Jerome LaMaar’s 5:31 Jerome Kicks Off NYFW Interview

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                   The designer chatted about organizing his show, the must-have items of his collection and styling Beyoncé  

 Jerome LaMaar’s tagline for his 5:31 Jerome clothing line reads “Gratitude Is Glamorous,” and it’s evident as he is whisked off and enveloped in a bevy of kisses, hugs and screams of glee after his fashion show. Straddling the line between high-end basics and eclectic street wear, the young stylist is a favorite amongst celebrities, including Beyoncé, and his SS2016 “Maximalism” collection is an ode to all those embracing glamor, lush jewel-toned hues, layers and embellishments.

While embellishing is certainly one of his staples, the former senior designer of Baby Phat is also all about elegance, grace and mixing uptown with downtown to create the perfect blend of today’s woman. Attending his highly anticipated show on the first day of #NYFWSS16, EBONY caught up with fashion’s ‘It-Boy’ to discuss all things style, the must-have items and did we mention embellishments?!  

EBONY: Explain the concept of your newest collection. 

Jerome LaMaar: This season, I wanted to explore the multi-faceted world of MAXIMALISM!! I fused touches of the Amazon and disco dresses. After editing myself, I wanted to make sure every item was a bold statement piece. 

EBONY: Showing at New York Fashion Week seems nerve-wracking. Give us some insight of what your world is like two weeks before the show. 

JL: The countdown to the show is intense, but if you are organized, it's helpful. There are a lot of calls and follow-ups for items, locations, etc. I am usually looking at the details around that time. 

EBONY: Who is the 5:31 Jerome woman? 

JL: The 5:31 woman is playful, sexy, spiritual and bold. She is multi-faceted and complex but knows what she wants from every situation. 

EBONY: You’ve been featured in major publications, and you’ve even appeared in your own Samsung commercial. With all of your success, where do you see the brand in five years? 

JL: In five years, I would love to have a small boutique so I can work directly with clients and build strong wardrobes. I'd love to grow and work with real women at that point in my career. 

EBONY: What are the must-have items from your new collection? 

JL: From my SS16 capsule, everyone needs the eyelet leather jacket, the Zebra Velcro platforms, and most of all, the beaded tropical printed safari jacket. 

EBONY: What advice would you give to up-and-coming designers of color? 

JL: I would advise them to stay focused on their point of view, because you do need to compete when you stay in your own lane. Also, focus on making two things amazing and grow from there. Don't think in terms of collections. No one buys a full look. Think in terms of items and capsules. 

EBONY: Who would be your dream celebrity to style and why? 

JL: My dream celebrity is Beyoncé, although I have already dressed her. I think she is the symbol for strong women who are complex but know exactly what they want...and work HARD for it!

Google Gets Into The Fashion Game By Providing Useful Trending Data

Image Source: Shutterstock

With social media sites playing a larger role in influencing fashion trends, Google’s fashion and luxury teams are working with major brands and retailers to influence fashion trends. Brands like Calvin Klein will incorporate Google’s fashion planning and forecasting in order to determine what’s hot and what’s not. And companies that fall under “fast fashion,” such as H&M or Forever 21, will be able to research how a trend is gaining momentum and mass produce an item for a cheaper price.
Lisa Green, who heads Google’s fashion planning and forecasting, thinks her team serve as “powerful digital consultants for our brands, not just somebody they can talk to about what ads they can buy online. They can say, ‘Google has identified this as a trend, and we have six weeks to get this out on the racks.’ ”
Google Shopping is able to track how consumers are responding to the latest designs or fashion trends by gathering information as people search, compare prices  and shop online. Trevor Davis, a consumer product expert at IBM, says this data in valuable to fashion brands and retailers. “People tend to make trend predictions based on a very limited number of observations, and that’s very hit and miss. The ability to detect trends very early on before they really become noticeable, and to follow them, is invaluable,” he said.

A separate but equally important factor is whether a celebrity wore or promoted the item on their social media platforms. When the Kardashian sisters dutifully wearing their waist trainers while they work out, the corset-like shapers are in full demand,. They can range in price from $20 to hundreds of dollars. Also, sales for jumpsuits have increased, after Solange Knowles-Ferguson wore a white jumpsuit to marry her husband Alan Ferguson last November.
Google’s fashion trends data has helped Southern and Western cities not known for fashion trends to take a place on the map. The owners of the Tulle Skirt Shop in Utah have seen a tremendous growth in their sales as tulle skirts gain popularity. Co-owner Sherene McClellan believes the trend comes from rural Utah women shifting from sultry looks to more feminine, romantic clothing.
While much of the focus here has been on the big names, small labels and boutiques also see the benefits of Google’s fashion activity. Technology helps even the small guy gain recognition for particular styles and compete in a larger fashion market.
via The New York Times 

The Ebony Fashion Fair Couture Collection To Be Auctioned Off

The Ebony Fashion Fair, first launched in 1958 by Eunice Johnson, revolutionized the fashion world with  African-American models hitting the runway dressed in high couture designs.  Johnson’s daughter Linda Johnson Rice, chairman of Johnson Publishing — the mothership company of Jet and Ebony magazines — is poised to auction off the collection for $153,000, Crain’s Chicago Business reports.The Ebony Fashion Fair was a touring fashion show. Johnson would travel to Europe and purchase gowns from the best designers. She also would hire Black models to strut in these high fashion designs. But over the years, the dazzling showcase wound down and eventually got cancelled in 2009.
Rice is now left with 568 pieces from her mother’s collection and she believes it would be best to auction off the historic selection of high fashion designs.
“It’s the best of the best. We can only do so many things with these clothes, so why not let others have an opportunity to have a piece of history—to own it, wear it and enjoy it?” Rice said.

The auction features couture gowns that were splashed on the covers of Ebony Fashion Fair programs and graced national magazines. There are coats, dresses, and other frocks that show off the best couture projects of great fashion masterminds, including Pierre Cardin, Emanuel Ungaro, Bob Mackie, Carolina Herrera, Hanae Mori, and Issey Miyake.
“There’s a wide range of designers and they would appeal to a broad audience, and when you have something that appeals to a broad audience, it makes people excited to bid,” said Anne Forman, director of luxury accessories and vintage fashion for the auction house.
Prices for each piece are reasonable for couture standards, ranging from $200 to $500. The auction, conducted by Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, is expected to reel in $153,000. This isn’t the first time, by the way, that the collection was open to bidders. Originally starting with 3,000 pieces, there were auctions held in 2011 and 2013.
The auction will be held on June 10 and a portion of the proceeds will go to Johnson College Prep, a Noble charter school in South Side Chicago. The rest will go to Johnson Publishing, which needs the money to right the course amidst a challenging media climate.

H&M And Balmain Announce Designer Collaboration: “A Movement Of Togetherness”

WENN

Months after its stir-crazy collaboration with Alexander Wang, H&M has raised it designer collaboration bar to the highest level possible—Balmain. This past Sunday, Olivier Rousteing, the creative director of the fashion powerhouse walked the Billboard Music Awards red carpet with models Jourdan Dunn and Kendall Jenner who both wore the upcoming H&M/Balmain looks.
Besides making an appearance at the Billboard Music Awards to visually announce the designers’ upcoming duo, Rousteing and H&M created the hashtag #HMBalmaination for consumers to share their excitement for the upcoming collaboration. Rousteing also noted the purpose of the hashtag is to make the brand’s target consumers — millennials — feel as though they are in a united fashion movement of “togetherness” where chic is for all.
Despite the pomp and circumstance H&M and Balmain created, fashion journalist Vanessa Friedman for The New York Times questions if the product will satisfy consumer demand. Friedman recounts the backlash Target received after its Lily Pulitzer collection sold out within minutes. A website malfunction caused a similar situation for H&M during the debut of its Alexander Wang collection.
Friedman believes for H&M and Balmain to stick true to their word, it would be smart for them to create enough for their consumers rather than keep their supply limited. In the past, alliances between designers have been used as a marketing tool, causing consumers to stress over trying to purchase the latest “it” item and unleashing unprecedented backlash when they can’t. The “togetherness” motto for this collaboration will hopefully bring clothing and consumers together rather than turn into another gimmick.

New York Fashion Week Men’s Hires More Models Of Color Than Ever Before

WENN

Men’s New York Fashion Week (NYFW) occurred this week and was met with rave reviews. With designers like Rag & Bone, Richard Chai and Public School revealing their exclusive Spring/Summer 2016 collection, viewers got a peek on the upcoming trends, along with diverse eye candy.
The Huffington Post reports at the time of their published article on the various fashion show events (July 13), over 90 models had appeared throughout the Men’s NYFW. Designer Todd Snyder told the media outlet, “My collections are diverse, my travel is diverse, my outlook is global. My runway is reality.”
However, Snyder’s reality is not shared with the NYFW for women, that occurs twice a year (February and September).
That particular fashion week is going on its 20-plus year stretch and lacks terribly in hiring models of color. Jezebel reported during the Fall/Winter 2014 season, there were only 21 percent of 4,621 female models who were non-white. The percentage became significantly lower for the Spring 2015 shows and London, Milan and Paris’s Fashion Weeks.
Fashion activist Bethann Hardison believes designer clothing for men makes a point of reaching a broader audience but its business is not as strong as women’s fashion. Hardison also says more money pours into the women runaway shows so there can be more exposure for designers who are trying to reach an influential female audience. Because of this, the fight for diversity is a challenge.
Hardison’s comments suggest that white beauty archetypes are highly regarded in the women’s fashion world. For inclusion to happen, some designers will have to let go of the belief that their brands will become tarnished by diversity.

Model Goes Off After Having To Bring Her Own Makeup For A Show

Nykhor Paul Instagram

After a recent unpleasant interaction with a makeup artist who had no clue how to do makeup for women of color, Sudanese model Nykhor Paul took to Instagram to voice her frustrations.
Often times, she said she’d been asked to bring her own makeup because artists did not prepare or stock for women of color. What she didn’t know was that she’d wake up to a full debate on diversity in the fashion industry due to her post.
A portion of Paul’s Instagram read:

Dear white people in the fashion world!
Please don’t take this the wrong way but it’s time you people get your shit right when it comes to our complexion! Why do I have to bring my own makeup to a professional show when all the other white girls don’t have to do anything but show up WTF! Don’t try to make me feel bad because I am blue black its 2015 go to Mac, Bobbi Brown, Makeup Forever, Iman cosmetic, black opal, even Lancôme and Clinique carried them plus so much more.  A good makeup artist would come prepare and do there research before coming to work because often time you know what to expect especially at a show! Stop apologizing it’s insulting and disrespectful to me and my race it doesn’t help, seriously!…That goes for NYC, London, Milan, Paris and Cape Town plus everywhere else that have issues with black skin tones. Just because you only book a few of us doesn’t mean you have the right to make us look ratchet. I’m tired of complaining about not getting book as a black model and I’m definitely super tired of apologizing for my blackness!!!! Fashion is art, art is never racist it should be inclusive of all not only white people, shit we started fashion in Africa and you modernize and copy it! Why can’t we be part of fashion fully and equally?

After posting, the message was spread around by fellow models, make up artists, industry professionals, designers and everyday individuals concerned about the lack of diversity in the industry.

Nykhor Paul Instagram

In an interview with Style.com, Paul discussed her viral Instagram message, it’s impact and what she hopes to see change.
“I’ve been in this industry for a long time, so it wasn’t one thing that set it off. It’s been a constant battle. It’s not just the makeup; it’s not just black models not getting booked. Dealing with all the makeup issues, skin issues, hair issues, it makes you feel inadequate, especially when you’ve come to work geared up and ready to do your job as a mannequin. This is not just something I’m going through—a lot of girls are going through this,” said the well-respected model.
But it’s not always easy speaking up, because “you risk being labeled the angry black girl,” said Paul.
Not all designers are created equal and there have been many that celebrate Black models. Just a few days ago, we spoke on model Maria Borges who went natural after the urging from designer Riccardo Tisci. Paul says Vivienne Westwood is another designer that always looks at black models.  But there’s a catch, while designers such as Westwood will look at black models there will often only be one black girl, one Asian girl and one mixed girl chosen out of 35 girls Paul noted of her experiences.
“…[It] isn’t about one runway or season, it’s really about consistently having a diverse group of models,” said the model turned activist.
Even though Paul has been around for a long time and is used to the nuances of the industry, she still expects real change to be made.
“I don’t know what the solution is, but I do feel people need to expand their idea of what black models can do. Black beauty can be Chanel, black beauty can be Dior, it can be Lancôme and all those things. Clients can have a narrow definition of beauty, but so can agencies. I was turned down like crazy by London agencies because they’re like, “Oh, we already have a dark girl like you.” Then I’d look it up and see that she was nothing like me at all. There is still the idea that if you have two dark girls, they are interchangeable. When you have a board of a hundred girls and only a handful are minorities, there is something wrong.”
Whether the solution comes as soon as we all hope, Paul is happy that her post has created “a healthy dialogue.”
“The issue isn’t new, but I’m hoping to see more change now. We’re in a time when people are more conscious and more aware of the realities,” she concluded.

African Model Chooses Natural Hair Over Weave And Wins

 

Photo by Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images

In best-selling author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s novel Americanah the main character perms her hair in order to look as professional as possible for a job interview. Months after getting the job, the slim African immigrant is back to natural and out of a job in a week.
This extreme scenario may not be the case for all, but many African American women struggle with deciding the best way to wear our hair in corporate America. But could the tide be shifting? It is for Angolan model Maria Borges. Borges entered the the modeling industry sporting a long, straight weave often seen on many black models until a conversation with designer Riccardo Tisci of Givenchy changed that.
“He asked me to change my hairstyle,” Borges told Style.com. Tisci had made the same request last season, but Borges was not up for it just yet.
“I had booked an H&M campaign that same week and at the time I wasn’t feeling as comfortable with change. This season I finally felt ready, and I’m glad that I did,” said the stunning model.

Borges removed her weave and did the “big chop” before her next Givenchy show for Fall 2015 and to her surprise many fellow models found her unrecognizable. Many Black girls who have done the same know what it’s like switching hairstyles among their non-Black coworkers.
“They didn’t recognize me at all,” recalled Borges. “There were people asking backstage, ‘Who is that new girl?’ which I thought was hilarious.”
But her new cut made her feel more confident on and off the runway. While the big chop can often be an emotional experience, many Black women find themselves growing in confidence as they accept their natural tendrils.
“I feel like I’ve proved that I can be beautiful with or without the hair. Since I’ve gone natural, I feel younger and fresher. With my short hair I don’t feel like I need makeup—maybe I’ll use a little foundation, but I’ll skip blush or lipstick,” Borges said of her new beauty regimen.
And the new look isn’t just helping her confidence, but her career as well. Since Borges went natural, she feels she has attracted a broader pull of clients and looks even more high fashion. Borges realizes the versatility of her new coif allows clients to pop in extensions when longer hair is desired or let her fresh cut flow.
“The industry—thank God—has become more accepting of individuality… I think that for those of us who grew up watching Naomi Campbell and all the top models who had beautiful long extensions, it’s freeing because now you don’t have to adhere just to that standard. You can change, you can go natural, you can have different colors, and you can be yourself,” said Borges.
Borges was discovered in 2010 when she placed second at the Angolan edition of the contest, Elite Model Look. She is a Givenchy favorite and has also walked the runway for Victoria Secret’s Angel collection, Marc Jacobs, Armani, Christian Dior and many more.

Eye See You: Creative Eyeliner Looks You Should Try

Image Source: Shutterstock

Eyeliner. Either you’re a pro and can wing your liner evenly in a moving vehicle, or you’re working with a shaky hand and end up looking like an angry panda bear. Some people are pretty talented when it comes to applying such makeup while others? Not so much. Either way, if you’re tired of the simple, overdone black line, try these creative eyeliner looks around your pretty brown eyes.

 
Cut Crease
This look uses a black gel liner and black eyeshadow to add dimension and brings the liner up and around the lid to add drama to the crease.
  
Watercolor
Brush-stroke application of the blackest eyeliner you can find over a bright bumblebee yellow give eyes a beautiful watercolor effect.

 Get Graphic
Comic book style is how I would describe this outlined, two-toned liner look. Purple not your shade? Substitute for any color you like.


 Barbie Pink
Draw on a cutesy faux face tattoo using a pink liner that would make Barbie proud. Add false lashes and use traditional black gel eyeliner for doll-like eyes 

 

 Feline Eye Take your cat-eye to the next level. Exaggerating the inner corners of your eyeliner gives your eyes the lioness treatment.

 Artistic Application
Rhinestones add major drama and dimension to a creative, Picasso-inspired take on black eyeliner. Such a look is perfect for costume parties.

 Shadow Boxer
Instead of using a gel eyeliner or a pencil liner, try creating a precise shape using your favorite dark eye shadow.

   
 Go Tribal
Triple the markings with a black eyeliner and you are sure to turn heads on the street. 

Juicy Fruit
Tangerine eyeliner accents a buttery yellow eyeshadow shade and gives some oomph to the traditional black liner. Go for it!

PopSugar Honors Traditional African Face Painting But Tells White Readers Not To Wear It

Pop Sugar

This week, entertainment site PopSugar published a slideshow titled, “9 Tribal Makeup Tutorials That Honor the Beauty of African Culture.” The post showed several makeup tutorials inspired by traditional African face paint. Its author, Brinton Parker, noted to PopSugar readers: “Remember, it’s important to respect others’ backgrounds without erring on the side of cultural appropriation — if your heritage is not African, it’s possible to learn from and appreciate these culturally significant makeup looks without donning them yourself.” Although Parker warned readers not to appropriate African culture and face painting, it’s interesting to see PopSugar show appreciation towards the tradition now when the majority of their content revolves around euro-centric beauty standards.
PopSugar, I see through your thinly-veiled PR move. On the heels of Allure, Elle and countless other outlets receiving backlash for deeming afros and dashikis in style, PopSugar decided to get in on the “Black people are cool” trend much in the way a closeted racist brags about having Black friends. It’s like hey, give us credit for being faux- diverse instead of full-blown ignorant like our competitors! No thanks. If Black culture didn’t become so mainstream within the past few years, I’m sure PopSugar would never “honor”African face painting.
And yes, the argument here very strongly lends itself to a “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” rebuttal, but the one word that shuts all of that down is: authenticity. PopSugar, are you covering tribal makeup because you really care about honoring the beauty of Black women or because it’s the safest way you could jump on the cultural appropriation trend, but not really? Only time and their Beauty and Fashion pages will tell.

Hump Nails And Other Fashion Trends That Never Should Have Happened

Image Source: Shutterstock

We’ve all fallen for a terrible fashion trend that made us ask “What was I thinking?” later. And these are definitely some of the worst.

Image Source: Instagram

Hump Nails

It might be time for an intervention.

Image Source: Instagram

Bubble Nails

Hump nails are just the gateway drug for this hideous nail art.

Image Source: WENN

Extreme Cut-Out Dresses

Not because they don’t look fabulous. But because this is one of those fashion trends that those of us who don’t have a body like Jennifer Lopez have trouble pulling off but no qualms with trying. Don’t do it.

Image Source: Instagram

Super-Sized Phony Booties

Can we all agree that this is getting out of hand?

Exclusive: Draya Michele Just Might Appear On “Power” Next Season

Chris Paul Thompson

Ask three people who Draya Michele is and you’ll likely receive three completely different answers. Over the years, we’ve witnessed the 30-year-old reality star transform from reality TV underdog to respected swimsuit designer, and Queen Bee as far as all things “Basketball Wives: LA” are concerned. Recently, we were able to catch up with the savvy businesswoman to discuss her success in the fashion world, a potential “Power” cameo and her eventful relationship with on-again, off-again beau Orlando Scandrick.
MN: Mint Swim has really blown up. Typically, we see reality stars come out with a product line and we don’t hear anything else about it after a season or two. What did you do differently from a branding standpoint?
“I came out with something that a bunch of different celebrities weren’t coming out with. There weren’t a lot of us who had their own swimsuit line. I didn’t want to do the same things that everybody else does. Now, the times are different. We have social media and it’s like this monster marketing tool. And I use it more than any other marketing tool. Without Instagram and Twitter, I’d be using like traditional billboards and stuff. Instagram is like the king of marketing right now.

MN: You also have a clothing line, Fine Ass Girls. Any updates on that?
“Fine Ass Girls is just on hold until the holiday season. We’re going to put new things out. I mean, well, it’s not really on hold. The website is open, and there are things on the website to purchase, but as far as the new collection, it isn’t coming out until November.”
MN: I’ve been following you on “Basketball Wives: LA” since the beginning, and it’s hard to ignore how much you’ve grown. Personally, I kind of feel like you’ve outgrown the show completely. Do you think you’ll be a part of the series for much longer or are you closer to chucking the deuces?
“I’m closer to chucking the deuces. I agree, I feel like I’ve outgrown the show. I just don’t want to argue with people anymore.”
MN: Speaking of television, we saw that you shared a photo of yourself and “Power” star Joseph Sikora. There were rumors that you’ve been cast in the series. Any truth to that?
We were just in the same place at the same time; however, I did have my people reach out to the “Power” people to see what we can get cracking because I would love to be on “Power.”
MN: As you stated earlier, social media is major these days. And without going into detail, we both know that there’s currently a lot of cattiness going on with you and a cast member. Are you ever concerned that these types of issues will taint your brand and your image as a businesswoman?
Yeah, every time someone gets me to respond negatively, I think, “Oh my gosh, there are people who don’t even know that I’m on a TV show that are just following me because I make swimsuits.” When I do that, they’re probably thinking, “What the heck? What is she talking about? Why is she responding to this person? Why is she so angry?” So I try not to get angry, and I try to kind of not really pay attention to it and remain unfazed by it.
MN: And the people on social media who feel that they’re at liberty to speak on your personal life?
Over the years, I’ve really developed thick skin. With Instagram, you’ve got to take the good with the bad. There’s going to be 30,000 great comments, and there’s going to be 400 negative ones. And that’s okay, as long as the good outweighs the bad, you can’t really complain.
MN: I hate to bring up old stuff, but there was a very vicious comment that your old cast member Imani Showalter made about you during season one. It was so disheartening to see one woman tear another woman down in such a brutal way. Do you have any advice for women who find themselves in situations similar to the one that you were in a few years back where they’re being attacked or made to believe that they’re worthless?
The world is a very judgmental place. We show ourselves with our actions and the things that we say out of our mouths. That way, we give people an opportunity to judge us by what we show them—not what they’ve heard about us. That’s pretty much how I live my life. I know that people have heard things about me, but it’s my responsibility to prove all of those people wrong.

Chris Paul Thompson

MN: Instagram was in a frenzy last week when you shared a photo of a bedroom with clothing and other items scattered all over it, and Orlando was also in the photo. You included a caption that said something like, “Well, I’m not the only crazy person here.” What were you trying to communicate with that post?
It was really petty and still lighthearted. It wasn’t meant to be malicious, it was just meant to be like funny. Like, “Oh, see, everybody does it,” and it was just reflective of the crazy, passionate love that we have for one another. I feel like as long as we’re not violent and not hurting each other, then that’s okay.
MN: Finally, what’s next for you? We know that you have Mint Swim and Fine Ass Girls. What else are you working on?
Well, definitely my acting. I’m in the process of talking about some skincare stuff so that might be my latest project.

Ebony Salutes Black Models With Fall Fashion Issue

The fashion world’s lack of diversity is no secret. Over the years, runway goddesses including Naomi Campbell and Iman have addressed how whitewashed the industry is. With New York Fashion Week quickly approaching and Black models only making up 8 percent of those booked for fall 2015 shows, Ebony decided to pay tribute to six models of color who are currently doing the damn thang with a 10-page photo spread  in the September 2015 issue.
The fresh faces include Chantelle Winnie, Milan Dixon, Fatima Siad, Marquita Pring, Diandra Forrest, and Samantha Archibald. The September roll-out will also include a “Black Designer Watch” feature that will highlight designers Rocho Omondi, Charles Harbison, Stella Jean, LaQuan Smith and Mimi Plange.
“Thank you Black models of then and now—so present and despite what seems like fewer of you working today—so there. We see you injecting brown bodies into spaces where we have all but been erased,” said Ebony Editor-in-Chief, Kierna Mayo.
Readers can also expect interviews with former models Beverly Johnson, Tyra Banks, Roshumba, and Pat Cleveland, who will “share testimonies that affirm that Black models are ambassadors representing far more than the physical grace of Black people; they also represent our pride.”

Why I Decided To Put Myself And My Man Before Our Children

Corbis

For some reason, when I think about the idea of putting myself and my man before my children, I can’t help but remember a quote from Baby Boy. Jody is in his mother’s garden questioning her loyalty to him. His mother, Juanita, snaps back at Jody with one line that pretty much sums up my stance on parenting at the moment: “…mama gotta have a life too.” When I first saw that movie, I was a childless teenager, and I remember feeling like Juanita was being a deadbeat. A decade or so later, now that I’ve become a mother, I realize how wrong I was. Juanita had some wisdom on her that only firsthand experience could teach.
I struggled with writing this article because, I know exactly how it sounds. It sounds like I’m ready to trade in my yoga pants and food-stained mom attire for a little black dress and some time to myself. You wouldn’t be entirely incorrect to come to such a conclusion, but there is more to it than that.  My current interpretation of the “mama gotta have a life too” quote is that even though we are mothers, we are human. We have the right to lead individual lives, on our terms–outside of raising children.

When I gave birth to my first child at 21, it’s possible that afterward, I was doing my damnedest to distance myself from the tainted “young mother” stereotype. But in doing so, I inadvertently began to sacrifice parts of my individuality. That includes my friendships, intimacy with my children’s father, and my social life. At the time, the problem for me had been my twisted view on what I thought would make me a “good mother.” Back then, in my mind, “bad” moms spend time with their kids while the “good” ones stay at home, disheveled and masking their misery like they ought to. But I now know that this is the furthest thing from the truth.
If you spend most, if not all of your time with your children, focusing on their every want and exceeding all of their needs, they aren’t receiving the best possible version of you. In my experience, neglecting myself and my relationship created an autopilot version of myself. A going through the motions, get me through the day version of a mother I tried very hard not to become. That version sometimes forgets that children require plenty of patience. She sometimes becomes overwhelmed with all that is required of her and can lose her cool. That’s not the type of mother I want to be.
Five years later, I’ve decided to make a conscious effort to put the needs of my partner and myself before my children. Because while the kids were busy enjoying family outings on the weekends and rooms stocked full of toys, mommy and daddy were in their bedroom fighting over mundane sh*t because the connection was beginning to fade. We didn’t start having connection issues until our relationship began to revolve wholly around our children. If all of the experiences we share together as a couple are only about our kids, what happens to the relationship when the kids are finally off leading their own lives? That is a scary thought, but a very real reality for many married couples when their kids are always involved and are always thought of first. 

It’s become clear to me that for the sake of my children, I need to prioritize some time away from them.  As of late, I am determined to have experiences on my own. I feel blessed to be a mother, and my sons are sources of great happiness. But when it’s feasible, I’m hitting the beach with the girls and getting my Netflix and chill on with my fiancé. The little bit of time that I’ve managed to carve out for myself so far has allowed me to come back to my family invigorated, full of life–chatty even. I’m excited to chase after my 2-year-old, and I’m down for endless rounds of their favorite games. But first, I need a few hours to take care of myself.
I urge all mothers to strive for that happy medium between responsible mom and pursuing personal interests. My previous logic would have you thinking that all good mothers are confined to the house, but the truth is, the best moms are the ones who take the time to take care of themselves. The really good moms are the kind of mothers who try to give 100 percent to their children but still know exactly when “mama gotta have a life too.”

Anatomy of a Powerful Black Woman (A Relationship Guide)

We all know women are sometimes not given their full due in society, but when it comes to black women, the stereotypes and assumptions can be staggering. The number one rule when dealing with a powerful black woman, i.e. you, your mother, your sister, your friend, is: never, ever–ever underestimate her. Treat her with respect, and don’t expect that if you mistreat or slight her, that you’ll just escape the forces that protect her. If you didn’t know about this woman before now, here are some traits that clue you in to the anatomy of a powerful black woman:

Style
It’s not really a matter of how much her outfits cost, or which designers she bought them from; this woman’s aura transcends fashion and goes into style. It’s the way she presents herself and everything that comes from or by her. It’s the patterns she sets and the ones chooses to follow. A powerful black woman doesn’t just dress to impress. She is the impression herself.

Grace
Forget Charlie Sheen, it’s the powerful black woman who is truly tiger-blooded and filled with Nefertiti D.N.A. Because power for her derives from an inner wisdom, she really has nothing to prove. Her story is already evident, and she is sensitive to the stories and struggles of others. She is stern, but graceful and thoughtful in her approach. Grace is a key aspect of her spiritual makings.
Charm
Jay-Z always said he could sell water to a well, implying that he’s that charming or skillful a salesman. When it comes to powerful black women, you can multiply that sort of charm by a billion. Powerful black women are charming because they know their audiences…whether it’s their husband, their children, their parents, their colleagues, their lovers,their friends, or their enemies. And they speak just the right language to whomever’s watching or listening. In the end, they always win.
RELATIONSHIP DOS & DON’TS
If you ever date, run into, work with, stumble upon, marry or become engaged to a powerful black woman:
– Do study her traits, using the guidelines above
– Do bow in her presence
– Don’t induce her wrath
– Don’t discuss her weight
– Don’t over-step your boundaries with her
– Don’t get too comfortable, until she gives you permission
– Do cherish and keep her, because she will literally be the best thing that ever happens in your life
– Don’t take this guide too seriously, but do understand what it really means about recognizing the powerful black women around you

This Businessman Opened The First Black Owned Bookstore In New York

Kru People: An African Tribe That Refused to Be Captured into Enslavement

The Kru people are an African tribe of coastal southeastern Liberia and neighboring Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast).   The tribe is known for sailing. Many of the Kru people also migrated to neighboring areas such Sierra Leone to look for work as fishermen and dockworkers. The Kru along with the Grebo resisted Maryland settlers’ efforts to control their trade. They were also infamous amongst early European enslavers as being especially opposed to capture.

There were about 24 subgroups with dialectal and cultural differences. Their political organization was traditionally un-centralized, each subgroup inhabiting a number of autonomous towns. It was believed that the Kru people were viewed as less valuable during the Transatlantic slave trafficking because they would not allow themselves to be captured by Europeans they would often take their own lives first, or fight viciously to avoid being taken away.

The Kru people engaged in migrant labor, seafaring and migrant working. They settled as far as fareast as Cameroon and west as Freetown and Cape Verde. They had exceptional canoeing skills in treacherous surf waters and were well-known for it by the 1700’s when they served on British merchant and warships. Although the natives were in many respects similar in type and tribe, every village was an independent state; there was also very little intercommunication.

The tribe is one of the many ethnic groups in Liberia, they comprise about 7 percent of the population. It is also one of the main languages spoken. By the late 20th century there were probably more Kru outside tribal territory than within. The largest single Kru community in the late 20th century was in Monrovia. Notable ethnic Krus include former soccer star George Weah and Christian Evangelist Samuel Morris who was originally known as Kaboo.  Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is of mixed Kru, Gola, and German ancestry.

Source: Kru People
                                      Wonder Wombman (A Tribe That Refused To Be Captured Into Enslavement)

The Virginia Calculator: Thomas Fuller, African ”Slave” And Mathematical Genius

Thomas Fuller, familiarly known as the Virginia Calculator, was a native of Africa. At the age of fourteen he was stolen, and sold into slavery in Virginia, where he found himself the property of a planter residing about four miles from Alexandria. He did not understand the art of reading or writing, but by a marvellous faculty was able to perform the most difficult calculations.

Game Changers: How Stepin Fetchit Became The First African-American Actor Millionaire

by Renata Johnson

The first African-American person to make it to millionaire status as an actor was Lincoln Theordore Perry, who was known as Stepin Fetchit. Although he was one of the first black faces on television, his appearance did not come without controversy within the African-American community. Perry began acting as a comedian in his early teen years. He often portrayed himself as a lazy, slow-witted, jive-talking person in mainstream “white” cinemas. A character which often offended many people in the Black community. Black Americans did not want White America to perceive all African-American people as being lazy. However, he is still proclaimed as the first black superstar by many that paved the way for other African-American actors and actresses. He appeared in more than 50 movies, some which he appeared with his good friend Will Rogers.

Perry was born in Key West, Florida, to West Indian immigrant parents. Despite his role on as the “Laziest Man in the World” Perry was highly intelligent. He wrote for the premier African-American newspaper, “The Chicago Defender.” Most African-American felt the name used by Perry was a blow in the face, Stepin Fetchit. They felt it was a contraction to “step and fetch it,” implying that he was an “Uncle Tom.” Regardless, of what people thought about him, or his name, he was the first African-American comedian on television and one to become a millionaire. He also held jobs as a vaudeville artist and a manager of a traveling carnival. He was far from being a lazy person. He just found a way to make money and he like many other people took advantage of the opportunity.

Although Perry was the first African-American millionaire his status did not last for long. He mishandled his money buy overspending and was considered bankrupt by 1947. He later went on to become friends with Heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali. Perry showed Muhammad Ali a knockout punch that he later used in one of his fights. However, during this time Perry found himself being criticized for the roles he played with civil rights leaders. Even though there were mixed feelings about Perry, the NAACP awarded him with the NAACP Image Award. Years later Perry was inducted into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame. Perry also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame located under the category motion pictures. Perry’s career ended after suffering a stroke in 1976. He died in 1985 at the age of 83.

Source:  Perry Lincoln Theodore Monroe Andrew Stepin Fetchit 1902 1985

Words That Changed The World: 7 Greatest Nat Turner Quotes

Nat Turner was an African American slave from Southhampton County, Virginia. He is most famous for leading a slave rebellion on August 21, 1831 which caused nearly 60 white men to be killed. He died on November 11, 1831.

1.  “And my father and mother strengthened me in this my first impression, saying in my presence, I was intended for some great purpose, which they had always thought from certain marks on my head and breast.”
  2.  “Having soon discovered to be great, I must appear so, and therefore studiously avoided mixing in society, and wrapped myself in mystery, devoting my time to fasting and prayer.”
 3.   “I heard a loud noise in the heavens, and the Spirit was loosened, and Christ had laid down the yoke he had borne for the sins of men, and that I should take it on and fight against the Serpent, for the time was fast approaching when the first should be last and the last should be first.”
  4.  “I was not addicted to stealing in my youth, nor have ever been; yet such was the confidence of the Negroes in the neighborhood, even at this early period of my life, in my superior judgment, that they would often carry me with them when they were going on any roguery, to plan for them.”
 5.   “I was struck with that particular passage which says: “Seek ye the kingdom of Heaven and all things shall be added unto you.”
  6.  “The manner in which I learned to read and write, not only had great influence on my own mind, as I acquired it with the most perfect ease, so much so, that I have no recollection whatever
    of learning the alphabet.”
  7.  “To a mind like mine, restless, inquisitive, and observant of everything that was passing, it is easy to suppose that religion was the subject to which it would be directed; and, although this subject principally occupied my thoughts, there was nothing that I saw or heard of to which my attention was not directed.”

Lucy Craft Laney, Founded the First School for Black Children in Augusta, Georgia

Lucy Craft Laney, Founded the First School for Black Children in Augusta, Georgia

#Lucy Craft Laney, or “Miss Lucy,” was Georgia’s most famous female African American educator in 1883 through the early 1900s. #Laney was an early African-American educator who founded the school for black children in Augusta, Georgia. She served as the principal for the Haines Institute for Industrial and Normal Education for 50 years.

The Universe Is Dying, But You Can't Even Fathom How Much Time Is Left

   

 All good things must come to an end. The universe, home to us, Earth, our solar system, our galaxy, and really everything that has existed or ever will exist, is no exception. The good news is it won't happen for at least another 100 billion years.

Considering the universe is just a spritely 13.8 billion years young currently, this declaration of a slow death may seem a bit premature. With the same logic, wouldn't a 13-year-old who lives a long, productive life before passing away at 100 also be considered to be "slowly dying"?

However, researchers have determined that the universe is giving off about half as much energy as it was two billion years ago. Using this figure, the scientists calculated that the universe has about 100 billion years of energy left to burn off, so for now we can focus on more pressing issues like how we're even going to keep Earth habitable long enough to get to that mark

                                  share with your friends! 

Rihanna Educates Us In More Ways Than One About The Barbados Crop Over Festival

Rihanna has officially taken over her home country of Barbados and the slayage is on extreme levels at the moment.

African American Must Read Poetry Covers For All Black Family's