You see them in the news usually without their children, a thought may cross your mind where is her son, his daughter -- we are talking about African American celebrity children to be more exact. How are celebrities really impacting their children since they are often away from them?
I performed a little research and here is a site I found. Enjoy...
According to the website, Black Celebrity Kids also known as BCK was founded in November 2007. Blackcelebkids.com has a blog feel to it when you visit the site. They describe themselves as a "one stop portal" that provides information and pictures on black celebrity kids, babies and their parents. http://www.blackcelebkids.com/
Friday
No Black Models Allowed - The Intimidating Beauty of African-American Women
After reading the latest headlines of fashion designers choosing not to utilize Women of Color in their fashion shows and on their runways, it is a bit paradoxical for me. You see....on the one hand, when the African-American Actresses walk the red carpet in these same designs, I've never once read that a fashion designer had a problem with a Woman of Color at that particular time. And why would they?
These designers are receiving all sorts of free advertising and press coverage. The designers and all whom are representatives of these designers, receive funds from these African-American actresses without even thinking about it. But oh I forget, money is green isn't it? And the color of the person's hand whose purchasing these designer clothing isn't an issue. Now on the other hand, these same designers are using spray tans to make the white models appear darker, they're using lip tricks and plumpers to make their lips larger, and they are using hair extensions for the "textured look." Okay....is it me or are these designers attempting to create an illusion of a Black Woman on their runways? I mean...."What The Hell People!" The bronzed skin, nice full lips, and hair extensions are beautiful character traits and features of Women of Color. When it's time to walk the runway, all sorts of thought is put into the justification of why Black Models aren't being utilized. So the question is: "Can The Fashion Industry Really Continue To Thrive and Survive If African-American Spending Power Came To A Complete Halt? Note to designers: Why not place a tag in your clothing so that African-Americans can steer clear of your particular designs that states the following: "This Collection Is Not Designed For African-Americans. I Do Not Utilize Black Models In My Fashion Shows Because They Are Just Too Darn Beautiful To Look Ridiculous!"
Moving forward...The spending power of African-Americans in this country alone has topped between $631 billion and $688 billion according to Black Enterprise.com. And according to a new study conducted by ReportBuyer.com - the buying power of African-Americans is expected to reach at least $1.1 trillion by the year 2012. So...whose really keeping these fashion designers in business? In any other industry, racist behavior is not tolerated at all. It does happen, but there are repercussions and consequences to such behavior. So why is racism so dominant and accepted in the fashion industry?
There aren't any justifications for this; it has just gone on for so long - people think that it is a prerequisite to becoming a Model. It is a negative, demeaning, and ignorant belief of those who live with fear that something is going to be taken from them. What other reason could there be that allows Black Models to be subjected to blatant rudeness and negativity, all at the mercy of individuals whom possess simple minds. And a simple-minded person clearly isn't qualified to place judgement. "When a Black Model walks the runway she undoubtedly commands attention, she dominates the runway, and she compliments the designs which then brings them to life." Black Women are blessed with natural curvaceousness which is a bit intimidating in some environments. And yes...negative remarks are made about an African-American Woman's attractive figure, but the last time I checked...butt and hip implants from non-black women was at an all time high!
Fashion designers..."When you exclude a race of people from your fashion shows because of your ignorance of what you think and view as beautiful...and indeed you have that right as they are your designs...don't expect Women of Color to purchase your clothing. When you don't employ Women of Color to walk your runways...in a sense...you have just loudly shouted to them as well as to the world...that "Black Women Aren't Beautiful Enough." This type of behavior results in feelings of inadequacy and inferiority among the few Black Models that are in existence; which also spills over into their personal lives resulting in low self-esteem and shattered confidence. No one in this world -including fashion designers- is qualified to cast judgment.
The fashion industry wants to make this particular statement true: "If She's White Put Her In The Spotlight...If She's Black Put Her In The Back." Black Women purchase the high-fashion magazines whose editors have been reported as saying "Black Faces On The Cover of Magazines Just Doesn't Sell!" Black Women attend the fashion shows and also wear the designer's clothing where Black Models are non-existent on the runway. Black Women all over the world easily carries the latest Louis Vuitton Bags, the latest Prada Bags, the latest Gucci Bags; and can buy whatever they desire. After reading a particular internet news report, Prada did not employ at least one Black Model in its show this year. Black Women spends thousands of dollars on the same designers clothing whom never utilize Black Models. Now we know! Action must be taken to exclude the Black Dollars from ending up in the fashion designers pockets who do not utilize Black Models on their runways. Action must also be taken to put a halt to the spending power of Black Women who purchase the fashion magazines where editors claim Black Faces doesn't sell. I buy all of the high fashion magazines each month depending on whose on the cover - didn't matter whether it was a black model or a white model. I am a cultural fan of all races as my family is diverse, mixed raced, and very colorful people; however, since this new information has surfaced my purchasing of said magazines are no more. I refuse to spend money on magazines without any Black Models on the covers, photographers who don't shoot Black Models, and to see the advertisements of the fashion designer's clothing whom did not employ Black Models on their runways. This isn't a racist decision, but rather one of common sense. If the magazines exclude Women of Color (of which I am) on their covers, as well as informative write-ups and articles relating to Women of Color; who would I identify with?
The truth is this: "Black Women are very exotic, sensual, beautiful and sexy; which results in feelings of intimidation from those who are responsible for a Black Model's success in the industry. The fashion industry thrives on purposely smashing Black Models self-esteem and confidence as a way of feeling powerful, which is really a feeling of ignorant false self-confidence. Note to Fashion Designers: "Stop and think for a second. While you are so busy keeping your runways white, be clear about your objectives and preferences; and stop spray tanning your non-black models brown, adding texture to their hair with hair extensions, and plumping up their lips. All this non-sense can be avoided if you utilize those who are already gorgeous and brown!"
Dr. Monica Burns-Capers, Ph.D Is An Expert Author, Freelance Writer, Consultant, College Professor of Organizational Management, and President-CEO of Monica Mi'Chelle Communications: A Professional Writing and Self-Development Firm.
These designers are receiving all sorts of free advertising and press coverage. The designers and all whom are representatives of these designers, receive funds from these African-American actresses without even thinking about it. But oh I forget, money is green isn't it? And the color of the person's hand whose purchasing these designer clothing isn't an issue. Now on the other hand, these same designers are using spray tans to make the white models appear darker, they're using lip tricks and plumpers to make their lips larger, and they are using hair extensions for the "textured look." Okay....is it me or are these designers attempting to create an illusion of a Black Woman on their runways? I mean...."What The Hell People!" The bronzed skin, nice full lips, and hair extensions are beautiful character traits and features of Women of Color. When it's time to walk the runway, all sorts of thought is put into the justification of why Black Models aren't being utilized. So the question is: "Can The Fashion Industry Really Continue To Thrive and Survive If African-American Spending Power Came To A Complete Halt? Note to designers: Why not place a tag in your clothing so that African-Americans can steer clear of your particular designs that states the following: "This Collection Is Not Designed For African-Americans. I Do Not Utilize Black Models In My Fashion Shows Because They Are Just Too Darn Beautiful To Look Ridiculous!"
Moving forward...The spending power of African-Americans in this country alone has topped between $631 billion and $688 billion according to Black Enterprise.com. And according to a new study conducted by ReportBuyer.com - the buying power of African-Americans is expected to reach at least $1.1 trillion by the year 2012. So...whose really keeping these fashion designers in business? In any other industry, racist behavior is not tolerated at all. It does happen, but there are repercussions and consequences to such behavior. So why is racism so dominant and accepted in the fashion industry?
There aren't any justifications for this; it has just gone on for so long - people think that it is a prerequisite to becoming a Model. It is a negative, demeaning, and ignorant belief of those who live with fear that something is going to be taken from them. What other reason could there be that allows Black Models to be subjected to blatant rudeness and negativity, all at the mercy of individuals whom possess simple minds. And a simple-minded person clearly isn't qualified to place judgement. "When a Black Model walks the runway she undoubtedly commands attention, she dominates the runway, and she compliments the designs which then brings them to life." Black Women are blessed with natural curvaceousness which is a bit intimidating in some environments. And yes...negative remarks are made about an African-American Woman's attractive figure, but the last time I checked...butt and hip implants from non-black women was at an all time high!
Fashion designers..."When you exclude a race of people from your fashion shows because of your ignorance of what you think and view as beautiful...and indeed you have that right as they are your designs...don't expect Women of Color to purchase your clothing. When you don't employ Women of Color to walk your runways...in a sense...you have just loudly shouted to them as well as to the world...that "Black Women Aren't Beautiful Enough." This type of behavior results in feelings of inadequacy and inferiority among the few Black Models that are in existence; which also spills over into their personal lives resulting in low self-esteem and shattered confidence. No one in this world -including fashion designers- is qualified to cast judgment.
The fashion industry wants to make this particular statement true: "If She's White Put Her In The Spotlight...If She's Black Put Her In The Back." Black Women purchase the high-fashion magazines whose editors have been reported as saying "Black Faces On The Cover of Magazines Just Doesn't Sell!" Black Women attend the fashion shows and also wear the designer's clothing where Black Models are non-existent on the runway. Black Women all over the world easily carries the latest Louis Vuitton Bags, the latest Prada Bags, the latest Gucci Bags; and can buy whatever they desire. After reading a particular internet news report, Prada did not employ at least one Black Model in its show this year. Black Women spends thousands of dollars on the same designers clothing whom never utilize Black Models. Now we know! Action must be taken to exclude the Black Dollars from ending up in the fashion designers pockets who do not utilize Black Models on their runways. Action must also be taken to put a halt to the spending power of Black Women who purchase the fashion magazines where editors claim Black Faces doesn't sell. I buy all of the high fashion magazines each month depending on whose on the cover - didn't matter whether it was a black model or a white model. I am a cultural fan of all races as my family is diverse, mixed raced, and very colorful people; however, since this new information has surfaced my purchasing of said magazines are no more. I refuse to spend money on magazines without any Black Models on the covers, photographers who don't shoot Black Models, and to see the advertisements of the fashion designer's clothing whom did not employ Black Models on their runways. This isn't a racist decision, but rather one of common sense. If the magazines exclude Women of Color (of which I am) on their covers, as well as informative write-ups and articles relating to Women of Color; who would I identify with?
The truth is this: "Black Women are very exotic, sensual, beautiful and sexy; which results in feelings of intimidation from those who are responsible for a Black Model's success in the industry. The fashion industry thrives on purposely smashing Black Models self-esteem and confidence as a way of feeling powerful, which is really a feeling of ignorant false self-confidence. Note to Fashion Designers: "Stop and think for a second. While you are so busy keeping your runways white, be clear about your objectives and preferences; and stop spray tanning your non-black models brown, adding texture to their hair with hair extensions, and plumping up their lips. All this non-sense can be avoided if you utilize those who are already gorgeous and brown!"
Dr. Monica Burns-Capers, Ph.D Is An Expert Author, Freelance Writer, Consultant, College Professor of Organizational Management, and President-CEO of Monica Mi'Chelle Communications: A Professional Writing and Self-Development Firm.
African Americans, Unemployment, And the US Economy
I had initially planned to write about my recent accomplishments with a landscaping project in our backyard however I ran across an article featured in the AFRO newspaper that caught my attention. I couldn't help but bring attention to the June Labor statistic regarding African Americans. Alan King, Staff Writer for the AFRO mentions in his article "African Americans lead in unemployment-June Labor Stats Show Little Change In Unemployment." The overall unemployment statistical picture showed the number of unemployed persons in the U.S. at 14 .7 million. " African Americans led the list at 14.7 percent, Hispanics followed at 12.2 and Caucasians at 8.7. Believe me, statistics and scarcity has away of bringing you to your knees.
They say you have to tread lightly when reading and deciphering statistics because they can paint a skewed picture. However, the present economic photograph has many flaws. America in all its grandeur and color is faced with dramatic present and future uncertainty. I am proud to shed light upon a culture and economic class (African Americans) who leads the number of workers unemployed here in the U.S. African Americans have wavered the storm in past histories and will do so again. However, they like all other Americans will have to implement ways in which to improvise. Quite frankly, creating a niche for yourself has much to do about your longevity in the economic marketplace whether it's getting a new job or starting your own business enterprise.
Just recently, I experienced firsthand how difficult it was to get a job. I applied for numerous jobs in which I know I was over qualified and jobs with less pay. I received pleasant, polite, and politically correct responses "stating how rigorous it was to find the most qualified applicant.". I failed to take a look at all the different reasons why I wasn't hired. I think you do have to consider the overall unemployment picture while building on your personal and professional skill set!
So, let us all consider how we will make the necessary changes to stay afloat. What belt tightening will you have to implement. Consider tackling two birds with one stone i.e. finding gardening space to grow your own vegetable garden giving back to the environment while improving your overall physical health. As an African American, I can give testimony to the synergistic energy behind storytelling which I have recently found beneficial. I must share with you that initially my objective were to bring attention to the misery and uncertainty in the African American community whom have been affected by job loss and unemployment way before the recession of 2007.
Unemployment is debilitating , individually painful, and has a way of tearing down all families and communities both locally and globally. It's a natural component of the U.S. economic system and will never completely go away. Do not for a moment conjure in your mind that I'm downing America . Our country (America) continues to possess abundancy, human potential , and opportunities unlike many of our global partners. Now's the time to secure more knowledge, seek your passion, and set realistic goals!
I hope this article will personally help each of us to take action reflecting on our strengths and innate gifts as we meet the growing economic uncertainty facing our nation.
Curt Canada MSW provides Personal Development Coaching and Advisement at Finding Your Zenith in Washington D.C. He holds a Masters in Social Work from The University of Iowa and a Masters in Teacher Education from the American University. Postgraduate Certification from The Institute for Motivational Living and The Institute for Life Coach Training.
They say you have to tread lightly when reading and deciphering statistics because they can paint a skewed picture. However, the present economic photograph has many flaws. America in all its grandeur and color is faced with dramatic present and future uncertainty. I am proud to shed light upon a culture and economic class (African Americans) who leads the number of workers unemployed here in the U.S. African Americans have wavered the storm in past histories and will do so again. However, they like all other Americans will have to implement ways in which to improvise. Quite frankly, creating a niche for yourself has much to do about your longevity in the economic marketplace whether it's getting a new job or starting your own business enterprise.
Just recently, I experienced firsthand how difficult it was to get a job. I applied for numerous jobs in which I know I was over qualified and jobs with less pay. I received pleasant, polite, and politically correct responses "stating how rigorous it was to find the most qualified applicant.". I failed to take a look at all the different reasons why I wasn't hired. I think you do have to consider the overall unemployment picture while building on your personal and professional skill set!
So, let us all consider how we will make the necessary changes to stay afloat. What belt tightening will you have to implement. Consider tackling two birds with one stone i.e. finding gardening space to grow your own vegetable garden giving back to the environment while improving your overall physical health. As an African American, I can give testimony to the synergistic energy behind storytelling which I have recently found beneficial. I must share with you that initially my objective were to bring attention to the misery and uncertainty in the African American community whom have been affected by job loss and unemployment way before the recession of 2007.
Unemployment is debilitating , individually painful, and has a way of tearing down all families and communities both locally and globally. It's a natural component of the U.S. economic system and will never completely go away. Do not for a moment conjure in your mind that I'm downing America . Our country (America) continues to possess abundancy, human potential , and opportunities unlike many of our global partners. Now's the time to secure more knowledge, seek your passion, and set realistic goals!
I hope this article will personally help each of us to take action reflecting on our strengths and innate gifts as we meet the growing economic uncertainty facing our nation.
Curt Canada MSW provides Personal Development Coaching and Advisement at Finding Your Zenith in Washington D.C. He holds a Masters in Social Work from The University of Iowa and a Masters in Teacher Education from the American University. Postgraduate Certification from The Institute for Motivational Living and The Institute for Life Coach Training.
Light Skin and Dark Skin Sistas Have Issues
I feel my sisters with a different hue than mine when they say they don’t like the media favoring women that look like Halle Berry, Vanessa Williams, Tyra Banks and others who look like them. I can hear someone saying, “What do you mean you can feel me with your light skin &$#@!" Let me be clear about my point, what I mean by my statement is on my side of the issue I have some opinions too about this issue of light and dark skin so yes I can feel a sista because when the lights go out -- we all are black, okay?! Here's my issue, now that some have took "a chill pill" (remember that old 90s phrase LOL!) Anyway, I am tired of some darker skin brothas trying to date lighter skin sistas primarily because of what we look like (as if there is some benefit to being with us.) I guess some brothas are interested in pretty babies like some darker skin women targeting that light skin pretty eyed black boy (I remember alot of that back in high school) they want the kind of babies (if the genes are strong enough) that have a lighter skin tone, hair texture, eye color, etc. (I suspect that some family members did that on purpose, but I am not naming no names and I am not stating who told me either!)
The truth is I am no better than my darker skin sistas, the media may depict my skin tone and others lighter than mine as better, but the truth is I bleed red just like everyone else! I find it insulting when a darker hue will comment in conversation about that “high yella...light skinned…red bone” woman, man, or child and think that what they are saying is somehow okay. Well it’s not and if I were to refer to my mother and other relatives who are darker shades than I in that way they would be insulted and guaranteed they would accuse me of being conceited or thinking I was better.
The issue of dark and light skin is only fueled even more when we allow our own people and non-black people to make a difference in us. Stop sitting there acting like you don’t hear the negative light skin and dark skin comments. Politely tell the person how you feel and why it does more harm than good to speak that way. Stand up for yourself and love the skin you are in!
Commentary by Nicholl McGuire
http://lovepoetrybynicholl.blogspot.com
The truth is I am no better than my darker skin sistas, the media may depict my skin tone and others lighter than mine as better, but the truth is I bleed red just like everyone else! I find it insulting when a darker hue will comment in conversation about that “high yella...light skinned…red bone” woman, man, or child and think that what they are saying is somehow okay. Well it’s not and if I were to refer to my mother and other relatives who are darker shades than I in that way they would be insulted and guaranteed they would accuse me of being conceited or thinking I was better.
The issue of dark and light skin is only fueled even more when we allow our own people and non-black people to make a difference in us. Stop sitting there acting like you don’t hear the negative light skin and dark skin comments. Politely tell the person how you feel and why it does more harm than good to speak that way. Stand up for yourself and love the skin you are in!
Commentary by Nicholl McGuire
http://lovepoetrybynicholl.blogspot.com
Saturday
Why are Black People Nervous About Socializing with One Another in Predominately White Environments?
Someone answer this question intelligently please! Why are some blacks afraid to converse with one another when working in predominately white environments?
I have noticed blacks act fearful of talking with one another if it is more than a simple greeting or a "I'm going to lunch..." I didn't really give this any thought until someone told me that she didn't want to let her white boss know that she communicates with her fellow black co-worker. When I asked why, she said that she didn't want him to know because he might think something was up. What? You mean we are still living in slavery even at work! I thought we were like George Jefferson "moving on up"! So conversations between fellow black co-workers are to be kept on the down low for fear that master might beat us, right? In modern times that would be translated to a firing. I can hear it now white people with nothing better to do gathering around a table meeting about those blacks talking too long by the watercooler need to be terminated. LOL!!! Tell me it isn't so Joe!
I know where this mentality comes from old ignorant black folks. Someone told some of these young blacks to not speak to one another in front of the white man or you would be giving him a reason not to like you. Don't make "masta" I mean him (or her)feel threatened or suspect that you are up to no good scheming with your black co-worker. I don't know about you, but I will talk to whomever I want. Period. Now if some of you black folks work in an environment that you fear talking to a fellow black might cost you your job then so be it. But that is sad!
Honestly, we must question why we treat one another the way we do and where it comes from. Just because grandma and grandad had that kind of life doesn't mean that we have to keep it going. Say something to a brotha or sista the next time you pass him or her, you will feel good that you did!
Written by Nicholl McGuire
I have noticed blacks act fearful of talking with one another if it is more than a simple greeting or a "I'm going to lunch..." I didn't really give this any thought until someone told me that she didn't want to let her white boss know that she communicates with her fellow black co-worker. When I asked why, she said that she didn't want him to know because he might think something was up. What? You mean we are still living in slavery even at work! I thought we were like George Jefferson "moving on up"! So conversations between fellow black co-workers are to be kept on the down low for fear that master might beat us, right? In modern times that would be translated to a firing. I can hear it now white people with nothing better to do gathering around a table meeting about those blacks talking too long by the watercooler need to be terminated. LOL!!! Tell me it isn't so Joe!
I know where this mentality comes from old ignorant black folks. Someone told some of these young blacks to not speak to one another in front of the white man or you would be giving him a reason not to like you. Don't make "masta" I mean him (or her)feel threatened or suspect that you are up to no good scheming with your black co-worker. I don't know about you, but I will talk to whomever I want. Period. Now if some of you black folks work in an environment that you fear talking to a fellow black might cost you your job then so be it. But that is sad!
Honestly, we must question why we treat one another the way we do and where it comes from. Just because grandma and grandad had that kind of life doesn't mean that we have to keep it going. Say something to a brotha or sista the next time you pass him or her, you will feel good that you did!
Written by Nicholl McGuire
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African American Planet: Relationships, Education, Products & Lifestyle by Nicholl McGuire is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at africanamericanplanet.blogspot.com.
