Friday Happy Dance – Toni Braxton

Here’s a throwback to the 90s with the Diva Miss Toni Braxton “You’re Makin’ Me High”. I loved this video for the power switch it represented. There is some major eye candy in this one. Plus it had some of the hottest black actresses at the time joining the lovely songstress. Here we have Toni accompanied by Tisha Campbell, Vivica A. Fox and Erika Alexander.

 

Zora’s Uncanny Resemblance to my mom – Yea or Nae?

Today ends the week long celebration of the 2nd Anniversary of my first book, The Mistreatment of Zora Langston. I wanted to share something very personal that happened during the planning stages of the book cover.

My graphic artist, Monica Gibbs drew the picture of Zora and sent it to me for approval. A little know fact is that there were some changes made, but when I looked at the draft of her I thought Zora bared an uncanny resemblance to my mom. I marveled at this and showed it only to my husband, trying to think of a way to explain it. You see, Monica and I met online and she had never seen my mom so I was at a loss to explain how this could happen. I still can’t explain it so I will leave that alone.

With Monica’s permission, I am including the pics of ‘work in progress Zora’ and my mom back in the day when she was in her twenties. You tell me what you think. Does Zora really look like my mom or is it just me? Leave me a comment and let me know.

If you still need to get your copy of The Mistreatment of Zora Langston, be sure to take advantage of the anniversary sale $0.99 thru March 19th. e-book only! Click Here to purchase.

Melanade- Michelle Obama

 

I would like to take this moment to honor Mrs. Michelle Obama as the inaugural person in my new feature Melanade. This feature’s goal is to illuminate women of color who exemplify greatness in this world and who use their power for the betterment of women kind. Though I do not claim to be a feminist, I surely am one in my own way, because I admire and uplift women who make life easier for the next woman.

Flawless FLOTUS, that’s the name I dubbed Michelle Obama when she officially took office way back in 2009. I cannot tell you how overjoyed I was to see a strong, yet demure independent woman with brown skin and the grace of a dancer, move into the White House. She is so beautiful, but she also down to earth. She makes you feel as if you could be her good friend and not just in our heads. Mrs. Obama has the ability to charm dignitaries and regular working class people in the same breath. I don’t mind saying I am fascinated by her presence at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave and she will be sorely missed.

Mrs. O took the country by storm and continues to inspire young girls and women still to this day. I can sit here and write about her astute fashion sense, her charming smile, and her great chops as a mom in the spotlight, but I would not do her justice if I did not talk about her ability to shine in her duties as FLOTUS! This Princeton and Harvard educated woman of color took the position of First Lady and did it like no other in that position. Some feminists may say that choosing to shun her education and take a backseat to her husband’s career was anti-feminist, but they couldn’t be more wrong. They forget that she made a choice! There was no forceful takeover of her career. This woman chose to be present in one of the most historic events in my lifetime. It was the right time and place and she was the right person for the job. No one else could have handled things the way she did. She did not bow down to her husband’s will; she chose to use her education to benefit the entire country, while still being a mom.

As the ‘Mom in Chief’ she elected children and veterans as her platform.  Healthy eating became her major concern, especially for the children in public schools. Not only did she talk the talk, she walked the walk by growing and eating fresh veggies in The White House Garden. Her “Let’s Move” campaign was epic, even getting celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres, Jimmy Fallon and her epic ad with NBA players from the Heat. She even affected girls on a global level.

What I greatly admire about her is her ability to take the cruel and senseless attacks on her character, looks and even her gender with a grain of salt. For a woman as statuesque as this woman to be called a man saddened me. Then when she was labeled the “Angry Black Woman” I had to laugh at the absurdity. If they want to see a real angry black woman, I can show them plenty of examples, but Michelle Obama is not one of them. Her motto “When they go low, we go high” is genius. I learned how to conduct myself when faced with adversity. Now I won’t lie, I am still working on this lesson, but I have FLOTUS as a reference and I will utilize her examples to the hilt.

On behalf of women everywhere, I would like to thank Mrs. Obama for all she has done for the American people during her reign. Ladies, if you remember nothing else from her time in office, please remember her words, “You are competent and capable…. The measure of any society is how it treats its women and girls.” During her final speech as the First Lady, Michelle hoped that she did us proud as our first lady. Well, let me simply say, job well done ma’am. Job well done!

Unwatered Flower?

Writing 101: Day 18 – Don’t Stop the Rockin’
On this free writing day, remember the words of author Anne Lamott: “I don’t think you have time to waste not writing because you are afraid you won’t be good at it.”

Today is a free writing day. Write at least four hundred words, and once you start typing, don’t stop. No self-editing, no trash-talking and no second guessing: just go. Bonus points if you tackle an idea you’ve been playing with but think is too silly to post about.

I read somewhere that “the black woman is the most unprotected, unloved woman on
earth…She is the only flower on earth that grows unwatered.”

Well I say we are not unwatered because we make our own water. We may grow
crooked and sometimes we have stunted growth, but we are the only flower that
waters herself!

We are strong and stable because we have to be, not because we want to be. We
have dreams to fly, but will set them aside so our children can live theirs.

We raise those same children often times alone…. no man of our own. Playing
the role of mother and father puts a strain on the resources of our community
and causes a shift in the quality of care. Forced to work or starve, we are
hardly there…to raise the ones we love the most.

In our attempt to be the head of the house we lose our true selves, but still
manage to survive. We know we can’t raise a man so our sons suffer in the
process. What choice do we have?

We water ourselves with tainted water, but we are watered just the same. It’s
called doing what we have to. Say what you want about us, but one thing stays
true, us sisters always keep up with our dos.

Sharp as a tack you see us walking, riding the bus or rolling in our whips. And
don’t forget that swing in our hips. We’re known for having some junk in our
trunks. Fashionistas at heart that keep it crunk. Our haters are always looking
to us for inspiration.

Black women are one of the most BeaUtiful creatures on the planet
We just don’t know it.
Too busy worrying about the next one
Instead of lending her a hand
We talk about her because she has
Something that’s missing in us.

We need to complement each other and validate
Our worth before anyone else will.
We are missing out on a huge opportunity
To build the self esteem in our sisters

Brainwashed by the world
Never seeing our own value.
Leaders, innovators and admirable souls
Regal in our natural state
There’s no need for disguises.

I believe if we use our powers for good
That is; stop hating on each other
We can become super heroes we were always meant to be
And save the world!

Save the Black Woman, Save the World!