Saturday, December 31, 2011

Watch Night


The following information was actually written as an essay by Charyn D. Sutton, The Onyx Group, in December 2000 and revised in August 2004. The essay appears here in its entirety...

If you grew up in a black community in the United States, you have probably heard of "Watch Night" Services, the gathering of the faithful in church on New Year's Eve. The service usually begins anywhere from 7:00pm-10:00pm and ends at 12:00 midnight with the entrance of the New Year. Some folks come to church first, before going out to celebrate. For others, church is the only New Year's Eve destination.

Like many others, I always assumed that Watch Night was a fairly standard Christian religious service, made a bit more Afrocentric because that's what happens when elements of Christianity become linked with the black church. And yes, there is a history of Watch Night Services in the Methodist tradition.

Still, it seemed that most white Christians did not include Watch Night Services on their calendars, but focused instead on Christmas Eve programs. In fact, there were instances where clergy in mainline denominations wondered aloud about the propriety of linking religious services with a secular holiday like New Year's Eve.

However, in doing some research, I discovered there are two essential reasons for the importance of New Year's Eve services in African American congregations. Many of the Watch Night Services in black communities that we celebrate today can be traced back to gatherings held on December 31, 1862, also known as "Freedom's Eve."

On that night, Americans of African descent came together in churches, gathering places, and private homes throughout the nation, anxiously awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation had become law. Then, at the stroke of midnight, it was January 1, 1863 and according to President Abraham Lincoln's promise, all slaves in the Confederate States were legally free. People remained in churches and other gathering places, eagerly awaiting word that Emancipation had been declared. When the actual news of freedom was received later that day, there were prayers, shouts of joy, and songs of praise as people fell to their knees and thanked God.

But even before 1862 and the possibility of a Presidential Emancipation, African people had gathered on New Year's Eve on plantations across the South. That is because many owners of enslaved Africans tallied up their business accounts on the first day of each new year. Human property was sold along with land, furnishings, and livestock to satisfy debts. Families and friends were separated. Often they never saw each other again in this earthly world. Thus, coming together on December 31 might be the last time for enslaved and free Africans to be together with loved ones.

Black folks in North America have gathered annually on New Year's Eve since the earliest days, praising God for bringing us safely through another year and praying for the future. Certainly, those traditional gatherings were made even more poignant by the events of 1863 which brought freedom to the slaves and the Year of Jubilee.

Many generations have passed since that time and most of us were never taught the significance of gathering on New Year's Eve. Yet, our traditions and faith still bring us together at the end of every year to celebrate once again, "how we got over."

Please pass this information on to your family and friends so that they will know the true history behind the tradition we call "Watch Night".

Monday, December 26, 2011

YouTube Family Video


Turn your speakers on!

Reading Terminal Market officially kicked off the holiday season on Friday, November 25th with its annual Holiday Railroad featuring a 500 square foot model railroad with nearly a third of a mile of track. Now in its eighth year, the display features 17 working train lines that rumble through a multitude of miniature scenery including Center City Philadelphia, a Christmas village, and snow-covered countryside.

The railroad display has become an annual tradition that customers and their families look forward to each year. This year, the railroad was expanded by adding more trains, bridges, interactive buttons, and the inclusion of familiar Philadelphia venues within the display. The following organizations sponsored the railroad display for 2011:

* ARAMARK Tower
* Center for Architecture
* The Gallery at Market East
* Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corp.
* Greyhound Bus Company
* Market Street East Improvement Association
* Marriott Philadelphia Downtown
* Parkway Corp.
* Pennsylvania Convention Center

The railroad will be open until Sunday, January 3rd, 10:00am-6:00pm (closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day) and it is located in the Piano Court of the Reading Terminal Market. Check out the video we made when we went to see it!

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Jesus Is The Reason For The Season!


Merry Christmas from the Lady (Bug) of the Household...
May God continue to bless you and yours during the holiday season!

Monday, November 28, 2011

Some Food For Thought...


Click on image for a larger view to read.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Thanksgiving Weekend Photos

Thanksgiving Day: Dinner @ my mother's house!























Black Friday: Shopping @ the King of Prussia Mall, then off to
the movies to see Happy Feet 2! After that, more shopping @ Target!





































Thursday, November 24, 2011

A Day To Give Thanks...



1. A Thanksgiving Story: Set aside a few moments on Thanksgiving Day to sit down and read a Thanksgiving story. You can read it alone or together with your family.

2. A Thanksgiving Poem or Prayer: Take on the family project of writing a Thanksgiving poem or prayer together.

3. A Thanksgiving Bible Verse: Ask each family member to read a favorite Bible verse before the Thanksgiving meal.

4. A Thanksgiving Memory: During Thanksgiving dinner, ask each family member to share a favorite Thanksgiving memory.

5. A Thanksgiving Communion: Plan a time of family Communion on Thanksgiving to give thanks by remembering Christ's life, death and resurrection.

6. A Thanksgiving Blessing: Invite a widow, single person, or someone who is alone to share in your family Thanksgiving meal.

7. A Thanksgiving Day Parade or Play: Put on your own Thanksgiving Day parade or "pilgrim play" with family, friends, and neighbors.

8. A Thanksgiving Offering: Prepare a Thanksgiving offering to give to a needy family or one of your favorite charities.

9. A Thanksgiving Football Game: Plan a neighborhood football game for Thanksgiving weekend.

10. A Thanksgiving Meal for the Homeless: Hosted by your neighborhood church or community center.

Monday, November 14, 2011

No Doubt About It... We Owe You, Joe!


This morning, the life and legacy of Joe Frazier was remembered with elegance and passion in a two-hour ceremony at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church in Philadelphia, PA. "Smokin' Joe", as he was affectionately known, died last Monday of liver cancer. He was 67 years old. Even Muhammad Ali, who was his "arch nemesus" in the boxing ring many years ago, was present and paid his final respects to the former heavyweight champion. Fellow boxers Bernard Hopkins, Larry Holmes, Michael Spinks, and Mike Tyson, among others, were also there.

By all accounts, Joe was a humble, reserved, and God-fearing man, according to those who knew him personally. The white casket was placed in front of the alter, draped in tapestry, and adorned by various bouquets of flowers. The heavyweight tile belt he won by defeating Ali in the 1971 "Fight of the Century" sat on top of the casket. A 100-member choir sang hymns, while the preachers urged the crowd to rise from their seats to their feet in celebration of his life.

Rev. Jesse Jackson addressed those who attended, along with other religious leaders from the Philadelphia area. In his remarks, Rev. Jackson chastised the city for not having a statue of Joe Frazier. He questioned why the city so eagerly celebrated the fictional boxer Rocky Balboa and not Joe Frazier. He went on to say... "Tell them Rocky was not a champion, but Joe Frazier was! Tell them Rocky's fist were frozen in stone, but Joe's fists were smokin'!" He incited a large cheer from the crowd as he demanded a statue of Joe to be erected in Philadelphia.

Ironically or coincidentally (whichever you choose to believe), it was reported on last Friday that Mayor Nutter said the city was "in discussion" with the family regarding a lasting memorial for our former heavyweight champion. Oh? Well, excuse me, Mayor Nutter... but, I seem to remember that it was also reported last year that the city was "in discussion" about a statue for Joe Frazier and then, it appeared the ball was eventually dropped. No more was ever reported or said about it that I can recall. What happened?

I've always admired Joe Frazier and I, too, feel that Philadelphia should be ashamed for not erecting a statue in his honor while he was still alive to see it. We truly failed him in this area and I'll be the first one to admit it. But, I really wish people, including Rev. Jesse Jackson (no disrespect intended), would stop making references to the Rocky statue in order to make this point. The two are completely unrelated and one has absolutely nothing to do with the other.

Contrary to popular opinion, the city of Philadelphia didn't erect a statue in Rocky's honor. The statue, which was a prop specifically created for and used in Rocky III, was actually given to the city as a gift after the movie was completed. By that time, three of the movies were filmed here and since that time, two more were filmed here... Rocky V and Rocky Balboa. Like it or not, the Rocky movies are a part of Philadelphia "film" history and there's nothing wrong with our city being proud of that fact or displaying the statue. The mistake is constantly comparing a (movie prop) statue to the life and legacy of a real man.

So please, let's just acknowledge that we failed to give a true champion his just-due while he was here to appreciate it and work together to fix it. I know it's a lot easier and tempting to blame a lifeless object than acknowledge a gross oversight... but, given the kind of guy Joe Frazier was, I'm sure he forgave us for our unintentional negligence before he left this side of heaven. All we need to do now is stop comparing apples and oranges, forgive ourselves, and get this statue project done... but, for no other reason than we owe it to "Smokin' Joe".

I'm proud to say that I'm old enough to remember every time Frazier and Ali fought. I've also seen every Rocky movie made to date. And, if memory serves me correctly, "Smokin' Joe" actually appeared as himself in Rocky II and was happy to do it... that's just the kind of guy he was. So, for me, all of this kind of talk is pointless. The hearts and minds in the City of Brotherly Love should be big enough to hold the legacy of the man (Frazier) and the memory of the movies (Rocky) without a problem... the important thing is knowing and understanding the difference between the two of them.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Happy Veteran's Day To My Favorite Vet!


My Hubby!
And, ditto to all the other Vets out there... Enjoy your special day!

Calling all Vets & Active Duty Military Personnel!
Don't forget about the "free meal" deals going on at Applebee's today
and Golden Corral is doing the same to show their support on Monday.
Click on text links for details! Thank you for your service and God bless!

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

The Circus Is Coming To Town! :)

Spread the word!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Let The Educational Journey Begin...


Grammy is so proud of you!
Have a happy, safe, and wonderful school year.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

❤️ Happy Grandparents Day



Happy Grandparents Day!
This Humana video says it all and I just love it.


Monday, September 5, 2011

Why Would Anyone Do This To A 5 Year Old Child?



Release Date: November 24, 2011
Genre: Documentary
About: Human Radiation Lab Experimentation
Narrated By: Dennis Haysbert
Directed By: Brett Leonard
Written By: Wilbert Smith (edited by Ryan Sheffer)
Produced By: Smith Leonard Productions, LLP

Awards: Directors Choice Award for socially relavent subject, International Film Festival of Nashville and currently nominated for Best Documentary at the Pan African Film Festival of Los Angeles.

Synopsis: Vertus Hardiman hid a shocking secret under a wig and beanie for over 80 years. When he was 5 years old, he was used in a radiation experiment conducted by a county hospital in Indiana during 1927. As a result, he lived his life with a hole in his head. Further, he was one of ten children used in the same radiation experiment. This secret leads two friends (Vertus and Wilbert Smith) on a journey of the heart that speaks to the great resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of terrible suffering caused by the ignorance and hatred of others. The following video clip might be upsetting for some viewers.




Various forms of human experimentation was widely used in the early to mid-twentieth century in the United States. People, especially Blacks, were constantly being used by science to serve as human guinea pigs without their knowledge or consent. In order to shine a light on what happened to Vertus and nine other children living in a small Black Indiana town, he returns to the place where the radiation experiments were conducted. Follow this amazing life-journey of an exceptional human being who in spite of a life-altering calamity allows himself to live life without bitterness.

Please help spread the word about this movie... this is a story that must be told!
Like "Hole In The Head: A Life Revealed" on Facebook:

Sunday, September 4, 2011

All About My Birthday!


As of September 4, 2011 at 12:00 AM ET:

* I am 53 years old.
* I am 636 months old.
* I am 2,765 weeks old.
* I am 19,358 days old.
* I am 464,613  hours old.
* I am  27,876,817 minutes old.
* I am 1,672,609,071 seconds old.

Fun Facts & Trivia:

* My date of conception was on or about December 12, 1957.
* I was born on a Thursday under the astrological sign Virgo.
* My opposition sign is Pisces.
* My ruling planet is Mercury.
* The moon's phase on the day of my birth was waning gibbous.
* My birth flower is Aster.
* My birth tree is Weeping Willow.
* My birthstone is Sapphire.
* My lucky day is Wednesday.
* My lucky dates are the 5th, 14th, and 23rd.
* My lucky number is 5.
* My opposition number is 3.
* My Life Path number is 9.
* I'm most compatible with people with the Life Path numbers 3, 6, and 9.
* I'm least compatible with people with the Life Path numbers 4, 8, and 22.
* My age is the equivalent of a dog that is 7.43326810176125 years old.
* My fortune cookie reads: Something you lost will soon turn up.

53 Candles:

The number of candles on my birthday cake produce 53 BTUs or 13,356 calories of heat and that's only 13.3560 food calories! I can boil 6.06 ounces of water with that many candles-LOL!

Celebrities Who Share My Birthday:

Henry Ford II (1917)
Jason David Frank (1973)
Paul Harvey (1918)
Beyonce Knowles (1981)
Dan Miller (1980)
Mike Piazza (1968)
Dr. Drew Pinsky (1958)
Ione Skye (1970)
Tom Watson (1949)
Mitzi Gaynor (1930)
Damon Wayans (1960)
Richard Wright (1908)

Top Songs of 1958:

"At the Hop" by Danny & The Juniors
"It's All In the Game" by Tommy Edwards
"The Purple People Eater" by Sheb Wooley
"All I Have to Do Is Dream" by The Everly Brothers
"Tequila" by The Champs
"Don't" by Elvis Presley
"Volare" by Domenico
"Modugno Sugartime" by The McGuire Sisters
"He's Got the Whole World In His Hands" by Laurie London
"The Chipmunk Song" by David Seville & The Chipmunks

1958 in the United States:

* The President was Dwight Eisenhower.
* The Vice-President was Richard Nixon.
* It was not a leap year.
* The date of Ash Wednesday was February 19th.
* The date of Passover was Saturday, April 5th.
* The date of Easter was Sunday, April 6th.
* There were approximately 1,667,231 marriages and 385,144 divorces.
* A new person was born approximately every 8 seconds.
* There were approximately 4.0 million births.
* The population was approximately 150,697,361 people.
* One person died approximately every 12 seconds.
* There were approximately 1,452,000 deaths.
* Click here for more information...

Monday, August 22, 2011

"Reach For The Stars" Pre-K Bridging Ceremony


Congratulations to our grandson for crossing this bridge! There will be many other bridges for you to cross, but we know that God will be with you every step of the way! We love you and we're so proud of you! - Grammy & Pop-Pop

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial



The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial will be dedicated on Washington, DC's National Mall on August 28, 2011, which happens to also be the 48th anniversary of Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech from the March on Washington in 1961. It will be located adjacent to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial, between the Lincoln Memorial and Jefferson Memorial, and will honor Dr. King's national and international contributions to the American dream. It is a dream he spoke of in terms of democracy, freedom, hope, possibilities, and equal opportunity for all.

Although this will not be the first memorial to an African-American in Washington DC, King will be the first African-American honored with a memorial on or near the National Mall area and only the fourth non-President to be memorialized in such a way. The King Memorial will be administered by the National Park Service.

Take the YouTube virtual video tour!


Like the MLK National Memorial page on Facebook:

Follow the MLK National Memorial page on Twitter:

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Have You Seen "The Help" Yet?



Release Date: Now Playing
Genre: Drama
Studio: DreamWorks
Directed: Tate Taylor
Screenplay: Tate Taylor
Produced By: Brunson Green, Chris Columbus, Michael Barnathan
Starring: Viola Davis, Bryce Dallas Howard, Octavia Spencer, Emma Stone

About: Based on the #1 New York Times best-selling phenomenon, “The Help” is a provocative and inspiring look at what happens when a southern town’s unspoken code of rules is shattered by three courageous women who strike up an unlikely friendship.

Synopsis: Based on one of the most talked about books in years and a #1 New York Times best-selling phenomenon, “The Help” stars Emma Stone as Skeeter, Viola Davis as Aibileen, and Octavia Spencer as Minny—three very different, extraordinary women in Mississippi during the 1960s, who build an unlikely friendship around a secret writing project that breaks societal rules and puts them all at risk. From their improbable alliance, a remarkable sisterhood emerges, instilling all of them with the courage to transcend the lines that define them, and the realization that sometimes those lines are made to be crossed—even if it means bringing everyone in town face-to-face with the changing times.

Please help spread the word about this movie! If you know anyone who hasn't seen this movie yet, spread the word and tell them to go see it! We want this one to "sweep" the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards!

Like "The Help" on Facebook:

Follow "The Help" on Twitter:

MSN Movie News Video about "The Help"
http://youtu.be/VHie49y6Fwc

Monday, August 15, 2011

My Grandchildren!


Sunday, August 14, 2011

From the Mouths of Modern Day Prophets...



Release Date: Visit the website to see the schedule of specific dates @ selected churches in major U.S. citites beginning Tuesday, August 16th thru Friday, October 21st.

Genre: Faith-Based Documentary
Studio: Swea Pee Films
Directed By: Parrish Smith

Produced By: Don Dodds, Parrish Smith, Todd Thomas, Derrick Williams, Leona D. Willis, Patrick Wood

DVDs: Available as a 3-disc set or 3 individual discs sold separately.

Synopsis: "The Scroll" is an intimate portrait of modern day prophets sharing stories of hope and life lessons. As the global landscape becomes increasingly narrow and shocking world-event reporting becomes every day chit-chat, heart-to-heart and head-to-head conversations within the faith-based community have become more important than ever. Some of the most prolific, fascinating, and well-respected modern day prophets share their stories and life lessons on how their faith has provided hope in situations that often seemed daunting and unbearable.

Starring: A.R. Bernard, Charles E. Blake, Shirley Caesar, T.D. Jakes, Noel Jones, Eddie L. Long, Bernice A. King, Keith W. Reed Sr.*, Della Reese, Marvin L. Sapp, Al Sharpton Jr., Kenneth Ulmer, Hezekiah Walker, Alyn E. Waller, and more...


Please help spread the word about this movie and...
Like "The Scroll" on Facebook, Follow "The Scroll" on Twitter
Video clips can be found on the official website and Facebook page.
* I am proud to say my pastor will be featured in this documentary!

Saturday, July 16, 2011

A Documentary About Autism: "Colored My Mind"



Actress Tisha Campbell takes a break from comedy to focus on a real-life drama. She is on the cover of the July 11th issue of Jet Magazine discussing her new documentary and plans to advocate for autism. Jet notes that black children are sometimes diagnosed 2 years later than white children. Tisha's son is 7 years old now, but he wasn't diagnosed until he was 5 years old.

In the documentary, Tisha tells her story, along with four other celebrity moms (Tammy McCrary, Shannon Nash, LaDonna Hughley, and Donna Hunter), to bring awareness, education, and the need to fight for our children's future to the black community. Autism affects children of all races, but many black children are not getting the attention and necessary early intervention they desperately need.

Please watch the trailer below, then spread the word and share the links with family and friends you know whose lives have been touched by autism.




Documentary Website for "Colored My Mind"

Like "Colored My Mind" on Facebook:

Follow "Colored My Mind" on Twitter:

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Volunteers Needed!


If you know anyone who has friends or loved ones buried there, please let them know about this effort to help restore the cemetery to its former glory. Click on image of flyer for a larger view to read.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Meuse Family Reunion 2011


Greetings from Memphis, TN!
Friday, July 8th - Sunday, July 10th


Sunday, June 19, 2011

Happy Heavenly Father's Day Dad

DaRoosevelt Williams
October 9, 1936 - May 2, 2002


I thought of you with love today, but that is nothing new.
I thought about you yesterday, and days before that too.
I think of you in silence, I often speak your name.
All I have are memories, and your picture in a frame.

In life I loved you dearly, in death I love you still.
In my heart you hold a place, that no one could ever fill.
It broke my heart to lose you, but you didn't go alone.
For part of me went with you, the day God took you home.

No farewell words were spoken, no time to say goodbye.
You were gone before we knew it, and only God knows why.
A million times I needed you, a million times I cried.
If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died.

Gone yet not forgotten, although we are apart,
your spirit lives within me, forever in my heart.
Nothing can ever take away, the love a heart holds dear.
Fond memories linger every day, remembrance keeps you near.

A gift for such a little while, your loss just seems so wrong.
You should not have left before us, it’s with loved ones you belong.
Your memory is my keepsake, with which I’ll never part.
God has you in His keeping, I have you in my heart.

If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane,
I’d walk right up to heaven, and bring you home again.
Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same.
But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Stepfathers Are A Blessing From God


"Color Him Father" Performed By The Winstons

There's a man at my house, he's so big and strong.
He goes to work each day, stays all day long.
He comes home each night, looking tired and beat.
He sits down at the dinner table, and has a bite to eat.

Never a frown, always a smile,
when he says to me, how's my child.
I've been studying hard, all day in school.
tryin' to understand the golden rule.

I think I'll color this man father.
I think I'll color him love.
I'm gonna color him father.
I think I'll color the man love, yes I will.

He says, education is the thing if you wanna compete,
because without it son, life ain't very sweet.
I love this man and I don't know why,
except I'll need his strength, till the day that I die.

My mother loves him and I can tell,
by the way she looks at him, when he holds my little sister Nell.
I heard her say just the other day,
that if it hadn't been for him, she wouldn't have found her way.

My real old man, he got killed in the war,
and she knows she and seven kids, couldn't of gotten very far.
She said she thought that she could never love again,
And then there he stood, with that big wide grin.

He married my mother and he took us in,
and now we belong to the man with that big wide grin.

I think I'll color this man father.
I think I'll color him love.
I'm gonna color him father.
I'm gonna color him love.

Footnote: In 1969, this song ranked #2 on the R&B charts and #7 on Billboard's Hot 100; the composer, Richard L. Spencer, won a Grammy Award for Best R&B song in 1970. Click on the record label for a link to YouTube and listen to this classic gem, the only one of its kind, which pays tribute to all of the stepfathers holdin' it down out there. And, always remember, as my pastor so eloquently pointed out in a sermon once... Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was actually raised by a man who played the role of a stepfather and his name was Joseph. So, never underestimate the importance of the part you play in God's divine plan. You are loved and appreciated much more than you know. May God continue to bless all of you!


Thursday, June 16, 2011

Father's Day Is Coming...


Me and my dad in Fairmont Park in 1960... I was 2 years old!

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

"Dark Girls"... A Must-See Documentary!




Release Date:  Fall/Winter 2011
Genre:  Documentary
Description:  Directed by Bill Duke and D. Channsin Berry
Produced: Bill Duke for Duke Media and D. Channsin Berry for Urban Winter Entertainment
Co-Produced: Bradinn French
Line Produced: Cheryl L. Bedford
Edited: Bradinn French
New Media Managed: Tatiana El-Khouri
Publicist: Margaret R. Jamison

Plot Outline: A bracing new documentary, "Dark Girls" delves beneath the skins of women darker than most and the separate lives they lead.

Film Premier: International Black Film Festival in Nashville in October

May 20, 2011 – Los Angeles: Has anything really changed since the days of American slavery when dark-skinned Blacks were made to suffer even greater indignities than their lighter skinned counterparts? Ask today’s dark Black woman.

Dual documentary Directors/Producers D. Channsin Berry (Urban Winter Entertainment) and Bill Duke (Duke Media) took their cameras into everyday America in search of pointed, unfiltered, and penetrating interviews with Black women of the darkest hues for their emotional expose’, "Dark Girls". Two years in the making and slated to premier down south at the International Black Film Festival in October in Nashville, "Dark Girls" pulls back our country’s curtain to reveal that the deep seated biases and hatreds of racism, within and outside of the Black American culture, remain bitterly entrenched.

Berry states of the film's origin, "When Bill called me with the idea of a documentary about dark-skinned women, I was in right away. Being a dark-skinned Black man, like Bill, I have gone through similar traumas. Being separated and discriminated against by our own people. It stifles your self-esteem. Bill and I shared our similar experiences and immediately understood that we knew the best way to approach this."

Duke adds, "In the late 1960s a famous psychological study was done in which a young Black girl was presented with a set of dolls. Every time she was asked to point to the one that wasn’t pretty, not smart, etc., she pointed to the Black doll that looked just like her. In her mind, she was already indoctrinated. To watch her do that was heartbreaking and infuriating. CNN did the test again recently, decades later, with little progress. As the filmmakers behind 'Dark Girls,' our goal is to take that little girl's finger off that doll."

Dark-skinned Black American women from all walks of life will be covered with a key focus trained tightly upon women struggling for upward mobility in the workplace of Corporate America. "The sickness is so crazy," Berry continues. "These ladies broke it down to the degree that dark-skinned 'sistas' with 'good' hair vs. dark-skinned women with ‘kinky’ hair were given edges when it came time for coveted promotions." Additional interviewees for "Dark Girls" include White men in loving intimate relationships with Black women that were passed over by “their own men," as well as dark-skinned women of Latin and Panamanian background to bring a world perspective to the issue of dark vs. light.

"Dark Girls," which will screen in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York following its Nashville premier, promises to be a proactive view. Berry concludes, "The skin issue is a discussion we all need to have once and for all, so we can eradicate it."

Click the play button to see the powerful, riveting preview...




Please help spread the word about this movie and...
Like "Dark Girls" on Facebook, Follow "Dark Girls" on Twitter
Share your story on the "Dark Girls" Official Website
Add the "Dark Girls" widget below to your blog!



Friday, June 3, 2011

22 Years Ago Today...



Two hearts became one!


Thursday, June 2, 2011

The "Nutter Butter" Solution: More Taxes?


But, what's being done with the tax dollars we're already paying?

Are your streets being cleaned on a regular basis? Are potholes, sewer covers, and other neighborhood (not highway) street repairs being fixed in a "timely" manner, i.e. before someone gets hurt or their car is ruined? Did you see any evidence that the schools were getting any portion of your tax dollars BEFORE this current crisis? I feel these are all questions we need to ask ourselves, and then ask Mayor Nutter before we turn over another dime for anything! I've been on rail about the school crisis for some time now and I'm still on a rail about it. Now, I’m on a rail about this too. Enough is enough! SOMEBODY needs to tell us what's being done with the taxes we're already paying! We’ve heard our local government officials say over and over again for years, “There’s no money.” Okay, but…

Where did it (our tax dollars) go?
Why is there no money (our tax dollars)?

City Council is in session right now and a flurry of proposed legislation is landing in an effort to close a budget gap for the Philadelphia School District. Some new taxes seem more likely to fly, based on conversations with Council members and staffers from Mayor Nutter's administration, while others look dead on arrival.

Ultimately, it seems likely that some composite of new revenue sources will be pushed to fund the district. The proposals are:

1. A 10% property tax increase that would raise $95 million, proposed by Mayor Nutter. Nutter's staff said he put this forward at the request of Council members while Council President Anna Verna said Nutter offered the idea at a meeting yesterday.

2. A smaller property tax increase for one year, proposed by Councilman Darrell Clarke, that would raise $37 million for the district. Verna said both property tax proposals are likely to fail.

3. A 2-cent per ounce tax on sugary drinks, which would raise about $60 million from October 1-June 30, 2012, if implemented by October. This proposal, similar to a failed Nutter effort last year, will face fierce lobbying from beverage makers and distributors. Nutter spokesman Mark McDonald called this the preference for the administration, rather than a property tax increase.

4. An increase in parking meter rates that will bring in $6 million.

Nutter's staff says this can be approved by regulation, with no need for legislation.

Some Council members will also push Nutter to spend some or all of the $50 million surplus in the current budget. And, there is some hope that the state will restore some education funding, especially if the city puts up a chunk of cash.

We should no longer accept answers to these questions like... "Where the money has gone or why we don't have it is beside the point. The point is, it's gone and what are we gonna do about it?" If we don't find out what mistakes have been made with our tax dollars in the past, this scenario will continue to repeat itself over and over again...

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Grammy's Little Lady (Bug)!

The Latest Ladybug Fashion

I love my ladybug dress that Mommy got for me from
The Alphabet House... if you want one too, just click here!


Thank you Cousin Melanie!


Watch your step!


This household is protected by Ladybug Home Security.







As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord...


Christian Internet Code of Ethics

As a Christian who is active on the internet,
I hold myself to certain standards of conduct:

  • I guard my online relationships.
  • I am careful to visit websites that do not compromise my life in Christ.
  • I take care that my written communications reflect Christ in my life.
  • I guard my time to assure that my time online is kept in proper balance with the rest of my life.
Visit the home page to view a more detailed version:

The Nazarene Network @ NazNet.com





April is World Autism Awareness Month!




On Newsstands Now... Get copies while supplies last!




Now Playing... The Booga Wooga on YouTube!




Proud member of OSP Group on Facebook!




Follow The Lady (Bug) on Good Reads!




Follow The Lady (Bug) on Pinterest!




Thank you President Obama for 8 great years!




Household Humor, Rules, and Membership











Deviant Art: "Cho & The Ladybug" By Cypherx





Virgo Rules in This Household!