Black Women: You Can’t Get Rich When You’re Angry - Dr. Venus Opal Reese

HBW 001: You Can’t Get Rich When You’re Angry: A Conversation with Dr. Venus Opal Reese

Get ready for a wonderful ride into the depths of inspiration and courage. You’re about to meet Dr. Venus Opal Reese, a powerfully impactful black woman who is no stranger to hardship OR succes. Dr. Venus was an abandoned teen, left on the streets to fend for herself when a heroic teacher at her school took her in and believed in her, setting her on a new course that would change the lives of hundreds, even thousands of women in the world today. 

In this episode you’re going to hear Dr. Venus’ story, how she views the situations black women face today, and what she is called to do to empower and equip those women for greatness.   You’ve been told a lie.   Dr. Venus strongly believes that black women today are living out a lie that’s been foisted on them for many years. They’ve played out the role of workhorse when their destiny is actually something far greater. Her conviction is that black women need to change the story they’re telling themselves, the stories that go on in their own minds so they can liberate themselves from the drudgery of the past and break into a life of freedom, personally and financially. Listen in to this conversation as Dr. Venus shares what the lie is and how to break free from it. If you listen closely, you’ll hear your own story and possibly discover your own destiny. 

  You can’t get rich when you’re angry.   That’s one of Dr. Venus Opal Reese’s core beliefs. She believes that love, peace, and the ability to build a vast financial storehouse all flow from the same place, so those negative emotions like hatred, jealousy, bitterness, and anger will block you receiving the money that is meant to be yours. What is the cure? You’ve got to experience healing in your heart before anything else. You’ve got to learn how to let the past go so you can move beyond it and experience the freedom that is your birthright. Pay attention to this episode, ladies. Dr. Venus has a lot to share that will help you throw off your chains, if you will let her.   

Don’t be afraid to set amazingly lofty goals for yourself.   It’s that same fear that will hold you back from accomplishing them, so you ‘ve got to start by being willing to name the goal. Write it down. Speak it out loud. Do what it takes to convince yourself that the years of not believing in yourself ARE NOT GOING TO hold you back from taking hold of that goal. Once you’ve done that, you’re ready to begin the practical steps of planning how you’re going to achieve that goal. But be careful, goals are not predictions, they are just plans. As you diligently work toward the accomplishment of your goal, remain flexible to receive other blessings you didn’t even know to dream about. Listen to this episode to hear more of Dr. Venus’ thoughts about how make and work toward your goals.   

Who inspires a successful millionaire black woman like Dr. Venus?   It’s not the kind of person you might expect. The person who inspires Dr. Venus is the woman who took her in off the streets, and according to her own account, saved her life. That is the kind of woman Dr. Venus wants to be. It’s that woman’s bravery and love that inspires Dr. Venus day after day. She’s living up to the potential that dear woman saw in her before she was able to see it in herself. Who inspires you? Who is it that you want to be like, to model yourself after, to honor with your life? hear Dr. Venus’ description of this dear woman and perhaps you’ll be able to find your own inspiration at the same time.   

Outline of this great episode   [0:24] Introduction of today’s guest: Dr. Venus Opal Reese, founder of “Black Women Millionaires.” [1:43] The mission Dr. Venus is after. [3:20] The methodology Dr. Venus follows and how it relates to things like anger, resentment, forgiveness, etc. [7:15] What was it that caused Dr. Venus to start this business? [11:05] What does freedom look like to you, Dr. Venus? [16:28] A typical day in the life of a black woman millionaire. [18:42] Quarterly, annual, weekly?: How does Dr. Venus set her goals? [26:33] Dr. Venus’ thoughts about her next 5 years… where are things going in her business? [29:36] Who inspires you, Dr. Venus? [31:40] What makes Dr. Venus happy? [33:53] What is your number one tip for black women who want to start a business they love? [36:44] How you can get in touch with Dr. Venus - a gift straight from her to you! www.DefyImpossible.com/gift Resources & Links mentioned in this episode   BOOK: The Prayer of Jabez by Dr. Bruce Wilkinson Black Women Millionaires Virtual Salon: http://blackwomenmillionaires.com/ Dr. Venus’s Free Gift: www.DefyImpossible.com/gift   Tweets you can use to share this episode   Your goals are a plan, not a prediction! - Dr. Venus   You will never outrun your self image - Dr. Venus   Set your crazy huge goal, then work it backwards to actionable steps, in this episode   You can’t make the money you want when you’re angry - Dr. Venus   We’ve been told that income depends on, when it really depends on knowledge

Tyeesha Holt author of “Nothing Gay About Being Gay”, speaks on leaving homosexuality.

Tyeesha Holt (@tyeeshaholt) | Twitter
Nothing Gay About Being Gay is about me (Tyeesha Holt) overcoming homosexuality and other strongholds of life in order to discover and fall in love with the real me ! 

Check Out Culture Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with African History Ntwk on BlogTalkRadio

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/theafricanhistorynetworkshow/2015/09/10/tyeesha-holt--author-of-nothing-gay-about-being-gay Listen to The Michael Imhotep Show, Wed. Sept., 9th, 10pm-12midnight EST (7pm – 9pm PST) with host Michael Imhotep of The African History Network. Our guest will be Tyeesha Holt author of “Nothing Gay About Being Gay”.  She’ll talk about the 13 years she spent as a Lesbian and what "saved" her from this lifestyle. (THIS IS HER STORY NOT YOURS).  POST YOUR COMMENTS.  WE MAY READ THEM ON AIR.

"kNOw More !!!" - 2015 Stop the Violence Breakfast

Providing Community Service, Mentorship and Leadership
November 2014

Greetings,
The Gamma Xi Uplift Foundation is delighted to present the Second Annual Stop the Violence Breakfast on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at the Holiday Inn Virginia Beach-Norfolk Hotel and Conference Center, 5655 Greenwich Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462. The purpose of this program is to bring awareness to violence, specifically, domestic violence in our community. We will discuss the responsibilities we all have as a society to support those who are experiencing these acts of abuse; additionally, our responsibilities to help reduce this crime against humanity.

The Gamma Xi Uplift Foundation has made it our mission to uplift our community on multiple levels. Each year the foundation awards numerous scholarships to graduating seniors in the Virginia Beach School System who will be furthering their education at the college level.

We have an annual Talent Hunt program where we encourage the youth to showcase their gifts in the Arts. This program is designed not only for them to perform their skill, but also inspire them to think about a complete presentation; key components such as timeliness, attire, delivery, and style.

The Foundation certainly understands the importance of impacting and exposing our youth to positive opportunities. We have a mentorship program which familiarize the youth in the studies of Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art and Math. They have the opportunity to participate in social projects during the holiday season where they deliver food baskets to the under-served communities in Virginia Beach. They attend workshops and banquets with their peers from other mentor groups to be enriched with various educational topics.

The Foundation will continue to support the efforts we have in place. We will pursue and explore new opportunities to establish a foot print that will make a positive impact in Virginia Beach and throughout Hampton Roads.

The programs that we provide would not be possible without the support of corporations, businesses, organizers and volunteers. This is where your involvement is critical. We need your participation and sponsorship. Tax deductible donations can be mailed to our address at P.O. Box 64535 Virginia Beach, Va. 23467. For questions you may contact Reggie Matthews at 757-338-2943 or reggiematthews1@gmail.com .
Thank you for supporting this event; and for your support of all the other programs that are made possible because of benevolent leaders like you. The Gamma Xi Uplift Foundation salutes your commitment.

Annual Stop the violence Breakfast 1-24-2015 Virginia Beach, Virginia

Providing Community Service, Mentorship and Leadership
November 2014

Greetings,
The Gamma Xi Uplift Foundation is delighted to present the Second Annual Stop the Violence Breakfast on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at the Holiday Inn Virginia Beach-Norfolk Hotel and Conference Center, 5655 Greenwich Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462. The purpose of this program is to bring awareness to violence, specifically, domestic violence in our community. We will discuss the responsibilities we all have as a society to support those who are experiencing these acts of abuse; additionally, our responsibilities to help reduce this crime against humanity.

The Gamma Xi Uplift Foundation has made it our mission to uplift our community on multiple levels. Each year the foundation awards numerous scholarships to graduating seniors in the Virginia Beach School System who will be furthering their education at the college level.

We have an annual Talent Hunt program where we encourage the youth to showcase their gifts in the Arts. This program is designed not only for them to perform their skill, but also inspire them to think about a complete presentation; key components such as timeliness, attire, delivery, and style.

The Foundation certainly understands the importance of impacting and exposing our youth to positive opportunities. We have a mentorship program which familiarize the youth in the studies of Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art and Math. They have the opportunity to participate in social projects during the holiday season where they deliver food baskets to the under-served communities in Virginia Beach. They attend workshops and banquets with their peers from other mentor groups to be enriched with various educational topics.

The Foundation will continue to support the efforts we have in place. We will pursue and explore new opportunities to establish a foot print that will make a positive impact in Virginia Beach and throughout Hampton Roads.

The programs that we provide would not be possible without the support of corporations, businesses, organizers and volunteers. This is where your involvement is critical. We need your participation and sponsorship. Tax deductible donations can be mailed to our address at P.O. Box 64535 Virginia Beach, Va. 23467. For questions you may contact Reggie Matthews at 757-338-2943 or reggiematthews1@gmail.com .
Thank you for supporting this event; and for your support of all the other programs that are made possible because of benevolent leaders like you. The Gamma Xi Uplift Foundation salutes your commitment.

Betty Boop was a Black Woman

 IRock JAZZ

Entertainment Website · https://www.facebook.com/irockjazz/photos/a.152201488175385.34538.144821352246732/767421603320034/?type=1

· September 2 at 8:20pm ·

BETTY BOOP - Origin


Ms. ESTHER JONES, known by her stage name, "Baby Esther," was an " African-American singer and entertainer of the late 1920s. She performed regularly at the (The Cotton Club) in Harlem.

Singer Helen Kane saw her act in 1928 and (COPIED or stole ). Ms Jones' 'baby' Singing Style! > for a recording of "I Wanna Be Loved By You."

Ms. Jones' singing style went on to become the inspiration for (( Max Fleischer )) cartoon character's Voice and SINGING style of BETTY BOOP, was YES a Black Woman.
Her singing trademark Was.. "boop oop a doop ".. In a baby voice at the cotton club in Harlem. -

Esther Jones who's stage name was "Baby Esther" was a popular entertainer at Harlem's Cotton Club in the late 1920s. Baby Esther interpolated words such as 'Boo-Boo-Boo' & 'Doo-Doo-Doo' in songs at a cabaret.
Helen Kane SAW Baby's act in 1928 and (stole) Used it in her hit song I Wanna Be Loved By You.
An early test sound film was also discovered, which featured Baby Esther performing in this style, disproving Kane's claims. Baby Esther's manager also testified that Helen Kane had saw Baby Esther's cabaret act in 1928.

Supreme Court Judge Edward J. McGoldrick ruled: "The plaintiff has failed to sustain either cause of action by proof of sufficient probative force". In his opinion, the "baby" technique of singing did not originate with Kane.

$250,000 infringement lawsuit
Esther's manager also testified that , Helen Kane & her manager , saw Baby's act somewhere between 1928-1929.

Scholar Robert G.O' Meally said, Betty Boop The WHITE CARTOON herself had, as it were, a BLACK grandmother in her background.

Baby Esther was presumed dead by 1934, just when the lawsuit had ended.

1,4503002,876  

http://hellobeautiful.com/2014/09/03/betty-boop-was-black/

http://www.bettyboopchecks.net/betty-boop-and-helen-kane/

I was just scrolling through my Facebook feed when I stopped on a woman who bore a striking resemblance to cartoon, Betty Boop. Although the photo was black and white, I could still tell that the women looked Black. After reading the caption, I found out that the women who inspired the sassy cartoon character was Black!
Rachel Stewart is reporting, Ms. Esther Jones is a singer who was known by her stage name, “Baby Esther.” She was an African-American entertainer in the late 1920s. Her singing style often included, “Boop oop a doop.” She performed regularly at the The Cotton Club in Harlem and that’s where fellow singer, Helen Kane saw her act and was inspired enough to take Esther’s baby singing style and called it her own and recorded, “I Wanna Be Loved By You.”

MUST READ: 1920s-Inspired Bridal Looks
After that, Max Fleischer created Betty Boop, a cartoon character who’s voice sounded a lot like Baby Esther’s and who’s named obviously borrowed from Esther’s signature, “Boop oop a doop.”
In 1932, Kane filed a lawsuit again Paramount Corporation for “exploiting her image.” After a two year legal struggle, Kane lost the case as Paramount was able to prove that Kane did not uniquely originate or have claim to the Betty Boop style of singing or look. Paramount proved this by showing Clara Bow (a Paramount Actress) also had the Betty Boop style of dress and hair.
Evidence was produced that Kane actually derived that singing style from watching Baby Esther perform at the Cotton Club several years before the creation of the Betty Boop character.
Supreme Court Judge Edward J. McGoldrick ruled: “The plaintiff has failed to sustain either cause of action by proof of sufficient probative force.” In his opinion, the “baby” technique of singing did not originate with Kane. Well, look at that! I wonder how many other Black stars have had their whole entire aesthetic taken by a White star who tried to make it their own?

RELATED STORIES:
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Fantasia, Dule Hill & More Take You To A Jazzy 1920s Harlem In New Musical, ‘After Midnight’

Bad Chicks (Would rather be Strippers than Nurses) - Derrick Wilson

Check the video: http://youtu.be/bTVkbXW9ZRc
http://www.omegatalenthunt.blogspot.com From the 2014 Annual Omega Psi Phi Talent Hunt produced by the Gamma Xi and Tau Lambda Chapters. Competitor Derrick M. Wilson performs his spoken word entitled "Bad Chicks (a dedication to the young woman)".

12 year old with Natural Sister-Fro faces expulsion for her Afro - WTF ?

According to Global Grind article by Christina Coleman, the 12 year old pictured was facing an expulsion for her hairstyle. Get INVOLVED ! Do something to ensure this doesn't continue !

ORLANDO, Fla. -
A Central Florida teen told Local 6 on Monday she faced expulsion because administrators at her private school wanted her to cut and shape her hair. But a day later, administrators appeared to have changed their mind, saying she will not be expelled.

Vanessa VanDyke said she was given one week to decide to whether cut her hair or leave Faith Christian Academy in Orlando, a school she's been going to since the third grade. But for now, she and her mother do not plan to change her hair because it is part of the 12-year-old's identity. But her natural hair style comes with a cost. "It says that I'm unique," said VanDyke. "First of all, it's puffy and I like it that way. I know people will tease me about it because it's not straight. I don't fit in." VanDyke said that first the teasing from other students, but now, school leaders seem to be singling her out for her appearance.

Update: African-American girl won't face expulsion over 'natural hair'

Author: Shaun Chaiyabhat, Reporter, schaiyabhat@clickorlando.com
Direct link to Chaivabhat's article: http://www.clickorlando.com/news/africanamerican-girl-faces-expulsion-over-natural-hair/-/1637132/23159400/-/ajs6jbz/-/index.html

Faith Christian Academy has a dress code and rules against how students can wear their hair. The student handbook reads: "Hair must be a natural color and must not be a distraction," and goes on to state examples that include, but are not limited to, mohawks, shaved designs and rat tails.

"A distraction to one person is not a distraction to another," said VanDyke's mother, Sabrina Kent. "You can have a kid come in with pimples on his face. Are you going to call that a distraction?"

VanDyke said she's had her large, natural hair all year long, but it only became an issue after the family complained about students teasing her about her hair.

"There have been bullies in the school," said Kent. "There have been people teasing her about her hair, and it seems to me that they're blaming her."

"I'm depressed about leaving my friends and people that I've known for a while, but I'd rather have that than the principals and administrators picking on me and saying that I should change my hair," said VanDyke.
"I'm going to fight for my daughter," Kent said. "If she wants her hair like that, she will keep her hair like that. There are people out there who may think that natural hair is not appropriate. She is beautiful the way she is."
School administrators told Local 6 in a statement on Tuesday, "we're not asking her to put products in her hair or cut her hair. We're asking her to style her hair within the guidelines according to the school handbook."

Administrators at Faith Christian Academy now say they are not requiring one of their students to cut her hair in order to continue attending, but they are asking her to style it differently.
Last week, a school adviser asked Vanessa Van Dyke's mother to either straighten or cut her daughter's hair or risk expulsion.

"African American hair grows out," mother Sabrina Kent said.  "It doesn't grow down.  Her hair is her hair.  What am I supposed to do?"

Vanessa admits her hair is very big compared to other students at her school.
"It's puffy, and I know people will make fun of me, because it's not straight," she said.  "I don't fit in."
Vanessa said she doesn't want to cut her hair and doesn't want to straighten it, either.  At the same time, she also doesn't want to leave her classroom at Faith Christian Academy and her friends.

After Local 6's original story aired, school administrators changed their requests of Vanessa and her family.
"We are not asking her to put products in her hair or to cut her hair," read a statement sent to Local 6.  "We are asking her to style her hair within the guidelines according to the school handbook."

The handbook does not cite large or frizzy hair, noting only, "Mohawks, shaved signs, rat tails, etc."
Kent said she and Vanessa are going to talk about their options over Thanksgiving.

This is a similar situation to the 7 year old who was expelled for her Dread-Locks:
http://globalgrind.com/2013/09/04/tulsa-school-sends-student-tiana-parker-home-dreadlocks-hair-photos/

Iyanla Vanzant on How to Be Happy - February 2013 ESSENCE

Iyanla Vanzant on How to Be Happy

Photo Credit: Hosea Johnson

Photo Credit: Michael Rowe

In her February 2013 ESSENCE cover story, Iyanla Vanzant shared a few tips with writer Charreah K. Jackson on how to find lasting joy in life. Here are some key pointers from the story to consider. And if you want to hear more from Iyanla, see her at this year’s ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans. She won't disappoint.

Organize your life. Order is the first law of heaven and you have to have order to survive on Earth. Figure out what has to be done each day, each week, each year and develop a system to achieve it.

Testify. It's important that we share our experiences with other people. Your story will heal you and your story will heal somebody else. As you put your truth out there, you allow other people to experience life from a different perspective.

Find your purpose. Our deepest desires and our course in life will ultimately lead us to our purpose. Stay connected to your source and I promise you everything will line up.

Set boundaries. A mistake we make in our relationships very often is we draw a line, and then when somebody crosses it, rather than enact a consequence, we back up and draw another line. The key to more joy is enforcing your right to be respected.

Celebrate your successes. We live in a society that takes us from one thing to the next without a clear assessment of the lessons, pitfalls and challenges. When we take a moment to acknowledge our achievements, big and small, then we can look back at them and know what is possible.

http://www.essence.com/2013/03/28/iyanla-vanzant-how-be-happy/

 IYANLA SAYS…CLAIM YOUR JOY NOW!

“Be willing to share all of who you are. So many of us want a partner, but we’re not willing to show all of us. That’s why we have a weave, we’re wearing Spanx and everything is ‘fine.’ If you’re not willing to let your partner see your cellulite or know your biggest fears, then you aren’t really ready to share yourself…” –Iyanla Vanzant
 In an age when table toppling and drink throwing have almost become a standard on television, life coach and television phenom Iyanla Vanzant entertains through empowerment and enlightens with love on her hit series, Iyanla: Fix My Life, on OWN (season 2 premieres April 13). The Brooklyn-born former single mother of three on welfare, who once had dreams of becoming a nurse, has now become a spiritual adviser, counselor and healer to women and men around the world with her soothing balm of life lessons and no-nonsense knowledge. Here, she shares with ESSENCE readers her ten secrets to finding real and lasting happiness—and tells us why she will always have a reason to smile.

When asked by an audience member how to handle detractors, Iyanla used sports as a metaphor to get her point across. “When athletes are playing on the field and pieces of trash may roll onto the field they don’t stop, they keep going for the goal line,” she said. “So the message is don’t stop for the trash on the field. Gossip, that’s trash on the field. Criticism, that’s trash on the field.”

Iyanla Vanzant Answers Your Questions

8 Comments

Spiritual guru Iyanla Vanzant is pretty busy these days. Not only is her OWN show Iyanla, Fix My Life a hit, but she's also ESSENCE magazine's February cover star. Inside the issue, she shares ten ways readers can fix their own situations and get to happy.

Now Vanzant is doing one better for her legions of online fans — she took time from her schedule to answer questions submitted on Facebook by five lucky ESSENCE readers. Check out Vanzant's responses below.
READER LESLIE J. GRIFFIN ASKS: I would like to know what it has meant for so many people to place their confidence in you with their most private issues, and where do you go when you need strength?
IYANLA VANZANT: It is an honor and a privilege to be of service and support; however, I realize people are not putting their confidence in me. Instead, they are actually learning to trust themselves. My job is to affirm and support them in the process and teach them to do what I do when I need strength: I begin within.


READER SAMARIA WILLIAMS ASKS: How did you overcome the numb feeling you describe in your life-changing, phenomenal new book Peace From Broken Pieces?
VANZANT: I gave myself permission to feel and experience all of my emotions. In order to do that I had to stop being afraid to feel. In order to do that I taught myself to believe that no matter what I felt or what happened when I felt it, I would be okay.


READER HATTIE WRIGHT HALL ASKS: What is your weakness in life? We all have them.
VANZANT: I really don't have any weaknesses. I do have areas of my life that I am working on to grow, heal and evolve. Giving myself permission to rest is an area I am working on. Not rescuing my children and grandchildren is another area. Watching less television is a heated challenge right now because Top Chef, Project Runway and American Idol are all on.


READER CARMEN RENEE MCKINNEY ASKS: When are you making another CD? My son knew your name and face by that. I wore that CD out in the 90's riding everywhere. :-)
VANZANT: I don't have any plans for one right now.

READER KARENA CLAY ASKS: I'm a single mom, I'm independent, I don't need a man for anything. I want to need a man but my needs for a man are simply to fix my house and take me out every now and then. Men seem to be another responsibility instead of a help. I meet the most awesome men ever but then I get bored, I think. Is there hope for me to ever be married?
VANZANT: In my mind, marriage is a spiritual partnership and union in which we willingly give and receive love, create and share intimacy, and open ourselves to be available and accessible to another human being in order to heal, learn and grow. From what you share about being independent and wanting a partner to meet your needs, it is not clear to me that you are willing to give. If that is the case, marriage may not be the most viable relationship option for you.


Mother's Day Kid's Hip-Hop - I Love My Mama (Whole Lotta' Love) by DIVAGirl

On I-Tunes & Amazon.com ! http://www.DIVAGirl.bandcamp.com  

A Hip-Hop tribute for Mother's Day. A song for Mama ! Backed by production by Grandpa Crunk and fronted by R&B vocals from Zoe Wilks, DIVAGirl leads the 1st verse of the soulful R&B & Rap tune to send love to all the mothers out there ! Alongside her Hip-Hop and real life Big Brother, DIVAGirl rhymes about a love for mothers with footage of her actual mother and brother in the background.

The Video: http://youtu.be/V2S7jo7bSL4

CHROUS:
I gotta' whole lotta' love for you mama,
I gotta' whole lotta' love for you.
I gotta' whole lotta' love for you mama,
I gotta' whole lotta' love for you.
and Everybody Say - I love my mama.
All the men folk - I love my mama.
All the lady folk - I love my mama.
Everybody say - I love my mama.

(1) Hey Mama
Here's a little song you can dance to
A little bit of love
from me to you
When I'm in doubt
You tell me I can do
When I look at you
I kinda' see God too
Hey
You're my inspiration
You got me ready
Now I know what I'm facing
How'd you pass pre-school ?
Cause you ain't playing !
I know I stay blessed
Cause you stay praying.
CHROUS

(2) Here's a little something
I got to say
To all our mommies
Who passed away.
We miss your presence
Day by day,
To see you again
Is what we pray.
When that time comes,
Mommy it's on !
I got a Fam' full of love
I'm bringing along.
Words can't express
What you meant to me.
Rest In Providence
R.I.P.
CHROUS

(3) Going out to the mommies , and
Going out to the Aunties, and
Going out to the Grandmothers, and
Going out to the Godmothers, and
Going out to the School mothers, and
And to all my act a fool mothers, and
Going out to the teachers, and
To the sister-deacon-preachers, and
To the one who raised us, and
To the ones who made us, and
Our love it won't stop, and
Peace, Love, and Hip-Hop

CHROUS

Barbie gets and Afro (From Black Mother's Blog)

http://www.blackparentingblog.com/2011/12/24/barbie-gets-an-afro-for-christmas/

Barbie Gets An Afro For Christmas

Posted on December 24, 2011 by admin in Babies & Toddlers, Community, Featured Posts, General Parenting Tips, Kids with 1 Comment

I love this. I read it a few weeks ago and I have been meaning to post it here … Barbie’s getting an afro for Christmas! A natural hair group in Georgia will give out 40 Barbie dolls with afro textured hair to little girls in the community.

One of the group members, Candace McBridge discovered an online demo on how to develop natural looking hair for dolls with items like pipe cleaners and boiling water.
Jennifer Henderson, a member of the natural hair group and mother of a 2-year-old girl, told the Ledger-Enquirer: “We wanted to show the girls that basically, it’s okay the way God made you.”
This reminds me of a two things … the Dark Girls Documentary and another post Black Children and Self Image including the Girl Like me documentary.

African Chess Master Ms. Phiona Mutesi (Reclaiming Chess' African Roots)

Phiona Mutesi is a testament to the African Diaspora !

Phiona Mutesi is a Ugandan chess player.[1] She is not certain when she was born, although FIDE has estimated it to be 1993.[1][2] She grew up in the Ugandan slum of Katwe, where as of 2011 fifty percent of teen girls were mothers; when Phiona was about three her father died of AIDS and shortly afterwards her older sister Juliet died of an unknown cause.[1] When Phiona was about nine, and had already dropped out of school as her family could not afford to send her, she found a chess program run by the Sports Outreach Institute, which taught her how to play chess.[1] In 2010 she played on board 2 for Uganda at the 39th Chess Olympiad, and as of 2011 she was a three-time Women's Junior Champion of Uganda.[3][3] In 2012, Phiona and Ivy Amoko earned Woman Candidate Master (WCM) titles as a result of their performances at the 40th Chess Olympiad, making them the first titled female players in Ugandan chess history.[4][5][6] That same year Phiona became the first female player to win the open category of the National Junior Chess Championship in Uganda.[7] Also in 2012, a book was published about Phiona titled, "The Queen of Katwe: A Story of Life, Chess, and One Extraordinary Girl's Dream of Becoming a Grandmaster", by Tim Crothers.[8] Disney has optioned the rights to the book, and is starting work on a movie as of 2012.[9] There is also a documentary about Phiona on YouTube.[9] Phiona is also the youngest person ever to win the African chess championship.[10] The Youtube link is here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dd3tRXfJE54
http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessplayer?pid=127569&kpage=1#reply3
Born in the Katwe area of the Ugandan capital of Kampala in the mid-90s (probably 1995 or 1996 rather than 1993 which is FIDE's official record) and still resident there. Her father died of Aids when she was approximately three years old. , Phiona is three times women's junior champion of Uganda. She played on board 2 for Uganda at the Chess Olympiad (Women) (2010) and again represented Uganda in the Chess Olympiad (Women) (2012) in Istanbul scoring 4.5/9 (+3 =3 -3), her result landing her the Woman Candidate Master title. She and Ivy Claire Amoko share the honour of being the first Ugandan women to have won FIDE titles. Phiona has won the 3rd Edition Rwabushenyi Chess Championship - Women with 8/9 (+8 -1), and came 2nd in the Ugandan Women's championship with 8.5/10, losing only to the winner of the event, Grace Kigeni. In August 2012, she won the Ugandan National Junior Championship with 6/7, the first girl to do so.* ASHEE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Her rating as of 1 March 2013 is 1686, and she is is Uganda's second ranked female player and number 15 overall in that country.
Disney has bought the movie rights to Tim Crothers' book about Mutesi and the money paid to her by Disney has enabled her and her family to buy some land. She hopes to become a doctor and a Grandmaster.

Sister Mutesi visited Norfolk Public Schools recently:
http://nps.k12.va.us/index.php/2012/564-december-2012/9875-seventeen-year-old-ugandan-chess-champion-phiona-mutesi-visits-the-students-of-nps

Jobs - U.S. Department of State Diversity Career Networking Event (5/8/13) - Norfolk Virginia

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	U.S. Department of State Careers in the Foreign Service Networking Event Wednesday, May 8, 2013 • 6:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. Whether working to ensure the cost-effective training and travel of U.S. diplomats, managing contracts for diplomatic initiatives, or providing guidance regarding governmental processes, you can make a difference with the U.S. Department of State. Find out how you can join us in advancing American diplomacy throughout the world. Begin by attending our next Careers in the Foreign Service Networking Event. There, you’ll have the opportunity to meet experienced Foreign Service Officers, Foreign Service Specialists, and Civil Service professionals and explore careers options with the U.S. Department of State. They will explain and discuss the important work you could be doing to represent our country in the U.S. or while living and working abroad. Marriott Norfolk Waterside Hampton Roads Ballroom 235 East Main Street Norfolk, VA 23510 RSVPs are required. Seating is limited. To RSVP directly, click here. Light refreshments will be served. If you cannot attend, please visit careers.state.gov for more information on careers with the U.S. Department of State.

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BANNED IN THE USA - Lil Wayne & Rick Ross for their own stupidity

UPDATE - 04.12.2013 - Reebox has dropped Rick Ross as a endorsement image !

Michigan Radio Station Bans Lil Wayne & Rick Ross Over Lyrics

Posted by Tony Neal on March 28, 2013 at 7:52pm 0 Comments 2 Likes

Controversial lyrics from Lil Wayne and Rick Ross result in both rappers being banned by a Michigan radio station.

Following news that a particular and heavily controversial lyric from Rick Ross on Rocko’s “U.O.E.N.O (You Ain’t Even Know It)” was enough to warrant a petition, a Michigan radio station has just announced that they plan on banning the Miami rapper’s music unless he issues an apology.
XXLMag.com reports that the radio station, Michigan’s WUVS 103.7, will also ban Lil Wayne and his music unless he too issues an apology.

“Effective immediately Muskegon’s WUVSlp 103.7 the Beat has pulled ALL Lil Wayne and Rick Ross music from rotation. We pride ourselves on playing music that is non-degrading and non-violent. While we believe in freedom of speech, creative writing and individualism, we refuse to be part of the problem by spreading messages that could harm or end someone’s life,” read a statement from WUVS.
Lil Wayne recently brought about tremendous criticism from fans following the release of Future’s “Karate Chop (Remix).” On the song, Lil Wayne insults slain teen Emmett Till as he raps, “Beat that p*##y up like Emmett Till.”

“Karate Chop (Remix)” was ultimately pulled by Future’s label Epic Records, but Lil Wayne has yet to publicly acknowledge his Emmett Till lyric. 

Tricky Rick Ross turns Rap to RAPE and then punks out.

MITCH ALERT !!!!

Is Tricky-Rick Ross back-pedaling from a line he provides in a Rocko Mixtape that seems to promote the use of  a Date Rape drug to rape someone ? (The answer is yes - He's a MITCH. Note how his response not-so-cleverly skirts' the issue of the message in the lyric and only deals with the fact that the lyrics don't use the word 'rape'........Very MITCH-like)

An activisit site named Ultra Violet is promoting a presure campaign to hit Rick Ross by forcing his removal from a Reebok sponsorship. UltraViolet is a community of women and men, fighting to expand women's rights and combat sexism everywhere - from politics and government to media and pop culture:

In his latest single, Reebok spokesman and rapper Rick Ross brags about drugging and raping a woman, saying, "Put molly all in her champagne, she ain’t even know it / I took her home and I enjoyed that, she ain’t even know it." ("Molly" is drug that distorts reality and reduces inhibitions.) "Reebok needs to know that we won't stand for them promoting rape culture. Will you sign the petition telling Reebok that rape is NEVER okay and they should drop Rick Ross right away?"
http://act.weareultraviolet.org/sign/reebok_rick_ross/?referring_akid=366.107713.erlIoP&source=mailto

The lyrics in question talk about drugging a woman and taking her home. "Put molly all in her champagne/ She ain't even know it/ I took her home and I enjoyed that/ She ain't even know it," raps Ross. 

MITCH !!!!! (Male + #itch = MITCH)

[WOW] A$AP Rocky Says Dark Skin Women Can’t Wear Red Lipstick

• Posted by Tony Neal on April 8, 2013 at 7:00pm
• View Blog

The Harlem hipster rap star said that darker skinned women shouldn’t wear red lipstick because only women with lighter complexions can pull the look off.
Via The Coveteur reports:
On girls wearing makeup:
“But you girls don’t understand how much you mess up your skin. You can’t help it, but make-up is the worst thing you can do to your skin. I love girls natural, but I don’t mind make-up. There’s nothing wrong with it, there’s really nothing wrong with it.
I feel like with the red lipstick thing it all depends on the pair of complexion. I’m just being for real. You have to be fair skinned to get away with that. Just like if you were to wear like—f*cking for instance, what do dark skin girls have that you know fair skinned girls cant do… Purple lipstick? Naw, that looks stupid on all girls! Purple lipstick, guys! Like, what the f*ck…”
what do you think about this??

........HE gotta' f'in problem............

A girl who demanded education - Ashee

Kakenya Ntaiya refused to accept the continued oppression of women in her Maasai village -- so she built a school that's shifting gender expectations in her community.

Kakenya Ntaiya made a deal with her father: She would undergo the traditional Maasai rite of passage of female circumcision if he would let her go to high school. Ntaiya tells the fearless story of continuing on to college, and of working with her village elders to build a school for girls in her community. It’s the educational journey of one that altered the destiny of 125 young women.

The video link is here:
http://www.ted.com/talks/kakenya_ntaiya_a_girl_who_demanded_school.html 

Kakenya Ntaiya was set to follow the traditional path of girls born in the small village of Enoosaen, Kenya. Engaged at the age of 5, she was to participate in a female circumcision ceremony as a young teenager and then be married. But she had a different plan. First, she negotiated with her father and willingly agree to be circumcised -- only if he would allow her to finish high school. Later, when she was accepted to Randolph Macon College in Viriginia, she negotiated with her village elders to do what no girl had ever done before: leave her village to go to college in the United States.

She didn’t leave forever, though. Deeply proud of her heritage and of her community, Ntaiya returned to the village after school and worked with her elders to establish a school for girls there. The Kakenya Center for Excellence was established in 2009 with 32 students. A primary grade boarding school just for girls, the curriculum focuses on academics, leadership and female empowerment, along with cultural preservation and life skills. While families that can afford tuition do, Ntaiya also works with donors to provide scholarships for others.

In addition to her work with the school, Ntaiya is also a National Geographic emerging explorer.

"For thousands of families in Kenya, seven cows are more valuable than a girl’s future ... Now, a building rises in one remote village that could change everything: The region’s first and only primary school for girls. Its creation an act of sheer will, stubborn persistence, and inexplicable optimism on the part of Kakenya Ntaiya. "