GGT'S EMPOWERMENT CELEBRATION!

Ladies,

You are invited to attend the

Second Annual

Girlfriends Get-Together

Empowerment Celebration

Guest Speaker: Sil Lai Abrams

Author of NO MORE DRAMA: Nine Simple Steps to Transforming a Breakdown into a Breakthrough

Saturday, March 29

1-3pm

Napoleon

1847 Columbia Rd. -- Adams Morgan

Washington, D.C.

Attire: Chic

Tickets: $30

*Giftbag worth over $45!

For tickets, click HERE!

Or visit: www.tinaleemedia.com/Events

About the speaker:

Sil Lai was born to a nineteen year-old Chinese women and a black military serviceman, setting the stage for an onslaught of stigmas and stereotypes. Although she quickly became a beautiful and successful model, her battles with addiction, domestic violence, and depression began to weigh her down. Sil Lai's book is a step-by-step way for readers to confront their pasts, assess their current situation, and move on to a successful future. Her process, coined as SEPIA ("Self Empowerment Principles in Action"), relies on transforming the "drama" from one's past into something tangible and useful.

I hope you are able to attend this uplifting and inspiring event!

Your girlfriend,

Bettina L. Lee

Until next time...

Be seen at the top!

D.C. Event: Discusson on Skin Color

We are supporting our Chicas in the Maryland/D.C. area. Here is a wonderful event from Friends About Business. Please support.

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EVENT DETAILS

Who: Project F.A.B. ~ Friends About Business

What: Project F.A.B. Phase III

When: Tuesday, October 23rd @ 7-9pm **$5 before 8pm, $7 after

Where: Artmosphere Cafe (3311 Rhode Island Avenue Mt. Rainer, MD) - artmospherecafe.com

Why: To celebrate & appreciate the beauty of our shades, while networking & supporting our fellow sisters' businesses... Discussion of "the light/dark thing" will be had.

Directions: http://www.artmospherecafe.com/ or call 301-927-CAFE

Contact: KaNikki Jakarta & Princess of Controversy projectfab@yahoo.com or call 703-593-8505


Until next time...

Be Seen at the Top!

Black Girls Rock Awards Ceremony

Now, Toni mentioned a BGR event that is taking place on Friday, but I'm going to give you the breakdown of who is being honored at the awards ceremony, courtesy of a BGR boardmember.
~Bettina

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THE 2ND ANNUAL BLACK GIRLS ROCK! AWARDS SHOW CELEBRATES WOMEN OF COLOR AT STAR-STUDDED GALA

BGR! Teams Up With VH1 During Hip Hop Honors Weekend To Celebrate Exceptional Women Of Color

World renowned celebrity DJ and Philanthropist,

Beverly Bond, has enlisted a cadre of some of the biggest bold faced names in entertainment to join her in recognizing exceptional women of color who have made outstanding contributions in their careers and communities. Esteemed actresses Regina King and Gabrielle Union will join forces as co-hosts of the 2nd Annual 2007 BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Awards, taking place Saturday October 6th, 2007, 8:00 PM in the Allen Room at Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Sponsored by CoverGirl Queen Collection, VH1 Hip Hop Honors, bluhammock music, Jordan Brand, Akademiks, GIANT Magazine and METRO, this year’s growing list of presenters include breakout superstar and COVERGIRL spokesmodel Rihanna, R&B heartthrob Mario, pop-star Mya, philanthropist/poet/artist Danny Simmons, hip-hop pioneer MC Lyte, R&B princess Ashanti, and Bad Boy recording artist and actress in the upcoming Disney film “Step Up 2,” Cassie. Other presenters include music mogul Andre Harrell, Hip-Hop legend and icon KRS-One, Rain Pryor, NAACP Image Award winning actress, author, MS Avocate and daughter of legendary comedian Richard Pryor, philanthropist and former model Bethann Hardison, “The Wire’s” Sonja Sohn, Discovery Home Channel celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson and more.

Some of the featured awards & recipients are:
· BLACK GIRLS ROCK! ‘Social Humanitarian Award’- Susan Taylor, Editorial Director and the driving force behind ESSENCE Magazine, a staunch advocate for the nation's poor and dedicated to moving the Black community forward.
· BLACK GIRLS ROCK! ‘Monument Award’- The Rutgers Women’s Basketball Team, having endured the highly publicized slight and the media firestorm that followed, held their own and emerged gracefully from what will be remembered as a catalyst for historical change in mainstream media.
· BLACK GIRLS ROCK! ‘Corporate Award’- Sylvia Rhone, music mogul and pioneer, is largely regarded as one of the most influential female executives in the history of the music business.
· BLACK GIRLS ROCK! ‘COVERGIRL QUEEN Who Got Next Award’ - Newcomer Def Jam songbird Chrisette Michele, who burst on the scene this year with her raw energy and soulful sound, is scheduled to perform.
· BLACK GIRLS ROCK! “DJ JAZZY JOYCE” Award - DJ Diamond Kuts who at the age of 24 has already made history by being the first and only female mixer on Philadelphia radio.
· BLACK GIRLS ROCK! ‘Soul Sista Award’ - Marsha Ambrosius “The Songstress” of the hit making duo Floetry who recently embarked on a solo career is also scheduled to perform.
· BLACK GIRLS ROCK! ‘Creative Visionary Award’ – 5 Time Grammy Winner, Missy Elliott, is one of the most prominent contemporary female entertainers of our time.
· BLACK GIRLS ROCK! ‘Fashionista Award’ – Designer Tracy Reese epitomizes “feminine chic” with her eponymous collection, Tracy Reese, and her fanciful line, Plenty, both of which have been fashion favorites since their inception.
· BLACK GIRLS ROCK! ‘Community Outreach Award’ - Fox 5 Investigative Reporter and Hot 97 Street Soldier, Lisa Evers, a journalist and nationally regarded community activist is dedicated to addressing issues that affect the urban community at large through her weekly talk show.
· BLACK GIRLS ROCK! ‘Soul Brother # 1 Award’ - Hip hop artist, Common is best known for songs that focus on spirituality, poverty, and other issues to do with social awareness.

Also performing on Lincoln Center’s world class stage will be country crooning newcomer Rissi Palmer, a rising Black female country star, Jean Baylor formerly of the hit R&B duo Zhane, and J Records rising star Emily King.

“We are proud and humbled to have such strong, beautiful and powerful women involved with this event,” says Beverly Bond Founder and President of BGR! “In light of the media’s constant focus on the negative depiction of Black women it is so very important that Black Girls Rock! takes the time to shine a much needed light on our Sheroes.”
About Black Girls Rock!, Inc.

BLACK GIRLS ROCK! INC. is a 501c3 nonprofit, youth empowerment mentoring organization established for young women of color as a reaction to the often seen negative images consistently imprinted upon women of color expressly in mass media. BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Inc.’s mission is to promote the arts and to encourage positive life changing activity, critical thinking, and dialogue about the images of women in our present day culture. BLACK GIRLS ROCK! seeks to build the self-esteem and self-worth of young women of color by changing their outlook on life, broadening their horizons, and helping them to empower themselves. The name alone is an AFFIRMATION! BLACK GIRLS ROCK! has boldly taken on the crisis of our female youth of color here in America head on and understands the need for positive self-images and a strong sense of awareness. WE SEE SOLUTIONS.

For tickets and more information on Black Girls Rock! and the Black Girls Rock! Awards, visit www.blackgirlsrockinc.com/awards.

Until next time...

Be Seen at the Top!

Amy Book Launch recap

Hey Chicas,

So sorry for the delay. We were grinding so I don't know HOW I thought someone was going to be able to get pictures. :-( {pictured right: Co-hosts Gayle King, author Amy DuBois Barnett and Kevin Liles. Not pictured co-host Angela Burt-Murray}

BUT, appearances for the book start today and Amy is thrilled. Once we get the full schedule, we will let you know. In the meantime, she will be at the Baltimore Book Festival tonight!

Here are the details:

Mount Vernon Place

600 Block North Charles St.

Baltimore, MD 21201

Ladies’ Night Out Panel Discussion

7:00PM Literary Salon

Back for its 2nd year by popular demand …Featuring complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres provided by Lebanese Taverna Restaurant.

Moderated by Susan Piver, How Not to Be Afraid of Your Own Life

Panelists include:

Patricia Carlin, How to Tell if Your Boyfriend is the Antichrist

Amy Cohen, The Late Bloomer’s Revolution

**Amy DuBois Barnett, Get Yours! The Girlfriends' Guide to Having Everything You Ever Dreamed of and More!

Amber Madison, Hooking Up: A Girl's All-Out Guide to Sex & Sexuality

Until next time...

Be Seen at the Top!

Book, Party, and Notes

Hello Girlfriends Get-Together community:

We told you about it in the August 28th post, but now it is here. Girlfriend Amy DuBois Barnett 's book, Get Yours! The Girlfriends' Guide to Having Everything You Ever Dreamed of and More launched yesterday. Amy is a wonderful client, friend and mentor. We are extremely proud of her accomplishments and wish her much success on this new venture. For a more personal look into Amy's quest or to sign-up for her book tour, visit www.AmyDuBoisBarnett.com. You can also "Add her as a friend" on MySpace at www.MySpace.com/AmyDuBoisBarnett

Okay, so tonight is her book launch party. It's being hosted by Gayle King, Kevin Liles and Angela Burt-Murray. We've been working on the guestlist for weeks now. We invited just over 600 guests, the capacity of the space is 200, but the RSVP list has soared to over 800. Where did all these random people come from? Hot mess. An email will be sent to all the party crashers to deter them from doing so, but you know how people can be. Special invited GGTers will be on hand to partake in the festivites.

Tomorrow we'll recap the party and post pictures.

Until next time...

Be Seen at the Top!

GETTING TO KNOW YOU!

Hola Chicas,

We at Girlfriends Get-Together are interested in learning more about what you would like to get from US. As you know, GGT is for ALL girlfriends: young/old, rich/poor, black/white/green/yellow/red/blue etc. etc. You get the point. :-)

Please let us know what events or activities (i.e. financial seminars, self defense class, book club, workshops) you'd like to see, what subject matters you'd like to learn about and whatever else you'd like to get from Girlfriends Get-Together. We are here for you!

Post your comments, questions and/or suggestions below!

Thanks!

Girlfriends Get-Together Team

FORMER HONEY MAG EDITOR WRITES BOOK!

Our Girlfriend Amy DuBois Barnett, has a book coming out this fall. Amy was the Editor-in-Chief of Honey magazine before moving over to Teen People as the Managing Editor. She's now at Harper's Bazaar. We love to support so here is the scoop on the book, compliment of publicist, Nancy Hirsch. Can't wait until the book drops! Email us and we'll put you on the mailing list for her book tour.
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GET YOURS!
THE GIRLFRIENDS’ GUIDE TO HAVING EVERYTHING
YOU EVER DREAMED OF AND MORE
By Amy DuBois Barnett

"Do you worry about what it means to be successful and happy? Are you looking for the confidence and faith to live your dreams? I hope to inspire you to discover your true passions, to let go of any fear you have, and to make every single day of your life count!"


In GET YOURS! THE GIRLFRIENDS’ GUIDE TO HAVING EVERYTHING
YOU EVER DREAMED OF AND MORE, Amy DuBois Barnett, the Deputy Editor in Chief of Harper’s Bazaar, shows you how to achieve your wildest dreams…today, this year and for the rest of your life! With humor and honesty, Amy shares her own story of transformation from insecure people-pleaser to strong, independent woman. She reveals the personal philosophy that allowed her to look and feel fabulous, find love and achieve history-making professional success.

Amy’s book also features an impressive list of exclusive interviews, including Gayle King, Venus Williams, Sanaa Lathan, Mo’Nique, Gabrielle Union, Hill Harper, Sarah Jones, Kelly Rowland, Mellody Hobson, Kelis and India.Arie.

Weaving together intimate anecdotes, exclusive celebrity interviews, thought-provoking quizzes, and brilliant-but-basic tips, tricks and tools, Amy gives you the insight and encouragement to:

• Identify and pursue your true passions.
• Let go of any negativity that’s holding you back.
• Find the man of your dreams—and build a lasting relationship.
• Achieve your professional goals and accumulate real wealth.
• Get the body you’ve always wanted.
• Develop your personal style and nurture your creative talents.
• Form unbreakable bonds with your family, your friends and your higher power.
• Enjoy life and make every day count!

GET YOURS is a powerful guide that gives all women the tools they need to discover their passion, create their purpose and live and adventurous and fulfilling lives.

About the Author
An award-winning journalist, fiction writer and television commentator, AMY DuBOIS BARNETT is currently the Deputy Editor in Chief of Harper’s Bazaar. As the former Managing Editor of Teen People, Amy became the first African-American woman in the country to head a major mainstream magazine. Before that, she was the Editor-in-Chief and driving force behind Honey magazine. Amy has also been a weekly pop-culture commentator on CNN’s American Morning, a regular panelist on NPR’s News and Notes and has been featured on numerous national television shows including The Today Show, Good Morning America and The Early Show. She continues to make frequent television and radio appearances as an expert on social issues, pop culture and professional development. In addition, she is an active board member of Girls Inc. of New York, and a motivational speaker at educational and professional organizations across the country. Amy received her B.A. from Brown University and an M.F.A. in creative writing from Columbia University.

For more information or to schedule an interview with the author, please contact the Nancy Hirsch Group at 212-967-3805

Until next time...

Be Seen at the Top!

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Oh, hell no! Not my baby!

We came across this video clip and let us tell you, it is uplifting. Not in the way you think. It's crazy... a little sad and depressing at times. This clip sends you through a bunch of emotions. It has ups, downs, makes you scared, almost want to cry (a little)... Girl!! Just watch it.

Afterwards, put on Robin Thicke's Can You Believe and you will feel invincible. LOL

Enjoy!



Until next time...
Be Seen at the Top!

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Mr. / Mrs. Right... are they? For real?

My Ex sent this to me, so I thought I would share... Chile, don't even ask.
Enjoy...


Porcupine sex and three myths of compatibility
By Mark Thompson, Ph.D.
Special to Yahoo! Personals

The secret to compatibility is a lot like the old joke: "How do two porcupines make love?" Answer: "Very carefully."

Compatibility is something you have to work at. Like porcupine sex, compatibility has to be negotiated as you go along. You'll have a better chance at negotiating this dance if you let go of three popular myths and misconceptions about compatibility.

Myth #1: Similar people are more compatible
There is no evidence that very similar couples are more likely to have lasting, loving relationships, with one exception. If you have very traditional ideas about marriage, family, and gender roles, research suggests you'll probably be more satisfied with a partner who shares these beliefs. Otherwise, chances are, you can be happy with someone who's similar in some ways and opposite in others.

Often, these differences spark a lot of passion. Plus, you avoid the boredom of being with someone who already knows how you think and feel about everything. As Jerry Seinfeld once said: "I can't be with someone like me…I hate myself!"

Myth #2: Compatible couples enjoy each other's company and don't fight
All couples have fights. They typically fight about the same things too: money, kids, and sex. Contrary to what most self-help books will tell you, many very happy couples fight all the time. My aunt and uncle bicker constantly, but they certainly stay involved in each other's lives. Plus, if you look closely, you'll notice how they wink at, tease, and occasionally kiss at the same time they're fighting.

All couples go through periods of feeling bored with each other too. My friends and I joke that you can always tell the couples in a restaurant who are dating and the couples who are married, because the married ones aren't talking. Again, it goes against popular wisdom, but many very happy couples don't have a lot in common or much to talk about. Compatibility is about your ability to re-connect with each other, over and over again.

Myth #3: You can tell within the first few dates if your date is compatible
Although I'm a big believer in natural "chemistry," I've seen too many couples either give up too quickly or rush into a relationship, solely based on first impressions. Unfortunately, a lot of important information remains hidden for the first five or six dates. Frankly, everyone is on their best behavior on these first dates (or at least until you've had sex).

This brings us back to those sexy porcupines. They look sweet and even cuddly until threatened, and then the quills spike up. For most of us, our personality and communication style work the same way. It's only when we are threatened (because we feel hurt, angry, or afraid) that our instinctual way of responding pops out. Like those porcupines, we often start jabbing and hurting each other or simply run away.

Making love very carefully
Compatibility is about what the two of you do in those prickly situations. It's your ability to create a good "fit," even when your connection doesn't come naturally. That's why I encourage people to focus less on looks and common interests and more on a potential partner's "relationship skills" or "emotional intelligence."

If you're going to end up fighting, you might as well find someone who knows how to fight fair. If you know you're eventually going to get bored with your partner, you should probably find someone who likes to try new things and wants to grow and change with you.

Mark Thompson, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, statistician, and widely published researcher in social relationships and public health. He is CEO of weAttract.com. He has never seen a porcupine, but hopes to someday.


Be Seen at the Top!


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Back from Jamaica

Yes, ladies... we are back. Last week we were in Jamaica living it up with 100 recent college graduates (view the March 1st posting). We were holding it down for the Stay Strong Foundation (Terrie Williams) and Recycling Inspiration (Xavier Artis). Chile, the week was wonderful; sun, fun, drinks and tons of emotion. Don't get me wrong, we were grinding (photo taglines, student travel arrangements, celebrity room assignments, celebrity interview arrangements and the hole 9... and then some) but the week offered an awesome chance to get away.

The trip was Jamaica 360, the first annual one actually. It was designed to celebrate the acheivements of recent college graduates. The headliners were Doug E. Fresh and Eddie Griffin (he donated $150k to the cause). Other notables were, well of course author, motivational speaker and public relations genious Terrie Williams, Susan Taylor (Essence Magazine, Essence Cares), old school rapper Dana Dane, Sean Paul (ended up being a no-show), Spragga Benz (ripped the reggae show) and others. The event was all in the Jamaican media and was covered by US media as well, including Access Hollywood.

I (Bettina) personally had to recharge and regroup. Terrie's workshop left everyone's emotions on the floor. You know Essence wrote an article about her battle with depression? She didn't hold back. Terrie opened up that can and girl, let me tell you, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. Students came up to the mic sharing stories of how they and/or their families depression dealt with depression. Black people don't really deal with that subject. We usually say "Oh, you'll be alright, just pray on it. Go to church. You need Jesus." While that is fine and good, it isn't the only thing you can do. Terrie has a book due out this fall entitled Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We're Not Hurting. When I get more details of the actual drop date, we will let you know.

Susan Taylor's workshop had us thinking. She talked about relationships and just plain life. Girlfriend had me thinking. Those of you who know me personally know of the Tabari saga (which has just ended as of Sunday) but we all have some sort of saga in our lives. We need to recharge. Get your mind right. Do for you for a change. Go to Jamaica, and if you can't afford that then take a hot bath, light some candles and zone out to Floetry/Jill Scott/Kindred/Yolanda Adams or whoever else takes you to your place of solitude.

Until next time my dears...

Be Seen at the Top!

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Vagina Power and Penis Power

As per two Girlfriends who passed it along to us, this is a very... interesting video. Alexyss K. Tyler breaks down the significance of women using sex to make decisions. So basically, don't get strung out. Good sex is not the end all and be all. We knew we just had to share. Your mother has been telling you this for years.




Until next time...
Be Seen at the Top! (or maybe on top)


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Little Ways to Reduce Stress

One of our Girlfriends from The Phenomenal Womens Yahoogroup imparted these simple reminders regarding stress. You know I must share. Enjoy!

Suggestions to reduce stress:

• Enjoy nature more. Watch the sunrise or sunset as often as you can.
• Bring fresh flowers into your home or office.
• Break your routine. Do something different.
• Spend more time around the people who add positive energy and love into your life.
• Laughing is like inner jogging.
• Count your blessings.
• Simplify your life. Get rid of clutter.
• Minimize TV news and violent shows.
• Make a positive health decision.
• Don't let people take your kindness for weakness. Speak up. Strengthen your self-esteem. Delegate duties. Don't overextend yourself.
• Don't rush into a relationship mistaking lust for love.
• Be punctual to work and for all appointments.
• Balance your emotions. Don't eat or shop impulsively.

Until next time...

Be Seen at the Top!

Secrets for Personal and Professional Networking Success

This was a X-post on a blog I'm on but the original credit goes to: Mochapreneur@yahoogroups.com. I felt it was useful so I had to share.

Enjoy...

1. Have Your Presentation Professionally Represent Who You Are and What You Do.

• "The image you project, in many circumstances, is far more valuable than your skills or your record of past accomplishments. "

2. Introduce Yourself In A Way That Is Clear, Concise and Personable, And That Generates Interest.

• "Making introductions, being introduced and introducing yourself area a necessary part of effective networking in all situations, at network gatherings, business meetings and social situations."

3. Be At Ease In Groups And Use Conversation Generators Effectively.

• "Too often we lose an opportunity to meet someone because we spend precious time trying to think of the perfect opening line."

4. Reintroduce Yourself To People Rather Than Waiting For Them To Remember You.

• "It is always a big person who walks up to you and offer his/her hand and says hello."

5. Focus On People As They Are Introduced To You So That You Remember Their Name And Who They Are.

• "People don't always care how much you know, but they know how much you care by the way you listen."

6. Become Comfortable Playing Host At Networking Events.

• "Wherever there is a human being there is a chance for kindness."

7. Be Gracious and Courteous With Everyone You Meet.

• "Life is not so short but that there is always time enough for courtesy."

8. Receive and Give Acknowledgments Daily

• "The people who are successful are those who are grateful for everything they have."

9. Acknowledge The People Who Inspire You Whether Or Not You Personally KnowThem.

• "It takes a big spirit to praise the great and the successful instead of envying them."

10. Graciously Receive and Accept Acknowledgment and Support.

• "There is nothing that more obviously separates the powerful from the powerless than graciousness. "

11. Ask For And Use The Support Of Others.

• "If you don't rely on others or make your needs known, you cannot expect a network to meet your expectations or serve your needs."

12. Make Clear Requests Of Your Network In A Clear, Concise, And Non-demanding Manner.

• "One person with a need contacts another with a resource and networking begins."

13. Consistently Find Opportunities To Ask "Who Do You Know Who...?"

• "Ask and it shall be given to you."

14. Become A Member Of A Network.

• "There is nothing like sharing a common purpose to build humanrelationships. "

15. Serve On A Committee Or Board Of An Organization.

• "Membership in an organization is only as good as one's participation in theorganization. "

16. Become Known As A Powerful Networker With An Established And ResourcefulNetwork.

• "A person who enable others to succeed is invariable sought after and respected."

17. Become A Role Model For Power Networking

• "Networkers circulate all that they have and encourage others to do the same."

18. Make Networking A Way Of Life.

• "You were born into a sea of life, existing in harmony with all others. You usually do things best when you do them with others, in cooperation, mutual trust, joy and satisfaction.

Until next time...

Be Seen at the Top!

Freedom of Speech

Did you watch the Grammys last night? Child, the Dixie Chicks rocked it. I was so proud of them. Girlfriends won a total of 5 Grammys and captured the top three awards: Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Album of the Year. I mean, dang! Their song “Not Ready to Make Nice,” umm, umm, umm. That song is good (in my Sexual Chocolate/Coming to America voice.) Basically, the song says “I’m NOT sorry” in response to the uproar caused in 2003 when the group’s feisty lead singer, Natalie Maines, made a sort of antiwar comment to London concertgoers: “Just so you know, we’re ashamed the president of the United States is from Texas.” They are from Texas! You know the rednecks were mad. But death threats? Wasn’t member Emily Robison pregnant? Is it that serious? Who is reeeally proud of Bush? Especially now.

Bashing Bush is not what this entry is about. It’s just amazing how people will turn their backs on you and will try to shut you down just because you don’t follow the rest of the group or because so don’t do status quo. People were canceling tour dates and really messing with their money. I mean, why have the constitutional right of Freedom of Speech anyway? This is an old debate. ‘You can speak your mind, but just not against The Man or anyone of power.’ I mean, even in the New York Times today the title read “Defiant Dixie Chicks Are Big Winners at the Grammys” Defiant? Yada, yada, yada, bite me. Each time they won, Maines had a sarcastic remark to make; antagonizing the haters. I just smiled.

We as Americans need to get our minds right. We are more concerned with who is Anna Nicole Smith’s baby-daddy than with the fact that not all children in America have healthcare; that most of the Katrina victims STILL don’t have homes; that our public school system sucks (If you watched the Grammys, then you saw the public school students rip that a wonderful duet thanks to their Grammy endorsed music program) and whether or not we are ready to have a Black Man as President or a White Woman (and really listen to what they stand for, not just because they are Black or Female.) Don’t get me wrong, I like the glitz, glamour and gossip too, but all that mess isn’t what defines me. I’m not perfect and at times I need to get my mind right about certain things, but in general, making a Dixie Chick statement won’t make me stick my head in the sand. How many of us just want to make nice??

Until next time...

Be Seen at the Top!

Are we there yet??

Do you remember when you were a little girl and loved to play dress up? Shoot, I still like to play dress up. But when you were little, you would pretend to be this person or that person. I remember always saying, “So-and-so is MY man!” I used to love Teddy Riley and Toni Terri. Remember playing with Barbie dolls! My Mom wouldn’t buy me a car so I attached a shoestring to a shoebox and dragged my dolls around the house pretending as if they were going to the mall, their girlfriend’s house or to the store. I did have a 3-story dream house complete with a wrap around staircase, full size bed (and matching linens), and sofa. My Barbies were always ‘in the know’ because I made mini magazines for them out of the subscriber inserts from Ebony, Jet, and whatever else was lying around the house. And Chile’ they were fly. My favorite Barbie, Christina, had a gray pleather coat with grey faux fur around the collar.

So now that I have you thinking about your childhood, how many of you dreamed of being a princess? Now in your dream, were you a minority princess or were you white. What about your Barbies and the rest of your dolls? Were they the same color as you or were they white? Not that that is bad or anything, I just say this because 50 years ago Dr. Kenneth B. Clark, the star witness for the Brown vs. the Board of Education, used Black and White dolls during his psychological test regarding Black children’s self image. Recently, Kiri Davis, high school student in New York, filmed a documentary on the Black children’s self image and conducted a similar test using a Black doll and a White doll. To see the news broadcast featuring her work, click here.

While the recent test did surprise me a bit, it didn’t as well. While measures have been taken in some schools and other public institutions to change Black children’s perception of themselves, it takes more than that. We all know that media shapes our minds and especially our children’s minds. We all know that parents need to take an active role in what their kids are watching, reading, and interacting with, but Davis’ documentary really answers the question of ‘Are we there yet?’ No, we aren’t. To watch the full documentary, click here.

I know that I regardless of race, I have always said that I would buy my friend’s children a little Black doll because it looks like me. I believe children should play with dolls that reflect the entire world, not just a small percent. That’s just me.

Until next time...
Be Seen at the Top!

World AIDS Day: What are you doing?

Today is World AIDS Day. I implore you all to do something (i.e. Get tested, donate money, practice safe sex). Not only today but tomorrow, and the day after that and so on, and so on.

“Black Americans make up 13 percent of the U.S. population but account for over 50 percent of all new cases of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. That infection rate is eight times the rate of whites. Among women, the numbers are even more shocking—- almost 70 percent of all newly diagnosed HIV-positive women in the United States are black women. Black women are 23 times more likely to be diagnosed with AIDS than white women, with heterosexual contact being the overwhelming method of infection in black America.” - ABC News: ‘Out of Control: AIDS in Black America’

This not only affects Black America, but us ALL.

Here is a brief list of sites you can visit to try and make a difference, but by all means, find more and join the fight against this disease.

ABC News - http://abcnews.go.com/Primetime/story?id=2346857&page=1
Black AIDS Institute - http://www.blackaids.org/
Gay Men’s Health Crisis - http://www.gmhc.org/
(Product) Red - http://www.joinred.com
World AIDS Day - http://www.worldaidsday.org/
AIDS Walk - http://www.aidswalk.net/

Confidential AIDS Testing:
http://www.areuatrisk.com/
http://www.medicaltestingcenter.com
http://www.hivtest.org/

Until next time…
Be Seen at the Top!