By now you’ve all probably heard about Lauryn Hill’s poorly reviewed concert in Oakland this past weekend. One of my best friends in the world, Lauren, drove from Modesto to Oakland for the show and called me on Sunday to break it down. And it was a long and depressing conversation, y’all. Let me begin…
Issues
Ich Don’t Think So
I got a comment on my site recently that made me feel like I was in a glass case of emotions. “I really enjoy your blog but lately it seems like it has turned into a product blog. It seems like every week some company sends you some product in exchange for you ooohing and…
I Am That One Black Kid
I spotted this cartoon over at Racialicious. It was drawn by Keith Knight of the K Chronicles, and I immediately identified with it, especially with the third panel, and the one immediately under it. Except where I come from, it’s not just about not being into hip hop. It’s also about not being into soca,…
What About Stepha?
My most sincere apologies on the lateness of this story. It’s been almost a month since Stepha Henry went missing. But still, I gotta speak my piece, and I hope that by continuing to discuss these issues, we continue to raise her profile and keep hope for her recovery alive. How many times do we…
Now I’m Back
I disappeared for a day or two because we had an unscheduled family visit. As you can see, I was too busy coloring and playing “lion” to make it back online. (I wish we had this on video — her lion roar is hilarious and adorable!) Little Afrobella Dominique is getting bigger and brighter and…
My Father’s Father’s Day
Much thanks to all of you who shared your feedback about the true meaning of fatherhood. My dad gave all four sermons at All Saints’, the church I was baptized in and grew up going to. He sent me a complete copy of his speech, which I will post as a link as soon as…
Contest News and Ch-ch-ch-changes
Hey bellas, just a quick announcement before my post o’ the day. I closed comments on the Get Right for the Summer Guide — at 94 comments, I definitely have enough to choose from here! Over the week I will read all of them, and send the best three over to Elasta QP for answering!…
Baldhead, Rasta, Bold And Beautiful
After my post on Zahra Redwood, Miss Jamaica Universe 2007, I got a comment that really gave me pause. It says: “Miss Jamaica’s dreadlocks might make some people feel good but they will eliminate any chance of her winning. Entering a dreadlocked contestant represents typical Jamaican arrogance. That stuff is just too way out there.”…
Caribbean Queens
Beauty pageants are a big deal in the Caribbean. Or at least they were when I was growing up in Trinidad. When it came time for the annual Miss Universe pageant, the family all gathered round to root for the hometown heroine together. Trinidad and Tobago has a long and proud history of beauty pageant…
I Need a Remedy
I thought this would be a passing cloud, but my sniffles that started on Monday are still very much present today. And they’re worse than before! I guess all of my burning the candle at both ends is catching up with my body. I’ve developed a pattern of going to bed at 1:30 a.m., almost…