Category: Inspiration Nation
Words of Advice: Esperanza Spalding
“People are more used to seeing men who are masters at an instrument than women. When people say, “Oh, she plays like a dude,” it’s usually dudes who are the ones saying it. They’re saying, “Oh, she’s as good as us.” Of course, that’s a stupid statement. It’s totally stereotypical to say, “We have an advantage on this, and if anyone else can do it well, it’s only because they’re like us.” I think more men are starting to learn that this attitude is totally hollow and based in imagination. As more women are involved in music, this kind of thing gets said less and less.”
-Esperanza Spalding- 3-time Grammy Award winner, American jazz bassist and singer.
Source: Black Poe Music Tumblr
Words of Advice: Jada Pinkett Smith
We are all afraid to be…alone.
I remember when I first read Will’s script, “I Am Legend”, the zombies didn’t scare me as much as the idea of being absolutely alone with MY demons did. In the past, I have used alcohol to hide from my demons, men to hide from my demons, even fame. It wasn’t until I was prepared to venture into my own “I Am Legend” to confront all of my demons that I actually became free. I was no longer afraid to be alone…with my pain.
It was the darkest time of my life, but my ability to be alone released my fears of abandonment. I no longer betrayed myself in order to keep people in my life, or status, or things. I no longer chose conformity over happiness. My truth was no longer jeopardized by the idea that it was more important for others to love me than for me to love myself.
The truth is…we are never alone, but it sure as hell feels that way during those times. When the time comes to make a decision to stand alone and look at yourself…take it. The journey ain’t easy, but…YOU’RE worth it!
-Jada Pinkett Smith – Actress, Singer, Film writer and producer
Source: Jada Pinkett’s Facebook
Sunday Jam: Mahalia Jackson’s How I Got Over
Los Angeles Pearl Mic’ers, if you enjoy stage plays and good, soulful gospel music, be sure to check out Hallelujah Mahalia at the Wilshire Ebell Theater on September 8th. The show gives tribute to the life of Mahalia Jackson, known as the “Queen of Gospel” due to her massive influence as an international gospel singer and Civil Rights activist.
Tickets available at the theatre box office window for $35. Tickets also available at http://www.TicketMaster.com or through Inglewood Tickets at (310) 671-6400.
Ladies Making Moves: Pink, Janelle Monáe x Victoria Beckham
Victoria Beckham Photo by Pamela Hanson
Victoria Beckham launches six-piece optical collection (WWD)
Not just a pretty face-Model/Frontwoman of Vuvuvultures Harmony Boucher chats about her edgy music (Style.com)
Surprise, Surprise! Pink is a Cover Girl (HuffingtonPost.com)
Vanity Fair highlights Janelle Monae’s style (NecoleBitchie.com)
Alicia Keys Is In Fast Company’s ‘League of Extraordinary Women’
Alicia Keys was recognized, along with 59 other talented women, for her savvy philanthropic efforts in the July/August issue of Fast Company Magazine’s “The League of Extraordinary Women: 60 Influencers Who Are Changing The World” feature.
The actress-singer-songwriter is co-founder of Keep A Child Alive, an organization that provides access to AIDS education and treatment to girls and women in the countries of Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. Alicia told the magazine:
“I started meeting these kids who had been so isolated and alone, and not much younger than me. It was so deep to me. Leigh [Blake] had a very clear vision, that if we could get these kids the right antiretroviral medication, we could allow them to lead a full life. I dedicated myself to that vision right then….” (read more)
Video: Laura Reed has ‘Faith not Fear’
Inspirational songs tend to waver on the corny side, but Laura Reed’s new track “Faith not Fear” from her upcoming album, The Awakening, makes you want to get up and “live life and inspire.” In the visual, the Nashville singer-songwriter seems almost like a wandering evangelist, roaming through different neighborhoods in her city to share her testimony. Producer Shannon Sanders, the mastermind behind the work of The Temptations, India.Arie, John Legend, Eric Benét and Heather Headley, added a nice touch of soulful bounce and harmonies to the track, making it a great song to play before you start your day.
DJ Beverly Bond Featured in AmFam’s Influencer, Dreamer and Achiever Series
Beverly Bond was recently highlighted in American Family Insurance’s Influencers, Dreamers & Achievers series. In this video, the DJ and founder of the non-profit Black Girls Rock, shared the origins of her career and how she used youth empowerment and mentoring to promote the arts for young women of color.
“Bravo” for Ledisi’s Encouraging New Video
Videos are meant to entertain, but it is great when artists use the forum to motivate and educate. That is exactly what Ledisi did for her latest video “Bravo“. In the video she sends a message to viewers that no matter what your skin color, religion, body type, etc. is, you do not have to accept stereotypes and labels, and to simply “celebrate life”.
Cool Snapshot: First Woman to Make XXL Magazine’s Cover: Iggy Azalea
Iggy Azalea is looking all types of fierce on the cover of XXL Magazine’s 5th annual Freshman issue. As the first woman to ever be on the cover of the rap-zine, she is representing for the ladies stupendously.
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Inspiration Nation: Chantal Winnie (Chantelle Brown)
Shannon Boodram of Girls Gone Wild did a great interview with Chantal Winnie, an aspiring journalist with Vitiligo, a skin condition dubbed as the “Michael Jackson disease”. This girl immediately left us in awe; her gorgeousness and showstopping smile allowed us to see the beauty in life period. Her skin condition is not stopping her from letting her light shine and enjoying her life.
