IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME COMING...PRESIDENT BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA!!!

There is strength in numbers, the people have elected Barack Hussein Obama President of the United States of America.

I am so overwhelmed right now. This is what our parents and grandparents worked so hard for, the sit ins, the marches, the abuse. This is what Martin, Malcolm, Marcus, Medgar and countless others worked hard to see come to fruition. We have no excuses when we say something can't be done. Little children can be anything they want to be as long as they believe.

I am proud to say our next President of the United States is BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA!!!!

EXCLUSIVE WEDNESDAYS - MIA AMBER!

Happy Wednesday!

This fall I'll be profiling people you may or may not know about and I'm calling it Exclusive Wednesdays. My first subject is a model, actress, producer (is there anything that she doesn't do?), and my good buddy. Some of you may know her from Ashley Stewart and from the cult movie classic "Road Trip". Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Mia Amber!

Mia, thanks for sitting down with me for this Q & A. Tell everyone how you got started in the business called show.
I started off as an intern for Geraldo Rivera's, "Geraldo Specials." After college, where I majored in communications I parlayed an internship at the Ricki Lake Show into a career as a producer. Along the way I have also worked on numerous productions including Russell Simmons' HBO Def Comedy Jam, Its Showtime at the Apollo, VH-1 Hard Rock Live and most recently I served as the Senior Booking Producer for Star Jones on Court TV.

That sounds like a lot of fun, and a lot of work. Did you ever feel discriminated against in the workplace?
I have never felt any discrimination. Actually I was somewhat unique at some productions due to my ethnicity and my physical stature. For the most part my ideas were well received and nurtured or developed when they needed to be.

Tell us about your transition from behind the camera producing to being in front of the camera.
While producing at Ricki Lake I auditioned for the role of Rhonda in the DreamWorks feature film, "Road Trip." I landed the role and was subsequently offered the cover of Belle magazine and I was bitten by the modeling bug. I was still producing and I was a size 24. Up until that film and photo shoot, I'd never thought there was a place for me in the industry in front of the camera. I visited agencies and I was told that if I was serious about modeling I'd have to get down to a size 20. I got down to an 18 and started submitting myself for work.

Who were your influences in the modeling world?
I have always been a fan of Lisa Scott. I used to collect her Belle covers. I consider her and Sharon Quinn industry mentors and friends. I also have been a fan of the legendary Gail O'Neill since I can remember. No matter where she was on location or no matter what she was wearing she always owned it and looked like she was born to be there. Tyra Banks is also a great influence on me. We're both actors, models and producers. She has transitioned into a brand and that is also one of my goals.

What are some of the projects that you’ve done where people may recognize you?
I have been blessed to be an Ashley Stewart campaign model for the past four years. I have also had the pleasure of working with Curvation for Queen Latifah, Monif C., Project Runway, The View, Today and many others.

MIA FOR ASHLEY STEWART:


People think that the world of modeling is easy, but those who are in the plus modeling industry have a different perspective.
Being a model is not easy. I tell women all the time that it's not like it is in the movies where the photographers tell you exactly what to do and often times it's definitely not as glamorous! It's hard work and you have to prepare for it like any other job you would want to make a career out of. If you're interested in getting started I've blogged about it on www.myspace.com/Mia_Amber .

A lot of aspiring models want a hook up but there is no such thing...there's no getting around doing the work and being prepared for your own journey.There has NEVER been a time in my life that I have wanted to give up on my dreams of modeling acting or producing. There are definitely times where I want to pull my hair out but I never want to quit!

You’re currently the spokesmodel for Ashley Stewart’s Butterfly Bra collection. What has that experience been like?
I feel quite blessed to have been chosen as the face of the Butterfly Bra campaign. Jill Scott and Ashley Stewart designed the bra with the full figured, ample woman in mind and the nationwide tour we did to promote the bra was a dream come true. I got to meet so many women who had the same issues as I do. I strongly urge women with issues finding a great, affordable bra to log onto http://www.ashleystewart.com/ and take a look at the Butterfly collection.

With everything that you’ve done so far what has been your biggest accomplishment (personal or professional)?
My biggest accomplishment has yet to come. I don't ever want to settle for anything in life. As soon as I conquer a goal it only creates another opportunity for me to reach higher.

Last question: Do you still get recognized for “Road Trip”?

I get recognized from Road Trip just about everyday and most amazing is that sometimes my voice gets recognized before my face does! Recently I was swarmed by a group of guys visiting from Australia. It's amazing how many people you can reach with the telling of a story. I'm truly thankful.

Check out Mia at her myspace page: www.myspace.com/mia_amber.

More pix of Mia...

LATARIAN MILTON STRIKES AGAIN!

Happy Monday!!!!

Latarian Milton is the 7 year old in Florida who took his mother's car for a joyride. He said he did it because "doing bad things is fun" and he wanted to do "hood rat stuff with friends."

Well it seems Latarian has struck again, four more times to be exact. Latarian stole the keys to his grandma's 2006 Durango again! After Latarian stole the car, he drove down the street, turned into Costco, hit two parked cars, got back onto the street and hit two more parked cars before pulling into the Wal-Mart parking lot. He finally hit a sign and then drove into a ditch. His grandmother's Durango is totaled and Latarian has no remorse!

When asked why he stole his grandmother's SUV again, Latarian said, "Cause I wanted to do it. My friend was in the car with me. I took it on a high-speed chase!" And what does he think about the people whose cars he hit? "I think nothing about them!"

Check out the video:



Ok...real talk here. My first reaction was that his mother & grandmother need to take shifts beating his behind. The more I thought about it I realized that this little boy has a serious problem. The question is what can his family do to help him before he really falls through the cracks. Little Black boys have it so hard and if he doesn't get the help he so desperately needs society will not be kind to him. His grandmother can keep making excuses but in the real world it will not wash.

I truly hope he gets whatever help he needs to deal with whatever is going on.

The Unveiling of “Michelle Obama’s Makeover For America”

A controversial bust designed in the likeness of Michelle Obama was unveiled yesterday in NYC.
On his website, the artist, Daniel Edwards, described his artwork as

"an accessorized mannequin bust of Obama that foregoes the conventional pearl necklace, and provides for her a “signature look” to take to Washington. “The goal is to create a look for Michelle Obama that eliminates excessive comparisons to Jackie Kennedy.”




WTH?! I'm all for artistic freedom but I am a little offended by the bust. Jackie Kennedy, Nancy Reagan, even Barbara Bush were depicted as elegant and classic, and this is the best he can come up with? It doesn't even look like her! And what's with the pick in her head!?

Sigh...

Ron Jones...Resting In Peace

Last week I received an email from a friend of mine on our college website regarding a friend who went to school with us. I clicked on the link and it said:

"Parents Grateful For Arrest in 18-Year-Old Cold Case"
COURTESY OF WWW.WUSA9.COM

A life of promise snatched away 18 years ago, is a loss still fresh in the hearts and minds of the parents of Ron Jones, Jr.



"You take anybody's life and you don't know how it affects the rest of the family, your friends," said the murder victims father, Ron Jones, Sr.

"It takes a part of your heart out that no matter what happens. you'll never have that part again. It's hard," said his wife, Deedra.

The couple has longed for closure and hoped for an arrest in the murder of their only son. DC Police say they have solved the cold case that has haunted the 22-year-old victim's family for almost two decades.

"I wanted to be strong for my family, and being in the field at that time, I thought I was standing up for them. When he told me that they had actually made an arrest, I was glad I was sitting down because it really overcame me," said Jones, Sr.

"There are no words to express how grateful we are for what they've done. I mean, there are no words. Thank you...thank you," said the victim's mother.

It was July 13, 1990 when a gunman opened fire on the car the police officer's son was riding in with three friends near 5th Street and Massachusetts Avenue, NW The road rage incident left DC homicide detectives with few clues except a composite drawing of the killer.

Forty-year-old John Brugada Holmes was arrested. He had been serving time for on a federal fraud 2004 conviction when police charged him with 2nd degree murder. Detectives Rita McCoy and Oliver Garvey solved the cold case.

"The detectives who work for me put in the effort and kept at it. We don't forget. We don't forget any of our victims ," said Lt. Michael Farish, Superintendent of the Detectives Division.

Jones, who was a star quarterback at Norfolk State University, had just graduated. He had been accepted into Howard University's Law School when the shooting took his life and destroyed his parents' hopes for his future. They will be in the courtroom when Holmes is arraigned on the murder charge.

"I don't know how I will make it through that, but I will. I have to. I've waited for this. I've prayed for this," said Mrs. Jones.

"He was a great kid, you know. I think that's what keeps us going. He was a good kid," said Jones, Sr.

I sat here reading the article with tears in my eyes. I met Ron as a sophomore during basketball intramural games and he was polite, funny, and yes, fine. Underneath the looks was a highly intelligent young man who always gave you advice when you needed it.

I was in DC the summer he was killed, and I can remember it like it was yesterday. My roommate & I were going out when she got the call and needless to say we were both in shock. Why would someone take someone's life over some foolishness?

Ron's death left me angry and hurt because he had such promise and to have it gone in the blink of an eye just didn't make sense to me. It did, however, bond me with people who are still my friends to this day, because we collectively grieved for him.

I hope the person ( he's not worth naming as far as I'm concerned) suffers for ruining someone's life & his family's life, and I hope that Ron is resting in peace now.

Ron, you are still missed, more than you know.

Gwen "Diva" DeVoe's 50th Birthday Bash!

HAPPY LABOR DAY!!!!

It's been a while since I've posted but I'm back with a lot more to talk about.

Last week a collection of friends and I pulled off the biggest plus size birthday bash in honor of Gwen "Diva" DeVoe! If you don't know Ms. Devoe she is the CEO/Founder of DeVoe Signature Events, the production and management company that specializes in fashion events for the plus size community. One of her companies is The Plus Academy, New York City's leading model training and development program, exclusively for plus size women. If you don't know who she is Google her and get in the know!

If you know "The Mogul" then you know that one of her mantras is "if you want something done right you gotta do it yourself". Well, we all pulled together to give her a party for her 50th birthday. This was not an easy task, because Diva's the type to plan her own events her own way. Nevertheless, we were up to the task.

As soon as Diva arrived at the venue she was speechless. She looked fabulous in a an original Douglas Says gown (check my previous blog to learn more about Douglas), and face done by our "IT" girl Tara Taylor. There was a camera crew, paparazzi, and a step and repeat. She was so overwhelmed by everything that she didn't have a chance to cry because DSE-TV correspondent Suzette interviewed her on the spot! Once the interview was over she posed in front of her Step & Repeat:
courtesy of http://www.lucaspictures.net/


After she was greeted by well wishers outside she entered the venue and was greeted by even more well wishers, some who she hadn't seen in a long time. Among the guests were Plus Academy graduates, plus models, designers, and friends she hasn't seen in years. As she drank her first French martini (yup, she loves them too...LOL) she mingled with the crowd and took pictures with guests . After food and libations were served the guests were escorted downstairs where Diva was given a surprise birthday serenade by Plus Academy Graduate, vocalist Michelle Weeks. When I tell you she brought the house down she brought it DOWN!!!!

Michelle Weeks:

After Michelle's performance DJ BK Beatz was holding it down on the wheels of steel (ok, he wasn't on turntables, but you get the idea). My man came from VA to do the party, so that's dedication! I had already told him The Mogul was a "househead" and to play a set of house music, and he did not disappoint. Bk Beatz had the guests on their feet, and you know you're good when you have other DJs who were at the party dancing! It was during this time The Mogul went to change into her second outfit (yes, her second outfit of FOUR!,) a snazzy red Igigi dress so she can get her dance on.

As the night progressed there was plenty of drinks and dancing and a birthday cake courtesy of Annie Mae's cheesecakes which I heard was excellent. (As you can tell I was too busy working to eat! LOL). Guests began to leave since it was a Sunday night and folks had to go to work. The night ended with a toast and more pictures, as well as us filming a commercial for Dubai tourism (inside joke y'all). I think The Mogul was very pleased with her night and a good time was had by all. She is my sister, my mentor, and my friend. She makes 50 look DAMN GOOD.

I personally want to thank Rocky, Linda, Maddy, Mia, Jeannie Mae, Jennene, Rhonda, Charles, Shern, Sonia & Jonatheen (Curvesity), and Q for pulling this off.

Thank you to my girl Talina for helping me out and for the balloons. Thank you Laura for the picture frame.

A thank you goes out to DSE-TV for their "pink carpet" (if you're the Mogul you don't do red carpet, that's too ordinary! LOL) coverage.

Thanx to my LaGuardia crew for coming out to support. An EXTRA thank you goes out to Zach Mabry for the fabulous flyer, Torri (BK Beatz) and Scooter for the sounds, and Yahya (Blacklight Ent.) for the food, which I heard was absolutely delicious.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to my "brudder" Al, who is now known as "Mr. Mogul". You're the best! :-)

Now...when is the next party?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOGUL!!!!

Highlights from the party:

Douglas Says Launches his PLUS U Collection...

GREETINGS GOOD PEOPLE!

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the launch of designer Douglas Says collection named Plus U.

If you're not familiar with Douglas Says he's a fabulous designer who makes pieces for the plus size woman. He uses bold colors and graphics and luxurious fabrics that hug all the right curves on a curvy woman's physique.


The launch was held at Escuelita in New York City. Douglas pulled together some of the hottest runway models in the New York and New Jersey area, and it was quite a treat to see my beautiful curvy divas strut their stuff on the runway. There were also some notable faces in the audience, such as legendary model/author Barbara Summers, designer JustRaymona, makeup artists Byron Barnes, Kevin McQueen, Angelo Ellerbee (the man who's responsible for the transformation of Mary J. Blige - y'all remember Mary when she first stepped on the scene), Gwen DeVoe of DeVoe Signature Events and DSE-TV (does "The Mogul" ever sleep?), and the one & only Audrey Smaltz, whose "Ground Crew" helped backstage and enabled the show to run without a hitch.

Although the show lasted only 20 minutes the pieces shown in the collection were fabulous. They were full of vibrant colors and clung to the body like a second skin. Matter of fact, I'm ordering my dress now!

To get more information on Douglas Says go to www.myspace.com/douglassays , or his website, http://douglassaysplusu.vpweb.com/

A special thanks to Harmonica Sunbeam, who hosted the event after the collection launch. You keep serving, and buy me some sweet tea with those dollar bills!

Pix from the event:

Vogue Italia...The Black Issue

I'm sure all the savvy fashionistas have purchased the July issue of Italian Vogue. This issue is poised to be their best selling issue ever. It sold so many copies they had to publish a second printing (which is what I purchased). It was sold out in so many areas they were selling on eBay for $100 and up!

As I perused the magazine from cover to cover, I made a few observations and some may agree (and disagree) with me, and here they are:

1. If this was the "Black Issue" why did all the advertisements feature European (read:white) models? Some say that Black ads don't do as well as white ones but I disagree with that.

2. I know that Vogue Italia couldn't get all the legendary Black models, but where were MOUNIA, BEVERLY PEELE, BEVERLY JOHNSON, AND NAOMI SIMS!? That was a glaring oversight on their part, and who knows, maybe they had prior commitments. They are a big part of history, particularly Beverly Johnson, who was the first Black model on U.S. Vogue.

3. The Naomi Campbell layout was quintessential Naomi. I'm sorry, with all her public battles she's still THE ONE!!!

4. Toccara's layout was different. I'm glad they included a plus size model in the issue.

And last but not least:

I COULDN'T READ IT BECAUSE IT WAS IN ITALIAN!!!

Overall, I give it a B+. This issue is a true collectors item. You definitely want to purchase this issue, history has been made.

U.S. Vogue, it's time for an American "Black" issue, let's get to it.

Here are all 4 covers:

ROSELINE GIDDENS STEELE - 1931-2008

Hello Everyone!

I make it a habit to keep my personal business personal but I wanted to pay homage to someone in my life who recently passed away. Her name was Roseline Giddens Steele, and she was my aunt.

Rose was born in Accomack County, Virginia, the only girl of 3 children. Her famliy moved to Oyster Bay New York at an early age. She attended Oyster Bay High School, where she eventually became the first Black president of the Leader's club, a big accomplishment back then.

While attending college she met and married an Air Force serviceman, Walter Steele. They were blessed with three daughters. After Walter died in 1968 Rose became a foster parent, where she nurtured numerous children who were deemed "problem" children. She was well known and loved in her Queens Village, NY neighborhood.

One thing you could say about Aunt Rose is that she never sugarcoated anything, and she would give you a good talking to if she felt you needed it. After she let you know how she felt she would say she loved you no matter what. Rose was also detail oriented ( a true Virgo) and would step in if something wasn't going right and take control of the situation.

Aunt Rose was the first person who taught me how to drive (although some probably wouldn't thank her for that...LOL!). She was also one of many who made it possible for me to finish school & get my college degree. I don't think she knows how much I am grateful to her for her caring, her conversations and her wisdom.

Roseline passed away on July 19, 2008. The week of her passing she sent both her daughters away, one to the hospital, the other out of state, so she sould make her transition peacefully. As someone jokingly said at her funeral, "that was Rose for you, always planning everything to the very end".

You will definitely be missed Roseline Giddens Steele, more than you know. I love you.

KING FAMILY DRAMA...

I happened to be perusing news stories and I came across this one:

"MLK's children file lawsuit against their brother"

Courtesy of Atlanta Journal Constitution
In the latest public skirmish involving the family of one of Atlanta's favorite sons, Bernice and Martin King III have filed a lawsuit against their brother, accusing him of mishandling funds and hiding documents from them.

At stake are millions of dollars in assets that flow through King Inc., the corporation that oversees the intellectual property rights of Martin Luther King Jr. Dexter King is the president of the corporation. Bernice and Martin III are shareholders.

Dexter King denied the lawsuit's accusations, calling them "inappropriate and false.

"When there are family disputes that involve a business entity, unfortunately, sometimes certain legal steps are taken to resolve the dispute," he said in a written statement. "I'm disappointed that our personal family disagreement, as it relates to the family business, has evolved into being handled in a public legal forum."

Dexter, the third-born of Martin and Coretta King's four children and chairman of the King Center, said he hopes the matter can be swiftly resolved so that the family can "go about the business of focusing on our parents' tremendous legacy."

Funds come into King Inc. from books and promotional sales of King items. The biggest asset is the $32 million that the city of Atlanta, led by Mayor Shirley Franklin, plunked down to purchase the King papers in 2006.

Jock Smith, an attorney representing Bernice and Martin III, said the siblings have been denied "information and documentation concerning the operations, actions and financial affairs" of King Inc.

According to court documents, the siblings say Dexter King, who lives in Malibu, Calif., has "misapplied or wasted" the corporation's funds, using the money for his personal benefit.

They also claim that he has wrongfully taken "substantial funds" out of the estate of Coretta Scott King, which is managed by Bernice, for his own personal use. Dexter has 30 days to respond to the lawsuit.

"He owes Martin and Bernice an accounting of what has happened with all of the money. Where is the money going?" Smith said. "We're trying to get an accounting as to the financing and well-being of the [corporation]. The way to do that is to get records, books and accounting."

Smith said there have been financial distributions from the corporation, but "whether those distributions were what they should have been is the question."

Smith said one of the goals of the lawsuit is to force Dexter King to call a board meeting of King Inc., which includes the siblings and other shareholders.

"The lawsuit alleged that there has been no meeting for several years," said Smith, the national president of the Cochran Firm, based in Alabama. He has filed an application to become the attorney of record. "There needs to be a board meeting called so there can be an accounting to all stockholders. Not only about the money, but the actual corporation itself to make sure that everyone has been treated fairly."

I really hope this is resolved. It's always a sad situation when siblings are divided over money.

JESSE, JESSE, JESSE....WHAT IS WE GON' DO?

Hello Everyone!

My computer was down but now I'm back. So much has been going on but I cannot let another post go by without talking about Rev. Jesse Jackson and his remarks about Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama.

Unless you've been living under a rock you already know that Rev. Jackson made some disparaging remarks about Obama (which I won't get into because you already know what he said). So now he's backpedaled and apologized for his comments. Now it's come out that he used the "N" word when talking about Obama.

There are some (like Spike Lee) who say your time has past and you need to support Obama in his bid to become the first Black president. Others say you belong in the GSD (go sit down - thanx K!) category and you need to let Obama do his thing. This has also spilled over to "The View" where Whoopi and Elizabeth Hasselbeck got into a debate:



Okay Jesse...what's really going on here? First of all, you were on television so you're already going to be scrutinized about everything you say. Second of all..YOU WERE MIC'D UP!!! Did you really think your microphone was turned off during the commercial break?! What were you thinking!? This is the type of thing that cost you your bid for President back in 1984, you should have known better than that. Anytime your own son chastises you in a public forum should give you a hint as to how much damage you're doing. What's really sad is that everything you worked so hard for will now be overshadowed by your foot-in-mouth disease. I know Dr. King must be shaking his head about this one.

Speaking of Dr. King, if you think he's shaking his head on this, I'm sure he's shaking his head on his latest family drama as well...

FOXXY FRIDAYS - JUDY PACE

GREETINGS EVERYONE!

Today I'm honoring another trailblazer, the one & only Miss JUDY PACE!!

Judy was born June 16, 1942, in Los Angeles, California. After graduating from high school, she attended Los Angeles City College where she majored in sociology. She was enticed away from college with an offer to join the prestigious Ebony Fashion Fair (an extension of Ebony/Jet magazine) as a model. Judy wasn't interested in a career in film until a movie director saw her pictures in Ebony and chose her for a part in the film, 13 Frightened Girls. After that film small parts on television and films developed, leading up to Judy's first major role in the 1968 film Three in the Attic.

Judy followed up her success in Three in the Attic with another groundbreaking role, this time on the small screen. Judy landed a part on the popular 60's night time soap Peyton Place, where she played Vickie Fletcher, television's first black villainess. When Peyton Place was cancelled in 1969, Judy appeared in The Young Lawyers, where she played one of three young lawyers who took on cases dealing with the poor and oppressed.

The 70s for Judy brought her fame when she starred in the first Hollywood produced and financed film by a Black company, Cotton Comes to Harlem. Directed by actor Ossie Davis, Cotton Comes to Harlem was derived from the writings of African American novelist Chester Himes. She played Iris, the girlfriend of Calvin Lockhart's Minister Deke O'Malley. The film became the first black action "blockbuster", paving the way for what would later be deemed Hollywood's "blaxploitation" film era of the early 1970's. After this film Judy became popular in film and television, appearing on Bewitched, The Mod Squad, That's My Mama, Sanford and Son, What's Happening, and Good Times.

Check out this clip from "Good Times":

Judy continued to act but parts became more scarce. She has been married twice, to actor Don Mitchell ("Ironside"), and legendary baseball player Curt Flood. She is currently semi retired.

Judy Pace was the original "chocolate drop". During a time when her fairer toned counterparts were becoming popular, Judy paved the way for fellow chocolate sistas to be acknowledged for their beauty and talent, and her influence in how the world sees Black women, particularly dark-skinned Black women, cannot be diminished nor should it be ignored.

Here's to you Judy, for showing that Black is truly beautiful!

MORE JUDY...

I hope you enjoy Foxxy Fridays as much as I enjoy finding our treasures. Please leave comments and if there's anyone you want profiled you can drop me a line.

I'm also going to begin a new feature, Exclusive Wednesdays, where I'll be interviewing people you may or may not have heard of. It's going to be a busy fall!
HAVE A GREAT WEEK!

FOXXY FRIDAYS - FREDA PAYNE

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY EVERYONE!!!

This Friday I'm giving props to the one & only Miss FREDA PAYNE!

Freda Charcelia Payne was born September 19, 1942 in Detroit, Michigan. At an early age, she grew up listening to different jazz singers such as Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. As a teenager, she soon began singing radio commercial jingles and took part in local TV and radio talent shows. Her voice caught the attention of many different people including Berry Gordy, who wanted to give her a recording contract with Motown.

In 1969, her old friends back home in Detroit, Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, and Edward Holland, Jr. (yes, THE H-D-H of Motown), persuaded her to sign with their newly-formed record label Invictus. During that same year, her first Invictus single, "Unhooked Generation" was released. Shortly thereafter, H-D-H, under the pen name "Edythe Wayne and Ron Dunbar" offered her a song entitled "Band of Gold". Almost immediately, in early 1970, the song became an instant pop smash reaching #3 in the U.S. charts and it gave Payne her first gold record. An album of the same name proved to be fairly successful as well. Other Invictus singles included "Deeper and Deeper", "You Brought the Joy", and the Vietnam protest song "Bring the Boys Home".

Freda singing "Deeper And Deeper":

In 1973, being dissatisfied with her royalties Freda left Invictus and recorded albums for ABC/Dunhill and Capitol, but she never found the commercial success she had with Invictus. She recorded a duet 'I Wanna See You Soon' with Capitol stablemates Tavares which gained radio airplay in 1977.

In 1981, she briefly hosted her own talk show "Today's Black Woman" and also found work acting in different movies, Broadway, and other theatre productions throughout the eighties. Although she was concentrating more on acting by that time, she never gave up music; in 1982, she recorded a single entitled "In Motion" for the independent Sutra label, and in 1986, she recorded a remake of her hit "Band of Gold" with Belinda Carlisle (of the Go-Gos).

In the 90s she also continued her acting career appearing on television shows including "Living SIngle, and in the 2000s she appeared in movies like The Nutty Professor II: The Klumps, and Fire & Ice. She continues to record music and in early 2001, she released a new album called Come See About Me for the Volt label.

Not much is known about Freda's personal life, although it is known that she was married briefly to singer-songwriter Gregory Abbott ("Shake You Down"). She's also the older sister of singer Scherrie Payne (formerly of the 70s version of the Supremes).

Freda Payne is still performing, and is still stunning! For more info on where she's appearing check out her her website:
www.fredapayne.com

Have a great weekend!

More Freda...

FOXXY FRIDAYS - LOLA FALANA

Happy Friday Everyone!

It's been such a hectic 2 weeks but I'm back and I'm honoring someone who was a real fox, who was also known as the "Queen of Las Vegas", the one & only Miss LOLA FALANA!

Lola Falana was born on September 11, 1942 in Camden, New Jersey. She is of Cuban and Black descent. Falana spent most of her childhood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Lola was a natural dancer. By the time she was in junior high school, she was already dancing in nightclubs to which she was escorted by her mother. Pursuing a musical career became so important to Falana that she left a few months before graduation and moved to New York City.

While dancing in a nightclub, Falana was discovered by Sammy Davis Jr., who gave her a featured role in his 1964 Broadway musical Golden Boy. In the late 1960s Falana was mentored by Davis. In 1966 Davis cast her, along with himself, Ossie Davis, and Cicely Tyson, in her first film role in the film, A Man Called Adam. Falana became a major star of Italian cinema beginning in 1967. In Italy she learned to speak fluent Italian while starring in three movies. It was during this time she was known as the "Black Venus".

In 1969 Falana ended her close working relationship with Sammy Davis Jr., though the two remained friends. In 1970, Falana made her American film debut in The Liberation of L.B. Jones and was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for New Star Of The Year - Actress for her performance. That same year she posed for Playboy magazine. She was the first black woman to model for a line of cosmetics that was not targeted solely to blacks, in the successful Faberge Tigress perfume ads.

Falana gained popularity during the early 1970s. She often appeared on The Joey Bishop Show and The Hollywood Palace, displaying her talent for music, dance, and light comedy. These appearances led to more opportunities.In those early years, she also starred in a few movies considered to be of the blaxploitation genre like "Lady Cocoa".

Throughout the mid-1970s Falana made guest appearances on many popular TV shows, including The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, Laugh-In and The Flip Wilson Show. She also starred in her own television specials.

Check out Lola on "The Muppet Show":

With help from Sammy Davis, Falana brought her act to Las Vegas and became a top draw there. By the late 1970s, she was considered the Queen of Las Vegas. She played to sold-out crowds at The Sands, The Riviera, and the MGM Grand hotels. Finally The Aladdin offered her $100,000 a week to perform. At the time, Falana was the highest paid female performer in Las Vegas. Her show ran twenty weeks a year and became a major tourist attraction.

Around the mid 1980s Lola was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. It was so severe her left side was paralyzed, she became partially blind, and her voice and hearing were impaired. She recovered and it lasted a year and a half, during which she spent most of her time praying. Falana attributes her recovery to a spiritual experience which she described as "Being able to feel the presence of the Lord." She converted to Roman Catholicism and worked her newly-found spirituality into her everyday life. Though she performed again in Las Vegas shows in 1987, her practice of religion and faith became the center of her life.

After another bout with multiple sclerosis in 1996, Falana returned to Philadelphia and now tours the country with a message of hope and spirituality. Her last known musical performance was in 1997.

For her dancing prowess, stunning looks and being a groundbreaker for paving the way for female artists like Toni Braxton to perform in Vegas, this Foxxy Friday goes to Miss Lola Falana!

Check out Miss Lola:

LaGuardia HS of Music & Art & Performing Arts Class of '88 20 Year Reunion!!!!

This year marks 20 years since I graduated from LaGuardia High School of Music & Art aka the "Fame" school ( and to think I'm only 29! LOL), so a couple of us decided to put our heads together and have what we called an "informal" reunion. The reason we wanted to do something on our own was because even though most of us still kept in touch we wanted something a little more intimate, AND our high school was charging $125 to walk around the school...NOT!

The event was held at Deity, located in downtown Brooklyn, New York. The place is lovely, and was actually a synagogue before it was remodeled. I was a little worried because there was a torrential downpour, but everyone who wanted to be there showed up.

When my sister & I arrived my best friend from high school Gwen was there and we proceeded to set up. To help us get started we had a toast with a drink I coined that night called a "LaGuardiatini", which was really a French Martini. As we set up the food & tables my good buddy Chelesse ( who looks as good as she did 20 years ago, asymmetrical cut & all! LOL) brought the red velvet cupcakes. We all had another LaGuardiatini and as we finshed people started coming in. Those that were in attendance included Zac & Tasha Mabry, Warren Dews, Fola Vann, Corey Mayes, (aka DJ Spin Easy), Gloria Jones, Steve Gall, Che, Diana Ortiz, Rich Acosta, Shakira Peterson, DJ Torri Greggs, Amber Sunshower, Charles Lester, James Robinson, Michael Liverpool, and the legendary Kato Storm. For those who I did not mention please do not hold it against me, I'm working from memory!

As everyone entered Deity the place was filled with hugs, kisses, and screams. A lot of us hadn't seen each other since we graduated 20 years before, but it was if time had not passed. After playing catch up amongst ourselves a toast was made and we headed downstairs to the dance floor, where the DJ was playing old school classics. We convinced him to take a break and got Torri to spin, and it was on after that! Torri even had the DJ dancing!

Eventually as with all things it came to an end, and as everyone exchanged numbers & emails I had a chance to sit down & think about the night. It was so good seeing everyone look healthy & happy, and there was such positive energy throughout the place. We've gotten older, some of us are married and have children, but the love is still there. For those that were there it was like being with family, and in a sense that's what being in LaGuardia was about.

This reunion really made me think about earlier in the week, when I was in a car accident. To think that if things would have been worse I wouldn't have been here to see everyone, so I will always be thankful & grateful for all those who came out that Saturday night. I love U all.

A special thanks to Diana & Chelesse for helping me pull this off and for convincing me to ditch the fire eater as entertainment! LOL
Let's try & do it again next year, class of 89 it's all on you now!

R.I.P. Shona Bailey, Nicole Fowkles, Lyn Rivers, Wardell Burton, and anyone else from the class of 87-89 who I didn't mention. They'll always be in our hearts & memories.

P.S. I want to know how one of us missed their flight by sleeping at the airport!!!! LMAOROFL

More pix...

Business Meets Pleasure...The Summer Series!

Hello Everyone!

It has been a busy week for me, and I have so much to tell you all, so let's get started!

Last Friday I attended DeVoe Signature Events' first summer afterwork event entitled, "Business Meets Pleasure - The Summer Series". DeVoe Signature Events is a special events planning company whose specialty is plus size fashion events. Any plus model who is out there today has been involved with DSE. The company is headed by Gwendolyn DeVoe, a former plus model herself, who has been featured on CNN Headline News, BET, and Fox Television . Gwen decided to do the summer series as a way to network plus models, designers, and anyone involved in the plus modeling industry.

The event was held in Midtown Manhattan, and there was a who's who of models and players in the Plus modeling industry. Those in attendance were Mia Davis Yard (the current model for the Jill Scott Butterfly Bra Collection in Ashley Stewart), Madeline Jones (editor in chief of www. plusmodelmagazine. com), Sharon Quinn, Rocky (who's a knockout on that Runway), Shante Gordon (model for Torrid), and petite plus model Jeannie Ferguson (looking cutesy in her flirty summer dress). Hostess Rosie Star provided coverage for DSE-TV.

The event featured a model directory search for Plus Model Magazine, and the launch of Qristyl designs, whom I've had the pleasure of working with in the past. Qristyl always designs pieces that are wonderful to wear and are affordable. Qristyl calls her line "plus size sexy" and indeed it was! Her featured models were local models and students from the Plus Academy, a division of DeVoe Signature Events. The PA is a training program for aspiring plus models & curvy women.

The models looked lovely in her pieces. Qristyl's pieces range from fabulous silk kimono tops & dresses to leather skirts , and they're especially fit to the curvy woman, which is right up my alley. After the showcase Qristyl had a sample sale in which she sold her garments for the summer season.

The place was filled to capacity, and everyone looked great! I love seeing my fellow curvy women step in a room looking sharp & exuding confidence. However I have to call out one young lady who came in dressed inappropriately. If you're really serious about being in the plus modeling industry you have to dress and look the part. There's a fine line between sexy and trashy. No one who is really connected in the business will give you a second look, just a word to the wise. That's my public service message for the day!

I can't wait for the next summer series, and it's going to be full of fireworks! For info on Qristyl Designs check out her site:
www. qristylfrazierdesigns. com
www. QFDPLUSSEXY. COM

For information on DeVoe Signature Events and the Plus Academy go to:
www. dseventsinc. com

Check out highlights from the event, pictures courtesy of www.lucaspictures.net: