Omg-elucia-world

This is my grown woman and little girl space. We say and do whatever we want. You are free to enjoy your stay. We manifest what we imagine and create.

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Art Design by Erika Lucille Ewing for Daddy Rich EntertainmentLLC

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“Let It Rain” Terrell T-Rex Simon’s Music Video!

Rhythm and Gospel (R&G) singer Terrell T-Rex Simon’s sophomore music video, “Let It Rain” masterfully directed by Yaniel Paulino, and actor, writer, producer Erika Lucille Ewing is a soulful story about a young couple who chooses faith over fear to withstand their financial instability and harsh consequences of an unplanned pregnancy.

While this slice of life drama is not new, Simon’s inspirational performance and lyrics, “God wants us to change so we must accept the rain,” filtered through Paulino’s familial directorial style and camera angles, pulls us in to deep focus positioning us at eye level with the actors. Paulino combines darkness, silence, and intense gazes into the camera lens moving the characters closer to our hearts. We slowly fall in love with their plight and join them on their journey as they search for answer to this burning question: What does it look and feels like to love fiercely in barren and unknown spaces?

 The young woman captivatingly played by actress Yaritza Pizarro is devastated after reading her pregnancy test is positive. In her eyes, we see her burning desire to become a mother. We also are privy to their everyday existence. As yummy as it is to watch the couple indulge in the simplicity of their “just the two of us” love—waking up each day on their cozy pallet on the floor and having romantic peanut butter and jelly dinners underneath Christmas lights, we can think of all the reasons why the thought of baby makes three weighs heavily on her heart.  It’s logical for her to believe the only way out of this dilemma is to terminate her pregnancy. It makes sense why she secretly begins to search for abortion clinics, but when her boyfriend stumbles across the abortion website, things get heated. Understandably, the boyfriend is pained by her decision and deception and confronts his girlfriend about her pregnancy.

 Although we can’t hear the dialogue, Paulino projects the camera onto the actors’ lips, and we find ourselves hanging on each and every word of their excruciating exchange. We feel the cosmic shift when the lyrics and the storyline collide, just as the boyfriend pleadingly asks, “Where is your faith?” at the same time Simon belts out the lyrics, “Like David who struck a giant in the eye, when I endure my problems multiply.”

 At different times in the story, we see both characters churning in their own guilt and shame when their fight for survival and their “doing what I got to do” attitudes are no longer acceptable excuses to escape responsibility. Actor Juante Wilson’s pivotal portrayal of a young Black man in crisis and under fire moves us from being overly judgmental spectators to empathetic human beings.

 What gives this drama an authentic edge is it strays away from the cliché stories of urban struggle and survival and does not romanticize pseudo sacrificial resilience. Rather, it highlights our vulnerabilities, selfishness, powerlessness, fears, and our silent dismay when we fail to meet our own expectations.

The couple eventually decide to welcome their precious baby into the world, played by three-month-old actor, Thomas Boyd Davis. Baby Davis symbolizes the ray of hope God sends in the midst of the storms and the raging rain.

 Simon’s baritone riffs pierce our consciousness and reassures us to “Let It Rain!  This song clearly defines the quintessential blends of Rhythm and Gospel music.  Terrell T-Rex Simon’s R&G music genre teaches us to embrace the inevitability of life’s high’s and low’s, and be open to the life lessons we need in order to mature and grow. Ultimately, in this story once we accept the rain in our lives, we clear the path for God to step in and lead the way.

 Credits: 

Director: Yaniel Paulino

Producer: Erika Lucille Ewing

Cast: Terrell T-Rex Simon, Yaritza Pizarro, Juante Wilson, and Thomas Boyd Davis

Camera Operator: Brooily Vargas

Gaffer: Jon aka Red 

Production Assistants: Erick Fabian and Kelving,G

Production Designer: Angelina Paulino

Wardrobe/Stylist: Nikita Tucker

Catering: Kellie Madden  

 Watch, Comment on Youtube, and Share! 

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I wrote this song but don’t remember the words

This article below sparked these thoughts. 

http://blogs.indiewire.com/womenandhollywood/ava-duvernay-for-women-and-people-of-color-hollywood-is-a-whole-bunch-of-locked-doors-20151008?utm_content=buffer84aaa&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

We are hearing so many people saying we need to own our own, have our own, come together, but what are we willing to sacrifice to make this happen? I am not talking about saving money, I am talking about our laying aside own personal desires for fame, fortune, endorsements, opportunities, magazine cover, write ups, interviews, TV, film, radio, awards, award show appearances/ accolades, Twitter/IG followings, and even that celebrity love interest we have secretly waited all our life to meet and boo up with. LOL How many of those goals, we call our "destiny" can we lay aside to build, preserve, and protect our legacy in entertainment? I am not saying it will be easy because these are the stories they have been sold and burned in our psyche, narratives like: Rag to Riches, My Grandmother Prayed For Me, My Art Delivered Me, The Do Gooder, I Had A Vision, etc. I am not being cynical at all, because I think I have played these stories in my own head. Then I researched some personal case studies you know the ones about the six degrees of separation theories and what I keep discovering is those acquaintances and contacts, friendships and fellowships, have never manifested a thing, not even an ounce of what I dreamed. There was always a block, something between the close acquaintances and the way makers. They could have been perceived "way makers," because I might have stayed where I needed to be. I am conscious of that, but if given an opportunity, will we step aside and permanently light the pathway for all us to succeed and thrive. There is room for everybody, at least that is also what I was taught to believe.

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Harlem Nights

I am blessed and humbled by these words of wisdom spoken by #DavelleCrawford, "Many have talent but don't have the gift. Many have the gift but don't have the anointing." And those who are born genius really don't have to do anything (no singing, dancing, playing, acting-no performance is necessary) they are the manifestation of authentic expression and are blessed with a platform to change lives. When we are honest we understand who we are and who God has created us to be. No more chasing ghosts, no more walking in shadows, ask him who you are, accept who you are and you will no longer be walking in circles.

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All About Social Interaction!

I had to respond to this article. http://financialjuneteenth.com/these-rappers-make-money-but-dont-give-back-to-the-black-community/ Someone asked me what I thought and I was compelled to write my response. Question: Should entertainers (especially Black) be obligated to give back to their communities? Thoughts. I think there is a lack of communication, dialogue, education and connection. The world of green often creates disillusionment. We all are disillusioned to think that black rappers are obligated to give anything back to the black community. It also depends on how you define "giving back to your community." What does that mean? That could mean something different to each of them and could look very different as well. Giving back to community could mean paying their child support, taking care of their family, and/or finally being able to take care of themselves. I really don't know any of these people personally to judge them based on someone else's expectations. A lot of the content and lyrics described in this article suggests to me most of them have experienced severe trauma. Perhaps, they are trying to heal through their music. Some people find this kind of music, "real talk and real life." Some of them may in fact be helping others. It may not be in the same ways we want or are used to hearing. Too often, I have heard young and old people say, "That's my song. That song got me through. I like that song cause that's how I feel." Some people are not paying attention to the lyrics at all. They just like the beat. Music/rap is a form of self expression, it's similar to visual art. Not all paintings are drawn for the betterment of society. Sometimes a painter draws to reflect the world around them. They may draw/rap to reflect their thinking, their world, their dilemma, their observations, their struggles, their pain, their chaos, their pain, their contradictions. It's matter of taste and our own expectations. Why do some of us have higher standards and greater expectations of these rappers mentioned? Just because you have money doesn't mean you will give back in the ways this article describes. How can we expect them to pass a community giving back test without taking the class? Who is preparing them to give back? Who are their teachers and mentors? How have they been prepared? I think it's unfair to think they can pass this "standardized community giving back test" when we know the questions are biased. If they decide to opt out of the giving back test, does this make them bad or less than others? Honestly, has the writer of this article ever confronted these rappers individually and asked them or told them what to give?

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Today, I was asked to create a design that represents who I am. I decided to draw me! #doUseeME

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My name is Grace! #driftingsong

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This is something that I see very few actors do for each other! smh! Sad, but true. People like to make excuses and justify, but really we'd all be further ahead if we kept that door open. It's rude to let a door slam in someone else's face when you know they have been standing there. Yes, we all take turns and we must all wait in line for our name to be called. Some say it's divine, it's spirit, it's my turn.

I think that is all good but you know it's more like the elevator door. Have you ever been in such a hurry to get to your floor that when you see someone running for the door you cringe and roll your eye thinking they are going to hold you up. Now sometimes when the door closes, for a split second you felt a little guilt because dang I could have pressed the button or you are fussing with yourself saying my reflexes must be off cause why couldn't I press the open door button faster.

Yes, we sometimes we've done those things, but what would have happened if you were determined, no matter what to hold that door. What would it look like for you to stand in the gap to ensure the door will not close? Knowing, you are protected, and you control the sensors on that door, what would it feel like for you to stand there as long as it takes for that person to reach the threshold of the open door.

The irony is we are always assuming they are going to the same floor. But why do we assume that? Yes, we are human and we struggle in our fears. The reality is, everybody has a level they want to reach. How do you know you both want to achieve the same things? How do you know that if you got off on the same floor the two of you would be knocking at the same door? Let's say you both were going to the same place that there wouldn't be enough room for both of your hopes and dreams?

I say, hold the door and trust and believe!

[omg-elucia-world]

Lord, Help Me To Hold Out!

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Brain Stained: Refocus & Revise

http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/brute-shown-stomping-victim-mcdonald-beating-arrested-article-1.2146819

I had to GO IN on this one! smh. Let me just say that NY is such a police state that sometimes when you jump in to help the police automatically assume you are a criminal too. I think people just don't know what to do half the time. I

f we were expecting these teens to do anything but watch, we should think about how are students have been programmed in school. I know some will disagree and say but they were not in school they were in McDonalds (exactly another place where they have security guards in NY anyway). So let me begin by asking this question: Where was McDonald's security? Yes, I am going to ask where were the responsible adults who it is there JOB to ensure our safety in these restaurants.  Yes, so if they did not intervene, I know we don't expect low wage employees to risk their livelihoods. They can't afford to lose their jobs. 

Nonetheless, for these teens there has been an example already set. In schools, students, teachers, principals WATCH all the time. The problem is systemic and in the NY schools it is against school policy/law for a teacher to get involved. They could lose their jobs and/or be sued. The school union ruled on this years ago. They tell you not to touch the student and you must call school safety no matter how bloody the battle and in most cases that is the police. There is no such thing as positive intervention, deescalation, mediation anymore, basically HUMANITY and DECENCY. So what do students do? They watch. What do teachers do; WATCH! But this doesn't make front page news. WHY?  Because it is the POLICY. THE LAW. It is UNLAWFUL to Intervene. 

So what are the consequences for these acts of violence? Psychological and spiritual trauma. Every time they watch and we watch we are experiencing trauma. Every time they engage in the fight there is a feeling of embarrassment, shame, and humiliation. Even the best of human beings are honestly shocked by the violence so much so that it paralyzes you. I am glad someone taped it because that can be used as evidence later. However, nonetheless it is humiliating to watch and/or participate in. Why are we blaming the perpetrators, the victims and the bystanders? No one escapes the insults, stares, blame, or dehumanization. 

I am even more outraged and  that the media puts this on the front page as news to make us believe that society is apathetic and that Black people are so apathetic. And did you notice that Rudy Guiliani uses this as another opportunity to discredit and blame President Obama? Did you catch that line in the article? Let's also not forget that there is an example set about how videos go viral and how you can make a lot of money.  These are teenagers basically still children their minds are not fully developed. The posting of the pictures and the messages are nothing different from when some of us use to three-way call our friends and talk about our experiences or a fight that happened at school. Are we shocked that this teen is talking to her friends and peers? How else are they suppose to cope with the trauma and grief? How did you deal with it? No one sent her to counseling, no they sent her home with paparazzi. This is overwhelming and now the situation is spiraling out of control. I don't blame these teens. Being famous today is all about how many likes, shares, and friends you have. It is working for adults who are gain fans and earn endorsements, and viral media attention off of some of their famous brawls. 

There is something else at work. I am reading between the lines on this one. Instead of being outraged and turning against our selves and these children we should be outraged by the media who would even consider this front page news. This is NOT NEWS or Worthy of Front The Page. Aren't there more important things to report on, like PROTECTING VOTING RIGHTS, CONFIRMING OUR NEXT ATTORNEY GENERAL, OUR NATIONAL SECURITY POTENTIALLY BEING COMPROMISED BY THE LETTER REPUBLICAN SENATORS WROTE TO IRAN, BRINGING OUR GIRLS BACK IN BOKO HARAM, PUBLIC SCHOOLS BEING CLOSED & PRIVATIZED BY BIG BUSINESSES? 

Trust me they will use this and turn this against all the BlackLivesMatter protesters. Some may argue well this is entirely different this is about our morals and our role as humanitarians. I urge you to think again. This is the same argument they will use against us. LOOK AT THE CHOICE of WORDS the WRITER used to describe the incident: BRUTE, SAVAGE....Hmmm sounds too familiar. They sounds like words I have heard others use before to describe Black people for centuries. Remember, the words Darren Wilson used to describe Michael Brown?  He said, Michael Brown was a DEMON.  

Let’s not give anyone anymore ammunition or excuses to justify anyone  FEARING Black People as acceptable and reasonable arguments for wrong doings, harm, assumptions, murder, harassment, rejections and insults. 

I am more and more critical these days and aware of how the media want to brain stain our minds.

http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/brute-shown-stomping-victim-mcdonald-beating-arrested-article-1.2146819

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Honor #selma50 by Marching to the Polls! We will Never forget our struggle to #confirmlorettalynch #everyelectionmatters #ourvotesmatter #selma50

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Remembering, Smith College Alumna Yolanda Denise King, Class of 1976. She died at age 51 in 2007. Today, we honor our sister Yolanda and her parents Coretta Scott King and Martin Luther King, Jr. for their tremendous Civil Rights activism and sacrifice on the 50th Anniversary of The Selma March and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. #selma50 #ourvotesmatter #smithwomenrock #WHM2015

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#voicesinmyhead #WHM2015 #women #history

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Celebrating Women's History Month! In 2015, Can you name a Black Woman who is a catalyst for change? #blackwomenrealltdomatter #DeltaDays2015 #WHM2015 #D9forRealChange

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February 5, 2015, D9forRealChange launched their campaign to confirm Loretta Lynch as the First African-American Woman to Become the Attorney General for the United States of America. This is our journey. Contact your Senators Ask Them To Confirm Loretta Lynch. The struggle continues! ‪#‎confirmlorettalynch‬ ‪#‎lorettalynch‬ ‪#‎d9forrealchange‬