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RED TAILS MOVIE: MLK WKND Premiere
The highly anticipated Red Tails movie about the heroic Tuskegee Airmen, Black aviators who fought in the US World War II opens on MLK Weekend! In Tuskegee Alabama, screenings, interviews and celebrations kick off that weekend along side the film opening with an all-star cast. I’m planning to make a trip with a fellow blogger and will surely detail our experience with a post and video. Who’s making plans to view the film in two weeks?? 
Peace,
Dawnavette
Death To This Narrative In The New Year
It’s a New Year, and time to lay old thoughts and theories to rest. Particularly those about the “single Black woman.” Had to share this clever and timely video, “Death of the Tragic, Scientifically Less Attractive, Unmarriable, Single Black Woman Narrative” by online talk show host Ariana Proehl of KnowThisTv.
Find out more about her empowering movement on her site, and encourage others to bury the negative “single Black woman” conversation. We’re beautiful dammit.
Peace,
Dawnavette
You Ain’t Gotta Steal Craig…
Wednesday, Jan. 4th, the talented Franchesca Ramsey (@chescaleigh) released the HILARIOUS, brilliant and honest “Shit White Girls Say To Black Girls” early morning on You Tube. Within minutes it went viral and was virtually everywhere, gaining attention from many mainstream media outlets. It also caught the attention of mega-blogger Perez Hilton, who allegedly posted the video on his “Perez TV” without linking back, giving credit to, or siting the creator. *Big Sean Voice* Hole up. Wait. WhattheJoeJacksonHell?!?!
Perez is on record for making millions blogging, yet he didn’t want to give credit to this young talented Black woman of lesser notoriety? After “Black Twittah” got hold of this story, particularly the swift work of @DrGoddess demanding immediate justice, Perez snatched down the video entirely. Wow. So this is how we’re playing in 2012? The full rants and outrage can be viewed here.
Just goes to show that if we don’t look out for one another, or support the lesser-known creative minds, no one else will. Thanks to @DrGoddess and the coalition (smile) on Black Twittah for coming to the swift defense, and continue to promote the original video on its original platform. I won’t be visiting Perez Hilton anytime soon, and encourage you to do the same. Give credit where it’s due or don’t bother at all. Otherwise, it’s stealing. It’s pretty simple.
What are your thoughts about the video? Thoughts about Perez’ trying to pirate the rights to it?
Peace,
Dawnavette
Peace,
Dawnavette
MMDD: PARIAH (UPDATE!!)
The film PARIAH, written and directed by Dee Rees has won rave reviews after appearing at the Sundance Film Festival and walking away with the Excellence In Cinematography Award (U.S. Dramatic Competition). I’m very excited that it is the first selection for Manuscript, Movie, Dinner (Drinks) and Discussion event of 2012.
An overview:
Adepero Oduye, who had earlier starred in the short film, portrays Alike (pronounced ah-lee-kay), a 17-year-old African-American woman who lives with her parents Audrey and Arthur (Kim Wayans and Charles Parnell) and younger sister Sharonda (Sahra Mellesse) in Brooklyn’s Fort Greene neighborhood. She has a flair for poetry, and is a good student at her local high school.
Alike is quietly but firmly embracing her identity as a lesbian. With the sometimes boisterous support of her best friend, out lesbian Laura (Pernell Walker), Alike is especially eager to find a girlfriend. At home, her parents’ marriage is strained and there is further tension in the household whenever Alike’s development becomes a topic of discussion. Pressed by her mother into making the acquaintance of a colleague’s daughter, Bina (Aasha Davis), Alike finds Bina to be unexpectedly refreshing to socialize with.
Wondering how much she can confide in her family, Alike strives to get through adolescence with grace, humor, and tenacity – sometimes succeeding, sometimes not, but always moving forward – Focus Films
UPDATE!!! UPDATE!!*** THIS FRIDAY 1.13.12 is the first MMDD event! I know, there was not an initial manuscript prior to the film release, but we’re broadening the theme to include poignant films reflective of authentic and diverse stories of and about the Black experience.
What: Viewing of PARIAH
Where: (Landmark Theatres) Midtown Arts Cinema Atlanta, GA *** The film is now projected to sell out early! SO, if serious about attending with the group, please try to purchase tickets in advance and plan to meet earlier so we can be seated together. Advance tickets: Landmarktheatres.com , Moviefone.com and Movietickets.com for the 7:45pm showing!***
followed by Dinner (Drinks) and a Discussion at Apres Diem Atlanta, GA (right next to the theatre) @ 9:30PM
Who: YOU! Please come out, bring friends or simply self!
Why: To view Black cinema that will foster discussion afterwards at a wonderful restaurant. What is provocative art without discussion?!
Extra Important Deets: Plan to arrive at Midtown Arts Cinema by 7:00 so the group can be seated together. I did NOT purchase the block set (people tend to flake) so as this is the first night there will be a small crowd. Also, if planning to dine, there will be drink specials and a small section for the group to mingle, discuss and connect at Apres Diem. I can’t wait!
Any questions, comments, concerns, or whomps, please feel free to contact.
Remember, if we don’t support films and projects reflective of authentic and brilliant stories unique to OUR experiences…don’t expect anyone else to. Hope to see you next week!
Peace,
Dawnavette
“I’m Feminist Enough…” It’s A Movement
“I’m Feminist Enough” caught my attention last week on Twitter as a favorite follow RT’ed this brilliant video of young women re-defining the face of feminism with modern and personal interpretation. Created by Shannon Washington, the ultimate goal to “rethink and refresh” the term feminist for women of color is clear in the diverse representation, participation and execution. In other words, I’m. A. FAN.
“Using video and still imagery, the I’m Feminist Enough …project seeks to visualize the fresh face of feminism and demonstrate to our young sisters (and brothers) the value of feminist thought in our daily lives in a manner that is simple, sexy, modern and easy.” - Shannon Washington
Check out the first video in the series found on ImFeministEnough
For more information or to contribute your voice in the movement visit http://imfeministenoughto.tumblr.com
Peace,
Dawnavette
Revamping In the New Year
Hey y’all, hey!! So after eons of no new posts… I’m back. Took a long time to make decisions about the direction of my lil’ site and came to several new conclusions.
- Finding my own niche – though extremely passionate about pop culture and most things entertaining, I have no desire to post coverage of all that transpires in those worlds. In the initial conception of the blog, I truly wanted to be like a Perez Hilton, or Necole Bitchie (they’re both amazing bloggers) but that content doesn’t hold my interest nor am I glued to the scene with their professional intensity. I will however comment on pop culture headlines and stories that appeal to me, my feminist perspective or what I feel my readers find relevant. I’ll remain true to my opinionated commentary, often on media issues pertaining to Black women/women in general.
- I’m a feminist, but not in the traditional sense – feminism is defined as the movement and belief of the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes, and I totally support alllllathat. However, I’m a devout listener to hip-hop music which has an extensive history (and present) of misogynistic lyrics and behavior. Hey. I’m a work in-progress, and the writing will reflect my knowledge along the journey to brilliance (Aim high, right?).
- Change is good- as I learn to be a better blogger and expand, the site will be undergoing changes. Hopefully you enjoy the impending improvements and additional content. My vision is larger than this WP currently reflects, so I appreciate you continuing to follow along. Please offer feedback via email, social networks, or even out on the street! I don’t bite, and love meeting new people.
With that, it’s time to get to the blog posts!! It’s been well over a year, I remain committed to the site, my writing, and ultimately contributing to women knowing their worth and potential. Thanks so much for reading, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Write YOUR vision and make your dreams reality…
Peace,
Dawnavette
Sorority For Plus-Sized Women: But WHY?
At first, I thought it a joke. Considering the plethora of organizations already in existence that support people struggling with weight issues and several nationally recognized sororities that foster sisterhood and welcome members regardless of body type, skin tone, or size, the concept initially seemed like a redundant effort. Chi Zeta Theta Sorority, however, is in fact an established, non-collegiate sorority that (according to the website) encourages, empowers and uplifts the plus-sized woman. Their vision:
“As a sisterhood, we strive to strengthen grace and beauty within plus size women and promoting excellence within one another as well the plus size adolescents.”
No one can argue that all women are worthy of support, inclusion, and uplift, but why does the CZT bond center around maintaining a plus-size and a Greek organization?
*Side Eye*
Their community service aspect deserves a stadium of applause, but Greek affiliation is not a mandate to create social change/ a difference. The CZT website didn’t list a weight requirement, but indicated (photos) obesity is a considered factor for membership. Why focus on weight at all?! Weight is a very sensitive issue in America, a first-world country that provides endless options for food consumption without regulation or censorship while media advertisers prey on insecurities. Promotion of healthy eating habits, physical activities and lifestyles often take the last seat on the bus in favor of fast food, extra-large portions, and fad/quick diets which the general public thirsts for. A quick fix.
As millions struggle to manage their weight, obesity steadily climbs to epidemic numbers and First Lady Michelle Obama has made childhood obesity her campaign legacy, why is a “plus-sized” sorority to be celebrated? Empowering “plus-sized” living gives shallow validation to a life of obesity, but heart disease, hypertension, cardiac arrest and diabetes prove otherwise. Why not celebrate the millions that work hard to alter their lifestyle (sans surgery) to lose weight? Why not found more organizations that promote physical activity and healthy living like Black Girls Run? Why not make good health a priority/focus?
Just as women of CZT were (unfortunately) made punch lines by many on social media when their intake footage leaked, obese adolescents across the nation are faced with similar ridicule. The Georgia Anti-Childhood Obesity campaign uses dramatic (controversial) PSA’s shaming the inner-personal struggles of youth. An example:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OZB6qKKzE8&feature=colike
Admittedly harsh, stereotypical, and difficult to watch, the message is clear. Obesity isn’t celebratory, but making a lifestyle change is. Encourage healthy living as opposed to a deleterious social pass to remain obese.
Peace,
Dawnavette
New Short Film Explores Lack of Fathers In Black Community
The current statistic for Black children born out of wedlock is 70%. Current statistic for Black children raised without a father in the home/in their lives is 64%. Producers/directors Squeaky Moore and Ashley Shante have created a short film called “Father’s Day” that focuses on the 64%, in hopes to explore and spark discussion on this crucial issue in our communities. Raising promotional funds through IndieGoGo, it should hit film festivals this fall. View the trailer:
Film synopsis: Cori’s father walked out on her and her mother when she was very young. Years later, while studying Psychology in college a professor assigns her final paper assignment to write about her relationship with her father. Cori is then forced to confront her mother about the elephant in the room, her absentee father.
For several decades the Black community has watched the numbers increase, the effects of which can be seen in interpersonal relationships and self-esteem, The film doesn’t offer any solutions, but surely sheds a critical light on this major issue. “Because fatherlessness has become the norm, does not mean, by any means, make it right. A father to a child is a necessity not a privilege.” – Squeaky Moore & Ashley Shante
Learn more about the film’s progress, cast, and screenings HERE. Thoughts?
Peace,
Dawnavette
Blue Ivy Carter: The Most Anticipated Birth of the Year?!
Aside from well-wishes of health, congratulations, and blessings, everything else seems wasted banter. That hasn’t stopped the hilarious false Twitter account creations, heated public debates on the origin and presumed connotation of the name (“but it’s so GHET-TO”-what does that even mean), or interruptions of every major news programs to promote the headline, “Beyonce Gives Birth” as though the child is indeed the second coming. It’s really weird to watch all the frenzy around a newborn only a select few will ever get to meet in real life Craig. *shrug* Just wish the world would keep it in perspective. They’re celebrities. Blessings to the Carter family, and wishing them a smooth transition into parenthood, away from the public eye and scrutiny.
Peace,
Dawnavette