Black History Month...28 days or 365?

Now as we bring Black History Month to a close, I want to share with you this video clip. In 2005, 60 minutes aired this special featuring Morgan Freeman. He talked about why black history month has to be secluded to 28/29 days and why its not celebrated with american history year round. Now, I agree with him 110%. Some people say its not relevant, but all events in history are meant to be told. They all serve a purpose. What do you think? Should we just be happy and celebrate this month or work to change the standards?

Viola Davis @ The Oscars

Did you see how gorgeous Viola Davis looked at the Oscars last night? I love the color and look of her natural hair!! I didn't know use to wear wigs (thought they were regular extensions). She spoke about her choice of hairstyles briefly on Oprah's Oscar special featuring her, Octavia Spencer & Jonah Hill. But anyway, when I saw her on the red carpet yesterday I immediately said WOW. Her gorgeous emerald green Vera Wang dress was offset by her warm cinnamon brown hair. Just loved it!

Black History Month Profile- Deborah Roberts

I love watching ABC's 20/20 on Friday nights. Every so often I see one of their correspondents, Deborah Roberts reporting. She is an American journalist that works for various shows within the news department. She began her career as a reporter in Columbus, GA and Knoxville, TN. Soon thereafter she traveled up the ranks to NBC News as a general assignment reporter before landing at ABC. She's married to Al Roker and was nominated for a Sports Emmy in 1992.

Black History Month Profile- Rodney Jerkins

Have you ever heard someone whisper dark child in the beginning of song?  If so, you are listening to one of the many songs by record producer, songwriter and musician Rodney Jerkins. He is well known in the music industry for producing hits for various artists such as Toni Braxton's "He Wasn't Man Enough for Me", Jennifer Lopez's "If You Had My Love" and more recently Mary J. Blige's "The One." In New Jersey, he grew up around gospel music in the church and started taking piano lessons. As he got older, he started making demos and eventually produced his own gospel album titled On the Move.

Black History Month Profile- Shonda Rhimes

As I was reading the March issue of Essence magazine, I came across this article about Shonda Rhimes. They are recognizing her and a few other "powerful players" in Hollywood. She is the creator, head writer and executive producer of the TV series Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice and her latest addition, Scandal. After receiving her B.A. from Dartmouth, she started working in advertising. Then, about a year into the position she didn't like what she was doing and pursued screenwriting at the University of Southern California. You can catch Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice on Thursday evenings on ABC. Scandal is set to premiere on April 5.

Black History Month Profile- Whitney Houston

We all can reflect back to one time or another when her music inspired us. This R&B icon will continue to live on through the countless lives she's touched with her voice. Despite her life leading up to her death, we need to remember her for the times that she brought joy to our lives.

Black History Month Profile- Morgan Freeman

About 2 weeks ago, I tuned into Oprah's Master Class featuring Morgan Freeman. It was an insight into how his career began as an actor. I found it so inspiring that he got his first big role in his 50's. I'm sure you guys remember him in Glory and Driving Miss Daisy. That goes to show that no matter your age, you can excel at anything you put your mind to. Check out a clip below from the show.

Morgan Freeman Holds On to His Principles

When Morgan Freeman was younger, he was surprised by the lack of African-American acting roles in film. He explains why he had a difficult time getting cast in the '80s and why he didn't want to be part of anything that would offend people—especially himself.

Black History Month Profile- Tracey Reese

In a post I wrote last summer, I talked about these shoes I bought from DSW that are by Tracey Reese. Since they fit like a glove, I had to immediately find out who this designer is. 

She specializes in ready-to-wear clothing, accessories and home linens. She's a graduate of Parsons School of Design and launched her first line in spring 1998. In 2007, she was inducted as a board member into the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America). Her lines Tracey Reese, plenty & frock! continue to grace the pages of magazines, the runway during fashion week and bodies of women everywhere. You can check out her website here.

Black History Month Profile- Tristan & Tyler

While searching YouTube for a review on this foundation I want to buy, I came across this channel. These two twin munchkins named Tristan and Tyler, have their own show called Tristan and Tyler Tales From the City. They go around NYC to find fun adventures that children can learn from and relate to. You'll see them trying things like cooking, yoga and how to make the world a more greener place. Too cute! Check out one of their videos below or read more info here.

Black History Month Profile- Keke Palmer

Every time I see her on TV, I admire her grace and welcoming persona. Keke Palmer is a singer and actress that starred in movies such as Akeelah and the Bee, Madea's Family Reunion and her latest addition, Joyful Noise. Many people know her from the hit Nickelodeon show True Jackson VP. She's won countless NAACP Awards and serves as an inspiration to many young African American girls.



Black History Month Profile- Michael Baisden

As one of the top radio show hosts in the nation, Michael Baisden continues to reach out to the African American community by discussing topics that people always avoid. If you live in NY and your in your car between 3pm and 7pm (weekdays), make sure you listen to 98.7 Kiss FM. Even if you don't live in NY, you can still listen. His show is syndicated in different states. You'll hear people calling in to discuss the topic of the day, which ranges from scandals in the church to knowing what a woman wants. He's also a social activist. When Jena Six took place in 2006, Basiden was there, front row, during the march to make sure that justice was served for these young men. He also wrote some books that you can check out here.

Black History Month Profile- Don Cornelius

Now you know I have to profile Mr. Love, Peace & Soul today! Yesterday the death of Don Cornelius flooded the news wire. For those of you that don't know him, he was the creator, host and producer of the hit show Soul Train.

This show served as an outlet for new upcoming artists, people that loved music and of course the dancing. Soul Train is not Soul Train with out dancing! Hence the traditional "soul train line" that your uncle attempts to do "the worm" down at your cousins wedding. Check out the clip below.

Black History Month Profile- Soledad O'Brien

It's February! Which means we celebrate Black History. For this, I will profile one individual everyday that's making a difference and cutting stereotypes. For today I will talk about Soledad O'Brien. She is the anchor for CNN's morning show Starting Point and also a specials correspondent. Many people are familiar with her Black in America series, which served as an eye opener to many individuals that don't quite understand what goes on in the black community. Also, she is of Afro-Cuban and Irish descent and a graduate from Harvard University I tune into her show every morning and you can see how shes such a fighter. She doesn't take no or people's nonsense lightly.