Friday, December 30, 2011
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Beauty And The Bridge
There are not many photos that can make me go "WOOOOOOOOOW" but this one did the job. Im not sure where I got the photo from but I know it was from a blogsite. This picture is simple yet beautiful in so many ways.
Friday, December 16, 2011
BET THE NEW KKK? SAY WHAT????
An excerpt from a writing by Regina Bradley, PHD Candidate at Florida State University. See more at http://redclayscholar.blogspot.com/
From the jump, Watkins’ approach, not the majority of his points, are troubling. Instead of focusing on the corporatized blackness and pathology that BET spreads – which, by the way, is the premise of the essay – Watkins frequently targets Hip Hop via attacking Lil Wayne. Per the usual scapegoat argument, which is played, African Americans’ demise will be through Hip Hop. If the devil ain’t making us do it, Hip Hop is. Watkins’ essay reads like a witch hunt, with Weezy as the dreaded straw man (pun intended).
What is touched upon, but not driven home, is the understanding that Hip Hop, like many other forms of black cultural expression, is commodified and corporatized. There is a tangled and messy relationship between capitalism, Hip Hop as an enterprise, and the black folks that it is deemed to reflect. What Watkins’ argument and the majority of consumed rap music boils down to is the search for the real and reality in this awkward moment of American history. This moment where Hip Hop, once a black thang, is now an American thang. A moment where no clear markers of black or white publicly pull weight like previous decades. A moment where we have a black president who, because he referenced or was referenced in Hip Hop embodies what it means to be black to a nonblack audience while unemployment and poverty levels in the black American community are ridiculously high. Enter here Weezy, Ross, Jeezy, and them, who are in our face and in our ear canal every fifteen milliseconds, that say THEIR story is the real black experience. And we support that, download it, and post our renditions to social media sites like ratchet.com.
What Watkins was trying to get at, I believe, was our lack of accountability and blind consumption of this “relevant blackness” because it is shoved in our face on the regular. The danger becomes when we simply recycle what we see through our actions, in our conversations, and thought processes without any critical thought.
Perhaps more penetrating about Watkins’ article was the lack of solutions to challenge what BET and corporate America hashes out. An often overlooked concern is the much needed but lacking intergenerational dialogue to discuss the urgent state of affairs in the African American community. We need a space to talk and critically engage in conversation about the contemporary, Post-Civil Rights African American experience. We need a willingness to start and sustain dialogue between black youth and older folks who witnessed the blatant racism before and during the Civil Rights Movement to situate why these representations are problematic.
And, obviously, we need a space to confront and complicate this one dimensional understanding of (corporate) Hip Hop as sold out. Hip Hop’s agency and purpose needs to be reconsidered, reinterpreted, and reclaimed as a voice for a variety of folks. Hip Hop may be marketed as a hyperblack, hypermasculine, hyper-pathological space, but its audience is much more diverse. We can no longer be comfortable with these typecasts of what it possibly means to be (insert adjective here) and black.
It is too simple a solution to simply blame BET and Hip Hop for the violent reality that people of color face on a daily basis. Actually, this is dangerous. If we continue this destructive path of blind acceptance and do not question what is being marketed and produced, then yes, we are the new KKK – Korporate Kullud Kommodities.
Now THAT is some scary shit. No hood required.
Simple Things That Better a Girl's Day
From Essence Gant,writer at "Today's Black Woman Magazine."
This entire piece and others from the writer can be viewed at http://essencegant.blogspot.com
Simple Things List:
- Mascara!!- That’s right! Mascara. My beautiful little sister (Shouts out to Summyr) put me on these two new mascaras over the break and guys, I THINK I’M IN LOVE!! Maybelline’s “The Falsies Volum’ Express” and Rimmel London’s “Glam’ Eyes Lash Flirt”. I just got both from Wal-Mart and they were both on sale for $5!
- Floral Print Knit Skirts- One of my favorite fall/winter fits is a cute little skirt accompanied by some fun tights and knee boots. I went to Forever 21 and found a bunch of cute skirts ranging from only $10 to $12. I love the floral ones because they’re usually multi-colored and you can do any colored, funky tight with them. It adds a little sunshine to your winter wardrobe & makes the cold a little more fun!
- Lip gloss- My lip gloss is poppin’ and I be coppin’ (I swear I could’ve been a rapper) it from Bath and Body Works. For real y’all they got some good lip gloss that keeps your lips soft, kissable and tasty! They usually have this buy 2 get 1 free deal. They have like a million (not literally) and you can get colors, tints, or clears!
- PINK FRIDAY- To all Nicki Fans, Ms. Minaj is simply amazing.You gotta listen to it!! Please, Please. Your life won’t be the same!
- Honey Nut Cheerios- They’re yummy, healthy and you can eat like 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 of them and you won’t gain an ounce! Good enough for me! I like mine without milk!
- Writing,Journaling, Blogging, Documenting- However you put the pen to the paper I find that it's therapeutic. I started this blog on my phone while sitting in class, and it was so relieving and stimulating to my brain to escape the madness and create my own world with the simple stroke of a pen (or push of a button in my case)! Try it. Write about anything: dreams, life, love, experiences, sadness, tragedy, victory, plans, funny things, people, crushes, role models, music, fashion, sports. Who cares? JUST WRITE!!!
What simple things do you find enjoyment in?
How do you deal with "bad" days?
Any other thoughts? Share with me below. My interest is totally invested in YOU! If you don't want to comment via your social network, you can just use your name or the anonymous option:)
Love,
Essence~Muah!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
How The Flirtiest Girls We Know Get Guys
Saw this posting on Yahoo.com via by , on Tue Oct 11, 2011
I've decided to share to all of our readers because ladies sometimes we need help in the "MEN" department. *currently reaching for my pen and notepad* So ladies LET US take notes :)
By Kenrya Rankin Naasel, Glamour magazine
Attracting guys has never been a problem for Julie Wilson, 34. The Greensboro, North Carolina, native has been proposed to an astonishing four times. “My friends can’t understand why even so-called players want to run down the aisle with me,” she says. “And they keep calling me long after the relationship ends.” Wilson’s fantastic, but so are plenty of other girls—so what is it about women like her that men just can’t resist? What do they know that the rest of us don’t? We present to you: their secrets! Soak ‘em in, then do some super-attracting of your own.
Related: 12 Secret Signs He's Into You
Go Out Looking for a Good Time—Not Your Future Husband
Super-attractor Rule No. 1: Don’t go hunting. “Too many girls focus on meeting The One when they should be looking for a tasty drink and a fun night out,” says Amber Kallor, a 26-year-old in New York City who’s known for getting guys of all stripes—hipsters, bankers, sailors, you name it—hopelessly hooked. “When you’re out seeking your ‘penguin’—you know, because penguins mate for life—men sense that, and no guy wants or needs that kind of pressure.” Adam LoDolce, a Boston-based dating coach and author of Being Alone Sucks!: How to Build Self-Esteem, Confidence and Social Freedom to Transform Your Dating and Social Life (cheesy title, solid advice), agrees. “There’s nothing more appealing than the girl who carries herself like she’s having a good time,” he says. “Who wouldn’t want to be around her?” So buy your own martini, and enjoy yourself.That’s penguin bait.
Never Bash Other Women
Another insight man magnets share: Being catty will get you nowhere with guys. Men want to know that you’re confident. “Think about it: If you two start dating, he has a mom, sisters and female friends he’ll want you to spend time with,” says Marie Salazar, 29, a marketer from San Francisco whose male buddies are all in love with her (or so say her annoyed girl-friends). “Showing a guy that it won’t be a nightmare to bring you to a family dinner is a good first step.” Philadelphian Meredith Klein, 23, sums it up this way: “Someone else’s strengths don’t make you look bad—but being jealous and insecure does.”
Be Easy
We’re not talking Jersey Shore easy; we’re talking easygoing. Guys are drawn to girls they can picture having fun with in either a dive bar or a schmancy restaurant. “Men appreciate that I can hang with their friends, kill it at a work event and chill at home,” says New Yorker LaNora Williams-Clark, 32, who has been single for a total of three months since she started dating more than 15 years ago. “It boils down to charm and an ability to roll with the punches.”
Related: The Top 10 Ways to Wake Up Prettier
Don’t Dress for Girls
The super-trendy stuff you’d wear to impress your friends often leaves men cold. Guys Glamour spoke to gave the thumbs-down to maxidresses (“They cover too much skin,” says Rob, 38), rompers (“How do you even pee?” asks Thomas, 36) and harem pants (“MC Hammer is calling,” quips Kyle, 30). But you don’t have to squeeze into a Kardashidress to get his attention, either. What’s universally sexy, according to men? A woman in a white tee, cute-butt jeans and a pair of heels. Done and done.
Be (Genuinely) Busy
This trick’s not about playing hard to get; it’s about having so much great stuff going on in your world that hewants to be a part of it. “Women who are genuinely busy feel more fulfilled, are happier and are more confident—three powerful magnets for attracting men,” says Angelica Perez-Litwin, Ph.D., a Nyack, New York, psychologist and relationship counselor. Says Mickelle Jackson, 30, a school administrator from Trenton, New Jersey, who’s had more than a few male friends confess romantic feelings: “If a man has to choose between a clingy beauty and an unavailable average girl, he will choose average every time.”
Two Words: No Bitching
When your crazy boss is blowing up your iPhone after hours and your sister is insisting you wear pistachio-and-melon-striped chiffon to her wedding, it can be easy to slip into a monologue about why life sucks. Don’t! “It makes you look like a drama queen, and if there’s one thing all guys hate, it’s drama,” says Christina Nguyen, a 31-year-old from Minneapolis who’s been told her fun-loving attitude makes her memorable. LoDolce agrees: “It’s impossible to flirt if you’re complaining.”
See also: Fall 2011’s Most Wearable Trends
Let Him See Your Ambitious Side
It’s a corollary of “be busy”: Guys like women who have passions in life, so show yours! “When my husband and I were dating, he would always tell me how much my ambition inspired him to be better,” says Jessica Guberman, 34, a vice president of marketing and development for a national nonprofit in Princeton, New -Jersey. For Alexa Carlin, 20, of Wellington, Florida, fulfilling her dream of running her own fashion company caused a noticeable spike in male attention: “Girls who are motivated to accomplish their dreams show drive and determination—guys love those qualities.” Sharing your goals up front also affects the type of guy you attract. “High-quality men are drawn to ambitious women,” LoDolce believes. “I hate when women worry about intimidating men. If a guy is intimidated by you, he doesn’t deserve you.” Amen to that.
Be the Person You Want to Date
Sounds simple, but you can’t seek a man who is secure, self-assured and emotionally evolved if you’re not all of those things yourself. It’s basic relationship karma! “If you wouldn’t want to date yourself, then how can you expect someone else to want to date you?” says Lina Shivangi, a 31-year-old marketing director from Austin, Texas. Nadarah Butler, 31, a doctor living in Los Angeles who has never gone more than a year without a serious boyfriend, agrees: “If you haven’t figured out who you are yet, you can’t possibly know what you want in a guy.”
Attracting guys has never been a problem for Julie Wilson, 34. The Greensboro, North Carolina, native has been proposed to an astonishing four times. “My friends can’t understand why even so-called players want to run down the aisle with me,” she says. “And they keep calling me long after the relationship ends.” Wilson’s fantastic, but so are plenty of other girls—so what is it about women like her that men just can’t resist? What do they know that the rest of us don’t? We present to you: their secrets! Soak ‘em in, then do some super-attracting of your own.
Related: 12 Secret Signs He's Into You
Go Out Looking for a Good Time—Not Your Future Husband
Super-attractor Rule No. 1: Don’t go hunting. “Too many girls focus on meeting The One when they should be looking for a tasty drink and a fun night out,” says Amber Kallor, a 26-year-old in New York City who’s known for getting guys of all stripes—hipsters, bankers, sailors, you name it—hopelessly hooked. “When you’re out seeking your ‘penguin’—you know, because penguins mate for life—men sense that, and no guy wants or needs that kind of pressure.” Adam LoDolce, a Boston-based dating coach and author of Being Alone Sucks!: How to Build Self-Esteem, Confidence and Social Freedom to Transform Your Dating and Social Life (cheesy title, solid advice), agrees. “There’s nothing more appealing than the girl who carries herself like she’s having a good time,” he says. “Who wouldn’t want to be around her?” So buy your own martini, and enjoy yourself.That’s penguin bait.
Never Bash Other Women
Another insight man magnets share: Being catty will get you nowhere with guys. Men want to know that you’re confident. “Think about it: If you two start dating, he has a mom, sisters and female friends he’ll want you to spend time with,” says Marie Salazar, 29, a marketer from San Francisco whose male buddies are all in love with her (or so say her annoyed girl-friends). “Showing a guy that it won’t be a nightmare to bring you to a family dinner is a good first step.” Philadelphian Meredith Klein, 23, sums it up this way: “Someone else’s strengths don’t make you look bad—but being jealous and insecure does.”
Be Easy
We’re not talking Jersey Shore easy; we’re talking easygoing. Guys are drawn to girls they can picture having fun with in either a dive bar or a schmancy restaurant. “Men appreciate that I can hang with their friends, kill it at a work event and chill at home,” says New Yorker LaNora Williams-Clark, 32, who has been single for a total of three months since she started dating more than 15 years ago. “It boils down to charm and an ability to roll with the punches.”
Related: The Top 10 Ways to Wake Up Prettier
Don’t Dress for Girls
The super-trendy stuff you’d wear to impress your friends often leaves men cold. Guys Glamour spoke to gave the thumbs-down to maxidresses (“They cover too much skin,” says Rob, 38), rompers (“How do you even pee?” asks Thomas, 36) and harem pants (“MC Hammer is calling,” quips Kyle, 30). But you don’t have to squeeze into a Kardashidress to get his attention, either. What’s universally sexy, according to men? A woman in a white tee, cute-butt jeans and a pair of heels. Done and done.
Be (Genuinely) Busy
This trick’s not about playing hard to get; it’s about having so much great stuff going on in your world that hewants to be a part of it. “Women who are genuinely busy feel more fulfilled, are happier and are more confident—three powerful magnets for attracting men,” says Angelica Perez-Litwin, Ph.D., a Nyack, New York, psychologist and relationship counselor. Says Mickelle Jackson, 30, a school administrator from Trenton, New Jersey, who’s had more than a few male friends confess romantic feelings: “If a man has to choose between a clingy beauty and an unavailable average girl, he will choose average every time.”
Two Words: No Bitching
When your crazy boss is blowing up your iPhone after hours and your sister is insisting you wear pistachio-and-melon-striped chiffon to her wedding, it can be easy to slip into a monologue about why life sucks. Don’t! “It makes you look like a drama queen, and if there’s one thing all guys hate, it’s drama,” says Christina Nguyen, a 31-year-old from Minneapolis who’s been told her fun-loving attitude makes her memorable. LoDolce agrees: “It’s impossible to flirt if you’re complaining.”
See also: Fall 2011’s Most Wearable Trends
Let Him See Your Ambitious Side
It’s a corollary of “be busy”: Guys like women who have passions in life, so show yours! “When my husband and I were dating, he would always tell me how much my ambition inspired him to be better,” says Jessica Guberman, 34, a vice president of marketing and development for a national nonprofit in Princeton, New -Jersey. For Alexa Carlin, 20, of Wellington, Florida, fulfilling her dream of running her own fashion company caused a noticeable spike in male attention: “Girls who are motivated to accomplish their dreams show drive and determination—guys love those qualities.” Sharing your goals up front also affects the type of guy you attract. “High-quality men are drawn to ambitious women,” LoDolce believes. “I hate when women worry about intimidating men. If a guy is intimidated by you, he doesn’t deserve you.” Amen to that.
Be the Person You Want to Date
Sounds simple, but you can’t seek a man who is secure, self-assured and emotionally evolved if you’re not all of those things yourself. It’s basic relationship karma! “If you wouldn’t want to date yourself, then how can you expect someone else to want to date you?” says Lina Shivangi, a 31-year-old marketing director from Austin, Texas. Nadarah Butler, 31, a doctor living in Los Angeles who has never gone more than a year without a serious boyfriend, agrees: “If you haven’t figured out who you are yet, you can’t possibly know what you want in a guy.”
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Fall Foliage Fashion Event - 2011
I was invited to participate not only as a model but also as a designer at My! My! My! boutique Fall show in Atlanta, Ga. I got a chance to showcase my creations and meet wonderful people who enjoyed style and wine ; ) just as much as I do. Here are a few pictures from the event and if you're ever in Atlanta make sure to check out this one of a kind vintage boutique.
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| Custom made shoes from your truly |
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| Me modeling a vintage dress. My! My! My! has some of the best clothes I've seen (and wore) in Atlanta |
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| Model Desiree Sawyerr |
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| An original custom designed shoe from yours truly |
Me and Another designer. He makes wonderful ties
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| Tomik Event Coordinator |
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| A pair of my custom made heels |
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| TWO stylish guys Tyron Coachman and Blake Pippin. |
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| Model Lana |
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| Me doing a promo for my custom made shoes |
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| Custom designs from yours truly |
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| More attendees |
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| Original Jewelry design by Princess Brandy |
CoCo Chanel Exhibit
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/06/22/2399107/coco-chanels-timeless-fashion.html
Words From Revolution Mary
The hottest team on the streets would like to announce that Revolution Mary has been brought on as a regular member of the SVF staff. Her first blog was both powerful and popular. After today, Revolution Mary will be addressing you from our page herself. Check out her future blogs on the site. Now, words from this modern Joan of Arc "... You have a family? Ok. Well, for you and your kind, the revolution starts at home. Raise your kids. Be friends with your spouse. Make sure you are not raising delinquents before you try to save deliquents. Serve your spouse before you try to offer ALL your services to your community and country. Family, community, nation... That's the order."
MORE WORDS FROM REVOLTUION MARY: "... Revolution is breaking out all over America. Peaceful protesters are being arrested here in Georgia and all over the U.S. The mainstream news is trying to demonize them and suppress what's really going on. Peopel, stop "watching the throne" and watch and join the change/revolution. People all over the world are tired. Get informed. Troy Davis protest are going on (still), Occupy Wall Street (In Atlanta), and Prison hunger strikes. Take your pick. Get involved." Revolution Mary
A Marvelous Creation
About a month ago I was working an event and even though I was "working" I was able to wear a pair of my custom made heels. People liked them and I gave out business cards and that was that. Now we all know that giving out business cards doesn't mean that a person will visit your site, all it means it they were nice enough to take your card. Well a week ago, I got a phone call from a guy I met at a party and he visited the site. He loved the site and the shoes and decided to show it to one of his clients (a celebrity) . His client loved my site and asked to custom make her a pair of boots. That probably had to be the best/scariest thing ever.... a celebrity trusting me to create a one of a kind piece. So I did and check out my creation. *currently patting myself on the back*
Sunday, October 16, 2011
The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl
We Would like to introduce you to the new comedy series taking over the internet, "The Misadventures of the Awkward Black Girl. The are 9 episodes so far and here is one of our favorites. I hop you enjoy it just as much as us. We support hard work at SVF. Enjoy!
Look out Jimmy Choo and Louis Vuitton. SVF is coming for ya!
Recently I sent in a video for a BET fashion competition entitled "Lens On Talent". The video took all of 1 hour to shoot and another hour to edit. I scurry along about with my daily routine and didn't think much more about it. Well I received an email that my video was chosen as one of the top 25 highlighted submissions. I was also informed that the competition starts on October 17, 2011 and that the winner is totally up to "YOU". So starting Today we need for all of our supporters, stylistas, stylistors, family, friends, EVERYBODY to help get SVF video to the Top. SO lets fire this voting machine up.... You can see the link to the submission below
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Hit America Below the Belt- In Its Wallet!
It is not my intention to be cynical or highly critical, but what good will come from sleeping in Troy Davis Park (recently known as Woodruff Park)? Understand, I appreciate the effort and the symbolic meaning of the protesters of 'Occupy Atlanta.' I truly do. I just want to know what's next. I want to know why we are 'occupying' an irrelevant property in Downtown Atlanta. I mean, people have been sleeping in Troy Davis Park and many other parks around Atlanta for years. It's like we're tucked away but just noticeable for people to see. 
If you're gonna act, ACT. Do it BIG! Occupy the steps of City Hall. Occupy the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. Occupy bank headquarters. Occupy something relevant besides a PUBLIC park. Unlike many, I have been down to Troy Davis Park and have conversed and 'occupied' with the protesters. Initially when I first saw the protesters and their sad tents tattered across the park, I had an overwhelming feeling of discouragement. I didn't see angry, disenchanted citizens. I saw college commrades from local universities eating pb&j sandwiches that were straining to speak over the annoying, off tempo ruckus made by a group of clueless looking young adults beating on the bottom of empty, purposeless buckets. In that moment I lost a great deal of zeal and passion.
I had lost all revolutionary thought and instead began praying to God to send some minorities with some rhythm to the park to help that God-forsaken group of students whose soul purpose seems only to beat on empty buckets at EVERY political rally. Are these buckets their war drums? If so, then I understand the confusing, unstructured, energy of the protest here in Atlanta.
Personally, I believe our needs here in America have forgone marches and sit-ins and sit-downs and lay-downs and whatever else you can think of. It's time for activism to with some real, hard core action. I'm talking about activism that hurts. Sitting and sleeping in a cold, wet park alone won't cut it. I mean, again, people have been doing this unwillingly for some time now. Sleeping outside isn't anything new and has not provoked the government before hand or prompted the 1% to give. Why would they now? Actually, this is how a good percentage of the 99% sleep anyway. Thus, I propose that we inflict pain. Cause an action that blackens the eye of the 1%. Are we ready for that type of action here in Atlanta? It's time to launch an action against the oppressive system. I propose we boycott! They won't give the money. Take the money. It will be difficult at first, but if we give them a Black eye by swinging at their pockets, I'm sure they'll listen to what we're saying. Flood you community stores, your farmer's market, etc. Stop supporting the banks, go withdraw your money. Something! Anything! People, it's time to sacrifice for the greater good. Give up their products and businesses! Blacken their eye by swinging at their pockets! OCCUPY YOUR MONEY!!! I bet they'd listen then.Signed,
Revolution Mary
Monday, September 12, 2011
This is it.... WHAT!!!
Camp Lo is an American Hip Hop group formed in 1995 by rappers. Sonny Cheeba (Salahadeen Wilds) and Geechi Suede (Saladine Wallace). They are both from Bronx, New York and have muslim upbringings. The best way to describe thier music is soulful Hip Hop. I listened to a couple of tracks from their debut album "Uptown Saturday Night" and fell in love. Even though Im hearing this album for the first time (14 years later), I can honeslty say Im a fan.
With "Uptown Saturday Night"You dont hear much about drugs, clothes, hoes, P**sy, cars, sex, which is probably why I like it so much. While the rap game is filled with derogatory lyrics that puts us (African Americans) back THOUSANDS of years, is nice to hear what Hip Hop is suppose to be. So Im posting the video "Luchini" and I hope you guys enjoy it as much as I do.. PS LADIES CHECK OUT THE GUY AT THE END............ FIIIOONE!
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Saturday, August 20, 2011
Lonette McKee: America's Last Tragic Mulatto
There was a time when mulatto women weren't allowed to play themselves in movies. The famed "tragic mulatto" was mostly always played by a white woman. Lonette McKee, one of Hollywood's most celebrated tragic mulattos, experienced those sore days of cinema.
Though the yella gal motiff has been celebrated in recent years by their exclusive presence in hip hop music videos, and by modern success stories of starletts such as Lauren London, Mariah Carey, and Rasheeda Jones, Lonette McKee's roles came about during the time when biracial children were still America's dirty little secret.
As Lonette McKee sang to us in her deep, provocative voice, I looked around at all the others who had slipped back to the "Sparkle" years. Beauty does not fade, it only hides and surprises you from time to time by allowing you another look. Lonette also shared a milestone with the crowd. After years of mulatto's being played by white women, she was the first mulatto woman picked to play the mulatto character "Julie" in Broadway's "Show Boat." "Now, what kinda shit is that?" Lonette asked us, making the predominantly white crowd burst into laughter and applause. Now in her 50s, Lonette ownes a film company, in which she has produced several films and music videos with Spike Lee, and she is an adjunct professor at Centenary College of New Jersey, where she teaches acting.
So, it's only befitting that these days, Lonette McKee portrays white women in film. We know her as Jason Pitt's mother on BET's "The Game." We saw her in ATL as Nu-Nu's mother. Also, she played Jessica Alba's mother in "Honey." Hey, if white women could play mulatto's then, then mulattos can portray white women now. Talk about retribution.
This past monday, I had the honor of sitting beside Lonette McKee as she sang to a packed house at the legendary Blue Note in New York City. I felt so special as this long-time starlette of music, television, stage, and film seduced us into a yester-year slumber.
I first saw Lonette McKee in the cult classic "Sparkle", a 1976 film about the pitfalls of the music industry. Picture Halle Berry in "Jungle Fever" meets "Dream Girls." It was this film that catapulted Lonette McKee to a career of portraying "yella gals."
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| Lonette Mckee in "Queen" |
What roles she's given us. Passion. The list is a long and accomplished one:
"Malcolm X" "The Women of Brewster Place" "Queen" "Jungle Fever" "He Got Game" and "Brewster's Millions" to name of few. What is important to note about Lonette Mckee's career is that she could have chosen to live her life as a white woman and bypassed all of the challenges of being a very light skinned black woman in Hollywood. But, Lonette used her career to represent mulatto women, not as a seperate entity but as a subculture of black women- especially in her roles in "Queen" and "Jungle Fever".
As Lonette McKee sang to us in her deep, provocative voice, I looked around at all the others who had slipped back to the "Sparkle" years. Beauty does not fade, it only hides and surprises you from time to time by allowing you another look. Lonette also shared a milestone with the crowd. After years of mulatto's being played by white women, she was the first mulatto woman picked to play the mulatto character "Julie" in Broadway's "Show Boat." "Now, what kinda shit is that?" Lonette asked us, making the predominantly white crowd burst into laughter and applause. Now in her 50s, Lonette ownes a film company, in which she has produced several films and music videos with Spike Lee, and she is an adjunct professor at Centenary College of New Jersey, where she teaches acting.
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| Lonette Mckee in People 1995 |
After the show, I made my way to Lonette McKee's dressing room, where she graciously invited me in and signed for me a copy of the "Sparkle" movie poster. I am giving it to my grandmother this weekend.
She looked so comfortable in her dressing room, a graceful allusion to the ladies of the cinema golden age. It was clear that this tragic mulatto had finally come to rest and found peace. Yella gals world wide, pay homage. Lonette McKee paved the way.
***No filming or pictures were allowed during or after Lonette McKee's show.***
James Jones
jjoneswrites@yahoo.com
http://www.quickread.ning.com/
www.twitter.com/K2quared
James Jones
jjoneswrites@yahoo.com
http://www.quickread.ning.com/
www.twitter.com/K2quared
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Featured Designer
I am constantly seeking and observing new, different, and innovation Designers. In my search, I've come across a very talented woman, who also happens to be a close friend, Karin Lang. She has many businesses and talents including a very unique and innovative clothing line called "Adore Life". Not only does her designs obtain new and custom designs, they also have a positive message, to simply adore life. I am honored to have met Karin Lang and am proud to feature her wonderful clothing, "Adore Life".
Who is Karin Lang?
My love for clothing designs began at age 8, when my grandmother and I sat on the porch drawing designs. Shortly after, my mother bought my first paper doll book. Somehow, I just wanted my paper dolls to have more of a variety of clothing. That's when my love for drawing clothing designs began and I haven't stopped since. My love for art has lead me pursue putting out my 1st designer collection of women's tees that reflect the way I feel about life. I'm the kind of person that loves to dress according to my mood, as seen in the various looks on this site. The designs are a representation of how I feel about life. There are so many things in life you could choose to focus on, the good or the bad. Preferably, I choose to focus on the good and to be reminded constantly of all the things that I have to be grateful for that make my life what it is at this very moment. Therefore, I choose to share this with everyone. We have to choose what our focus and attitudes will be. I personally choose to adore life, I hope you will too.
You can Check out adorelife
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Old Men Dream Dreams in "House of Blue Leaves"
I often ask myself if leaving Howard University to chase my dreams was a good idea. Some have told me I was crazy to leave a sure thing. Others have had mixed feelings on the departure. And me? I've been undecided for the last two years- until last week when I saw Ben Stiller in "House of Blue Leaves" on Broadway.
Stiller, who made his big stage debut in the same production back in the 80's as the main character's son, returned to the production to play the protagonist. In the play, Artie, a 40-something unappreciated New York musician, struggles to chase his aged dreams while working as a zoo-keeper and caring for his mentally disturbed wife.
However, before the audience could feel sorry for Artie, we learned that he was also carrying on a very public affair with his downstairs neighbor. What a shame. I was so ready to sympathize with him as one whose dreams had never come true. As for my dreams, I never starred in a TGIF sitcom, I never went to the Olympics, and I never got to be the lead singer of a boy band.
That night, I shared my nevers with Artie as he blamed everyone for his being "an old talent", defined as one who still chases youthful dreams in old age. He blamed his wife and her mental problems for holding him back, he blamed his job for not allowing him growth, and he blamed club owners for not liking the music he played.
But there was a saving grace for Artie. The Pope was coming to New York and legend has it that anyone who makes a wish in the presence of the Pope will have that wish come true. I laughed with the audience at Artie's audacity to take his wife and his mistress to see the Pope together. But it seems that Artie really believed.
However, that visit to wish upon the Pope only unraveles Artie's life more as he looses a grip on all of the things that he does have in order to make a grab at all of those things that he doesn't.
During this play I thought back to when I let go. I just walked away. I left class, packed up my dorm room, and I hit the open high way in search of adventure. Boy, how far that adventure has taken me. From DC, to Atlanta, to Charlotte, and now to New York- all in search of fame.
But is fame really worth it? In "House of Blue Leaves" Artie's mistress, Bunny, sees him fading away in search of the spotlight and tells him that a regular life is all that one should desire because "when the stars go to sleep at night, it's us they dream of." Artie didn't take Bunny's advice, and though she sounded as deep as a home wrecker could sound, I can't take that advice either. Like Artie, there is an itch in all of us to want to be greater than we are. I felt that itch long ago, but waited years to scratch it.
Now, I'm an associate at a repuable entertainment company in New York and living out the early stages of my dreams, like going to big shows for free, skipping lines, sitting in on concert rehearsals, and being a part of bookings and contract negotiations. I'm living the almost good life. Just think, If I had stayed at Howard, I would be on my way to being a community celebrated writer of books that are only read by collegues and students. I gambled on my life, and as of now I think I am cashing in.
I looked back to the stage to see Ben Stiller, as Artie, crouched, lamenting his dreams that never came true. I also looked at the acquaintances I'd come with: an a near 60-year-old music manager, a 55-yea- old actor, and a 50 something-year-old writer; all famous in thier own circles. I watched the close of the show with a really good feeling that someday I would be famous. I'd hate to be an old talent.
jjoneswrites@yahoo.com
http://www.quickread.ning.com/
www.twitter.com/K2quared
jjoneswrites@yahoo.com
http://www.quickread.ning.com/
www.twitter.com/K2quared
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