Black Love

Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis Married December 9 - 1948 to February 4 - 2005(his death)

They are one of the most revered couples of the American stage, two of the most prolific and fearless artists in American culture. As individuals and as a team they have created profound and lasting work that has touched us all.

Although neither one of them can remember the actual moment they met one another, Ossie and Ruby met while performing in the Broadway drama "Jeb" at the Amsterdam Theater in new york City in December, 1946.

Three years after they met, Ossie proposed to Ruby by sending a telegram to her from Chicago. During one of their days off (a Thursday) from rehearsals, Ruby and Ossie rode the bus to Jersey City, New Jersey and were married on December 9, 1948 by a Baptist preacher.
Ruby and Ossie didn't have a big ceremony, and there was no wedding gown, no church service, and no pictures. They were married in New Jersey because there was no waiting period there. Ossie's brother Willie and Ruby's sister LaVerne were witnesses for their wedding. Ruby wore a brown suit.

As a playwright, screenwriter, director, producer and actor, Ossie Davis' career spans more than half a century. He has written and directed films (1970's Cotton Comes to Harlem), plays (including 1961's controversial exploration of segregation, Purlie Victorious, and the book for its musical adaptation, Purlie!), and television films (For Us the Living: The Story of Medgar Evers). One of his books for young people, Escape to Freedom , won the Jane Addam's Children's Book Award.

Ruby Dee has appeared in more than 20 films, and her notable stage appearances include roles in A Raisin in the Sun (she later reprised her performance as Ruth in the 1961 film), and Genet's The Balcony. Her acting has been honored with an Obie Award in 1971 for her performance in Athol Fugard's Boesman and Lena, a Drama Desk Award in 1972 for her role in Wedding Band, an Emmy Award for NBC's Decoration Day, and an Ace Award for her ground-braking performance as Mary Tyrone in Eugene O'Neill's Long Day's Journey into Night. As Kate in The Taming of the Shrew and Cordelia in King Lear, she became, in 1965, the first African American woman to play major parts in the American Shakespeare Festival. She has written plays, musicals and several books of poetry, and she turned her own stories and folktales into the 1998 one-woman show, One Good Nerve.

Inconvenience/TGIF

Hello Everyone,
How much do I love Friday's :) Winter is over, and the weekend is here. Time to get past the crazy week, and hang with friends or just rest and relax. The weekend always seems to fly by, and then it's Monday....again, but NOT yet. It's FRIDAY!!!

I have a issue with being inconvenienced, being the very best person that I can be, is when I have complete time for myself. To do exactly what I want to do for me, whatever that may be. Is it wrong, to be selfish? Some would say yes, and at times, I would agree. The beauty of the getting older, is with knowledge comes wisdom, you come to really know yourself. Decisions that I make, are crystal clear, as to how I arrived at the outcome.

When someone calls upon you, for a favor, could be a loan, a ride to the airport, maybe to help with a move, or to use your favorite piece of clothing. Did they take into consideration, as to how you may feel about the request. Or does it matter to them, whats going on in your world? Sometimes we pray asking for the same thing over and over again, is the outcome the same? What if our request is coming at a inconvenient time?

Being the best that you can be, comes from having tolerance of other's, be it their faults, or acknowledging your own. The willingness to learn from any situation, and to be led by example, and not feel inferior to the educator. Is it wrong to say that you don't understand something? Often times, the art of great conversation is to be a good listener, few can perfect listening without prejudice, as we all have opinions, good, bad or indifferent.

When someone cry's out for help, will you allow yourself to be inconvenienced or do you continue on about your way, as if, things will always be perfect in your world? Hmm isn't that something to think about? Was your precious time, that valuable to you, where you weren't able to 'pause' and reach out? I've been guilty of such a task....have you?

What are you doing with your life?

Command Performance

Gladys Knight has been in the entertainment business, for over 50 plus years. Her voice is a incredible instrument that has stood the test of time. She is a winner of 7 grammys, several NAACP awards and a BET lifetime achievement award, just to name a few. She's also starred in movies and television, and not so long ago, she was the number one entertaiment act, in Las Vegas. When you listen to Gladys Knight, be it with the Pips,solo or someone else, youre listening to sheer perfection. Her voice is a comfort and a national treasure.
This classic performance of 'Make Yours A Happy Home' always makes me smile, also it makes me think of my mother, it was one of her favorite songs.
Enjoy.

Whats her talent, and why do we care?

I for one, cant figure out what is Hollywood's attraction to Kim Kardashian. Besides having made a sex tape, and a oversized surgical tush. Entertainment is a artform, and it takes years of concentration and study. Lately non talents have been allowed into the D list doors of Hollywood, yet nonetheless, they are here. Just like run away productions, the more we allow the likes of the Kim Kardashian's and Paris Hilton's of the world, the harder it is for 'real' talent to grace us with worthwhile art. I'm just saying...
Reggie Bush WAKE UP, before she takes all your money.

Was It Foulplay at Sea?

What really happened? It doesnt add up. A boating accident, life jackets floating. One sole survivor, whose story keeps changing. Your thoughts?

Black Love

Some people think Black Love doesnt exist. Contrary to popular belief, some actually marry for the long haul. Through many trials and tribulations. Love can prevail over all. Of course the journey is long, and full of constant reconstruction. It's always nice to acknowledge successful marriages, that continue to inspire and endure.

I found this video to be very charming, and refreshing....dont you agree? Also isn't Charlie Wilson's vocals, AMAZING? It doesnt get any better. Enjoy.

Instinct/TGIF

Hello,
Happy Friday to everyone. Let's get it started. Recently a movie opened called 'He's Just Not That Into You'. It's about clueless people in search of love, happiness and fulfillment.
I like to think that GOD gives us signs. I believe if we listen to our gut or go with our instincts, we cant go wrong.

How amazing is it to get a sign. We all govern ourselves by signs everyday. Yet most of us, do not always take heed to life's warnings. Say for instance domestic abuse, if he or she hit you once, you'll get hit again. Your gut is a powerful tool, most people think with their heart, and therein lies the problem. Put self first, the rest will fall into place. Love is another gift, but do we take heed to the signs, when love goes wrong? How easy is it, for a stranger to tell you something about your life. Family will keep secrets. A simple thing like knowing whose your mother and father, is a gift. Some do not have that luxury, yet a distant neighbor may hold a powerful piece of information, like who really is your 'real' parent.

Some times when you feel incomplete, but you can't put the missing puzzle together, I say really investigate, where you come from, and how all the pieces fit into the puzzle. Again gut and instinct are powerful tools. Take for instance a one sided friendship, where you always the one giving, and the other is always taking. The signs are written on the wall, yet again, you stay and deal with it. Is it because you feel that you're lacking something, that the other has? Are friendships meant to last? Why is that a woman, knows a woman better than a man, and vice versa?

Are you gullable? When someone tells you a lie, if you're really in tune, your 'gut' will tell you the truth. You enter a new relationship, do you give trust or it is earned? Most people say you must earn it, for me I give it freely, and deduct if and when needed. Again if you listen to your 'gut' or go with your 'instinct' its another chance for you to pay attention to warning signs that 'GOD' gives you. A lot of answers come from within. Nothing happens by chance. That distant neighbor who holds vital information about you and your life, was meant to share with you. Of course the delivery may not have been, the most desired approach. Yet it was information that you needed to know. Putting missing pieces to the puzzle together, gives you a better sense of self, and it enables you to form complete opinions and 'real' ideas about who you are, and better still who you can become.

The keen eye is another gift from GOD. With that knowledge comes wisdom, which allows you to share with your family, children, friends and anyone , who you may encounter. Don't stay in the dark and stunt your full potential growth. To merely exist and stay clueless, is just a example of opportunity lost. Who wants to be viewed as someone with nothing to offer. Advice isn't often free, but giving with a sincere heart is worth more than millions of dollars, and the end all benefit gets you a permanent seat, to the 'next' level, ..... will it get you into the hereafter? Do you believe that you get there alone? Your 'gut' and 'instinct' is a best friend, that you often neglect....yet you always say, if I just had a warning sign....well realistically, YOU DID!!

What are you doing with your life?

Enjoy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1jknHIVYGo

P.S.S. Check out 'The Game' tonight on the CW.

Command Performance

This was a moment in history, and a major step for Hip Hop. Woman rappers at the Top of their game, joining forcing without static. It's rare to get performers to come together, on the same stage with 'no' ego. This stroll down memory lane will make you happy and sad, for obvious reasons. Still its nice to know that we'll always have this moment frozen in time. Hip Hop lives, and it still gives us good feelings. Enjoy

I Try/TGIF

Hello All,

Happy Friday to you.
Daylights savings time, came, and NO ONE TOLD ME.....ugh. I woke up Sunday wondering what happened. As if life is not moving fast enough, now I've lost a hour.

I moved to Los Angeles, because I had a dream, like so many others before me. Am I on course with my career plans, hmmm NO. Am I still in the game?..YES!!. Some people are afraid to dream. Seems that someone is always there to rain on you parade. Could it be jealousy or envy?
To dream, and yes some say dreams are a form of escapism, be it a dream while sleeping or a goal oriented idea. They both tell a story of stimuli. Life is built on status and achievements. Is it wrong to wanting the finer things in life? When we get status, does it makes us happy? Not always. Does it change us?

No one gets there alone, when you achieve wealth, success, and fame. Most people think the achievement came easily, but its never really that easy. Much sacrifice and discipline, play a major part in getting there. Dreams don't always consist of monetary gain. Personal fulfillment, cannot be equaled in cash dividends. To start a project and see it into fruition is gratifying.

Recently I went to a friend's retirement party. Taking the stroll through his years of achievements, and work experiences, personal and professional friendships were built, a bond was created. To see life through a arch, you will see high's and low's. During the lean years, I think most will agree, that growth happens more from the struggles. Happy times are just that, happy. Why does wisdom come, when you are conflicted?

I say dare to dream, in this day of a bad economy, a dream is 'still' free. Never let anyone steal your joy, stand UP on your own, whatever the obstacle, Worst cause scenario, maybe you wont attain the exact happy ending, but you will land some place greater than mediocrity. Life deals you a hand....what you do with it, is totally up to you.

What are you doing with your life?




P.S.S. 'The Game' returns tonight on the CW. TUNE IN!!!

Command Performance

Christina Aguilera is a very talented artist, who will be around for years to come. She takes chances, and goes against the grain. A artist should constantly challenge themselves, to fulfill their true potential. In a world a gadgets and gimmicks, it's good to know that artists who have gone before her, did not die in vein.
Her tribute to the late great James Brown, was a very poignant honor, to a legendary artist who helped shape our life. Enjoy!!

Time Waits For No One/TGIF

Happy Friday,

Just when you thought it was safe to go outside again, someone let Britney Spears go on tour. LMAO okay I'll stop. Seriously though, arent we in a recession, cant we find more to do with our money, than waste it on a Britney, or Jonas Brothers concert ticket?

More and more where is my money going? I'm finding that I, like the rest of the world, am broker than I've ever been. Isn't it amazing, if forced to, you could stretch 20.00 for two weeks, but the moment, we have liquid cash, all of sudden we need,clothing, shoes, we eat out more, etc..,

I'm guilty of not planning for the future. If we're lucky to be blessed with long life, having a nest egg isn't a bad idea. Fewer and fewer companies are offering 401k plans. Most of us cant afford financial planners. Sound investments are a thing of the best. For your future due diligence is a must.

I look at the state of elderly affairs and their quality of life. The world gets no easier. Most of them have worked, very hard all of their lives. So, when did the world stop caring about them? Some are being forced out of their homes,and little things such as having a cable box, to get local channels can be very taxing on them, simply because they world doesnt take time to explain, that a new HD television isnt required. Heaven forbid their television goes dark, for some, it's their companion.

My grandparents are 83 years old, they signed on for better times than these, and I'm sure you have a similar story. People we have much 'work' to do.

What are you doing with your life?

The Little Voice In My Head....

I asked myself: Is a Bird in hand worth Two in The Bush? I answered: What kind of Birds are we talking bout?..............

Note to self: sometimes things aren't as complicated as I make them out to be, stop

looking past the obvious answers.

GOD hears, and sees ALL!!

Command Performance

Steveland Morris better known as Stevie Wonder, is a genius, genius. He's a rare talent. Also referenced as the seventh wonder of the world. Motown signed him to their roster, at the tender of 11, and his remains on their roster. He's been a major music force, for over four decades. His music has shaped popular culture.



Stevie Wonder has won 22 Grammy awards, which includes Three Album of The Year (Innervisions, Fulfillingness' First Finale and Songs In The Key Of Life)wins, more than any single artist. He also has won a Academy Award for 'I Just Called To Say I Love You' from 'The Women In Red'.

Wonder plays the piano, synthesizer, harmonica, congas, drums, bass guitar, bongos, organ, melodica, and clavinet. When you've seen Stevie LIVE, you have witnessed GOD's work at its best.

The performance that I've 'selected' is a Command Performance. Taken from 1975, the song is just as relevant as it was then. After all, isn't that what real music should be 'timeless' and 'classic'. Enjoy.