It's Better to Give Than Receive

I am a strong advocate for building and bettering the African American Community.  I believe that there are not enough people that actually invest time in building our community.  There are not enough people that give back to our community.  People fail to  realize that money is not the only way to give back.  Time invested is the most important.  So, you don't have to be rich or well off to be involved.  There are many ways that you can help, volunteering, donating items that you no longer use, starting educational classes (nutrition, cooking, health, etc.).  Giving back to the community gives you so much gratification!!!  I went to a Volunteer Orientation last night, and I swear I was on a natural high!!!  It was amazing and it definitely was an eye opener!  I have been volunteering since I was in middle school, and it it just a way of life for me.  I want to give back in every aspect, but my heart is with helping our youth.

I believe that our heartbeat is our youth.  Nothing holds more truth than the saying, "The youth are our future."  I have been working with youth for over 5 years.  I have volunteered at African American Role Model Association, The Youth Family Center, and St. Louis Public Schools.  I have mentored, and tutored our youth and empathized with them.  Our young brothers and sisters are calling out for help, but it is falling on deaf ears.  There are not enough positive African American role models giving them the attention that they are yearning for.  I feel that if you can give back then you most definitely should!  A lot of people like to talk about the problems, but that is NOT the solution!  Remember it takes a village to raise a child!

Giving back is not only self gratifying, it has many other benefits.  You put a smile on someone's face, whether you do it directly or indirectly.  It can also be beneficial to your physical health.  Some studies concluded that volunteers had better health than non-volunteers.  Also, doing for others may stimulate the release of endorphins, which has been linked to improved nervous and immune system functions, too.  Hmmmm...That may explain why I felt like I was on a natural high!  It also boosts your self esteem, and gives you a sense of empowerment.  I definitely felt that last night as well!  So giving back is not only beneficial to the recipients, but you as well!

I know people have hectic schedules nowadays, but try to squeeze in something once a wk for an hour or two.  Trust me you won't regret it!  Also, I will be posting different Community Events on my site so check that from time to time!

Meditation is GOOOOD for the Soul!

I am working on incorporating meditation into my everyday life.   I am involved in life and work, and seeking more serenity and calm in my life.  Meditation isn't just sitting with your legs crossed, eyes closed chanting "ooooooooommmmmmm."  You don't even have to be sitting to practice meditation.  You can practice wherever you are-- whether you're out for a walk, riding the bus, at work, or in a business meeting.  Meditation is about regrouping, it is a good way to manage stress and bring inner peace.  During my day when my children are resting, I try to take time out and meditate.  I use guided meditation where I focus on a place of relaxation and serenity. Sometimes I even do breathing exercise to relax as well.  I find that it is very relaxing, and eases me throughout my day.

Meditation has many benefits to both your emotional well-being and overall health.  When you meditate you clear away the information overload that builds up every day and contributes to your stress.  You gain a new perspective on stressful situations, and reduce negative emotions.  It's also useful if you have a medical condition, especially one that may be worsened by stress.  It may help with some conditions such as: allergies, anxiety disorders, asthma, cancer, depression, heart disease, high blood pressure.  

I also want to take up Yoga!  That is also a form of meditation, it also strengthens your body.  So it's great exercise!  I will be looking to join to yoga classes soon...any you all recommend?!

Black to White

So, I've found this clip of an African Singer that is bleaching her skin because she want's to "Be White"!  Christina Aguilera white to be specific.  She has done the whole nine, breast augmentation and other plastic surgeries to alter her body.  Now she is preparing to get plastic surgery to reach her ultimate goal, Christina Aguilera white.  She has already been bleaching her skin, and is now considerably lighter than she once was.


I am just in AWE!!! I know that this goes on in the African American Community, just as much as tanning does.  However, I just don't understand it!  It is a shame that these people feel that they have to alter themselves to be happy.  I mean I really don't understand what you are gaining out of the situation.  With that white skin comes so many side effects it's ridiculous.  You're going to be white, but confined to the house so no one will really see you anyway...I'm just saying.


I'm posting this video of the interview with the singer, Nomasonto Mnisi, also known as Mshozo.  Tell me your thoughts!

NaturalAlity...

The epitome of a Goddess

My almond shaped eyes, luscious lips, and kinky tresses

My rich deep skin tone, my voluptuous hips and thighs

Doesn’t matter white, yellow, brown man or woman I see you affix your eyes

To me as I float through a room

Feet barely touching the grown because I’m uplifted, fortified above all

My style, grace, and confidence is tattooed on your mind

A Goddess like me is one of a kind

One of a kind and no one can compare

No matter how much you tan, get injections or relax your hair

You see the irony it’s the natural woman you hate

But you’re continuously trying to imitate

The black woman is the creator, reproducer, nurturer of all

We are the problem solved

The answer to the question

The effect to the cause

The period the beginning and end to it all

So my brown sister never be discouraged to stand tall

You have to realize it’s not an option to fall

Without you there would be nothing at all

White, black, Latino or Asian

You are the creator of the entire nation

So always walk with your head facing high

Passion and determination in your eye

Keep what they want and give up nothing

Don’t give up your natural elegance, your divine body, and your lovely locks

Embrace the Goddess you are without hesitation

Because whether you know it or not the black woman is at the heart of everyone’s sensation…

You are what you eat....right?!

Natural diet. Our hands, teeth, feet, intestinal tract...even our body chemistry is that of an herbivore.

The second step that I am taking on this journey is eliminating meats, fried foods, and most dairy.  I am becoming a vegetarian!  I am very proud of myself for taking this step.  Even though I was not a big meat eater, it is still a VERY big step for many people to take.  It's like pulling out teeth!  However, it is one of the best choices to make.  You know the saying you are what you eat, well yea look at cows and pigs, then look at most of the population (obesity).  In 2009 63.1% of adults in America were overweight or obese, that's over half!!!  Between 16 and 33 percent of children and adolescents are obese!!! Studies confirm that vegetarians tend to be thinner than meat eaters.  I mean of course, did you know that they pump our favorite (chicken) with steroids, to make them bigger = more product = more money! There are over 20,000 different drugs, including sterols, antibiotics, growth hormones, and other veterinary drugs that are given to livestock animals!!! Wow, those numbers are astonishing right?!  Just think about what you're consuming, I know we've all heard about "Mad Cow Disease," and recalling meats...riiiight!  Now don't get me wrong there was that recent recall on lettuce I believe, which brings me to my next point...


Organic is the way to go!!!  If you can't grow it yourself, that is the next best thing. Organic foods are foods that are produced using methods that do not involve modern synthetic inputs such as synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers, do not contain genetically modified organisms, and are not processed using irradiation, industrial solvents, or chemical food additives.  Less chemicals, and drugs are always better.  Even if you do continue to eat meat try to convert to organic.  


Here are some other Good reasons to go meatless:

• Heart Disease. Meat eating increases the risk of heart disease, this country's #1 killer. The correlation is an epidemiological fact.
• Diabetes
• Arthritis
• Acne. Aggravated by animal food.
• Multiple Sclerosis

Ok, now I need some input!  If you know of any good vegetarian restaurants or recipes share them!!!  Thanks much love!!!

Natural Hair

“Don’t remove the kinks from your hair. Remove them from your brain”.- Marcus Garvey

Well, my first step on my journey has been my natural hair.  I first went natural in 2009, after my first son was born.  I always wanted to try it but of course societies standards steered me away.  However, after being a new mother and not being able to care for my hair often, I just gave in and pursued the big chop!  I must say I LOVED it!  I was in love with the new me, it was as if I was given a new confidence!  It also was much easier to maintain with the hassles of a new baby.  I must admit the first time I cut my hair it was not due to research I had done about the chemicals and toxins of perms.  It was not due to wanting to rebel against society and the image they pounded into our brains of what a woman is "supposed" to look like.  So, naturally I still let those things get to me and govern my decisions.  After being natural for awhile I started to miss the straight "pretty" hair.  I began to become unhappy with my experience and wanted to change my look again.  So in 2011 I put a perm back in my hair.  I know, I know your saying what was she thinking?!  I must say I was thinking what I was "supposed" to be thinking.  That straight hair is prettier, straight hair is what men want, straight hair will make you more acceptable in the work force, straight hair is just how it "should" be.  Well, boy are ALL those perceptions WRONG!  After chopping my hair back off towards the end of 2011, I've learned there's NOTHING more BEAUTIFUL than my curly, kinky locks!  With the amount of toxins we put in our body daily, why the hell would we add some more unnecessary stuff onto it?  We have been brainwashed into thinking straight is right, during slavery times they corrupted Blacks into believing that whites were the superior race meaning we wanted their hair, their skin, their eyes!  Nowadays they corrupt women with videos, making them believe that long weave, eyelashes, and tons of make up are the way to go.  We need to realize that others cannot dictate our NATURALALITY!  I know that's not a word I made it up, but you get the point!  Personally I believe Natural Hair ROCKS!


More and more women are doing the big chop nowadays, and I am loving it!  There is also talks about a reality show!  Exciting right!  MTV's "True Life" is casting women GOING NATURAL!  I encourage any women who are transitioning to natural and ready to big chop apply.  If you appear to be between the ages of 15-28 and would like to document your transition to natural hair, send an email to casting@lintonmedia.com and tell them your hair story.  You must include your name, location, phone number and recent photos of yourself.  It is time an accurate voice is given to this often misunderstood movement. 


Check out this video, and give me your feedback!