Walking In My Shoes....The Creatively Expressive, Artistically Inclined Denise Whitmore

As an educator, I am always instructing my students to write in color, after redirecting them advising them that I don't mean write using a crayon, rather use magic words that make colors appear before their readers very eyes. Those words work together with great expression to help readers visualize. Many of them take off and create literary masterpieces that could be hung as the finest painting known to man. Its rather exciting to be a colorful expressionist, but to meet others makes me more than ecstatic. I had the pleasure of meeting Denise "Niecy" Whitmore, CEO/Creative Director of Whitmore Art Studios.

 Every First Friday the Whitmore Art Studio hosts parties to invite the community to come and view the new exhibits. On July 6th the studio for featured black and white art with a splash of color by local DFW artists. Live music was provided by Michael Smith who performed music from his newly released album Beyond. A piece of art and a personal painting session hosted by Denise Whitmore was raffled! The Personal Painting session allowed for the winner and a friend to have a one on one painting session with Denise! It was here that I experienced first hand the power of Ms. Whitmore's talent. There was a since of nostalgia as I entered Whitmore Art Studios, maybe it was the live music, the warm greetings, or the dynamic beauty in each piece of art. Whatever it was, I journeyed through the studio slow and deliberately and on my discovery path, Ms. Whitmore joined me. She explained each painting, introduced the artists; yet I felt there was something more to know. So, I obliged my inquisitive tugs and asked Ms. Whitmore to share the beginning of her intimate affair with the Arts. She begin by telling me that she started with poetry. I stopped her and shared that I love colorful writing and expression. She stated, "To read aloud, to project my voice clearly. I took that to mean creatively not mere enunciating. So I painted my poems, eager to see the faces, and emotions expressed through my literature. I began to submit for art shows. My first two art shows in Jacksonville, Florida. The Women's Center, and The Lavilla Ritz Museum. I was accepted for both shows only months after my first paintings. Ridiculously ecstatic I began to exhibit by invitation and submission on a regular basis. I felt at home. I was also invited to join a group of local Lakeland, Fl. artist that I dubbed the Local Famous. We met weekly and exhibited regularly. I still consider myself a southern folk and urban Florida artist, self taught, hungry, motivated and inspired by the sea breeze, palms, and flowers in every color imaginable. My art like my heart is open. Moving to Texas or like I usually say, Big Texas has given me a different delicious perspective. Unlike seeing green 365 days of the year, I have been moved by the browns, grays, and natural hues that provide foundation for the colorful spirit I own. I can’t wait to let Texas take over me on canvas. I’m ready."

 Having been a poet for more then 20 years and self publishing 3 volumes of poetry, its no mystery that Ms. Whitmore has a 3 year collection of paintings. She continues to write about her most intimate, emotional moments to date. She discloses that, "Intimate to me is the delicate relationship with self. How and who you are when you sit quiet and write, paint, and just be. How you react to you when life is worth celebrating or when your are struggling to get up from a fall and begin yet again. I love life and people who passionately attack it with kindness and good deeds. Being actively involved in your greatest desires and truth is poetic." With a slogan: Live Life In Color...Paint Yourself Free Ms. Whitmore encourages us all to grow intimate with self and Live BOLDly! Check Out the Video Interview!!!

 "Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

Saving Baby Sarah: A Fight Against the State of Texas Power and Ignorance

As of late, we have witnessed the government and all of its entities utilize an excessive exertion of power in every facet of our daily lives. Most times its subtlely swept under the carpet or tucked back in the corners of our mind, without considering the lasting and often damaging effects that it has on those involved, directly or indirectly. What has become painstakingly reality is that many individuals, children, and families don't fully return to that oh so familiar since of normalcy, especially when in the land of the free, mother's (biological, universe appointed or otherwise) can't protect their children and fathers cant provide for their home, without the governments approval or dictatorship of who, when what, where, and why (and thats on a good day, when tax payer opinions are chosen to be acknowledged, let alone heard). My thought process used to be, right will prevail, that is until legislative and judicial bullying put me in my place. Sadly enough, thousands of families are torn apart by this "because I said so" mentality. Baby Sarah and her universe appointed/CPS approved family, the Smith family has provided Sweet Tooth Media, with their first hand experience of this madness. 




According to Harris County Child Abuse Task Force, the Texas child population at the end of fiscal year 2009 was 6, 510, 210. In addition to that, Texas had 213, 332 reports of abuse and neglect and 25, 428 of those reports occurred in Harris County. Take a look at other stats reported: 

• Confirmed Findings of child abuse/neglect:
  Texas:  24.3%          Harris County: 20.4%
• Child Abuse Related Fatalities
  Texas: 280         Harris County: 67
• Children in Foster Care at the End of the Fiscal Year
  Texas: 19,992          Harris County: 4,962
• Number of children adopted
  Texas: 4,859           Harris County: 933       

                                                                           

Alarming, I know, but whats even more alarming is that 41.8 % of referrals/allegations were for Neglect not to mention that its 2012 and the numbers have increased. Now certainly the existence of child abuse and neglect isn't a new phenomena, but what seems to be constant in many of these cases is that, state agencies appointed to oversee the cases are making decisions prematurely and blindly. Child Protective Services have been in the news more for the harm their decisions cause, as opposed to the help that they were established to provide. According to www.RT.com, The parents of a 4-year-old girl are outraged after their daughter was placed under the care of Child Protective Services and then heavily medicated with psychotropic drugs. The child was allegedly removed from the home and her parent's rights suspended when the child was only three years old because the mother tested positive for cocaine. It is unclear to Sweet Tooth Media, who made the CPS referral or why but it was reported that CPS testified that the child had not been abused or neglected. Furthermore, the child who when removed was reported to be a happy and healthy child, but while in the care of CPS, the then three year old was prescribed psychotropic meds such as Risperdal, to calm the child who clearly acted out because she desired to be with her family. As a former CPS worker, I know all to well the dark side of CPS and all those involved. This child, is not the only child 'medicated' so that the adults who removed them from the family can 'deal' with them and foster parents can collect payments for them.  RT.com states, "A report from ABC News published in November 2011 reveals that around one-fourth of foster children examined by the Government Accountability Office were prescribed at least one psychiatric drugs, with thousands of youngsters forced to take doses higher than what the FDA approves.

“And hundreds of foster children received five or more psychiatric drugs at the same time despite absolutely no evidence supporting the simultaneous use or safety of this number of psychiatric drugs taken together,” ABC adds in their report.

The network adds that in Texas, home of the Harrison Family, children are more likely to be prescribed psychotropic drugs than non-foster children in four other states examined — Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan and Oregon — and not just by a little.

“In Texas, foster children were 53 times more likely to be prescribed five or more psychiatric medications at the same time than non-foster children,” the ABC report reveals. Nationally speaking, children in foster care are nearly five times more likely to be prescribed psychotropic drugs than non-foster children.

In the case of little Rachel Harrison, her parents say a CPS-appointed physician filled out a Risperdal prescription for their daughter, but only after he met with the girl for 16 minutes. Dr. Osagie ignored attempts from Fox to comment on the issue, the station reports, which very well be because he is very busy — they network adds that he has so far treated 755 children in CPS foster care.

“When a parents messes up, you call CPS. Who do you call when CPS messes up?” asks Christina Harrison to Houston’s Fox 26.

“There’s nothing you can do.”

Yolanda Smith, a leader/entrepreneur in OUR community and her family, share similar feelings as the Harrison family. Two years ago, July 17, 2010 (to be exact) she and her family were blessed with an unexpected package that came in the form of a child, Baby Sarah. Sarah's biological family was not able to care for her. The mother is mentally ill and believed to be using drugs and left Baby Sarah in the home with her grandmother who is physically ill and non-ambulatory. Being only a few months old and for days on end, Baby Sarah would be left an a bug ridden bed, in soiled diapers, drinking clabbered milk. The grandmother received home health care and as a professional that individual was required to report the obvious neglect that existed in the home. Once CPS removed the child, and placed in the Smith home at the request of the mother, because Mrs. Smith had been acting as a guardian angel to the family by bringing them food and other items to help. Baby Sarah, born with several difficulties and ailments, has undergone at least 2 surgeries all within the first year of her life. The Smith family, not her biological family were there to support her and see to it that she recovered successfully.  Doctors said that she would never walk or live a normal life. To date, Baby Sarah is walking, talking and living a fully functional with no help or encouragement from her biological family. 

Fast forward to 2012, the grandmother begun to encourage the mother to get Baby Sarah back because the Smith family begin speaking adoption and figured that since the CPS case has been open for two years without placing the child back in the home of the biological family that adoption would be painless and in the best interest of the child. It has been everything but simple. On June 27, 2012 the Smith family with baby Sarah in tow, found themselves in a CPS court in which the mother requested that the child be removed from the Smith home and placed in a licensed foster care home/facility. Clearly distraught the Smith family, had no clue what happened and wonder who was actually acting in the best interest of the child. The biological family's home is still in no condition to return the child and the mother barely completed any of the courses assigned by CPS, which shows that she is unable or unwilling to provide proper care and a safe, nurturing environment for the child. Since Sarah's removal, the Smith family has been unable to see Baby Sarah, is unaware of her Guardian Ad Litem, and are generally unclear about what has gone wrong. In addition to that they have been  contacting the CPS offices, supervisors and program directors over at the Eastex office but to no avail hasnt received any response back. Mrs. Smith disclosed that, " Sarah is on medication and because I had to leave her there at the court she doesnt have any of her personal belongings, including medication. I called for three days at the Chimney Rock Center before anyone came to get her medicine. I don't even know if it is being administered as prescribed..." Mrs. Smith also told Sweet Tooth Media, that the acting case worker is being reassigned but doesn't have any information on who the new case worker will be. These are all normal concerns that a caring parent would have...so you're probably wondering the same thing that I am, Why was it so easy for them to destroy this family?

The answer to that is unknown. Why are people who have no knowledge of the families, and individuals that make up the family able to decide what happens? What evidence was presented to have the child removed aside from the request of a mother who couldn't/didn't care for her in the first place? Was the best interest of the child even considered? All to often, people with no stake in our lives make decisions for us based on, the air up there! This blog isnt to say that the child should not be with her biological family, because as with CPS, I believe that children should be with those that will care and provide for them in a thriving environment and in this case, the Smith Family are those people. It is my hope that something be done to reunite Baby Sarah with her REAL family-The Smiths. To help, it is asked that you read and share until a fair decision has been made in this case. 

Help us Fight in the Safe Return of Baby Sarah, by sharing and signing this petition:

Change.org|Free Online Petitions

 

You tell me, after TWO years, is this the face of a child that has NOT been properly cared for??? Of Course not, but the GREAT state of Texas has other plans for this child, to satisfy their own sick interest instead of the Child's Best Interest! Where is the logic?

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

Shay Franco-Clausen, Eden's Secret River of Coffee: Marketing Caffeine

Ever had a moment where you're cognizant of your natural power, strength and ability; yet with just the sip of Coca-Cola, Dr. Pepper, or Coffee you have an added boost of energy. This energy carries you through your day and while reflecting your realize that you got way more done than you imagined... Its amazing what a little caffeine can do for you. This is the same notion that executives have when it comes to running and conducting business. The smartest business man, allows the Company name and brand to do all the work for them. This couldn't be done without the perk UP from marketing. Great marketing, solicits and solidifies working relationships with those organizations, company's and other brands and allow the name to speak for itself. Deep inside the Eden's Powerhouse, flows a forcefully graceful river of Marketing Coffee, and her name is Shanta "Shay" Franco-Clausen.




Responsible for Eden's marketing and relationship building, Shay, is indeed a picker-upper. I had the pleasure of becoming acquainted with Shay as she is adoringly known as, during my first experience with Eden. From that first experience and impression that Shay left in my inbox (YES, she's that GOOD), has grown into a Media Sponsorship, and the possibility of a long lasting working relationship. As a business owner, I know that the importance of building relationships, promptness, and accuracy is critical in branding. Shay brought all these things and more. Undoubtedly, just as critical as marketing is for a businesses' survival, it was equally crucial that I get a sample of this Coffee's effect.  As a native of Chicago, with a dash of Puerto Rican, Shay is a saucy addition to Eden's Team.

Currently living in the Bay Area, raising three children with her wife, Yolanda, playing flag football initially for the San Francisco Rebels and now for the Iron Tails, coaching in her community, volunteering and working for one of the largest marketing firms in the Silicone Valley, Shay has her work cut out for her. So being referred to synonymously as coffee, isn't that far fetched. Nor was it luck that I caught up with Shay for an intimate interview regarding her involvement with Eden, and how that  as a part of her life has influenced her Pride and Progress. Take a look and listen, as Shay bares all, and spills all of her coffee beans.

STM: What has inspired your involvement with Eden Pride?

Shay: After attending a previous Eden Pride Event, in which my wife was chosen as model, I had the chance of meeting Miz Chris and instantly the connection was made. I loved that Miz Chris was powerful, but was also human, and I knew that we had to work together, and here we are.

STM: I understand that your motto is, "Living Life Like Its Golden!" What does that mean to you?

Shay: As a cancer survivor, I have come to realized that tomorrow isn't promised and to live everyday like its the last.

STM: In celebrating PRIDE, how important is Progress in the LGBTQ community?

Shay: Very Important! It allows us to have conversations that we typically don't have, including political discussions. Eden Pride, isn't just about partying but community support and awareness. In order for us to be Proud, we have to Progress, support each other in our community. The LGBTQ community collectively, with no lines of separation is a trillion dollar industry and our buying power is more than tremendous. This is progress...once pride is connected in its entirety we will be immovable.

STM: Do you think there will ever be total equality in this life?

Shay:  We're all equal, just not on paper. I'm as equal as everyone else. But feel we are already equal, we're not going anywhere...

STM: I see that you are extremely involved in the community, how important is that we we as parents, professionals and the like be involved in our community?

Shay: Support is necessary for our community to thrive. We are one in the same and without our thoughts, we are nothing. As a coach, community volunteer, and active parent in our children's school, I get to share who I am and what I do.

STM: Tell us about YoShay Kafe.

Shay: YoShay Kafe is an eco-friendly kafe that serves natural/organic items including coffee. It will be a totally recycled environment. It will be the location for fostering the love of art, poetry, and the like. The idea behind YoShay, is to Pay it forward, advocate for clean environment. YoShay is unique in that its created for the family.

The interview goes on, as heard in this Highlight of Eden's River of Coffee, so Click Play Below and Listen UP!!!

After the beans have been spilled, Shay leaves me with a warm fuzzy feeling with this note, "Eden has grown, and I think that the personal connections made in social media, has played a big part, but the best part of all is going out meeting people, socializing while receiving and being a source of information...We have to continue to contribute to change."

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

Chaney Turner and Social Life Productions: An Entertainment Necessity- Eden San Francisco Pride

Since the beginning of time celebratory acts and events have undoubtedly played a major role in creating memorable moments. These events are often associated with pleasant memories that are to be revisited time and time again, yet many don't consider what it takes to create such an event. Entertainment Directors are critical to making social events a success. These individuals must rely on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals, perform a variety of complicated tasks, and have a wide degree of creativity and latitude. Seems like a lot, right? Of course, but until you have spoken directly with such a force in entertainment, you don't know the half of it. However, after speaking with Eden Pride's Entertainment Director Chaney Turner, I found that it isn't as painful as it seems...at least she makes look painless. 

Chaney Turner, the owner of Social Life Productions, has been working in entertainment/nightlife for over ten years and has found that the ability to build relationships is the most important aspect of this work. Being a great communicator is also a good skill to have to deal with people that you are trying to work with. She further states that one can’t be timid and quiet, that's for sure. Chaney tells STM that a key component in promotions and event productions is drive or ambition. She goes on to say "that some people believe that its easy to got out and create an event, but as with anything you have to work hard to build a brand for whatever you’re attempting to represent and even though it may not always go your way, you have to keep on striving for it." Chaney believes that experience truly is the best teacher. When asked what makes an event classified as a quality event Chaney told us that "its not the amount people that attend your event, its about the people who are there and making sure that they have a good time...If at the end of the night, the crowd is talking about how much fun they had, then that's confirmation that you had a quality event and that in and of itself is the reward." 

Chaney has known Miz Chris, Eden Pride San Francisco's Creator, since Miz Chris relocated from Texas about four years ago. This meeting is what inspired Chaney's involvement with Eden. Knowing that their connection would last a lifetime, they immediately forged a great working relationship. Chaney states that "they have always had great chemistry and that it’s not always easy to find people that you can trust to work with", so when Miz Chris extended an opportunity to work together, she was eager to join the Eden Team. Since joining Eden, Chaney informs me that because its like being around family, it hardly feels like work and makes working together that much more fun. Furthermore, as an Entertainment Director, Chaney believes that providing an event for women especially, women of color who are underrepresented in San Francisco was necessary. Her goal as an Eden Producer is to make sure that all women are represented and feel welcomed at Eden events. This is what continues to fuel her inspiration to work hard. San Francisco has always embraced its diversity but that has now been expanded to include, highlight, and honor women. "We have so many exciting options now...for female specific entertainment in the Bay Area. What other city can you find such a diverse community of beautiful queer, lesbian, Bi and Tran’s people. We've got it good, states Chaney. 

In celebration of Pride Month, of course I had to get the skinny on Chaney's coming out story as well as her perception of Pride and Progress in the LGBT community. Coming out at the tender age of 19 (or 20), still living at home wither her parents, Chaney let the cat out of the closet simply because she was fed up with hiding who and what she was. It really begins to affect her because it isn’t the norm in her family to keep secrets from those so close. She went to her mother's room, crying, and spilled the beans. Her mother's response is only one that many of us hope for. She asked Chaney, if she was sure and then rolled a nice cigarette of herbal meditation medicine and shared it with her daughter. Chaney states that they cried, and talked together and that it turned out to be really beautiful, not at all crazy and painful like so many have shared. With a coming out story that sweet, I imagine that Chaney's Pride and Progress is through the roof...and I was right. The progress of the community is very important to Chaney, but realizes too, that we still have a long way to go. She states, “There are a lot of issues that we need to address within the gay community before we ask the outside communities to be on our side. There is still class-ism, racism and discrimination against trans people from people within the LGBT community." This phenomenon helps support her belief that there will never be total equality in this life time. I concur Chaney, I concur!

 So we end, with finding out what is next from Chaney. The Entertainment Director, has recently produced, Speaker Boxx which featured DJ's Ryan and LP, and was held at Levende East and featured some of the best DJ's in the Bay. Speaker Boxx was unique event because the goal was not play the typical "hits" that are normally heard on a daily basis. DJ's Ryan and LP worked really hard to make sure that they kept the energy of the party high, while selecting rare gems that kept you on the dance floor. Chaney shouts out Stixx and Jamaica who held down the door and provided overall support. Speaker Boxx has been on hiatus for sometime but she encourages us to keep your Eyes and Ears Open: New Shit Coming Soon! 

To stay abreast the "New Shit" find Chaney at these fine Web Places:

Facebook/ChaneyTurner

Twitter/Sociallife510

Email: Chaney@EdenInTheBay.com

You can catch her in the Streets.com, butta.com, goodtimes.com and everywhere.com!!!

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

IllicitLife Ent. Presents: The Moscato Music Lounge Memorial Day Edition

Dallas, TX- May 27, 2012

While taking the road less traveled, my thoughts begin to think....

What would have become of the work without our soliders on the brink. 

Our horizons would have been unprotected, embedded in our valley's lows

Beneath religious tyranny, political scowl, and economic woes.

Reflecting on the memory of those who fought their lives away

Protecting our soil, For you, I celebrate Memorial Day.

Amidst the Rockets Red Glare and White Light Sounds

I found myself celebrating at the Moscato Music Lounge

Free Food, Good Music, and Fantastic Drinks

Beautiful People, Fashionably Trendsetting...what a patriotic link

Celebrating the fallen's memory in style

Coupled with the Launch of The S.W.E.E.T. Magazine, There's No Stopping Us Now!

With the Right hand and the Left one too,

It is my pleasure, and to You...I S-A-L-U-T-E

-MsNightLyfe

This Memorial Day went down in the HerStory Books! Surrounded by beautiful women full of talent, Sweet Tooth Media, took The S.W.E.E.T. Magazine ™ on the road, to Dallas. The Moscato Music Lounge: Memorial Day Edition Presented byIllicitLife Ent. housed the Official Dallas Launch of The S.W.E.E.T. Magazine ™. An extension of Sweet Tooth Media BlogSpot, The S.W.E.E.T. Magazine ™ is a promotional magazine providing the public with trendy, relevant, and buzzworthy retail information. The mission of T The S.W.E.E.T. Magazine ™ is to provide its readers with a wealth of information and education to make informed decisions, all while doing what they love! We believe that our readers should be afforded the absolute best when it comes to satisfying needs, desires and absolute must-haves, from companies that offer exceptional products, entertainment, prices and customer service. 
A full color 30+ page magazine, with advertisements, buzz worthy events, cultural and educational articles, and community driven highlights, The S.W.E.E.T. Magazine ™, is the first of its kind in that there are a limited number of publications that attend and advertise culturally diverse entrepreneurs and small businesses.

The Moscato Music Lounge is held on the last Sunday of the month, and is home to R&B, NeoSoul, Hip Hop, and Spoken Word. Produced by Nik Ceo, CEO of IllicitLife Ent., Moscato Music Lounge, is an environment of friendly ambiance and fresh perspectives, that provides a platform for artists to display talents. Hosted by the Lovely CrisDee, guests were entertained by LIVE local talent. Guests were indulging in sushi, great drinks and conversation. The stage wasn't always artist appreciative as chatter increased throughout the show but musical and poetic genius redirected just as quickly. With a name like Moscato Music Lounge, it is no doubt that one will relax and enjoy...Life the way it should be.

Check Out Sweet Tooth Media Video Coverage of the Dallas Launch of 

The S.W.E.E.T. Magazine ™

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

V.O.T.E.: V.ictoriously O.verturning T.he E.gregious Ignorance

May 29, 2012 Houston, TX- Today marks the Texas Primary Election and this voting day appears to be just like any other: Experienced, older people of color are flooding the voting booths with the occasional young soul breezing through, to make their voice heard in the world. This is NOT ACCEPTABLE!! Young people of  color should do any and everything in their power to vote today!!! Its time that we stop being complaining reactionaries, and become proactive prevention specialists. We cant continue to lay back, "acting" as if things are equal and ok, because we are reminded daily that they aren't. Nor can we continue to walk in voluntary ignorance because we don't care to dig deeper, using surface information, that is "privileged" to us. Now for the rebels out there, I understand that notion that our vote doesn't matter and part of me still feels that way, however, I have no proof that it does or doesn't and counted all joy, find it most logical to vote, because "WHAT IF...?"

During the Civil War Era, well into Civil Rights/Jim Crow Era, people of color fought to vote, fought to be considered as humans, as citizens. In the United States of America, people recognized early on the importance of voting, it meant that their voice mattered. After the Civil War the Constitution was changed to make sure Blacks had the right to vote, yet Whites in the South invented many ways to keep Blacks from voting. Congress passed the Fourteenth Amendment, sometimes called the "Great Amendment," to help protect the rights of the freed slaves. It was added to the Constitution in 1868. It stated that all people who were born in the United States, including African-Americans, are considered natural citizens and have the same rights as all other Americans. It also prohibited any state from making or enforcing any laws that took away or hurt an individual’s civil rights. After the Fourteenth Amendment passed, many African-Americans still didn't have all the rights Whites had. Many Whites, especially in the South, continued to treat the Blacks unfairly. Voting was one of the many rights that were stripped from Blacks after the Civil War ended. Many Blacks didn't vote because some Whites didn't want the Blacks to have this power. Voting provided power to change things. These Whites said that Blacks weren't smart enough to vote and wouldn’t know who to vote for. They purposely did not tell the Blacks when or how to vote and did other things so Blacks could not vote. The Fifteenth Amendment was added to the Constitution in 1870 to protect Blacks’ voting rights. It prohibited the national and state governments from refusing citizens the right to vote because of their race, color, or because they were a slave at one time. After the Fifteenth Amendment was passed, a large number of Blacks voted during the late 1860’s through the 1880’s. The African-Americans used their voting rights to gain political power and to protect their rights. Soon, southern states started passing laws to make it harder for Blacks to vote. Some states passed laws that required people to pay a poll tax before voting. Others required people to pass a reading or writing test before voting. Since most Blacks had been slaves their whole lives, they had little money to pay a poll tax and did not know how to read or write. Some people were still trying to take away the civil rights of African Americans. Although many were against the amendments, the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments played an important part in the Civil Rights Movement. The amendments declared that Blacks were real people and should be treated as equals and not as property. The amendments also gave Blacks the right to vote, making it possible to change things. (http://library.thinkquest.org/J0112391/the_right_to_vote.htm)

So now that we have had our history lesson, AGAIN, why is it so difficult for our Black Youth to vote? It isn't but connecting the importance of voting with the act of voting seems to be. According to www.DuBoisCentral.com, "In the United States, the right to vote is often taken for granted and for many years, turnout at all but the most highly contested elections has been dismal. Too many Americans forget, however, that the extension of votes to women, African Americans, and (to some degree) poor whites is a relatively recent phenomenon and was won only through concerted struggle. Even today, the struggle to maintain the right to vote is necessary." We are all aware of the recent enforcement of the Voting Act of 1965, and while it hasn't landed in Texas just yet, its coming. When you think about it there is really no need to because young, African American voters (especially those that are most affected) are NOT voting. Many head to polls for national elections (i.e. Presidential Election) but not for the election of local politicians. These are the individuals that make decisions to affect our daily life. The DA is an elected position, that is pushing imprisonment for our people. The judges are elected to the bench, that are sentencing our people. The school boards that have never lived in the areas in which our children are attending school, are elected to those seats and making decisions that drastically limit our teachers and damage our students education. 
Yet, we still don't vote. Maybe some of us ignorantly just don't care and are often drawn in Mass Media's attempt to skew the data, hide the facts, and put in its place some politicians opinion about things that only affect a select population. "It's time for black Americans to set and clarify their priorities and act in concert with them. The choices made today will impact not just their own future, but the future of our whole nation," states Star Parker, of CURE (Center for Urban Renewal and Education).  

The point of it all??? Get off your asses and VOTE!! I would like to leave you with recent commentary found in an article entitled: The Importance of the Black Vote and the Stupidity of Ignoring Them by David Sirota. According to Jim Clyburn from the Washington Post, "We keep talking as if it doesn't matter, it doesn't matter that Obama gets 92 percent of the black vote, because since he only got 35 percent of the white vote, he's in trouble," Clyburn said. "Well, Hillary Clinton only got 8 percent of the black vote. . . . It's almost saying black people don't matter. The only thing that matters is how white people respond. And that's what bothered me. I think I matter." Sirota states, Clyburn is, unfortunately, spot on - and there's two reasons why the phenomenon he describes is such a problem. First and foremost is the idea that black voters are, indeed, treated as less important than white voters. I would even take it a step further: black voters are not only considered unimportant, but are considered only as black voters and nothing else - a very subtly derogatory and dehumanizing characterization in that it implies African Americans are just one dimensional simpletons, rather than multi-dimensional humans. For instance, though much of the African-American community is economically in the "working class," pundits and reporters use economic and other demographic distinctions only to describe white voters, while black voters are just "black voters" - as if the only issue they vote on is race. Chris Matthews, gave us the best example of this when he publicly claimed there's some sort of difference between "regular people" and black people. Of course, you might counter that in a general election, black voters have constituted about 12 percent of the total vote, while white voters have constituted about 79 percent of the total vote, and therefore when comparing demographic subsets, the black vote is less mathematically important than the white vote. Except, even that is a flawed way of looking at the electoral map..." (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-sirota/the-importance-of-the-bla_b_98776.html) 

Now take that shit to the polls with you and VOTE!!!!! Why are you still sitting there? Not sure if you are able to vote or where to vote visit, http://www.canivote.org/ to find out. 

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"

Pride and Progress...The Beginning: Houston Splash 2012

Houston TX, May 4-6 2012- Houston Splash is a celebration of Black LGBTQ Pride. In its 17th year of inception, Houston Splash has sought out and achieved the goal of celebrating pride, expression and culture. A plethora of events are planned to suit attendee tastes from all over the U.S.A. Featuring daytime events ranging from mall takeovers to day parties and nightlife good-times hosted by celebrity guests, patrons have a variety of options to choose when deciding how to celebrate. Previously known as a party circuit, Houston Splash has begun moving to a celebration of Pride and Progress. Similar to the Harlem Renaissance movement, creativity and appreciation for the arts mind, soul and body have crept into what has become known as one of the largest, Black Pride events. Extraordinary explosion in music, film, literary studies while striving for excellence are continuously being made in the wake of inequality, injustice and breeches in civil rights. Its critical that during these events, education is rooted in the connection to partying with a purpose. Pride is a time where LGBTQ communities come together and celebrate who they are without ridicule and fear of assault. This should be a given right? Well, any eyes that read this blog, know that isn't the case, no matter how much we would like it to be or ignore that it isn't.  Life still goes on, and Houston Splash has proven that.

In the zone of Pride and Progress, I must address the ugly that is apart of our history. Most LGBT Prides include parties as well as business, health, legal and wealth seminars and other knowledge based events that is meant to provide information that isn't readily available or easily attainable to many in attendance. Houston, has yet to offer the latter of these events. Marketing analysis would say 1 of 2 things: 1. because, of the demographic of those that attend: 18-35, unemployed, underemployed, uneducated or undereducated whose idea of de-stressing is partying, or 2. Promoting efforts haven't been geared toward those that WOULD attend and appreciate what's offered. Yet, the former is the population that SHOULD attend because the information is most beneficial to them. Some others may suggest that the promoters have gone "Hollywood" and are ONLY after the $$$, and have lost the true meaning of putting such events together. I believe it could all of these things, or none of these things. There has been attempts on the promoters part, but financially it wasn't beneficial, because very few attended...because the working man and woman, the educated man and woman find it somewhat frivolous to over do on Splash weekend what they do any other weekend. Whatever the case may be, progress can and will be occur. Pride's mission is or at least seems to be/should be a viable source of Edutainment. Because knowledge is power, it gives attendees a right to be informed and to make better decisions about the quality of life lived all while having a good time.

Now one might ask, "why should there be a separate Black Pride event, when Houston Pride is a rather large event. The answer seems simple, Black Pride caters to "our" needs. While that answer is simple whats not stated with that answer isn't as simple. Indulging, I will say that its because there is still and will always be a lack of unification in small communities. Think: Hatfields and McCoys.
Some may say its a racial thing, and even there, I don't FULLY agree, at least not in terms of Black and White. Race is a major factor and hinderance deep in our society's cloth, yet as a Black people, we're slow to support, we'd rather compete first. Now while, generally speaking, this is a healthy and necessary challenge for anyone in a line of business, however, my people, are very clique-like. In addition to that, we are often uninterested because, no one around us is interested. You are the company you keep. Yet, no one says that the it has to be limited. Support of one's race is like the air you breathe, necessary to live, for our community to live.

So having Pride in my community's Progress, I launched, the S.W.E.E.T Magazine, a Sweet Tooth Media Publication that highlights those culturally revolutionary individuals, businesses and organizations in MY community. MY community is anywhere I 've been, I am, and I intend to go. Being the change that I want to see, I issued literature and protective items provided by AIDS Foundation Houston. There was over 1000 health pamphlets, male and female condoms, and dental dams distributed during Houston Splash this year.  Houston Splash 2012 for me begin with the "Got Damn Day Party" brought to us by DivaOz Houston, Ms. Hunny Ent, Thick Dimes Ent., Kel, and Fifthward Black. It featured 3 on 3 basketball, Putt-Putt, and Live performances by Hollywood & Swagg, Yung Crusay and many more. The event was hosted by Flawless Oz. Everyone in attendance was dab smack in the middle of history in the making at the heart of Pride and Progress: The LGBTQ Renaissance Era. A celebration of gay and lesbian culture. I performed poetry on the stage with some very HOT poets, at Evo Lounge, by request of one of Houston's Biggest Splash Promoters, Her Houston Splash. The weekend ended with The Beach Party, where every and anyone was there. The day was easy and peaceful. At least on my end of the beach. It was a collection of color and a ton of Pride. Some even had so much pride that they refused to move out of the way of moving vehicles... LMAO, no one was injured!

I want to thank everyone that supported the S.W.E.E.T's Magazine launch, and beach event. To DivaOZ and the whole Day Party Producers, THANK YOU for allowing me to make history with you. To Jackson, I am honored that you thought of MsNightLyfe, to SPIT at your spot! To my Family and Friends, THANK YA'LL for putting up with me!

Check Out the Blog Video Of her Houston Splash 2012!!!

"Buzzworthy Cravings, Creatively Satisfied!"