FABULOUS BROWN GIRL Spotlight: WEEN

Over the weekend, DC was littered with black elite and celebrities that came to celebrate and attend the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference. The conference is a four day long event held every year in September. The conference is host to tons of events, forums, galas, and awards ceremonies for black politicians, business leaders, and the movers and shakers in the black community.

One of the organizations that held an awards ceremony over the weekend was WEEN (Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network). They are a network of women in the entertainment industry that are commited to the positive portrayal of women of all races and backgrounds in the media, entertainment, and society as a whole.

The women of WEEN understand the importance of improving the quality of life for women and young ladies all over the world. They are using there fame and their industry impact as a platform to lend a voice to causes such as

• Healthcare
• Financial Literacy
• Personal and Professional Development
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Media Impact
• Grassroots Programs
  

Some of the people that were honored at the awards were actors Vivica Fox, Hill Harper, Malinda Williams, Chief Diversity Officer of McDonalds, Pat Harris, Executive Vice President of Urban Marketing Universal Motown, Shanti Das, and AIDS Activist, Maria Davis.

Check out some photos of the honorees on the "purple" carpet!!

Honoree, Malinda Williams

Honoree, Vivica A. Fox





Honoree, Hill Harper



Valeisha Butterfield, WEEN Chairwoman







If you are interested in becoming a member or how to break into the industry with a job or an internship click here for WEEN job postings .

Senseless Youth Violence in Chicago: RIP DERRION ALBERT

Recently, senseless act of fatal violence among our youth took a toll as Derrion Albert was beaten to death in Chicago.

This violence has to stop! FABULOUS BROWN GIRL is deeply saddened and confused at the trend of violence that has been running rampant in Chicago for a long time now amongst our youth. Chicago is a great city in so many ways and is home to sooo many influential black people, such as Oprah Winfrey and our FIRST FAMILY.. but the fact of the matter is the Chicago underprivileged youth are lost. They turn to gangs to find a false acceptence and end up taking each others lives for the sheer fun of it. Children need nurturing and guidance to survive. If they don't have it from family and loved ones, they look for it anywhere they can find it.. and most times they find it in the wrong crowd. There needs to be a change. We need to take back our youth in Chicago and all over this country. We have to show them that we care about them, that we love them, and that we accept them.

CLICK HERE for the full story of this tragedy ..


Watch the video below... it is VERY graphic and literally brought me to tears...

Why Lamar??? Just Why??

It seems that Hollywierdness is attacking our black athletes!! Lamar Odom, of the Los Angeles Lakers, recently up and married one of the Kardashian sisters (Khloe I think...) only after 3 weeks or so of dating... ::blank stare:: Why?.. Just Why.?? I CAN'T!!! Not only do I not believe for one second that this facade of a wedding is real (the Kardashians will do anyting for attention and a quick buck), but it saddens me that these African American men will run and jump through hoops to marry a Caucasian woman in 3.5 seconds after dating, and will drag their own black counterparts through the mud and back before they decide to put a "ring on it"! This type of stuff disgusts me and IDCWIO... (if u want to know what that stands for leave a comment) But is anyone else as disgusted as I am? I mean if you can't see through this spectacle of a PR stunt, then I don't know what to tell you. Going to go vomit now.. j/k...but I really am disgusted....

AIDS Vaccine Maybe Closer Than We Think

Last week it was announced that there has been major strides in finding a vaccine for the HIV/ AIDS virus. The vaccine is known as RV 144 and it is a combination of two engineered vaccines, neither of which work on humans separately. Thousands of volunteers in Thailand took part in the clinical trial for over six years.The risk of being infected was cut by 31% over this time period.

Even though many of the doctors do not feel comfortable using the word "breakthrough" for this potential vaccine, it is a significant step toward bringing the rate of HIV/AIDS down dramatically. Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the director from the National Institute of Allergies and Infections Diseases, said that it will take several more years before a vaccine will end this virus. However, this heart wrenching beast, known as HIV/AIDS that has taken so many lives and terrorized so many people young and old now seems to finally have found a decline.

Fab Brown Girl Sidenote: Let's pray that this is legit and not a conspiracy... With the way health care is going in America, we will be lucky if those that really need the vaccine will even be able to afford it. We shall see... Personally whatever the outcome of the vaccine is, I will continue to use safe sex practices forever and always.

ESSENCE Open Model Call

One of my faves, ESSENCE Magazine is hosting an OPEN MODEL CALL.

They are looking for Beauty and Fashion Models from the ages of 18-30 years old.

PLUS SIZE Models are welcome!

Must be able to be in the NYC Metro area. Please Submit no more than 4 photos to them at modelcasting@essence.com

President Obama on David Letterman Show

Check out a snippet of the interview President Obama gave in his standard Oval Office get-up last night on the David Letterman Show. He discussed health care reform responsibility and how's he been black all his life... Even though he shys away from talking about the racism that some members of Congress have towards him, I still love my President!!

FBG Networking 101 : Business Cards

Business or personal business cards also known as "networking" cards are a part of the foundation of any good networker. If you have never had your own business cards, I suggest that you get some! They are fairly cheap to print (like less than $15) and come is large quantities. It is a good idea to have these cards on hand everywhere you to give out to people you may meet on a chance occurrence who may be able to help you find a job or a even your helo mentor you direct you to your "dream" job. These cards can be passed along to the right person who may be looking for or knows someone who is looking for your "side hustle" assistance. Whether it is fashion, writing, graphic design, catering, event planning, or even blogging, networking cards are essential to branding yourself and putting your name out there.

A good and inexpensive place to print your very own business cards is VistaPrint! They have tons of design templates and are very user and customer friendly!

Check out my very own Fabulous Brown Girl networking cards I ordered from VistaPrint. (sorry the picture is so blurry, its from my camera phone.. )

"Fabulous Brown Girl"

"Where being fabulous means doing more"

A Little Sunday Inspiration... Fear of Failing

I know this is my calling, but I am afraid of failing...


"But [Jesus] said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness,' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ 's power may rest on me." 2 Corithians 12:9


If you have a weakness or fear that is hindering you from what you know God is calling you to do, remember that God's grace is sufficient enough for any fears of failure that we might have. In fact, we should happily admit that we are not perfect or weak in some areas so that God's power can shine though us. When we do reside in his grace and accept our calling, we will see that God will allow us to conquer whatever fears we may have and become the success He has called us to be.

Malia and Sasha: Daddy's Girls

Hope everyone is having a fabulous weekend!

I just wanted to bless you all with some precious photos of Malia and Sasha playing outside with their dog, Bo, waiting for their Daddy to come home!


Prepare yourself! You are about to see some of the cutest pics you have ever seen!!! Enjoy

There is nothing like a father's love for his daughters.... LOVE IT!


All photos via blacksnob.com

FBG's Fall Fashion 2009 Must Haves

Seasons are changing and Fall is here whether the temperature feels like it or not...Even though I love the warmth of spring and summer, I think that fashion really comes to light during the fall and winter months! Check out a few of the fall must haves for 2009!

• Leather is coming back even stronger. It won't be okay to just have the cute leather bomber jacket, now it seems that leather everything will be the rage this fall and winter. From leather pants and skirts, to full leather jackets.. so start stocking up on you leather pieces now.

• Thigh High and Above the Knee Boots are fall/winter must haves. This fall above the knee boots are going to be in the spotlight! They are daring and bold, so if you can pull this look off go for it!

• Strong Shoulders are making a comeback! Reminiscent of the 1980's craze (shout out to all the 80's babies who remember their mom rocking those shoulder pads!) Well this look is coming back! Many designers are adding the protruding shoulders to dresses, shirts, and jackets. If you are looking for something interesting try a thrift store, they are almost always guaranteed to have this look!




• Tights are a definite fall must have. I love deep black ones that are thicker than normal and keep your legs feeling warm during those cold days. They scream femininity when you couple it with a nice dress or skirt and they give your legs a nice silhloette!

• Blazers are essential to achieve that sophisticated and sassy look. Try finding ones that mirror a tuxedo , but are cut for a more feminine look and you will not go wrong!

Stay Tuned! Fabulous Brown Girl will be giving you more Fall Fashion Must Haves soon!!

President Carter is a Wise Old Man...

One thing I know now more than anything is that when an older person sheds some insight, you better take it and hold on to it because 99% of the time that wisdom is something we needed to know.

After the whole Congressman Joe Wilson outburst ridiculousness, former president, Jimmy Carter said the reason for this "intensely demonstrated animosity toward President Barack Obama is based on the fact that he is a black man." He also said there are a bunch of folks who simply can not accept the fact that the president is black.

Now if I do the math, President Carter qualifies as one of those elderly wise men who knows a thing or two about what he is talking about. Unlike President Obama, he no longer has a political career to protect and also unlike Obama, he doesn't have to walk on eggshells to keep other [racist] politicians happy.

Today, the White House said that President Obama does not agree that the unruly outburst was due to racial tension, but because of the strong opposition to his policies... *side eye* ummm.. yea...

I don't know about you, but if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck... well darn it! you know the rest. If people think that because we now have a black president that there is no longer any racism.. Well I am sorry to be the one to have to break it to you, but that is ABSOLUTELY FALSE. I mean if this was back in Civil War times, I am sure good ol' Joe Wilson would have turned in his succession papers on January 20, 2009 and not a minute later.

Racism is a problem, if not THE BIGGEST problem in America. And in my opinion it is too systemic too cure. I mean I love me some Barack, but if he really thinks that outburst didn't have some degree to do with racism then I don't know what CHANGE we are really believing in...

Is the Recession Really Over?? Here Are Some Signs That It Might Be

Many economists are seeings signs that the "Great Recession" is over. The economy is no longer showing signs of the same decline it was a year ago or even six months ago. We all remember the infamous stock market crash that left many of us in disarray and feeling vulnerable to the Wall Street "decepticons".

But as of late we can turn on the news and not cringe at seeing our economy going down the tube! Here are some of the signs that this time period is coming to an end:

• The stock market has been rising steadily...



• Claims for unemployment peaked in March 2009 and there have been fewer and fewer claims each month...



• Manufacturing sectors are turning up--an example is with the government program, "Cash for Clunkers"; the auto industry and the steel industry have seen a sharp production rise since then...



• Gasoline deliveries have risen and this could mean with the lower gas prices that more people are driving and commuting more instead of using public transportation when gas prices were through the roof.

Source

Even though the economy is showing signs of improvement, we are not completely out of the woods just yet. After "the recession" comes "the recovery" and that may take even more time to completely fix the damage that was done.

We can not control the cards we are dealt, but we can play them the best way we know how. If you were laid off, volunteer and continue to gain those necessary skills you would need for your next paid job. You can consider taking classes to improve your education or develop a side hustle, like edititing or web design...all of these can pay off in the future for when we bounce back completely and the economy is fabulous again.. lol

Welcome Back Whitney Houston!

Whitney Houston, popular R&B vocalist, appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show for a two part interview where she revealed what was going on in her life during the seven years where she fell into drugs and abuse. Whitney was known as "The Voice" for much of the 80s and early 90s. Her career peaked when she released "The Bodyguard" and its accompanying soundtrack with the smash hit "I Will Always Love You". Soon after her peak of success, Whitney has now admitted that she got involved heavily with marijuana laced with cocaine and that her then husband, Bobby Brown, verbally and emotionally abused her. She even recalled a time when he spat in her face after an argument. Since she took the vows of marriage seriously, Whitney fought to keep her marriage with Bobby Brown together, but knew she wasn't happy. She knew the public was right in their opinion of her marriage , but she loved her husband so much and was determined to prove them wrong. She even said that Brown was her "drug". She continued the drugs until her mother came to her house for an intervention. Her mother wanted her daughter back and was not going to take NO for an answer.

Whitney Houston is just one example of many women who seem to have everything together, but still struggle with being more successful than their husband and fight to make their marriage work. Whitney, like many other women, fight so hard to fix or hold on to their marriage because of love, but when the other spouse is treating you so terribly, your spirit will find the stregnth to do better. She said she loves the Lord, her mother, her daughter, family, and other supporters for helping her get through it all...

Welcome Back Whitney Houston! Fabulous Brown Girl loves you!

Fabulous Brown Girl Spotlight: Beyonce' at the VMAs

By now everyone should already know about the FOOLYWANG moment that happened last night at the MTV Video Music Awards when Kanye West showed his highly intoxicated and ignorant side once again.

When Taylor Swift tried to accept her very first VMA award, Kanye felt the need to steal that very important moment away from her. He thinks he did it because he is "REAL"... I think he did it because he is a HATER... smh

However, at the end of the night Beyonce', in a similarly bright red dress, decided instead of talking about herself, she would call Taylor back on stage to give her her moment back after winning the award for the "Best Video of the Year" for Single Ladies. Luckily, Beyonce' knows the VMAs are just for fun and that there is room for everyone to shine!

I was very happy that Beyonce' recognized that as a young girl, you dream about moments like these and it doesn't matter who wins, because everyone nominated deserves to win... or they wouldn't be nominated!!

I want to commend Mrs. Beyonce' Knowles-Carter for her act of graciousness, class, and kindness. She embodies what a Fabulous Brown Girl is; someone who uplifts, empowers, and inspires other women to be all they can!

Beyonce = CLASS and KANYE = ASS... that is all

*Pictures taken from bossip.com

Maia Campbell Update: A Letter From Her Family

Recently heartbreaking footage surfaced of Maia Campbell acting totally opposite of her normally sweet and sassy demeanor. With the attention the video received, many people are now aware of her confirmed mental illness and subsequent substance abuse. Maia Campbell's father and grandmother wrote an exclusive letter to Essence.com about the recent footage of their daughter, her disease, and her substance abuse. They are especially thankful for the outpouring of support and prayer they have received for her as well.

To read the letter her family wrote click here...

Fabulous Brown Girl will continue to pray for Maia as she and her family battle this illness.

Two Words: Bryant Park (NY Fashion Week)

If you are a Fabulous Brown Girl and covet fashion then you are already FULLY aware of the happenings in Bryant Park!! Yesterday started NY Fashion Week where designers hold fashion shows twice a year (February and September) to display the new fashion trends for the Spring and Fall seasons.

Most of the fashion shows take place at Bryant Park and journalists, celebrities, and socialites are invited to survey their designs and decide who they will wear or give good reviews to.

Even though I do not claim to be anywhere near "Devil Wears Prada" status, I do enjoy fashion a great deal and will be looking out for the new hottest trends

Speaking of Devil Wears Prada, check out the real "Devil" herself, Anna Wintour, Editor In Chief of Vogue Magazine, in her new award winning documentary "The September Issue". It hits theatres nationwide today! I definitely plan on checking it out!





If you want to learn more about Fashion Week click here ...

A Little Friday Inspiration....

Ladies, I know sometimes you just need a little pick me up to encourage you to make it though the day, the week, or maybe even the year... So Fabulous Brown Girl will randomly just post inspirational quotes or anecdotes to plant seeds of inspiration... Check out the quote below and TGIF!!

"The greatest thing you can do for someone is believe in him or her. And the greatest thing they can do for you is to give you a reason to be able to." -- Anonymous

President Obama: "Health Care is a Human Right"

Yesterday the President addressed the United States Congress about health care reform. He delivered a great speech (in my opinion) that got numerous standing ovations from various members of Congress. Unfortunately, most of the Republicans were not swayed by his speech in the least because they have more debt to special interests (big business/insurance companies) than they do to the citizens who are suffering from our collapsing health care system.

According to the Census Bureau, the number of people without health care rose from 45 million in 2007 to 46 million in 2008. This startling fact was brought to the President's attention and he and his cabinet have come up with a bill that will require ALL Americans by law to have health insurance. The proposed cost of this bill is $900 billion over 10 years and will be similar to how every American who drives a car is required to have auto insurance.

I agree with the bill and our President when he says that having health care is a human right! We are the Power Generation and the changes that our going on within the government will affect us 100% If you have questions ask someone who is knowledgeable to explain it to you. We must be aware of what is going on.

If you did not get a chance to see the speech please watch it and get informed!!

Former Exec puts BET on Blast

Not like we already didn't know this... but it is sad that our alleged notions have been confirmed by former BET executive, Andreas Hale, about the ongoings and lack of structure taking place at Black Entertainment Television. Hale resigned yesterday from BET due to lack of organization and being consistently "shot down" for trying to bring about a positive change to the network.


In my eyes, the last good thing BET did was cancel there trashy video show "UnCut"... (eye roll)

Andreas Hale, jornalist and former BET.com executive

Check out Andreas Hale's email that fully explains why he had to resign here ...

Education is Power, isn't it?

President Barack Obama gave a wonderful speech yesterday addressing grade school children to work hard in school so they can be successful in life. For the life of me I can not understand why they (conservatives) were so up in arms about OUR PRESIDENT encouraging children (who are our future) to work hard and stay in school so that they can be successful. Can some one please break it down to me what was so wrong with this ?! Some right wing school districts around the country even went as far as refusing to show the President's speech because they felt like he was trying to push his political agenda to grade school students? REALLY?!?! It really saddens me that people try to tarnish President Obama's legacy anyway they can.

Here at Fabulous Brown Girl we believe that children can not be encouraged enough that their education is important! EDUCATION IS KEY!!

"The truth is, being successful is hard. You won't love every subject you study. You won't click with every teacher. Not every homework assignment will seem completely relevant to your life right this minute. And you won't necessarily succeed at everything the first time you try," Obama said.

Being the father of grade school children himself, he said what any responisble parent would tell their child.

If you haven't had a chance to see the President Obama Speech, please take time to listen to him.. Inspirational as always!!

Hair Today... Gone Tommorow

It seems that natural hair talk has gained more and more attention lately. I am happy that more women are embracing their hair the way it is naturally. As a matter of fact, Tyra Banks, TV mogul and former supermodel, is joining in on the natural/real hair kick. She revealed her "real" hair today on her talk show. "Tyra" wanted to show everyone that even though she mainly wears wigs and weaves thats its should only be an option. She is trying to embrace her real hair. She has no problem admitting that she wears fake hair, but she doesn't want other women to think that she is trying to cover up having a lack of hair or that she hates her hair.

As a Fabulous Brown Girl, I am not scared to say that I have dabbled in all kinds of hair styles. I think its great to be able to wear your hair in so many countless styles. From silky straight to big and kinky, I have experimented with pretty much everything that I can think of and I absolutley love all the ways I choose to wear my hair.

I don't care what you do with your hair--have fun with it! Just make sure you take care of your REAL hair and always embrace it. Remember that "good" hair is "healthy" hair. So don't let anyone make you feel that your hair isn't beautiful the way it naturally is.

So what do you think FBG's ? Is wearing weave that big of a deal?

If you haven't had a chance to see her hair revealed take a look at the video...

FABULOUS BROWN GIRL Spotlight: The Collective Renaissance Guild

Here at Fabulous Brown Girl, one of our main focuses is non profits and social awareness. As often as we can we are going to spotlight different fabulous brown girl nonprofit organizations that help benefit our community.


This weekend in Atlanta a nonprofit organization known as The Collective Renaissance Guild hosted a conference called the "Power Generation Conference". I attended the "Speak Out" Event where over 2000+ attendees including music professionals, politicians, entrepreneurs, educators, students and supporters were invited to explore opportunities for philanthropy, social entrepreneurship and artistic innovation.

The Collective Renaissance Guild is comprised of Fabulous Brown Girls who want "to infuse the arts, philanthropy and social responsibility in the cultural landscape of the Power Generation (formerly known as Generation X and the Hip Hop Generation) while educating and providing models for subsequent generations. They are committed to cultivating community leadership, arts patronage, and philanthropy among the power brokers of our generation." (CRG Mission)

Here are a couple of pics I snapped while at the event!! Check it out!!

Camera phone picture of Ludacris, Jamie Foxx, Atlanta Civil Rights leader, Joseph Lowery,
and The Collective Renaissance Guild Founders

The Collective Renaissance Guild logo banner