Fabulous Brown Girl: It's Our One Year Anniversary!

Today is a milestone for FBG!!!

WE ARE ONE YEAR OLD TODAY!!

A year ago today I started this blog to express something that had been brewing inside of me for a long time- my love for positive black women, fashion, career development, and girl talk. All of these things embody who I am personally as a twenty-something, young professional. At the time I started FBG, I was really into reading other people blogs and decided that why not start my own. So I did. I am so grateful to myself and others who have supported the idea of being a Fabulous Brown Girl! This blog has turned into a brand that I want to follows me where ever I go.

Here's a little back story. When I moved to Atlanta from DC in august of 2009, it was a whole new life for me. I needed something that I could say I was in control of, something I was passionate about, and I needed something to jump start my career goals. Fabulous Brown Girl has done all of that and more for me.

So if you want to start your own blog, company, go back to school, or change careers I say go for it!!! Better yet.... GO HARD FOR IT!! Your dreams are your own and nobody can tell you that you can not do something you are passionate about. There are positive examples of this everywhere you turn. And as my mother always told me ... nobody on this earth is better than you.

"If there is at least one person on this earth that has accomplished what you want than it can be done and it is NOT impossible"

One day I know my dreams will turn into reality and as I will have this blog to thank as the catalyst.

As I transition onto bigger things, I will continue to blog and I will continue to connect with other Fabulous Brown Girl bloggers like myself. I want to do a lot of new things with this blog that I will continue pursue this along with whatever else I am passionate about.

Thank you for your continued support and don't forget to follow @FabBrownGirl on Twitter.

We are FABULOUS: 41st NAACP Image Awards!

Last night the 41st NAACP Image Awards took place to celebrate and reward the accomplishments of people who the organization believes have successfully advanced people of color.

We love anything that celebrates us as a people, puts us in a positive light, and of course gives us a reason to dress up and look FABULOUS as well as support one another.

If you tuned in last night, what was your favorite moment during the awards? We thought they were overall wonderful minus director Lee Daniels acceptance speech... lol.. but what can you do?

Another site said that the awards was definitely a night for the ladies because they were the ones cleaning up and bringing home all the awards. That is what we like to hear!! Let's continue with that trend and BEING FABULOUS!!


Take a look at some of the snapshots of the FABULOUS BROWN GIRLS who attended the awards!

The wonderful and uber talented cast of PRECIOUS!

Always classy Anika Noni Rose who was the Co-host of the Image Awards

Fabulous Brown Girls: Taraji P. Henson, Gabby S., and Raven Simone

Keisha Knight Pulliam showing off her gorgeous gown after winning Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Paula Patton who looks great preggo by the way! She stays glowing!

Some of our favs Keri Hilson and Co-Host Hill Harper took a picture together !

Beautiful FBGs Tichina Arnold and Journee Smollett

2010 "We Are the World" Remake for Haiti

Very recently, the world famous song for unity and aid, "We Are The World" was remade 25 years later to raise for the tragedy that occurred in Haiti over two weeks ago. I would be lying if I said this wasn't isn't extremely ironic that that the 25th anniversary is marked with the earthquake.

Even though it was missing some of the most popular celebrities like Beyonce', Lady Gaga, and a host of other widely popular celebs, I am still amazed and proud at how serious celebrities are taking what happened in Haiti. The philanthropy and the love they are showing is very inspiring.

Check out a few picture of some of the many celebrities giving the gift of their voice and recording the remake of that special song. I am really anticipating to hear the new version because the song still gives me chills whenever I hear it.

Fabulous Brown Girls Jennifer Hudson and Jordin Sparks

Wyclef, Natalie Cole, Kanye West

Lionel Richie and Quincy Jones.. major producers of the Original "We are the World" as well as the 2010 remake.

Jamie Foxx

Lionel Richie, Wyclef, Lil Wayne

Then

Now

Until the new version is released, check out the original made in 1984. I bet you can't tell me this song doesn't do something to you! My father purchased the original record and I plan on purchasing the new version.

BET Honors: This is What Extraordinary Looks Like

So last night BET outdid themselves with this year's broadcast of their 3rd annual BET Honors which took place in Washington, DC. The BET Honors recognized the achievements of fellow Howard Bison, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Queen Latifah, Dr. Keith Black, Dr. Ruth J. Simmons, and Whitney Houston.



Hosted by FBG Gabriel Union, several artists performed to honor them musically with uplifting songs to show them their love and appreciation.

My favorite tributes were Diddy's with Mary J Blige showing love to her "big brother" with a lot of hits they made together; as well as, Kim Burrell and Jennifer Hudson's tribute to Whitney Houston. Those ladies sang their hearts out to Whitney who was not afraid to "show" her gratitude for them while they performed. I didn't mind Whitney's antics because she made it clear, its better to be judged by your triumphs than by your flaws... Only if everyone thought like that!



Check out the tear jerking tribute Kim Burrell performed with her rendition of "I Believe in You and Me". This rendition encompasses how Fabulous Brown Girls everywhere should feel about one another. Thank You Kim and Whitney for that moment and thank you BET. We needed that.

A Little Positivity Goes A Long Way

We just want to tell you Fabulous Brown Girls that now is the time to believe in YOU!

Instead of playing the victim on the bad deck of cards you have been dealt, LET IT GO!

There are always people who are going through far worst life altering events than you are at any given moment.

When you change your mind frame and become a more positive person, then that positivity will shine on to others. Once your positivity shines on others they will more than likely give you that same positive energy.

Forgive those who have done you wrong. You dont have to allow them back in your life, but holding grudges gives THEM power over you that they DO NOT deserve.

Here is a FBG challenge:

Make a pact with yourself to compliment someone at least once everyday on a random thing.

You never know how far a simple "I like your earrings" or "This is delicious" will go and make someone feel for the rest of the day.

I want to challenge you Fabulous Brown Girls to be the Happy, Grateful, and Inspiring women we were all meant to be.

Remember: Energy is real... Positive energy attracts more positive energy. It is like a beautiful cycle that spreads out at any given moment

Howard University and Wale Help Haiti with Benefit Concert

On January 21 Howard University hosted a benefit concert where Wale and a host of other performers gave back and set it off in Crampton University where all the proceeds were donated to the Haiti Earthquake Relief efforts.

Howard University has a rather large Haitian student population and the Haitian Student Association's president who is a native of Port-Au-Prince spoke a few words of gratitude to his fellow student body.

The sold out concert raised over 10,000 dollars in donation money just from ticket sales alone all while being entertained by the DC native recent hip hop phenomenon, Wale.

Fabulous Brown Girl wants to give a special shout out her Alma Mater and Wale for a job well done in the efforts to give back to Haiti in their desperate time of need. Howard is a school that is known for the student body's collective reaction to world tragedy. We do not just sit by and let others take care of the world--we know we have to be the change we want the world to be not to mention we feel even more responsible because [Haitians] are OUR people.

The diaspora is heavily represented at Howard so we can not just sit by and see our people in distress without doing what we can. I am so glad that Howard has instilled that in all of us.

Check out the video of Wale's performance!

Just by looking at the video clip I can tell he put on a FABULOUS show! And let us not forget and go back to our own lives. We have to continue raising money for Haiti. Yes we are reacting faster than other tragedies in the past, but Haiti will be needing our help for years to come. Our help for Haiti is just beginning....

Fabulous Brown Girl Spotlight: Yele Haiti

Ever since the destruction and heartbreak took place in Haiti, there has been a word that has been used and seems to now be synonymous with helping the citizens of Haiti.... "YELE".

Here is a quick breakdown on what Yele Haiti is all about, and why Wyclef Jean deserves all the blessings he has. He literally holds his home country on his back and Fabulous Brown Girl commends him.

Q: What is Yele Haiti:

A: Yele Haiti, created in 2005 and founded by Grammy winning and world renowned Haitian born musician, Wyclef Jean, is a grassroots movement that builds global awareness for Haiti while helping to transform the country through programs in education, sports, the arts and environment. Yéle’s community service programs include food distribution and mobilizing emergency relief.

Q: What is Yele's mission?:

A: To create small-scale, manageable and replicable projects to contribute to Haiti’s long-term progress. Each of Yéle’s projects is conceived to renew hope for Haitians to rebuild their nation. Yéle Haiti wants to project a new forward-thinking image that accurately reflects Haiti’s youthful population and their unique and irrepressible spirit, which is an integral part of their culture.

Q:What does the word "Yele" mean?:
A: Yele was coined by Wyclef in a song and means "a cry for freedom." The logo means STOP THE VIOLENCE with one hand, PEACE with the other... while the heart is LOVE

If you have yet to do your part to help give to these people who so desperately need help dont forget to donate to the relief fund at www.yele.org

Update: The first U.S. military air has made its way to Haiti

Praying for Haiti, How Can We Help?!

Yesterday afternoon shortly before 5 p.m. an earthquake hit the country Haiti at a magnitude of 7.0. This is the worst earthquake the country has experienced in over 100 years.

According to CNN reports, this earthquake was so strong that it could be strongly felt 200 miles away in Cuba. Witnesses say the earthquake left people screaming in terror all around Port-au-Prince. The city is now without any electricity and homes that once held families and businesses are now rubble.

Fabulous Brown Girl is praying for Haiti and all of our Haitian FBG's families and friends. This tragedy has really hit our hearts. Haiti already has enough economic problems and really did not need a horrific natural disaster to add more fuel to the fire.

Please let's do what we can to help this country.

Click Here to Learn How to Help Haiti

Here is a Fabulous Brown Girl talking about the affects of the earthquake.



Haitian Ambassador says it was a "catastrophe of major proportion"

Notice Anything New?! 2010 is our BREAKTHOUGH year!

Happy New Year!!!

Wow ! 2009 was a great year! It was the year Fabulous Brown Girl came to me as an idea in the middle of the night and became a reality. I had several AHA moments as many scholarly folks would like to call it in 2009 which I am grateful for and it will only keep growing from here. It was a year of growth, change, and humility for me and 2010 will be the year where my thoughts and ideas actualize and become reality! 2010 will be in one simple word a.. BREAKTHROUGH!

With that we decided to change our look a bit! Do you like?! I hope you do, because this new format will be around for a while. Evolution is very necessary and is a great thing to realize and be a part of!

Fabulous Brown Girl will continue to evolve into greatness and I can't wait to see where this journey of female empowerment, inspiration, community involvement, and social sophistication takes us!

I have noticed that many of my young professional peers have a great anticipation about 2010! I think we for the most part we are growing into our own and I am happy and extremely proud to see these changes of mind frame coming about?

So to all my Fabulous Brown Girls, how did you bring in the New Year and what are you looking forward to doing differently in 2010?

A Very FBG Thanksgiving: Community Service in Houston!

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you had as much of a great time with family and loved ones as I did. As well as an opportunity to give a "FBG THANK YOU!" for everything and everyone in your life you appreciate and love!

I am grateful to be able to be home in Houston for Thanksgiving! On the morning of Thanksgiving, my family has started a tradition of serving those less fortunate before we serve ourselves. I am so glad that service is as important to my family as it is to me! The City of Houston hosts a city wide community service event where they ask for volunteers to come and feed the homeless and give clothes to the needy.

This year we were able to give out clothes and it was great to see those less fortunate pick up shoes, shirts, jackets, long johns, and blankets all donated and neatly arranged by volunteers. Check out some quick pictures I took and enjoy the rest of your vacation!

*SMOOCHES*

A gentleman with his arms full of clothes! Glad he can get what he is in need of.

Just a snippet of the line of people who are in need.

A gentleman picking up some things he is in need of.

The "crew" - family and friends taking a group pic

FBG Spotlight: Giving Back to OUR HOUSE

Last Thursday, FABULOUS BROWN GIRL had an awesome opportunity along with Brandi Starr from Starr Studded Events to volunteer at Our House in Atlanta, GA. Our House is a child care facility designed for people who could not afford expensive day care costs, or may be recovering from being homeless and making attempts to get back on their feet.

We threw birthday parties for every age group! We gave them cupcakes, lemonade, chips, and animal crackers! Seeing these kids faces light when we entered the room was a very memorable moment! Gifts were even given out to children whose birthdays were actually during the month of November! Unfortunately, these children's family probably do not have the resources to have birthday parties for their little ones even though they proably really want to!

Like I posted yesterday, giving back is not just about doing favors for others, its ultimately about giving to yourself. Giving yourself the feeling of philanthropy is a great gift. It humbles you and allows you to be appreciative of what you were blessed with.

I want to give Brandi Starr a huge Thank You! for making this opportunity possible for me to take part of! It is definitely something I think would be great to do again in the future!

Check out this slideshow of the OUR HOUSE birthday parties! Photos courtesy of Kustom Kreations Photography. Can't you tell we had a great time?! I mean how can you not when you are throwing birthday parties for these wonderful kids ?!

A Little Fabulous Brown Girl Inspiration: Serving Others and Being Fabulous

Happy Monday!

Here at Fabulous Brown Girl our motto is being fabulous means doing more...

A truly fabulous person knows that it is not always about her and her latest trends, men, and socialite lifestyle, but about about recognizing that there are others who can not afford to have what you do and that being fabulous is really about taking time to give back to others.

What service are you committed to? Are you involved with a service oriented non profit organization? Are you involved in a ministry at your church?

These are just a snippet of ways that you can give back and be even more fabulous!

Let Fabulous Brown Girl know what you are doing to give back and TRULY be fabulous!

Remember you are not doing God a favor by serving others, He is the one doing you a favor!

Welcome to Fabulous Brown Girl

What is a FABULOUS BROWN GIRL?

She is a woman of color who knows that being fabulous means so much more than shopping, clubbing, and being stalked by every man (single or taken) in the street. She knows that truly being fabulous means doing more than the average women. She is confident, sassy, socially aware, opinionated, and philanthropic. She wants to be financially literate and eco-friendly all while stopping traffic and hitting up upscale social and networking events. This blog will cover a lot of different issues that I feel are important for a young, urban, professional woman like myself.

• Career Development


• Social Awareness


• Women Empowerment/Motivational Affirmations


• Urban Celebrities


• Financial Literacy


• Eco-Friendliness/ Going "GREEN"


• Philanthropy/ NON Profit/ Charities


• Beauty/ Hair Tips and Tricks


• Being FAB on an entry-level budget


• ... and much more
  

I will post to this blog as often as I can to share interesting links and videos to keep everyone up to date with current events as well as offer encouraging words to make sure we are striving to be as "fabulous" as we can.

The FABULOUS BROWN GIRL revolution will not be televised so stay locked in to get it all!!