Meant for Amazing Things...

This morning I got up and browsed my twitter timeline only to see that several of my Philadelphia followers were tweeting RIP Vanessa Banks. I find it that when ever someone passes away and they have a twitter account, I am interested to see what some of their last thoughts were. Ms. Vanessa Banks a mother of three was the victim of a murder/suicide where her boyfriend took her life and then his own. Vanessa Banks last tweet states "I WAS MEANT FOR AMAZING THINGS"... Domestic violence is extremely serious and I want all of my females young and old to open their eyes to this type of violence, look for signs, see signs and run away. There is no need to forgive, no need to turn back, your life is worth so much more. Be Blessed, RIP Vanessa Banks...

L. Janell

It is officially on...

SSSSoooooooooooooooo, Guess who is finally #teamiphone, yes sir ME :) now as soon as I figure out how to use this thing I will bring you all, all types of dope pics and cool aps and omg screen shots. I am overly excited about this transition. That'll be all for today :) 

-L. Janell

REDTAILS!

              Yesterday I went to United Artist Theater to see RED TAILS with my family. Before I give my opinion on the film let me just remind you all that, when going to support a black film (or a director, or production company that you favor) you should always make sure that the ticket you receive says the MOVIE of our choice title on it. I remember going to see a Tyler Perry film a few years back and the  ticket I received read "MALL COP, PAUL BLART"... I was so confused but then I realized that this was a scam to keep opening week numbers down for a Tyler Perry Production. Opening weekend is EVERYTHING for a film. I am actually eager to retrieve to my bedroom to put on New York one to see what "RED TAILS" did in the box office this weekend.
                RED TAILS was a great film, Terrance Howard's performance was exceptional. The story of our  men, Black History The Tuskegee Airman's Story is being told. As I sat in the theater proud to be an African American I was also proud to watch so many young black African American men on screen. Might I add that Tristan Wilds and his young handsome self made the film that more enjoyable. I want to encourage you all to go see this film this WEEK. Help opening week sales grow, take a young man with you so he can learn about HISTORY YES HIS-STORY!

L. Janell

Chapter Read

I am currently caught up in this book titled "A Belle in Brooklyn", by journalist Demetria L. Lucas. I must admit its quite interesting to get the males point of view even if it given to you by a female... See the book is full of experiences that the author has actually been through herself. She hangs out with the fellas and then she dishes on their prospective. In one of chapters of the book men give their take on women who carry condoms in their purse. Most of the men were uncomfortable seeing a female even engaging in sexual activities with a woman who carries protection. From their take I believe these men feel like its the males responsibility to carry the protection, and if a female has a condom on her it is stating that she is promiscuous.Well here's my take "IT ONLY TAKES ONE TIME" to have unprotected sex and to contract a disease or to get pregnant. A smart female not only cares ONE CONDOM but TWO... Now I agree with the book when it states a female doesn't need to carry a full variety of condoms but two condoms in my opinion doesn't say that female is a whore out looking for fun, it says if it goes down tonight I will be protected...  Make sure you pick up a copy of  "A Belle in Brooklyn".

-L. Janell 

I wish you SIGHT so you can SEE for YOURSELF...

I have always proclaimed myself to be a "Dreamer"... I have the word DREAM tatted on my wrist, as a constant reminder for me to DREAM. I collect quotes with the word Dream in it, I love the poem DREAMS by Langston Hughes. But when my 16yr old came home yesterday from an MLK Presentation at her Rights of Passage Program, I asked her what was the presentation was about. Taisha explained that the program was based upon one question "Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Had a Dream, but was he a VISIONARY or was he a DREAMER?" She explained that most of the teens in the program came in that morning with the theory that Dr. King was a DREAMER but after the program had ended they were made knowledgeable of the fact that Dr. King not only DREAMED but he saw his Dreams through Dr. King was a Visionary. So I have decided to take my Dreams a step further. By creating a vision board for 2012, my vision board will consist of the things I need to accomplish and the things I want to accomplish. To start my vision board I came up with a list of things that I need to get on top of from gaining guardianship or Taisha to getting a new car. I am challenging myself to have my vision board complete by the end of this week. See the example of a vision board below be inspired to create one for yourself.

-L. Janell

REST IN PEACE MARQUEL

Please take the time out to pray for our youth, today I will sit aside my family and close family friends as we mourn the lost of 23yr old Marquel McDuffie. Marquel lost his life senselessly on Friday night when his intoxicated friend stabbed him... WE HAVE TO DO BETTER...

-L. Janell

Painting The Town BLUE....

40/40 is continuing the baby celebration by adding BLUE front lighting to there midtown location... Interestingly enough I hear that 40/40 is now closed for renovation, soon to reopen its door with a restuarnt included. And our favorite Brooklynite is now the partner and spokesperson of Duracell batteries so there is a lot to celebrate but of course "Baby Blue" is his greatest creation as said in his dedication track which features his little miss Blue Ivy Carter...