More Thoughts on 'For Colored Girls"

Good Morning. Much has been said, cried, ridiculed and talked on about the new movie by Tyler Perry, "For Colored Girls". I wanted to see it this past weekend, but my schedule felt a bit tight to do it although I wanted to give Tyler a push for The Opening Weekend, I had to come to the conclusion that this colored woman just couldn't do it. Add to the pot on me being a bit shaky driving at night alone can be added. But last night, I found the courage after attending classes on preparing income taxes to go to the theater and see this movie for myself. I was a bit early but it is something that movies are now costing over $9.25 to see at night. I know we're in a recession but that I guess the best thing I can say is that it is better than what some of my sisters and brothers had to pay in Atlanta or New York City for that matter.
Because I was a bit early, I went to another viewing of the movie already in session, and I came on to the part with Kimberly Elise and her kids. I won't spoil it but folks it ain't pretty. between her, poor Anika Noni Rose and Tessa Thompson's travails one bit. Not one bit. Some folks say it's depressing. My eldest daughter told me that she don't go to no theater to be depressed, she go to be entertained. I want to go one step further and state, Sometimes, we need to be depressed. especially when dealing with the issue of ourselves as black women.
When Tyler and Oprah produced Lee Daniels' "Precious", I knew why. When Essence did the interview with Mo'nique long before the movie came out, I knew why. you may say, well why? Well for one, Tyler and Oprah knows what it means to be abused. Many of us black women and black men although we may try HARD to deny it nows what it means to be abused. I was born into a three generation family of Caribbean based people, who when coming to the USA, stayed at my parent's apartment. and they took my curious little self and loved the HELL outta me without scarring me and if I could go back to a heap of them now who are in their graves, bring em back one good time and hug them and thanked them for allowing a little curious nosy girl to be herself and not abuse me, I would. Since I cannot, I'll say it here THANK YOU.
Yet, in many families, that wasn't the case. you had straight up predators, Chester the Molesters that just left countless pain, anger, deep seated and most felt issues at a child's feet. stuff they have no business dealing with and couldn't. I loved and respect Pam Grier's talent. shoot, I wish I had her style, but imagine my shock when I found out how she was raped at age 6 by her own cousins then again at age 19 by an acquaintance to whom she reluctantly decide to see after basically begging for a date(the same with Anika Noni Rose's character in the movie). But we just don't know each other's histories unless one tells you. I had one lady tell me she was raped at 13 and though she was close to her family, she never told a soul. never. until one day we were talking and it came out. even now as I write this, my heart goes out to her because what can you say? what can you do?
I know some white ladies will say well, we go through this too. Yes your right. but it seems to me, we as black women paid an even harder price going back as far as slavery when we couldn't do nothing but deal with it and press on. And it's like skeletons in the closet. It's there, you won't deal with it, probably don't know how but it's there. When Whoopi Goldberg talked about her own father raping her because she was the only one who he could do it with yet he declared her ugly and gave her to a white man at 15 to give him some "pretty grandbabies" oh yes, I can see why she ended up with Elohim. Sure can. because we deal with the pain and run to God, sex(like her daughter Thandie Newton did),alcohol(like Macy Gray did), drugs or take that pain in a ball and keep it inside of us until whenever and we don't deal with it. But thank God for these movies so that them skeletons can rattle and hit the road plus be buried. Thank God that Tyler Perry who I feel God put on earth as the book of Esther say "For such a time as this", and Oprah and Lee Daniels and countless other producers and writers for making movies, plays, books so we can see and wake up and say, "yes, that is me" and by God's grace do something about it. Now a lot of folks will say well, that's reverse racism. I say, KMA straight and simple. or like one of them singers said back in the 80s, you can call it what you want. Judge for yourself. but I pray you come out of the movie a more sensitive, more aware more better you.

A discourse on hair, young kids and perpetrating esteem

From time to time, I help out by substituting at a classroom for youngsters between the first and eight grades. This day, I had the first to fourth grades and I had two little girls. One is eight and her hair is short, braided and natural; the other little girl is six and have long hair braided in twos and looking quite done. Well the eight year old was eating lunch and her brother made a remark about her hair and I stopped them and told them that her hair is fine and I broke down and asked them about India.Arie and if they have heard, "I Am not My Hair", of course, these are youngsters, so India.Arie is not in their radar. So, despite the fact that they are not to watch the internet, I went online and got the video so that they could see it and had a discussion afterward. The eight year old told us honestly that she DIDN'T like her hair. I felt for her right then and there because what she said was something that many of us sisters have a love hate relationship with their hair, thereby their self esteem and if we got a new generation doing this, then we dropping the ball. we are not making our daughters feel worthy and we got to stop. I have two daughters now 18 and 20 and they didn't get this one from me but they HAVE to have weave in their hair. it perplexes me to the highest. WHY? I remember as a six year old girl having bad arguments with my mom about my hair. I hate to say it but it was the beginning of problems between us. I know feel that as a mother who had some beautiful hair as a young girl and woman until she lost it permanently by getting a bad perm, it hurt her so that it affected my own hair journeys with her and myself but I understand that now and I have no hard feelings for her there. I wish though that we stop this and get to the light on this because we got more generations hating on themselves and THAT is not healthy.
When I first saw India.Arie perform this video, I only wished that she was around years ago when I was facing my own dillemmas. Although another fierce sister who went by the name of Miss Nina Simone was around and rocked a serious afro. My mom had mucho love for her and Miriam Makeba that one time she fixed my hair with an afro and put a clip in it so the afro would go back from my forehead a bit.and she told me I was like Nina Simone.and you know that day, I walked like I was Nina Simone. I still have mad love for them ladies to this day.
So I try my best to love these young girls and sisters to their own selves by letting them know that they are good enough. but we gotta do more. Show em love. encourage them and let them know that the mothers and Queens of Africa gave them their genes and now they must produce. Be your best and do YOU!

Greetings,
Although I write to an audience of one, I am glad for those who stop by and check me out. One thing that escaped my mind and I'm sorry that it did was last month was considered Ovarian Cancer Awareness month. that cancer is so dear to me because I lost a sister and aunt to it. nothing against Breast Cancer because I have since lost an aunt to it in May and it is even more relevant to me now, Ovarian Cancer doesn't get the rap that Breast Cancer do and after losing my sister then aunt to it. I am also sad that others who have lost their loved ones to this are not saying jack behind it and pushing for more women to be aware of this disease.
My sister was a lawyer for the federal government. I first noticed that something was wrong with my dear sister in March,2002 when she, my brother, their children and my aunt Alice(who has died in May from breast cancer) came down to celebrate. My sister was into it but she was sick. she spent the most of Sunday in bed and her son poked her in her tummy and she HOWLED!! when she went back home to Maryland, she was diagnosed with it and she lived one good year after it and died May 7, 2003 at home.
to say that this couldn't happen in my family, wouldn't, ain't gonna well that became a moot point. Then by late 2006, my aunt Lola got sick. she was let out the hospital for Thanksgiving; but after that, she was in and out the hospital constantly, until my uncle knowing that this is serious, had her put into a nursing home and he visited her daily. She died April 1,2007. hurt me sadly. by then, my father was going down rapidly. I don't think my mom would have told him but he figured it out anyway. I went to her funeral on their behalf. The Friday before Mother's Day, 2007, I went to work, and Mom told me that Dad wasn't going to last the weekend. It blew me away because we lived under the same roof. how could this be? I came home and the hospice nurses were there monitoring him. they told us just be there. My poor mom she was heartbroken. We started calling family and friends. he lasted the weekend but died the Monday evening. But as soon as my eldest brother came to Mobile, and saw Daddy, he looked at him, smiled and tried to talk but by then, his speech has left him. He died shortly after. He died four years and one week exactly to my sister's death and six weeks and one day after my Aunt Lola's passing. When my aunt Alice died the day after Mother's Day THIS year, I was like, well, there it goes again. I won't say I get maudlin around May now but I will say that although I lost three relatives in May, they are in my heart and soul and their love, teachings and good will go with me.
I think I will start a PSA on Ovarian Cancer. not to just remember Agnes and Aunt Lola, but to bring awareness of the dangers of it; There are women out there thinking they have bad stomach aches, abdominal pain and they may need to get a CA-125. for real. or BRACA test one just to see if you are suspectible. I know I will have to now. plain and simple. I hope you do too.

Leaving Gee's Bend & Condolences

Condolences go to Pastor Marvin Sapp and family for losing their wife and mother, Dr MaLinda Sapp after a battle with colon cancer. My thoughts and prayers go to you at this time.
I must be about 22 books into my 30 book challenge and challenge it IS. with a library card in arrears, I have to read the books at the library in order to get anything done; At the same time, other issues pull me and but I'm trekking along on this. I must talk about one of the books well the last book I finished for the challenge. fellow Alabamian Irene Latham's Leaving Gee's Bend, which gives a good story about love and family in Depression era Alabama, which is geared towards teens, is also a great read for those who are familiar with the area(I found out that it's a 142 mile journey by car for me). while working at one job here in Mobile, I have met some who are related to folks there.
Ludelphia Bennett is ten years old; Her mother is pregnant again, and she fears the baby won't live. On top of that, the mother doesn't feel well, all hands are needed to do the sharecropping work and it worries Ludelphia. When her good friend Etta Mae Pettway comes home after working in Mobile for a time, she is branded a witch due to the fact that the baby left in her charge has died and she is blamed for it. So, she comes home just in time to help Ludelphia deliver the baby her mom was carrying but her mother was scared of Etta Mae due to the rumors running about her, and also she was delirious with fever as well. Seeing that no help can be rendered here, she decides to go to Camden, and ask the doctor to see if he could help her mother. Now, here's the thing. Depression era Alabama is not the place for a girl to be out and about;especially a young black girl. but with determination and grit, Ludelphia goes out and get help. She encounters once she gets over the river, a family who feeds her but then the lady who just lost her husband is mad about that and over the fact that he was kind hearted to the people of Gee's Bend and she takes the girl into town to try and sell her, but that don't stop Ludelphia from getting away from the lady and finding allies in the Doctor and his wife who feed, help her and the wife being good, helps give Ludelphia the medicine she needs for her mother to get better. On her way home, she encounters the lady who wants to sell her again, but inadvertently, she gets her home via the person who tried to warn her not to trust the woman who is now on her way to take everything from the people of Gee's Bend. along the way she encounters her brother and Etta Mae, whom she tells about the raid, and with barely enough time, she goes and divert the family from losing all of their things. Of course, the lady strips the whole commumity of their livelihood(this being a true occurrence) but thanks to Ludelphia writing a letter to the Red Cross asking for help for the people of Gee's Bend, they are soon helped by them and save the day.
Gee's Bend(official name-Boykin,AL) still exists and is in Wilcox County; for a while, it was hard to get around to Camden, which is the largest town for them, due to the ferry service being taken from them during the Civil Rights era; thankfully, it was revived over ten years ago and fully operational today. what I like about the area is that those ladies took a skill and did great business with it. It is not easy living in that part of Alabama. if you don't have a car, your stuck. poverty is rampant, and those that are there, are just surviving. I had to answer a statement made by a journalist who spoke on the low numbers in the area during an election. I had to let them know that transportation is everything there and if you don't have it, your through. It is hard to think that that may be the case, but yes it is. please check out the other books on Gee's Bend as well as their quilts.

Welcome September

I can't believe It has a month since I have done a blog. August was a bit busy because my youngest daughter, Dakota, left home to go to college at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in Perkinston, Ms, where her beloved best friend Madariah is going. Good thing she went there because the first weekend, if it wasn't for Madariah, she would have starved. She was on the 5 day plan, but since then has since switched to the 7 day plan;(Most of the students go home on the Gulf Coast, but since she has no car, she has to stay there)also she was real ADAMANT about loans but knowing that things DO cost in college, she HAD to take out a loan, which she told me the day after I left her. I am real proud of her. but of course, I have to send her money down there, and still take her some food and supplies within the next couple of weeks. I also had to use Mom's secret credit card, and now have to pay her back(and if she was here, she'd be bugging me about it to the bone)and since the people I am working with is experiencing cash flow problems, the time is coming to make some changes. I have to get a better full time job. I have to pay Mom back, I also have Tierra who is in college, but is expecting a baby in February, so that tells the story, I gotta get on the good foot like the late JB said.
I am more than half way through my 30 book/90 day challenge. by reading 20 books so far. Reading more but got a good four weeks to finish up the thing. I have been blessed to read some great books, as well as finish some good ones. Mandela's Way by Richard Stengel was one I started but didn't finish and found quite interesting about the man we know as Nelson Mandela. I am also trying out books I didn't finish like Catrice Jackson's "Delicious" on living an authentic, positive life for yourself. She is such an inspiration. check out her FB pages.then Carol Mackey's "Sistergirl Devotions" dealing with on the job issues. loving it.as well as some more.

Greetings. Ever since Prince won his BET Lifetime Achievement Award, I have been checking out his latest stuff and to me, his Lotus Flow3r cd is great in my honest opinion. No lie about that. But I was watching an interview he did with good friend Tavis Smiley, and he spoke on how he was embracing his blackness, being a Jehovah Witness and how he really enjoyed the Ken Burns' documentary, "Unforgivable Blackness" which is the story of Jack Johnson. The first black Heavyweight Champion of the World. When he mentioned it, I put it away for future reference, but for some reason last night, I was compelled to sit down and watch this program. Let me say this first. It has been a hundred years this month since Jack Johnson went in a ring in Reno, Nevada, and beat James J Jeffries, who had already retired unopposed but had been clamored to come out of retirement and beat Jack Johnson. ain't that something. But I would have to go back a bit further. See, at that time, boxing was still a sport in the making. But Jack Johnson worked his way up in the business so much so, that when he fought all the others, the white ones felt seriously that he was beneath them. Now, at that time, coming up the ring, you fought blacks, but once you got to the championship, you didn't do that no more and the thing with it was Johnson had come this far and Tommy Burns didn't want to touch him and Jeffries went into retirement unopposed to stay away. It took a promoter to put $35,000 on the table for Tommy Burns to do the job. He took it after Johnson went after him relentlessly to fight him. And the fight was on in Sydney, Australia on Dec 26, 1908; Burns and Johnson fought over 14 rounds before the police stopped the fight and declared Jack Johnson the winner. He was Heavyweight Champion of the World. His purse for that fight? a measly $5,000. made me mad. Now today, whenever a sister gets that on her income taxes, that ain't nothing to sneeze at. not now, and certainly not then. But to me, he should have gotten at least half of what Burns got. but then the world then was way different then than it is now. After that fight, white folks were begging James J. Jeffries, who was farming alfafa in his farm in California, to PLEASE take this black man on. They felt that since Johnson beat Burns, Burns wasn't a real heavyweight champion. Ain't that something? this man got his belt fair and square before, but because a black man beat him, it wasn't legit.. see stuff like that was what Jack Johnson dealt with daily. what a thing. and now, they were begging this other champion, who left the ring peacefully to come and beat Jack Johnson. whenever Johnson went into the ring on both of those fights, there were hardly a black face in the crowd, so he got nothing but boos. but that didn't bother him, he showed love to the crowds just the same and fought just as hard. When Jeffries finally agreed to fight Johnson, it was 1910, so although the fight was scheduled for L.A., officials there felt it too barbaric and folks had to scramble for another place, which they found in Reno, Nevada. There, On the 4th of July, 1910, Jack Johnson beat James J.Jeffries after giving him the business for fifteen rounds. Gentleman Jim Corbett even helped Jeffries train for the fight, but Jeffries, though a great contender and who was unopposed, was no match for Jack Johnson and after knocking him down twice in the fight(which was the first two times it EVER happened to James Jeffries in his whole career), they shut the fight down and Johnson, after proving and shutting up all critics and opponents emerged still Heavyweight Champion of the World. Oh did the black people have a ball. Oh what a time, but whites very upset over the victory retaliated terribly. (Bernice McFadden's book "Glorious" speaks of a fictional event that occurred because of that very fight)a lot of blacks were beaten, raped, and even killed just because they were glad that Johnson won. they were not to show any happiness that he won. Can you believe it? I remember my mother,father and the lady I care for talk about Joe Louis fights. Oh, they were proud of Mr Joe Louis. proud. but even then, you had to be careful in the South when you played the radio or around white folks too because that was a no no then too. So I can imagine how African Americans felt in 1908, 1910 knowing this black man from Texas, beat two white men to be the champion. Oh that was something to behold. He kept the title until 1915, when the Potawattamie Giant, Jess Willard beat him in Havana Cuba.
Now, Jack Johnson was unapologetic for his life on and off the ring. He dealt with white women, was unfaithful, married three women all white. Unknown to some, he did deal with black women too, but preferred white women and for the time, that was a true NO NO. folks were getting jailed and killed just because they may have looked at one, or if one said she got "attacked" by one if that be the case. Plenty brothers in those days were lynched or killed behind that. The Rosewood(FL)massacre as well as Greenwood(Tulsa OK) started on a white woman's say so. He ended up in jail after fleeing the US for some years behind it, but he eventually came home and did his time and was released.
I try hard when I hear about things, people and events, I go online, to the library, whatever, and I do some checking. Because of Prince talking about Jack Johnson, I started taking the time to read about the other opponents he fought; how he fought his black counterparts but they kept it easy if you may say. I have had a lady say well, he had white women in his life. Yes, he did. He had them. but what I take away from him was he was unapologetically black and didn't try to be nothing but black but he loved white women. once he told some people in a boxing place that he was a "brunette" in the ring with "blondes" and he caught hell for it. Unforgivable Blackness is at your local store, Walmart, Amazon.com, PBS.com and other outlets. A companion book accompanies the documentary.

With Love on Father's Day

Hello and an Early Happy Father's Day to all the Father's out there; Here is to you for all you do. My late father, Samuel D.Grazette(1924-2007)was a good man. His own father died when he was five but he had an older brother Conrad(1901-1991)as a good role model and in spite of it all, he grew up to father four kids, be a great father figure to those in the local church and communities where we lived. My mom was talking about how when he worked at General Motors in Tarrytown, New York, just before he married my mother, he told her that he had a wedding present for her, and he took her downstairs(they were in NYC) and showed her the black Buick brand spanking new that he bought for them. He promised that he would take her to every baby appointment when she was carrying me. Ain't that sweet?? He kept that car until he bought a station wagon in 1968. well before that, he loved that Buick and kept it in the parking lot. Because my father worked upstate, he was well respected in the building because of him being bilingual and also was involved in community affairs. well, someone decided to relieve him of his tires and took off all but one, but one of his Hispanic homies saw the deed and called 5-0 on them but he had to go back downstairs and do a report of course. then with the relatives coming in the US and folks needing a ride, he got the station wagon and we loved that baby. that was the car we grew up in. If he and mom had their way, we would have been living in Long Island too but we fussed that decision down big time. We wanted no parts of it although I had two cousins that made the move that way. I know we'd still be there if that was the case.
I still miss my daddy to this day. It has only been three years a month ago since we said goodbye, but the good times and memories still linger. If your father is still living, wish him a Happy Father's Day. Show him love like you show Momma on hers. I know fathers get a bad rap but for those who combat that daily, keep doing it. Be blessed and Happy Father's Day.

Passing Through

Greetings to all who read this after me.
I finally bought some Hairfinity vitamins for the hair. It ships out of New Orleans(Slidell actually)so I got mine within a few days. I took my first ones today and thank the good Lord,I am working on a regimen to get my hair back on track.I will keep you posted.
E.Lynn Harris' "In My Father's House" which I believe is TRULY his last book, is nothing short of great. the story of a gay model agency owner about to take on some powerful people is nothing short of good. I pray you get a copy when it is released June 22nd.
Another book I would like to touch on is Kathy Kinney and Cindy Ratzlaff's "Queen of Your Own Life" which to me has got to be the empowerment for all sisters especially over the age of 40 who feel life has passed them by and need some encouragement. Being an Amazon Viner(a program with Amazon that allows folks to check out books before they come out)has been a blessing because I have come into some great books by them because of it; Midnight by Sister Souljah was one, A Mighty Long Way by Carlotta Walls Lanier is another; E.Lynn's and this one make some more. So, check out those books.
Well, this is it for me. Peace to all.

New Things and Hair Rituals

Yoo hoo! my baby is officially a graduate of Vigor High School; I am so proud but you know, I am also sad; I remember when my girls were little and sweet. Oh they had their devilish moments but I can proudly say they were good; of course, life changes things and so quickly in a young black girl's world. If she isn't loved, someone else is and not necessarily for the good. If she doesn't have the parents there for whatever reason, another hurdle; But thank God for my baby, Koko who graduated May 19th. Sadly, the day was also a sad one. My boyfriend who went into the hospital due to what he felt his heart giving him the blues, come to find out, it wasn't his heart but a case of lung cancer. so he had to stop work, and he starts chemo tomorrow. I guess I should feel a bit better because last year he had surgery and he cut communications with me entirely. Upon hearing his news,though, I was hurt; hurt for him, hurt for his elderly mom who has buried a baby, two husbands, mother, brothers and other family and now to hear about her only child. sad indeed. For two days I hurt for him, but while in church one Sabbath, I got the peace that passeth all understanding. No, I don't know how this will turn up, but I got peace on it.
For all you readers out there, Bernice McFadden's "Glorious" is the thing. Originally slated to come out last month, somehow, Amazon got a hold of some copies and Bernice alerted us to it and bought copies; Trust when I feel this is a masterpiece coming out the gate. a bittersweet story about a young girl who have seen a lot of bitter with some sweet put in and had a promising career put in that stopped as soon as it started. word on the street is that Oprah picked it and if so, thank God because she deserve it; Another interesting devotional I just got today is Carol M.Mackey's "Sistergirl Devotions:Keeping Jesus in the mix on the Job" very good to help to keep your head on straight at work and home as well.
Kimberly Wright's "Sweet Waxations" candles are some great economically sound candles at $7.99 and $10.99; she also offers free shipping and has great service. My favorite scents are Uncorked(smelling like wine); Lolita Lempicka(one of my favorite scents)and Relaxation Station with it's eucalyptus and mint smell to evoke a chilled mode gains my vote. Do check her out and FB her page so you can get discounts.
Ladies, if you want that long pretty hair, hon there is most definitely hope for us all. It has been discovered that using Hindu/Indian based products containing Amla(gooseberry extract)a great addition to one's hair esp. if hair damage(like myself)is a problem, you need to get a ritual going. starting with a hair wrap that stays on my head(www.ghairwrap.com)they also sell satin pillowcases. A great hair care grease(Sweet Waxations has a lovely To the Edge and Back all Natural Hair Butter that untangles even the wild ones and keeps it soft. check her out.Yanique Smith Stokes whose Natural Hair Care Products enticed me to try her amla based products that is shipped from India. Check out her Natural Hair Care Products page and her new website also. and although I plan to soon, I want to take the hair vitamins preferably by Hairfinity and see will it help it grow. Will keep you posted.
Well,

Census, School and Anime Issues

Lately, I just haven't had the time to be able to get on here to blog; For one, I am doing work for the Census and I don't want to divulge anything about that due to the sensitive nature of information collected. That I can respect. I will divulge however, that most people I have taken info from have been nothing but forthcoming, polite and friendly; For that, they receive my humblest thanks. I am also grateful that I haven't had to encounter much dogs in my journey other than a couple here and there and they didn't bother me. I pray I have no further problems in the future.


Every so often, I substitute for the school that is under my church's umbrella; My church believes in having schools for the young to grow up in; I was one of them myself going to church school and having to explain why I go to church on Saturday instead of Sunday. Today is one of those days. Sometimes I take the 1st-4th grades or the 5th-8th grades which are run by two dedicated ladies, one being the Pastor's wife, the other being a talented sister who makes some of the nicest shea butters under her daughter's name. One of the things that get to me when I teach there is not that they are unruly; But it is something that bothers me nonetheless.
A lot of the youngsters love anime. that japanese form of cartoons that they covet as opposed to me at their ages running behind Archie, Jughead, love and other Superhero comic books; Seems to me, there are not that many comic books by Marvel or any of the others. I saw one done on the first lady and had to buy it; But for the most part, it seems as though Anime is the thing for kids today. A while back, I was watching South Park, and a Oriental outfit of similar interests were infiltrating the kids in the US and whenever someone protested, they would say that they are sorry and that they don't have anything significant to offer; but basically they were infiltrating the kids to their own personal agenda. I never forgot that episode and wonder if perhaps anime is serving the same purpose. I also remember talking to the kids here and they were like I want to work for the creators of such books. I encouraged them to do their OWN comic books; create their own and make it happen for themselves. My late father always said, if you can give a job more than get a job, you doing well. I believe him.

I say that to say this: I love jazz;being in the environment, singing and performing; but that won't mean nothing but some experience gained if I don't do the same for myself. So do for yourself. It isn't enough to work with the Anime folks; but it's even better when you gain experience and do your own anime people. Besides, we need some creative juices flowing and have some comics for ourselves; something positive, entertaining and have a purpose. To break it down, if you can improve on it, do it; do for self.

Musing on car troubles

Two weeks ago on Tuesday, I was going home from training with the Census; I had a funny feeling within but felt the need to get my car washed. I went to the car wash I am familiar with, got my car washed, didn't bother to clean out my car, and just as I was making the turn to go into major traffic, my car started having a mind of it's own and I ended up on the divider between the folks coming off the highway and the street I was on. To say I was ashamed, mad, upset was a serious understatement. I called my insurance people and they kindly told me I wasn't insured. But just as they told me this, I saw a police car as well as the fire department show up(and to the person who called in my time of need, God bless you) and them gentlemen, they got me out of the car, which I didn't do up until then, changed my tire, talked to me, and got me back into mainstream traffic. When I got home, my mom looked at me and said "We're you in an accident?" now I promise I wasn't gonna tell her nothing. She is 81 and don't need no drama or headaches at this point of life. But she asked, so I said, Yep. I guess her mom radar was on big time. Thankfully, she gave me some peace of mind that I sorely needed. But I wasn't able to do much on it. But the nagging feeling persisted when today going home, I had a feeling again and while on the highway, I started getting another familiar feeling and what do you know? my tire blew out again but this time I handled it and did what I could. But when I think about it, I am like, what can I do? what am I doing wrong? what can I do so this won't happen? and the idea that perhaps a roadside and towing service for women came to mind..seriously. A man considers this a mild inconvenience, but to a woman it can mean the difference of your life in the balance.You could be on the highway and your car breaks down, that ain't pretty. I have used towing and other services so much within the past two years I wish deep down that perhaps there was a way a woman can catch a break. Hmm; a roadside and towing service for women nationwide. Not only do I provide towing and roadside, I'll have classes so women can change their own tires, change their own oil, check for transmission oil and antifreeze. And not only that, talk to a counselor because trust me, going through these things can be a real pain. My employer was at a funeral and her car was stolen; real nice car too and I know that wasn't easy for her,so for that we can have a counselor talk to her and help her get through the hurdles. Hmm. Sounds good to me. A couple of months ago, I was talking to a local towing service and I told him of how one night I couldn't get a tow because of the neighborhood I lived in; some charge more. Mercy. So I told him, I would like to pay in advance for his services so that when I get in them fixes, he can come and I bypass the rest of the stuff on top of that, he gets my business and I'm a happy camper. And you know, I think, I will check on this some more and who knows? life gots to be straight. but perhaps it can get better and more enlightened.

Latest Offerings & Releases

This past week has been nothing but uneventful; I received a copy of Randy Kearse's book, "Changin' Your Game Plan" for my viewing; I am interested in selling his books in the area generating interest. Randy has been in jail and now writes books helping others who have been to jail to stay out of jail. I did my grocery shopping earlier this week and now it's friday and another week is gone. There is one thing that has me interested though. About a month ago, a book came out about a woman who died of cervical cancer yet, somehow, her cells which they took were found to have generated and regenerated so much, a first for the medical research industry at the time because up until then, cells outside the body didn't thrive yet somehow hers did; So, because of them regenerating, the whole medical industry have gone on to do plenty good in the name of medical research. Sadly, the Lack family stayed poor and lacking health coverage. Rebecca Skloot has now written an account of this in the book,The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, which sheds some light as to how this came to be and of the woman herself. I cannot even begin to think of how the family can feel much less grasp what was happening. From what I am hearing, the book is a bestseller and I plan to get a copy as soon as able. If you can, get a copy today. Another book that just came out today and surprising a bunch of us is Bernice McFadden's "Glorious" from the little I read, it spans from the early 1910s until the Civil Rights era about a young African American woman who becomes a part of the Harlem Renaissance. Although a grand era, there were not many women who were a part of that time. Zora Neale Hurston, Dorothy West, Nella Larsen,Jessie Redmon Fauset, Georgia Douglas Johnson and Alice Dunbar Nelson. I believe I just named all the female writers. When rap emerged in the late 70s and 80s,how many women emerged as well? we can name a handful and that adage of if you don't learn from the first time, you bound to repeat it rings true here.
However, I applaud all the African American writers, male and female who are out there; Most I applaud, some I don't. E.Lynn Harris, who passed from us last summer, was a great supporter of his peers and his absence is still felt by the AA as well as GLBT communities. We need to support our African American writers, singers, etc. For example, I have heard of Raheem Devaughn, but had no interest in what he put out. But his latest single, "Bulletproof" that I was fortunate enough to witness on the Mo'nique show is nothing short of beautiful and sometimes I feel that he has a hint of Marvin in him; check him out.
Well, I am done, may your day be a peaceful yet happy one.

Kudos to Mo' and other thoughts.

Yeah!! Mo'nique got that Oscar baby. She won it and just like I predicted because she got all them awards and in spite of the grumbling(You can't ignore talent), the girl went out there and pulled it off. She got a flower by the family of the late Hattie McDaniel for the ceremony; To hear tell, it's the same flower worn by Ms McDaniel when she won, she wore it on her dress. Mo' wore it on her hair. She donned a lovely blue gown and God bless her, she remembered this woman all but forgotten from black cinema history; Twitter trended Ms McDaniel all that night; I was so happy to see that. to know that even though a person lived and died, they still live on and Monique did that when she remembered her in her speech.
Now granted, we have had MORE people in THIS decade to win the Oscars than in all the decades before, but perhaps in our own way, with a black President and all, things are changing. I hope so. I truly do. God bless us all.

Discourse on Culture

Tonight, and to be honest, I don't know how
I forgot this, but I was blessed to see The Mo'nique Show on Hulu via Bet.com and watch for myself Ruby Dee, Sonia Sanchez, Jasmine Guy, Jackie Joyner Kersee get on there and talk about the project as well as touch upon Ms Dee's remarkable life; What I liked right off is the positive energy I felt while watching it. I mean I watch shows all day long, but watching Mo'nique's made me glad I took the time to find it since I have no cable and even more glad that I was enriched by it; The only setback to this was the fact that for the majority of the show, it kept buffering so I couldn't get the meaning of Ms Sanchez speech. There was a lady on there named Georgia Me and the sister was slamming it; if I'm not mistaken, my friend Roberta told me about it and I hope I am not wrong on that. The ironic thing behind all this is just an hour previously, I was watching on YouTube an old film directed by her late husband, Ossie Davis, called Black Girl; now personally, the film itself is a bit disjointed,with a couple stories here and there but the main story shines through and make you like it or hate it one.I truly wish Ms Dee would consider putting that and Purlie Victorious on film; those films are HARD to come by; I mean no harm but that's like Flip Wilson putting the lock down on Geraldine; Tyler Perry shutting down Madea, you get the point. that is our history, our heritage. please hear the plea of one young sister and put those bad boys to film!!!
I believe that God saw me trying hard to see this one thing because now, The Color Purple is coming to Mobile in April and baby, no matter what, I WILL BE THERE.no ifs, ands or buts. and going to try to see Tyler's play when it comes to Mobile next month; Gots to get the culture on. Plus Mobile needs some AA talent come through! well I am gone.

P.S. Purlie Victorious IS on DVD but it wasn't directed by Ossie Davis but he stars in the film and also marks Alan Alda's debut. It can be bought at Amazon.com

Not too much this week; my youngest got herself a job at the same place that I was picking up one of their friends; she's gotten all responsible now with her notebook for keeping up with her obligations. I also got to see in it's entirety, "Good Hair" the documentary on black women's hair that Chris Rock narrated and produced. Although lauded by some, there was those who didn't care for it. I felt it was a good show no matter what. Black women have been having a love hate relationship with their hair from day one just about; reinforced with self image and esteem, as well as what society deems us to be and we're a hot mess. Yet I feel that if we insist on weaves, and those things that make us look good, then by all means, get in where you fit in in the beauty business just like Chris did, by going places and meeting people involved in the game. It confirmed what I suspected: the beauty game is constant, growing and even though the Koreans have a corner on the market, we can get in too. well, I am shutting down; work day tommorrow. Peace.

Mardi Gras

Since yesterday was a holiday, as I also mentioned it was the next to last day of Mardi Gras called Skinny Monday. That is the day that my town, Prichard, AL puts on their Mardi Gras parade. Ever since I moved back to the area, I have taken the girls to the parades. It got so, we was going on the regular and they would have a cookout sponsored by one of the barber shops and their families for the revelers; Sadly, they stopped that here, and we just go to the Prichard and Downtown Northside Association parades. Now folks, going from Prichard into Mobile is nothing. But mega cars going from Prichard into the Campground/Downtown Area of Mobile is another. I have raised concerns about this and it has gotten to the point that most folks skip one parade for another, or don't go or divert. Even with I-165 to help with that, things get pretty hectic; But this year, I was able to check out both parades. I have pictures set up on both my Facebook and Twitter pages. The Prichard Parade did a cool parade with their area clubs and associations. They also get the Alabama Black Mayors, who sponsored that morning's little known Meet the Gubernatorial Candidates forum at Prichard City Hall was on hand to get into the festivities as well. They come each year to Prichard and have their own float. now, here in Mobile, when you do Mardi Gras, folks with different organizations pool together to get on a float. that individual person also is responsible to get their own throws that are thrown at the particular parade, and that is when costs get high; For one, a person has to pay to get on the float, then pay for their own throws. Mardi Gras, folks is no cheap thrill. One float at the Downtown parade got a flat tire and they were taken out of the parade. Talk about ticked and heated. They paid about $100 to be there and about a dozen folks were on there and total of all throws there totalled ball park about $20,000 and were there at 8am just to be in the parade. So can't say I blame them for that. At the downtown parade, there was a guy from Colorado there who just got into the spirit. we split the throws but made sure he left with the lion's share. Had to be a good neighbor. this year though, I got a small bottle of vodka; I don't drink but know someone who'd love it; I begged for another but hey, that's not cheap. I also got a vial of gardenia home fragrance oil at the Prichard parade which would be a great addition to my stash at home. Throws given at Mardi Gras are beads(which can be further used to make crafts with or taken to Krispy Kreme on Wednesday to be exchanged for free donuts),food, usually moonpies, not my favorite treat at all; Little Debbies, ramen(hey, a lot of folks take that),cereal,chips,alcohol and teddy bears; now me,I don't mind a bear. not at all and I got four at the Downtown parades. Plus a good time is had by most and some be or on their way to being drunk.
A lot of folks don't know but Mobile IS the birthplace of Mardi Gras and it is celebrated from Pensacola, Florida to Houston,Texas. Mobile has had festivities dating back just about to the time it became a city in 1702. It died down, but after the Civil War, a man named Joe Cain revived it; The Sunday before Fat Tuesday, they do a big Joe Cain celebration complete with his many "widows" dressed in traditional black from head to toe.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Cain. It's worth the look at the widows procession because folks like to guess who is who. They sit and fuss on ole Joe.
Next years Mardi Gras is in March; It coincides with Ash Wednesday and Easter so the dates do change here. So if your ever in the neighborhood, check out Mobile's Mardi Gras. We'll treat you well.

My Morning at the Meet the Candidates forum

Good Morning fellow Bloggers,
I happened to see a small item in the paper that the Alabama gubernatorial candidates were coming to Prichard City Hall where I live and speak on their various platforms this morning. Well, political amateur that I am and the fact that I am pretty vague on who is running, I went; Now, right now in my area, Mobile is about to wind down on their Mardi Gras festivities. So most of the folks here are off, but their minds are on partying; So, it was only a handful of people, most of them the Black Alabama Mayors who sponsored this and the city employees of Prichard. One of the candidates,Robert Bentley, said that he wouldn't take a salary upon becoming governor until he got the unemployment situation in this state taken cared of. Another issue that came up was the gaming issue that is unresolved. First of all, there is NO gambling in this state bar the Indian casino in Atmore and Shorter, and the neighboring states love to see us when we buy lottery tickets and go to the casinos; shoot, we have buses going down to Biloxi every hour on the hour here! They want to change it so that we can keep our money in Alabama!! oh I was probably the only one who was cheering and Amening that because I think it's a dang shame we need to leave this state to spend money benefiting other states. Yet, Alabama, has little funds to do jack and what they do have they usually do a lot good with so we need results and the ones that showed up, I must say came away mighty impressed; Yet in my haste to take pictures, and texts coming in,my cell phone made some noise and I almost got the boot from the police there; So I happily gave my cell to them because I wanted to be there. The only thing I had an issue with was they took questions from the mayors there and the moderator took only ONE question from the rest of the audience. And I couldn't get mad on that question because it was one I was curious on and that is the prisoner's right to vote, which has been passed but seems to be left under the jurisdictions of the county registrars which I feel is not good. Another fellow named Johnson, I liked him; He works for a state agency called ADECCA, which he mentioned plenty, he talked well, but I won't lie, I was impressed with what he said, and Arthur Davis, man, I was blown; the man speaks well, he talked on changing the state constitution which was done back in 1901. He feels it doesn't benefit many, is outdated and needs to be overhauled; I totally agreed and the others there had to agree as well. Plus the bingo and gaming issues was addressed by the men; but one thing that hurt me a bit was not one mentioned nothing about that tanker situation that is still in limbo in Washington. www.comebackhometomobile.com although I know he is a friend of the President, he also stated that they didn't agree on everything(Cap and Trade one, health care another)but I hope Obama comes to our state and stump for him if he gets past the primary. Well I have to go; I got a parade to hit.

Hello fellow Bloggers!
Hope this Valentine's Day is treating you well. I have a boyfriend, but at present, he's AOL, and though that bothers me on the day where lovers twain and meet, he don't make or break any day of mine. I got on my Facebook page yesterday and told my fellow FBers to love yourself because it comes from you. Well, what you mean? well, when you came out your mother's womb, you came as one unless you was a twin or multiple birth, and still then, you had to come out one at a time. Well, just because this is a LOVE day, it don't mean lovers day, couples day, it just mean St Valentine's Day. So, if you have someone, cherish them; if you don't love yourself; Take yourself out to a spa; buy your favorite drink, meal, what have you and enjoy YOU! if ya must, have a party and the only other invitees are those who are ALONE on this day and make it entertaining; Whatever, however, you choose, just do something; It could be quiet time with nature, or your favorite book; Listening to something great; eating your favorite chocolate; whatever people. Just be blessed. And now, I am going to do just that in spite of things. Get some good chocolate, eat, something good, take a great bath and read these Og Mandino books I have been collecting. Be blessed and Do YOU!!

Birthday, Starbucks,Precious among others

Absolutely, positively nothing to report today!! Well, take that back. Some. I had my 47th birthday on Monday. Don't matter what, I try my best to do something good on that day. Or around it. This year, I went to Barnes and Noble and had a free Starbucks coffee with the most delectable dessert something called an Apple Purse and hon, that baby tasted good along with some whipped cream on top along with my free Caramel Macchiato Grande. Oh, sometimes, you need something good to start the day right. I also was able to buy Carl Weber's "Big Girls Do Cry" which is a sequel to "Something On The Side" Now, I had one sister whom I loved dearly but lost to Ovarian Cancer seven years ago in May. I love her husband and son, but I don't care I won't try to make a play at her hubby and live in her house too. That is too dang much no matter what you say. In this story, you have one sister living good, and the other sister who is living in the sister's house trying to play on the husband, yet carry on with a married lover. Then things got REAL twisted when the sister wanted her to be a surrogate mom and it was funky all the way to the end. Get it and read for yourselves.
Well, seems as though Mo'nique and Gabby Sidibe got nominated for Precious. I really feel Mo's got this in the bag, and though Gabby is great, there are other veteran actresses out there competing too like Sandra Bullock(a favorite with many) and the venerable British actress Helen Mirren, who to me, ALWAYS ends up on the Best Actress list each year. Nothing against talent, nothing against her, but if she pulls this off, I ain't mad. There are other nominations as well; Like Lee Daniels for Best Director, and Best Picture. Now, I knew the book would make for a great movie and it ain't no joke, but there are others up for grabs like Inglorious Basterds and Avatar, which is popular right now. To me, the fact they made it this far lets me know that the film is a gem and needed to be brought to screen. But Ebony has done a great cover of Gabby this month. Amen that they show love to all the girls. Well, I gotta go. Hope this baby looks good with pics and all. Peace.

To be honest, I have nothing much to report today. Other than the fact that the New Orleans Saints won the game making them eligible for the Super Bowl, (WHODAT)pickings have been pretty slim; I was able to watch the Help for Haiti telethon on tv the other night and soon as I'm able, I will give a donation. I haven't been able to work much due to my client being in the hospital and not getting much to do. But not to say I haven't had nothing to do. I do; just slow. My birthday is coming next week; So, hopefully I will have something to report then. Until next time, Peace.

Quiet Ponderings on a week gone past.

This week hasn't been the greatest of weeks. Oh, it started promising, but came down to a serious fizzle. I guess the first thing was the earthquake that hit Haiti with promises of tsunamis coming that way as well as to the Bahamas. Not a great sign at all. Haiti got hit with 7.0 earthquake with aftershocks ranging in the 5.0 scale that devastated an already depressed economy. Then just as we are trying to find out that the people in Haiti are ok, and where to start sending donations, The R&B lost one of it's finest when Teddy Pendergrass died Wednesday, after struggling with colon cancer on top of his being paralyzed in 1982,slowing his career down some. We didn't want to believe it, but if there is one thing I learned from this as well as Michael Jackson's death, word of mouth and on the street goes faster than the internet, and most of the time beat the news media. On top of that, the income I got fizzled due to my client going into the hospital for pneumonia. But the good thing out of this was that I got to go to church. Yet one thing this year is teaching me is you just cannot take nothing for granted in this world. Nothing.
2010 started out good, but already, we have seen devastation and a couple of notable people such as Ebony Fashion Fair founder Eunice Johnson, music producer Willie Mitchell(who produced for Al Green) and then Teddy Pendergrass. I am hoping if this is the shape of things to come, hold on, don't get off and keep your hat on.

Haiti and Teddy Pendergrass

Before I go into this tribute any further, let me say this. Two days ago, the people of Haiti suffered tremendous losses when a 7.0 earthquake went through their island. It was further hurt when aftershocks of 5.0 hit them after the fact. Now there is talk about tsunamis; I am a person of Caribbean roots. I know for a fact that plenty of my relatives have been through Haiti at one point or another. But this is the time to be your brother's keeper, and help the people of Haiti. Wyclef Jean has started Yele Haiti which has money to help the people of Haiti directly. Now he has set up where you can dial "501501" on your cell and $5 goes on your next bill. or you can donate directly. I cannot emphasize that we need to start being our brother's keeper and dang anything Rush Limbaugh or Pat Robertson says. Help the people of Haiti!! what they went through is plain terrible. If you are a praying person, PRAY!!! if you are the type to give, don't sit here hesitating; Help the people of Haiti. I do know about the Yele Haiti cell you can do or you can go to the site and donate which I will do today and urge others as well. I will also pray for these people and if there is any other way we can send something, do it!! this isn't the time for hesitating. DO IT NOW!!! I will put up links on that at the end of the blog.
Moving along, It really hurt about the people of Haiti, but things came right back home when after I put out an appeal about Haiti on my facebook page, I see little trickles about Teddy Pendergrass. To be honest, I was about to shut down the computer because the girls went to sleep early, and I was inclined to do the same, then Sam Redd was doing a blog talk radio and he mentioned Teddy Pendergrass first on Facebook. Well, I thought he was inspired but I heard little rumblings here and there. So I went to Wikipedia and there was a brief mention. Come to find out the man had JUST died when the news came out online(reminding me of Michael Jackson again)so as a part of a music appreciation group I'm a part of, whenever someone of musical accomplishment passes, I pass the word on to them, and I went to them immediately, there was NO word there so I put out the first announcement on him there and went back looking for some proof. sadly, official news was scant about him but thank God, I was able to get to a Philadelphia news site that did have it and I passed it on. I would hate to know that I said a person died and have nothing to back it up with. Sadly in this case, I found it. My momma would say, if you want something, you'll find it. she didn't lie.
Teddy Pendergrass was one of the best soulful crooners on the planet in the late 70s and early 80s. Shoot,if his accident didn't sideline his career,there's no telling where he would have gone. If you was a sister, you went to a Teddy Pendergrass concert. women would throw their drawers at a brother. Got so, he had For Women Only concerts and took his show to the women prisons. And it's safe to say that between the time that Teddy was actively singing, you had a serious population spurt. A lot of folks born during and after that time can give Teddy some credit for being here because he surely made things happen. Sadly, in 1982, he got into a serious automobile accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. But it didn't stop Teddy not one bit. He kept on singing and performing. But I surely didn't know that he had cancer and was fighting it until now. My boyfriend said he was the High Priest of Begging. I felt that he was the Goddaddy for all them babies coming here back in the day and he gave a lot of men serious game to get the ladies. Honey, put on a Teddy Pendergrass record on in private quarters, and like they say, it was a serious wrap. Especially if they played "Close the Door", "Turn off the Lights", and "Come On Over to My Place". But before then, he was the lead singer for Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes and was front and center for such songs as "Bad Luck", "I Miss You", "Be For Real" and the anthem "Wake Up Everybody", which to me, was the wake up call then and even now. People, Teddy Pendergrass gave us some great hip and often reflective music and the best we can do is to pay tribute to him and get his music. I already have. here is a link to leave your respects
www.legacy.com
Here is some more on haiti; God Bless.
http://www.worldvision.org/worldvision/eappeal.nsf/egift-haiti-earthquake-relief?Open&campaign=113655125&cmp=KNC-113655125
www.yele.org(Wyclef Jean's organization)
www.joycemeyer.org(she has a section where you can donate for Haiti and supposedly, she is there helping out at present)
Text:90999(International Red Cross)$10
501501(Yele Haiti)$5
25383(Internal Rescue Mission)
85944(Rescue Union Mission and Medcorp International)

American Violet and other things.

With much love to my state's football team, The University of Alabama Crimson Tide(Roll Tide Roll)who made the national championship, I am here today to say some things and keep it short.
Down this way, Mardi Gras is on it's way to Mobile. Mobile, Alabama, contrary to popular belief, IS the undisputed birthplace of Mardi Gras, which is held each year since the 18th century,(shut down by wars though)will be making its way down our streets and because my client is a native and lover of it, I will probably be there with her. So hopefully, I will take pictures of the events, and post to my blog so folks can get a flavor of how things are done.
Yesterday, in spite of my limited budget, I bought a movie called American Violet. I have heard of the story that occurred in Texas originally from a 60 minutes segment on it a few years back. Never forgot it. Since then, one of the two ladies implicated in the arrests has put her story to film, and American Violet is the result. Now, as an African American, I have known and seen some things. I was close to graduating from high school in Mobile, when Michael Donald was kidnapped, tortured and finally killed in 1981 here. Matter of fact, he was a close friend of a friend of mine, distantly related to my client, who I feel is a treasure trove of all things black Mobile and he graduated the year before from Murphy High School, where I graduated from. It is only through God's grace, the timeliness of the city leaders and capture of those who perpetrated the crime that no more ugly incidents occurred here. If you can, please google Michael Donald if you don't know about him; he has an important place in history especially here in Alabama.
But moving on, back to American Violet. Imagine with me that you lived by the law. You don't do drugs, you trying to do your best, you have no problems, but along with others, you are arrested, charged with trafficking drugs to minors, and told to confess to and say you did it. Could you? would you? That is the gist of American Violet. If you want my opinion, EVERY AFRICAN AMERICAN should have a copy of this dvd. Every teacher who has a duty and sensitivity to her students should have a copy; Every momma, father, whomever who has someone young in their midst, they need this(as well as Precious too but I'm gonna leave that alone for now), they need to get a copy of this movie for their collections, WATCH IT, and DISCUSS IT too. seriously. because these things do happen. and as long as there's a black and white, it's gonna be there. Then again, I think I'm gonna put out a film and or book list that each of us should have. seriously. We need to be educated, we need to be informed but most of all, we need to KNOW.
American Violet. Check it out and see it for yourselves. Perhaps, I'll do something on Michael Donald. But I tell you what. Ravi Howard, wrote a fictional account on the incident, Like Trees Walking. check that out for yourself. I'm going to cut this short. Be blessed and have a good day.

Remembering a Legend and supporting your man

Happy New Year's All!!
I wanted to go to church to bring in 2010; sadly, because of my not having a car, I wasn't able to go but brought in the year quietly amid a lot of guns shooting. another reason for not going out is that too many folks start shooting as well. so, I believe I want to start a tradition for ladies at New Years where we have a New Years night to bring in on our own. I believe I'm going to start that. We'll see.
I was remarking on how it was nice to know that no one has passed this year and all, but sadly that wasn't the case at all. I was doing some looking on Essence and an item on Ebony co founder Eunice Johnson caught my eye. all of a sudden, I felt sad. I didn't see the whole headline so I went on Ebony Jet's website to confirm and indeed, it did confirm her passing. So, knowing that the word didn't get around, I put up on my Twitter and Facebook pages that she passed and left a word of condolences on Ebony's Facebook page. I even erased my former blurb on Facebook because I remembered she was a native of Selma, Alabama, and had to give credit where credit is due. She was 93;
While it is sad to see someone so accomplished die, one can also feel glad that while she lived, she did many notable things, it is also a fact of life that there is an end of the road. So I want to mention the accomplishments of this woman as well as her husband. Granted, they were part of another era where if you struck out on something, you made it happen to the best of your ability. Now, I am sure Mrs Johnson could have pooh poohed Mr Johnson and told him NOT to start no magazine catering to African Americans. Not to go to his boss, Mr Harry Pace of the Supreme Life Insurance Company and asked for the names of his insurers so they can be part of this new endeavor. Yet, she stuck by her husband and with the help of his mother's love and furniture, which he borrowed $500 against, he started the Negro Digest in 1942. His wife and mother was his staff when he first started and with the first set of subscriptions and help, he was able to have a legacy that is still alive today. Now, I say that to say this. I hear women talk about having someone in their life. all well and good. But how can you say that you won't support him in an endeavor you think a total waste of time. I just finished Zane's latest, "Total Eclipse of the Heart" and the hero in the book started an online dating service for brothers that the wife felt was a total waste of time. When he got injured and he started another online dating service for those with disabilities, she got even more vocal that she dogged him out further and had an affair with someone else. He ended up leaving her and eventually got with a woman more supportive of his endeavors. I say that to say this. If you want someone, you have to love them; if they have kids, love them too. don't holler you love someone and then you take his kids with your kids somewhere, and you want to give to your kids and not to his and those kids see that and feel bad. To me, that is not good at all; My mother met my father with two kids, my eldest brother and sister, Alvin and Agnes. When my father decided to buy us encyclopedias, and they cost too, he bought TWO sets. one for my brother and I, as well as one for my brother and sister since they lived with their mother. When he got a hold of some books noting the accomplishments of African Americans from the time they got to these shores until present time, he got TWO sets. I am proud to say that the books are still in our possessions to this day. My siblings and I loved them books and my eldest sister who is no longer living, adored them. When they bought clothes, she bought clothes for them too. If we went out as a family, they went too. Wasn't nothing hidden from them. My mother even remarked that when she took my youngest brother George to Dominica so that they could help with his asthma, she wanted to take my eldest brother Alvin too but felt his mom would object. with all that said, you get my point. You support your man and his things and vice versa. Now that don't mean if he do something illegal, go along. No hit the road, and let me mention two more names. Barack and Michelle. It is no secret that she supported this man. To be honest, when she met him, she was his superior at work. She could have said the man ain't nothing but a scrub, and she wasn't paying him any attention like that, but sometimes you dig a little deeper and see the good and go with that. Now, this lady made very good money on her own. Personally as a woman, I feel for her because I feel a woman should have her own nest egg married or not. Yet in spite of that, she is the First Lady of the USA. So my point, support your man.
Now Mrs Johnson could have told Mr Johnson not to do this. But thank God she didn't because Ebony and Jet has been a part of African American homes for over half a century. I don't think there is an African American that hasn't been touched by Ebony. And let me go further. After Ebony was established and she saw that there was no one celebrating the beauty of the black woman, she went to Paris and Italy and established relations with haute couture designers and got them to sell her their clothes and the Ebony Fashion Fair, which is still in existence was born. I was proud to have gone to one show while stationed in Delaware. Check out Ebony and Jet's webpage www.ebonyjet.com to leave your condolences. as well as EbonyJet's facebook page and check back in time with www.legacy.com which will put up a guest book for those who wish to leave word for the family there as well. Be blessed and do something great in this new year. If you have a mate who is trying to make a go of something, support him; If your man and you have a mate likewise, support her too. Peace.