News: Michelle Obama Gets Criticized for Her Staff Size

In the past it's been almost a tradition for America's first ladies to catch flack from their husbands' political opponents over the size of their staffs, and Michelle Obama certainly hasn't been exempt from that. Criticism of her "massive" staff has popped up on email chains, blogs, and chat rooms. But what are the facts regarding how many people are under her employ, and how does the size of her staff compare to that of past first ladies?

On July 1st of this year, the Obama White House posted the Annual Report to Congress on White House Staff on its official blog. A minor uproar over the first lady's staff size ensued. One critic atCanadianFreePress.com accused the president's wife of employing an "unprecedented number of staffers" for someone who "doesn’t perform any official duties," while a widely circulated chain email reported that "there has never been anyone in the White House at any time that has created such an army of staffers whose sole duties are the facilitation of the First Lady’s social life." Many other critics of the Obama administration expressed similar sentiments.

 

Click to read.

Nia Long Speaks about "Good Hair"

Coming out this week is 'Good Hair,' a wonderfully insightful and entertaining, yet remarkably serious, documentary about African American hair culture.

Directed by funnyman Chris Rock, the film explores hair salons and styling battles, scientific laboratories and Indian temples to explore the way black hairstyles impact the activities, pocketbooks, sexual relationships and self-esteem of black people.

Known for her roles in 'Soul Food,' 'The Best Man' and 'Love Jones,'Nia Long was among the celebrities who candidly offered her stories and observations to Rock.

In speaking with Black Voices, Long talks about her involvement, being open about the taboo subject and her short sting on 'The Cleveland Show.'

How did you end up being in the documentary? 

Click to read more.

Tags: nia long, chris rock, black news

Professor Leads Boycott of Beauty Supply Stores

Atlanta, GA October 5, 2009 - Professor Devin Robinson, an economics professor at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, GA and best-selling author of Taking it Back: How to Become a Successful Black Beauty Supply Store Owner, will lead a one week long boycott against Non- Black Owned Beauty Supply stores.

Robinson stated, "Blacks make up 96% of the consumers of these stores, yet represent less than 5% of the retail ownership." As a previous owner of 3 locations, Robinson understands the industry inside out and offers comprehensive solutions for Blacks to recapture this industry. "The problem is with the distributors. Distributors are mainly Non-Blacks and they handpick who they will distribute products to. This oftentimes leaves aspiring black owners disenfranchised", said Robinson.

The national boycott will take place from November 16^th - 22^nd and will be highly supported by some of the country's top Black Media. Robinson, who founded Taking it Back University (www.takingitbackblack.com), has been featured in Ebony Magazine for his work surrounding this issue and over the years has been working closely with his friend, syndicated radio host, Michael Baisden to keep the awareness high.

Robinson expects this one-week boycott to be an automatic people-designed stimulus package for the Black community. He said, "If Blacks only shop with Black-owned beauty supply stores for this one week, we can expect to send $66.5 Million to the black communities. This will send a clear message to distributors on how valuable the black retailer can be."

Robinson will tour the country assisting with rallies and building awareness during the boycott. His tour begins with a Boycott Launch Banquet organized by The Black Hair Project in St. Louis, MO, where he will be the keynote speaker along with other prominent beauty industry professionals.

To schedule an interview or appearance with Professor Devin Robinson please contact: The Going Against the Grain Group at 202-684-6699.

Contact:

Going Against the Grain Group
Taking it Back University

Ph: 202-684-6699

www.takingitbackblack.com

www.iamgoingagainstthegrain.com

www.devinrobinson.com

Taking it Back University

P.O. Box 44503

Atlanta, GA 30336

Ph: 202-684-6699

www.beautysupplysystem.com

Ri Ri Gets Glam....

Pop star Rihanna attended a wedding in Venice this weekend in support of her manager Marc Jordon. She rocked a dark glamour look...which I'm not sure if I would rock for a wedding. None the less, the looked stunning as usual. She is certainly one of my favorite fashionistas...although she can push the envelope at times.

What do you think? Is this look appropriate for a (day) wedding?

The Ebony Fashion Fair is Gone, What of Ebony Now?

 

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, MSNBC’s TheGrio.com, Your Black World 

 

The black journalism students here at Syracuse often come to me to find out how the industry works. They sometimes instinctively wonder if their professors' stories about being in a CBS newsroom in 1982 are going to help them survive in a world run by Twitter, Myspace and Facebook. The answer is a resounding "probably not."

While respecting the journalism professors teaching their classes, I simply use examples like Ebony Magazine to help them realize that black media is changing, and sites like theGrio.com, BlackVoices.com, and TheRoot.com, are examples of how black media has evolved. In fact, a journalist who doesn't understand technology and business models is in danger of starting his/her career as a dinosaur.

When it comes to recent reports about Ebony Magazine being offered for sale, I admit that I was saddened, but not surprised. The Ebony Fashion Fair has become one of the most celebrated events in black America, and the magazine has been nothing less than a tremendous source of national pride since its creation in 1945. But in the age of the web, oversized bureaucracies can be crushed under the weight of their own arrogance. Bloated payrolls, pompous corporate functions and a sense of entitlement make them easy prey for quick, hungry and rapidly evolving competition.

In spite of the tremendous love we have for Ebony/Jet, the truth must be confronted when realizing that it is what radio was to TV or what the train was to the airplane. Like radios and trains, there is still a place for print media, but that role is no longer dominant. The current economic climate only accelerated the inevitable, since advertisers were eventually going to stop spending $50,000 for magazine ads when they can buy the same number of eyeballs for $5,000 or less.

I present the following 5 questions I'd like to ask out loud about both Ebony Magazine and the state of African American media:

Click to read.

Tyra Banks is more than just a model

Your Black World 

Think Tyra Banks is just a pretty face? Watch this video to find out that there’s more to Tyra than meets the eye. 

Tyler Perry’s All Star Cast for “Colored Girls”

When it was announced last week that Tyler Perry will be writing, directing and producing a film version of Ntozake Shange's award-winning 1975 play 'For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf,' there was plenty of talk as to who would be cast.

Well, while promoting his latest film, 'I Can Do Bad All By Myself,' which opens Sept. 11, Perry talked about who he wanted to appear in the movie. Among the chosen few are Oscar winner Halle Berry, Angela Bassett, Ruby Dee, Cicely Tyson, Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey, Thandie Newton, Kimberly Elise, Beyonce Knowles, Mariah Carey and Alicia Keys.

Of the 11 actresses mentioned, six have already committed to be in the film, but Perry wouldn't say who exactly.

Oprah loves to act, so will you ever do a film for her?

Tyler Perry: Yes, she's in my next movie, 'For Colored Girls.' Here's what I will tell you. Here's my dream cast, and it hasn't been officially announced yet. There are 15 characters in the film and my dream cast is Kimberly Elise, Cicely Tyson, Ruby Dee, Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey, Halle Berry, Angela Bassett, Thandie Newton, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, and Beyonce. I've talked to 6 of the women and they have said yes. You have to figured out that part.

Click to read.

Does Solange Have Style?

Who knew that behind all that hair lived such a sweet doll face? Sometimes a drastic haircut doesn't fare out as well as we intend it to, but GT must say that Solange's results are nothing short of stunning. You can see her face, her smile, her light, the shape of her head, her neck line. It's like a coming-out party in a beauty pageant. And her makeup is perfect. People insist on comparing her with her superstah of a sis, but I always believed that Solange had more control over her own style. There's seems to be a trend in chopping, shaving and coloring, but Solange took it all the way there. Are you digging her pad style?

Click to read.

The 10 Biggest Black Women in Fashion

“Project Runway” Season Five fan favorite Korto Momolu may not have won the big prize, but the designer definitely has a bright future in front of her. Her vibrant designs have already gotten her a wave of positive press and celebrity endorsements, and this weekend, she’s producing the fashion show at the "Tom Joyner Family Reunion" in Orlando, Florida.
But as a black designer, Momolu -- like her Seasons One and Three counterparts, Kara Saun and Mychael Knight -- is still a rarity in fashion. In fact, despite the exposure they’ve gained from “Project Runway,” blacks in fashion remain largely on the sidelines in an industry that is still segregated. But due to pioneering individuals who have managed to break through, openings have been created for Momolu, Saun, Knight and others who want to pursue their dreams in fashion.

 

Click to read.

Your Black Fashion: Michelle Obama Wears Target

Hmmmm.  Turns out that the first lady got this dress from Target.  What ya’ll think?

VANESSA IS DOING IT BIG

Dressed in a chic American Apparel jumpsuit, Christian Dior pumps and an endless array of gold jewels, Vanessa Simmons' face glistens like the charms wrapped around her neck. Although the mini mogul celebrated her 26th birthday at the plush Su Casa in New York City, it's evident that she has more to celebrate than getting another year older.
The second season of 'Daddy's Girls'

will reveal the same glowing Vanessa as viewers get a first glimpse inside her and sister Angela's delicious empire known as Pastry, only to witness the evolution of their brain child as it expands to Macy's.
Viewers will also get the opportunity to watch the Simmons' sisters as they moRev. Runve into their new plush Hollywood home. But what viewers may find most intoxicating is "reserved" Vanessa's budding romance now made public.
In a candid interview, Vanessa revealed to BV Newswire details about her romance, the challenges of being a young entrepreneur, friendships lost and the inner strength she's found as a woman.

Technorati Tags: daddy's girl,vanessa,angela,simmons,pastry,celebrities

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Michelle Obama Causes a Stir for Wearing Shorts off Airforce One

 

Michelle Obama: She Wears Short Shortsk

No doubt about it. This story's got legs. The first lady took a look-see at the Grand Canyon with her family this weekend while the rest of the country got a good look at her gams. Michelle Obama braved the blistering Arizona sun with an even braver style of shorts.

This winter we got a view of the fashionista-in-chief's powerful arms, and now there's proof that she's got stems to match. The bare legs set off a firestorm of buzz on the Web, with looky-loos typing in "michelle obama short shorts" into the Search box.

The Huffington Post declared that Michelle O. was the first first lady to step out of Air Force One in anything close to Daisy Dukes and asked, "After all, can you imagine Laura Bush or Patricia Nixon doing the same?" Soliciting online opinions, the site is holding a poll on whether the first lady has the "right to bare legs."

To be clear, the shorts pictured are above the knee. But note that the first lady pairs the shortish shorts with running shoes. Sex pot? Not. She looks like a tourist at a national park, except with Air Force One behind her. Another fashion accessory that's turning heads: Michelle Obama's confidence.

Click to read.

Black Celebrity News: Naomi Campbell Runs with the Animals

Supermodel Naomi Campbell was shot by world-renowned photographer Jean-Paul Goude for the September issue of Harper's Bazaar:

In a spread titled "Wild Things," Campbell is running with a cheetah, jumping rope with monkeys and riding a crocodile and an elephant.

The black-woman-in-the-African-wild theme is one that crops up frequently in fashion and has been in vogue since the press pegged Somalian-born model Iman as a goat herder discovered in the jungle. She was, in fact, a university graduate and the daughter of a gynecologist and a diplomat.

Wearing leopard or zebra print, and being accompanied by animals, seems to be the easiest pigeonhole for black models.

Click to read more.

News: Happy Birthday Halle

 

43-years old today?  Are you kidding me?

Gabrielle Union: How’s She Lookin?

 

Gabrielle Union was seen wearing red on the red carpet.  I like it, do you?

Black News: Michelle Obama Named Best Dressed

One could say that she's been campaigning as hard for this as her husband did for the presidency, but Michelle Obama did it with a lot more ease. After nearly two years of wowing the fashion world, the first lady has earned an honor she so rightly deserves -- landing on Vanity Fair's International Best Dressed list.

From Jason Wu to Michael Kors, Obama's chic-clectic choice of designers anddesigns has set her apart from just about every other first lady in U.S. history. Below are a handful of legendary looks worn by Mrs. Obama that have solidified her as an icon in my book:

The cream-colored frothy one-shoulder Jason Wu stunner she wore for the inauguration galas was regal and feminine -- and just right for the occasion.

Her dual-toned knee-length Narciso Rodriguez sheath dress, which she paired with flats on Independence Day, screamed sleek, smart and totally sophisticated.

Click to read.

News: First Black Super Model Dies

Grand dame, great beauty and pioneer in the fashion industry Naomi Sims has died of cancer. She was 61 years old.
"Naomi Sims was an incredible role model – a trailblazer who helped to define black beauty and open the doors for all of the African American models we see today -- and a savvy businesswoman," a shaken Beverly Johnsontold Black Voices. "Mostly, she was a friend and someone I greatly admired. We lost a truly dynamic woman."
Sims was born in Oxford, Miss., on March 30, 1948. An awkward teen -- 5-foot-10 by the time she was 13 -- Sims and her family left the segregated South and moved to Pittsburgh, where she completed high school.

Sim's mother took ill, and the gangly teen and her two sisters were placed in foster care. After graduation, the ambitious beauty moved to New York City to study at the Fashion Institute of Technology.
Because of financial constraints, Sims left school and began modeling in the big city. She broke through at the age of 18 when she appeared on the cover of Ladies Home Journal. She was the magazine's first African American cover model. In 1969, Sims appeared on a simple yet striking cover of Life magazine.

Click to read.

News: African American Group Attempts to promote marriage

Group holds a conference to promote Black Marriage.  Click here to watch the video trailer!  You can learn more by visiting their website at HappilyEverAfterTheMovie.com.

WTF: Oakland Salon Beating Victim Refuses to Testify

 

Cavenia Bryant has been arrested for her involvement in the Oakland beauty shop beating posted on You Tube. “We’re close on bringing them in. We don’t want to scare them by releasing the names publicly,” said Jeff Thomason, Public Information Officer for the Oakland Police Department.

The May 5 assault took place around 5:50 p.m., but the victim, Melissa Seals, didn’t call the Oakland Police Department until around 7 p.m., Thomason reported. Officers responded and took Seals’ statement: six women entered her Oakland hair salon as Seals cut a customer’s hair, they locked the door from the inside, then two of the women proceeded to beat Seals for several minutes. Three other women watched the attack and a fourth videotaped the beating.
After giving her statement to the responding officers Seals declined to press charges or identify any of the women involved in the attack, according to OPD records. Seals’ refused to press charges for the misdemeanor assault; the officers were obligated by department policy to take a report and close the case without further investigation.

 

Click to read.

Technorati Tags: oakland salon beating,black news headlines,african american news

Rihanna Gets Sued by Her Neighbors

See the latest from Lady Drama:

Talk about Love Thy Neighbor..... Rihanna Gets Sued By her Neighbors!

Seems like Rihanna may not be as well liked by her neighbors as she is by the rest of the world, According to sources Rihanna is being sued by her neighbor for trespassing issues with Rihanna's guests that she had which disturbed their peace lol! Read the details below:
We just got hold of a lawsuit filed against Rihanna today.
Christian
Moeller is suing over some property, claiming Rihanna has been trampling all over his property.
Moeller is a professor of design and media art at UCLA. Moeller has created spaces for the W Hotel in Hollywood.
Here’s what happened. Rihanna rents a home owned by Stephen Yacobian, whose house is next door to Moeller’s. Moeller gave Yacobian an easement — the right to drive cars on a portion of Moeller’s property.
But two years ago, Yacobian renovated the property and the easement wasn’t really being used. To make matters a lot worse, since Rihanna moved in she’s been allowing cars to drive on Moeller’s lawn to get to her driveway… and the suit claims sometimes the cars just sit there on the lawn.
So Moeller wants the easement eliminated. As for Rihanna, Moeller is suing her for allowing people and cars to trespass on his property.
Very minor issue that I'm sure will be resolved by the time I hit publish on this entry!

Technorati Tags: black celebrity gossip

Why Keri Hilson Wants Respect

Keri Hilson covers the June 2009 magazine cover of 944 Magazine:

“In any industry, as a woman, you have to demand respect, because it’s not something you are given on a silver platter,” stated Keri Hilson.

Technorati Tags: keri hilson,black celebrity gossip

Black News: White HBCU Homecoming Queen Takes Haters in Stride

by Dr Boyce Watkins

Kentucky State University is an HBCU which lies next to my heart. My sister, who just finished medical school, spent her undergraduate career there, so I was kept in the loop when the world seemed to flip on its head regarding who the students chose to hold the title of Miss Kentucky State University. As you can see, she's not exactly what one would expect an HBCU Homecoming Queen to look like, but Elisabeth Martin's skin color likely reflects one of the many faces that define Historically Black colleges in the new millennium. So, while I was personally dismayed that Kentucky State University (along with many HBCUs around the nation) seems to be forgetting about the importance of having African American faculty, the truth is that we are in an era in which one needs to determine what it means to be an HBCU.

Personally, I love the fact that the students at Kentucky State chose Elisabeth Martin as their homecoming queen. Martin, a 21-year old International Studies major, won the crown by a landslide, dominating the competition. It has been her race, however, that has sent shock waves through the Kentucky State University community. But Martin takes the heat in stride and carries herself with a grace and class that should make the campus proud. The fact that the students love her so much is verified by her love for the campus and commitment to school spirit. She has also handled the national media attention like a true queen should.

AOL Black Voices had the chance to catch up with Elisabeth Martin:

Click to read.

Technorati Tags: black news,white hbcu homecoming queen,hbcus,historically black colleges and universities,black women,african american women,black people

Charlamagne Tha God is Pissed that Comedian Insults Michelle Obama

In today’s news, 100.3 “The Beat” in Philly asks whether or not a comedian was insulting Michelle Obama by making jokes about her height and the way she looks.  Click the image to listen!

Technorati Tags: michelle obama,black men in america,dr boyce watkins,charlamagne tha god,black women,african american women

Black News: Beyonce Says You Shouldn’t Have to Work out to be Sexy

Here's what beyonce says about working out and being sexy...

“To me, it’s sexier when it doesn’t look like you go to the gym,” she told Britain’s Daily Mail. “If you look like you’ve been spending a lot of time in the gym, then it just looks like you spend a lot of time in the gym.”

“I feel best when I’m not really thin and not really heavy—when I’m still curvy. I really believe that everyone is supposed to be different, and whatever is a natural weight for you is usually what looks best.”

“The truth is, it’s a lot of sacrifice. It’s more about your mental strength than physical strength. You have to push yourself. It doesn’t matter what trainer you have, and it doesn’t matter what program you’re on,”

Posted by BallerGirl at 4:56 PM 0 comments

Technorati Tags: beyonce knowels,black news,african american news,black celebrities,african american celebrities

Black News: Michelle Obama vs. Iman….Good or bad?

"Mrs. Obama is not a great beauty. But she is so interesting looking and so bright. That will always take you farther. When you're a great beauty, it's always downhill for you. If you're someone like Mrs. Obama, you just get better with age."

Click to read more.

Technorati Tags: iman,michelle obama,black news,african american news,black women,african american women

Question: How does Taraji REALLY Look?

A CURIOUS CASE: Taraji P. Henson, who usually kills on the red carpet, was busting out of this minidress last week. Sexy and sassy or a fashion sin? [Go Fug Yourself]
OH NO 'SHE' DIDN'T: 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' cast member Sheree Whitfield -- the one fans love to hate -- debuted her new fashion line, She by Sheree, in her hometown recently. It's not bad... if chinchilla-trimmed bikinis are your thing. [The Fashion Bomb]

Click to read.

Technorati Tags: taraji p. henson,black news,black fashion,black women,african american women

Why is that Chick Wearing Gabrielle’s Dress?

Check out what the cat dragged in... Gabrielle Union and Dania Ramirez along with Ciara and the Kardashians all hit up Maxim's 10th Annual Hot 100 Celebration which went down in Santa Monica this week!


I'm feeling just about everyone except for Ciara, who told her looking like an extra terrestial was cute?




****On a sidenote some model chick had on the same dress as Gabrielle Union... How embarrassing can I get an axe to the stylist please!

Diddy is Hiring on TV….Again

The unemployment rate may be at an all-time high, but at least one person is hiring...DIDDY.
VH1 and Sean P. Diddy Combs are now accepting resumes for potential candidates to compete for the position of P.Diddy's Personal Assistant on the reality TV show, "I WANT TO WORK FOR DIDDY 2."
Diddy will once again hold a nationwide search for an Assistant with the mental and physical stamina it takes to work for one of the world's most high profile CEOs.
A batch of new hopefuls will once again be put through the rigors of what it takes to win one of the toughest, but most rewarding jobs in "the business."

 

Technorati Tags: diddy,hip hop,black celebrity gossip,black news,african american news

Lady Drama: Kim Kardashian Gets new hair

Kim K was spotted strutting down the streets of NYC with a new hair color and an attitude to match! If it wasn't for the unmistakable crowd behind her I would swear she was in the middle of a photo shoot or something! You better work bitch ;-)

Technorati Tags: kim kardashian,black celebrity gossip

Financial Love: Should Mel Gibson’s Wife REALLY get Half a Billion?

In this episode of Financial Lovemaking, Finance Professor Dr. Boyce Watkins and S. Tia Brown discuss Mel Gibson’s Half billion dollar divorce.  They also discuss various issues that relate to how couples should merge their love and money together.

What does it mean when the man doesn’t make more money than the woman?  Should Gibson’s wife get half of his dough after the divorce?

Click the image to watch!

Technorati Tags: black money,african american,black wealth,african american wealth,couples and money,relationships and money,love and money

Are Bare Bosoms the New Thing?

Folks came out the other night to show their support for the new Tyson movie premiere in LA and for some reason Nicole Murphy decided to hit the red carpet in a see-through dress and you guessed it....no bra.

Did I miss a fashion trend? Are bare bosoms the new in thing?

Queen Latifah’s Legal Problems with her Stylists

 

Hip Hop star turned actress Queen Latifah is being hit with two separate lawsuits from former stylists for a total of roughly $1M dollars.  In both cases, the women claim that Latifah owes them back fees for consulting with her on her Covergirl and Curvations lines. 

What’s worse for Latifah is that the suits threaten to expose her lifestyle “whatever that may be……” Should be interesting to see what the cases expose.  This could be even worse for the Queen’s bottom line.

Technorati Tags: queen latifah,black news,african american news,black celebrities,african american celebrities,black celebrity gossip

Is Fashion Mogul Russell Simmons in the Predatory Lending Business?

After writing his commentary on the Rushcard issued by Russell Simmons, Dr. Boyce appears on BBC World News again to discuss the card, predatory lending and whether Simmons is doing a good or bad thing for the Black community.

He also speaks on whether the Obama Administration can step in to improve access to basic services for the Black banking community.

Dr Watkins is one of the world’s leading financial experts and a Finance Professor at Syracuse University and also a financial writer for America Online.   For more information, visit www.BoyceWatkins.com. Click the image to listen!

Technorati Tags: black money,black wealth,african american money,african american wealth,the rushcard,russell simmons,black news headlines,african american news,black scholars,african american scholars

Cute Puppy, Good Fashion

The First Dog made his debut on the South Lawn of the White House Tuesday afternoon before at least 60 members of the press.

"Here he is," President Obama said as he and his family walked out of the house.

"I've finally got a friend; it took some time," the president joked at one point when a reporter made a reference to President Harry Truman's famous advice that "if you want a friend in Washington, get a dog."

Bo Obama, a Portuguese water dog, frolicked with his new owners before a herd of cameras and scribes, before the president, first lady and the Obama daughters took him for a walk down the hill toward the fountain and the first lady's new garden.

"He's a star; he's got star quality," Obama said. "He's a rock star."

The long-awaited and much-talked-about arrival of Bo, perhaps the most famous dog in America, fulfilled a promise Obama made to his daughters during the election.

"That's a good-looking dog," the president added. "The only concern we have is apparently Portuguese water dogs like tomatoes. Michelle's garden is in danger."

 

Click to read.

Technorati Tags: barack obama,bo,black news,african american news,black politics,african american politics

Kim Kardashian’s Ridiculous Words

These words came out of Kim Kardashian’s mouth recently to Complex Magazine, “I do an eBay auction once every three months, and my whole family gets involved. If we’re photographed wearing something, we don’t typically like to wear it again, so we do these auctions, and I give the proceeds to the Dream Foundation, which is kind of like Make-A-Wish, but it grants wishes to terminally ill adults.”

Maybe she should spend some time with the people starving around the world to know just how f*cking ridiculous she sounds.

 

Technorati Tags: kim kardashian,black celebrity gossip