R.I.P Don Cornelius

I woke up this morning only to discover Don Cornelius, host, creator and producer of Soul Train, took his life early this morning. He was only 75 years. It truly saddened me. How can a man filled with so much genius and innovation decide to take his own life?There has to be more to the story that's untold. Mr."Soul Train" himself launched the careers of so many great musicians from James Brown to Elton John to Al Sharpton. He gave them a platform to showcase their talent when no one else would.

Don Cornelius, a native of Chicago, IL, started the show in 1970. The first part of his career he started off as a salesman. He switched gears and his interest grew in television after he saw a void for African-Americans to show the world their talents. His career in television started as a writer for a local Chicago station. From there "Soul Train"was born. The famed show was modeled after "American Bandstand" hosted by Dick Clark. The show was only shown locally in Chicago, Atlanta, Houston and Los Angeles. The show quickly became a success and was nationally broadcast in 1971.

The shows 35 year run changed the lives of so many African-Americans and Americans for that matter. Every single Saturday morning people took a ride on the hippest show. If not for the music, definitely for the trendy styles , dance moves and hair. Don Cornelius shifted the way music television was conducted with this iconic show. He pioneered a new approach to reaching audiences of all levels. He changed the brand of musical artists and allowed them into the homes of millions every single week. Its a sad loss to both the television and music community. As the investigation into his death continues many details will be uncovered about the motive behind untimely suicide. Who knew he was so troubled that he wanted to end it all? Nevertheless, he leaves behind a deeply legacy. It will touch many generations after him. May he rest in love, peace and soul.

Resurgence of Empowering Self

The year two thousand and twelve is the year for African-Americans to empower themselves and be the great people they were born to be. I don't there is a better time to be black. Not just because the President of the United States is black, but because we are doing things our own way. From music, dance, literature, art and medicine we are making a new mark on the world. The African race has come a long way. From chains we now wear crowns. Although we still have a ways to go our progress is noted. For example , black women are starting to embrace their beauty much more. I think that the natural hair movement is much more than women not wanting to put chemicals on their tresses. It signifies that black women no longer want to fit into a box that the media has created. Black women want more freedom. They are finally defining beauty by themselves for themselves.

I am HUGE fan of Tumblr. Thanks to my younger sister I stumbled upon Black Fashion. This page inspires me everyday. Nothing brings me more joy than seeing young black people using style as a language. Expressing their individuality, personality and finesse. The fact that things from two decades ago is making a cameo appearance in modern times is awesome. Black Fashion showcases the style of people of every hue, size, shape and gender. Its quite inspiring. The road map to knowing who you are first starts with being co

mfortable with who you are.

I look at my social community and everyone is following their dreams. They are stepping out on faith and making things happen. So many people in my age range are becoming entrepreneurs , starting beauty and clothing lines, authoring books, becoming philosophers and scholars. The year two thousand and twelve is the year for African-Americans to empower themselves and be the great people they were born to be.

HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Mo'Style: Faux-y Lady

I am obsessed with faux fur vests. They are really rocking my world lately.

There is just something about them. I have found creative ways to wear them whether with a denim shirt and spandex skirt or over my favorite hoodie. These little furry things can take an outfit to the next level in less than 10 seconds. Try

it out and see how far this accessory can take you. If you pair it with a belt, necklace or your favorite lipstick you are guaranteed to be CHIC!

Vest& Denim

Vest & All Black

Different Types Of Vests

Allow me to reintroduce myself

Sooo....it has been a while?

I feel like I go through this every year.

I start the year off strong writing on my blog. I get motivated and devote all of my time to this. Then somewhere off into the distance I get distracted. I lose sight. I get bored. Life happens. I have writers block. I have every reason under the sun why I disconnect.

I have decided to redirect my focus of this blog.

Now that I live in NYC . There are so many great things around me....art, music and food.

I am going to start chronicling things I see in the city. My thoughts and experiences.

I hope that this will keep me attached to OneMoMinute.

I am determined to stay devoted to my craft and this might be it.

So lets start this journey AGAIN!

No Dress Rehearsal

Life is not a movie. There is no dress rehearsal. You only have one time to get it right. The cast might change , but the story will remain the same. No matter how hard one tries , they don't have control over the script. With every decision that you make there is a consequence. You can't go around with a magnifying glass burning ants and not expect them to die. Sometimes I think that people confuse movies with real life , myself included. Everything isn't meant to have a happy ending. Many stories have to end for beautiful beginnings. Its a hard adjustment. However, the beauty of life is that if goes on. While I was at work I ran across this quote ," Man's ultimate destiny depends not on whether he can learn new lessons or make new discoveries and conquests , but on the acceptance of the lesson taught." That's so powerful. In life we learn different things for a reason. To teach us something not only about life in general , but most importantly about ourselves. Some lessons are harder to learn than others , nevertheless essential. I'm so grateful for all these lessons. No matter how much they made me cry, smile , sad, or mad. I learned that I'm one of the strongest people I know. I have become numb to negative situations and always seem to come out unscathed. Along with lessons are decisions. When you consciously make a decision to do something. That means you have consciously decided to take on the repercussions. ( Good or bad). Experience is the best teacher.
Being on both sides of hurt .There are just somethings life teaches you shouldn't do . Talk about gratefulness? I'm beyond it.

Concealed

Even with my flawless cocoa skin , I have a strange obssession with make-up. Whether I'm concealing , filling , blushing or lipsticking. It all intrigues me. Under the eyes. Highlighting cheekbones. Hiding blemishes. Concealer is here to stay. It was created to hide blemishes and give that extra finishing look .The smallest amount of concealer can change a women's entire look. Going from a bag lady to a powder puff princess. In some cases women are only wearing a dollop of concealer with a touch of gloss for a complete light coverage look. Its really working. Adding some powder , eye liner and blush really sets it off . If you look closely at photos of Kim K, Beyonce, Jennifer Hudson , Oprah and J to the Lo , their faces are concealed to perfection.
BEFORE

AFTER

Check Out My Documentary!

After Blood,Sweat and Tears! My documentary is finally done. It's about African-American women who date outside of their race. I hope you enjoy it . Feel free to leave comments and feedback!

Skin Deep:Black Women Venturing Out
Executive Producers: Monique Mitchell and Marsha Buchanan