Photo courtesy of binside.typepad.com
In a much anticipated interview last Friday on NBC’s 20/20, Diane Sawyer interviewed pop-star Rihanna about her fight back in February with fellow singer and now ex-boyfriend, Chris Brown. Rihanna alleged that after they left a Grammy party, Chris proceeded to hit and bite her after she repeatedly asked him about a text another woman sent him.
Chris Brown fans immediately uploaded videos onto their Youtube pages with messages of support, many even speculating that Rihanna must have done something to provoke or deserve Chris’s beating. Even after the infamous photo of Rihanna’s bruised and swollen face leaked to the public, fans remained steadfast in their support of Chris Brown. Even after Chris finally admitted to Rihanna’s allegations, fans continued to think what he did was easily forgivable, or even admissible. Even though he committed a felony.
Rihanna’s interview with Diane Sawyer:
Why are we so apathetic about domestic violence?
Domestic violence is a more common problem than many of us would like to admit, and it happens to women of all ages, colors, and socioeconomic statuses (men can also fall victim to domestic abuse, though less frequently). According to the U.S. Surgeon General,
“Domestic violence is considered one of the foremost causes of serious injury to women ages 15 to 44, accounting for about 30 percent of all acute injuries to women seen in emergency departments”[1]
African American women, however, are disproportionately affected by domestic violence, falling victim to abuse at rates up to 35% higher than women of other backgrounds, according to the Surgeon General report.
Photo courtesy of yourtango.com
Women, and especially women of color, are being abused by their spouses at rates too high for us to continue to ignore or belittle. Rihanna remembers her father “severely” beating her mother on numerous occasions, so much so that she “wasn’t surprised when it happened”. Chris Brown’s mother was also abused by her spouse.
What counts as domestic abuse?
According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline,
“Domestic violence can be defined as a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner.
Abuse is physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure or wound someone.” [2]
What’s the big deal?
Because most bruises heal eventually, right? The woman must have deserved or provoked a beating, right? Wrong. Domestic abuse comes in many forms, and has many different yet devastating effects on its victims. Rihanna even admitted to Diane Sawyer, “the thing that men don’t realize when they hit a woman…[is] the scar inside.” A Surgeon General report on mental health details the diverse effects of abuse:
“Domestic violence is a serious and startlingly common public health problem with mental health consequences for victims, who are overwhelmingly female, and for children who witness the violence… The mental health consequences of domestic violence include depression, anxiety disorders (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder), suicide, eating disorders, and substance abuse…Children who witness domestic violence may suffer acute and long-term emotional disturbances, including nightmares, depression, learning difficulties, and aggressive behavior. Children also become at risk for subsequent use of violence against their dating partners and wives…” [1]
Photo courtesy of Dashfoundation.org
Chris Brown was undoubtedly scarred after repeatedly witnessing his step-father abuse his mother, but it is important for his fans to understand that what he did, no matter what the context, is plain wrong. Period.
Rihanna admitted that although she initially returned to Chris Brown after he hit her, when she realized her decision to continue loving Chris Brown was a selfish choice that could possibly result in a young girl getting killed by an abusive boyfriend, she couldn’t bear to “be held responsible for that,” so she broke up with Chris for good. Realizing what a big impact her life choices make on young women all over the world was a “big time wake-up call” for the singer. Her advice to those who might be in a similar situation: “Don’t react out of love…because love is blind. Step out of the situation and look on in third person, then react”.
What now?
If you or someone you know is experiencing any kind of domestic abuse, please call 911 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) for anonymous and confidential help.
Please remember that abuse is not always physical. Incidents of domestic abuse are overwhelmingly under-reported, oftentimes because an affected woman doesn’t understand that how her partner treats her is considered abuse. Educate yourself and others about domestic abuse and help to end the cycle of violence!
On the night of the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Awards, the girls enrolled in our DJ 101 and I Rhyme Like a Girl programs experienced the excitement of viewing the honorees from their seats in the audience in addition to performing on-stage! Talented poet and DJ in-training, 15-year-old Emily Carpenter, breaks it down for us in her own words:
Black Girls Rock Awards; My experience
by Emily Carpenter
Bright lights, beautiful people, and red velvet cupcakes! Those were the first three words that popped into my head as I walked in to the New York Times building. It was absolutely amazing, waiting downstairs for a chance to be ushered upstairs; I have to admit I was nervous. The fact that all these people were here to support us and Beverly’s vision excited me, but that added to my fright. Would they like our performance? Would it inspire them to look into their pockets? It was all unknown. I just had to relax, take a deep breath, and chill with all the other girls.
While waiting downstairs, we were constantly running in and out of the bathroom. Did our hair look right? What was the better side to face the audience with? How should we look at all the cameras when we’re in pictures? Still, no matter how much we talked we wouldn’t know until the show began.
BGR members pose for the camera before their performance
Getting quite restless, we all stood on the stairs and began snapping as many photos as we could, trying to savor every moment. Click, Clack, Click, Clack. Someone was walking towards us; “ Do y’all have your tickets. I’m here to escort you upstairs.” We all looked at each other – this was it. The show we’d all fantasized about, the moment we danced in anticipation for was here right before our faces. We grinned and followed her up the stairs and into the theater.
When in the theater, the lights suddenly got dimmer and a woman in yellow started to dance. While she danced, a song played in the background saying, “Ain’t she beautiful, Ain’t she Black,” in different ways until the message could be read on an entire different spectrum as when the song started out. It was really moving, and we all knew that this was going to be a show that we would remember for the rest of our lives, and we were given the opportunity to partake. It was very exciting!
The range of people honored made me feel honor. Even though there were many big names in the room that night, the common theme of Empowerment connected us all.
Sonia Sanchez’s speech/poem moved me so much! It was amazing to see a petite woman who people might not expect to have much strength have so much force, power, and just the flat ability to rock!
BGR members pose with Sonia Sanchez
Everyone’s speeches were inspiring, but suddenly I was tapped on the shoulder and we quietly tip-toed backstage. Everyone in the line was nervous, but I think we knew deep down that we could do it. “ AND that’s why we ROCK…!” Suddenly, we were ushered on stage. This was it. The nervousness began to melt away, and was replaced with a warmth. On this stage was where we belonged.
Emily (in Red) and other BGR! Members perform "Young, Gifted, and Black"
The lights were so bright, I could barley see past the first three rows in the audience. But as I kept looking at them, I felt as though our words and our message were important. Looking in the front row as I spoke, I realized that Mary J. Blige was sitting and listening intently in the front row. It took all my strength not to burst in cheers of joy! I would have never thought that someone that I had watched on TV, someone that I listened to on the radio, would be sitting there watching me, watching us. That was definitely one of my most memorable moments.
The rest of the night seemed to speed by, but I was racing right alongside it. From Doug E. Fresh’s DOPE intro, to Queen Latifah’s moving speech, to Janelle Monae’s absolutely PHENOMENAL PERFORMANCE. I was afraid that I missed her after the awards show ended. Although I didn’t have the opportunity to take a picture with her, I got the chance to let her know her presence was appreciated.
Janelle Monae performs
The night was great, and I would like to thank every soul who attended that night. The energy definitely was right, and I look forward to many more opportunities for us to empower and speak to one another. Thanks.
Photo by Mbali Ndlovu
On Saturday, October 17, 2009 the stars aligned at the illustrious Times Center in the heart of New York City for the 4th Annual 2009 BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Awards co-hosted by esteemed actresses Regina King and Tracee Ellis Ross. Tapping into her list of diverse philanthropic friends Black Girls Rock! Inc. founder Beverly Bond gathered a stellar and diverse array of presenters and supporters included noted entertainment attorney Londell McMillan, public relations maven and author Terrie Williams, philanthropist Jessica Seinfeld, Essence magazine’s Emil Wilbekin, Hip Hop Icon Doug E. Fresh, celebrity stylist and author June Ambrose, actor Columbus Short, Phil Collen-lead guitarist of the legendary English rock band Def Leppard, Black Enterprise television host and journalist Ed Gordon, Fox News correspondent Lisa Evers, BET News correspondent Jacque Reid, NYC mayoral candidate Bill Thompson, world-renowned fashion designer Catherine Malandrino, music mogul Andre Harrell, DJ Jazzy Joyce, Bethann Hardison and many others. Head HERE for awesome video coverage of the awards done by VH1.
The evening kicked off with a VIP cocktail reception and silent auction featuring many items donated by the night’s honorees, presenters and supporters. New York City’s Mayor Mike Bloomberg opened the awards show via a personal letter expressing a warm welcome, sincere congratulations, and a heartfelt thank you to BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Inc. founder Beverly Bond. Mayor Bloomberg recognized and exalted Ms. Bond’s efforts in helping to empower young girls of color and for helping to build “a brighter city.”
Photo courtesy of www.concreteloop.com
The effortless chemistry between entertaining hosts Regina King and Tracee Ellis Ross resonated throughout the event. Their serious voices of reason pertaining to the importance of the evening and their impromptu comedy sketches molded seamlessly together, creating an atmosphere that buzzed with excitement. The night was truly ablaze as inspired honorees and presenters delved deep within themselves and gave personal testimonials from their own lives to coincide with the night’s festivities.
For the past four years the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Awards show has served as the premiere fundraising event for BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Inc., a non-profit, youth-empowerment mentoring organization founded by celebrity DJ Beverly Bond. All of the proceeds will go towards operational funding for BLACK GIRLS ROCK! programs. The BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Awards honors the influential achievements of exceptional women of color in fashion, media, business, the arts and entertainment, and public service.
Photo courtesy of www.theybf.com
Universal support for the organization was personified as Phil Collen of Def Leppard and hip hop icon Doug E. Fresh presented the Black Girls Rock! ‘Rock Star’ Award to Queen Latifah. Following a crowd-shaking, musical ode to hip hop icons intro by Doug E. Fresh, an overwhelmed Queen Latifah entered the stage to a standing ovation. The Queen delivered a rousing, emotionally charged acceptance speech in which she reminisced about her childhood years, which ultimately influenced her direction as she morphed into hip hop royalty. She placed special emphasis on the importance of the exceptional and unique programming offered by BLACK GIRLS ROCK!, Inc. Queen Latifah asked for more awareness, sympathy, and prohibitive action towards victims of sexual abuse. Uplifted, she then passionately matched an earlier donation of $25,000 made to the organization.
A silent auction also took place, with the following items up for grabs: a Catherine Malandrino mosaic necklace and bracelet set, a Tracy Reese sequin chemise dress, and a Gucci patent leather clutch amongst other items. A Gibson guitar will also be auctioned online later this month, which was signed by many of the celebs that attended, incl. Phil Collen, Mary J. Blige, Raven Symone, Anthony Hamilton, Queen Latifah, Tracee Ellis Ross, Regina King , Janelle Monae and many others.
Highlights of the evening also included:-An admiring, altruistic couple who generously donated $25,000 to the organization-an impromptu poetry performance by “Living Legend” Award honoree Sonia Sanchez-A thoughtful and moving acceptance speech from supermodel and activist “Fashionista” Award honoree Naomi Campbell who spoke of discrimination within the modeling industry and the limitless support she received from Black Girls Coalition founder Bethann Hardison-Super songstress and recipient of the evening’s Black Girls Rock! “Icon” Award Mary J. Blige and the Black Girls Rock! “Who Got Next” Award honoree talented newcomer Janelle Monáe each respectively delivered inspiring words that relayed their commitment to excellence and the necessity for organizations like BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Inc.-Groundshaking performances by the young ladies of BLACK GIRLS ROCK! who honored “Young, Gifted, and Black” Award honoree Raven-Symoné with a Nina Simone tribute of the same name-Two soulful selections by Universal artist Melanie Fiona-A riveting vocal performance by Wondaland Arts Society/Bad Boy recording ingenue Janelle Monáe.- Dr. Mehret Mandefro: the Black Girls Rock! “Community Service” Award
- Naomi Campbell: the Black Girls Rock! “Fashionista” Award
- Janelle Monáe: the Black Girls Rock! “Who Got Next” Award
- Spinderella: the Black Girls Rock! ”Jazzy Joyce DJ” Award
- Raven-Symoné: the Black Girls Rock! “Young, Gifted and Black” Award
- Anthony Hamilton: the Black Girls Rock! “Soul Brother #1″ Award
- Dr. Sonia Sanchez: the Black Girls Rock! “Living Legend” Award
- Iyanla Vanzant: the Black Girls Rock! “Shot Caller” Award
- Queen Latifah: the Black Girls Rock! “Rock Star” Award
- Mary J. Blige: the Black Girls Rock! ”Icon” Award
“BLACK GIRLS ROCK! is undergoing a strategic shift towards national expansion, answering the call of service made by President Barack Obama through mentoring, educating, and empowering young girls.”- Founder Beverly Bond
Additional information on the annual gala and BLACK GIRLS ROCK! can be found at http://www.blackgirlsrockinc.com/Officials.
SPONSORSHIP CONTACT:
Miatta David
Miatta@mvdinc.usoffice : 212.244.5436 fax:212.244.5439
On Saturday, October 17, 2009, some of the best and brightest stars from several industries aligned to honor a set of distinguished, internationally-acclaimed women of color. Where else better to host this stellar event than the city that never sleeps? The Fourth Annual BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Awards took place in the legendary TimesCenter located a few steps away from Times Square. The venue was the prefect combination of elegant and funky, all at the same time. After all of the gift bags had been made, and the food and drinks had been set up, and the items up for auction had been displayed, and each scrumptious red velvet cupcake from Cake Man Raven had been carefully put on display, we rolled out the red carpet and opened our doors to the amped up press pounding on the glass doors. By 7:30, it was lights, camera, action as honorees, presenters, famous supporters, and the young women from the organization began arriving. The frenzy of the paparazzi and voracious reporters and journalist turned the ambiance up about ten notches. Everyone was certainly ready to party like the rockstars that they were!
But before we get into things, first things first! We know you’re dying to get a taste of everyone’s outfit of the night, so let us oblige you with some pictures from the red carpet. Shout out to ESSENCE Magazine and The Young, Black, and Fabulous who both featured their pics from the awards on their sites and showed us love!
Raven-Symoné
Photo courtesy of theybf.com
Naomi Campbell
Photo courtesy of theybf.com
Anthony Hamilton with son
Photo courtesy of theybf.com
Mary J. Blige
Photo courtesy of theybf.com
Melanie Fiona
Photo courtesy of theybf.com
Andre Harrell
Photo courtesy of theybf.com
Queen Latifah
Photo courtesy of theybf.com
DJ Cassidy
Photo courtesy of theybf.com
Jacque Reid
Photo courtesy of theybf.com
Tracee Ellis Ross
Photo courtesy of theybf.com
Bethann Hardison & Iyanla Vanzant
Photo courtesy of Essence.com
Doug E. Fresh & DJ Jazzy Joyce
Photo courtesy of Essence.com
DJ Spinderella & Raven-Symoné
Photo courtesy of theybf.com
Tracee Ellis Ross, Regina King, & Queen Latifah
Photo courtesy of Essence.com
Mary J. Blige & Catharine Malandrino
Photo courtesy of Essence.com
Kevin Powell, Sonia Sanchez, DJ Beverly Bond, Regina King, & Tracee Ellis Ross
Photo courtesy of Essence.com
Regina King, Dr. Mehret Mandefro, DJ Beverly Bond, & Tracee Ellis Ross
Photo courtesy of Essence.com
Stay tuned for tomorrows post on who won what, who performed, who presented, more pictures and much more!
In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness month Black Girls Rock!, in conjunction with Kevin Powell and others, invites you to ’The Domestic Violence Prevention Summit.
Check out more information below:
Last night, a stellar group of illustrious stars from a variety of industries gathered to celebrate the accomplishments and commitments made by a select group of women of color (and one talented gentleman.) A number of surprises occurred including an extremely generous donation made from a magnanimous couple and an altruistic MC to whom the organization really spoke.
The consensus of the night? BLACK GIRLS ROCK!
Please stay tuned for pictures of the honorees, attendees, performers and others at the Awards.
BLACK GIRLS ROCK! INC. HONORS
MARY J. BLIGE, NAOMI CAMPBELL, DR. SONIA SANCHEZ, RAVEN-SYMONÉ, JANELLE MONÁE, IYANLA VANZANT & MORE AT THE 4TH ANNUAL BLACK GIRLS ROCK! AWARDS FUNDRAISER
Acclaimed actresses Regina King and Tracee Ellis Ross will co-host
this star-studded event to honor the achievements of outstanding women of color and raise
funds for BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Inc.
September 29, 2009, New York, NY- On Saturday, October 17, 2009 stars will gather at the illustrious TimesCenter in the heart of New York City for the 4th Annual BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Awards co-hosted by esteemed actresses Regina King and Tracee Ellis Ross. The show will honor the achievements of exceptional women of color in fashion, media, business, the arts and entertainment, and public service.
Now in its fourth year, the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Awards show serves as the premiere fundraising event for BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Inc., a nonprofit youth empowerment mentoring organization founded by celebrity DJ, Beverly Bond. GRAMMY Award winner and founder of FFAWN, Mary J. Blige will be receiving the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! “Icon” Award. Trailblazer, entrepreneur, & actress Raven-Symoné will be taking home the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! “Young, Gifted, and Black” Award.Supermodel and fashion Icon, Naomi Campbell will be receiving the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! “Fashionista” Award. The BLACK GIRLS ROCK! “Who’s Got Next” Award will go to urban-alternative singer, songwriter, Wondaland Arts Society/Atlantic recording artist Janelle Monáe. Award-winning poet playwright and activist Dr. Sonia Sanchez will be receiving the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! “Living Legend” Award. The BLACK GIRLS ROCK! “Community Service” Award will be given to TruthAIDS founder, activist and White House Fellow, Dr. Mehret Mandefro. Inspirational speaker, author, and television personality Iyanla Vanzant will be taking home the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! “Shot Caller” Award.
Additional honorees include world-renowned DJ and media personality DJ Spinderella, who will be receiving the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! “Jazzy Joyce DJ” Award and GRAMMY Award winner Anthony Hamilton, who will be receiving the only award given to a man, the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! “Soul Brother #1″ Award. Other participants include: actress Kerry Washington, 2008 BGR! Award recipient Bethann Hardison, philanthropists Danny Simmons and Jessica Seinfeld, renowned visual artistVic Muniz, multi-platinum producerBryan-Michael Cox, acclaimed fashion designer Catherine Malandrino, and more.
“I am proud that BLACK GIRLS ROCK! is at the forefront of a movement inspiring women of color to take charge of our images, our dignity, and our impact on the world. The annual BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Award show is our way of saying ‘Thank You’ to these stellar women whose exemplary achievements help to navigate future generations towards excellence.”
- Beverly Bond
BLACK GIRLS ROCK! is undergoing a strategic shift towards national expansion,
answering the call to service of President Barack Obama by mentoring, educating,
and empowering young girls.
Ticket information for the annual gala can be found at http://www.blackgirlsrockinc.com/Awards09
MEDIA CONTACT:
Nicole Marzan nicole@kinetixintegrated.com
w: 212.686.1711 ext.112 m: 646.549.135
SPONSORSHIP CONTACT:
Miatta David
Miatta@mvdinc.us
office : 212.244.5436 fax:212.244.5439
According to the dictionary, rock and roll music is a fusion of black rhythm and blues and white country music, usually based on a twelve-bar structure and an instrumentation of guitar, bass, and drums. Yet, despite the heavy influence that people of color have had on the genre, they continue to be excluded from this musical culture and industry. Over the decades, a handful of men of color have managed to successfully break into the scene, but the women of color rock artists come few and far between.
Enter Shingai Shoniwa, frontwoman of the UK band The Noisettes and this weeks’ Rockstar of the Week. While growing up in the UK public housing system, Shingai would use music as a form of escape from her surroundings. As she stated in an interview:
With my music and lyrics I’m communicating the perseverance of the human spirit… and that doesn’t come without tragedy or comedy. Music is the soundtrack to my life and I see everyone’s life as a feature film – it’s not a rehearsal. [1]
The name Shingai actually means perseverance in Shona, a language in Zimbabwe, the country where Shingai’s roots reside. Her desire to experiment with rock and roll music stems originally from Zimbabwean musician Thomas Mapfumo’s guitar translations on the mbira. After honing her musical gift at the BRIT School of Arts and Technology (the alma matter of Leona Lewis and Amy Winehouse) and a brief stint as a burlesque performer, Shingai decided to pursue her dreams and create a band with friend and classmate Dan Smith on the guitar. Later, drummer Jamie Morrison would join to make the trio complete.
With two albums to date—the 2007 What’s the Time, Mr. Wolf? and the 2009 Wild Young Hearts—The Noisettes have brought a wonderfully refreshing element to rock and roll music, not only musically but aesthetically as well. Normally, Billie Holiday, Diana Ross, and Karen O comparisons would make even the most original artist become a bit jaded, but not Shingai. In an interview with Venus Zine, she reveals her thoughts on the origins of these comparisons:
It’s because I’m a girl and because we’ve come so far as women in the music industry. We are able to speak for ourselves through our music rather than being defined and put into the spotlight in a very male kind of groomed way for an obviously predominantly male audience…I feel like it is our time now…There are a lot more women behind the scenes and lots of the people who end up comparing us are male journalists writing for men who might not get it.” [2]
Of course, any feature on Shingai would be incomplete without any mention of her distinctive style and her fierce showmanship abilities. In terms of style influence, Shingai has credited her infatuation with bright colors and loud prints to the bold and fabulous flamboyance of African women. In addition to her extraordinary fashion sense, Shingai rocks Google-worthy hairstyles that defy gravity while rivaling the beauty and grace of traditionally classic coifs. The same goes for her performances, when her natural rockstar quality really shines through. Not only has this leading lady dislocated her shoulder while rocking out on tour, but she’s even jammed on the bass with a loaf of bread! “Someone handed me a stale baguette and I carried on playing with that,” she said.
Shingai Shoniwa proves that black girls can and do rock, literally!
Check out some of The Noisette’s tracks and performances below:
“Don’t Upset The Rhythm”:
“Never Forget You”:
“When You Were Young” (cover of The Killers):
BLACK GIRLS ROCK! INC. HONORS
MARY J. BLIGE, NAOMI CAMPBELL, DR. SONIA SANCHEZ, RAVEN-SYMONÉ, JANELLE MONÁE, IYANLA VANZANT & MORE AT THE 4TH ANNUAL BLACK GIRLS ROCK! AWARDS FUNDRAISER
Acclaimed actresses Regina King and Tracee Ellis Ross will co-host
this star-studded event to honor the achievements of outstanding women of color and raise
funds for BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Inc.
September 29, 2009, New York, NY- On Saturday, October 17, 2009 stars will gather at the illustrious TimesCenter in the heart of New York City for the 4th Annual BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Awards co-hosted by esteemed actresses Regina King and Tracee Ellis Ross. The show will honor the achievements of exceptional women of color in fashion, media, business, the arts and entertainment, and public service.
Now in its fourth year, the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Awards show serves as the premiere fundraising event for BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Inc., a nonprofit youth empowerment mentoring organization founded by celebrity DJ, Beverly Bond. GRAMMY Award winner and founder of FFAWN, Mary J. Blige will be receiving the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! “Icon” Award. Trailblazer, entrepreneur, & actress Raven-Symoné will be taking home the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! “Young, Gifted, and Black” Award. Supermodel and fashion Icon, Naomi Campbell will be receiving the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! “Fashionista” Award. The BLACK GIRLS ROCK! “Who’s Got Next” Award will go to urban-alternative singer, songwriter, Wondaland Arts Society/Atlantic recording artist Janelle Monáe. Award-winning poet playwright and activist Dr. Sonia Sanchez will be receiving the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! “Living Legend” Award. The BLACK GIRLS ROCK! “Community Service” Award will be given to TruthAIDS founder, activist and White House Fellow, Dr. Mehret Mandefro. Inspirational speaker, author, and television personality Iyanla Vanzant will be taking home the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! “Shot Caller” Award.
Additional honorees include world-renowned DJ and media personality DJ Spinderella, who will be receiving the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! “Jazzy Joyce DJ” Award and GRAMMY Award winner Anthony Hamilton, who will be receiving the only award given to a man, the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! “Soul Brother #1″ Award. Other participants include: actress Kerry Washington, 2008 BGR! Award recipient Bethann Hardison, philanthropists Danny Simmons and Jessica Seinfeld, renowned visual artist Vic Muniz, multi-platinum producerBryan-Michael Cox, acclaimed fashion designer Catherine Malandrino, and more.
“I am proud that BLACK GIRLS ROCK! is at the forefront of a movement inspiring women of color to take charge of our images, our dignity, and our impact on the world. The annual BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Award show is our way of saying ‘Thank You’ to these stellar women whose exemplary achievements help to navigate future generations towards excellence.”
- Beverly Bond
BLACK GIRLS ROCK! is undergoing a strategic shift towards national expansion,
answering the call to service of President Barack Obama by mentoring, educating,
and empowering young girls.
Ticket information for the annual gala can be found at http://www.blackgirlsrockinc.com/Awards09
MEDIA CONTACT:
Nicole Marzan nicole@kinetixintegrated.com
w: 212.686.1711 ext.112 m: 646.549.135
SPONSORSHIP CONTACT:
Miatta David
Miatta@mvdinc.us
office : 212.244.5436 fax:212.244.5439
Check-ups may catch a fatal disease early
Turn on the television or radio. Pick up a newspaper or news magazine. Surf the web. Either way, you’re bound to come across a discussion about healthcare coverage in the United States. By now, after the media’s constant barrage of propaganda, most of us are inclined to shake our heads in defeat. Admittedly, the debate has been controlled by specific groups and individuals, primarily those of power, and not necessarily those who are positioned to suffer the most in the event that the current health care system is not overhauled.
As women of color, we tend to prioritize a number of things before our own health, including our families and work. However, when it comes to our health, this Superwoman syndrome hinders us, even hurts us, more than we care to admit. The Kaiser Foundation recently released a new and extremely important study titled “Putting Women’s Health Care Disparities on the Map: Examining Racial and Ethnic Disparities at the State Level.” The study documents the health disparities that exist between women of color and white women.
National average data shows that 27.9 percent of women of color don’t have any health coverage, compared to 12.8 percent of their white counterparts. [1]
Please read more about that study and find out the facts HERE. In her article, writer Nina Jacinto makes many significant observations of the inextricable relationship between gender, race, and healthcare, as well as the importance of taking ethnic and racial differences into consideration when conducting health reports, as opposed to homogenizing the groups. Another article by Jacinto entitled “New Research on Black Women and Breast Cancer” features recent discoveries made about black women’s breast cancer survival rate and offers possible methods of prevention and solutions to this disease. Keep in mind that, as Jacinto wrote, “solutions won’t be effective without fair and equal access to healthcare, breast cancer campaigns that don’t ignore women of color, and better medical and educational resources in low-income communities.”
Although breast cancer is less common among black women than white women, black women are more likely to die from the disease, and to die at a younger age. [2]
Head HERE for the full article. Please share these articles with the women of color in your lives. It may save their’s.
If you need even more incentive to get involved in the health care system debate, online publication The Root has provided us with “10 Reasons African-Americans Should March Washington About Health Care.” The article highlighted women of color’s health in particular a number of times:
5. Breast and cervical cancer. Black women are twice as likely to die from cervical cancer as whites and while breast cancer deaths are dropping for whites, black women continue to die at higher rates than anybody else. Why? No preventive care to catch cancer early enough to treat it.
6. Diabetes. America is in the throes of a diabetes epidemic, but it’s raging like nowhere else among blacks, particularly black women, who have a higher rate than any other group. Worse, both black men and women are much more likely to be hospitalized, disabled and killed by diabetes once they have it.
9. STDs. An unprecedented study last year found 48 percent of all black teenage girls tested had a sexually transmitted infection. Damn near half. Which helps explain the HIV data, since untreated STDs facilitate the spread of HIV. [3]
You’re probably asking yourself, “Okay. So now what? What can I do?” Well, writing to your congressional representative would be a great start. No need for an elaborate, stuffy message. Simply expressing your discontent with the current state of the health care system will go a long way. Why not invite your girlfriends over and host a “Girls Write Out” party? You provide the envelopes and stationary, they provide the snacks. If you’re a student, get together a group of like-minded peers and create a health care reform campus organization. Or try screening a documentary covering the topic. Check out this article for inspiration and advice on how to get those started. It may not feel like much at first, but remember–it takes a nation of millions to hold us back.
blackgirlsrock
Kyla Marshell
Patrice Peck
Mbali Ndlovu