The Beauty of TIME.

Woah.... My first year of college is over. Out of the city and suburban bound for the summer. I must say, those who say you will learn a whole lot in college are right! I learned so much about the world, people and myself! First, I love NYC!! I really do. Although I did not explore every nook and cranny of this gracious and chaotic city, I lived in it's inspirational and driven presence. Second, I learned that I have TIME. As in, I have TIME to figure out what career path I want to take. I have TIME to figure out who I am (not that anyone really figures that out until they reach about 60 lol but you get what I am saying!). This idea that TIME is on my side scares me! No matter how many advisors, professors, friends, or people tell me that I have TIME, the less and less I begin to actually believe it... However, I am NOW starting to see that.. I do in fact have TIME. I mean I just turned 19... I am still sooooo VERY young! Right? Lastly, I learned that I cannot control what my future holds. I mean I can only control so much but as far as certain thing as to when they are going to happen and how they are going to happen... nope, nope and nope. And again, I am starting to see that this is ok too. Haha I mean it kind of has to be right? To calm my nerves I just keep trying to immerse myself into things that I love to do and hope that those things will guide me. The best antidote to the fear of failure is to stay focused on whatever passion you hold closest to your heart and allowing it to pump through your veins. Because at the end of the day, in order to be happy we must follow our hearts. At least that is what I believe in! I took the first step by moving to NYC, even though I knew the expenses would completely destroy my bank accounts and wallet lol! (NYC is BEAUTIFUL but lord almighty EXPENSIVE!!!) Point is that, I still followed my dream of moving to and living in NYC. And I really did a great job at it! I saved my money, met some great people, made my mark on campus and excelled academically! So I am proud of myself! (a pat on the back for me, yay;)) However, I also learned that in order to bring my passions to life, I need to eliminate or separate myself from all forms of negativity. This is a must because the only force of energy that should be influencing my life decisions, besides the Law of Conservation and Energy (which states that the total energy of an isolated system stays constant and overall conserved overtime;) lol just a little Physics) and who I am and want to be, is the beauty of POSITIVITY. 

I need to trust that time is on my side. And I think one of the most confusing and frustrating aspects of that is not knowing exactly what I want to do with my life after college. I have struggled so much in figuring out where my identity lies outside of my education and academic success! I constantly question and worry that I do not have anything else to offer this world besides straight A's and a high GPA... 

But that is the beauty of TIME...right? It sure must be because everyone around me constantly tells me that I am so young and; therefore, I have so much TIME to figure everything out. So... that is what I am going to do. I am going to take TIME and figure things out. I am going to acknowledge the TIME but also take advantage of it to focus on what my heart desires. In doing so, this post will actually be my last.. for awhile or forever. Who knows what the future holds? Maybe during or after the summer I will come back with something bigger, better and stronger than ever! 

Otherwise, stay beautiful and lovely - as I am sure you already are. And a special thanks to those who read, followed, and supported my blog since day one! Luv you guys:)

Oh and do NOT worry! The Innocently Fierce legacy shall still carry on! Just look out for me on the billboards and all in the future;)

Xoxx,
Miss True.

I Guess I Am... "Unavailable"

So tonight I had the pleasure of meeting one of my mother's "friends" (Haha more like a loosely acquaintance). He seemed very friendly and nice until he caught a look at my rings. I wear two rings- the one my mother gave me for my 17th birthday and the one my brother gave me. But the "problem" is that I wear the one my mother gave me on my left hand ring finger... (Granted I am a lefty and love to stare it lol!) Now when this man saw that I do this, he felt obligated to inform me on the Godly law of wearing a ring on such finger- if you are not engaged nor married. He was making it seem as if I was sinning against some precious principle and dared to ask me if I believe in God. I respectfully answered yes but wait... just because I believe in God does not mean I believe in all things and beliefs associated with Him (Nor do I have to believe in what you believe in). This man proceeded to profoundly and aggressively educate me on the everlasting and cherished meaning behind such finger... Saying how when I am in the club and guys come up to me to flirt but then see my ring they will run away... Really Guy? Now I on the other hand continued to express my indifference of his opinion, due to me cherishing my own. As I left this gathering, where this man was, I was honestly very upset and frustrated at the fact that this man was trying his hardest to educate and school me to the point where I would remove my ring to a different finger right away. Ahhh no! As the young classy woman that I am, I sat there poised with a slight "I do not care" face and proceeded to stand my ground and defend myself. What I do not understand is, how is me wearing a ring on any finger upsetting and a bother to you? How does that affect you? Honestly, it is none of your business. Hahaha but this story get's better... This man, that was so called schooling me, is supposedly married yet slightly hitting on my mom and was NOT wearing his wedding band... I am confused... Are you? Now that is what you call a double standard. Basically what he was trying to get at is that women are "obligated" to only wear a ring on their left hand ring finger if they are engaged or married to signify they are one's property... Excuse me? Hahaha last time I checked I was never and will never be any man's property! I may believe in Him but I do not believe in the objectification of women. I will not be belittled as a woman nor should any woman be. We women are not property. We women are not only good for our bodies. You want to keep checking me, well check mate friend because guess what... we are in 2017. Also here is a little history lessen, when marriage was created long ago, it was not for the intended purpose of love. Marriage was created solely to gain social, economic, and political benefits; such as, status. Not only was a married woman seen as a man's property but she was seen as superior to women who were not married. Although the usage of marriage has grown tremendously, gender roles, within marriage, exist immensely. However, I am not diminishing those who are married, if you are I wholeheartedly wish you the best:) I just want to make it clear, that marriage is not for everybody. Everybody has their own views and perceptions on life. Everybody has their own beliefs. I respect your opinion and beliefs, therefore respect mine. As of right now I do not believe in marriage, I do not want to get married in the future. I am not saying never. But I am preaching for the now. Therefore, if anyone has a problem with that please feel free to subscribe, leave me a comment, or just leave. Otherwise, I will be enjoying my life engagement ring or not; wedding band or not; fashionably or not. Haha I will still be here, and still be innocently fierce. 

Xoxo,
Miss True.

College "Expectations"

Since I could imagine, I have always had a love for the one and only New York City. I remember when I was about a pre pre-teen, I had this incredible dream of becoming the next biggest fashion designer and the next biggest super model of all time! From my fashion sketchbook to my online search for NYC apartments I knew I was well on my way and that I would be somebody. Somebody who follows their dreams while challenging the many expectations within society. Of course, as I grew older many of those dreams and aspirations began to evolve and transform, as I mature and grew older my thoughts and desires did the same. I was about thirteen to fourteen years old when I really began questioning the curves that hugged my body and the hair that crowned my head. At this time, It became much more apparent to me as to what the main controversies, in regards to beauty, that were present in society. {And very much still are!} Not to mention that these controversies have been present for decades! Anyways after enduring the rut of my self perception, I began to embrace and comprehend the importance of women empowerment. 

Now here's a little secret, as I stroll through the campus and city I call home, I develop these insecurities. Insecurities that declare I am not able. Insecurities that declare I am not strong. Insecurities that blind me from my inner to outer beauties. Insecurities that declare I will fail. And insecurities that declare I will fall. People have this misconception, I have this misconception, that I NEED to know exactly who I am! People have this misconception that you NEED to go into college knowing exactly who you are! In fact that was me, still is me. Ever since I stepped foot onto campus, Communications major declared, I have had this notion that I NEED to know exactly where I will be in the next four to five years. I have had this notion that I NEED to know exactly how, where, and when I want to utilize my Bachelor's and or Master's degree... But as I begin to open my eyes, I begin to realize that those notions I have are not relevant to NOW. These notions I have are not detrimental or essential- at least not during Freshman year of college or sooner, nor should they be! I may feel lost and like I have been stuck in an eternal limbo, but I know I have a purpose in life and aspirations that I will achieve. Most importantly I have learned that one must fall in order to rise, but if you aspire to rise, rise high for the sky. Like I always try to remind myself, If I can go into PHYSICS, with tears and fear, not knowing a darn thing, and then passing it with flying colors, then taking four years or more to figure out my life and passions is not so bad... Hahaha! Seriously, If you were more than accomplished and successful throughout your high school career hold onto that confidence, faith and strength! But, do not also let that defeat your purpose and or success in life. Take me for instance, I was more than successful and accomplished throughout my high school career and still am in college. The only difference is I am more than afraid that those accomplishments will fade away slowly and slowly as time goes on- as if they meant nothing. In other words, I will achieve absolutely nothing in life! {Oh my I hope I am making sense...} I guess what I am trying to say is to not allow anyone to belittle you for not knowing exactly who you are as college begins. I may not know that I want to be a Neurosurgeon at Mass General Hospital by the time I am thirty, god bless those who do, but I do know where my passions and aspirations await. I do know that I want a strong career first. I know that I want to be the first woman to establish something! I know that I want to be happy. I know that I will rise when I fall. Therefore, I leave all of you mysterious and unknown readers with this: 

You may shoot me with your words,

You may cut me with your eyes,

You may kill me with your hatefulness,

But still, like air, I'll rise (Maya Angelou). 

You, my friend, will rise. 




*Hey write to me or leave some comments!*

Is Hillary Clinton Too Much of A “Woman” To Be President?

As we all known the 2016 Presidential Election is just around the corner. It is funny because not too long ago I was not really interested in history class nonetheless politics. Although as I grew into the young woman that I am today, I became inspired, enlightened and learned more about myself. I learned more about what my key interests are and the things that I am driven and passionate about. I learned that a career in politics does not sound entirely bad- especially when my vote counts! With that being said, I wrote a piece, while back in high school, in my Media Studies class (Loved that class!) and really wanted to share it.

In American Politics, appearance plays a very significant role. When the opportunity, open to all, to run for President, men are automatically presented with honor and strength by stereotypical means, but when women enter as candidates they receive intense attention and not because of their capabilities, but because they are “women in politics." What does this mean you may ask? According to a typical list of Gender Stereotypes, “women are not as strong as men, women are not politicians, women are quieter than men and are not supposed to speak, and women are supposed to be submissive and do as they are told.

If you were not aware Hillary Clinton was investigated about the scandal disclosing her use of a private email server while she was serving her time as Secretary of State, but when Hillary responded to what the issue really is, the media caught her one remark pertaining to her new snapchat account, “By the way, you may have seen that I have recently launched a snapchat account. I love it- those messages disappear all by themselves” (Fox and Friends). The media, press, and people are going crazy over this simple statement and are claiming that her emails contain “Top Secret” information. They are manipulating the words she said and interpreting them into something completely outrageous. In fact, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is one of many individuals who has made accusations about Hillary making a mockery of the scandal. He criticized her for abstaining to acknowledge the issue or explaining the truth to us, the people, on why she was using private emails. Of course they, as in our coveted media, is going to make such a big deal about some silly action she took. It is indeed their job to unfortunately make her look bad, but why did the media make it an extremely big deal? Why do they feel the need to worry about the content within her emails? Hillary is a grown woman who has every right to a personal email. She has the right to a private life.

Even though Hillary Clinton is a woman of strength, determination and inspiration, the media continues to represent her as woman who is too: indecisive, naive, deceitful, manipulative, and incapable of being a leader- especially of a nation. Since it is very rare that we see a woman running for president, the media directs a majority of their attention on them making it seem as if it is a phenomenon that they are in fact a WOMAN! A woman who is ambitious, fearless, and courageous. When women enter politics men make it their mission to conquer, in order to exceed and preserve the expectations made within the male culture. Their intimidation of women in politics lies beneath their fear of: competition and possibility of failure. The idea of gender roles where the man is “supposed” to be the leader: making the most money, working, intellectually strong and the woman is “supposed” to be a housewife, completely objectifies who women in politics really are. Although these stereotypes against women, pertaining to leadership roles, have proven to be irrational, they have not stopped women from being powerful within private sectors nor in politics.

Hillary is a woman, but does this mean she is too "emotional" and too much of a nurturer to be President? Now this question seems to be an absurd, yet common question when women partake in politics. It is of course the type of question based on stereotypical views, but it unfortunately exists. As Hillary Clinton fights to pave her way to that presidential podium, she faces a great balance of love and hate everyday. Of course she has millions of women cheering her on, she is a WOMAN in politics! I mean how often do we see woman in politics? How often have we seen a woman fight to become president and become very close? We can definitely acknowledge the fact that she is admired because of her fearlessness to participate in a male-oriented territory. As a young woman I know I admire her. I admire her as a woman, for being the first woman in American History to over exceed the expectations and generalizations made within society. I admire her because she is a prime example of how far we, as a society, has evolved and grown to accept and embrace women in this fierce and competitive workforce.

Remember when President Barack Obama was elected in 2008 and inaugurated in 2009?Then elected again in 2012 and inaugurated in 2013? Ultimately completing a total of 2 terms also known as 8 years! When he first ran for president, and won, the people questioned whether or not The United States of America was READY for a Male Black President. Sure enough he proved to them, us, that we indeed were. He made his legendary imprint in history, when he became the first black man to hold office, and will always be remembered and honored for it. Now what I want to know, Is The United States of America ready for their first Female President? I say yes, but of course it all depends on the person.

At the end of the day, I believe it is up to us, women, to take back the power that has been taken from us. Let us rise and take back the power in all areas that have been ostracized and isolated from us. Let us rise and take back the power when it comes to vulnerability, love, and relationships. Let us rise and take back the power show men as well as society that we too can conquer, lead and succeed, ultimately leading us to become innocently fierce.

Xoxo,

Miss True!

February Is Over... Does That Mean Honoring and Respecting Black People Is Over Until Next Year?

 I know this post is lonnnnnnng overdue (life got in the way)... but, hey better late than never right?! Right! Even though it is late, I still believe it is a great message to share! Therefore keep scrolling if you want to know what I mean by this title!! :)


Ok, so Black History Month is officially over until we meet again next year. If there is one thing I have learned this year, Black History Month of 2016, is that we should not wait once a year in order to celebrate and honor those tied with black culture. It is funny because Black History Month is a beautiful yet, questionable time of the year. A wise person once said to me, that it is basically bulls** how blacks have come this far yet, are only given one month out of each year to be recognized and acknowledged... After this person expressed this to me it made me think and realize that he had a reasonably good point. Why is it that The United States of America paves this path of life, equality, and freedom when in all it's a path of confusion, delusion and treachery? I mean do not get me wrong we have as country come so far, there's no doubt about it at all. But, what I'm saying is why is it that when Black History Month rolls around, we pretend and seem to forget what has happened within black culture just moments before that? Such as, young black men getting shot down in the streets, by white policemen, for no reason. Simultaneously, when that happens all the public can do is jump to conclusions or try to find a way to justify the police's actions by condemning and inferring that the young black boy must have been a drug dealer-if he's walking the streets late at night with a hoodie. Instead, of thinking that he was probably walking home after work, innocently hanging with friends, or even on his way after a night of studying. Or that the young black boy must have been carrying a dangerous weapon because he was reaching for his pockets, when in fact he was probably trying to show them his bus pass or school ID. What about that teenage black girl who was attacked and dragged by a white policeman in her classroom while sitting down because she would not get off her phone...? I recall Ms. Raven Symone basically defending the white officer by making a statement such as, "You gotta follow the rules in school. First of all, why are there phones in school? The list can go and on. The point is that when and at what time in our lives, in American History and in overall society, will we be able to grow past these ignorant and presumptuous remarks/assumptions/generalizations towards a race, gender, and religion? (I know as humans that we have all made the mistake by making generalizations or ignorant remarks!)

Not to disregard all the growth we have done from slavery to the civil rights movement and everything in between. We have made tremendous growth! But, it seems as if that growth has been taken advantage of. My question is what/who gives society and people the right?



Xoxo!

My Natural Hair Journey!

In honor of black history month, I want to share my story in order to simply express my appreciation and love for black culture, my culture. I love being a young black women and am more than comfortable in my beautiful brown skin. Therefore, I really want to share my story of how being a young black girl then and a young black women now affected me. Enjoy!

“My hair doesn’t NEED to be fixed. Society’s view of beauty is what’s broken." I remember when I was a little girl, I hated when it was time for my mom to do my hair. I dreaded that comb and brush running through my kinks, those tight tiny elastics used to make twists and that blue magic hair grease being applied to my hair. I would have a storm of tears running down my face, just as that comb broke in my hair. I especially hated the time it took. When I was just about in my pre-teens, there was something about my look that I so desperately wanted to change- my hair. Watching all the girls at school, on TV, and in magazines with silky straight hair I could not help the fact that I did not feel beautiful... I was so focused on "that look" the look society repeatedly loves to represent as beautiful, that I begged and so desperately begged my mother for a relaxer. I was a hormonal pre-teenage girl going through puberty...I just wanted to feel beautiful too...So after my thirteenth birthday my mother finally budged and let me relax me hair. YIKES! But, I sure felt good and like the next Tyra Banks. When I mean I was all up in the mirror with a brush, comb, and camera everyday- I really was! I felt cute and confident. I felt that I would be more accepted if I had straight hair. But the problem was, I felt that I finally fitted in... Now the problem with that is no one should ever feel obligated to "fit in". Whether it is due to their hair, skin color, weight or personality, fitting in should not be a necessity. The confidence that I once had suddenly vanished from my soul. As I tried embracing the look that mother nature created for me, I yet was unable to see what everyone else saw in me. I felt unworthy, not beautiful and so much more. I criticized myself so badly that I started to believe it all more and more everyday. I may not have “the look” that society portrays as beautiful but I do have the mind, soul, and dedication that a lot of people crave for.

As I tried “embracing” this new hair, I could not help to feel like something was not right. It was as if I was missing a piece of who I truly was…The relaxer was not only a painful process that I had to go through every three months but it was emotionally. There were so many rules that came with it. I could not: swim, brush, comb, braid, or curl my hair! It was a disaster! I hated it! My hair was so damaged to the point where it did not grow past my earlobes. Therefore, I began conducting my own research on natural hair, a term referred only to hair those of African descent or of the Black race- very important difference between the two. From articles and blogs to YouTube videos, my eyes opened and noticed something beautiful. What I discovered was amazing! I learned: what it really meant to be natural and how versatile, unique and elegant it is. I became so inspired and confident enough to take initiative to embrace who I really was. Learning about other African American females who struggled with their hair identity but found the strength and inspiration motivated me immensely. At that point I was in love with the Natural Hair Movement. Therefore, on October 14th, 2012, I finally decided to go natural- which changed my life for the better- forever.

Upon my ongoing research I discovered this phrase, “Good Hair” and what it meant to individuals. It was used as a beauty term when indeed it was a survival term. I know when I began my journey I would receive statements such as, “You gotta have that good hair to do that” or just anything referring to the idea, that one must have “good hair” in order to appear beautiful. “The idea that good hair was not a beauty term, it was a survival term that came out of slavery and that men and women who had silkier, curlier and looser hair meant that they were connected to the white man, the master. That meant that they were more likely to have a greater chance of being freed when the master died, which equalled more access to education, better food, clothing, and the necessities of life”. It meant that these slaves relied on this phrase in order to have a chance at a better life.  Hair is just not hair. Especially black people’s hair. Back then, even before slavery, black hair was a prized possession that all women desired. It was a blessing and will always be. It represented one’s honor, worth, and beauty.

As soon as I noticed my natural hair growing in, without any agitation, I was excited, nervous, and in love. Seeing those kinky waves and unique texture growing out, I promised myself that I would never go back. I learned how to style with: hair rollers, twists, braids, and bobby pins. I learned how to cleanse, condition, wash and take care of my hair with natural products only. I learned how to be patient and loving with it. My natural kinky, curly and coily hair is not just hair. It is apart of me. Apart of my ancestry. Apart of my identity. Being natural means that I am: Bold, Live, Articulate, Charming and Kind. I am a black queen and will always be. 

Throughout my journey to self discovery, I will forever continue my journey to my dreams. Looking back, I hate how I changed myself in order to fit in. I hate how I let others encourage me that it was "OK" and for the better. I hate how I let society’s definition of beauty dictate mine. But, I don’t regret it for one second. If I did not ever get that relaxer, then I would not know how to appreciate and embrace me for who I really am. I would not know how to embrace my culture, race, and ethnicity. I would not know how to capture my identity. I would not have been able to learn what it really means to be natural. What it really means to embrace my kinky and coily hair. Especially as a big sister, it was, and always will be, extremely important for me to encourage, inspire and reassure my sister of her beauty and worth. To reassure her that her hair is a beautiful and a cherished gift. As I continue to grow into the young woman that I am today, I want to and will make a difference by inspiring young black girls that, Black Is beautiful and will always be.

XoXo!


  P.S.
*Check out this song that greatly inspired me!
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJ57k593Ff8

Do You Know The Story Behind Hip-Hop?

This post is inspired and brought to you by my amazing and bright little sister! She came home one day and was like, "Can you read this? Read this! Read this! Reeeeeeeeeeead this please! As soon as she showed it to me, her little booklet, I was immediately amazed! Right then and there I knew that I had to share it with the world! Especially, because it is Black History Month! It is truly an honor to have a ten year olds hard work, my sister's hard work, on my blog :) 

"Hip-hop is a popular genre of music. But, have you ever wondered were hip-hop started? Have you ever wondered who created hip-hop? Have you ever wondered how hip-hop effects today? Well it's your lucky day because this book has the answers to your questions."

"Hip-hop started in the mean streets of New York. DJ KOOL HERC would bring his boom box full of music outise, woth the music overly blasted so everyone in the neighborhood could hear the music. Minutes later there would be groups of people surrounding him, rapping and dancing. But, if you want to learn more about DJ KOOL HERC, keep scrolling!"

"DJ KOOL HERC is most known for being the creator of hip-hop. DJ KOOL HERC never charged anyone to go to his concerts because he wanted people to enjoy music without having to pay. And it is a really smart idea. DJ KOOL HERC was born on APRIL 16th 1955. DJ KOOL HERC was the first person ever to throw a HIP-HOP party for his sister, but he still charged a fee."

"For boys to come to the HIP-HOP party they had to pay 50 cents."

"For girls to come to the HIP-HOP party they had to pay 25 cents."

"So in my opinion I think that DJ KOOL HERC is a.......... LEGEND."

"HIP-HOP effects today because HIP-HOP is a form of art and HIP-HOP has inspired so many people to rap, sing or dance to HIP-HOP. There are so many different artist that that have turned people into legends that are awesome at what they do. And they just let the spotlight shine on them and embrace themselves. To see some HIP-HOP artists that got inspired by other HIP-HOP Artists:" Keep Scrolling!

Artists                                         Songs

1. Frank Ocean                         Lost

2. Frank Ocean                         Pink Matter

3. Drake                                    Jumpman

4. Chris Brown                         This Christmas

5. Sza                                        Ice Moon                                              

6. Sza                                        Teen Spirit

7. Bruno Mars                          Just The Way You Are

8. J-Cole/TLC                          Crooked Smile

9. Tory Lanzes                         Say it

10. Frank Ocean                     Pyramids

11. New Boys                          Better With The Lights Off

12. Beyonce                            Run The World

HIP-HOP QUOTES

"The further I get, the further I want to go."
                                                             -NAS
"I want to have fun. It's a beautiful life. You learn, you lose but you get up."
                                                                                                                -NAS
"HIP-HOP is the streets. Is a couple of elements that came from back in the days... that feel of music with urgency that speaks to you livelihood and it's not compromised. It's blunt. It's raw, straight off the street."
                                                                                                                                           -from the beat

CONCLUSION

"I hope you learned about how HIP-HOP started, how HIP-HOP effects today, so the next time you listen to HIP-HOP remember that DJ KOOL HERC created HIP-HOP."


I hope you enjoyed this read! Now, I wanna hear your thoughts on favorite HIP-HOP artists and songs. As well as, what it is about HIP-HOP that inspires and motivates you. Share in comment section below! :)



XoXo!

Black Female Achievers You May Not Know!

In honor of Black History Month, I will be uploading posts once a week for the entire month of February! Yay!! Are you excited? Because I am! This first weeks post is all about inventions and accomplishments black women have achieved!

Stay tuned if you want to learn a thing or two! :)

Did You Know That:

Madam CJ Walker, civil rights activist, philanthropist, and entrepreneur, created her very own beauty and hair empire in 1905? Well she did! She also was the FIRST self made female millionaire, of any race and nationality, in The United States of America. 

Mae Carol Jemison is the FIRST black women to go into outerspace, carried by the space shuttle Endeavor, achieving orbits around the Earth- in 1992. She was also known as a physician, teacher, Peace Corps Volunteer, founder and president of two technological organizations. Ms. Jemison is also known as a passionate advocate for science. 

Patricia Bath, entrepreneur and scientist, is the FIRST black women to achieve a residency in Opthalmology. After pursuing her medical degree at Howard University she continued her ongoing research in Opthalmology. Ultimately leading to her well known invention in 1986, the Laserphaco Probe for cataract treatment. 

* Cataract- a medical condition in which an individuals eye lens becomes cloudy, blurred vision. 

* Opthalmology- a subdivision in medicine focusing on the study and treatment of eye disorders
and diseases.

Gabrielle Douglas is the FIRST young black woman and woman of any nationality, in Olympic History, to win an Individual All-Round Champion- 2012 Summer Olympics.

As of 2008 we should all already know who the fiercest black women in politics is... Michelle Obama! Not only will she be remembered as one of the many remarkable people in black history. But, she will be remembered and recognized for her grace, elegance, and duties as the FIRST, black, Lady in American History. 

Hattie McDaniels was the FIRST black women to win an Oscar in 1940! She really was! She won for her supporting role in Gone WIth The Wind- as Mammy. She now holds TWO not ONE but, TWO stars on the Hollywood Walk of FAME. 

Dr. Maya Angelou, author and civil rights activist, was the most influential, inspiring, and charismatic poet of all time! She is the FIRST black woman to make literary history due to her nonfiction best seller, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings- in 1969. Dr. Angelou's work and dedication to bless our world with love and remove hatred will always be recognized as well remembered. Her love, strength, spirit and beliefs will forever transcend within our hearts and within this world. 

As you young black women continue your journey to self discovery and in pursuing your dreams just know as well as believe that you hold the power, the keys. Despite, what society or anybody has to say you can be anything, achieve anything, as long as your hearts and desires sing. Maya Angelou once said, "A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song". 



XoXo!

www.biography.com

http://www.space.com/17169-mae-jemison-biography.html

http://www.mayaangelou.com/

http://gabrielledouglas.com/

Nominations Destroying Aspirations?...

So The Academy Awards a.k.a The Oscars decided that they were not going to nominate any black people this year... again? 

Alright it is time for everyone to take a seat and have a little history lesson- again. Martin Luther King Jr, Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, W.E.B Du Bois and many other civil rights activists did not risk their lives and freedom in order for us to still be facing these damn problems! Martin Luther King Jr. did not wait for white people to come knocking on his door apologizing for being our oppressors. Rosa Parks did not refuse to sit on the back of the bus to get locked up. Malcolm X did not leave his last name as that an “X” without a reason. I think you can see where I am going here. They did not walk the streets and stand on their two feet without the defense of their own will and dignity. They did not wait for society and the laws to change without a fight. They did not make sacrifices for us to be where we are today, taking ten steps forwards and then twenty steps back. The fact that the people who made these mistakes cannot take accountability for their own actions, especially when pertaining to racial issues in society, that are “supposedly” being handled, is utterly ridiculous and disappointing. Now don’t get me wrong, there has been immense improvement within our nation. We have come a very long way. But that doesn’t mean it makes problems like this okay.

Listen, the Oscars, Grammy’s, and all the other award ceremonies are not about winning. They are not about diminishing others. They are not competitions or at least should not be. They are, at least supposed to be, about acknowledging the hard work, leadership and worth ethic individuals are contributing to their careers and communities. We should not be living in a place where competition between the black community and white community still exists!

In fact in this article, Calls for Oscars 2016 Boycott Grow Over lack of Diversity in Nominations, they referenced Jada Pinkett Smith’s response, “Begging for acknowledgment, or even asking, diminishes dignity and diminishes power. And we are dignified people and we are powerful.” She makes a valid point, why do we need to or should we have to beg in order for you to acknowledge our hard work? Why do we need to or should we have to beg you to acknowledge us as humans and individuals and not just black people? It also raises the question, Who is behind the scenes of this mess? And what gives them the right to do this? The fact that Jada Pinkett Smith and Spike Lee had to advocate for the people who made these mistakes is great yet disappointing. We should not have to rely on the audience, public, and each other to know the differences from right and wrong. That should already be a given.

Okie I don’t want to get bias here at all. I just want to bring up other points pertaining to this madness. It is imperative and impartial that we pay attention to a few controversial issues in a complete and concise manner. Therefore, just please hear me out!

In opposing and trying to deflect the situation of course Donald Trump has something to say, as we all are entitled to. He’s a man with many opinions! He brought up an annoying yet questionably controversial point about how the BET Awards is only held for Black people therefore, this situation should not matter. Now, I have to say that I knew and kind of felt that this was bound to be said. I honestly do see where his perspective lies but that does not mean I agree. I don’t. Did he forget about Hattie McDaniels?- the first African American to receive an Oscar in 1940 for her supporting role in Gone With the Wind. He clearly must have. The BET Awards, Soul Train Awards, Black Girls Rock Awards and many other award shows dedicated to black people were established in order to give black people the recognition that they deserve. They were created in order to send a positive, inspirational, and strong message to the black community, of not giving up, to always strive for success, to always follow your dreams and just because you are black does not mean you cannot have any of that. To know that you matter- your place and worth in this world matters.

Upon further research pertaining to this situation I have stumbled across another opinion/perspective, What if they did not nominate any black people because they did not partake in any degrading and objectifying roles? As well as, What if they did not perform to the best of their ability?- In the sense, that they are not given the chance to prove their potential in "Oscary worthy" movies because the Hollywood Film Industry is essentially corrupt. In my opinion, I really do not know nor understand. I honestly do not see any excuses in the absence of black people within these nominations. The Academy Awards a.k.a The Oscars is supposed to be an honorary for every human being despite their skin color. It is supposed to be a celebration! The fact that there are over what 40 nominations and not a single person within those nominations are black is very upsetting and not okay period.

I also do not like or reason with the board members response... I know all of a sudden NOW they want to do something about this mess, their mess, but it does not sit well with me. First of all, why did you, board members, have to wait for something or someone to step up and speak out about YOUR mess when you, members, are the one who made these decisions?.... Uh you knew what you were doing. You knew exactly what was wrong. Yet, was a bystander/supporter to your own mistakes and now wants to be the hero...?!? Haha, I'm confused. 

Moving forward, I believe we should all acknowledge and take Jada Pinkett's Smith advice into consideration: "Let's let the Academy do them, with all grace and love, and let's do us differently". As a young black women I am going to continue to honor, appreciate and acknowledge those who have fought and sacrificed for us. I am going to speak up. I am going to represent. I am going to continue to strive for success and all the dreams I hope and desire to possess. I will do so, differently. Sophistication is key. No invitation needed. 


I have stated my opinion and would love to hear yours! 
XoXo!