k. Melanie Unfurled.

Dancehall United: GuZa Mi Seh!

2009-12-07T20:03:00.029-05:00

BIG breaking news from the JA music scene: Dancehall kings David "Mavado" Brooks and Adidja "Vybz Kartel" Palmer have called an end to the ongoing Gully/ Gaza feud that has been wreaking havoc on the Dancehall scene.

Last night in west Kingston at Jamboree, Mavado called up his rival Kartel for an onstage declaration of unity. As you may recall the feud was at its peak in 2008 when during the annual Sting concert, Vado and Kartel went head-to-head on stage for the Dancehall crown. There are conflicting reports as to who actually won the 2008 Clash.

Here's background on the Gully/Gaza saga:

A very public feud between Vybz Kartel and former collaborator Mavado arose towards the end of 2006, stemming from Vybz' much publicized departure from the Dancehall conglomerate group, The Alliance. The feud resulted in numerous diss-tracks released, in which each artist dissed the other and their associates over popular Dancehall rhythms. [SOURCE]

As a marketer, I fully understand the use of publicity as a means of selling albums. Conflict between artists create that publicity or buzz necessary to bolster album revenue. It is however a delicate situation considering peoples lives are in the balance.

The captive audience doesn't always understand that what they perceive as true conflict, with their pride on the line, is a completely fabricated sales tool. Violence ensues when the public takes matters into their own hands, as is the situation in the inner cities of Jamaica.

This is where the morality of a marketing campaign comes into play. Are the Gully/Gaza publicists, handlers, and managers responsible for violent occurrences the take place as a result of the on-going feud? How long is too long to let the feud continue before the beef is squashed? How many innocent live should be put a risk to sell an album or a few more concert tickets?

Whether or not you accept the responsibility, if you are in the public eye, you are a role model thus you should have some accountability for what happens as a result of your business decisions. Keep that in mind the next time you're thinking up some potentially destructive publicity stunt.

Here's to the Gully/Gaza truce lasting. GuZa mi seh!

December 2K9 Unity @ Jamboree Gaza & Gully Peace:

Kartel and Mavado interview after Sting 2008:

AVOID the Blindside of Precious...

2009-11-17T20:56:00.035-05:00

"Awoke from my slumber to let you all know that I will be blogging about the two most disgraceful films in theaters right now, The Blindside and Precious. I'm sorry, "based on a true story" or not, I am tired of seeing unrealistic depictions of African-Americans in cinema and in the news. We have a black family in the White House - THAT is our norm. Stop with this antiquated method of taking what a few us of go through and projecting it onto the entire race of people. I relate to neither story. Come up with a more inventive storyline PLEASE and STOP socially exploiting people."

The Black man in a constant state of infancy.

It's been said that the two roles given to Black actors in mainstream cinema have been reduced to the matronly, asexual female and the unevolved, "yet-to-realize-his-full-potential" male role. To these I add the role of the “bumbling buffoon” as projected in the recently released film The Blindside and the helpless, lonely woman, “woh is me” role as portrayed in Precious.

This is an unprecedented time in Black history, in American history really, and for the BIG players in cinema to be rehashing the same ol' sob stories of the past is tedious.

It is true that certain melodramatic storylines strike a common cord and resonate within people, but the job of an entertainer, one in a creative industry such as cinema, is to... dare I say it? Be creative.

There needs to be a variety of stories told that are relevant to the current atmosphere of the society.

Hear ye, hear ye! I do declare now and hence forth that all images of African-American people in the media shall be positive, uplifting and nothing less. So help me, God! -- Yeah. #Unrealistic.

But I do expect for there to be variety.

“It's one thing to present a VARIETY of true-to-life films, but for the MAINSTREAM to continually force-feed disparaging (no matter the "happy-ending") images of one group of people is tiresome.”

It’s almost as if the story doesn’t ring true unless it is legitimized by the use of the lowest societal denominator. It’s become a regurgitated and now antiquated process:

We need to sell movie tickets… how do we do that? --> Let’s make a sob story... who makes the best sob stories? --> Helpless people… and who are the most helpless of them all? --> Black people!

It’s exploitation. (Yes, even if Tyler produces it/ Oprah endorses it.)

Think about this. A great number of people in this country don’t interact with black people on the regular. Outside of the Obama’s, imagine if the only image you saw of a Black woman was Precious and of a Black man was Blindside dude?

How tragic.

“People think the Obama's are an anomaly, and they are not. We are brilliant.”

“Take the time to learn the ins and outs of the culture before you present them on the big screen to millions. We all don't need saviors. That is an image of the past. Let's move into the present and future. Let's move into the light.”

With a buying power of more than $900 billion, African-Americans have a say in what is produced or not. Action speaks louder than words, but dollars speak even louder. Don't waste your money on non-progressive flicks like The Blindside or Precious.

Bottomline, best movies out right now, Disney's The Princess and The Frog and Invictus.

Go see that with your $900 billion.

Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon in INVICTUS.

Disney's The Princess and The Frog

The Continuing Saga that is Ri-Ri vs. Breezy

2009-11-11T21:54:00.030-05:00

[photo credit: ABC/ Ida Mae Astute]

My thoughts on the Diane Sawyer/ Rihanna interview as stated on Corve DaCosta's Blog:

Rihanna's in the business to make money and to sell records. She probably has just gotten over her emotional scars from the humiliating incident and decided to capitalize on the “opportunity” by speaking on the issue while promoting her album, Rated R and single Russian Roulette. I commend her honesty and bravery. Tina Turner didn't speak about Ike's abuse until TEN years after she left him. Rihanna has proven herself to be an upstanding role model. To handle such a debacle in the public eye with such grace and strength is to be commended.

As she says in the interview, she couldn't let the decision to stay with Brown destroy the empire that she had built for herself and realizing the impact she has as a role model to young girls, she could not see herself being held responsible for someones death at the hands of domestic violence. That would be "a selfish decision for love," as she calls it.

Here are the links to part 2 and part 3 of the Sawyer/ Rihanna interview. If the above vids get pulled from YouTube, try this search.

BTW, it makes so much sense now why Rihanna's father didn't come and make a huge scene and have Breezy persecuted to the full extent of the law. He was an abuser himself, SMH. I was confused, especially because I know that if that was my father, Breezy would have to go into the Witness Protection Program to get away from my Daddy (and brother). I guess "duppy know who fi frighten."

STATS on DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:
• About 33% of female murder victims were killed by an intimate.
• About 3% of male murder victims were killed by an intimate.
• 81% of men who batter had fathers who abused their mothers.
• Children who grow up in violent homes have a 74% higher likelihood of committing criminal assaults.
• The number one killer of African-American women ages 15 to 34 is homicide at the hands of a current or former intimate.

Read more on domestic violence here.

Official White House Family Photo

2009-10-24T17:31:00.007-04:00

I'm still in awe. What a beautiful time to be alive...

Photo by Annie Leibovitz/Released by White House Photo Office

President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and their daughters, Sasha and Malia, sit for a family portrait in the Green Room of the White House, Sept. 1, 2009.

[SOURCE]

The Divas Celebrate Anniversaire Deux in Grand Style!

2009-10-23T23:58:00.016-04:00

MIAMI - Downtown Divas Boutique quietly opened in the fall of 2007 with a simple fashion ethos – give the women of Miami beautiful, comfortable clothing with recession-proof prices.

Co-owners, Danielle Fraser and Serena Minott, or The Divas, as I so affectionately call them, designed a warm, sunlit space with neutral colors and vintage furnishings directly from the neighboring Wynwood Arts 'Design' District.

"The styles, each personally selected by the fashionable duo, are perfectly suited for warm weather and reflect the dynamic blend of cultures that is uniquely Miami."

Last night's "Downtown Divas Present... DEUX" event featured complimentary cocktails, specially prepared selections from the Rakkasan Chef, a 'Fall Trends Fashion Show' and 15% off all purchases with 5% of event sales going to Komen for the Cure for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

A Who's Who of south Florida Fashionistas and savvy Frugalistas graced the event. If by some twist of fate you missed DEUX, no worries, just stop by the boutique to get your fab fashion fix. Tell 'em McDiva sent you.

DOWNTOWN DIVAS BOUTIQUE
1800 Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, FL 33132
305.808.9588
www.downtowndivasmiami.com

Fan the Divas on FACEBOOK

See pics from DEUX Anniversary Party, October 22

Gwaan work fi yuh likkle, til yuh likkle tun nuff...

2009-09-29T16:18:00.004-04:00

NEW MUSIC.

G-Whizz - Life
Intro
Umm, ah life, ah life
Tj ah jus life,
Ghetto youths neva give up di fight
G whizz dat ahh!

Chorus
Mi life soon sort out
So mi nuh worry
Umm, my life soon happy
Nuh matta wah dem talk bout
Nuh move crabby
Umm, nuh watch nuh badmind nuh body
Mama tell mi seh Son, guh hol ah medz
Nuh mek nuh body trick yuh n come fool up yuh head
Cah life soon sort out so mi nuh worry
Umm, my life soon happy

Verse 1
Ghetto youths juss gwaan brave di wedda
Jah guh mek it betta
Do yuh ting
Yuh hustlin be wise an get yuh act together
Nuh do nuthin weh nuh cleva
Fi dem get di betta
Fi come lock yuh inna jail an mek yuh suffa
Nuh greedy
Gwaan work fi yuh likkle til yuh likkle tun nuff
Nuh badda be nuh cruff
Believe me ghetto youths full ah talent
Suh yuh know we muss buss
Jah guide over us

Chorus
Mi life soon sort out
So mi nuh worry
Umm, my life soon happy
Nuh matta wah dem talk bout
Nuh move crabby
Umm, nuh watch nuh badmind nuh body
Mama tell mi seh fi guh hol ah medz
Nuh mek nuh bwoy trick yuh n come fool up yuh head
Cah life soon sort out so mi nuh worry
Umm, my life soon happy

Verse 2
Yuh might nah drive ah car now but yuh soon can drive one
Yea yuh soon can buy one
Yuh might neva fly inna plane before but yuh soon mek ah flight man
Juss gwaan trust di most high one
Mama teach me fi neva give up
All when di road get rocky an di dutty get rough
An mi tell her seh
Mama mi nah be nuh cruff
Mi ah guh out deh guh wuk it an mek yuh live up

Chorus
Mi life soon sort out
So mi nuh worry
Umm, my life soon happy
Nuh matta wah dem talk bout
Nuh move crabby
Umm, nuh watch nuh badmind nuh body
Mama tell mi seh fi guh hol ah medz
Nuh mek nuh body trick yuh n come fool up yuh head
Cah life soon sort out so mi nuh worry
Umm, my life soon happy

Bridge
Tj
Umm ah life ah life
Umm ah juss life
G-Whizz neva give up di fight
I go on an on an on
Umm ah life, umm ah juss life
Ghetto youths neva give up di fight
Me dat!

Chorus
Mi life soon sort out
So mi nuh worry
Umm, my life soon happy
Nuh matta wah dem talk bout
Nuh move crabby
Umm, mi nah badmind nuh body
Mama tell mi seh fi guh hol ah medz
Nuh mek nuh body trick yuh n come fool up yuh head
Cah life soon sort out so mi nuh worry
Umm, yea my life soon happy
Mi life soon sort out
So mi nuh worry
Umm, my life soon happy
Nuh matta wah dem chat bout
Nuh move crabby
Umm, mi nah badmind nuh body
Mama teach mi seh fi guh hol ah medz
Nuh mek nuh bwoy trick yuh n come fool up yuh head
Cah life soon sort out
Umm, yea my life soon happy, soon happy soon happy

My Education, My Future.

2009-09-08T17:26:00.008-04:00

Our President delivered a "controversial", as deemed by some right-wing Americans, back-to-school speech this morning. As usual, he hit the nail on the head. Finally, a true leader! Take a look:

BTW, it wasn't so "controversial" in 1991 when President George H.W. Bush encouraged students to 'say no' to drugs and to work hard in school and in 1988 when Reagan delivered a nationally televised, politically charged back-to-school address... Come on conservatives, try again!

Here's CNN's coverage of the speech.

Invictus.

2009-09-08T16:22:00.008-04:00

This morning, I found this piece of great inspiration and will take its message with me throughout the week. I invite you to do the same. "I am the master of my fate: the captain of my soul."

Stay blessed.

OUT of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

William Ernest Henley. 1849–1903

Adieu, Advenir!

2009-08-20T12:45:00.004-04:00

I have the best co-workers in the world and I will miss them dearly!

...Most of them, anyway.

"RiseUp From Yuh Sleep and Slumber!"

2009-07-29T16:34:00.015-04:00

"...Remember Jah-Jah don't choose a number!" - Steve Culture.

The Adrienne Arsht Center presents the Florida premiere of the award-winning documentary RiseUp directed by University of Miami alum Luciano Blotta.

www.riseupmovie.com

"RiseUp is a journey into the heart of Jamaica - In the heart of Jamaica talent abounds, but opportunity is scarce. With amazing music and electrifying performances, RiseUp follows three distinctive artists in their struggle to rise from the underground music scene to reggae superstardom."

Florida Premiere of RiseUp!

August 14 (Friday) at 8PM

August 15 (Saturday) at 10:45PM

August 16 (Sunday) at 7PM*

*Official after-party at Reggae Sundays at Jazid hosted by Kulcha Shok

*NOTE: If you miss this one, you loose MAJOR cool points with me. I'll be there Friday night. We see you, Ms. Park!*

www.arshtcenter.org

Microsoft Takes a Bite Out of Apple

2009-07-17T10:23:00.012-04:00

Microsoft's new "Laptop Hunters" TV ads by famed agency, CP + B have some consumers thinking Apple computers are a bit pricey. Is the unconquerable Apple on the defensive??

"The 'PC Hunter' ads, the 'PC Rookie' ads clearly have been winners in the marketplace," said Microsoft Chief Operating Officer Kevin Turner, speaking at the software giant's worldwide partner conference in New Orleans. "And you know why I know they're working? Because two weeks ago we got a call from the Apple legal department saying, 'Hey' -- this is a true story -- saying, 'Hey, you need to stop running those ads -- we lowered our prices.' They took like $100 off or something." [source]

And if Apple does move forward with legal action to halt the "Laptop Hunter" ads will this alter their uber cool image in the eyes of the consumers? I say it will!

Woe is Apple.

Comments from the peanut gallery criticize Crispin efforts as mundane:

"It's sad that out of all the possible attributes Microsoft could try to differentiate on "we're cheaper" is the only one that resonates with the public. Can't they do better?" -- to which I say, in this economy if all you have to say is "we're cheaper" to be effective, why do more?

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Laptop Hunters: $700 Matt and Olivia get an HP:

Read the entire Ad Age article here.

UPDATE: Microsoft Changes 'Laptop Hunters' Ad After Apple Complains - NEW YORK (AdAge.com) -- Following a complaint from Apple, Microsoft has quietly tweaked at least one of the ads in its "Laptop Hunters" campaign to reflect its rival's lower pricing on its Mac notebooks.

Still Kicking.

2009-07-14T10:34:00.003-04:00

I need some fresh air. A fresh perspective on things.

Music Review: Best of the Best Concert 2009

2009-05-25T13:31:00.013-04:00

For the true Reggae and Hip-Hop heads in south Florida for Memorial Day Weekend, Best of the Best 2009 was the can't miss event.

A few sun showers didn't keep the die-hard fans away. The gates opened at 1 p.m. soon after there was standing room only. The downtown Miami skyline was the backdrop for this showcase of the hottest artists out of the U.S. and the Caribbean.

My party didn't arrive until around 7 in the evening, which was perfect timing for those holding VIP tickets. For general admission however, the earlier the better.

Bicentennial Park is not my favorite place to hold such a concert. The general public is basically standing on concrete the entire time with not much of an incline for optimal viewing. The performances however, made up for any discomfort.

DJ Khaled, T-pain, Rick Ross, Flo-rida, Briscoe and Ace Hood held it down for the Hip-Hop fans. One of the biggest surprises of the night was when Ross brought Diddy out for a short cameo appearance.

My favorites of the evening were Destra belting out some of her Soca big tunes, and of course the always entertaining Beenie Man graced the stage in a full out "Pirates of the Caribbean" costume. I did find it a little odd the Elephant Man came on right after Beenie in a similar pirates get-up. Wardrobe malfunction, I guess.

The Alliance crew closed the show with singer Serani, Bounty Killa and Mavado holding it down for the folks from yard.

Be sure to check out: http://www.bestofthebestconcert.com/ for info on next year's show.

Bounty Killa introduces Mavado!

Mavado Big Tune!

A Woman's Worth

2009-05-20T12:08:00.003-04:00

Ladies, I just had to repost this...

In a brief conversation, a man asked a woman he was pursuing this question:

'What kind of man are you looking for?'

She sat quietly for a moment before looking him in the eye & asking, 'Do you really want to know?'

Reluctantly, he said, 'Yes.

She began to expound, 'As a woman in this day & age, I am in a position to ask a man what can you do for me that I can't do for myself?

I pay my own bills. I take care of my household without the help of any man...
or woman for that matter.

I am in the position to ask, 'What can you bring to the table?'

The man looked at her. Clearly he thought that she was referring to money.

She quickly corrected his thought & stated, 'I am not referring to money. I need something more.
I need a man who is striving for excellence in every aspect of life.

He sat back in his chair, folded his arms, & asked her to explain.

She said, 'I need someone who is striving for excellence mentally because I need conversation & mental stimulation. I don't need a simple-minded man.

I need someone who is striving for excellence spiritually because I don't needto be unequally yoked...believers mixed with unbelievers is a recipe for disaster.

I need a man who is striving for excellence financially because I don't need a financial burden.

I need someone who is sensitive enough to understand what I go through as awoman, but strong enough to keep me grounded.

I need someone who has integrity in dealing with relationships. Lies and game-playing are not my idea of a strong man.

I need a man who is family-oriented. One who can be the leader, priest and provider to the lives entrusted to him by God.

I need someone whom I can respect. In order to be submissive, I must respect him.

I cannot be submissive to a man who isn't taking care of his business. I have no problem being submissive...he just has to be worthy.

And by the way, I am not looking for him...He will find me. He will recognize himself in me. Hey may not be able to explain the connection, but he will always be drawn to me. God made woman to be a help-mate for man. I can't help a man if he can't help himself.

When she finished her spill, she looked at him.

He sat there with a puzzled look on his face. He said, "You are asking a lot."

She replied, "I'm worth a lot."

President Obama Jokes at Correspondents Dinner

2009-05-11T17:25:00.004-04:00

A lil Monday morning joy...

Apparently President Obama is a stand-up comedian, too. Props to his writers!

[PART 1]

[Part 2]

Get 'em Ri-Ri!

2009-05-08T11:07:00.015-04:00

I just had to take a moment to big-up in fellow island girl, Rihanna. She is KILLING 'em lately with her fashion game!

[PHOTO SOURCE]

I have to say, I'm still disappointed in the way her management has handled this whole abuse situation.

Isn't it obvious? She should have:
1. Come right out and denounced Breezy’s actions
2. Did the talk show circuit to share her side of the story
3. Drop a hot new man-bashing album w/ a summer anthem for the ladies. Single ladies STAND-UP!

Come on A&R people!! Maybe my marketing mind functions differently... But I digress, she is looking better these days. Looking comfortable in her skin again.

Do it to 'em, Ri-Ri!

Behind the Scenes at the Summit of the Americas

2009-05-07T12:43:00.016-04:00

Late, Late, Late! I know. But still worth sharing...

A red carpet is rolled out after Air Force One arrives in Port of Spain, Trinidad on April 17, 2009.

President Obama participates in a multilateral meeting with CARICOM (Carribiean Community), April 17, 2009.

Cricket legend Brian Lara shows President Obama how to properly swing a bat on April 19, 2009.

President Obama greets people at the Port of Spain airport before departing for Washington, D.C. on April 19, 2009.

Trinidad and Tobago foreign minister Paula Gopee-Scoon bids President Obama a fond farewell.

Check out our very own Kendrick Meek on the far left as President Obama recaps the trip with some of the Congressional delegation accompanying him on April 19, 2009.

Photo credit: White House Photo/Pete Souza & SOURCE

Best of the Best 2009 - Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-01T13:36:00.007-04:00

No, I'm NOT a promoter. But I'll definitely be attending Best of the Best 2009. It will be PURE MADNESS. Holla if' you'll be in town.

Hosted by one of my favs T-Pain, Best of the Best performers include Mavado, Bounty Killa, Spice, Rick Ross, Young Jeezy, and DJ Khaled to name the very least.

The rosters has over 20 performers. Well worth the $49 (until May 1st) if you ask me. Check Bestofthebestconcert.com for additional performer and ticket info.

As always, I'll keep you posted on the latest on a need-to-know basis.

Usain Bolt: "Mi good man. Mi alright..."

2009-05-01T09:18:00.019-04:00

Usain Bolt wrecks his BMW M3, but escapes with minor cuts and brushes. Glad he's OK...

(CNN) -- The world's fastest man, Usain Bolt, has escaped serious injury in a car crash in his native Jamaica which wrecked his high-speed sports car.

Jamaican flyer Bolt claimed 100 meters gold in Beijing in a new world record time. The 22-year-old, who was driving his BMW M3 with two female passengers, lost control and went off a rain-soaked road.

The car ended up overturned in a ditch and Bolt and his passengers had to clamber out through a bed of thorns before being taken to hospital in Spanish Town, near Kingston, as a precaution.

Bolt was released after three hours, with his feet strapped with bandages, after undergoing a minor operation to remove embedded thorns from his foot. He told a local reporter: "Me good man. Me all right, a just few cuts man, me all right."

As a result of the accident, Bolt will miss Saturday's Jamaica International Invitational meeting and is expected to be sidelined for at least a week.

[Photos Courtesy of: www.guardian.co.uk]

Rasta No Eat Pork!

2009-04-29T21:26:00.006-04:00

LMAO.

Editorial Cartoon from The Jamaica Observer

SLIDE SHOW: Obama's First 100 Days

2009-04-29T16:50:00.009-04:00

A Photo Slide Show In Honor of President Obama's

First 100 Days in Office

Congratulations to Us All!

Mother's Day Cover Features "First Granny" Marian Robinson

2009-04-27T10:59:00.019-04:00

A Mother's Love First Lady Michelle Obama and her mother, Marian Robinson, talk family, community and the future with Editor-in-Chief Angela Burt-Murray. [Source: Essence]

These two Dynamic Divas are working that Essence cover and inside spread. Now we see where Michelle gets her poise, style and class.

"She get it from her Mama!"

[Photo Credits: Timothy White / Stockland Martel]

Obama Admin Commerates Earth Day 2009

2009-04-22T12:37:00.009-04:00

HAPPY EARTH DAY!!

Van Jones, the Special Advisor for Green Jobs for the White House, provides a glimpse of the new energy economy that's on the way -- green roofing:

Green roofing is just one of the countless green job opportunities that can be created with a new energy economy. SOURCE: WhiteHouse.gov.

For more information on how the Obama Adminstration is commerating EARTH DAY and preparing the U.S. for the "Green-Age" visit:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/earthday09

Alvin Ailey Premier & The Green Room Society

2009-04-18T12:12:00.015-04:00

When I heard that the Alvin Ailey American Dance Company was coming to the Adrienne Arsht Center I was the first to show my support. Artistic expression in any form moves me.

I had the opportunity to see the Company a few years back at the Phillips Center for Performing Arts in Gainesville, FL and fell in love with them then.

I had heard that the Company had not performed in Miami for quite some while, so I knew the energy of the south Florida people would bring a new dynamic to the show.

I attended the Thursday night premier and the energy of the nearly sold-out crowd was electrifying! From start to finish, the show was simply spectacular.

I have to say that the male performers stole the show for me... and no, not for the obvious reasons! The form of and commitment to their movements was breath-taking.

The women of the show were dynamic also, but it was harder for me to fully appreciate the complexity of their choreography. Their very traditional long, flowy skirts hid their form. The grace of the women is what stands out in my memory, as opposed to the form and poise of the men.

Now that I think of it, this balance was probably done intentionally, a yin and yang of sorts.

The after-party, and in Miami there is ALWAYS an after-party, was hosted by the Green Room Society (GRS), the young patrons group supporting the Arsht Center. Definitely a room full of movers and shakers helping to shape Miami's cultural landscape.

Long story short, when the legendary DJ Brass King started spinning the Reggae tunes, via special request of course, the party got HYPE! Yes, we're in Miami, but Salsa is not the only thing that moves the crowd!

Esther Park-Clemetson, GRS Membership Manager was a gracious host ensuring everyone had a awesome time! Be sure to contact her for more info on joining the GRS. Supporting the GRS is a must!

President Barack Obama IS THE TRUTH!

2009-04-14T22:25:00.010-04:00

Brother-to-Brother Connection

This photo has been buzzing around the Net all day. It truly touched me, so I decided to re-post it. As I commented on this blog where I first saw the pic...

"President Obama not only SPEAKS the truth, he IS the truth. This photo is just another example of how he leads by example day after day. Let's walk in his way and be sure to acknowledge each other's greatness. SPEAK when you pass someone on the street that looks like you!"

This photo was taken during the President's recent visit to Europe. Amid the frenzy of supporters, global news media and world leaders, our President paused to acknowledge this Bobby with this simple yet thoughtful gesture.

'A simple handshake' some may deem it, but to a person of African decent or to anyone who can relate, it means more. Staying grounded, humble, keepin' it real, true to your roots... whatever you wish to call it, my President embodies it all.

Respect is earned, not given...
But on the same note, give respect where respect is due.