Friday, June 28

Lauryn Hill's Thoughts on Reverse Racism



Between the Paula Deen 'N word' controversy and the Trayvon Martin case, the past few weeks have been filled with dialogue about racism. In many ways, exposing the issues with race that are still very apparent in the fabric of our culture.

Lauryn Hill just posted a lengthy blog about the idea of reverse racism and why in her opinion it is ridiculous. If you have time, I would suggest you read it in full below. Let me know your thoughts!
"The concept of reverse racism is flawed, if not absolutely ridiculous. Most, if not all of the negative responses from people of color toward white people, are reactions to the hatred, violence, cruelty and brutality that they were shown by white people for centuries. Much of the foundation of the modern world was built on the forced free labor of black peoples. The African Slave Trade, the institution of slavery, colonialism, its derivative systems, and the multiple holocausts throughout history, where whites used race as the defining reason to justify their oppression, conquest, and brutal treatment of non-white peoples, are how race became such a factor to begin with. The initial claim by the oppressors, followed a moral imperative (so they said) that people outside of Occidental and European birth were in savage and cursed conditions, and that God justified the captivity of these people, and the rape and pillage of their lands.
In order to justify reverse racism one would have to first create an even playing field, undo the generations of torture, terror, and brutality, and then judge whether or not a non-white person is in fact a racist. This approach would require people to examine the need/addiction to feel superior to someone else for no justifiable reason, and the myriad policies: Spiritual, political and social, that it bore. True dominion is self evident and not the result of sabotaging another in order to achieve it. That would be an illegitimate as well as a fleeting position. The Universe, will eventually seek to right/balance itself. Of course there are white people who live transcendent lives, not exploiting ill-gotten privilege or perpetuating the sins of their ancestors who used violence and deceit as a means to gain advantage over others. Humanity in proper order is obligated to acknowledge the Truth, whoever it comes from, be they Black, White or other. Righteous indignation is simply a response to long-standing evil.
Neurotic Society is a song about people not being, or not being able to be, who and what they truly are, due to the current social construct. I am not targeting any particular group of people, but rather targeting everyone in our society who hides behind neurotic behavior, rather than deal with it. The world we live in now is, in many ways, an abhorrent distortion, an accumulation of generations and generations of response to negative stimuli. Many don't even have a concept of what normal is, by virtue of having lived afraid, ashamed, as victims of abuse, or inadequately handled for so long. I believe in coming up from under that fear and allowing the psyche/soul to truly heal. I understand that healing is a process, but I also believe that it is our responsibility to seriously care for ourselves, so that we can extend that level of concern for others and positively affect our environment. I want what is best for Humanity. Humanity, aligned with the Spiritual principles, that help each individual conquer fear, and transcend limited circumstance. I believe in healing and dealing with the traumatizing events of our lives, both in this lifetime, as well as those passed down to us, or inherited, so we can live as fully as possible."

Wednesday, June 26

India Arie Speaks on Her Skin Lightening Controversy with Oprah



This past weekend, Oprah on her OWN network kept up the theme of colorism as she discussed that skin lightening accusation that came up with Inida Arie a few months ago. It was interesting to see India go through this controversy as she is the poster child for black love and being comfortable in your own skin. Glad to hear that it wasn't the case. Love your skin, all shades are beautiful folks!

Check it out above.

Monday, June 24

MONDAY MOTIVATION: What Does A "Hater" Look Like?


We always hear about "haters", the "jealous ones", those with "green eyes". It seems as if everyone has got some haters but who is doing the actual hating? I saw Gabrielle Union's acceptance speech at an Essence Magazine Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon a couple of months ago and was immediately struck by the rawness and truth of her speech as she spoke about being a "mean girl" in Hollywood.

It struck me, because you look at Gabrielle and you see a beautiful black womyn who is talented, funny and has had the opportunity to star in some great movies. From the outside looking in, there is absolutely no reason to hate. When we think of "haters" we think of the girl behind her computer spouting out unnecessary mean with each tap of her keyboard. Or when we think of "mean girls", we automatically picture those girls from highschool who thought they were better than x, y and z. But, we hardly discuss the silent and subtle hate or negativity that we sometimes inflict on each other because we feel less than the next. This is why Gabby's speech was so powerful because she exemplifies the womyn (like many of us) who has it together yet is still comparing every area of our lives to the next womyn sizing up if we measure up to her.

A truthful thing that Gabrielle mentioned was that because of the way Hollywood is set up and the competitive nature of it, she constantly felt like her light was dimmed in the presence of the glowing light of another womyn. Who hasn't experienced that? You feel confident, pretty, talented, smart and whatever else, until you get around that womyn who seems like she has all of the above and much more. Then you slowly start to shrink and all of the amazing that you felt about yourself begins to diminish. In Gabby's case and in many other womyn's, we choose to tear each other down with reasons why she isn't actually "all that". But by reasoning why the next womyn isn't really all that, what does that do for you? How does that benefit you?

I watched Gabrielle's speech again this weekend because I knew that she along with Alfre Woodard, Phylicia Rashad, and Viola Davis would be on Oprah's 'Next Chapter' speaking about this topic and the frustrations that black actresses face. I love the way Gabrielle explained how she left her mean girl ways behind.

Gabrielle told Oprah:
“I think nowadays there is this celebration of, as the kids say, ‘the ratchet… the ratchetness.’ You are supported in tearing other people down. There is a forum for it, there’s a huge spotlight on you to do that. People are like ‘How did you move from being a mean, vindictive, hateful person who couldn’t be happy for other people to embracing and truly being supportive?’ And really it came down to we were in a room, we were at a party and I was holding court because I could turn phrase and be a little slick myself. And I was trashing somebody. You know, just ripping them to shreds, head to toe. And A.J. pulls me to the side and she says, ‘Ok, so how did your life change? Did you get the guy? Did you get the job? Is your house any bigger? Did money just magically get put in your pocket? What positive happened in your life after you just tore that woman down?”

I suggest you check out her full speech at the Essence luncheon here. It's a must see!

What did you all think of Gabby's speech? Did anything resonate with you? Let's discuss in the comments!

Happy Monday!

Friday, June 21

"Dark Girls" Documentary to Premiere on OWN


"Dark Girls" the documentary co-directed by D. Channism Berry and Bill Duke has finally got a world premiere date on OWN for next Sunday. The film gives dark-skinned women a platform to discuss the struggles they have faced because of their complexion. The film is meant to spread about awareness and create dialogue.

To be honest, I am a bit tired of the perpetual conversation of dark skin vs. light skin but I also recognize that to this date, it is still an issue that plagues our communities, leaving many little girls and grown womyn alike feeling less than and unpretty. So, until that changes a dialogue needs to be had.

Will you be watching?

Wednesday, June 19

Hair Icon, Tracee Ellis Ross Wants You to Love Your Own Hair Not Hers



I really like Tracee Ellis Ross, since her Girlfriends days. There's no secret that she has a beautiful crown of her that many natural sistas look up to as an ideal. But not all of us can achieve her bouncy curls. No matter how much we tug, coax, buy the latest product promising coils of perfection, it just never happens. Which is okay. Tracee recently posted a video to her YouTube account where she is encouraging ladies to love their own hair, their own texture. Her motto is to love what you have. We all look to others for inspiration but it's great to look to yourself first and see how you can enhance what you naturally have before trying to be or look like someone else.

Love this video! Watch it above.

Monday, June 17

MONDAY MOTIVATION: Gene Driven Breast Cancer High in Black Women Means Getting Proactive About Prevention


When Angelina Jolie announced her decision a couple of weeks ago to have a double mastectomy , there was an out roar of various opinions - from her decision was wise and brave to it was a radical and hasty decision. Discussions of privilege vs "have-nots" came up as she encouraged other women to get a test (that is pricey and not likely covered by insurance) to determine an individual's genetic makeup linking to as in her case a higher risk of getting cancer. I thought that her decision was wise because she did what she felt was best for her and her family. Also, her announcement introduced an important conversation about a new level of proactiveness when it comes to health and consistent checks for any abnormalities. It also, reintroduced a scary stat that has been a part of the health conversation for black womyn, which is that womyn of colour are at a higher risk for gene driven breast cancer than any other group. 

I was recently reading a great article over at For Harriet that brought up a lot of great information concerning this. I recommend you all check it out here. As the article states, Triple Negative Breast Cancer is more aggressive and has a greater chance of reoccurence with black womyn.

I know so many womyn, my friends and family, who do not check up on their health enough. It's great to do the self-exams while you are in the shower but make sure to schedule appointments regularly to get yourself checked. We are all busy but don't be too busy to be proactive about making sure that you are healthy and doing everything you can to lessen your chances of getting breast cancer.

Book your appointment today ladies, if you do not already have it on your calendar. I sure am!

Happy Monday!

Friday, June 14

Happy Father's Day: Some of My Favourite Famous Dads

Father's Day doesn't get the same amount of shine that Mother's Day does, but it should. The bond between a great father and his daughter/son is irreplaceable. Alot of times through the media, we don't see many black father represented as the story of the missing "baby daddy" is often the dialogue. So, I wanted to give some shine below to some of my favourite famous daddies that are influential.
















Cliff Huxtable on The Cosby Show - the prototype of the best and most unforgettable father on tv.













Will Smith - People have a lot to say about the way that Will and Jada raise their kids, but besides the headlines, doesn't Will seem like a cool dad?













Rev Run - Showing the best of reality tv, Run' wise and cool approach to parenting his 6 kids was awesome to watch.

















Jay-Z - We don't know much about this daddy daughter duo but I can bet that Jay-Z is  a great father already.

These are just a few, but who would you add to this list? Leave a comment below and let me know who your favourite famous father is.

Wednesday, June 12

Adorable Little Girl in Controversial Cheerios Commercial Makes Me Smile


Have you all heard about the recent controversy over a new Cheerios commercial that had people up in arms about the interracial family featured in it? If not, the coles notes version is that Cheerios released a commercial with an adorable, curly haired daughter talking to her (white) mom about the benefits of eating Cheerios for your health. The little girl then playfully pours the cereal on her (black) father’s chest as a gesture that he could use some Cheerios to improve his health. To me, that was the short and end of the commercial that was cute and to be honest, besides the interracial family it was not that note-worthy. But, as soon as it was released Cheerios had to shut down it’s comments section because thousands of hateful and racist comments came in as many were upset that the company would feature a mixed family.

What world do these people live in?? There are not too many countries or cities around the world where you can walk too many steps without seeing an interracial couple or a person of mixed heritage. It is the beautiful blended, melting pot world that we are increasingly living in!

Anyway, what I found so adorable was that the little girl who was featured in the commercial recently sat down with her parents for an interview with NBC news. And, instead of being caught up in the ignorance of people’s upset, she simply thought that the big fuss was about her great smile. Watch the video here. This is why I just love the innocence of children. They are great spirits to keep around because they keep your heart pure and mind away from all the negative of the world.

Tuesday, June 11

'Da Kink Early Bird Discount: 48 Hours Only!!


Hey folks discount tickets for the award winning play, 'da Kink go on sale today! 48 hours only early bird!!! GET ANY SEAT IN THE HOUSE FOR $35 INSTEAD OF PAYING TOP PRICE order tickets at .bit.ly/dakinkinmyhair or  CALL 1800745-3000


Monday, June 10

You Want to Participate in a Kinky Love Revolution? 2 Easy Steps!




Family, we are starting a Kinky Love revolution!

Something kinky's coming to Atlanta! The award-winning production 'da Kink in my hair by trey anthony will run Sept. 6-8 at the Cobb Energy Center, and you do not want to miss this show!( Featuring Grammy award winning Melanie Fiona and actress Terri J Vaughn from the Steve Harvey Show)
To help us spread some black girl love and have packed houses for 'da Kink in Atlanta!

1) Please watch and copy and paste this link bit.ly/dakinkinlove to your facebook page.
2) And or retweet on twitter at 
     http://clicktotweet.com/fHm8t


 Ticket sales kick off June 11th.  
The revolution starts with self love! 

Much love 
trey.

Friday, June 7

Started from the bottom and now we're here!!!



The 12 hour work days have begun! We are in full production mode for 'da Kink. Wow, things are moving full speed ahead for 'da Kink in Atlanta, so excited! Auditions happening next week, so folks come on out and spread the word! Looking to discover new and amazing talent.

Also my first Atlanta radio interview happening Saturday morning  at 8:30am for 15 min. People can listen on the radio at 1100 am. Or online @ www.abnlive.net. Folks please tune in, will be giving away tickets! 

Make sure to check this blog Monday when our first video drops!!! It's going to be epic!!!

Canadian folks I still need your help to spread 'da Kink word and Atlanta folks lets get this show sold out!!!