different ways. With shopping, family and a skillion party invites, you could be feeling as if you just want to check out around this time. Or, you may be feeling nothing at all.

Many have the "holiday blahs" due to underlying issues like, financial woes that create anxiety and pressure regarding gift giving. Or maybe this time of year harbors unresolved stressful memories. Whatever could be holding you back from enjoying the holidays, I have a few suggestions I hope will help you find some simple joy this Christmas season!

Bake!

Bake cookies! Just get some cookie dough at the grocery store, (it’s usually on sale at this time) and bake and decorate some simple sugar cookies (or whatever you like). It’s an easy way to focus on something fun and make yourself a sweet treat.

photo courtesy of myrecipes.com

You can make this treat a little sweeter by taking some to a neighbor. It will make them feel great and you’ll feel like you’re part of something.

Decorate!

Decorate your place! And you don’t have to spend a lot of money. My friend just told me she bought herself a small Christmas tree for only $25! I thought that was a steal. You can also go to the discount store and buy some cheap ornaments, ribbon, etc. and have a ball! Speaking of balls, my Twitter pal @KimMylesDesign suggested this door decoration

out of disco ball ornaments! (Cute, right?) And I went to my local discount store and scored this cute snowflake garland for $2.99 !

So put a little Christmas in your heart, by putting a little Christmas in your hearth!

Engage!

Checking out temporarily I think is okay—as long as the checking out is about re-charging, but you might have fun if you engage with people. Have a hot cocoa or holiday cocktail with friends and relax and laugh!

photo courtesy of hypursuit.com

If you have any elderly neighbors/friends/relatives who don’t get out as much as they once did, visiting them will surely put a smile on their face, a warm feeling in your heart, and provide a sense of connectedness.

Get Down With Charlie Brown!

The Charlie Brown Christmas CD is one of the best Christmas collections around.

I play it every year, sometimes even when it’s not Christmas time! Even the Grinch couldn’t resist the cuteness of Christmas Time is Here! (I loooove that song!)

LIGHT-en up!

One thing I like to do is take a walking tour of the Christmas lights in my area, or a nearby neighborhood.

There are people who decorate their homes and get CRAZY with Christmas lights and memorabilia! It can be hilarious. It’s totally free entertainment! It’s a nice, relaxing thing to do by yourself, or with a buddy. Get out and light-en up!

And if you're really just not feeling the holidays--it's okay, but if you're dealing with more serious issues bigger than temporary "holidays blahs", may I suggest you speak with a counselor or other trusted source to get yourself back on track!

Be kind to yourself, and enjoy your own version of your perfect holiday!

'Old School' Treats and Dewey’s Candy!

2011-12-01T16:19:00.003-05:00

Remember Now & Laters, Chick O Sticks, Sugar Daddies, Lemon Heads and one of my personal favorites, candy necklaces? Well Dewey’s Candy has it all! Dewey’s Candy, located in Dumbo, Brooklyn is a magical place that takes you back to the days of going to the corner store, getting “penny candy” and hanging outside with your friends until the street lights came on!

This delightfully nostalgic candy shop has earned a reputation of being one of the coolest spots in New York, even catching the attention of Gap Kids, who used it to shoot a commercial! I got a chance to talk with the owner Alison Oblonsky, to find out how she created her own sweet dreams!

Owner of Dewey's Candy, Alison Oblonsky

Why did you start your business?

I started my business because like so many people, I found myself unemployed. After spending over 20 years in the fashion industry I decided that I didn't want to return to the corporate world. It was time to reinvent myself for the next phase of my career.

Why a candy store?

I wanted to go to work every day and be in an environment that made me happy and that would make people happy. And what makes people happier than candy?

What are your future goals for the store? (franchising, etc.)

I do plan on expanding in the near future. Not sure if it will be through e-commerce or another brick and mortar. And the ideal goal is to franchise the brand.

How do you want people to feel coming into the store?

I want people to feel like they just took a stroll through their childhood. The nostalgic component of the store is my absolute favorite. It's where I see the most reaction from customers.

When does the Gap Kids commercial air?

I just found out that it was never designed to hit TV. They designed it to be shown online, Youtube as well as theaters nationwide. The funny thing is that I got a call a week ago from a friend of mine in Florida who was sitting at the movie theater waiting for the movie to start and bang!.... the Gap Kids commercial aired!

Check out some pics of the Dewey’s Candy experience below. (Oblonsky did visual merchandising for a major fashion retailer, which is why the store looks so amazeballs!)

Yep! These are REAL lollipops!

Love me some Red Vines!

Dewey's Candy supports various causes like The Trevor Project!

Rows and rows of candy! Ahhhhh...heaven!

Candy necklaces and GIGANTIC Pixie sticks!

A bouquet of Blow Pops!!

A chocolate bar? I could live here....

Nerds, Ring Pops, Sugar Daddys oh my!!!

And my purchase of another favorite...huge boxes of Junior Mints!!! Mmmmm!!

Dewey's Candy is located at 141 Front Street in Dumbo, Brooklyn, NY. To find out more information (and view the Gap Kids commercial) go to Dewey's Candy !

What are your favorite “old school” candy picks?

Tyler Perry's For Better or Worse-Worse Than Imagined

2011-11-25T23:50:00.000-05:00

For Better or Worse, Tyler Perry’s latest sitcom offering debuted on TBS, (a channel I’m beginning to believe Perry partly owns.) Though I applaud Perry’s hustle to have become one of the most powerful black men in Hollywood, I wish he would wield that power more wisely, as so far, the first two episodes feel like an assault on the black community.

Though I have enjoyed some of Perry’s films, I don’t like any of his TV shows. I watched For Better or Worse hoping it wouldn’t be the same poorly written, stereotyped perspective of the black experience, but I had a feeling it would be wack, and I was right.

The situation comedy that lacks engaging situations and humor centers around the characters, Angela and Marcus, the married couple from the Why Did I Get Married films. Tasha Smith plays this stereotyped, angry black woman and hollers throughout the show like Samuel L. Jackson in most of his roles. And Michael Jai White resumes his part as the browbeaten husband, though there’s an attempt to make him a stronger adversary to Angela. But that’s only one of the many problems with this show. I really don’t want to see a black couple portrayed as adversaries.

And of course, as in the film, Marcus has a “baby momma” who starts out as Angela’s mortal enemy. And Marcus’ daughter from this relationship refers to Angela as a hoe in the very beginning of the first episode. (Sigh) Really? And then we witness the tensions between Angela and Marcus’ ex culminate into, yep, you guessed it-a knock-down, drag-out fight! Yeah, yeah, they reconcile in the end, but we had to see them fight first? I could go on, but there’s really no need because it’s the same kind of Tyler Perry low brow fare we get in all of his television shows.

Now you can’t be an African American writer/popculturalist without periodically engaging in the Tyler Perry debate-the conversation that always points out the pros and cons of his work. And I always maintain that Perry writes from his level of talent and perspective. And he can’t really be faulted for that. But on the flip side of that, Perry has an incredible platform that needs to be utilized more effectively, allowing a range of black experiences to make it into media, not just the stereotyped, slapstick portrayals. Black comedy can be smart and funny, and it doesn’t have to consistently attack viewers with the most unfortunate aspects of the black experience.

From my point of view, there is a responsibility when you are a person of color who is crafting the image of other people of color. That process should be handled with care. And that doesn't mean that all portrayals of black people and other cultures are positive, but at least well-rounded. Give us dimension; characters, not caricatures. And if you don’t have the talent to do better work, hire those who do. After all, with much power, comes much responsibility. But Perry is not the only problem.

The larger issue here is that if there were more offerings featuring the experiences of the African Diaspora, Perry probably wouldn’t be scrutinized as critically. Black viewers looking for varied depictions of themselves would have more to chose from. Hollywood needs to grant more opportunities to create more diverse projects. (Does TBS think Tyler Perry is the ONLY black writer/producer?) And we can argue that independent artists should take their power and create their own work, (and I agree), but we all know that Hollywood is the biggest machine for distribution. Even Perry admits that.

So yes, For Better or Worse is horrid. It might get better but I doubt it. But if people continue to watch, we will get more of the same. I for one can’t stomach it. I’m tired of this kind of show, this nonsense, this sheer buffoonery. And I get that black people can’t be portrayed as “perfect” all the time. But it’s not about perfection, it’s about balance. It’s about better. And I actually believe that Perry can do better, but is he willing to take that risk? He’s attempted to grow in film. Will we ever get that same level of effort from him on TV?

Did you see For Better or Worse? If so what did you think?

photo courtesy of The Grio

Being Thankful For the Light Shining Through the Cracks!

2011-11-22T15:57:00.001-05:00

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving! One of my all time favorites!

The holidays are in full effect! I myself cannot believe how this year has flown by. But the end of the year is quickly approaching and this is the time a lot of us begin to take stock of our lives; and it typically begins with Thanksgiving. Turkey Day presents a grand opportunity to focus and reflect on the light that may be shining through many cracks.

There are seasons in our lives when it's very difficult to feel thankful, particularly if you look back on the year and feel as if you’re in the same place. Still unemployed, (or under-employed) still single, still overweight, still struggling with finances, still in a broken marriage, still haven’t gotten your degree… started your business, whatever it is. We can get stuck on the “still”. But sometimes we have to focus on the “but”.

“I may not have lost weight, but I haven’t gained!” “I may still be single, but I’m clearer on who I am, and what I want and deserve in a relationship.” “I may not have a job, (yet) but I still have hope and the will to look, and create my own destiny.” (You get where I’m going with this.) We may not have made miles of progress, but we owe it to ourselves to appreciate an inch of evolvement.

And it is in gratitude, that we embrace the power we do have in circumstances that leave us feeling dejected and helpless. The ability to, at the very least recognize what’s working in a season of perceived setbacks is a power move! When we identify what’s working, we can always begin from that point and make the attempt to expound and expand.

So this Thanksgiving I’m gonna do it award show style and thank “God and my momma!”, and all the other blessings that have come through this year! I hope you will do the same!

I am thankful that this year I pushed myself as a writer and have embarked upon crafting my first novel, as per the suggestion and prodding of an author I respect who has graciously become my mentor!

I am thankful that I am in a great relationship with myself and have clarified what I deserve in life and love. No more toxic associations where I sacrifice my emotional well being to protect others.

I am thankful that I’m strengthening existing relationships and very serendipitously making new friends and encountering like souls who: inspire me, care for me, entertain me, and genuinely root for me!

I am thankful that though I am in financial need I still found a way to give a few dollars to a food bank, recognizing that there are in fact people who have a higher degree of need.

I am thankful for the personal growth I’ve experienced stemming from hurtful experiences. I am smarter, stronger and even more rooted in my worth, abilities and talents.

I am thankful for having expanded my presence as a writer and pop culture pundit. I just did my first interview with an online magazine! I am thankful to be recognized for doing what I love!

I am thankful for all of the support I’ve received from my parents, and my extended family who keep me close with pictures and communication.

I am thankful for my dance buddies, and new acquaintances I’ve met who, unbeknownst to me have kept me in their thoughts.

And I am thankful that the presence of God is always revealed whenever I’m on the edge of my faith.

Happy Thanksgiving from Cocoa Popps!

What are you thankful for?

'The Nate Berkus Show' Loves Black Women!

2011-11-16T17:48:00.000-05:00

Are you are fan of The Nate Berkus Show? I love it! You may remember me mentioning it as one of the new shows I really dig in my series on "The New Landscape of Television", where I listed it as visual comfort food!

It started off a bit slow with Berkus trying finding his groove as the host of his own show (like many other beginners) as opposed to being Oprah’s décor correspondent. But he has, and it shows!

Berkus brings his education of and dedication to interior design and innate style to the show with warmth and the relatability that makes the viewers feel as if we want him as one of our best friends! (Recently Nate surprised one of his guests by jumping out of a crate! All I could think was, I wish someone would deliver Nate Berkus to ME!! LOL!) Another thing I like about the show is that it loves us! The Nate Berkus Show loves black women!

Actually, the show does a great job of featuring people of all backgrounds, and I love that. To me, that’s part of what makes a show interesting to watch; to see reflections of myself and the world in which I live, full of people from varied backgrounds. One can tell by watching that there’s been a decision to make the show as diverse as possible. And from many of the viewers whose design dilemmas Berkus tackles, to his celebrity guests, it’s clear The Nate Berkus Show has opened its arms to black women!

The Nate Berkus show is one place where TV viewers can see black women as everyday people; mothers, daughters, sisters, wives, students, professionals, and most of all happy, accomplished and self fulfilled! And in a time in media where the image of the black woman is being either obliterated or maligned, it’s very refreshing, and necessary! And Berkus has also given viewers a great opportunity to connect with other notable black women including:

Actress Octavia Spencer, (The Help) Spencer’s appearance on the show was actually the first and only daytime interview I saw with her about the movie, which makes sense considering Berkus was a producer on the film. (Yes, this film was surrounded in controversy, but regardless of that, the performances by Spencer, and Viola Davis, two bold black women, were flawless!)

Media personality/Legal correspondent, Star Jones

Actress/Talk-show host of The View, Sherri Shepherd, who co-hosted with Berkus

Actress Yvette Nicole Brown, who stars on Community, and just happens to be Shepherd’s “bestie”

Reality star NeNe Leakes, The Real Housewives of Atlanta-We got to see a softer side of the HILARIOUS trouble maker! : )

Actress Holly Robison Peete, who also co-hosted with Berkus

My Twitter buddy, Patrice J. Williams @FlyonaDime, featuring her thrift store finds!

And the most high profile black woman of all, First Lady, Michelle Obama! (I think my DVR erased this one! Darn!)

And Berkus is not only giving black women a shout out, but he introduced the country to the classy and sophisticated Rashon Carraway, otherwise known as “Mr. Goodwill Hunting”, who demonstrates his mad thrifting and renovation design skills on the show. He’s become a consistent treat! And Aaron McCargo of the Food Network has joined Berkus, displaying his culinary (and calorie packed) mouthwatering offerings! And...Cory Booker, the brilliant Mayor Of Newark, New Jersey! It’s important to me see smart, talented brothers on TV.

So Nate Berkus, Cocoa Popps thanks you for creating a show that welcomes all people and invites them to live fuller lives with style, and shows black women some much needed love! To find out more about The Nate Berkus Show, click here !

Do you watch The Nate Berkus Show? If so, what do you think?

photo courtesy of The Nate Berkus Show

Eddie Murphy Backs Out of Hosting Oscars-Good or Bad Choice?

2011-11-10T22:42:00.001-05:00

As you've probably heard Eddie Murphy has backed out of hosting the Oscars. Filmmaker Brett Ratner, who was tapped to produce the show has stepped down due to a scandal he created by using a gay slur in an interview about the film Tower Heist, which he directed. Ratner also went on The Howard Stern Show where he shared "T.M.I." regarding his varied trysts with Hollywood starlets. (Eeewww!)

What do you think about Murphy's decision? Check out my thoughts in my video here !

Heavy D-RIP

2011-11-09T02:02:00.005-05:00

I was absolutely stunned and saddened to hear that rapper Heavy D passed away. We just saw the "over weight lover" rippin' it on the BET Hip Hop Awards! I love "Somebody For Me"! This really hurts my heart to see such a fun and versatile performer (remember him as Regine's man on Living Single?) gone too soon. He was only 44 years old!

When these totally unexpected deaths happen it reminds us of the fragility of life. And when there is no explanation it makes the loss harder to process. As humans we tend to need reasons in order to have complete closure. Deaths that cannot be explained create a melange of feelings.

I adored Heavy D. I think Heavy D and the Boyz was the first and one of the few rap albums I ever bought with my allowance! Heavy D kept it fun and classy! There was no vulgarity, no "pants on the ground", nothing but fun and classic Hip Hop! And Heavy D is one of the ONLY rappers who danced. He moved it!

One of the things I loved about him was that he owned his physique! He didn't apologize for it and he didn't treat himself as if he was a joke. And he always demonstrated that being big doesn't mean you can't be fly!

Oddly, I was JUST thinking about Heavy D last week and when he was in Janet Jackson's "Alright" video. As Kanye would say it was, "one of the best videos of all time!" And for some reason "Is it Good to You" kept playing in my head-especially that line, "How would you feel if rubbed you down? Made your head spin like a merry-go-round?" I couldn't figure out why I kept thinking of him. (This kind of thing happens to me from time to time-unfortunately.)

Heavy D was truly one of a kind. There was never another Hip Hop act that could duplicate his brand of energy-ever. I am super sad about this loss. I wish the family of Dwight Arrington Myer, aka Heavy D peace.

RIP~ Rest In Power! Bum-diddly-diddly-diddly-diddly-diddly-deeee!

Songs we love!

Black Coffee

Is it Good to You

Gyrlz They Love Me

Now That We Found Love

Somebody For Me

We Got Our Own Thang

What is your favorite Heavy D song?

photo courtesy of Getty Images

Find Your Style and Feel Beautiful-Just As You Are!

2011-11-08T20:56:00.000-05:00

At the end of the summer I got a chance to attend a blogger conference sponsored by Plus Model Magazine and featuring Just As You Are, a coat manufacturer that has customized the shopping experience for the curvy fashionista!

Just As You Are presented a fashion show displaying the Fall/Winter line that features an assortment of down, shearling, leather and wool coats and jackets--all at affordable prices! And whether or not you’re a classic curvy girl, or have more of a wild side, there was something for everyone! Check out some styles below.

I love the line! Not only does Just As You Are make coats that are fashion forward and fabulous, but they are also very generous! Each attendee at the conference received a free coat! It was a total “YOU get a car! YOU get a car! And YOU get a car!” Oprah moment, only with coats!

I was super excited to get a free coat. It was hard to choose because there were so many cute options! But I finally decided to follow my instincts and chose the fantabulous zebra coat! When it comes to outerwear I’m typically more traditional, but it was time to shake things up a bit!

The zebra coat is mixed wool wrap style coat, with a handkerchief edge. It’s hot! Once I made my decision I went to the site and put in my measurements. (The company doesn’t have sizes as it custom picks the right fit based on your body measurements.) It only took one business day to arrive!

That's me at the conference in a sample! I loved it the moment I tried it on!

When I received my zebra coat it made my day! I wore it as soon as I got it and the first thing my neighbor said when she was me was, “Wow, that’s a beautiful coat!” In New York City where everyone is swathed in black, an eye catching zebra coat is just the thing to make a girl stand out.

I love my coat and I love this company. They are committed to delivering stellar customer service! (Hey Allison, Hey Mark!) I felt completely taken care of!

I’d like to thank Plus Model Magazine for making sure I was invited to this fun and classy event! It took place at a stunning location and featured all of the sophisticated accoutrement we girls deserve! And I want to thank Just As You Are for their generosity and excellent customer care in providing me with a very special and timeless piece I will rock for the rest of my life!!!!

For more information on Just As You Are click here !

The New Landscape of Television-An Interview With RonReaco Lee !

2011-11-02T16:20:00.006-04:00

I’ve been doing a series on “The New Landscape of Television”, and am concluding it with a special guest, one of my favorite actors, RonReaco Lee! I caught up with RonReaco who was gracious enough to give me an interview. (I was so excited!) We talked about his career, and what we both like and aren’t happy with regarding the portrayal of the black experience in media. And let me tell you, this brotha gives “good talk”! (It’s a long interview, but it’s definitely worth reading every word!)

Lee is one of those actors you recognize and love, but hasn’t necessarily been a household name. But that’s all beginning to change with his latest role on BET’s Let’s Stay Together, where he plays Jamal Woodson, a husband and father of twins.

Lee has a reputation in the industry and outside of it for being an extremely nice guy. My time with him absolutely confirmed that. Like many of you I’ve been a fan of Lee since he was first brought to our attention as Tyreke on the 90’s sitcom Sister, Sister. And I’ve loved and supported his work ever since then, from when he was the mute drummer boy in Glory to his stint on Girlfriends when he played the young mail-room guy who romanced Joan Clayton! Lee is one of those natural actors, born to do it, who can put extra shine on sharp dialogue, or take nothing and make into something with his delivery. For the last installment of my television series, let’s get to know more about RonReaco Lee!

Though Lee spent some time in the Midwest, he was born and mainly raised in Georgia. His mother recognized his creative talent early on, enrolling him in drama classes while he was in the fifth grade at the Alliance Theater, which he credits for whetting his appetite for the arts. “I probably took just about every class I could on the weekends. There were times when I had to catch the train by myself. Obviously my parents had to work. I always credit my mom for getting me started,” recounts Lee. Even at a very young age Lee had a very specific idea of what kind of actor he wanted to be, and what kind of roles he would take.

When Lee first started out, he was still in the South, and says, “A lot of the parts that were available to actors particularly in the South were small and…” (He was reluctant to say coonish so I did!) He laughed, but then explained, “Filmmakers always came to Atlanta to do a very specific type of movie; period pieces, of which I did a lot of them. Films and television shows were always centered around racial tension, and so it got to a point where as a thirteen, fourteen year old kid, I just got tired of it.”

Lee got a call to audition for A Time to Kill with Samuel L. Jackson in Alabama. And when he got there he felt the kind of roles there were similar to what he’d already experienced. “I just wanted more. I decided if this is what I had to do to be an actor in the South; I would just rather not do it.” He backed away from the industry and began working in a daycare, pursuing his interest in a career in early childhood education with the intentions of starting his own daycare. Lee had made a firm decision not to pursue stereotyped roles.

I would tell my agent, “Look, don’t call me.” But she called me one day with a script and I couldn’t put it down. It was an amazing script that focused on young African Americans in college. It was a love story with a unique twist. It was called How I Spent my Summer Vacation. And I couldn’t believe this. There was nothing in the script that involved me being called outside my name! It was nothing derogatory. It was just a portrayal of young black love and I thought wow! I don’t want to discredit any of the films I was blessed to be a part of like Glory, but it was definitely an eye opening experience being able to portray a young African American falling in and out of love. It lit that fire, and before you know, I was moving out to LA.

And with that move his acting career began to take shape, getting cast in Sister, Sister. But even though it seems Lee has managed to maintain a consistent presence on television and some film he went through a period when it was difficult to get work.

I remember after Sister, Sister ended I auditioned for Soul Food to play Glen, (Birdie’s husband). I tested with Rockmond Dunbar and Malinda Williams at a network test. Obviously the show didn’t go my way. I remember being really bummed because I felt the show was going to do well and it did, but I remember thinking “What am I gonna do next?” Because basically I was still relatively new, but you gotta think that I was blessed (and) only had to struggle about six months. But now I was just the guy who needed to find work. I was finally able to figure out the pilot game with networks. I was fortunate to be able to crossover a little bit.

And Lee’s “crossover” appeal worked in his favor to become a working actor, but it also may have been an obstacle in getting cast in other black shows. “There weren’t really a ton of black shows, and the ones that were on were fully cast. They weren’t really looking to add anyone, nor were they showing me a ton of love. I have to be honest. I had to make moves. I had to find a way to work. I was blessed to be able to find opportunities outside those shows,” Lee shared. I found all of this to be very interesting.

Obviously the one thing I never wanted to be was the black who only did non-black shows!” (We laughed as I told him he always plays the “non threatening Negro”.) Lee went on to explain, “There was a lot of black shows that really wouldn’t mess with me for whatever reason. After I worked with Bernie Mac on Guess Who? I was praying to get a chance to work on the Bernie Mac Show, a show that I loved, and Everybody Hates Chris, but again, for whatever reason I never got opportunities to work on them. And at the end of the day I gotta eat, I gotta pay bills. I kept myself working ‘cause I had to keep hustling.

(I love Lee’s honesty!) Who knew that a black actor like Lee wasn’t well received by other black shows? And with that reality Lee had to still find a way to work, and like many actors has had to take roles he wasn’t crazy about.

“Yes, I’m not gonna say I’ve been gun ho about everything I’ve done. I’ve had to make certain calculated moves,” Lee explained. This led me to ask Lee about Tyler Perry and his experience with being in Madea Goes to Jail, which he actually enjoyed. “There are some pieces I’ve actually liked (by Perry). I liked Why Did I Get Married and The Family That Preys. Have there been some movies he’s done that I don’t particularly enjoy? Yeah. But all in all my experiences working with him were good. I enjoyed portraying that character (in Madea Goes to Jail). I enjoyed portraying a lawyer and that particular story line,” Lee stated. He also went on to express the great feeling of being on a set and seeing so many people of color, crediting Perry for hiring black talent. I asked Lee about some other roles he’s enjoyed playing, or if he had any favorites.

“I don’t know, a lot of times it depends on what allows me to be most creative to really kinda do my thing. … from a creative standpoint I do best when people allow me to do me. I did a show for Fox called Good Guys. Now, I wasn’t really crazy about the character…It was one of those things that we kinda talked about earlier where you’re like “oh, boy…,” Lee explained. But Lee was able to find a way to shape the character in a way that suited him, and the network. His experience with being fortunate enough to be in a position to shape that character to his liking, led us to discuss the way African Americans are currently being portrayed in media, the good and the bad, and the lack of love.

Lee, a newlywed said, “The biggest difference is that marriage has forced me to step up my game. It's not just about me anymore.” I was curious to know his perspective on how black love is portrayed on television. “Well there isn’t a lot of it. …I feel like we need more of it. (With) a show like Let’s Stay Together, my prayer is that it’s just the beginning.” Lee went on to reflect on classic black television saying, “I reference the Cosby Show so much in my life just as a teaching tool…Cliff and Claire, they were so black love that you just drew from their experience.” And not only is black love missing from media, seems love for black women is missing too.

I asked Lee about the role media plays in the disconnect in black relationships in terms of contributing to unrealistic standards. I cited the State Farm commercial where the dark skinned actress is transformed into the light skinned model, Selita Ebanks as per the request of her dark skinned boyfriend.

I know that commercial and a couple of people in that commercial. I’ve auditioned with Mechad (Brooks) a couple of times who was the “after” brother. Yeah what I enjoy is when I watch television and every now and then there’s a show that hasn’t been cast on any type of looks. It’s been cast solely on the ability to bring a role to life. I love it. Because you can tell when they cast someone just based on what they think is pretty or attractive. I think that has something to do with the disconnect (in black relationships).

Unfortunately as black men we have been force fed through media, through TV, billboards etcetera, what American considers beautiful. I feel like sometimes that’s part of it. The media in terms of advertisers and so forth has been very one-sided. It feels so contrived a lot of times.

And in discussing the portrayal of black women in that commercial, we talked about how hard it is for black women in television and film on the whole.

I remember doing a pilot. It was a white show that Fox was doing, and I was fortunate to get the job. They were interested in getting an African American woman to play opposite the character, and I was amazed at the scrutiny (the actresses endured). I’ve always said if black men have it hard in this business black women…we shouldn’t even complain. They have it so much harder. The media perpetuates a sick cycle of what “works” on television and what doesn’t work.

But overall, viewers are hard pressed to find quality black shows and films that reflect the experience of the African Diaspora with any accuracy, profundity or these days, dignity. The abundance of black projects that highlighted the 90’s into the millennium, have considerably depleted. Lee expressed his sentiments on that.

Around 2008 when Girfriends and The Game were being phased out sadly by The CW, that just left a void….It was unfortunate to turn on the television and not be able to find a show like Let’s Stay Together or the The Game. And what you found people having to do was turn to TV One and watch re-runs …I still have episodes of A Different World in my TiVo! What else am I going to watch? Where else am I going to find really positive representations of our people on television? Where else am I going to find compelling storylines of Dwayne Wayne and Whitley Gilbert?

It was great television and who knew there would come a time where there would really be no more, and we would have to wait for a resurgence? But thankfully it’s happening. I think networks are starting to realize that we do watch TV and we are lucrative…

(I said we buy more than soda and cars, and to that Lee added, “Exactly”!)

At the end of the day it’s all economics. Again, we just want our share of that economic pie…. The Game, and it debuted to seven million viewers?… I look at the numbers because I wanna see how they (The CW) justify axing a show. I wanna see what does The CW have that draws even close to seven million viewers, and I can’t find anything. It just amazes me. It’s not just the actors but I also think of the directors, the producers, the writers-all of these people who have kinda been pushed out. Unfortunately if they’re not able to crossover and find work on the NBC’s and ABC’s or a predominantly white show, what do they do?

Seems Lee had a lot to say about “The Landscape of Television” and how it’s progressing (or not) in terms of incorporating an authentic black perspective. And I really appreciated his candor. See, I told you this brotha gives good talk!

What I like about RonReaco Lee is what I think all of his fans gravitate to, a sense of humility that makes him relatable. When we met I walked right up to him and we just started talking like old friends. And it’s that kind of charm that comes through in his acting and makes you feel like, “This is the kind of guy I wanna hang with!”, and therefore support. And I think his personality and charisma, in addition to his obvious talent (which includes his ability to play piano which we might see on Let’s Stay Together in the future) is what makes people want to work with him, giving him the opportunity to utilize his craft, and give the fans what we want!

I absolutely adore RonReaco Lee! I’m so happy and honored he took the time to grace Cocoa Popps with an interview. (I hope I’ve done him justice!)

You can catch Lee when the second season of Let’s Stay Together premieres on BET in January!

Are you a fan of RonReaco Lee? How do you feel about what he shared regarding the television industry and his experiences as a black actor?

Happy Halloween! Keep Your Childlike Spirit Alive!

2011-10-31T14:52:00.010-04:00

I was in the grocery store last week and heard the cashier who looked all of 20 years old telling another young woman she thinks it’s stupid for people to celebrate Halloween and get all dressed up, saying,” I haven’t done that since I was like, nine.” I thought, “Dude! Lighten up! It’s just free candy and costumes!” How sad that a young woman has already lost her childlike wonder and youthful playfulness.

But not me! I’m not dressing up, I don’t have enough energy for it, (LOL) but I don’t have a problem with other people who do and kind of love the grown folks who get really into it! I like seeing costumes and having fun and duh!-- getting free candy! I don’t go trick-or-treating—as a grown woman that’s ridiculous, but when I patronize various merchants or go to parties or events, there’s free goodies and I definitely partake!

I remember being a little girl and going trick-or-treating at the house of a local newscaster. He was all dressed up from head to toe like the devil, horns, cape and all. It was the coolest thing to see him floating around trying to scare us. I didn’t feel like, “Why is this grown man dressed up for Halloween?” I felt like, “Wow! This is fun!”

I think it’s critical to keep the child inside alive, to get excited about little things in life and take opportunities to have harmless fun whenever possible. It keeps your spirit of wonder alive, keeps you youthful, and adds more enjoyment to the mundane. Life can be serious and sometimes we can make things way more somber than they have to be. So why not enjoy the little things, even if supposedly it's "just for kids"? I sure did watch It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown! I enjoyed every second of it, and one day I’ll be watching it with my own children.

There’s nothing wrong with indulging in a little fun and games. And for those who think Halloween is a “pagan ritual”--really? People are allowed to have their opinions, but is it really that serious?

Below are some pics from my Halloween festivities, a couple of pics from my neighborhood, and more Halloween fun!

I went to the Yotel to meet friends for a Halloween cocktail! It was fun and our gracious host @TFNOW brought everyone masks!

And here we are all masked up!

Here's a house in my neighborhood all ready for Halloween (Those are FAKE birds! Aren't they fab!)

Okay, you can't get more Halloween than this! LOL!

And anyone who knows me knows I love me some Starbucks-and even they got into the Halloween fun!

Will you be celebrating Halloween? What do you do to keep the child alive inside of you? : )

The Democratization of Media

2011-10-26T18:14:00.005-04:00

HOW DO FRESH IDEAS AND VOICES MAKE INTO MAINSTREAM MEDIA?

I recently had an experience where I received an email about a network that is starting an intensive program for burgeoning writers to give them an opportunity to gain more training and potentially be hired to write for television. This sounded great in concept, but the execution didn't seem very democratic in terms of how applicants were chosen.

Check out my video here for more detail and let me know what you think!

I Went “Natural”--So What Who Cares?

2011-10-24T17:09:00.006-04:00

About four years ago I gave up the “creamy crack" and went “natural”. Going natural was a hard decision as I’d considered it for years, but was never brave enough. I wasn’t sure how I’d look without hair cascading and blowing in the breeze. But it got to a point where it was no longer a choice as I’d had it with dealing with once again, a foolish so-called hair professional who felt she needed to relax my coarse kinky hair to death to get it straight, and therefore caused it to break off and come out. After my last relaxer on December 23, 2007, my hair had not been relaxed, but destroyed, and for the last time. I was also tired of the money and the time I spent keeping my hair “did”.

I went through my transitioning period with braids (stylish ones, not the hard synthetic kind that made me look like a twelve year-old in the 80’s—I hate that). Imagine Oprah when she was sporting a head full of reddish brown highlighted tendrils that framed her face and floated down to her collarbone. That was me for two years.

I figured out how to do the braids myself and saved a lot of money and got the style exactly the way I wanted. One day I’d taken my braids down and decided I had enough hair to wear out and never put them back in. It was liberating.

At first it took me a while to feel attractive with my hair natural. I had to redefine my beauty for myself and not be worried if men would find me appealing. And to my surprise I got many compliments from both men and women. It was nice. When I accepted myself, my acceptance was reflected back to me. But one thing I did find interesting is that people seemed to make assumptions about who I was based on the fact my hair was natural. I must be a strong black woman. I must be a fist-in-the-air militant black woman. I must be a spiritually evolved woman unconcerned with worldly trappings. I remember a man telling me, “I can tell what kind of woman you are by the way you wear your hair.” Really? Is my entire persona that easily summed up because I wear my hair natural? This whole natural hair “movement” and what comes along with it has gotten out of control.

With the seemingly throngs of black women who are deciding to stop relaxing their hair, it seems a divide has been created between the “relaxed” and “naturals”. The “naturals” have become very smug and put down women who “still” chose to relax their hair. And I find it funny/stupid when these supposedly “more enlightened natural” women brag about the length of their hair, still getting caught up in the Euro-centric standard of beauty, that they are supposedly railing against. (Sigh)

I remember when I had relaxed hair that some women who were natural would preach to me about how I’m “killing” my hair, even though for quite some time before my disastrous experience with my last “beautician” my hair was quite healthy. And now more than ever I feel I’m seeing an increase in superior attitudes against women with relaxed hair. It’s weird. (And keep in mind, these statements are generalized.)

I get it because naps weren’t always appreciated among our people. And frequently people with hair like mine have been ridiculed. It’s sad. Also, “going natural” is more than just about the hair. It’s about accepting your authentic self and redefining what you’ve been told about your hair, your beauty and ultimately yourself. I get it. I used to hate my hair because it was so “nappy”. But I love my hair now, and appreciate the fact I still have some, because with all it’s been through I should really be bald! But even with natural hair gaining more acceptance in our community and in the mainstream, I feel I’m still being told that my coarse kinks aren’t good enough.

My hair is never going to trail down my back in lengthy spirals. As a customer service representative from Miss Jessie’s said to me over the phone when I called to ask why I wasn’t getting any results from their “Curly Pudding” or “Curly Buttercreme”, I have “sho’ nuff hair”! I sure do. And I’m tired of being duped into believing all these natural hair products are going to magically transform my kinks into silky curls. Oh, please. And I’m tired of even striving for that. We as black people have been so degraded into thinking we’re not good enough that even when natural, companies are still trying to make us feel like our hair has to be soft and with a loose curl, like our plain old naps aren’t good enough. And I’m tired of companies like Carol’s Daughter who don’t even feature women with “nappy” hair in their ads claiming to have products for natural hair. Part of the experimentation has been me figuring out what my texture is, and I have, and I like it. And I’m tired of talking about it.

I went natural-so what, who cares? I’m always surprised (and flattered) when people compliment me on my hair because though I like it, I don’t really see anything unusual about it. I wear it up in an “Afro puff” like every other woman I see with natural hair. And the compliments are cool but I’m kind of tired of having those conversations where you and the other woman run down all the products you’re using and contrasting and comparing and going on and on about how you “transitioned”. (And admittedly I used to ask a lot of questions too.) I understand that it’s a new journey and re-discovering your authentic hair in society that hasn’t appreciated it can be challenging and confusing, but I just don’t feel like talking about it anymore, in the sense of trying to figure out how to achieve a certain "look". If your hair curls, great, if it doesn't that's fine too. On the one hand “going natural” is personal re-identification process. On the other, it’s just hair.

We all have to do what is comfortable for ourselves. And that is the bottom line, doing what works for you. I would just like for black women to have healthy hair because when your hair is coming out and breaking off it’s extremely stressful, scary and can be a bummer on your self esteem. (But I do wish we could fall back on the weaves and wigs! Some women need them for various reasons, but some women need to find a happy medium between enhancing and masking.)

Hair is a big deal for black women. And the “root” of all the drama is far reaching all the way back to when we began hearing that being dark is bad, and therefore believed that being dark and “nappy” is worse.

I stopped relaxing my hair. It was intimidating at first, but I’ve adjusted. Yes, every now and again, I miss my hair blowing in the wind (and sticking to my lip gloss LOL!) But I can always get that back with a flat iron. I don’t need to analyze going natural or feel superior to anyone who chooses not to. I’m dark, I’m nappy, and I’m good! And we all have the right to feel good about ourselves in whatever way that feels authentic to us.

How do you feel about the “natural hair movement”? Have you “gone natural” Why, or why not?

'Oprah's Life Class' and Creating Your Authentic Life

2011-10-20T23:53:00.006-04:00

Is anyone watching Oprah’s Lifeclass with on OWN? I’ve watched a few episodes, and… I like it! It’s almost like free therapy, (well, free therapy if you’re paying for cable). I like Oprah’s Lifeclass because it’s kind of like a revamped version of her talk show, but with just her interspersed with clips from The Oprah Winfrey Show to underscore each show’s individual theme. It also maintains the same flawless production quality of The Oprah Winfrey Show.

The first show I watched was “You Become What You Believe”. Oprah used clips from the talk show where she’d interviewed the designer Ralph Lauren. She spoke of how when she began making good money and treated herself to Ralph Lauren home goods, including towels and sheets. It was funny because I happened to be lying in bed with a cold on my favorite Ralph Lauren red sheets! (And you know what Oprah says, “There’s no such thing as coincidence!”)

One of the statements that stood out to me was, “Your life doesn’t have to be what everybody thinks it should be.” True story. I’ve always walked to my own beat having my own idea of what life should look like for me. Some have been supportive and others have not. And over the past few years I’ve been in a more intense process of carving out my own path, identity and the kind of life I want to live. With our country’s economic state, more and more people are reevaluating, revamping and spiritually remodeling their lives, no longer able to hold on to the same identities that came with the security of a job or sizable paycheck. More and more people are taking these economically challenging times to find their “True North.” And in my journey, I’ve had to be honest with myself and realize that I will never rise up the “corporate ladder”, nor do I want to.

I’ve never wanted to be an executive in the most classic sense. I want to be the “CEO of my own life” and get to a point where I mostly do what I want, and only a few things I have to in order to sustain a certain level of personal freedom. I’m not there yet, but knowing and being comfortable with the fact that I don’t have corporate ambitions feels authentic. It is my truth.

As I said not everyone has been on board with my creative path. I’ve been labeled as having no direction, or not taking my life seriously. I’ve been judged because I never “made it” in the corporate world. But what those detractors didn’t understand is, that wasn’t my true path. I’m not here to work in somebody’s office all day. That feels like a slow death to me. To sustain my dreams I’ll do what I have to until my dreams sustain me, but ultimately I deserve to be happy. I deserve to be fulfilled and at ease with the life I’ve created, not living the life of an imposter so others can be okay with me. We all do. And we don’t owe anyone any explanations in pursuing our own happiness.

So though I don’t watch Oprah’s Lifeclass every night, I catch it periodically and enjoy it. If Oprah’s goal with OWN was to enlighten, she has done that with Oprah’s Lifeclass, but she’s also remembered to entertain! And that's what we've been waiting on.

Have you watched Oprah’s Lifeclass? And what are you doing to create your authentic life?

photo courtesy of Oprah.com

Reed Between the Lines-A New Scripted Show on BET

2011-10-11T12:16:00.006-04:00

I went to a screening of Reed Between the Lines, a new scripted show on BET about a black blended family starring Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Tracee Ellis Ross, Anna Maria Horsford, and Melissa DeSousa. Comparisons to The Cosby Show are being made, of course. Any time there’s a sitcom about a black family The Cosby Show will be mentioned. But as Warner, who also serves as a producer on the show admits, they are not trying to duplicate that iconic show, but bring some of its elements and images of positive black family and black love back to television. And Reed Between the Lines has met that goal!

Ross plays Carla Reed, a psychologist, and Warner plays Alex, an English professor at New York University online so he can be a stay-at-home dad to their twins and home school their seven year old. (Yes, these folks is educated!) Horsford, the veteran of the show plays Carla Reed’s “sassy receptionist” and De Sousa is her best friend.

It was interesting to see Ross in a grounded mother role, connecting with children in a genuine way. And Reed, being a psychologist doesn’t seem to share nearly the same level of self loathing neurosis as Joan Clayton of Girfriends. And it’s great to see Warner as a grown man. It was nice to see these two being depicted as your everyday married couple who both work and raise well mannered children who have the same minor concerns, such as the embarrassment of liking a boy, and not the stereotypical “wayward teen” drama that is so often associated with black youth on television. (The young people in this cast are super cute and seemed to be so excited and grateful to be on a show. I loved talking with them a bit.) I also liked some aspects of the dynamics of the Reed’s relationship.

It’s clear Reed Between the Lines wants us to know this couple is attracted to each other and have sex, with the “sexting” and what not. Since it’s different times I don’t expect their love life to be portrayed in the same way as that of Cliff and Claire, but I did appreciate the attempt to balance the more overt aspects of their sexuality with a bit of romance at the top of the show as the Huxtables did so well. I think it’s important for people of color to be seen as human beings in loving romantic relationships as opposed being portrayed as overly sexualized creatures. That being said I do think the show has room to grow.

Shows like Girlfriends and The Game have elevated our expectations in terms of sophisticated dialogue and wit, and therefore I would like for Reed Between the Lines to be a bit more clever. I realize it’s a family show so the dialogue won’t be as gritty as the aforementioned works, but if we’re talking about The Cosby Show, let’s remember that its script was crisp and urbane. It didn’t sacrifice the intellectual subtleties of its comedy just because it was a family show. So with that, I think the writing could be kicked up a notch.

I also felt the show was a bit heavy-handed about the need for the black community to embrace therapy. Though I agree, I hope the show won’t be consistently hitting us over the head with that message. But all in all, I prefer Reed Between the Lines over the likes of Meet the Browns.

With a stellar cast that includes the veteran chops of Horsford, who from what I saw is sure to be a scene stealer with lines like, “Eavesdropping is for bourgeois people, I was straight up being nosy,” this show has captured my attention, and I will support it as it continues to bloom!

Reed Between the Lines debuts tonight on BET at 10pm!

Will you watch? And if you do, what did you think?

Here's a star of the show, Malcolm-Jamal Warner! I dig him! He is the ultimate professional. This man stayed the whole time, and was "grinnin' and grippin' " with everybody, understanding that it's all about the fans! Thanks for the pic MJW!

Check out the cuteness of the two young actors on the show Zoe Soul and Nadji Jeter! I love these enthusiastic well mannered young'uns! Sorry the pic's a little dark--we were at a party! LOL!

Here's a shot of the cast, awww look at little sweetie pie seven year old Zoe Hernadez getting tired. It was probably just a touch past her bedtime! LOL!

Debra Lee, BET CEO makes closing remarks

Ooooh! Nice "signage"! That's me with my "drank" and blue toes! LOL!

The New Landscape of Telelvision-What I'm Watching Now and Why

2011-10-03T18:33:00.008-04:00

Recently I was told by a friend of mine who does research for a cable network that I like to watch “lean back” television as opposed to “lean in” television. I thought that was funny, because it’s true. I surveyed my viewing habits and for the most part I have the tastes of a fourteen year old girl! But it’s okay. I like to be entertained, not frightened, angered or subconsciously made to feel anxious about the world because of a story I’ve seen on TV. So you won’t see any terribly gritty, deep programming on my list of favorite shows. (I have Luther on DVR but still haven’t checked it out.) I like fun TV!

I guess I think life in itself can be deep and gritty enough, especially if you live here in New York. So I like to escape, to be whisked away into another world where the complications of life are displayed in a manner that makes me laugh, takes me back to my awkward younger years, intrigues me, or engages me in a way that’s not too mentally taxing. And it doesn’t hurt if there’s some fierce fashion or some eye candy along the way! So here's my third installment of my series on "The New Landscape of Television-What I'm Watching Now and Why".

I’m really liking the USA Network and their commitment to diversifying the viewing experience, not only in the kinds of shows they produce, but in how they cast the roles. My favorite USA offerings right now are: White Collar, and two of their newer shows that debuted this past summer season, Suits and Necessary Roughness. And of course I’m waiting for those crazy kids Shawn and Guster to come back on Psych, which debuts it’s new fall season, October 12.

Why do I love White Collar? Um, that Matt Bomer is fine! And, it’s a smart show. I love it when you can tell a show is very well researched and detailed in how each plot line unfolds. This one hour drama with touches of comedy about an international high end art/jewel thief who gets caught and winds up working with the FBI to solve cases is smart, sexy and fun. It’s got just the right combination of intrigue, light drama and crafty hi-jinx to keep you entertained. And the stellar, diverse cast that includes guest appearances from the legendary Diahann Carroll is enjoyable to watch. I also like that we’re getting a chance to learn more about the black co-stars on the show. It demonstrates that they are being given an opportunity to be fuller characters instead of just providing scenery to placate viewers of color.

And many are talking about Suits and Necessary Roughness. I like both of these shows in that they incorporate people of color in a “real world” way. It may be rare but not completely unfathomable that a black woman owns a high end law firm. And even though the show isn’t about “Jessica Peterson”, the owner of the firm, she is still prominently featured as the smart, take-no-sh*t boss lady who at the end of the day, all these men have to answer to. I love it! And Gina Torres, works this role with the style and class of Claire Huxtable, but the attitude of Dr. Miranda Bailey of Grey’s Anatomy (which I don’t watch anymore, sorry!)

And Necessary Roughness is just so fun to watch as that crazy QB “TK”, played by Mehcad Brooks works out his narcissistic issues with his therapist, played by Callie Thorne. (I find the way she portrays this character annoying, but not enough to stop watching!)

Another show I love is Drop Dead Diva on Lifetime. It’s a show about an aspiring model/actress who dies and whose spirit inhabits the body of a brilliant plus sized lawyer, Jane Bingum, played by the multi-talented Brooke Elliot (who also sings on the show!) I would say Drop Dead Diva is the new Ugly Betty with its amusing tone, and the pluck and optimism of its main character. And it’s also great to see Margaret Cho, who plays Jane’s assistant in a non-stereotyped role that allows her to not only be Asian, but to be human-and hilarious!

Some other shows I’m enjoying are Teen Wolf, and Awkward. Now whoever thought I’d be watching MTV for anything other than award shows hoping for Kanye to make another complete ass outta himself? But I must tell you these two scripted works are worth checking out. Teen Wolf is nothing like the 80’s movie on which it’s based. It’s a much darker rendition that’s actually a little scary, but in a fun way! And yes, there’s a black character on the show who is one of the good guys! So far anyway…

Awkward, also on MTV, about a young girl just trying to make her way out of high school alive, is funny, touching and brings us all back to those sometimes awful and seemingly endless periods of teenage angst. And with it's own signature usage of idioms, it's "obvi" why you should watch this show!

Okay, here’s where I get kind of crazy I guess. I’ve become a big fan of ABC Family programming. (Um, it’s clearly changed a lot.) I’m as surprised as you! But I cannot get enough of Pretty Little Liars, which is a cross between Desperate Housewives (for teens), and I Know What You Did Last Summer (sans Jennifer Love Hewitt’s boobs!) These fashionable high-schoolers (who actually have parents we actually see) navigate their teen troubles filled with broken hearts and black mail all while keeping the plot juicy and the accessories tight! Turns out I also like the new show Lying Game. Identical twins, mystery and identity fakery! Who could ask for more?

My NBC “Must See TV” Picks
30 Rock
The Office

Parks and Recreation (I just recently got into this show, and it’s so weird/annoying that it’s funny!)

My “Guilty Pleasures”
Dancing With the Stars (Ever since I started taking dance classes I have a new appreciation for how hard dancing really is!)
Ellen (Who doesn’t like to see Ellen shimmy down some steps to some Nate Dogg?!)
Fashion Police (Joan Rivers is.a.mess!)
Gossip Girl (Yeah, I know it’s on its last legs, but I’m still holding on…)
Nate Berkus (This show is total visual comfort food! I’m trying to get the Rashon Carroway a.k.a Mr. Goodwill Hunting to hook a sista up!)
Rachel Zoe Project (Bananas! I.die!)
Watch What Happens Live (Remember when Regina King and Jacke'e got drunk? OMG, I laughed so hard I needed my inhaler!)

Special Mentions
Archer (This animated show is crazy! They say the wildest things you only wish you could utter in real life!)

Popular Shows I Don’t Watch
Glee (I know, I know, it’s good, I just never got into it!)
The Good Wife
Grey’s Anatomy
Modern Family (I know, it’s funny, I know!)
New Girl (Yeah, no. Zoe Deschanel in another quirky but lovable role? I can’t.)
Parenthood (I go back and forth with this one. The Bravermans just really get on my nerves!)
Private Practice

Nostalgic
Desperate Housewives (Yeah I put DH in the nostalgia pile because soon it will be gone and even though it’s not what it once was, I still watch!)
Frasier
Golden Girls (A classic!)
Gilmore Girls (Things got weird when they got new producers, but it’s still one of my all time favorite shows!
Ugly Betty (Aww, I still can’t believe my dear Suarez family has gone off to syndication heaven.)

So that's what I'm watching (most of it anyway). Did I hit any of your favorites, or leave any out?

Pop Up Plus! For the Curvy Fashionista!

2011-09-24T00:06:00.016-04:00

Just what I needed, a jamming DJ, cocktails and…. fabulous clothes! Where did all this happen you may ask? Why the Pop Up Plus shop of course! If you haven’t heard of the Pop Up Plus shops they are exactly what they sound like! They are shops that “pop up” in various locations for a few days that feature fab fashions for curvy girls (at affordable prices!)

I went to the Pop Up Plus in Williamsburg, Brooklyn where I saw some great fall fashions from well known designers like Michael Kors, and Kenneth Cole to independent fashion houses like Curvysta and Sweetooth Couture. They had everything from casual looks, styles for work, and fly gear for a night on the town! They also included a fun array of accessories.

I picked up these earrings.

(They’re a little Basketball Wives, but still cute! LOL!) I also tried on some “fascinators”, (I call this one, Black Butterfly!)

But I couldn’t pull them off like my blogger pal and stylist, Meghan of little Lime Dress!

Check out her site here!

And here is me trying a Michael Kors faux fur vest and what I call a "Faith Evans look" from back in the day! LOL!

All in all it was a great night! I’m so happy I decided to brave the rain and help celebrate a wonderful idea and a great woman, Camy Newman who created Pop Up Plus. She was also the 2011 winner of the Brooklyn Business Plan Competition!

Pop Up Plus will be at 439 Metropolitan Ave in Wiliamsburg, Brooklyn: Friday, September 23rd 6pm-11pm. September 24th and 25th, 10 am-8pm, September 30th - October 2nd 10am-8pm For more information about where Pop Up Plus will be next click here ! And follow them on Twitter @popupplusny

Check out more pics below!

Shoppers checkout fab accessories. (Lucky I got my earrings when I did!)

This is Ms. Cuteness herself, Meghan of little Lime Dress! I was eyeballing this top all night!

Here goes Meaghan wearing a headband and feather earrings all-in-one!

Models wearing Curvysta, and the designer herself, Jovanna! (in the middle)

One of the Pop Up Plus beauties showcasing a hot mini!

And here is Camy Newman, the brains and beauty behind Pop Up Plus rocking a fab fascinator!

Would you visit a "pop up" shop? Or have you already? If so, what do you think of them?

The New Landscape of Television-The End of 'All My Children' and the Daytime Soap Opera Genre

2011-09-19T16:13:00.004-04:00

My second post in "The New Landscape of Television" series

All My Children is in its last week! Can you believe it? This beloved soap opera has been on the air for 41 years! And as of this Friday, September 23, it will be no more. (Well word on the street is that it will be reincarnated online with webisodes, but without Susan Lucci as the iconic Erica Kane, it just won’t be the same.) When the cancellation of AMC was first announced back in April it came as a major shock to not only fans of the show, but to those who believed AMC, being so popular would definitely outlast the trend of doing away with the daytime soap opera genre.

Many other soaps including ABC’s One Life to Live and Port Charles have also been cancelled. Passions, my favorite As The World Turns, (nooooo!) that taped right here in Brooklyn, Another World and Guiding Light, which started out on radio and was on for seventy two years all got the axe! But I think we all thought the demise of the uber popular AMC would be a long time off. And as we have begun the new fall television season, it’s clear, as Sarah Michelle Gellar, who portrayed Erica Kane’s daughter, Kendall Hart Lang on AMC pointed out, nothing the networks are coming up with will last that long. Well said! (I mean really, The Chew?)

Even if you didn’t watch AMC you know someone who does or has. And regarding soaps in general, we all have somebody, a friend, sister, Auntie, cousin, or Grandmother who we knew not to bother when her (and his) “stories” were on. Soap operas have been a major daytime pastime for over seven decades serving as “water cooler” fodder and more. Fans form bonds with their favorite characters they see every day and become emotionally invested, mentally adopting them as family and friends. It’s hilarious when you overhear two people talking about scandalous people and turns out they’re discussing soap opera characters!

The soap opera format offers an experience that is as unique as the unfathomable plot lines themselves! And that experience also brings people together. I know I’ve connected with people only after we found out that we loved the same soap! LOL! The other thing I love about soap operas is that they’ve always been cutting edge and took risks before many primetime shows dared to. Daytime television has always been more open to diversity in characters and storylines. And AMC demonstrated this well.

AMC was the first soap opera to feature a black “super couple”, Angie Baxter and Jessie Hubbard, gay characters, characters with AIDS, and more. AMC, or should I say Agnes Nixon, the show’s creator, was unafraid to take the taboo out of taboo subjects. Yes, black folks fall in love. Yes we do!!!

So with the demise of the soap opera genre, what will happen to actors who would otherwise not be able to find work? Not every actor is necessarily “primetime” material, but is perfect for daytime shows. And not every actor sees being on soaps as merely a jumping off point, but as a career. Even James Franco who’s well established in film found significance in appearing on General Hospital crediting his experience on the soap for making him a better actor. “Because I had just done General Hospital, where I was doing 77 pages a day, I can memorize like that,” he said, referring to his preparation for his audition for the film 127 Hours.

The landscape of television is definitely transforming. I’m happy with some of the change, but sad about quite a bit of it. I for one have missed my daily fix of my favorite soap and the anticipation of what will happen next. As we say goodbye to All My Children and the residents of Pine Valley this Friday, (I am "DVR'ing" all last epidoses!) we thank them and all soap opera characters for the joy, laughs, and intrigue that only a juicy soap can deliver!!!

Will you miss All My Children or the genre of soaps in general?

The New Landscape of Television (A Series)-The Fascination With the 60's Era

2011-09-12T17:12:00.009-04:00

As we enter the new fall season of television I find myself underwhelmed at the offerings. There’s not one show that makes me feel like, “Oooh, I’m definitely going to check that out.” I’m also noticing some disturbing trends. I was going to write one piece on what I’m liking/not liking about the direction of modern television. But in the interest of other folks like me with a short attention span, I decided to do a series of posts on the topic of the current landscape of television.

I’m a self proclaimed television freak! And once upon a time there were many shows I loved, but that’s not exactly the case anymore. The days of Alias/Felicity/ Frasier/Gilmore Girls and the fabulousness of Ugly Betty are over. (I know Ugly Betty was expensive to produce, but ABC made a huge mistake in cancelling this show too soon!) These types of shows were funny, smart, engaging and actually very deftly incorporated multicultural casting. (Yep, even Frasier finally got some brown folks on the show. For example remember when Martin Crane (the father) dated a black woman? And my twitter bud, Kim Coles appeared as the hilarious Dr. Mary. (“Okay? Okay!”)

But it would appear that at least in network television there is still a huge lack of brown folks in leading roles. Yeah NBC tried with Undercovers. But did they really try? It just didn’t work. Conceptually it was a great idea; a chocolate covered Hart to Hart, love it! But coming from J.J. Abrams, I was expecting a lot better-better casting (Gugu and Boris had zero chemistry) and frankly a better script. He got Alias right so I have no idea what happened.

Then NBC also tried with The Event. (Sigh) I couldn’t even figure out what the hell was going on. And by the time I kinda did, I didn’t care. And why was Blair Underwood Cuban? That detail seemed totally extraneous to me. Why couldn’t he have been plain ol’ black? Was him being Afro-Cuban central to the plot of his character? This was an example of diversity gone wrong, and made me wanna tell NBC to, “Keep it simple stupid.”

Okay, so we got past those disasters and now, as I predicted I think networks are taking those flops to justify not having any more black folks or other people of color in lead roles, giving us the old okeydoke. And now, seems networks have not only decided not to gamble on people of color in lead roles but to go back to creating programming that’s either completely obliterating people of color or casting them in obligatory token parts, like the upcoming Fox show, New Girl. This brings us to the latest trend in TV.

60’s Era Programming

Okay so we’ve done the vampires and other mystical creatures and now, there’s a fascination with the 60’s era. It began with Mad Men, which I don’t like. I tried watching it and thought, “Jeez would something happen already!” And for the fans, it’s not that I don’t get Mad Men, I don’t like it. Yeah it’s beautifully shot and the clothes are fab. So what? Who cares? Pretty much every character on that show is reprehensible or annoying in some way. I’m not invested and that is what draws me into a show. That’s what draws most people into the shows they love. We know that in Hollywood copycat is the name of the game. So in light of the fascination of Mad Men, we now have ABC’s Pan Am and NBC’s The Playboy Club.

I’m not on board with shows set in the 60’s. Hmmm… why? It wasn’t exactly the best of times for people of color. Even Julia Stiles, who starred in the NBC mini-series, The 60’s was aware of that when she reminded Carson Daly that the 60’s were very oppressive to black people when he said the 60’seemed like a fun era.

And if black actors are featured in these shows, they’re usually in socio/economically oppressed roles, something America seems to be comfortable with given the success of the movie, The Help. If a network is going to do a show in the 60’s I don’t see it as impossible to create one about a family of color who were in fact living the best lives possible. I think it would be interesting.

Okay Naturi Naughton was cast in The Playboy Club, so I guess that means something, but what? I’m not necessarily expecting her character to be treated the same way as the white bunnies, which would be an authentic portrayal. And I would appreciate that, if in fact the show will be making a statement about the times. To bring up race in the show just to be controversial will be cheap.

I wasn’t even sure that there were in fact black playboy bunnies, but an article in the Grio about the first black woman to “grace” the cover of Playboy proves there were. Okay, great. I would give NBC, a network that’s been overtly struggling with diversity ever since The Cosby Show went off the air, credit for incorporating an African American character on a show set in the 60’s. But then I saw Naughton’s bio for The Playboy Club on the NBC site:

“Naturi Naughton stars as Brenda, the beautiful African American Playboy Bunny with big aspirations, in NBC's provocative drama "The Playboy Club."

First of all the punctuation is wrong. (The period should be outside the quotes of the show.) And secondly, um, NBC, do we need you to tell us Naughton is black? If her race is a central aspect of her character’s experience on the show, then expound upon that, otherwise I think it can obviously be omitted. The bios for the show don’t identify other actors as white, and doesn’t need to.

And ABC’s Pan Am has no characters of color-none that I could find anyway. In 2011 are we still living in a world where it’s okay to have only white people cast in a show? I’m not okay with it. And I’m not okay with 60’s era shows that serve as an excuse to obliterate people of color, exploit our socio/economic position in that time for entertainment, or treat us as obligatory scenery without allowing full explorations/expositions of ourselves as human beings. (And it's funny that when I went to ABC's site, there's an ad for President Obama's 2012 campaign! Conflicting messages?)

So I may check out Pan Am and The Playboy Club out of curiosity. And I’ll be looking to see how Naughton’s character is portrayed and treated. But overall I’m not a fan of shows set in times where it was legal to discriminate against people of color that leave us completely out of the picture or just include us for decoration.

What do you think about this 60’s era trend?

photos courtesy of ABC and NBC

Lane Bryant and Cacique Launch New Line of Body Products!

2011-09-08T00:06:00.000-04:00

Lane Bryant, the most recognizable name in plus size fashion and Cacique have launched a new line of body products, Caciquebody. The folks at LB were kind enough to send me some to sample. Now I was already familiar with one of the products, the “You Butter Believe It” body butter in the Citrusfresh fragrance. I was treated to a jar at the Lane Bryant blogger event for Full Figured Fashion Week. I loved it!

I wasn’t sure I would because often body products created by companies who don’t specialize in body care aren’t great. They can be too “perfume-y” and drying. And frequently the scents aren’t that appealing. (We won’t name any names!) So I was very pleasantly surprised when I used the body butter and found it to be a good rich cream that did in fact moisturize. The clean and light scent was great, and it wasn’t too greasy. I was given an opportunity to sample Lane Bryant’s “Firm Believer" body lotion, “Good as New” body wash, and “Spray it Again” body mist, all in the Night Blossom scent, as well as the “Shimmer Time” body lotion.

I enjoy the body mist because it’s not drying and the fragrance lasts a pretty long time, though I am one who typically reapplies throughout the day. I love the Night Blossom scent. It’s a sexy fragrance but as a mist, it’s not heavy and overbearing. Lane Bryant describes the scent as, “Made for the sexy diva, (that's me! LOL!) sensual and warm; it blends plum orchid, bergamot and vanilla cashmere.” I wore it to a meeting and the first thing the woman said was that I smelled good! And I made my dance teacher smell me! LOL! And she said, ”This smells like you, your scent!” Can’t get a better endorsement than that!

I also like the “Firm Believer” body lotion that’s formulated to smooth the skin because it has a good creamy consistency that left my skin feeling soft. (I haven’t used it long enough to say if my skin feels any more toned.)

I wasn’t crazy about the “Good as New” body wash because personally, I like lather. And though this promises suds, it doesn’t deliver. This is more of a shower cream with exfoliating beads. Also, I’m also not big on body glitter, so the “Shimmer Time” body lotion wasn’t for me.

Now though I really like several of the products, and know they are comparably priced, I do think they are a bit expensive. For instance spending eighteen dollars on less than seven ounces of body lotion in my opinion is too much, even if it does offer special benefits. I think Lane Bryant should consider revising the price point.

But overall I think Lane Bryant did an excellent job and produced some quality items, particularly for a company that doesn’t specialize in body care products. I would definitely buy the body mist! I’ve been wearing it all week and it’s been the perfect pick me up in all this New York rain!

And I will be wearing my Night Blossom body mist to the Lane Bryant Fashion Night Out event, September 8! So I’ll smell cute, and hopefully I’ll look cute too! : )

For more information on the Caciquebody line click here !

If you have checked out Lane Bryant's new line of body products, what do you think? If not, do you think you'll give it a try? (You don't have to be a curvy girl to smell pretty!)