The past couple of weeks, talk of Lil Kim’s new look have flooded social media. I’ve read everything from mean and hateful comments to “it’s her life so why should I care” comments. In taking all of it in, I’ve realized that very few have come to see the big picture. The issue is more than just lighter and straighter hair. This goes back to the definition of beauty and how/why lightening up your look ever became a thought of necessity.
Now I tried writing this piece several times but couldn’t seem to get it quite right but recently I started to watch the TV show Underground and everything began to fall into place. Lil Kim has mentioned in past interviews that men have left her for lighter more European looking women. She stated that she’s been called ugly for being darker and it took a toll on her self-esteem. Lil Kim was a beautiful woman. Not just to me but thousands of other will agree. So what on earth would make her or the men in her life judge her beauty based off the color of her skin? Let’s dig in. The idea that the closer to white the better, came from the separation of light skin slaves and dark skin slaves. The fairer you were the better chance you had of working in the house and the darker you were the harder you worked in the field. This created such strong animosity amongst slaves, making them turn on each other just for a chance to get closer to the one that enslaved them. They forgot the reality that they lived in. No matter where you worked on that plantation, you were still a slave and the color of your skin didn’t save you from scrutiny.
Fast for a little over 100 years and the problem still exists today. Black people are still being shamed for their natural hair, wide nose, big hips, and deeper hues of melanin. Meanwhile others imitate our look and call it fashion. It’s almost like we aren’t allows to be us but everyone else can dip into the black culture for kicks. On top of that, the dating world is seems bleak for women of color. Black women are the least desired of all women. Least of all by our own men. I remember being in high school and hearing a black guy say he flat out doesn’t date black women. He disowned us for every stereotypical reason in the book. In the words of Beyoncé “Becky with the good hair” was and is still more desirable. How is this supposed to make black women feel? We are taught to be strong and bold but criticized for following through. We have to be just as good as everyone else but have to work twice as hard to prove it. We are told we are beautiful but that’s only if we have a fairer skin tone, light eyes, and not so kinky hair.
We aren’t the only ethnicity suffering from colorism. This problem is throughout countries like India, Sri Lanka, Korea and Brazil. There are commercials with women lightening their skin to get the man – I’m dead serious: click here to see one. The entire Korean beauty market is centered on being lighter with bigger eyes to look whiter so you can be beautiful. Ms. Brazil de-crowned their beauty queen in 2013 because she was too black. It’s heartbreaking to know that colorism is still so strong throughout the world.
My hope and prayer is we take the time to not only love the things that make us beautifully unique, but that we as women lift each other up. Get rid of team light skin vs team dark skin. Stop alienating each other for childish reasons. I wish I could say that before the next year rolls around, there will be a shift is what defines beauty but in reality that won’t happen. I will take a lot of time. In the meantime, take a moment to tell yourself you are beautiful and share that same love with a friend. If we don’t lift each other up, no one else will.
There’s a new bookstore in the Houston Heights neighborhood...kind of. I wouldn’t limit Onyx Artifacts to being simply a bookstore because depending on who’s there or what day it is, the space can be transformed to meet the needs of their customers. Since February 2016, owners Ariann Burley & Jerome Key, have sought to provide a space of perusal, leisure, culture, conversation, entertainment, and activism. One evening, I (reigning Tuesday Trivia champ) was afforded the opportunity to speak with them and gain more insight to how they see their business being a vessel within the Houston community.
Tell me about yourself.
Ariann: I was born in Houston, then raised here and in Dallas. I am a 12th grade English teacher at Cesar Chavez High School. I’m the oldest of four kids and I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs, so I kind of have that entrepreneurial spirit in me. This is my third business, but it’s the first one that’s truly a passion of mine. It’s something that I want to do and willing to do it for free.
Jerome: I was born and raised in Houston...been here all my life. I was an accountant, but currently I'm a school teacher and loving it. To be able to create and build a business like this that we’re both passionate, has been really big for us. We get to combine our business and professional experience to make this place very successful.
In regard to opening up a bookstore, had it always been a dream or did it evolve from another idea?
Ariann: It was always a dream of mine to have a safe meeting space for young people to gather for events. The bookstore thing kind of evolved with me thinking what about if I open a cafe for the students over at TSU and UH where they can come and get free Wifi, study, and browse some books. Then I thought about owning a bookstore, which had always been a dream of mine. However, I always thought I was going to do that when I'm retired, old and can't do anything else (laughs).
What drew you to the Heights area?
Ariann: We were here all the time when we first started going out. Jerome and I used to go on Sunday walks in the Heights because they had structures on the boulevard that changed often. One day in December, we decided to go on Yale. We started all the way near 6th Street and walked up, looking through windows of stores and we came here to the Heights Common Market. It was an antique furniture store and a comic book store inside and we thought that was weird. We walked out and saw a sign that said, “Space For Lease.” Jerome started saying that this could be the place for the bookstore I was always talking about. This came about on December 19th and on February 6th we opened. The price was right, it's centrally located and on a great corner. We could not pass it up. For the price, nobody would have passed it up (laughs).
What sets you all apart from other local bookstores here in the community?
Jerome: You said the key word “community.” This place attracts a lot of writers who write for pleasure and/or career. Writers who want to get to that next level and get their work published. Onyx Artifacts provides support and an audience for writers of all genres to perform or self-publish. What sets us apart is that we are a true community bookstore. Everything, in terms of the products we sell, stem from people within the community. Houston has a great well of creative talent in writing, art, music, and comedy as we've seen at our Open Mic Night. We reach out to the community; we're not merely sitting behind a bunch of books or coffee flavors.
How can local entrepreneurs and small businesses sell or advertise here?
Ariann: They just come to us. If people want to sell here, they can contact the bookstore, tell us about their product, and we’ll give them the rates. We offer three different options and they can choose which one works best for them. Then, we provide the shelf space and a small rental agreement where they have the option change from month to month.
How have you acquired your book inventory?
Ariann: We get donations and go to local auctions and sales. We've traveled hundreds of miles for a good sale on books to provide a good selection for our customers. We are starting to pride ourselves on having a nice little selection of first editions and foreign books. Our space has ALL genres. We don't discriminate against any genre. Just because we may not approve of it or read it, someone else out there may want to. We sell everything.
Jerome: This goes into one of our slogans which is, “Uncover and Unwind.” We want you to be able to uncover something you didn't think about buying or reading, but you just happened to see it on the shelves. That's been the focus of what we look for and it's done amazingly well.
What types of events do you all host?
Jerome: One of our main events, which we alternate every other Tuesday, is Open Mic Night. We have amateur comedians, musicians, spoken word poets, singers...a variety of different talents come and perform. We’ve had activists come and speak. If you lost your dog and don't have enough money to make flyers, come to our open mic and get the word out (laughs). We support the community because the community shows so much love to us. Then, we have our Trivia Tuesdays. (Editor’s note: previous trivia night themes include, movies with predominantly black actors/actresses, everything 90’s, and television shows).
We're realizing that people love this place because it's not exactly a bookstore and not exactly a coffee shop, but it feels like home. We’ve hosted non-profit organizations based on educational activism like the Opt-out Movement. Future New Era of Houston Movement, which is a social cultural organization committed to uplifting the community, has been here. Book signings...some people don't have a connection with an independent publisher, but they have us. We provide that space. People want to host birthday parties, baby showers, and study groups. We're able to provide a safe space and that is what helps us have so much variety with events. Once people see what we're about and realize the potential they have, it starts to snowball and build to something that everyone can benefit from.
In 5 words, describe the vibe of this place.
Ariann: Haven, comfort, nostalgic, unusual, and anti-contemporary.
Jerome: Time, space, opportunity, serendipity, and relaxation. It’s so relaxing for us to come in after a long day and be here because we are passionate about what we do. It's fun for us. Even when we're not working, we're thinking about work. Ariann and I are constantly being inspired in ways that can help us build our business.
Ariann: This is a home away from home...a judge free zone. You'll get a good conversation or silence, if that's what you need. We don't have a timer on anybody. You can stay here as long as you like, even if you haven't bought anything.
What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs?
Ariann: Don't think because you have a great idea or talent, it’s going to sell itself. Marketing is 85% [of the work] if you ever want to be successful. You have to put in the footwork, time, money and thought to marketing. It's tedious; it’s burdensome. It's not what you thought it was going to be when you go into business. Yes, your product may be awesome and it may be something everyone needs, but no one is going to notice you if you don't put in that work.
Jerome: Social responsibility. Not only in regard to building a brand, but also to actual sales. One time a community organization, that just because we gave them the opportunity to have a safe space to meet, supported us by having a “cash mob,” where they were able to pull their money together and buy what they could. Seeing us go from an open mic that was mainly poets, to a huge mix of people, I think it's pretty good. They see us really craving their talent and giving them a showcase to sell their product or perform. We're not trying to give off the customer experience of this being just another coffee shop or just another bookstore. Our customer base is constantly growing because they like what we provide. We listen to the people and have a social responsibility to provide the community what they need.
“Akia, what do you use for your hair?” It’s a question I hear at least every other day. Oftentimes, I draw a blank because it’s not something I think about much. I’ve even considered writing the products down so I could refer to them when asked. However, since I’m trying to advance out into the #hairgoals realm and take better care of my hair, I figured I share my most used products with you all. I’m not a hair guru, but I have found through my 6 ½ year status of #teamnatural that these products work for me. Hope you enjoy!
I absolutely hate to be putting words down this soon describing the masterpiece that was LEMONADE, and how I felt watching it. I know there’s a litany of op-eds that have been fighting themselves out of the minds fans and naysayers alike since the visual album premiered Saturday. The basis for their assertions may range from elitist musical preferences, to a solid foundation in Black Feminist theory; while there is so much to be gleaned from a writer’s gut reaction to a piece of art, I am a major proponent of taking the time to process events of such magnitude. So let’s just take the tie right now for a collective moment of collection. On my count…
1…2…3…
Good.
Now, even with the short amount of time that’s passed, there are quite a few statements we can make about this album that hold true.
The most important one is that this album is For Black Women, by Black Women.
In no way am I dismissing art created by so many Black women artists that centers us, but the visibility of Beyoncé’s art is second to none. The biggest and most iconic superstar of our time just put her middle finger up to the misogynoir that suppresses Black women’s image in media. This album is OUR story in all of its beauty, pain, and complexity. It addresses the intersectional oppression that Black women specifically face. To otherwise misconstrue it is to be doing the ABSOLUTE most. So if you aren’t a Black woman, it’s not for you. Have all the seats in NRG Stadium.
I am also not without my critiques of the album (I’m a Bey stan too, so just hear me out!) Of course there’s ALWAYS room for improvement in everything, including this piece I’m writing right now. Since Beyoncé is showing a clear progression in her analytical, Black feminist thought, I think she’d appreciate the points:
1. I wish there had been representation of Black women with less accepted body types.
2. While the queer imagery was potent, I wish there had been more queer and gender-nonconforming Black folk shown.
3. I wish the visible album credits (as they appear on Tidal) recognized Black women.
That’s literally it. LEMONADE was so perfect, that my critiques are reduced to random thoughts that floated through my mind as a result of being trained to point out any and all erasure or lack of representation. Not to undercut the importance of those aforementioned identities, but LEMONADE is so any light years ahead in its decolonization that I haven’t even developed a way to critique it. That’s the way art should be.
One last point I would like to make. I am what a lot of ignorant people would call “regular Black.” I am not a first gen-, second gen-, or any gen- African or Caribbean immigrant. I am not Afro-Latino.
I am a Black American, but I am not “mixed race.” I claim none of the non-Black heritage that was forced into my bloodline by brutal, consistent rape. I know it is there, but I am not proud of it. In truth, I do not have to claim it, because it is not phenotypically apparent in me. I am a regular Black girl. There’s nothing “exotic” about me. As a Black American woman, however, I know that my experience is one that can easily be adopted and expressed by those who occupy any of the “exotic” identities I mention above. I cannot do the same. I cannot speak on the Afro-Latino experience, but Afro-Latinos can speak on mine, and have theirs all for themselves. I have not decided whether this is a wholly bad thing. It has been sitting in the back of my mind for a couple of weeks now, but as I was watching LEMONADE I saw regular Black girlhood celebrated. I saw light skin, and “mixed” race people, but in a way that was not centered or fetishized. I saw dark skinned Black women, the American backdrop, and I felt recognized and anchored in that experience.
Prince Rogers Nelson was unlike any other musician. He had a powerful stage presence that filled a room. It was almost as if he walked in say “you’re welcome” before you could even remember to say hello. Prince could hit every high low and get down low too. He cross boundaries in music and in fashion. He showed us that being different was nothing to apologize for.
Just a couple of days ago I was talking about Prince and how he could probably captivate you with his eyes. I was told going to a Prince concert was an experience that you’d never forget. Women of all ages loved him and wanted to be the next Shelia E so they could stand next to him. What other person could create a symbol and make that their name, and have the public go along with it?
There is not enough page space to describe my love of his work and the legacy that he leaves behind. All I can say is Prince has been taken far too soon. I’ll definitely have him on rotation via Spotify. Maybe starting off with Kiss and then When Dove’s Cry. Today turn your radios up and get your music together. Today we should all honor the man: Prince.
When I hear the name Miles Davis, all I can think of is Jazz legend. This man single handedly changed the face of jazz with his unique ear for sound. He has a visionary in every definition of the word. With an appreciation for jazz music, I couldn’t wait to listen to the movie’s soundtrack. For all your true jazz fans out there, it does not disappoint.
The Miles Ahead Soundtrack was produced by Don Cheadle and contemporary jazz musician Robert Glasper. It covers records from 1953 to 1981. This selection of music reminds you of just how brilliant Miles Davis was. Eleven of the songs are originals from Davis himself with a few originals by Glasper. Some of the tracks like Duran (a personal favorite) are edited due to time constraints but it doesn’t take away from the song or flow of the album. The album also has 8 voice snippets of Cheadle as Miles Davis from the movie. The snippets are interesting. Since I haven’t seen the movie, it’s hard to pinpoint the exact reasons they are used. However, I am going to assume that each snippets leads into the next section, like small foreshadowing of what is to come. Glasper’s original content blends in with the works of Miles Davis. You can definitely see a streamline in their thought processes. Not afraid to step outside the lines a bit. Even blur the lines of genres a bit.
This beautiful album ends with the song Gone 2015 by Robert Glasper featuring Pharoahe Monch. It fuses hip hop with jazz effortlessly and gives a nod to Miles Davis who was never afraid crossing genres to create something new. I am eager to watch the film and see how these tracks flow with the film.
Kezzie: Pertaining to my educational goals, I fear not finishing Grad school as scheduled. I’ve made it to the end…. Almost.
Hueston: You are a true definition of a girl boss. What advice do you have for other aspiring girl bosses?
Kezzie: Girl Bosses are fearless and sometimes a renegade in a world ran by men. Girl Bosses have a balance of whit, charm, and well… have a boss attitude. I would advise young ladies who aspire to be bosses to try and determine what makes them special and different from the next. Hone in that uniqueness and start creating a path that reflects those attributes. That’s called creating “your own lane”. No one can take you out of that lane or impose their views on your lane because she is the sole (soul) BOSS on that pathway.
Hueston: You seem very proactive in the black community starting with your work with SHSU’s NAACP, what have you done to continue educating the community as an alumna?
Kezzie: Community engagement has been near to my heart. After graduating undergrad I was so focused on my career path and goals. I was doing ok for myself, but I still felt like something was missing. I no longer had student organizations that fed the giving nature of my soul. The Most High sensed my longing to give back and directed my path to others who felt the way I did. Some time went by and these few individuals and I (pictured below) decided to organize and formed a new organization called New Perspective Development. NPD is a nonprofit organization in which our mission is to shed light by developing socio-economic equality in underprivileged communities. This is achieved through sharing various devices of information, hosting programs, workshops, and community services.
Hueston: What makes Kezzie smile?
Kezzie: Witty sarcasm and cute puppies
Hueston: How do you feel about dating and courtship in 2016?
Kezzie: Dating is lots of fun, unfortunately courtship is a lost art. Primarily due to men and woman having lower requirements and expectations of each other. We are all guilty.
Hueston: Do you feel as though a man’s place is at work and a woman’s place is in the house?
Kezzie: Gender roles are so 1950’s. Although, as a woman who works really hard for what she wants, it would be really nice to have the option of taking care of the home. Besides, different stokes for different folks. Sometimes the typical roles are reversed out of necessity.
Hueston: What characteristics does your ideal man possess?
Kezzie: The ideal man must have charisma and a style of his own: a trendsetter and leader in his own right. I won’t stand beside a man that can’t lead; He must be supportive and kind hearted.
Hueston: What is your ideal date/night?
Kezzie: I love to eat. So a good date will be on in which involves good food. If a man really wants my attention, he will pick the place, preferably a somewhere I’ve never been.
Hueston: if Hueston were to ask an old flame about Kezzie, what would the individual say?
Kezzie: She’s crazy! No, I’m kidding. I think the general consensus would involve verbs like giving, demanding, strong, and hungry.
Hueston: What is your biggest pet peeve/turn offs?
Kezzie: Men who whine or their feelings get hurt easily are extreme turn offs. Another pet peeve are excuses. Men who don’t take self-responsibility usually don’t get pass go with me.
Hueston: Steve Harvey has a well-known book published on rules women should abide by when dating, what are your top 3 rules for yourself?
Kezzie: Rule #1. Trusting my gut. If he and I don’t seem to mesh, I won’t force the situation (regardless of what he drives). Rule #2. Be myself. That sound cliché, but men can usually tell if you are “faking it to make it” (i.e if the dude is Muslim, don’t act like you don’t eat pork so he’ll like you.) Rule #3. A newer rule for myself, is to ‘Let him pay’. I use to think this was forward thinking by having him pay on the first date. Before, I would hurry up a throw my credit card on the table before he had a chance to see the bill. But REAL men want to the opportunity to make the grand gesture of paying for the first few dates. It’s positively reinforces good date etiquette.
Hueston: Do you have any hobbies?
Kezzie: Cooking. Creating a filling meal in the kitchen for myself or friends sets off good endorphins. I also enjoy hiking. Being outside on a cool and sunny day really makes me forget about my worries.
Hueston: As with myself and many other readers, educating our self on social issue is key not having us revert back to the old ways, what book would you suggest for us a community to indulge in?
Kezzie: The New Jim Crow, The Alchemist, and Stolen Legacy are a few of my favorites. These books are eye opening for the past, present, and the now.
Hueston: What is your 5 year plan?
Kezzie: I’m a little bit of a free spirit, but my definite goals involve travel, romance, and becoming a home owner.
Hueston: I see that you are a naturalista and many of our readers can relate, can you share your natural hair experience and routine?
Kezzie: Natural hair is a beautiful phenomenon that I came into by accident. I’m sure many people can relate to leaving a sew-in or braids in too long. Well. I went past that ‘too long” stage. So much so, that my new growth started to coil. To my surprise, I had curly hair. I had relaxers for most of my life and never saw how my unadulterated hair looked. After that discovery, I never looked back. I was familiar with products, textures, and coil types. Although, the 1st big chop brought me to tears. I thought I was confident enough to rock the baby fro stage for a few hours after cutting my own hair, but the shape was awful. I went to a professional a day later and she helped restore my fro and my confidence. Currently, I just wash my hair every 2 weeks with co-washes in between. The wash and go is my normal style. I love Cantu leave-in condition and sealing my hair with vegetable glycerin.
Hueston: If you could go anywhere in the world no matter cost, where would Kezzie go?
Kezzie: The continent of Africa. I would start in South Africa and go up from there.
Hueston: As an educated black woman, why did you choose your Alma Mater over an HBCU?
Kezzie: I really didn’t have much choice in the matter. I was a 16 year old senior high school student with deadlines quickly approaching. My high school counselor was an alumna of Sam Houston. She told my grandmother she would write a letter of recommendation if I attended school there. That sealed that aspect of my future. I think the people around me made the best decision considering the circumstance and I wouldn’t change a thing. I truly do believe HBCU’s are just as prestigious as PWI’s and it’s really just a matter of personal choice.
Hueston: Lastly, to make things fun, we’ve all seen those comical memes with the hashtag #growingUpBlack, what is one thing your parents always done that you thought was funny growing up.
Kezzie: My grandparents (Suga and Daddy) raised me, so there are so many laughable moments that others can relate to. #GrowingUpBlack I wasn’t allowed to “Play in my hair”. That’s what I had dolls for. Also, #GrowingUpBlack I had to pick a place to play. Inside or outside. Running in and out the house was not permitted. #GrowingUpBlack meant Santa Clause was my daddy. No old, fat, white man was responsible for bringing gifts into my parents’ house.
Hueston: How can the readers of HuestonMag contact you if you wish to be contacted?
5 black authors and their books to read this spring
Source: Bookriot.com
Ah, Spring. The temperature is warming up and there’s nothing better than reading a good book sitting on your porch enjoying the sun. There’s nothing I love more than a good read. Here are a few author’s you’ll want to keep handy for some compelling reading.
In fiction, we have Darryl Pinckney, a respected literacy critic and a longtime contributor to the New York Review of Books offers “Black Deutschland”. A strong story about a young man, fresh out of rehab, who flees his hometown, Chicago, in the early 1980’s. Jed Goodfinch is black, gay, directionless; a drunk and college dropout; an underachiever in a family of overachievers. He heads to Europe for a second chance.
Next we have, prize winning, best selling author Colson Whitehead, a thrilling story chronicling a young slave’s adventure as she makes a desperate bid for freedom in the south. Cora is a slave on a cotton planation in Georgia. A hellish life she lives, until a recent arrival from Virginia, Caesar, tells her about “The Underground Railroad”.
Nonfiction is holding its own from literary powerhouse Roxane Gay. In her “Hunger: A Memoir of My Body”, Gay weighs her relationship with food, body image, and self-care. It’s her relationship with intimacy and sensitivity about food and body that hooks the reader. Using her own emotional and psychological struggles as a means of exploring our anxieties over pleasure, consumption, appearance, and health. Her novel explains what it means to take care of yourself. A lesson we can all learn from.
“All Jokes Aside” is a widely humorous story of Lambert’s journey, a behind the scene looks into the world of show business, and an inspiring tale for any dreamer. Full of cautionary tales both humorous and dramatic; we get an inside peek of the early careers of some of the top performers. And a how-to guide on building a business from the ground up. This book is a much needed read for the inspiring entrepreneur.
“The Fire This Time” by national book award winner Jesmyn Ward takes James Baldwin’s 1963 examination of race in America. A jumping off point from the collection of essays and poems about from the most important voices of generation and our time. It shines a light onto the darkest corners and envisions a better future.
These books are some of the best that you’ll want to include in your library this spring. There are new novels from old favorites, unique voices, plus a memoir or two that look pretty interesting.
Listen Ladies, summer is vastly approaching and swimsuit season is days away (61 days, 7 hours, 6 minutes to be exact)! Everyone wants to be comfortable in their own skin no matter the size right? So, let’s hold each other accountable for healthier lifestyles in 2016. Grab your girls this weekend and have some fun in the sun. You can still have your ‘girl talk’ while working out. It’s never too late to start a workout routine. Don’t be traditional! Maximize your routine and work out outdoors! I promise this can be a fun experience.
This outdoor workout routine can be done at the nearest track or park; it combines cardio activities with strength moves. The routine involves four sets (3 exercises, 1 set of each exercise performed back-to-back with as little rest between exercises as possible).
Start with a Warm-up: Jog – 5 minutes
Set #1
Cardio/lower body - Sprints x 100 yards
Upper body – Push Ups x (as many as you can do)
Core – Crunches x 20
Perform set for 3 rounds with 90-second rest between sets
Set #2
Cardio/lower body – Lateral Shuffles x 1 minute (switch directions after 30 seconds)
Upper body - Bench/Ledge Triceps Dip x 15
Core –Plank x 15 seconds
Perform set for 3 rounds with 90-second rest between sets
Set #3
Cardio/lower body – Sprint Stairs/Stadium
Cardio/Upper body– Weighted Stair Climb, (holding a water jug or other weight)
Core – Scissor kicks x 20, each leg
Perform set for 3 rounds with 90-second rest between sets
Set #4 – The Finale
Cardio/lower body – Shuttle Run x 2
Lower body – Wall/ Squat Sit x 60 seconds
Core – Plank x 30 seconds
Perform set for 3 rounds with 90-second rest between sets
ABC replaces top boss with first black female broadcast president
Major executive shake-up at ABC: Entertainment chief Paul Lee has stepped down from his post after six years.
Lee has been replaced by ABC’s vice president of drama development, Channing Dungey, who is the first African-American to ever lead the entertainment division of a major broadcast network.
As we all know, Monday was a horrible day for the City of Houston. Hundreds were evacuated from homes and cars with nothing. This week’s flooding has been compared to Tropical Storm Allison that wiped through Houston in June 2001.
Let’s all do our part and Restore Houston!
The Following places are providing Shelter and goods to flood victims:
AUSTIN COUNTY:
· Knights of Columbus Hall, 1390 US-90, Sealy
HARRIS COUNTY:
· Chinese Community Center, 9800 Town Park Dr., Houston
· Willow Meadows Baptist Church, 9800 Town Park Dr., Houston
5 inspirational black women and their quotes to get you through the week
‘Black Girl Magic’ means many things to many people. But for most of us, it illustrates just how awesome we are as black women. It’s just about anything we deem inspirational to the culture. These women have inspired us all by making their dreams come true, and they empower us by sharing their journeys; the good, bad, and the ugly. For this they are admired and hold the title of #BlackGirlMagic. Each woman selected has found success in their own niche, and have influenced thousands of women of color!
May I begin with…
1. MIKAILA ULMER, Found and CEO of BeeSweet Lemonade
Source: Time Magazine
“Everyday in my mind I keep that the sky is the limit.”
Mikaila Ulmer is the founder of BeeSweet Lemonade. When she was only four-years-old, Ulmer was brainstorming what she would contribute to the Action Children’s Business Fair and Austin Lemonade Day. After two bee stings, she was encouraged to do her research on how bees are critical to our ecosystem. A light bulb went off and Mikaila was inspired to create that would help honeybees and use her great grandmother’s recipe. She is all about the business of bees.
2. SHONDA RHIMES, Television producer and Writer
Source: Hollywood Reporter
“Dreams are lovely. But they are just dreams. Fleeting, ephemeral, pretty. But dreams do not come true just because you dream them. It's hard work that makes things happen. It's hard work that creates change.”
Rhimes is the first African-American woman to create and executive-produce a top 10 primetime television series with ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy; she’s also the woman behind Private Practice and is currently developing Scandal. The Dartmouth graduate is arguably the most powerful Black woman in Hollywood and one of the most sought-after writers and producers in entertainment.
3. MELLODY HOBSON, of Ariel Investments
Image source: CNBC
“Invite people into your life who don’t look or act like you. You might find they challenge your assumptions and make you grow.”
Hobson is a female leader in the finance sector, and holds the prestisus title of president of Ariel Investments and chairwoman on several boards, including Disney Animation.
4. MISTY COPLAND, Ballerina
Image Source: The Atlantic
“The best piece of advice that I remember probably on a daily basis is to accept everything about me that is different. That is what makes me special.”
Misty is an American ballet dancer for the infamous American Ballet Theatre. Copeland became the first African American woman to be named a principal dancer in ABT history. Copeland has defied the previous standards of the ballerina look.
5. GABBY DOUGLAS, Athlete & Gymnast
Image source: Biography.com
“You've got to be confident when you're competing. You've got to be a beast.”
Gabby Douglas is a U.S. women’s artistic gymnast. Best known as the first African American in Olympic history to win the individual all-around champion. She is also the first women of color to win gold in both the gymnastic individual all around and team competitions at the same Olympic games.
#BlackGirlMagic is a movement that’ll last through the ages. Let’s continue to celebrate the female spirit in which we are all empowered, inspired, educated, and enlightened daily. We all are amazing and have the potential to change history; to become history.
One of the best way to update your spring wardrobe is through your accessories. Here are 3 runway inspired handbag trends that are perfect additions to your spring ensembles.
Embellished Bags
Marc Jacobs Embellished Bag (Red) - Starting at $850
Zara Patch Cross Body Bag, 39.90
Slouchy Bucket Bags
HM Small Bucket Bag $24.99
Michael Kors Sailna Runway Medium Python tote, $2,990.
Metallic Clutches
Marni Clutch in Gloosy lame with Jersey Interior, $1,150
GO JANE Street Level Decision Reversible Bag, $37.00
Round 44 | Shattering the Concrete: Artists, Activists and Instigators
Project Row Houses, 2521 Holman St.
Now through June 19, 2016
(image source: Facebook; content source below)
Across the globe, political uprisings have brought an increased focus to the relationship between art and politics. Though creative resistance is nothing new, contemporary artists and activists have built upon the longstanding legacy of cultural organizing and social movement. Curated by Raquel de Anda, Shattering the Concrete: Artists, Activists and Instigators explores modern forms of art’s role in challenging the current political paradigm and fomenting political change.
The Round will present site-specific installations by seven artists and collectives, including The Argus Project (Gan Golan, Ligaiya Romero and Julien Terrell), Charge (Jennie Ash and Carrie Schneider), Nuria Montiel & John Pluecker, The Natural History Museum (a project of Not An Alternative) in collaboration with T.E.J.A.S. (Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Services), People’s Paper Co-op (Courtney Bowles and Mark Strandquist), Storyline Media (Rachel Falcone and Michael Premo), and Verbobala (Adam Cooper-Terán and Logan Phillips). From paper-making workshops that release people from the burden of criminal records to hybrid theatre that illuminates the realities of the border, the featured work highlights the critical role that artists play in current social justice movements.
Visit Project Row Houses for more information
XX Part One - Gallery's 20th Anniversary Exhibition
Anya Tish Gallery, 4411 Montrose
Opening Reception: Friday, April 22, 6:00 - 8:30 pm.
April 22 - May 28, 2016
(image and content source: Anya Tish Gallery)
In celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the eponymous space, Anya Tish Gallery is delighted to present XX: I, the first of two group exhibitions of painting, video, sculpture, photography, and installation by recent and long-standing artists from the gallery stable. Gallery artists will be present at the opening reception.
Visit Anya Tish Gallery for information
Statements: African American Art from the Museum's Collection
Museum of Fine Art Houston, 1001 Bissonnet
Now through September 25, 2016
(image and content source: MFAH)
This exhibition is the “latest in a series of focused installations highlighting unique areas of strength in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Featuring artists who have shaped the course of American art across eight decades, Statements brings together more than 40 works in a wide range of media, from Richmond Barthé’s iconic Feral Benga of 1935 to Mark Bradford’s Circa 1992, created in 2015.”
Casey Gregory with Arts and Culture Texas stated, “anyone with even a cursory interest in the history of art, or the underrepresentation of African American artists writ large, or the history of this city (many of the included artists have strong ties to Houston) should go see this show right now.”
Visit MFAH for more information
Mark Flood: Gratest Hits
Contemporary Art Museum of Houston, 5216 Montrose
Opening Reception: Friday, April 29, 6:30 - 9:00 pm
April 30 – August 7, 2016
(image and content source: CAMH)
For most of his artistic career, Houston-based artist Mark Flood has created collages, paintings, and sculptures, and has altered found ephemera that serve to critique exuberantly the perverse ethics of the art world. Gratest Hits shows the deep wisdom and humor of three decades of Flood's work while ultimately revealing the true achievement of an artist who has produced many highly praised works and has an active career despite remaining barely visible at the museum level.
Flood believes that when artwork is overly glorified it is hard to experience it as "art" per se, which is why he has referred to himself as one of the "least important artists of the 20th century," a sentiment reflected in the misspelling of "Gratest" in this exhibition's title.
"Never has an exhibition enjoyed so many moments of extreme visual beauty, cheek by jowl with crude humor and aggressive, roughly-rendered texts to create a visual roller coaster ride," says Bill Arning, CAMH Director and organizing curator for the exhibition.
Visit CAMH for more information
“Whew… That’s a Relief!” The Madcap World of John Hernandez, 1978 – 2015
Houston Museum of African American Culture, 4807 Caroline
Opening Reception: Friday, April 23, 6:30pm
April 23 - June 18, 2016
(image source: The Short Horn; content source below)
The Houston Museum of African American Culture brings a retrospective exhibition by San Antonio artist John Hernandez that spans four decades of creative activity.
The brightly colored, cartoon-like images depicting bizarre narratives and quirky vignettes display the energetic playfulness slightly twisted by a dark sense of humor that are the hallmarks of the artist. Through a variety of media including prints, drawings, paintings, large and small-scale sculptural objects and monumental wall reliefs, installed alongside site-specific wall paintings, this exhibition has been organized to illuminate the highly colorful career of this imaginative Texas artist.
"Akia, what do you use for your hair?" It's a question I hear at least every other day. Oftentimes, I draw a blank because it's not something I think about much. I've even considered writing the products down so I could refer to them when asked. However, since I'm trying to advance out into the #hairgoals realm and take better care of my hair, I figured I share my most used products with you all. I'm not a hair guru, but I have found through my 6 1/2 year status of #teamnatural that these products work for me. Hope you enjoy!
Five Politicians we would have appreciated more at Black Girls Rock that are not Hillary Clinton:
*stares in completely unimpressed black woman solidarity*
Did you see that? Did. You. See. That? Two weeks ago at BET’s annual Black Girls Rock Event, potential Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton gave a speech on Black women’s importance in the economy and culture. While it’s a no-brainer how necessary Black women are in keeping the world going round, the question we have is why Hillary? There’s a plethora of other politicians that would have made much more of an impact at Black Girls Rock. For the sake of time however, I’ll only mention five.
Editor’s note: With Hillary's pandering at an all time high after a trip to a Harlem neighborhood, playing dominos with ya’ll ignorant ass uncles and saying she carries hot sauce in her bag, this list is MORE than necessary .
5. Kamala Harris
California Attorney general Kamala Harris has recently been instrumental in the fight against anti-abortion activists. Additionally, her politics aim to fight for and protect marginalized groups who are the most at risk, such as LGBTQ students in school. She is an Oakland native, and a Howard University grad.
4. Carol Moseley Braun
The Illinois lawyer was the first Black Senator, and the only to date. She was also the fist woman to beat out an incumbent U.S. Senator in the Democratic Party. Despite some financial controversy, Moseley-Braun has always been quick on the draw to point out racism among her colleagues.
3. Lisa Jackson
Even though the Chemical Engineering major now works for Apple, she was the Director of the Environmental Protection Agency from January 2009 to February 2014. Born in Philadelphia, adopted, and raised in New Orleans, Jackson was instrumental in the implementation of the landmark Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act in New Jersey.
2. Condoleezza Rice
Hear me out. Opinions on Condie are a little mixed, but there’s no denying her importance in paving the way for many Black female politicians. She was the second Black Secretary of State, the second female Secretary of State, and the first to inhabit both identities and hold the office.
1. Senfronia Thompson
We got the hometown girl for the number one spot! Thompson was born in Booth, and raised in Texas. Between her time at Texas Southern and the University of Houston, she has earned a Bachelor’s degree, two Masters, and a Juris Doctor. Thompson is currently serving her twentieth term in the Texas House of Representatives.
With all this Black Girl Magic, BET must do better.
