May 2, 2018 No Comments  

Come Back ‘Ye

I was a HUGE fan of this Kanye. I was one of the first people I knew that bought his mixtape “Get Well Soon”. I miss Kanye the backpack rapper who spit these lyrics:

It seems we living the american dream
But the people highest up got the lowest self esteem
The prettiest people do the ugliest things
For the road to riches and diamond rings
We shine because they hate us, floss cause they degrade us
We trying to buy back our 40 acres
And for that paper, look how low we a’stoop
Even if you in a Benz, you still a n*gga in a coop/coupe

That Kanye has been gone for quite a while, but recently he seems to have sunken to a new low and I’m super sad about it. His comments in support of Donald Trump, Barack Obama and slavery has set the internet ablaze and has the rapper losing fans and friends. Part of me wants to abandon Kanye and the other part wants to not give up on him, but it’s hard.. Celebrities seem to be split down the middle in their responses to his controversial comments and rants. Kanye’ tweeted his text conversation with his bro John Legend and released a song that outlined his discussion with rapper T.I. T.I. was very candid and matter of fact in his exchanges with Kanye.

“When you have lives lost, as artists, that gives us an obligation to stand up against all of that kind of shit.” He adds, “Your intentions, from what you tell me, are pure, but the direction that you took to get there is a bit unorthodox and kind of, I would say, some people would say, thoughtless.”

The public mirrored some of T.I.’s thoughts but Van Lathan from TMZ said it best, during Kanye’s segment on TMZ yesterday.

“…while you are making music and being an artist and living the life that you’ve earned by being a genius, the rest of us in society have to deal with these threats to our lives. We have to deal with the marginalization that has come from the 400 years of slavery that you said, for our people, was a choice.”

Somewhere along the way Kanye became one of the “people highest up with the lowest self esteem” that he talked about it. Now he’s seeking validation and acceptance from the likes of Donald Trump. When he first started Twitter ranting I was angry but now I’m sad.

Come back ‘Ye.

October 17, 2016 No Comments  

To the First Lady With Love… From The New York Times

We are closing in on the end of an era. 90 days from today the Obama’s will no longer be the first family. While it is the end of Barack Obama’s presidency, he and his family have meant so much more to us than that. Witnessing two little black girls come of age in the White House and watching Barack and Michelle’s coupledom has been more than refreshing. They have truly made us proud. But Michelle…oh Michelle. From defending her husband’s decisions to standing on her own two feet and confidently spearheading her own initiatives, Michelle has proven to be the backbone of her family and this nation. And she has done so with a rhythm unmatched by any First Lady before her.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Gloria Steinem, Jon Meacham and Rashida Jones penned thank-you notes to Michelle Obama in this month’s New York Times Style Magazine. My favorite passages come from Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Gloria Steinem. Check them out below.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie:

“Of course she loved her country. The story of her life as she told it was wholesomely American, drenched in nostalgia: a father who worked shifts and a mother who stayed home, an almost mythic account of self-reliance, of moderation, of working-class contentment. But she is also a descendant of slaves, those full human beings considered human fractions by the American state. And ambivalence should be her birthright. For me, a foreign-raised person who likes America, one of its greatest curiosities is this: that those who have the most reason for dissent are those least allowed dissent.

Michelle Obama was speaking. I felt protective of her because she was speaking to an America often too quick to read a black woman’s confidence as arrogance, her straightforwardness as entitlement.

She was informal, colloquial, her sentences bookended by the word “see,” a conversational fillip that also strangely felt like a mark of authenticity. She seemed genuine. She was genuine. All over America, black women were still, their eyes watching a form of God, because she represented their image writ large in the world.”

Gloria Steinem:

“After a decade under a public microscope, she has managed what no other first lady — and few people in any public position — have succeeded in doing: She has lived a public life without sacrificing her privacy and authenticity. She made her husband both more human and effective as a president by being his interpreter and defender, but also someone we knew was capable of being his critic. Eventually, she spoke up about the pain of the racist assumptions directed at her, but she waited until her husband could no longer be politically punished for her honesty. And she has always been the best kind of mother, which means insisting that fathers be equal parents. All of this she has done with honesty, humor and, most important, kindness.

I’m sure a few of us have some things to thank #FLOTUS for as well. I thank her for her grace, class, unapologetic blackness and for going high when they go low. Thank you for sharing your #blackgirlmagic with us. There will never be another like you.

You can read their notes in their entirely at NewYorkTimes.com.

Feel free to thank Michelle below.

October 14, 2015 No Comments  

Essence Magazine Spotlights the 29 Black Women of the White House

Taraji P. Henson isn’t the only black woman serving power in November 2015’s issue of Essence. Next month’s issue of the magazine also features 29 incredible black women who contribute to the success of President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and the Obama administration.

The ladies who gathered for a photo shoot in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building include young staffers 23 year old Jordan Metoyer, Assistant to the Deputy Director and Senior Advisor to the Office of Management & Budget Director, 27 year old Desiree Barnes, Press Assistant and Senior Wrangler and  27 year old Chynna Clayton, Michelle Obama’s Special Assistant and Trip Director. They all share a common trait, says Clayton, “The White House is composed of people who are passionate about the country.”

May 13, 2015 1 Comment  

#DearMrPresident Put Harriet Tubman on the $20 Bill

Harriet Tubman on 20

If you’re tired of the faces on your “dolla dolla bills” being solely male, you may be getting the change you’ve been looking for. In a recent online poll geared towards pushing President Obama to diversify the look of our hard earned cash, over 600,000 people voted to replace former President Andrew Jackson with abolitionist and humanitarian Harriet Tubman as the new face of the $20 bill. Tubman won with over 33% of the votes, beating Eleanor Roosevelt by 7,000 votes. 

April 30, 2015 No Comments  

TIME Magazine Discusses the Root of the Baltimore Riots, “Decades of Systemic failure

IMG_20150430_093531

While the majority of mainstream media remains hell bent on crucifying the citizens of Baltimore in the wake of the riots that ensued after the death of 25 year old Freddie Gray, TIME Magazine is focusing on the root of the issues plagueing Baltimore, and many other cities across the country.  In the issue to hit stands May 11th, the historical mag dives head first into the decades of systematic racism that became, in the words of President Obama “a slow-rolling crisis”. 

April 9, 2015 No Comments  

Time Magazine Covers #BlackLivesMatter and the Murder of Walter Scott

time-black-cover

#BlackLivesMatter isn’t just a hashtag as most recently evidenced by the murder of Walter Scott by police officer Michael Slager which was caught on tape. The apparent mistreatment and violation of blacks by law enforcement is no longer something that can be ignored by mass media. Time Magazine has addressed  “Black Lives Matter” and the murder of Walter Scott on the cover of this week’s issue. In the article “In The Line of Fire” they describe the killing of blacks by those who are meant to protect as catalyptic.

January 7, 2015 No Comments  

[EXCLUSIVE] Valeisha Butterfield-Jones Dishes On Working With President Obama, Her Book “The GirlPrint” & More

It’s been said that women can’t have it all. But there are some women that do indeed have it all and make it look effortless while they’re at it. Valeisha Butterfield-Jones is one of those women. The political strategist, women’s activist, author, wife and mother seems to have mastered the art of pursuing and accomplishing numerous goals while still having the picturesque family that she’s always wanted. Valeisha shared with me how she got into entertainment and politics, what it’s like being a “basketball wife”, how she balances it all and she even shared some advice for young women wanting to get into the business. Read more below.

How’d you get into the entertainment industry? I read somewhere that hip hop was your first love. Was that what drove you towards the industry?

I was eleven years old and my friend Antonio moved to our neighborhood in Wilson, NC. He introduced me to “The Great Adventures of Slick Rick.” From that moment I fell in love with Hip-Hop. It literally awakened something inside me that had been silent.

How did working with Russell Simmons and the Hip Hop Summit Action Network impact your perspective on the relationship between hip hop and politics?

I always saw Hip-Hop as this catalyst for speaking to and representing a culture that the world did not understand. There had not been a spotlight in our communities. It really solidified my perspective working with Russell because I was organizing and executing these civil engagement campaigns that fused hip hop and politics. From voter registration to financial empowerment, hip hop was the voice speaking truth to power.

You worked with President Obama and his administration in Public Affairs 2009-2011. Was that strategic move since your parents are both heavily involved in politics?

Leading up to that appointment I was still working for Russell and I volunteered for the campaign. On election night the President said to me “If I win The White House will be giving you a call”. I really didn’t think much of it. I wasn’t even thinking about working for The White House. When the call came I was humbled and excited. I embraced the opportunity to serve our country and President Barack Obama.

Did your parents’ political history make your political career easier or harder?

My parent’s background I believe just really gave me clear perspective. I know my parent’s were politicians but I just really saw their love for community. They both embody the pillars of servant leadership.

You’re a basketball wife. Not in the reality sense, but in the literal sense. lol Your husband is actually an NBA player. Do you think there’s a stigma on women who date athletes?

I would say that there is a stigma based on some women that date athletes. I believe also media in a lot of cases amplifies negative portrayals and even the women themselves. There are countless wives that are married to athletes that do not fit the negative stereotype that is portrayed. When I look at my husband I just fell in love with a man that loves God.

You’re a mom now to a little boy. How have the recent police killings of Mike Brown, Eric Garner and others made you feel about your little boy’s future?

It has forced me to fight these injustices with my prayer life and being civically engaged. I still believe in a better tomorrow for my son and the generation that he represents.

Speaking of motherhood, you are a business woman; the Co-Founder of the Women In Entertainment Empowerment Network. Has it been difficult juggling being a wife, mother and businesswoman?

It is a challenge because now that I am a mother there is a premium on my time. Now I work harder to find balance and harmony. My network of family, friends and co-workers are invaluable and have allowed me to continue to pursue my dreams.

Let’s talk about your book “The GirlPrint”. What was the inspiration and goal behind it?

I was actually doing a speaking engagement at Fort Hays State University in Hays, KS. I was having a great dialogue with the youth and then I had to leave. I said you know what I want people to have an extension of that speech. When I leave an event I want people to have a takeaway. Even if they never meet me I want them to benefit from my story. It’s the type of book that helps you to find you.

Where can people purchase it?

The hard copy version can be purchased on Amazon.com. If you would like the e-book for the Kindle, Nook or Ipad it can purchased through their stores online also.

What are 3 things you would tell women looking to get into the entertainment industry?

Dream: Visualize where you see yourself. It’s almost like playing your own movie in your mind. Close your eyes and see where you want to be.

Search: Identify people that represent what you would like to do. Google their interviews. Write them a letter. Be a student of their career.

Move: Start working. You are not going to have all of the answers but action is required now.

What’s next on the horizon for you?

I am working on helping to bring diversity into the Technology Sector. I believe there are a lot of bright minds that don’t have access to this industry.

Tell me something that people might not know about you.

I cook really good friend chicken! (I know because my husband could eat it every night). But I don’t eat it because I am a pescetarian.

December 4, 2014 No Comments  

Al Sharpton Calls for Washington, DC March in Wake of Eric Garner Indictment Decision

Shaprton Garner Press Conference

After last week’s decision not to indict officer Darren Wilson for the murder of Mike Brown, millions of people were left confused, angered and disappointed. Some of those people were disappointed yet again when the officer who caused the death of another black man was not indicted. Yesterday it was announced that the police officer who choked and killed Eric Garner would not be charged. During a press conference after the decision, Rev. Al Sharpton announced the plan for a march to protest police violence and excessive force in the . The march is scheduled to take place on December 13, 2014. “It’s time for a national march for a national crisis,” Sharpton said.

November 28, 2014 No Comments  

Ray Rice Wins Appeal, Reinstated Into the NFL

ray-rice

It looks like Ray Rice won this round. The running back was suspended for two games in July after he assaulted his then girlfriend, Janay Rice, in Spring of this year. However, after footage of the assault leaked in September, the NFL suspended him indefinitely. The NFL Player’s Association appealed the second punishment on behalf of Rice, citing double jeopardy.  The NFL countered the appeal stating that the video footage was new evidence. 

November 25, 2014 No Comments  

The Ferguson Decision Aftermath

628x471 (1)

After months of waiting in angst, the decision of the grand jury on whether or not police officer Darren Wilson would be indicted in the shooting death of Michael Brown was rendered. Last night St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Robert McCulloch announced that Wilson would not be indicted. During the press conference McCullough, who came off as being in defense of Wilson, inappropriately lashed out at media and the internet, blaming both for the unrest in Ferguson. He can’t think that his speech, the drawn out process and the delivery of the decision didn’t play a role in the unavoidable tension. It almost seems as though the choice to deliver the decision at night , hours after announcing that it would be made “soon”,

November 8, 2014 No Comments  

[TRAILER] “Selma”, The Story of Dr. King’s Struggle for Justice & Equality

SELMA

Dozens of films about the civil rights movement of the 1950’s and 60’s have made it to the cinema. Movies centered around the stories of key figures like Malcolm X, Medgar Evers, Nelson Mandela, and The Black Panther Party have been viewed in theaters nationwide. However, a film centered on the man who many consider to be the patriarch of the movement, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., has never made it to the big screen…until now. Selma, directed by Ava DuVerney and written by DuVerney and Paul Webb,  is the story of

October 14, 2014 No Comments  

Cornel West & 48 Others Arrested During Ferguson Protests

Cornell West Arrested

Activist Cornel West was among the 49 people arrested during yesterday’s protests in Ferguson, Missouri in honor of “Ferguson October”, a culmination of activism and protests in response to the killing of Mike Brown back in August.

West and others were arrested for disturbing the peace and trying to push through a police line while demanding the arrest of Darren Wilson, the officer who shot and killed Michael Brown.  According to

October 10, 2014 No Comments  

Paul Krugman Defends President Obama in Rolling Stone Cover Story

obamarollingstone

The most scrutinized President in American history, President Barack Obama, is gracing the cover of the latest issue of Rolling Stone. He’s been the cover story for the iconic magazine before, but this time there’s less criticizing of the man that Forbes Magazine deems the best economic president of modern times and more defending. Nobel Prize winning economist, Paul Krugman, penned the article, In Defense of Obama, giving his take on the what Barack Obama has accomplished for the American people and the world during his time as President. Check out a few highlights below.

October 8, 2014 No Comments  

First Person Diagnosed With Ebola Dies, U.S. Enhances Airport Screening Measures

gatwick04aug14-495384

If you’re traveling from a West African country to the United States, prepare to experience enhanced screening measures. Screening at certain U.S. airports will be enhanced in the wake of Ebola cases diagnosed on U.S. soil. The enhanced screening will start with five specific airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, O’Hare International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport. More than 90 million international passengers flew to the U.S. last year most of which traveled through these five airports.

September 30, 2014 No Comments  

[CHATWORTHY EVENT] The Inaugural Congressional Black Caucus Closing Brunch

xp5bnyt

(left to right: Rahesha Harrison and Marcella Ferguson-Gray, Founders of Let’s Do Brunch NYC’ Tiffany Jones, Founder of Digital Divas)

Every year the Congressional Black Caucus takes over DC during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference. From receptions to social mixers, CBC Week is filled with so many events that it’s hard to choose which ones to attend. This year I kept it a bit low key, popping into a few mixers and networking events. But there was one event that I couldn’t miss. The Inaugural Congressional Black Caucus Closing Brunch presented by Let’s Do Brunch NYC, Digital Divas and DC’s Akil Waite at the ever so chic Barcode Restaurant & bar in downtown DC was a  must-go.