Indecisive During the Pandemic

Has anyone else felt an overwhelming feeling of indecisiveness during the pandemic? For me, I am already a very indecisive person. This is because it seems as if every decision I make affects my life in some kind of negative way. It’s also not just MY life that hangs in the balance, but my kids as well…which brings more anxiety and makes every decision nerve wrecking.

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How Protest and Boycotts Can Be Successful

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Just hours away from the resignation of the University of Missouri’s president that was initiated by a hunger strike, by Mizzou graduate Johnathan Butler, and a boycott from the black Mizzou football players, it is finally being shown that protest and boycotts can actually produce real change. Some would argue that the president did not decide to resign until the boycott of the football players because of the amount of revenue that would have been lost and fines that would have accrued. Some would say that it was the gain of social media attention that helped put more pressure on the school to actually do something instead of sitting around like they had before. The hashtag, #ConcernedStudent1950 was started after a few racially charged incidents took place on the Mizzou campus. Once word got out about Butler’s hunger strike, more people began to use the hashtag in their support for his cause. Regardless of how it happened, the big thing is that it did happen.

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Through support and acknowledgment of the bigger picture, a change had ensued. Should it have taken such dramatics? Of course not, but sometimes you have to go to extremes for something to really happen. Once you acknowledge that what you are protesting or fighting for is a real, tangible thing then you will have no problem doing whatever it takes to have something effective happen. I have always admired those who boycott and protest because it takes a really selfless person to do such a thing. To put themselves in harms way for the betterment of a community has to be the most selfless act anyone can perform. Many times we can get discouraged when looking at the news and feel that protesting might not be working. We see the continuous killings of innocent black lives with no repercussions. We see the way that they try to pacify us with seemingly new laws that may work in our favor, but really are still used against us, i.e. body cams. This can make you feel like protesting or boycotting is not worth it. It can make you feel like what little difference will you make by making things a little more difficult in your life by boycotting something of the norm. As you can see, it is making a difference. Our generation is saying enough is enough and actually putting in the work. I salute anyone who is able to do something like this. We must continue to rally and support those in these moments because encouragement is the best way to keep the movement going. No one else is going to tell them good job, so it is our duty to do so. Protests and boycotts have been proven effective in the past and it is time that our generation continues the legacy of our ancestors. We can not get too complacent in thinking that we cannot make a change when it has been proven that we can. Many times we do not see the positive results of protests due to the lack of media attention, but know that it is happening. There are strides being made to have a more racially justice world and it starts with moments like these.

For more on the Mizzou protest, you can read here http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/jonathan-butler-how-grad-students-hunger-strike-toppled-university-president-n460161

Photo credits: http://www.columbiamissourian.com and http://www.usatoday.com

November’s Artist Spotlight: Frankd Robinson

12188447_10208513796750985_1605742381_nI came across this amazing artist on Facebook and was immediately drawn to his bold and unique work. I loved how he reconstituted every day material to make his art pop and the “in your face” message behind the pieces. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Robinson’s art tells a story with a black narrative that is stunning and moving. He wants to bring his audience on a journey that will have them opening their eyes and minds to a world they have never seen before.

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1. How did you get started in your craft?

As a kid, I always would draw and color, it’s just something that came naturally.

2. What is something that inspires you to stay motivated?

Life inspires me. Living is the ultimate inspiration.

3. Where do you see yourself and your craft 5 years from now?

Hopefully alive and creating.

4. What sets you apart in your craft from others?

My work speaks for itself…it doesn’t look, feel, or have the same tone as most works. I feel like it’s coming from a different time & space…it’s NewHope4NoHope!!!12204116_10208513731109344_974758965_o12207826_10208513768710284_1542729770_n

5. What do you love the most about your craft?

I love doing it! It has become my hope, my strength, my physician that heals me…my work is what heals me!!! There is so much passion & emotions in the work that keeps me in my right mind!

6. What is the main thing you want people to learn or to get from your craft?

I’m telling stories of black folks of this day & time. I’m speaking for the voiceless. My work is about healing…”LoveNeverFAILS”, “TheYearOfHEALING”, “IwishWeLivedInAbetterWorLd”, “Don’tPunishMeWithBrutaLity”, “Driven2tears”, “LoveCannotFAIL”, “#disposabLeArt”, “#theBeautiFuLstruggLe,” “BeYondThisPLaceOfWrathe&tears”, “LoomButTheHorrorsOfTheShade”, and “YetTheMenaceOfTheYesrsFinds&shaLLfindMeUNafraid”

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7. Are there any upcoming projects that you want to share?

This has been a big year for me. “MyLifeHasVALUE&weWearTheMask” was at Prairie View A&M. It then went to Jackson State University and now, it’s showing at Tougaloo College. “TheYearOfHEALING” is at the Memphis Theological Seminary and “NewHopeNoHope” was at the Midtown Crossing Grill. I have a show at DeSaVu restaurant and I also have works displayed at the Office at Uptown in Downtown Memphis and at the Caritas village in Bing Hampton.

8. Where can people go to check out more of your work?

Facebook: Frankd.Robinson. You can check out the work and if interested on purchasing, just inbox.

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Single Moms Are T-shirts

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After writing the “Single Moms Are…” post I decided to create a t-shirt to further enforce my message. I want all single mothers to feel that they are strong individuals and not those derogatory words that were pulled up in the search. We have to be the change that we want to see and with that more positivity needs to be put out there about what single mothers really are. You can purchase the t-shirt at http://www.teespring.com/single-moms-are.

Artist Spotlight: Kiwi The Beauty

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I am a firm believer in constantly supporting the creatives in this field. We need to uplift one another so that we can truly make a mark in this world. This month’s “Artist Spotlight” is focused on the world of blogging. Kiwi is the mastermind behind the blog, http://www.kiwithebeauty.com. Blogging since 2006, Kiwi has finally settled into her own lane of bringing beauty and lifestyle together in a fabulous way. Featured in several magazines, gracing billboards, and becoming the spokesperson for a variety of brands, including Travel Divas and Miss Jessie’s, Kiwi the Beauty is ready to take the blogging world by storm.

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1. How did you get started in your craft?
Blogging I have been doing since 2006. I didn’t consider it a craft in the beginning, it was a hobby. I had no idea blogging would be something that could grow to this magnitude but I am happy it has developed into my craft.
2. What is something that inspires you to stay motivated?
Other bloggers who are doing really big things. Who are working with big brands, getting almost celebrity like endorsements and even being featured on commercials. That motivates me…that bloggers can go really far in this industry!
3. Where do you see yourself and your craft 5 years from now?
Five years from now I would love to see my brand grow and it evolve into a 6-figure business. I want my blog and brand to be well-known and provide me opportunities far beyond my own personal goals and dreams.
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4. What sets you apart in your craft from others?
Just being myself! I have my own personality and drive. There are millions of blogs with a lot of niches…but I just set my own standards. Although I am inspired by some and even learn from other blogs, I still just do my own things to make “Kiwi the Beauty”…my voice and in alignment with me.
5. What do you love the most about your craft?
The opportunities that have came with it. I get invited to a lot of fun events and I have some great brand ambassadorships because of it and I am so happy all of it is in alignment for what I got my degree in which is Mass Media Communications.
 
6. What is the main thing you want people to learn or to get from your craft?
That blogging is a business and it is not just a trend or new thing. While it is fun and glamorous sometimes, it is still WORK! I feel like I do 5 different jobs being a blogger…its not just taking pictures and putting them in a post. The blogging industry is growing and we are also slowly but surely getting all the recognition we deserve!
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Make sure you check out the blog at http://www.kiwithebeauty.com. You can also follow Kiwi on Twitter, Facebook. and Instagram under the handle Kiwithebeauty. Remember, true success comes with the ability to support others. Whether it is a like or a follow or a simple share, it all helps! 🙂

Monday’s Empowerment Spotlight: Peris Morgan and “The New Black”

I am pledging to continue to bring more positive representation of our people to the media. In doing so, I will be highlighting different brands and organizations that are trying to do the same. In times like these, it is better for us to stick together and continue to support our brands. It is up to us to spread the news and empower our community. With that being said, I am shining a spotlight on Peris Morgan, Founder of “The New Black.” This organization is all about uplifting and empowering Black women and it is something that we all need to get behind.

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1. Tell us a little about yourself and your company.

Well, my name is Peris Morgan. Im a 25 year old single mother with strong opinions and a lot of ambition. I founded the organization titled, “The New Black,” which is an organization all about uplifting and empowering women. I’m starting off with a blog to reach a broader audience and to introduce the brand as a whole.
 2. Why did you create this company and what are your goals?
I felt as if women were so separated and were lacking support from one another and unity. I wanted to change that. I want to change that. There was a time when women uplifted one another and were not intimidated by another woman’s success and I plan to bring that back into modern times. My overall goal is to get women to rejoice in womanhood and to start to love and support one another.
 3. What projects are you currently working on?
Starting January 1, 2015, I am launching my first campaign titled, “I Am Pro Sisterhood”. It’s purpose is to encourage bonding, unity, and support amongst women and young girls.  I’ll also be promoting a lot of female entrepreneurs throughout my campaign. Following the Launch, I’ll be hosting a series of events that will help us women expand our brands and lives starting in 2015;  so be on the look out for that.
 4. How will your company help to push our goal of bringing more positive images to the media?
The media today lacks a positive image of women, especially women of color.  It’s like, who do we have to be our inspiration , our role models?  They portray women in such a negative light and it’s unfortunate because there are a lot of women doing great things . There are a lot of women running successful companies;  a lot of educated prominent women. There are women that I personally admire and look up to that I don’t think get enough exposure and acknowledgement. Part of the reason I started this company was to show those women.  I want to show the life coaches,  the working mothers, the lawyers,  doctors,  philanthropist,  and entrepreneurs, but to put that in a nutshell my company is to acknowledge the ROLE MODELS.
 5. Do you think there is enough positive representation of Black people in the media? Is this a problem?
As far as there being a positive image of black people in the media it’s like a 60 /40 percentage.  It’s a lot that isn’t shown as far as black ppl as a whole, not just women. We have so many positive people in our community who do uplift our people.
 6. Why does representation matter to you?
We have a lot of black professors and corporate figures, which really did amaze me and they play the back burner in the media. We have more success stories in the black community besides entertainers. Not to take anything away from the entertainers, but I feel that if that’s all we, as a people, are portrayed as then that’s all the following generation will associate success with and they’ll limit their options.  Because you’re either an entertainer or a criminal. That’s how they portray us in the media. . . And it’s more to our people than that, in my opinion.
 7. How can people contact you for more information on your company?
People can get more information on my company by just simply following my blog via Instagram @thenewblack_ig.  Very simple lol.
 8. If you had an unlimited budget for your company, what would be the three things you would spend it on?
  • If I  had an unlimited budget for my company I would first off go on a tour hosting events to spread unity amongst women on a broader spectrum.
  • I would create a charity for resources for single mothers because I feel that there isn’t enough resources for them/us.
  • And lastly, I would invest in more promotion to build awareness of my brand.

Photo Courtesy: Peris Morgan

Black Women Rock! The Faces Behind The Movement Stir Up Controversy at Washington Rally

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For over 120 days, there have been constant, daily protests starting from the city of Ferguson and abroad. Behind these protests have been members of the community and mainly the youth. These young organizers did not know where to begin but they knew that it had to happen because of the injustice that they felt in their city. They did not receive help, at first, they had each other and worked together to begin this mass movement that is known today. “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot,” was created by them. Yesterday, Al Sharpton put together a rally/march to try to bring the families of these victims together, in Washington D.C. During this rally, the youth organizers were not allowed to be on the stage or even speak. This soon turned into a problem as majority of their supporters demand that they allowed them to speak. In a whirlwind of emotion you can see, Netta and Erika Totten, two of the main organizers, demanding to be heard. They begin to shout, “Hands up, don’t shoot,” to symbolize that if it were not for them, this movement would not be where it is today. Donnie McClurken ignores them and begins to pray, but Netta and their supporters continue to chant. Now, while many see this as being disrespectful, I applaud these young sisters. You stand up for what you believe in, no matter what. If it were not for these woman gathering the youth and protesting EVERY DAY in Ferguson, no one would care about this movement. There would be no international protesting. There would be no Berkeley protest. Nothing. To deny these people and allow them to be apart of something that they initiated is a slap in the face. This is why so many young people deter the thoughts of protesting or trying to get involved. Older leaders do not know how to let that crown go. We appreciate you for what you have done but it is time to recognize that the youth are the new leaders. They have the ability to reach the masses that will actually listen and want to join this movement. Isn’t this all that matters? To see Al Sharpton’s daughter tweet about these two women as if they were being truly disruptive and disrespectful at her father’s march was appalling. It is not Al Sharpton’s march. I have nothing but love and respect for these women who have been through the trenches to stand up against injustice. They have been through it all and on their own. While the older generation might not respect them, we do. Our generation needs more Black people to stand up like these courageous women. I am so incredibly proud to see that Black women are behind all of this as they tend to make us seem like we are not worthy of this type of behavior in the media. We are not just sitting in the kitchen, cooking meals, we are actually out there putting in the work. I continue to support anyone who is for this cause, but I double support a Black woman. She is giving our younger girls something to look at. While we looked up to Angela Davis and Assata Shakur, these little girls can look and see these positive images of Netta and Erika Totten and countless others on TV and strive to be like them. To be able to stand for something and fight for your freedom. This is what matters. Not a rally chalked with a celebrity line up. But an actual cause that starts a revolution beyond belief.


Photo Credits: @theroot, @Nettaaaaaaaa, @2LiveUnchained

Donate and Help to Get “The College Tour” Play Produced

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Looking to give back to the community and help to generate more African American presence in the arts? Donate to “The College Tour” Play at

http://www.gofundme.com/ctfdgs. Any donation will go to helping produce a play based on the book “The College Tour” written by Jeanine

Nicole. The play will be about the importance of not judging a book by its’ cover as these students get ready to embark on an important time in

their lives. Volunteers for the play will also be needed so please email at adaydreamproduction@yahoo.com for further details.