The Truth - A Quote

"The truth feels right and good and loving. Love doesn't hurt. Truth allows you to live every day with integrity. Everything you do and say shows the world who you really are—let it be the truth."
— Oprah

Song of the day: India Arie - The Truth

Back to Life....Back to Reality

I know I've been trippin this week with keeping my postings up-to-date. It's always hard for me after a few days off. I'm just trying to make it through the week. Luckily I've had the help of some good music to help my days go by just a bit faster. I heard these songs on my commute into work today and I'm loving them....

Amy Winehouse - Just Friends
Beyonce feat some dude - He Still Loves Me (soundtrack to my life)
Patti Labelle - If Only You Knew
Van Hunt - Down Here in Hell (With You)
Common - Light

Here's one of the mp3's I fould from this morning's playlist:


I just WISH I could use my iPod at work. But there's always streaming music and podcasts! What online music do you listen to? Maybe you can give me some new sites to visit to find similar songs.

Until we meet again...

~Brightstarr

Right on Time - Prayer

One of my favorite girlfriend's just sent this prayer to me in an email and it was right on time. I'm usually not into long spiritual emails, but this one was short, sweet, and to the point. Simple, but necessary.

Oh, here it is:
"Stars do not struggle to shine, rivers do not struggle to flow, and you will never struggle to excel in life, because you deserve the best. Hold on to your dream and it shall be well with you... Amen."

There will be a lot of people in your life who will spew negativity in the face of your dreams - almost unknowingly. I now realize that I only need to look to God for all encouragement I need in the midst of moving forward with all of those things I wish to pursue. Anything other than positivity I will choose to ignore.

NBC NIGHTLY NEWS WITH BRIAN WILLIAMS SPECIAL FIVE-PART SERIES "AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN: WHERE THEY STAND

Check out this series, it begins on November 26th - TODAY - on NBC around 7:00pm Eastern.

Throughout the week of November 26,"NBC News With Brian Williams" will take a look at the issues facing African-American women across our nation in a new series "African-American Women: Where They Stand." The series will cover a wide-range of issues from their role in the '08 Presidential race, to the increased health-risks that they need to be concerned about.

Monday's installment will discuss African-American women's progress in the education field. Nearly two-thirds of African-American undergraduates are women. At black colleges, the ratio of women to men is 7 to 1. And that is leading to a disparity in the number of African-American women who go on to own their own businesses. Rehema Ellis will talk to educators, students and businesswomen about why this disparity exists.

Tuesday, Ellis will look at relationships within the African-American female community. Many agree the gender disparity in education and business among African-Americans is having an effect on relationships that African American women have. Some even say the implications could redefine "Black America's family and social structure." In the past fifty years, the percentage of African-American women between 25-54 who have never been married has doubled from 20% to 40%. (Compared to just 16% of white women who have never been married today). Ellis sits down with the members of a Chicago book club and talk about this difference and how it impacts them.

Wednesday, Dr. Nancy Snyderman will discuss the increases risks for breast cancer for African-American women. Mortality rates for African-American women are higher than any other racial or ethnic group for nearly every major cause of death, including breast cancer. Black women with breast cancer are nearly 30% more likely to die from it than white women. Premenopausal black women are more than twice as likely to get a more aggressive form of the disease. And, not only are African-American women more likely to die from breast cancer, but they're less likely to get life-saving treatments. Dr. Snyderman will profile one of the only oncologists in the world who specializes in the treatment of African-American women with breast cancer.

On Thursday, Ron Allen will take viewers to South Carolina -- the first southern primary state -- and ask the question: Will race trump gender or gender trump race? In South Carolina, black women made up nearly 30 percent of all democratic primary voters in 2004. This year, polls show a significant number are undecided, torn between choosing the first African-American or first female Presidential candidate. Allen talks with the undecided, as well the state directors for the Clinton and Obama campaigns, who happen to be African-American women.

To close the series on Friday, Dr. Snyderman will raise the frightening statistic that African-American women are 85% more likely to get diabetes, a major complication for heart disease. And, like breast cancer, more black women die from heart disease than white women. Dr. Snyderman will profile a leading expert and a unique church-based outreach program in South Carolina that seeks to spread the word about heart disease risks to black women congregants.

Mara Schiavocampo, Digital Correspondent for "Nightly News," will address two hot topics in the African - American community: interracial dating and the impact of hip hop music on black women. Interracial dating is a growing trend in the African - American community. An Essence.com poll found that 81% of participants approved of black women dating non- black men. According to a U.S. Census Bureau report in 2000, 95,000 black women were married to white men. In 2005, that number increased to 134,000. Schiavocampo will talk to experts about the trend and discuss how this defines the "Black family" of the future. Schiavocampo will convene a panel of leading black men and women from the hip-hop industry for an engaging discussion on whether hip hop lyrics and videos positively or negatively affect black women. The roundtable also will address how these portrayals are affecting relationships between black women and black men.

Consumers can go online to join the discussion and share their thoughts on message boards. They can also read and respond to blog entries atwww.nightly.msnbc.com. Alexandra Wallace is the executive producer of "NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams." Bob Epstein is the senior broadcast producer, and Rich Latour is the senior producer for this series.

Dreading Monday - Sleepy Rant

Ok, it's 12:19a.m. right now....I should be sleeping. Preparing for tomorrow's return to work, but I can't sleep. I mean I had four days off, I should be ready to go back to work, right? Negative. So what AM I doing? Well, anything to avoid going to sleep. Reading random mags I haven't gotten a chance to read, sorting my pictures, organizing my iTunes, watching bad tv, oh and surfing the net.

Luckily I found a good article on one of my favorite blogs, Afrobella, about transitioning from relaxed to natural hair. I started this journey about 4-5 months ago and so far so good. It is messing with my vanity just a bit [ok more than a little bit], but I can't wait to have natural and more importantly - HEALTHY/FREE hair. Yes, I'm questioning how I'm going to look, but I'm optimistic and so excited about this new journey.

I'd also found Nappturality about a year ago when I attempted once before (before giving in to the chemicals) - and the blog has pointed me back in the right direction - just when I was thinking about going back to relaxers.

Oh, what also helped was when I searched "relaxer" on wikipedia. The results also helped to remind me that again, I was making the RIGHT decision. Btw, since I'm really trying to participate in the movement to support black products/businesses it doesn't help that a majority [if not ALL] weaves and relaxers are made by those who are anything BUT black.

I had a conversation with a caucasian female co-worker (yes, that one) about my hair regimen. Listening to myself it sounded so ridiculous that I paid so much money to get my hair straightened every 6 weeks. I mean A LOT of money went towards these products that damaged my hair. What was I thinking? I know she was definitely laughing silently on that one.

Who makes hair weave? Who makes relaxers - really? Why are we groomed from such a young age to get these chemicals that damage our hair? I know a lot of people believe their choice is completely independent of societal pressures, but I wonder if that's even possible. Is it?

Now don't get me wrong. I'm not anti-relaxer/straight hair. The best part of being a black woman is the versatility we have with our hairstyles. Mind you, I'm not a fan of colorful weaves and creations, but we can do some unique and beautiful things with our hair. I just think we should be able to see our hair in it's natural form and still feel that we can be beautiful. Women especially feel a need to conform to men's view of beauty [not to mention society's] - so I really feel like we rarely look at what "we" think of as true beauty. Ya feel me?

What do you consider "pretty/handsome?" Be honest. I'd like to hear the male and female opinion firsthand.

So in the meantime, I'm going to look up some more hairstyles on the net....let me know if you have any suggestions/recommendations to help me along my journey. If you are going through a similar journey check out Natural-Shapes Hair Salon in DC and Carol's Daughter hair products.

G'night...

Have a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!!

On days like this with family, I realize how extremely blessed I am. I hope you all are able to spend this day with family, friends, and loved ones, while taking a step back to realize all the things that you are thankful for. As we are preparing for the Christmas holiday, remember that the things you are most thankful for are not material things, but those people who have made a difference in your life. Even those who have passed on before us have contributed significantly to who we are as human beings. For those mourning a loss this holiday season, I can honestly say that things DO get better. I appreciate all of those tho have helped me, even unknowningly, to turn into the woman I am today. I'd like to take that moment now to just say: Thank you. *Muah*

Also, big thanks to my loyal readers [or should I say reader, lol] who make posting my random thoughts so much fun. ;-)

~brightstarr

Christmas Shopping? - Keep it Black!

Please don't give Walmart/Target/Louis Vuitton/Fendi/Etc. all of your money this holiday season. Keep it in the FAM. To help out a bit, here's a list of black-owned businesses. It's a work in progress so please check back for updated links:

Carol's Daughter - beauty products for men and women

Miss Jessies - hair products for natural hair - THE BEST!

Retail Closeout Mall - black owned online retail shop
Karibu Books - black owned (afrocentric) bookstore
Swahili - African Home Decor and Accessories
Warm Spirit - beauty products for women
Phat Farm - clothing.accessories.fragrance.
Sean John - It's not just a label
Artistic Tees - Cool stuff check it out...
Greek 4 Life - All types of greek paraphernalia
Bob Marley Footwear - They contribute 10% of the profit of all shoes sold on this website to various charities in Jamaica as well as Hunger Task Forces throughout the world.
Dalinkwent - Lyrical clothing that stem from the core of today's inner city.
Applebottoms - Turn down your sound I got scared to DEATH
House of Dereon - If you wish...
Michael Knight - If you're into 'Project Runway' - you're already all over this!

Innervisions Productions - check it...

Please provide any other companies and links that you may have and I will post them accordingly. Or if you're interested in a black-owned bank with the best rate around check this out.

'Pretty' is Gay - End of Story

*Ahem* Not that I watch this show. I'm way too sophisticated but....

It's ok Pretty we still love you. Just be you. Still cute, still FLYYYY...

Updates: Dr. Jan Adams, Kanye West, and Weezy

Update on the Larry King Interview with Dr. Jan Adams (the doctor of Dr. Donda West): Um...basically there was no interview. He went on Larry King Live, to say that he wasn't going to say anything at all - respecting the wishes of the family. I actually commend him for doing this and walking off the show, knowing Kanye and his family are going through a very difficult time right now. Reportedly, Kanye broke down crying at a show Saturday night in Paris while attempting to sing 'Hey Mama' - SO sad. I saw the vid on YouTube but didn't want to post it...he's definitely in my prayers.

On a lighter note, I heard this madness this morning. Apparently Lil' Weezy (Mr. Single, Ready to Mingle, I got Pringles) will be featured as one of the men of the year in the December issue of GQ Magazine [surprisingly all of those nonsensical hooks and mixtapes paid off]. Y'all crazy...stop playin'. But big-ups to Kanye for making GQ's Man of the Year: better.

Photos of March on Hate Crimes - Nov 16, 2007

Here are the pictures I took while marching on Friday. Most of them are a bit blurry, I need a photographer (*ahem* - she bailed on me), but you get the idea.

Visit my gallery here. Hopefully you can access these pics. If not, I blame "the MAN!"

I have some video, but it's not that great either (I was walking while taking video - not a good idea).

In related news it seems that in the year 2006, hate crimes rose 8%. Read more here. This brings up the question, are things really getting better for black people in America?

Parting Quote: "The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference.The opposite of art is not ugliness, it's indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it's indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it's indifference." - Elie Wiesel