Kwanzaa Day 6: Kuumba

Kuumba/Creativity

Today let us think about what we can do to leave our community more beneficial and beautiful than we inherited it. What creative contributions can we make, individually and collectivity, to fulfill this valuable principle, KUUMBA?

Kwanzaa Day 5: Nia

On this the fifth day of Kwanzaa, we are asked to ponder NIA, that is, Purpose. Think what it is you were put here for? (For surely you were not made for naught.) How shall you make your mark? What is it that you'll strive for, that will help, not only you, but your family, and above all our community?

Kwanzaa Day 4: Ujamaa

Ujamaa -- it's all about the suporting business by us with the green ($$) "Cooperative Economics".

Let us strengthen our resolve to build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together.

Do you support black businesses (online or in your neighborhood)?  Are there black businesses in your neighborhood?  What do you think caused this huge decline of black businesses in black neighborhoods?

Kwanzaa Day 3: Ujima

UJIMA (oo-JEE-mah)/Collective Work and Responsibility

Have you ever had to do team work and found yourself doing all of the work?  Or were you the person who shoved all the work onto someone else?  I like to term those situations the case of A TEAM OF ONE.  The finished product of the project will either be:

1.  The person who did all of the work, did a hell of a job BUT no one else learned anything.  You know you have a case of A TEAM OF ONE when the team at the front of the class has only one person answering all of the questions.  --OR--
2.  The person completes the project but a part of it suffers because they alone couldn't handle all of the work alone.  It is team work, right?! 

The case of A TEAM OF ONE is not only prevalent in school work but also in our community.  Our community is that project that suffers because we don't work together.  Our community's problem is OUR problem.  It's issues do not only affect one person but it affects us all directly and indirectly.

It is important to remember that yes, we are INDIVIDUALS, and we must celebrate our individuality. But we are also a PEOPLE.  A people with not only the power but the RESPONSIBILTY to change our neighborhoods, our communities, and our nations.

I think Mama Joe from Soul Food sums up the definition of Ujima best: One finger won't make an impact, but you ball all those fingers into a fist, and you can strike a mighty blow. Now, this family has got to be that fist.

still chasing honey . . .

Kwanzaa Day 2: Kujichagulia

Kujichagulia/Self-Determination

Let us affirm our determination to define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves.

What has the media attempted to define us as? How do we define ourselves?  Are these definitions (media vs. how we see ourselves) different? If, so why?

Merry Kwanzaa!

The name Kwanzaa derives from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, meaning first fruits of the harvest.  The celebration of Kwanzaa is a means for black people to affirm their commitment to themselves, their families, their communities, and the black struggle for equality. 


Today is the first of seven days in which we promote character-building principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.

Today we celebrate Umoja (Unity): To strive for and to maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.

What is Umoja's relevance for today's black community?

Your Thoughts: Christian's Outraged

Read the Article here.

Educate a Girl Save the World

I have always heard the African saying, "Educate a boy and you educate an individual. Educate a girl and you educate a community,"  but i have never quite understood the entire truth of this statement.  this morning i read an article in the Miami Herald, For Young Brides in Africa, Marriage Has a Price.  I must admit i have read several articles about young African girls getting married off and dropping out of school. But today when I read the article, i totally understood the the importance of educating a girl. 

Are The Rolling Stones Racist?

While doing some unrelated research, I guess it was related, I stumbled on a song entitled Sweet Black Angel by the The Rolling Stones (TRS)- you know Mick Jagger, yea one of the tose old ass English all boy bands.  So I stumble upon this song and I decide to listen to it.  The words are kinda indiscernible so I look up the lyrics and listen to the song.  I'm reading the lyrics and was like "oh hell naw!"

so the little researcher in me decide to further investigate the song.  The song they say is dedicated to Angela Davis, so supposedly, she is the sweet little angel they are referring to.  yea, i could have walked away from this information and accept it but i couldn't i had to dig deeper. 

Apparantely TRS has another song called Brown Sugar which opened them to charges of celebrating slavery and rape of black women.  So I'm not sure how much of an honest tribute Sweet Black Angel is to Angela Davis considering their history. 

Just found out about another song called Some Girls where one of the most offensive lines is a about black women. 

French girls they want Cartier, Italian girls want cars

American girls want everything in the world you can possibly imagine

English girls they're so prissy, I can't stand them on the telephone

Sometimes I take the receiver off the hook, I don't want them to ever call at all

White girls they're pretty funny, sometimes they drive me mad

Black girls just wanna get fucked all night, I just don't have that much jam

Chinese girls are so gentle, they're really such a tease

You never know quite what they're cookin', inside those silky sleeves

 
I'm not a fan of TRS, are you?  Maybe someone who is a fan can bring a better perspective.  What do you think?  How do you rationalize Hip Hop music that is often misogynistic and sexist?  Or do you?

The Loc Diaries

so i am moving in another direction.  i have created another site dedicated exclusively to locks.  check it out at http://thelocdiaries.wordpress.com/.  tell me what you think.

don't cry im not leaving this site just yet.  so keep checking me out her and on wordpress. 

luv ya'll!

The Precious Effect

it's going happening all over the ghetto.

what's the effect?  well, after watching the precious preview on t.v. ( some folk don't even watch the movie) folk are popping off, out of control.  if you are a heavy set dark skinned woman/girl please know that you are not immune from the precious effect. 

Great Reads: My First Conk

My First Conk
By Malcolm X
from The Autobiography of Malcom X, 1964

Shorty soon decided that my hair was finally long enough to be conked1. He had promised to school me in how to beat the barbershops' three- and four-dollar price by making up congolene, and then conking ourselves.

I took the little list of ingredients he had printed out for me, and went to a grocery store, where I got a can of Red Devil lye, two eggs, and two mediumsized white potatoes. Then at a drugstore near the poolroom, I asked for a large jar of vaseline, a large bar of soap, a large-toothed comb, and a fine-toothed comb, one of those rubber hoses with a metal spray-head, a rubber apron, and a pair of gloves.

"Going to lay on that first conk?" the drugstore man asked me. I proudly told him, grinning, "Right!"

Out of Sight . . . Out of Mind . . .

this year I lost a baby cousin to the disease.  he was 21 years old.  even as i type these words i am still in disbelief that the disease took him away from us.  My sisters and I will sometimes in the blue say, "I can't believe he is dead."  but it was definitely him that we saw in the casket.   so young and so full of potential.  but I guess it goes without saying that HIV/AIDS does not discriminate. 

nothing hurts more than your baby cousin sobbing and telling you he's so sorry for letting you down. 

the disease is very serious and it affects us all.  so I implore you to get tested and to spread the word so that others can know their status as well. 

w/love
iamkamilah  

p.s. a great movie to watch is philadelphia with tom hanks and denzel washington.

82 G's for giving attitude?

damn. 

Serena Williams was fined $82,500 for US Open outbrust.  If she has another "major offense" at a Grand Slam tournament in that time, the fine would increase to $175,000 and she would be barred from the following U.S. Open. But if she does not have another offense in the next two years, the suspension is lifted.

Williams' $82,500 fine nearly doubles the previous highest fine for a Grand Slam offense - about $48,000 Jeff Tarango was docked in the 1990s.

What you think about that? 

I Finally Watched Precious . . .

and it was a good movie.  reading the book kinda spoiled everything for me.  so those gasping parts didn't have me gasping.  but overall it was a good film.  monique definitely played the hell outta her role of Mary Jones (1x for B-More!!) and is she is soo Oscar worthy. 

my favorite scene was the counseling session between Mary Jones (Monique), Precious, and the Social Worker (played by Mariah Carey).  that part made me feel sorry for the monster (Mary Jones).  it was then that you heard her (Mary Jones) story.  very inspiring. very touching. 

it was a good movie.  check it out if you haven't already.  below you will find a few of my favorites articles about the movie.  some sing praises others don't.  excellent reads however.   

Criticism of `Precious' unjustified
How ‘Precious’ Is Like Palin’s ‘Going Rogue’
Of Push, Precious, Percival, and “My Pafology”

share your favorie articles. 

Happy Turkey Day

hope everyone had a wonderful thanksgiving day.  i must say that i am thankful for you and your continued support! be blessed my ppl!

Update: Homemade Deodorant

uhm . . .


i smell so bad, i make Right Guard turn left, Speed Stick slow down, Secret obvious, and Sure confused.

my armpits smell so bad that the teacher gave me an A just for not raising my hand.

i smell so bad that if there were ass scented air freshiners my face would be on them


so ya'll know that i am currently at the drawing board.  stay tuned for the aluminum free adventures of me and my sweaty pits!

Reverse Adoption?

we repeatedly hear about white parents adopting black children. 

what are your views of black parents adopting white children? over a year ago football player, demarcus ware and his wife taniqua adopted a white baby girl named Marley.  what do you think?

Fashionology 101: Layering

layering clothes can serve two purposes:

1) keeping warm

2) looking good

the layering I am talking about serves the purpose of looking good.  it attempts to make a fashion statement.  when layering you want to show contrast items.  different colors and different cuts work well together. 

the secret tip to layering is proportion. so if you are layering on top keep the silhouette slim on the bottom and vice versa.

please dont confuse layering with clutter.  clutter doesn't take into account cuts and color.  you want to make a fashion statement not be considered a fashion mess.







~still chasing honey 

Wanna Attract a Man? I Got The Formula . . .

No really I do.  Researchers say the amount of skin women should show to attract the most men is . . .

Great Read: Erik Ward - Attacks against Immigrants, attacks Black America

I’m African-American and my family moved to California almost a hundred years ago after a lynching took place outside their hometown in Kentucky.


I’m also undocumented, or in the current anti-immigrant vernacular, “illegal.” I don’t have the necessary documents to prove my identity. Therefore, within four years, I won’t be able to vote, have access to social services, or receive state identification to travel.

Let’s start from the beginning:

Braiding Daughter's Hair a Labor of Love

Read the story here. 

It's So Hard To Say Goodbye . . .

to the oprah talk show.  yep!  it's official.  oprah announced that her show will end in 2011. 

i'm crying  . . . . INTERNALLY!   




who will be the next queen of talk? 

Fashionolgy 101

i'm no style guru. 

but i do love fashion. 

i do tons of research and I read lots of style mags. 

so i know some things and those things i don't know . . .  i research. 

but i am adding a new topic on my site -- fashionolgy 101. 

during this series i will attempt to teach fashion vocab, answer questions, and offer some fashion tips.  so if you have some fashion questions holla at me: iamkamilah@gmail.com. 

Ciao¡

Honey of the Week: Aloe Vera

Many know her by her first and last name -- Aloe Vera. 

I simply like to call her Aloe.  I've known her all my life.  We've been through ups and downs.  I remember being introduced to her when I was in elementary school as my parents tried to get my sister Stacey and I to stop sucking our thumbs.  They would break her in half and put the juice on our thumbs.  Resistent to such change we would rinse our thumbs and stick it right back in our mouths.  But Aloe, you trickster, although odorless, your lingered on our thumb for hours.  And when we put our thumbs back in our mouths all we tasted was straight bitterness. 

Aloe has proven herself to be a viable candiate for Honey of the Week.  She has been here for centuries and has always taken care of others.  She never plans to retire and does her job for free!  Every day it seems that her healing properties broaden.  I just read that she heals gums and teeth now.  What more can I say, she's the bomb!  Aloe, with all that you have done and continue to do, the least that I can do to show you my dying appreciation is to make you Honey of the Week.  Congrats Sweetie.  Love ya Lots!

Aloe is Heaven Sent

I already told ya'll about aloe and it's amazing benefits.  But let me tell give you a personal testimony. 

I have atopic eczema.  People who suffer from this form of eczema usually have asthma.  I have itchy rashes on my inner and outer elbows, my neck, and behind my knees.  This is my second outbreak.  The first was when I was a junior in high school.  I itch like a manged dog.  I tell you the truth.  And the rashes are so embarassing.  I'm wearing damn turtle necks and it feels like summer.  I'm a mess.  Anywho, I've tried everything to get rid of it and it just seemed to get worst.  But thank God for my country ass Haitian parents.  They have been telling me for the longest that they have the answer, but me and my stubborn ass were so resistant.  Needless to say, my parents were right . . . AGAIN!  And what's so sad is the fact that I bragged about Aloe and its healing properties and didn't even consider using it until my mom forced it upon me. 

When enough, was enough I told my mom, "I'm ready!" She went to the back yard and got the aloe (I come from a line of farmers so we got everything in the backyard).  She blended that sucka baby up, put some EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) in it and WHAM BAM THANKYA GOD for creating such goodness. 

For the past week I have been putting it on my rashes and when I tell you they have been clearing up -- they have been clearing up.  I need to do a PA about it!  You don't have to suffer anymore, and you don't have to spend your time and money at the doctor's office trying these ineffective meds.  Trust me when I tell you, grow some damn ALOE in your backyard. 

I am so serious when I tell you that ALOE is the TRUTH!  When my sisters and I were young my parents tried to make us eat it.  My dad eats it -- I ain't that gangsta yet but with these results I am deeply considering a weekly dosage. 

Final Words:  Thank God for Aloe!

~ I think I found my honey

Do You Have A Scar? How Did You Get It?

when i was in elementary school (maybe 3rd grade) my sisters and i walked to school with our neighbors.  so every morning our neighbors would come to our house and call for us to come out to walk to school.  one day they came on our porch and knocked on my room's glass window.  i went to the window to see who was knocking and once i pulled back the curtain, Fritz (one of neighbors kids) knocked on the window so hard, it broke and a piece of glass flew and cut the skin near the inner part of my eye.  needless to say it really hurt and it created a scar.  i use to be very self-conscious about it now i forget that i even have it. 

do you have a war wound? how did you get it? are you self-conscious or do you hardly notice it?

Poet Saul Williams on the Morehouse Dress Code

Alumnus, Saul Williams responds to the Morehouse Dress Code.

As an artist and alumnus of the historically Black male institution, Morehouse College, I was dismayed, 'though not surprised, to learn of their recent decision to ban cross-dressing on their campus, along with do-rags, sagging pants, and headwear (grills?), as part of its new "dress code."

Morehouse is a private institution that has worked tirelessly at uplifting the image and esteem of African-American men for generations and thus has every right to enforce the codes of conduct and expression that it sees as beneficial to its student body, yet its conservative/traditionalist ideology is sometimes at odds with the progressive awareness that it would seemingly hope to instill, or even more importantly, nurture in its students. Furthermore, its stride to maintain a highbrow mystique seems to lie solely in its preparation of young men to enter the Fortune 500 or some ministerial fellowship, with little and waning interests in the arts or the importance of creative expression.

My first day at Morehouse was the last day I combed my hair. I couldn't wait to twist and lock what my father had insisted I comb, while sleeping in his house. I knew that my time away from church and home was especially suited to be just that: My time. And I planned to use it wisely to express and explore all that I was on the verge of discovering. Here was where I 'd be given the space and, perhaps, the inspiration to question aspects of my upbringing, harness new disciplines, pursue my passions, and, quite simply, mature. I didn't find it particularly bothersome when, during that first week, my freshman brothers and I were told, "Morehouse men do not wear locks," that I'd have to cut my hair to sing in their prestigious Glee Club (this about the same time that my father told me I should cut my hair to be in my sister's wedding), and that, although I would declare myself a philosophy and drama major at Morehouse, I would have to take all of my drama classes at another historically Black institution, Spelman College, across the street, because Morehouse (although it offered the major in its course book) had no drama department of its own.

Read the rest here.

Great Read: Alex Jung - Chris Rock’s Good Hair Falls Flat

Here are some excellent points from the article:

Rock treats the topics with a chuckle, but it leaves us with a feeling that we’re getting a blow-dried, glossy version of the actual stories. Instead of just asking Black models and actresses (most of whom wear weaves) for their thoughts on hair, what about Black public intellectuals like Angela Davis and Toni Morrison? 

While treating such a complicated topic with levity can be refreshing, it is also deceiving. For as funny as it is to discuss the dos and don’ts of weave sex (“Stay on top,” advises Nia Long), there is a deeper psychology underneath those tresses of wavy hair.

He (Al Sharpton) comments on how Black people wear their oppression on their heads. But if he acknowledges the oppression, then why continue to do it? Undoubtedly there is no simple answer, but the topic begs for more exploration.

Dudley’s Hair and Cosmetics, the factory that produces the toxic vats of relaxant, is one of a handful of Black-owned brands. The founder, Joe Dudley, says it’s significant his product is made “by our own, for our own.” And yet, after witnessing what relaxant does to a piece of chicken breast, we have to wonder, what exactly are you selling to your people?

Noticeably absent from the documentary is the matriarch of the family, Malaak Compton-Rock. After all, who is the most enduring presence in a young daughter’s life? A quick scan of images and videos of Malaak Compton-Rock reveals a self-assured woman who is passionate about her nonprofit work and sports a giant head of weave. The reason for little Zahra’s lament becomes clear: she just wants hair like Mom’s.

I know I'm kinda late, but what did you think about the movie?

Louis Vuitton And Chanel Handbags Hit Up Costco

Yeah the buy it in bulk store.  So to all my tri-state folk here's another one for you. Ya'll get all the good suff.  Anyways, get your bag game up at the new Costco Manhattan store location. 

~still chasing honey

African slavery apology 'needed'

I read this article about the Nigerian Civil Rights Congress asking traditional African rulers to apologise (I usually write it with a "z" but it's so much cuter with an "s") for the role they played in the slave trade.

I've never been a fan of apologizes, as they are just words (low blow i know).  But really, ya'll remember punching your opponent out in the playground and having to apologize.  Did you really mean it? No! But as long as you made it seem sincere you were good.

And if they do apologize will those of the African Diaspora get an apology as well?

The Civil Rights Congress urged Nigeria's traditional rulers to apologise on behalf of their forefathers and "put a final seal to the history of slave trade".  I'm not a proponent of an apology serving as a band aid.  Africa has some serious issues that needs major operation.  Let's operate! 

They are calling for this apology because traditional rulers are seeking inclusion in the forthcoming constitutional amendment in Nigeria.  "We felt that for them to have the moral standing to be part of our constitutional arrangement there are some historical issues for them to address," he [President of Civil Rights Congress] told the BBC World Service. "One part of which is the involvement of their institutions in the slave trade."

What do you think, should the traditional leaders apologize for the slave trade? 

What He Say?

Jason Wu, fab fashion designer (he created the white gown that Michelle Obama wore to the inauguration balls) in an interview with theWashington Times said:

"I'd definitely love to in the near future, but now I'm really, really busy working on my pre-fall collection and moving to my new studio space," Wu said. "It's really exciting to see the first lady promote her fashion in such a good way. I'm always excited to see what she wears, whether it's by me or not."

Do you think he said anything wrong?

Did She Not Get the Memo?

This woman was found with about 20 dog carcasses in her back yard.  She is a widow has like 7 children and all of those living with her she has lost custody of.  Her kids say that she would torture the dogs before killing them. 

Will she get more time than Vick?

Source

Great Read: Elie Mystal - It’s Been a Year Since Obama Ended Racism in America

One year ago, Barack Obama was elected President of the United States, effectively ending racism in America. As an African-American, I can say this has been an awesome year. Since Obama’s victory, the prejudices and mistrust built up over four hundred years of racial oppression has seemed to vanish. Nobody ever questions my credentials or intellect anymore. I get along fabulously with police officers. And Obama even won a Nobel Peace Prize which allowed the entire country to feel proud about our leader.

Sorry, my sarcasm meter goes up to 11.

Still, one year into Obama’s administration, racial tensions in America are certainly playing out differently. I’m not sure if things are better, but I suppose it could have been worse. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of Obama’s post-racial America.

Continue

May It Please The Court: Juveniles and Life Sentences

On Monday the Supreme Court heard arguments on whether life without the chance of parole violated the Eighth Admendents prohibition againd cruel and unusual punishment. Other than in death penalty cases, the justices never before have found that a penalty crossed the cruel-and-unusual line.

Of 111 such juveniles nationwide, 77 of them are in Florida, with the rest spread across only six other states.

The two cases before the SC come from Joe Sullivan and Terrence Graham.  Sullivan was sent away for life for raping an elderly woman when he was 13.  Graham was given a life sentence after being implicated in armed robberies when he was 16 and 17.

Wale's Honey Mag Interview

Wale Interview

Sammy Comes Clean

Like we all knew, Sammy has been using a skin bleaching agent. 

"It's a bleaching cream that I apply before going to bed. . . . I use [it] to soften [my skin], but [it] has bleached me some," the ex-baseball star told the TV network Univision.


"I'm not a racist. I live my life happily . . . I don't think I look like Michael Jackson."

Source

See the previous blog entry about Sammy here. 

Honey For The Soul: Sisters, your natural hair is beautiful to me

An open letter to African-American women:

It's about the need to be beautiful, I know.

As goals go, that one is neither extraordinary nor gender-specific. But it's different for women, isn't it? A man's sense of self worth is seldom endangered by crow's feet. On him people will say they convey ``character.'' On a woman, they convey wear.

And if it's different for women, it's different and then some for women like you, saddled not just with the need to be beautiful, but also with 400 years of racial baggage, 400 years of ginormous Jemimahs, shrill Sapphires, ugly Aunt Esthers and angry Angelas seared into the public mind, 400 years which say you cannot be beautiful if your lips are too proud, or your skin too dark or you don't take that nappy hair God gave you and make it look like the hair he gave somebody else.

dc sniper executed

declared dead at 9:11 p.m

executed by lethal injection at the greensville correctional center in virginia

death takes up to seven minutes but the entire preparation can take as long as two hours.

the intravenous injection is usually a sequence of drugs given in a set sequence designed to first induce unconsciousness followed by death through paralysis of respiratory muscles and/or by cardiac arrest through depolarization of cardiac muscle cells.

muhammed has continued to profess his innocence during two long trials and in several years of legal appeals. virginia governor tim kaine denied a last minute clemency request from muhammad's lawyers today, closing off what is likely to be his last avenue of appeal.


check out muhammed's hand written letter to the judge. 


What are your thoughts on Muhammed's execution? What are your thoughts on the death penalty? 

Raise Your Hands If You Hate Yourself . . .

Hopefully, you didn't raise your hand. But I think if we were totally honest with ourselves and questioned some decisions that we make (regarding personal appearance), our reasoning would often link to how we are not happy with the way God created us.  I truly believe there is a Why to every decision.  We sell ourselves short to not think about the Why. 

Not Having the Time of My Life :(

i am so upset
i missed an important call
shaking my damn head

I Have A Secret (Don't Judge Me)

Last week I used up my last bottle of deodorant.  What's the big deal you ask.  Well, I dont EVER plan on buying another one.  Yep! I'm giving up the Secret, Spirit, Dove, all of it.  Plain and simple no more deodorant.

Male Birth Control Pills Coming Soon . . .

Fellas now you dont have to worry about your girl missing a pill and putting you both in a crazy situation.  I think it's great that men and women will soon be able to "control birth".  Check out the story here. 

What do you think about developing birth control for men?   

Honey For the Soul

You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

- Proverb

the adventures of iamkamilah (dun-dun-dun-dun!)

Last night i was invited to a Carribbean Catwalk 2009. This fashion show featured Phelicia Dell's Ve've' line. Dell is a Haitian fashion designer. She is bursting on the scene with her cultural infused handbags. Check out her work here.


The show was at the Little Haiti Cultural Center. The runway was outside and the backdrop of Haitian paintings was gorg. 

PUT HIS ASS ON BLAST!

On this series of "Put His Ass on Blast", top recording artist, Rihanna is telling ALL.  I mean she is getting into mad details.  When I saw the Chris Brown/Larry King interview I was like he ain't saying a damn thing.  Maybe he wanted to protect them both?  I'm sure if he knew that she was going to go into details in her interview, he would have said much more.  Larry should have tried to get RiRi cause chick ain't taking no prisoners!  Check out a snippet of the interview here.  The full interview with Diane Sawyer will broadcast TONIGH at 10pm Eastern on ABC's 20/20. 

What impact if any will this have on Chris Brown's career? He is about to drop an album and it seems as if he still has a strong fan base.  Do you think Rihanna's move will affect Chris' career?  Should he tell it all?  What impact will this have on Rihanna's career (she is scheduled to drop "Russian Roulette")?  Let me know. 

~still chasing honey

Uncle Russy's Open Letter to Bill Cosby

There are a lot of great entertainers who do great things. Bill Cosby is one of them. He has always used his voice to right what he thought was wrong. However, I believe that too often Mr. Cosby has wrongly placed the blame.  

Bill Cosby is an example of someone from the older generation who has consistently blamed the poets and asked suffering community members to bare the full burden of guilt for the struggles that they endure. It is certainly not that he and the rest of the elders don't care, because they do. In fact, their intentions are pure and good. All the things they say are actually true. What they don’t understand is that the young people who they criticize did not create their own realities. They did not create the crumbling education system that we school them in. They did not create the drug epidemic and drug wars that have resulted in a dysfunctional family structure. They did not create the health care crisis that does not treat them. They did not create the culture of violence that they fall victim to.

Honey of the Week: MJB

Mary's National Anthem Performance reminded me of all the reasons I love her!  There are few people who can take you to church with the National Anthem.  And boy did Mary make me wanna SHOUT!  "Praise Got!"

Did you see how she SNATCHED those damn glasses off her face!  Who else does that!  Ya'll know I would have been in the field with her saying, "YOU BETTA SING!!"

You can see how much she is being moved by her own singing.  That's my girl!  She sings with soo much conviction.  She connects with the lyrics.  I love it when you people are being healed and touched by the words that come from their mouths.  Beautiful. Simply Beautiful.  And that's why she is Honey of the Week! 

The Toxic Man

Blogger, Young Jubi from Black Girls Unlost, has composed a list of men to avoid.  Here you go:

The Player.

Yes I know its cliché, but it still holds true. “Monogamous” is a word that is not in his lexicon. He always has a team, and the best you can hope for is that it’s a b-ball squad instead of a football starting lineup. He is the quintessential ladies man, and sadly, you probably aren’t the woman to get him to settle down. When you first meet him, he’s charming & seems to know all the right things to say, and he’s probably putting it down in the bedroom too. But once you get comfy, you realize that you’re just one of many, and he isn’t about to change his lifestyle just for you. Make no mistake, he has no problem with you taking care of him in hopes of being his one & only, but with this guy, the “prize” is being his #1, not his only. Save yourself the heartache & the drama by steering clear of this guy.

The Toxic Woman

Blogger, Monsignor St. Randy has posted a list of women to avoid, what he likes to calls the Toxic Woman.

The Equally Yoked-er.

The Equally Yoked-er becomes toxic for herself because she sabotages potential relationships based on criteria that while may be impressive, don’t really correlate with functional relationships. And she becomes toxic to men in two ways. for men that don’t “measure up”, she tends to deride or minimize them. The refrain is always, “I have a law degree, I’m supposed to date the janitor now?” As if there were no middle ground between lawyer and janitor. For those men that do meet her standards, if they’re not interested, she’s the first to yell about how “these arrogant educated black men think they’re god’s gift to women.” In some ways, she fetishizes public accomplishment the same way guys fetishize a Cherokee D’ass size booty. It’s not about the person, it’s about something else.

Honey for the Soul!

No bees, no honey; no work, no money

- Proverb

No. 100

Lifers this is blog number 100! 

Do you see the fireworks? 
Do you hear the trumpets blowing? 
(Use your imagination ppl! lol!)

In dedication to my 100th post.  I've decided to tell you 100 things about myself. 

100.  It all started when I was in the third grade.

Which Animal Do You Look Like?

A homegirl of mine once told me that everybody resembles an animal.  I definitely agree with her.  I'll call myself out -- I look like an aardvark.

The Princess and The Frog Soundtrack

Check out the entire soundtrack here.

Honey of the Week: Teyana Taylor

I found some honey.

A lot of people hate on her but she is H-O-N-E-Y without a doubt.  Harlem born and bred, Teyana Taylor, is a recording artist and Pharell Williams protege.

She is FIERCE (with my index finger shaking side to side)! 

She is making major moves outside the music industry.  A young entreprenuer, with a new lip gloss line coming out called Dope Lips, Teyana inspires young girls to reach for their goals.    She recently had an interview with Egypt and opened up about sex, rumors about her relationship with Chris Brown, her secret crush and more.

How to Wear Fall Brights

In Miami and other parts of America, we have a tendency to match from head to toe.  I mean the exact shade.  Neon day-glo clothing is extremely popular here.  Fluorescent colors are everywhere.  I can't tell you how my stomach turns when I see neon pink on a chick from head to toe. 

I think Michael Kors said it best,"Wear it (neon day-glo) head to toe and you look like Barbie on acid!"

In order to avoid this, here are a few simple tips on how to wear Fall Brights from Glamour Magazine! 

Sitting on the Couch With Michelle Obama

Everyone knows that I have a SUPERCRUSH on First Lady, Michelle Obama.  I love everything about her: her eyebrows, her hair, her eyes, her arms, her intellect, her passion, her poise . . . I really do mean everything!  Mrs. Obama graces the cover of Glamour Magazine looking beautiful.  Here is a snippet from her interview with Katie Couric. 

ROTFLMAO!!!!

Yo, has this ever happened to you?  Lol. 

Do You Pre-Poo?

I hate SHAMPOO.  I have always had a distaste for the way it left my hair.  But I continued to use shampoo because I thought that the way it left my hair was normal.  In my head a wash should strip everything (dirt, oils, etc.) from your hair. Right? Wrong.Your hair does not have to feel like that.  Thank God for research!  Yes, I am a little late to the game but I have learned that this harsh shampooing process can be rectified.  For years I thought that the ONLY first step to cleaning your hair was the shampoo process.  It wasn't until quite recently that I was introduced to the concept of a pre-poo (pre-shampoo). 

Sitting on the Couch With Tracy Morgan

Tracy Morgan gets emotional on NPR. He has written a new memior called I Am the New Black. The book details Morgan's rough life growing up in Bedsty (Brooklyn) and later moving to the Bronx to live with his father.  His father, a Vietnam Vet came home an addicted to heroine.  He was infected with the AIDS virus through his drug use.  Take a listen to his NPR interview.  So touching and you'll leave with a greater understanding and appreciation for Tracy Morgan.  You can also read an excerpt of his book here.

Channeling Your Inner Shelly Obama!

Bold Cardigan with Pencil Skirt








Bright Sheath Dress

Cropped Blazer








We all know and love First Lady, Michelle Obama and her fab sense of style.  We too, can join the FAB CLUB!  Here are 3 of her signature pieces.  Go out and get them, if you don't have them.  Grab a fab belt, brooch, or some pearls while you're at it, to add some flavor to your new 'drobe! 
 
*Signature Pieces tips given by Isabel Toledo (designed Shelly's Lemongrass Yellow Wool Lace Shift Dress).
 
*If you too are a Shelly Style Stalker check out this blog!

Product Spotlight: ACV

OMG!  I'm in L♥VE!  I washed my hair today and then did an ACV (Apple Cider Vinger) Rinse and I smiled the entire time.  ACV is a great clarifier.  I have used other clarifiers before but NEVER EVER has my hair felt so good after.  I urge you to try this cheap clarifier because it worked for my hair. 


To my folk with locs, the ACV Rinse is a good way to help remove some build up in your hair.  My bathtub became slippery after rinsing out the ACV, because it stripped product from my hair. 


Here is some more information about ACV rinses:

Product Spotlight: Aloe Vera

When I was younger my parents would always try to make my sisters and I eat aloe vera.  We hated the bitterness of the plant and refused to do so.  The older I get the more I realize that all the yucky stuff my parents tried to get us to eat/drink are really beneficial to the body.


Aloe Vera is one of the oldest plants known to mankind.  The Bible (Psalms 45:8 and John 19:38-40) references this plant and its medicinal/healing properties.  Cleopatra is reputed to have bathed in it before charming Mark Anthony. The ancient Greeks used it to cure everything from baldness to insomnia and the Native Americans called aloe vera the “Wand of the Heaven.”




Aloe Vera can be taken internally or applied externally to the skin or hair. Aloe vera produces at least six natural antiseptics, which are able to kill mold, bacteria, funguses, and viruses. Aloe Vera can be used for a host of things like:
 

Vote For Haiti In World Challenge 2009 (You Can Vote Until November 13, 2009)

For those of you who do not know, ya girl is of Haitian descent.
SURPRISE!


I have visited the island twice and instantly fell in love with my parent's country. As much as we wish things were better they are not. But there is a way that we can make a slight difference in the country -- and it doesn't involve money. Here is what you can do to help the island.

Go to http://www.theworldchallenge.co.uk/ and vote for Haiti. Simple, right?

http://www.theworldchallenge.co.uk/. The finalist with the most votes wins.

President Bill Clinton is an outspoken champion of the LOVE 'N HAITI project. View his video commentary HERE"
"The City of Miami and Waste Management have launched a voting campaign to support Port-au-Prince, Haiti in the BBC World News' World Challenge '09 competition, a contest that awards innovative, grassroots-level projects and small businesses from around the world.

Honey for the Soul: Still I Rise

You may write me down in history

With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.

Mission Possible (MP): Naturally Professional Vol.

Meet Beth! My Spelman Sister and a fellow attorney. Her natural hair story is pretty cool. Check it out!

Hometown-Benton Harbor, Michigan
Current town-Hapeville, Georgia
Age-26

1. How long have you been natural? This time I've only been natural for about four months. I previously was natural Jan. '01-Fall '03 and during law school ('05-'07). This time is for good :)

 2. What method did you use to go natural? (big chop, braids, grow hair out, etc.) This time I cut off all the perm about 1 month ago. I am currently wearing braids/two strand twists until my hair grows to the desired length. The previous times I continued to press my hair for months until my natural hair was the desired length. I think it's much better to just cut it off shortly after going natural.

Gentlemen's Choice

ESSENCE.com hit the streets of New York City to find out what black men really thought about our hair. Check out their responses:

Monday Inspiration

Things I love: afros, the arts, vintage, neo-soul

Product Spotlight: Cinnamon Tea

I had a delicious cup of cinnamon tea this morning. Anyone can make it from scratch and there are great benefits to drinking cinnamon tea.

 

DIY: Milk and Honey Deep Conditioner Treatment

I made a deep conditioner yesterday for my sister. Great stuff -- so great I needed to share :)


Ingredients:

1 can of pure coconut milk (contains proteins, which strengthen hair and can help to minimize breakage. It also has properties which protect hair and scalp from UV rays)

1 ripe avocado (natural source of protein - rich in fatty acids that are a real must in your daily diet, especially when it come to your hair. Your hair will go from brittle to being soft and shiny)


2 tablespoons of pure honey (conditions and adds sheen -a natural humectant [it attracts and holds on to water molecules] making a great treatment for dry, damaged hair. )

Morehouse Cracks Down on Cross Dressing

Do you agree with this dress code policy? Read More

ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- An all-male college in Atlanta, Georgia,
has banned the wearing of women's clothes, makeup, high heels and purses as part
of a new crackdown on what the institution calls inappropriate attire.

No dress-wearing is part of a larger dress code launched
this week that Morehouse College is calling its "Appropriate Attire Policy."

The policy also bans wearing hats in buildings, pajamas in public,
do-rags, sagging pants, sunglasses in class and walking barefoot on campus.

However, it is the ban on cross-dressing that has brought national
attention to the small historically African-American college.The dress-wearing
ban is aimed at a small part of the private college's 2,700-member student body,
said Dr. William Bynum, vice president for Student Services."We are talking
about five students who are living a gay lifestyle that is leading them to dress
a way we do not expect in Morehouse men," he said. 

black school/white queen!?

So many have asked me to comment about Hampton University's new Homecoming Queen. I don't have much to say except that if Hampton (student body) doesn't like who is representing them, they need to assert their voices to regain the power to choose who their Homecoming Queen will be. Simple.  Ya'll pay a lot of money to attend the University so ya'll should have the power to choose who you want to represent you. And if that's a White chick, or a Hawaiian-Guam chick, or a Black chick - so be it!

My hair is not nappy its THICK

My response to this youtube video.

At the 4:10 mark you say,

"People are really ignorant on natural hair, people look at natural hair as
being nappy. My hair is not nappy. It may look -- it's thick as heck but it is
not nappy!"

Let me premise this by saying that I am writing this in love. I don't know how old you are (as wisdom should come with age) but I do have a concern with this statement. The above quoted statement reflects your own ignorance. My question to you is what's wrong with black hair being nappy? Why did you feel the need to separate your hair texture from nappy hair? We all have our own complexes -- it's expected considering the world we live in and the images of beauty that are displayed but I hoped that you would be more conscious since you are on a natural journey (maybe I am assuming too much).

I absolutely love your hair. Before I clicked play and saw your still I was like she is rocking it. I felt quite a bit of sadness when you spoke about your experiences with others. But when you spoke these words,

"People are really ignorant on natural hair, people look at natural hair as
being nappy. My hair is not nappy. It may look -- it's thick as heck but it is
not nappy!"

It really disturbed me (to the fact that I had to call someone 2:30 in the morning to see if I was going overboard or reading into it too much). My hope is that we all become more responsible for not only ourselves but our community. And I don't want another black woman or child to be humiliated for the hair that God has given us. Think about what I've said. Maybe we can have some good conversation about it (iamkamilah@gmail.com )

Take Care.

Mike Tyson on Oprah

Did you all see the interview?

Wow! I saw Mike in a whole different light. He is extremely emotional, rather he has a lot of past hurts. And I think that's why he has that hard shell.

He loves and lives for his children. When they showed pictures of his children I saw another man. He was sooo happy! OMG -- it was too cute. To describe Mike as cute is just so weird to me but that's how I felt after the interview.

The Culprit has been ID'ed

at night you are loud

disrespectful animal

slimy green creature

The First Lady's Roots

The New York Times ran an article about First Lady, Michelle Obama's genealogy.

Guess what they found.

Why We Need the Arts in Our Schools

Do ya'll remember music class?
It was one of my favorite classes.
Mr. Spiegal would play that piano like nobody's business. He was a white man with a reddish ponytail -- you couldn't tell him nothing. He would make that piano walk.

Give me a moment to reflect . . .

Oh the memories.

I saw him at my cousin's 5th grade graduation. Crazy right? Although I knew he might not have remembered me, I still chose to approach him. I just had to tell him how much I loved his class and how much he added to my elementary experience.

Just like Mr. Spiegal will always be remembered, the Ps22 Chorus teacher will as well. Check out how he remixed Run This Town by Jay Z for his students.

"Girl, let me grease your scalp"

Every black girl raised by a black mom has heard these words before. In fact, even in we are old enough to do our own hair, we feel that our hair cannot thrive without the thickest pomade on the market. We part our hair and we slick that pomade on. We think that the grease/pomade hydrates our hair and allows it to grow. I am sorry to inform you that these products contain petroleum. I'm serious, look at the list ingredients on your bottle.

PA-Trol-E-Um

told ya so.....

Petroleum and Mineral Oil (usually found in baby oil) should be minimized or avoided. If you do use them I would say to not put it on the scalp because these substances tend to clog the pores which inhibits its ability to breathe and absorb moisture and nutrition. Also they are not easily absorbed into the hair and attract dust.

I would suggest that you use oils instead of pomades. If you use products with these oils, try to use the ones that have the least amount of petroleum or mineral oil. You can figure how much petroleum or mineral oil is in a product by where in the list the substance is located. The further down the substance is in the ingredient list, the less that amount of that substance is in that product. So, try to use products where petrolem and mineral oil are listed near the end.

Some natural oils to try are coconut oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, and sunflower oil. Oils are best applied to wet hair to help hold in the moisture already there. I suggest that you experiment to find the oil that works best for your hair type.

~still chasing honey

freedom fridays: i gotta get some things off my chest

Some Things I Hate* . . .

1. Getting kissed on top of my head. That's so nasty to me. What happens if the person's hair is dirty? I guess, you just get a mouth full of dandruff.
2. People putting too much information on Facebook. It's a social NETWORKING site for God's sake. I do not want to see strippers, you giving birth, your butt cheeks in a homemade photo shoot, and please don't think that you are going to get a record album because you write a rap on every one of your status updates.
3. Black people with blond weaves and green/blue/hazel contacts. I don't give a damn what y'all say, it screams, "I HATE MYSELF!"
4. Men who grow their hair and wear it in a puff when it's not done. I can't begin to tell you how much I can't stand a man with a ponytail.
5. Cold Fries. I always tell fast food restaurants no salt. Ladies and Gents this guarantees fries from the drop.
6. When I ask the lady at McDonalds/Burger King/Wendy's for an extra honey mustard sauce and she/he says 25 cents. Yo, does your momma/daddy own this franchise? Damn, how you expect me to eat a damn 12 piece chicken nugget with one sauce.
7. Getting some food, going home to eat it, and once I sit at the table I realize that the restaurant forgot something or didn't make it the way I asked. Oh please believe, I call and tell them I'm picking up the next day or I make my way back to the spot and have them remake my entire order.
8. Ladies, who insist on not cutting their hair, because they need long hair to survive, despite their damaged and thinning ends.
9. Grown folk who suck their thumb.
10. When I find an aluminum can in my garbage. Yes I did said can! One is enough to get me twisting my neck, rolling my eyes, and getting on the mic at a party and asking, "Which one of you threw this can in the garbage?" Just like this messes up my vibe, I am going to mess up yours. It gets me enraged because I always tell folk who come to my house to not throw cans, bottles, paper, and anything recyclable in the garbage. Just RECYCLE for Pete's sake.

*This list is in no particular order

~still chasing honey

Great Reads: Haitian Author Edwidge Danticat

Today, I had the pleasure to attend a recognition reception for Haitian author, Edwidge Danticat. I first learned of her work as a Freshman at Spelman in my African Diaspora and the World (ADW) course. Before then, I didn't know of any Haitian novelist. Her books really motivated me to learn more about my people specifically about the many stories of Haitian immigrants. She gives a voice to the voiceless; an advocacy tool that I long to use in my profession.


The ceremony consisted of the City of North Miami students reading excerpts from her many books. As elementary, middle, and high school students read her work I stared in amazement. How much I wished I had an Haitian author or public figure who I could look up to when I was their age. Someone who could make me proud of the lineage of boat people that I come from. But during those days we had no one, it wasn't until the Fugees came that first generation Haitian-Americans started to take pride in their culture. We started to tell people we were Haitian and we started to speak Creole in public.

One thing that was repeated throughout the ceremony was "We always knew you were genius, we just waited for others to recognize your genius." I was elated to attend this ceremony and even more elated because the students knew who and where Ms. Danticat comes from. She is a Haitian woman who, unlike what most right winged might believe, added so much to America. Years from now she will be recognized for telling the story of a people who risked their lives so that their children may have more.

PUT HIS ASS ON BLAST

Ya'll remember Field Mob? Well the ex girlfriend of Shawn Jay emailed Media Takeout (a big gossip site) this message:

"I was the ex girlfriend of Mr. Shawn Jay from Field mob and we were together for two years. I want to put his ass on blast because he is a woman abuser and he beat me all the time when I was with him. He burnt me with cigarettes and cut off all my hair and beat me like I was a man. I think that everybody should know what type of person he is."

And then she attaches pictures.

I don't care if he wasn't famous. You know how they have Lost Dog Signs in Neighborhoods, Huh (ya'll know where I'm going). I would make 100 copies to post in our neighborhood, his job, and our church. It ain't libel cause it's the TRUTH. Yeah, I'm that chick that you don't wanna F**K with cause I would put you hoe ass on blast.

~still chasing honey