It all began when a series of events led me to introduce two single friends, each from a separate corner of the lonely-hearts club. She, a dynamic sister with a bright future glazing in her horizon, sociable, a people-pleaser, ever-so insecure, met him, an attractive, slightly pretentious man, whose confidence, self-righteousness and charm could blow anyone’s pants off.

I went along with the venture, trying my best to facilitate what was an unlikely combination. She had returned from abroad at the beginning of the year and was detached from the life she left behind. But I, like others in our friendship group, was excited to hear about her stories, supposing that her brilliant mind was ticking over with exciting plans and was full of stories about new people and far-away lands.

On the other side of the equation, he and I had begun seeing each other quite often on the weekends, having a crazy time between us and with other frivolous friends. He spoke about his desire to calm down a little, to find someone with the prospect of longevity. So, when circumstances led them to meet, there was clear and open interest on both sides.

As the weeks went by I stood on the sidelines answering the questions of one about the other and tried my best to bridge some of the obvious differences between them. But it appeared that nothing was going to work between them. He had told me that he had been sleeping around, and even took another sister home on an evening in which she had called me to chase information about where he was. This came in his relationship disclaimer, that so as long as there was no future between them, and the attempts to make something work had reached an expiry date, he was free to do as he wished and with whomever he pleased.

She on the other hand was reappearing in my life quite sporadically to gain information about what he was doing, where he was and what I knew about him. It was strange because, aside from staying at my place when she first returned from abroad, I would only hear from her when she wanted something. It reached the point where I gathered that even she was aware of this, telling me one day “Let’s catch up soon, girl. I feel like I haven’t seen you at all.” I was not too concerned at this point; I was busy.

But, it was all to boil over after one wild evening when he and I shared a kiss at a club. Having been told that nothing was going on between them, I fell to his charms and was one of two women to be swooned that evening with his kiss. I realized that what I had done was foul when I turned to see him with that another sister. Indignant, I left the club. The next day I spoke with him to clear the air, only to discover that he and my friend, she, were seeing each other that evening for round two.

At this point my anger about having been used as a go-between-girl between two unmatched people had reached its climax. After months of being there for both of them, I was eventually pushed to redundancy, the friendships began to end and my interactions with both faded. I also can’t overlook the notion that I was slightly jealous. Two friends, who I had known for 2 years on separate grounds, had run off together and were leaving me behind.

So one evening, I directed a comment to him, amongst friends, that questioned the worth of his friendship. Given how proactive he was in broadcasting to the world a sense of moral superiority and excellence in friendship, he took my criticism poorly and defensively. I considered him a dirty rat, so I didn’t care about how he reacted.

But then, the following day, I received a phone call from her questioning me about the evening in which he and I had kissed. He had obviously told her to spite me and I imagined this was accompanied with the usual dialogue of “she must love me,” which he regularly uses to justify burnt bridges with women (those he burns with men are because they are jealous of his style and charm.) Cornered, I asked to meet with her the next day during my lunch break. She accepted but brought along a mutual friend so to avoid any conversation about what had happened. This was a clear indication she was not interested in hearing what I knew. I told her anyway.

A week later, having boiled over in self-reflection, I sent her an SMS with a stern warning her to watch her mouth with other people. She had fragrantly spread the word amongst mutual friends that I was the saboteur between them as they went about sewing the seeds of their rock-sold connection. I doubted, at this point, that she believed me when I told her about him sleeping around. This sickened me in my self-righteousness because I knew they were having unprotected sex, for which he would take no responsibility. A typical player – selfish and irresponsible.

The entire scenario left me feeling foolish and ashamed. Aside from considering him a friend of mine – an arrogant man with little no consideration of other people’s dignity – I had also fallen victim to subtle ways of a sister’s convenience friendship.

In all of this, I did things I was not at all proud of. I was very wrong to have kissed him without appreciating fully that she still may have had feelings for him by virtue of not knowing he was sleeping around and meeting new women. Her interaction with me was so sporadic, and always so focused on her needs with him, that I was never given the opportunity to know that she was still pursuing him at that point. But, as they began seeing each other again, with talk of them moving in together, a common enemy for them both has been the best method to cover up their obvious differences. Ultimately, my former sister got what she wanted – to fill a void in her life with a charming man. My services to her have dried up and so too has the friendship.

I scratch my head occasionally and wonder whether or not I should still care about her. But then I realize that it was a lesson learned for me and that so too will it be a lesson for her when she finally gets burned.

And that is how one friendship of convenience reached its inevitable end.

“I Love My Husband, But I Want His Friend & I’m Thinking Of Leaving With This Guy”

Is It Possible To Re-Do Romance?

1. All Black Men Are Well-Endowed
This one is bound to start some discussion. Upon googling ‘Black men big penis true?’, you’ll find a range of references to an unemployed white man from Brooklyn named John Falcon, who’s apparently the owner of the world’s largest.

Research however will tell you that there is in fact no truth to the debate about differences in size across the races. It is certainly not a guarantee that the next black man you meet will outdo John Falcon in the size department but in terms of a continued discussion about this myth, we’ll leave it with you.

2. They Don’t Like To Work
While Black men suffer from some of the highest rates of unemployment in America, psychologists will confirm that this is in no way related to choice. Men in general are hardwired to want to provide for their families and so will pursue any means possible to achieve that goal. ‘Not wanting to work’ is a negative stereotype of black men that is certainly not true in the grand majority of cases of unemployment.

3. Black Men Are Extremely Sexually Virile
Can we keep this one as it is? What do you think?

4. Black Men Are Great Athletes
Any major sporting event features an array of muscular, testosterone-filled black men. But, ‘Look at them! Now look at your man! And back to them! Now look at your man!’

5. Players
Popular urban culture and Hollywood have perpetuated the myth of the black man as a player. This is in fact not true of black men in particular. All human beings must actively resist polygamy in their lives because of the pressures of evolution, which tell us to procreate with as many people as possible, and society, which dictates that we remain faithful to our chosen partner.

6. Black Men Like White Women
Now this one depends largely on who you ask. Interracial marriage is on the rise in America and the perception that black men like white women may stem from the fact that it is becoming more socially acceptable and therefore more common. In the end, a man and a woman will be together for reasons of personal compatibility, not race.

7. Black Men Don’t Take Care Of Their Children
A good black man will be a wonderful father to his children no matter what the circumstances. The trick is to avoid those who might take the easy way out of hard circumstances – of these there are plenty and they’re all shapes, sizes and colors.

8. He’s Been In Jail
This stereotype is like a bad joke gone worse. Urban and pop cultures have played on this perception to the point that those who unfamiliar with black people maintain some crazy ideas about our world.

9. Good At Dancing
The only reason people become known for dancing well is that one good mover can overshadow the 5 others who just escaped through the fire exit to avoid being pulled onto the dance floor.

We want to hear from you. What do you think about the validity of some of these stereotypes?

How Many “Fish In The Sea” Does Your Body Attract?

Never before has it been more important for parents to be as aware (if not more) than their children about the possible dangers of the internet. There are a number of strategies you can pursue to allow you to protect your children in the ever-evolving world of technology. In the meantime, as a parent you can empower yourself by helping your children manage their online activities.

1.Establish Innocence Before Guilt

Be aware of the ways your children can cover their tracks online such as by deleting internet history. If you check this on a regular basis you may be able to assert whether or not your children are hiding something from you. If not, you may feel comfortable granting them a higher level of independence as they go about learning more online functions.

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2. Talk About Privacy

You could talk to your children about the issue of online privacy depending on the relationship you have with them. If your children are comfortable with your supervision they might grant you access to their email accounts or online social media accounts. If not, try requesting permission to enhance their privacy settings such as changing profiles to private, making profile pictures viewable only to friends or removing their pages from search engines.

3. Get Your Child Out Of The House

You have probably heard yourself saying, ‘We never had the internet when I was a kid. Life was so much funner.’ Well get your children outside, take them to the beach or a park, play games together, do the things you did as a child instead of complaining how boring they are! You’ll give them the opportunity to create wonderful childhood memories as well as the ability to understand how important it is to be active offline.

4. Purchase Software

If you are extremely concerned about how your child is using the internet you could purchase online protection software designed to automatically detect and block inappropriate sites. There a range of options for you to pursue in terms of price and function. However do not forget that sidestepping your child could lead to larger problems in your relationship.

Establishing trust is undeniably the best option when it comes to your child’s online activity – even more so when his or her use of the internet extends well beyond the computers you are able to monitor.

Kids On A Leash: Safe Or Sick?

5. Don’t Buy A New Computer When The Old One Explodes

Notebook computers have allowed business people and other internet-dependent workers to transport their work from the office to home. And more so than ever, schools are equipped with the latest batch of computers for use by your child.

So if you don’t need a home computer, why have one? If you did choose to remove the home computer from your lives you might just find that your household dynamics become a lot more personal and a lot less tech. Communication between you and your child might improve and all your internet-based woes could disappear for good. But don’t get too comfortable! As we know, technology is always changing and it could make its way back into your home in a new form.

1. Mae Jemison

Mae Jemison has gone farther than most people, let alone most black women. Jemison became the first African American astronaut in space when in 1992 NASA sent her up-up-and-away on the Space Shuttle Endeavor. She has also been a medical doctor and a member of the Peace Corps in Liberia and Sierra Leone. What you may not know about Mae Jemison is that she entered Stanford University at the tender of age of 16.

2. Wangari Maathai

This Kenyan-born conservationist, environmental activist, and former assistant minister of environment and natural resources in her home country, was the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize (1994). She attended colleges in Germany, USA (University of Pittsburgh) and Kenya. Her work in environmental protection has made her a pioneer in the effort to protect the planet from the impact of a changing climate.

3. Barbara Jordan

Barbara Jordan was a political force to be reckoned with, serving the Texas House of Representatives, the Texas Senate, and the US House of Representatives during her long and successful career in American politics. She was the first black Texas State senator since 1883 when she won in 1966, and the first black woman to ever win a senate seat in Texas. In 1972, Jordan became the first black woman from a southern state to enter the US House of Representatives, and was a popular, trusted colleague of many power players of that era.

4. Winnie Madikizela-Mandela

Winnie Mandela is a controversial example of a black female leader simply because of her tumultuous past with the South African legal system and several allegations made against her during her history in the spotlight. However it is still important to recognize Ms. Madikizela-Mandela because, regardless of her controversial past, she was intimately involved in the struggle to end one of modern history’s most deplorable policies, South African Apartheid.

5. Betty Shabazz

Also known as Betty X, Shabazz was the wife of former Nation of Islam pioneer, Malcolm X. While Betty Shabazz is a controversial figure in American history, she also served in a range of advisory and volunteer roles following the assassination of her husband, not to mention raising 6 children as a single mother.

6. Mary Seacole

Mary Seacole was a nurse and hero of the Crimean War. Born in Jamaica, she overcame several barriers in practicing nursing after the war, most of which were related to racial discrimination. Seacole eventually traveled to Turkey to join the team of Florence Nightingale. In late years she would be hailed for her bravery and dedication to the soldiers and nations she served to assist.

7. Madam Tinubu

Madam Tinubu was a Nigerian born political player who campaigned against the influence of the British Empire in her home nation and for the elimination of slavery. While once a slaver trader herself, Madam Tinubu eventually opposed all forms of slavery and used her influence to try to eliminate it.

8. Henrietta Lacks

Henrietta Lacks provided science with some of its most marvelous advancements simply by having had her cancerous cells sampled by a scientist in 1951. That scientist from Johns Hopkins University used them after she developed cervical cancer aged 30 to develop a series of immune cells in a culture. This development was the first of its kind and Henrietta’s cells were later sent to space for testing. They were also used to help develop the polio vaccine.

9. Queen Amina of Zaria

A 14th century Queen of what is now Nigeria, Amina is remembered for her role as one of the first militarily-active Queens. She participated in a number of battles and was renowned for her strategy and innovation.

10. Florence Joyner

Also known as Flo-Jo, Florence Joyner was a record-setting, multiple Olympic gold medalist and hero to many a small girl. She is attributed with increasing the profile of track and field for girls. Joyner died suddenly in 1998 aged 38 following an epileptic seizure.

11. Frances Cress Welsing

Francis Cress Welsing is an academic, psychiatrist and author. She is known for her controversial work about white supremacy and racial suppression theories. Her most recognized text is called ‘The Isis Papers.’

12. Angela Davis

Angela Davis is by far one of the most controversial black female leaders to have graced the pages of modern American history books. In the 60s she was involved heavily in the civil and woman’s rights movements. As a self-confirmed socialist, she was once a member of the Communist Party of the United States, spending extended periods of time in Cuba and remaining actively involved in the international socialist movement. However, Davis eventually became more moderate in her political affiliation and is now an active academic whose focus remains on feminist and Afro-American studies.

13. Toni Morrison

Toni Morrison is one of America’s most critically acclaimed authors, having won the Pulitzer Prize and the Nobel Prize for Literature. Her characters are known for their particular ‘blackness.’ This became relevant in 1998 with her most remarkable characterization – speaking in reference to the impeachment of former president Bill Clinton she so famously referred to him as, “Our first Black president” because of particular personality and contextual traits he embodied.

14. Nina Simone

Almost everybody should know one of her classic hits because Nina Simone produced over 40 studio albums during her long, successful career as a recording artist. Born in 1933, Simone went on to become a songwriter, pianist, vocalist, singer and civil rights campaigner, honored and admired across the world for pioneering much of what we listen to today.

15. Jackie Joyner-Kersee

Jackie Joyner-Kersee was an American track athlete, recognized as one of this country’s greatest female athletes and sporting icons. In 1988 she launched the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation to improve the lives of those in need in the St. Louis area.

16. Helene D Gayle

Dr. Helene Gayle is currently the CEO of CARE USA, one of the country’s leading humanitarian organizations. Dr, Gayle also chairs President Obama’s Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS as well as being involved in a number of other important humanitarian groups.

17. Margaret Ekpo

Like so many of the pioneering civil rights leaders we know in the United States, Margaret Ekpo was a leader in her own time and today. Although she passed away in 2006 at the age of 92, Ekpo is remembered for pushing for racial unity through the woman’s rights movement in Nigeria.

18. Cynthia McKinney

Cynthia McKinney is a well-known former House representative. A former Democrat, she later switched to the Green Party and was that party’s presidential candidate in 2008. McKinney has been a controversial political figure during her time in the spotlight, especially in regard to her belief of certain 09/11 theories. Yet McKinney has focused much of her attention on practical, grass roots political efforts. She was a strong advocate for victims rights during the post-Hurricane Katrina disaster.

19. June Jordan

June Jordan was a Jamaican-born, American poet, author, educator and activist. She is famous for her work in literature, covering topics relating to race, gender and equality. The June Jordan School For Equity in California is named in her honor.

20. Sheila Johnson

Sheila Johnson is a successful American entrepreneur, television and film producer and business woman. She co-founded BET but sold it in 1999 to Viacom. Sheila Johnson is also an owner and/or partner of three sporting teams, Washington Capitals (NHL), the Washington Wizards (NBA), and the Washington Mystics (WNBA).

21. Kathleen Cleaver

Kathleen Cleaver was a former Black Panther member turned Yale-educated lawyer and academic in law.

22. Harriet Washington

Harriet Washington is a controversial yet acclaimed author in the field of medical ethics. She is best known for writing the book, ‘Medical Apartheid’ in which she makes an historical and cultural critique of the medical situation facing African Americans.

23. Miriam Makeba, ‘Mama Afrika’

Miriam Makeba was a South African singer and civil rights activists, known for denouncing Apartheid on the world stage and campaigning abroad for the end of that government policy. Along with releasing several dozen albums, Mama Afrika appeared on television and across the world, holding at one time 9 passports as an honorary citizen in exile. She died in 2008, aged 76.

24. Michelle Obama

As the wife of our current president, Michelle Obama is undeniably the most recognized current figurehead of the black female community. Both nationally and abroad, she is hailed for her credibility, strong presence and intellect. Michelle is currently undertaking a range of programs, the most notable of which are the support of war widows and the battle against childhood obesity. However, irrespective of her unofficial role as the First Lady, she is also an accomplished lawyer, political campaigner and mother of 2 (and, as per the Vogue shot above, a style icon in the making).

25. Carol Moseley Braun

Carol Moseley Braun is, as of 2010, the only black female to have ever served in the US Senate. Braun was also the Ambassador to New Zealand from 1999 to 2001.

26. Patricia Roberts Harris

A Howard University graduate, Patricia Roberts Harris went on to become the first African American woman to serve as an ambassador. She held a number of Cabinet positions in the administration of Jimmy Carter including Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare.

27. Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald has had our skin in goosebumps for generations with her powerful lyrics and spectacular voice. She was the first African American woman to win a Grammy Award, eventually winning 14 as well as a range of other accolades including the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She passed away in 1996 at the age of 79.

28. Cora Mae Brown

Cora Mae Brown is an example of the less known, grassroots heroes of American social activism. Born in 1914, she was a social worker, policewoman, and lawyer, and eventually became the first black woman to be elected to a US state’s legislature, winning a seat in the Michigan State Senate in 1952. Cora Mae Brown was also involved actively in the National Council of Negro Women, the NAACP and the YWCA.

29. Yvonne Braithwaite Burke

Yvonne Braithwaite Burke is a woman of many firsts in her home state of California. In 1966 she became the first black woman elected to California legislature, in 1972 the first black woman elected to California Congress and in 1993 the first black woman to serve as Chair of the Los Angeles County Supervisors.

30. Our Mothers

By far the most sought after addition to our last list of strong black woman to know about were our mothers. They’re the women that gave you your first breath, helped support you, provided you the clothes on your back, a roof over your head and the nurturing that you needed to make it day-by-day in this harsh world. Even if she isn’t in your life any longer, the simple act of having conceived you and nurtured you during those painful 9 months, is something to admire and never forget. So go moms!

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1. Mae Jemison

Mae Jemison has gone farther than most people, let alone most black women. Jemison became the first African American astronaut in space when in 1992 NASA sent her up-up-and-away on the Space Shuttle Endeavor. She has also been a medical doctor and a member of the Peace Corps in Liberia and Sierra Leone. What you may not know about Mae Jemison is that she entered Stanford University at the tender of age of 16.

2. Wangari Maathai

This Kenyan-born conservationist, environmental activist, and former assistant minister of environment and natural resources in her home country, was the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize (1994). She attended colleges in Germany, USA (University of Pittsburgh) and Kenya. Her work in environmental protection has made her a pioneer in the effort to protect the planet from the impact of a changing climate.

3. Barbara Jordan

Barbara Jordan was a political force to be reckoned with, serving the Texas House of Representatives, the Texas Senate, and the US House of Representatives during her long and successful career in American politics. She was the first black Texas State senator since 1883 when she won in 1966, and the first black woman to ever win a senate seat in Texas. In 1972, Jordan became the first black woman from a southern state to enter the US House of Representatives, and was a popular, trusted colleague of many power players of that era.

4. Winnie Madikizela-Mandela

Winnie Mandela is a controversial example of a black female leader simply because of her tumultuous past with the South African legal system and several allegations made against her during her history in the spotlight. However it is still important to recognize Ms. Madikizela-Mandela because, regardless of her controversial past, she was intimately involved in the struggle to end one of modern history’s most deplorable policies, South African Apartheid.

5. Betty Shabazz

Also known as Betty X, Shabazz was the wife of former Nation of Islam pioneer, Malcolm X. While Betty Shabazz is a controversial figure in American history, she also served in a range of advisory and volunteer roles following the assassination of her husband, not to mention raising 6 children as a single mother.

6. Mary Seacole

Mary Seacole was a nurse and hero of the Crimean War. Born in Jamaica, she overcame several barriers in practicing nursing after the war, most of which were related to racial discrimination. Seacole eventually traveled to Turkey to join the team of Florence Nightingale. In late years she would be hailed for her bravery and dedication to the soldiers and nations she served to assist.

7. Madam Tinubu

Madam Tinubu was a Nigerian born political player who campaigned against the influence of the British Empire in her home nation and for the elimination of slavery. While once a slaver trader herself, Madam Tinubu eventually opposed all forms of slavery and used her influence to try to eliminate it.

8. Henrietta Lacks

Henrietta Lacks provided science with some of its most marvelous advancements simply by having had her cancerous cells sampled by a scientist in 1951. That scientist from Johns Hopkins University used them after she developed cervical cancer aged 30 to develop a series of immune cells in a culture. This development was the first of its kind and Henrietta’s cells were later sent to space for testing. They were also used to help develop the polio vaccine.

9. Queen Amina of Zaria

A 14th century Queen of what is now Nigeria, Amina is remembered for her role as one of the first militarily-active Queens. She participated in a number of battles and was renowned for her strategy and innovation.

10. Florence Joyner

Also known as Flo-Jo, Florence Joyner was a record-setting, multiple Olympic gold medalist and hero to many a small girl. She is attributed with increasing the profile of track and field for girls. Joyner died suddenly in 1998 aged 38 following an epileptic seizure.

11. Frances Cress Welsing

Francis Cress Welsing is an academic, psychiatrist and author. She is known for her controversial work about white supremacy and racial suppression theories. Her most recognized text is called ‘The Isis Papers.’

12. Angela Davis

Angela Davis is by far one of the most controversial black female leaders to have graced the pages of modern American history books. In the 60s she was involved heavily in the civil and woman’s rights movements. As a self-confirmed socialist, she was once a member of the Communist Party of the United States, spending extended periods of time in Cuba and remaining actively involved in the international socialist movement. However, Davis eventually became more moderate in her political affiliation and is now an active academic whose focus remains on feminist and Afro-American studies.

13. Toni Morrison

Toni Morrison is one of America’s most critically acclaimed authors, having won the Pulitzer Prize and the Nobel Prize for Literature. Her characters are known for their particular ‘blackness.’ This became relevant in 1998 with her most remarkable characterization – speaking in reference to the impeachment of former president Bill Clinton she so famously referred to him as, “Our first Black president” because of particular personality and contextual traits he embodied.

14. Nina Simone

Almost everybody should know one of her classic hits because Nina Simone produced over 40 studio albums during her long, successful career as a recording artist. Born in 1933, Simone went on to become a songwriter, pianist, vocalist, singer and civil rights campaigner, honored and admired across the world for pioneering much of what we listen to today.

15. Jackie Joyner-Kersee

Jackie Joyner-Kersee was an American track athlete, recognized as one of this country’s greatest female athletes and sporting icons. In 1988 she launched the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation to improve the lives of those in need in the St. Louis area.

16. Helene D Gayle

Dr. Helene Gayle is currently the CEO of CARE USA, one of the country’s leading humanitarian organizations. Dr, Gayle also chairs President Obama’s Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS as well as being involved in a number of other important humanitarian groups.

17. Margaret Ekpo

Like so many of the pioneering civil rights leaders we know in the United States, Margaret Ekpo was a leader in her own time and today. Although she passed away in 2006 at the age of 92, Ekpo is remembered for pushing for racial unity through the woman’s rights movement in Nigeria.

18. Cynthia McKinney

Cynthia McKinney is a well-known former House representative. A former Democrat, she later switched to the Green Party and was that party’s presidential candidate in 2008. McKinney has been a controversial political figure during her time in the spotlight, especially in regard to her belief of certain 09/11 theories. Yet McKinney has focused much of her attention on practical, grass roots political efforts. She was a strong advocate for victims rights during the post-Hurricane Katrina disaster.

19. June Jordan

June Jordan was a Jamaican-born, American poet, author, educator and activist. She is famous for her work in literature, covering topics relating to race, gender and equality. The June Jordan School For Equity in California is named in her honor.

20. Sheila Johnson

Sheila Johnson is a successful American entrepreneur, television and film producer and business woman. She co-founded BET but sold it in 1999 to Viacom. Sheila Johnson is also an owner and/or partner of three sporting teams, Washington Capitals (NHL), the Washington Wizards (NBA), and the Washington Mystics (WNBA).

21. Kathleen Cleaver

Kathleen Cleaver was a former Black Panther member turned Yale-educated lawyer and academic in law.

22. Harriet Washington

Harriet Washington is a controversial yet acclaimed author in the field of medical ethics. She is best known for writing the book, ‘Medical Apartheid’ in which she makes an historical and cultural critique of the medical situation facing African Americans.

23. Miriam Makeba, ‘Mama Afrika’

Miriam Makeba was a South African singer and civil rights activists, known for denouncing Apartheid on the world stage and campaigning abroad for the end of that government policy. Along with releasing several dozen albums, Mama Afrika appeared on television and across the world, holding at one time 9 passports as an honorary citizen in exile. She died in 2008, aged 76.

24. Michelle Obama

As the wife of our current president, Michelle Obama is undeniably the most recognized current figurehead of the black female community. Both nationally and abroad, she is hailed for her credibility, strong presence and intellect. Michelle is currently undertaking a range of programs, the most notable of which are the support of war widows and the battle against childhood obesity. However, irrespective of her unofficial role as the First Lady, she is also an accomplished lawyer, political campaigner and mother of 2 (and, as per the Vogue shot above, a style icon in the making).

25. Carol Moseley Braun

Carol Moseley Braun is, as of 2010, the only black female to have ever served in the US Senate. Braun was also the Ambassador to New Zealand from 1999 to 2001.

26. Patricia Roberts Harris

A Howard University graduate, Patricia Roberts Harris went on to become the first African American woman to serve as an ambassador. She held a number of Cabinet positions in the administration of Jimmy Carter including Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare.

27. Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald has had our skin in goosebumps for generations with her powerful lyrics and spectacular voice. She was the first African American woman to win a Grammy Award, eventually winning 14 as well as a range of other accolades including the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She passed away in 1996 at the age of 79.

28. Cora Mae Brown

Cora Mae Brown is an example of the less known, grassroots heroes of American social activism. Born in 1914, she was a social worker, policewoman, and lawyer, and eventually became the first black woman to be elected to a US state’s legislature, winning a seat in the Michigan State Senate in 1952. Cora Mae Brown was also involved actively in the National Council of Negro Women, the NAACP and the YWCA.

29. Yvonne Braithwaite Burke

Yvonne Braithwaite Burke is a woman of many firsts in her home state of California. In 1966 she became the first black woman elected to California legislature, in 1972 the first black woman elected to California Congress and in 1993 the first black woman to serve as Chair of the Los Angeles County Supervisors.

30. Our Mothers

By far the most sought after addition to our last list of strong black woman to know about were our mothers. They’re the women that gave you your first breath, helped support you, provided you the clothes on your back, a roof over your head and the nurturing that you needed to make it day-by-day in this harsh world. Even if she isn’t in your life any longer, the simple act of having conceived you and nurtured you during those painful 9 months, is something to admire and never forget. So go moms!

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History has provided us with some extremely successful stories of courage, strength and leadership. Yet sometimes we forget  just how extensive and diverse these stories are. So we’re profiling some of the many women who should be recognized for their achievements and strength. From sport to literature, politics to art, black women have been there and continue to ‘do that.’ Take a look at our list of 30 black female leaders.

1. Bessie Coleman (pictured above)

Elizabeth Coleman, known also as ‘Bessie’, was the world’s first black female pilot. Born in 1892, Coleman rose to fame in national airshows in Europe and America. After a tragic series of mechanical errors, she crashed her plane while performing in Jacksonville, dying immediately at  the age of 34. Her legacy has continued however – in 1995 she appeared  on US postal stamps and has received a series of posthumous honors across the country for her pioneering work, energy and passion for aviation.

2. Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou is a celebrated poet, author, activist and educator. Her work in literature has won her critical acclaim both here and abroad. Meanwhile, Angelou has remained at the forefront of politics and racial empowerment by appearing at inaugurations, rallies and sharing tales of discrimination and struggle with the world.

3. Anna Tibaijuka (United Nations)

Anna Tibaijuka is the highest ranked African female in the United Nations, heading the UN-HABITAT program. She is a Swedish-educated, Tanzanian-born leader who has fought for the rights of women living in slums or without homes. Since becoming the Executive of UN-HABITAT, she has greatly increased its budget and function in the United Nations.

4. Madam C.J. Walker

Orphaned at the age of 7, Madam C.J. Walker overcame all adversity to become America’s first black self-made millionaire. She achieved her wealth by developing a range of haircare products that led her across the country and abroad.

5. Shirley Chisholm

Shirley Chisholm was the first black woman to be elected to Congress, winning in New York in 1968 and retiring from office in 1983. She campaigned for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1972, but is best known for her work on several Congressional committees throughout her career. A feisty politician, Chisholm has also been recognized in popular culture and in the political and academic worlds for her symbolic importance and career achievements.

6. Harriet Tubman

As one of American history’s most prominent figures, Harriet Tubman was responsible for rescuing around 300 former slaves from the South and escorting them to freedom via the underground railroads that led to Maryland. At one point, a $40,000 reward was being offered for her arrest. Tubman was also a spy during her life. She died in New York in 1913.

7. Karen Bass

Karen Bass is currently the U.S. Representative for California’s 33rd congressional district. She is also the first black woman to hold the role of Speaker in any state Assembly. In California, Bass has focused on improving education facilities, health care and the foster care system. Bass served as chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, which seeks to better understand California’s black population and their needs.

8.. Ida B. Wells

Ida B. Wells was a pioneer in the media and communication industries during the early 20th century. She is most remembered for her role in documenting the practice of lynching.

9. Michaëlle Jean (Canada)

Michaëlle Jean is an extraordinary example of overcoming adversity to rise to the top. She currently serves as the Governor General of Canada, the state role that links the British Monarch with the Canadian government. Jean was born in Haiti but fled the country during the dictatorship of François Duvalier, the man responsible for separating her father from his family for close to 30 years. She worked as a journalist for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation before being recommended to the role of Governor General and confirmed by Queen Elizabeth II.

10. Dr. Dorothy Height

In 2010 the world lost one of its best, with the death of civil rights activist, Dorothy Height.  Among many of Ms. Height’s colleagues were  Dr Martin Luther-King Jr and Rosa Parks. While her passing evoked  sadness, many celebrated her life in recognition of her ardent selflessness.

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11. Robin Kelly

Robin Kelly is an accomplished force to be reckoned with in Illinois state politics and ran for the role of State Treasurer. Robin was the first African American woman to serve as the head of staff of a constitutional officer.

12. Mary McLeod Bethune

In 1904, Mary McLeod Bethune did something that was almost unheard of in American society at that time. She began a school for young African American girls in Daytona, Florida. That school would eventually flourish and merge with a boys’ school to become Bethune-Cookman University.  Mary McLeod Bethune is also remembered for her innovative work in Civil Rights, including acting as a presidential adviser to a number of our country’s leaders.

13. Rosa Parks

As the ‘Mother of Freedom’ and a figurehead of the Civil Rights Movement, Rosa Parks is almost unmatched in recognition and respect. One seemingly simple act of bravery in 1955 on a Montgomery bus eventually led Parks to the forefront of national attention, giving way to a number of improvements in the lives of ordinary African Americans. She died in 2005 at the extraordinary age of 92.

14. Sojourner Truth

A preacher, gender and racial equality activist born into slavery, Sojourner Truth spread the word of God and equality throughout her lifetime. She is best known for her 1851 speech titled, ‘Ain’t I A Woman?

15. Donna Edwards

Currently serving as Congresswoman for Maryland’s 4th district, Donna Edwards is the first black woman to represent Maryland in the House of Representatives. She defeated her Republican rival in 2008 with an amazing 85 per cent of the vote. She currently sits on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Science and Technology Committee.

16. Dame Eugenia Charles (Dominica)

Eugenia Charles was the Prime Minister of Dominica for 15 years until 1995. She was the first female head of state in the Americas and is currently the longest serving female prime minister recorded in world history.

17. Wilma Rudolph

Rudolph is a true survivor and American sporting hero. Despite having suffered from polio and a range of other life-threatening sicknesses, she became a triple Olympic gold medal winner in track and field.

18. Zora Neale Hurston

An acclaimed author and folklorist, Zora Neale Hurston contributed greatly to what was known in the world of literature as the Harlem Renaissance. She was also a pioneer for black involvement in the Republican party, a staunch conservative and Republican party favorite.

19. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf (Liberia)

Her country, Liberia, was named in recognition of its intriguing connection to African slavery and, as its President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has made leaps and bounds in improving the role of women in aspects of Liberian society. She was elected in 2006 but had no family connection in politics to allow for an easy rise to power. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is the first black woman to win a presidential election in Africa.

20. Coretta Scott King

Five years have passed since the death of the Civil Rights pioneer, Coretta Scott King, but her legacy lives on. After the death of her husband, the great Martin Luther King Jr., King became a prominent figure in the Civil Rights and Womens’ Rights Movement, advising the nation’s leadership and pursuing the causes of her late husband. In later years she actively opposed Apartheid in South Africa and became involved in the LGBT movement by urging Civil Rights activists to reject homophobia and the dehumanization of all minorities.

21. Asha-Rose Migiro (United Nations)

Migiro is currently the 3rd Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations. Along with Anna Tibaijuka, she is one of the highest ranked black women in the UN. Migiro was born and educated in Tanzania.

22. Cathy Hughes

Cathy Hughes, Founder and Chairperson of Radio One, Inc (parent company of Interactive One and HelloBeautiful.com), is a pioneer in business, media and entrepeneurship in America and the black community. In 1979, Hughes launched RadioOne, which since then has become the largest radio broadcast network in the United States with 69 stations in 22 cities. In 2004, she was also behind the launch of TVOne, a dynamic addition to the extensive media company she had started over 20 years earlier. She was once named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year and has continued to be involved in presenting and producing broadcast programs for her company throughout her three decades in the industry.

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23. Kamala Harris

Harris is currently the Attorney General of California.  Previous to her victory in the 2010 State Elections, Harris served in a number of State offices.

24. Fannie Lou Hamer

Born in 1917 as the youngest child of a family of 19 children, Fannie Lou Hamer is remembered for coining the phrase, “sick and tired of being sick and tired” in her work as a Civil Rights activist in Mississippi. Her most notable achievement was the inclusion of her colleagues in the Democratic National Convention in 1964.

25. Ayanna Pressley

A former staff member of Congressman Kennedy and Political Director to Senator Kerry in Massachusetts, Pressley is currently a Boston City Councilor. She is expected to reach higher positions in the next few years.

26. Terri Sewell

A Democrat, Terri Sewell is the representative in Congress for Alabama’s 7th district. She is an accomplished attorney and was educated at Princeton, Harvard and Oxford University. Sewell was the first African-American woman elected to represent Alabama in Congress.

27. Ursula Burns

Ursula Burns is one of America’s most powerful businesswomen. She currently heads Xerox as the company’s CEO and chairwoman. She grew up in a housing project in New York, later entering Xerox as an intern and filling a number of roles before reaching the top job. She is the first black woman to head a company of this size.

28. Ruth Simmons

In 2001 Ruth Simmons became the first African-American to take the office of president of an Ivy League university. She is currently the president of Brown University, the first woman and first Texan in that position. Simmons has improved Brown’s budget and its reputation abroad, and has also been recognized on a number of occasions for her work in education.

29. Condoleezza Rice

Condoleezza Rice is no woman to mess with. As the first black woman to hold the position of Secretary of State. During her term, Rice was a well known figure of the Bush administration both nationally and abroad. But in addition to her political experience, she is also a published scholar, concert pianist and academic. She is currently working at Stanford University.

30. Gwendolyn Brooks

Gwendolyn Brooks was the first African-American to win the Pulitzer prize for poetry following the release of her second book. She went on to publish over twenty texts and became well known in her home state of Illinois, and across the country for her outstanding contribution to American literature.

She campaigned with a promise to push for better jobs and health care for her predominately black constituents.

HelloBeautiful profiled Ms. Sewell in July as one of the 30 black women you should know about.

30 Black Female Leaders You Should Know About

30 MORE Black Women You Should Know About

Regardless of your political stance, Sewell’s victory is a wonderful achievement for all black women in our nation.

We at HelloBeautiful congratulate her for making history and for setting a positive example for all black women to aspire to.

Congratulations, Terri Sewell!

But what if he has held back, waiting for the moment in which you’re too infatuated to care, or naive enough to think a shocking revelation won’t impact your new relationship?

For those sisters who are politically-minded, a difficult hurdle to cross often comes with the late announcement that your new man is about to vote red or blue when you vote the other way.

I know personally that I’ve had received the odd figurative slap-in-the-face when political alliances are revealed that go against my own. This is not to say that I don’t understand our differences, simply that I begin to wonder just how far one vote can translate into day-to-day social beliefs. Name one and I wonder about it!

Terms Of Endearment: How Much Is Too Much?

Again, many girlfriends of mine regularly talk of life on the dating scene and just how accurate their first impressions are. Intuition, they say! But most, if not all, get caught out when they overhear their new man talking to his boys either about booty, getting freaky with YOU and, worst of all, any mention of that girl you know he used to date.

Some women can overcome such talk and put it down to the pressures of being a man and wanting to fit in, while others amongst us think it’s wrong, unnecessary and straight-out disrespectful. At the end of the day, the week or the month you take to deal with it, if you feel comfortable that his sexual attitudes won’t eventually impact your bond with him, go for it sister!

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Now one situation that is often always waiting for us down the line is the moment you take him home to Mom, Dad, Grandma, your Uncle, your Aunt, your sister and some, if not all, of your 17 cousins.

You of course have already subconsciously established who you’re close to, and who you try to avoid at those oversized family gatherings. But what happens when he lets slip that he doesn’t like someone in your family and that he would prefer not to see him/her/them too often?

Some women assume that in family matters a man will bite his tongue and deal with it, except maybe if one of your nasty, middle-aged cousins was giving him dirty looks across the dinner table. Unfortunately (yet perhaps fortunately for the sake of honesty in your relationship) not all men remain quiet.

From family to family this is bound to vary based on factors like how much time you spend with your family, how many streets away they live and just how tech-saavy your Grandma might be with her new iPod including being able to keep an eye on you and your man on BlackPlanet.

When it comes down to it a relationship is a complicated process and often there’s no definite end to the ‘getting-to-know-him’ stage. But time will tell, as they say, so let’s hope for your sake that time says ‘Yes!’

What are some of the experiences you’ve had with getting to know the ins-and-outs of your man and his opinions?

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But life as a black women in Europe is certainly not easy. Black European women, like many minority groups there, continue to be marginalized as a result of gender and race, albeit in ways that are different to those that a sister faces in America.

Europe is also currently dealing with a serious social backlash towards illegal immigration including from Africa’s Sub-Sahara. Many immigrant risk their lives to enter Europe via the Mediterranean Sea, some of whom have died or have been deported in the process.

Legal or not, there is a notable presence of recently arrived African immigrants in Europe who bring with them traditional styles of dress, cuisine and music. Access to these traditions is made easy, depending on the time of year you’re in Europe, through cultural festivals celebrating traditional African customs.

For those beautiful, black European women born in the continent we can only assume that many suffer from a clash of identities as a result of belonging to a visibly different minority group in Europe yet having been born, raised and educated there (so we invite all European members of black planet to share with us their experiences in being black and European.)

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But let’s not forget to celebrate! Europe has produced some admirable and frankly gorgeous women to be proud of. If you want fashion you have the incomparable runway diva Naomi Campbell and more recently French sister, Noémie Lenoir. Musically, there’s Estelle, Alexandra Burke and the countless British pop groups featuring those soulful European voices (think Liberty X and Spice Girls). European governments are also beginning to see the arrival more and more black representatives in relation to the growth of the black community in Europe.

So, what are your thoughts? How do you imagine life for the sister of Europe?

Have you ever wished you could be one of those evil women who constantly broadcast to the world that they eat greasy chicken wings and fries for lunch everyday and never workout? Well if you want, eat those chicken wings… and the fries too! And skip your daily workout once or twice if you don’t feel like doing it. But combine it all with some of these power foods so that your body works for you, not against you.

Foods You Should Eat For Younger Looking Skin

A great little site called EcoSalon recently profiled 15 food option to boost your metabolism. They are:

1. Grapefruit

Rich in fiber to make your body actively burn fat calories, lowers insulin levels that help store fat.

2. Green Tea

Green Tea is a catechin that helps get your brain and nervous system into gear so as to ‘fight fat.’

3. Yogurt

Natural yogurt contains high levels of protein. Your body processes a lot of energy with protein.

4. Almonds

Rich in fatty acids with which your body can raise metabolism levels.

5. Coffee

Caffeine is an energy booster (as we all know), but just don’t go overboard.

6. Turkey

Turkey is meat that has high amounts of lean protein, which your body process and uses to burn more calories.

7. Apples

Like many fruits, apples are rich in fiber. Your body needs to work hard to breakdown fiber and in the process produces a lot of energy. Apples also make you feel full.

GET MORE HERE

How To Get Your Diet Back On Track

You probably already know that getting a new pet from a shelter is more socially acceptable and admirable than buying one from a store. But is there more to it than that? ECOSALON gives the following reasons why you should head elsewhere:

Puppy mills: Most pet stores get their puppies from factory-style breeding facilities called puppy mills. Puppy mills are high-volume breeding facilities where many dogs are kept in squalid, caged conditions until they’re ready to sell. They often have health and socialization problems.

You can find purebreds at a shelter. If you’ve got your heart set on a particular breed, give animal shelters a chance; purebreds show up there all the time.

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Socialization. A pet store animal has probably never been in a house before, whereas a shelter animal most likely has. Most shelters screen for good behavior and temperament and will be honest with you about the animal’s personality and needs, whereas a pet store only wants to make a profit. Most shelter animals have been left behind because of a cross-country move, a new baby, or expense. These animals have likely been housebroken and know how to manage their way in the world of humans. They’ll certainly be happy to have a new home.

Don’t support animal over-population. There are already so many domestic animals in this world that need a home. Pet shops and puppy mills support over-breeding of these animals for profit. It’s estimated that 6 to 8 million pets are euthanized every year! Rescue a spayed or neutered pet instead and give it the loving home it deserves.

Click here to read more of Ecosalon’s suggestions.

How To Protect Your Pets From The Oppressive Heat

In an historical move, the President will appear on today’s episode of The View.  President Obama said the only reason he had chosen this show over all the others was because his wife Michelle watched it.

Take a look:

“The View’s” Elizabeth Hasselbeck Takes On Shirley Sherrod [VIDEO]

Obama On “The View”: What Would You Ask Him?

Shirley Sherrod appeared last week on The View and was met with some sharp questions. But the former public servant, still at the heart of controversy, was quick to rebut, especially in relation to the comments about race directed to her by none-other than Elizabeth Hasselbeck.

It’s no wonder The View continues to enjoy some of television’s strongest ratings statistics. Since a record breaking 6.2 million viewers tuned into watch the show the day after Obama won the 2008 presidential election, ratings have soared to even stronger heights. And it clearly has to do with the show’s cast and guest lineup: The conservative Elizabeth Hasselbeck, the outspoken Rosie O’Donnell (former cast member), Whoopi Goldberg, and the 80-year-old media powerhouse Barbara Walters, as well as guests like the Obamas.

Obama On “The View”: What Would You Ask Him?

Why Is “Interracial” Such A Sensitive Term For Some Black Women?

HollywoodLife posted a video of a recent cast addition to MTV’s Jersey Shore in which Deena Nicole drops the ‘N’ bomb. The comment was directed to an unknown male and reads: “We’re gonna play you out, n***a.”

The video comes after another cast member, Ronnie Magro, was caught tweeting the ‘N’ word earlier this year.

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Jersey Shore has been a lifesaver for MTV but has also brought the media company a series of headaches.

Several legal proceedings have suggested MTV and Viacom engaged in illegal activities by broadcasting physical abuse which was organized by Jersey Shore cast members.

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The cast of the first season also unsuccessfully went on strike and a range of individual scandals have emerged involving particular cast members.

What’s your take on MTV’s Jersey Shore?

In an historic daytime appearance, President Barack Obama will feature on Thursday’s episode of The View. The show, being filmed today, will feature the first appearance of a sitting president on The View and is bound to be a heated experience. So we want to know, if you were one of The View panelist, what would you ask President Obama?

Check out some clips from his last guest appearance:

Drake Wants To Play Obama On Screen

Why Is “Interracial” Such A Sensitive Term For Some Black Women?

NewsOne is reporting that magazine Essence is set to formally hire Elliana Placas, a former staff member of O! Magazine and US Weekly.

Citing a Clutch Magazine interview with both a current writer and former employee, the article reveals that the company that owns Essence, Time Warner, is behind the move.

It is obviously too soon to know what backlash the magazine might suffer as a result of the decision, but it does raise some interesting issues.

Can a woman who is not black successfully coordinate the fashion orientation of an iconic magazine directed at black women?

Is it a slap in the face of the loyal readers of Essence to hire her?

What direction will the magazine take in the near or long term future?

You can read more of the except from NewsOne by clicking the link below.

Controversy Surrounds Essence Hiring White Fashion Director

Summer vacations may be right around the corner for you and, if so, its likely that the issue of how to use your credit card is on your mind. There is a range of ways for you to have a hassle-free credit card vacation but you must remain vigilant at all times and should follow some basic rules to avoid problems. Now may also be an opportune time, if you’ve just returned from a vacation, to reflect on some of the credit card-related mistakes you made. CreditCard.com suggests the following:

1. Let your credit card issuer know your plans.

If you fail to update them, your unusual location may be flagged and cause them to block further charges, since the issuer may think that your credit card or account data has been stolen. Although it is easy enough to call the issuer if a shut-off occurs, there’s often a delay before you can re-access your credit.

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2. Retain the receipts from your vacation spending.

That will make it easy to ensure there are no unusual charges when you get your statement, since you do not have the same rights to dispute charges made while abroad as you do back in the U.S. In case anything crops up later on a credit card statement, hang onto receipts from foreign countries for longer than you normally would.

3. Watch out for double-billing.

It can happen: You reserve a hotel or rental car with your credit card, then decide to pay in cash. When the credit card bill comes, surprise! You got charged anyway. Keep that cash receipt. If you are charged twice but don’t have your cash receipt as proof of payment, you will be out of luck. Instead, it is generally better just to pay with the credit card number the hotel or car rental agency already has on file.

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4. Be careful at restaurants.

When paying a restaurant tab with a credit card and leaving a cash tip, a dishonest waiter could fill in the space on the receipt for adding on a tip. To avoid this, you can note in the space provided that “the tip is on the table,” or a similar remark, to prevent an additions without your consent.

Although there are some issues to be aware of when paying with a credit card overseas, you are still afforded a level of ease and protection not offered when using cash, a debit card or check. With all the exercise we give our credit cards during the rest of the year, don’t they deserve the chance to travel at holiday time?

Click here to read CreditCards.com’s full list.

Photo: Michael Cunningham

It is certainly a rare opportunity when publishing an article to receive direct, positive feedback from people or groups who are personally involved in the topic of discussion. We recently published a list of 30 Black Female Leaders You Should Know About and were delighted to hear from A’Lelia Bundles, the great-great-granddaughter and biographer of Madam CJ Walker. However, we were even more honored when she granted us an interview to talk about the life of Madam Walker, her own career and the importance of the Walker legacy in the realm of African American women.

“She was a very resilient person because she had such a difficult early life.”

Speaking from Washington DC, Ms Bundles told HelloBeautiful that writing the biography of her great-great-grandmother was an opportunity for the world to learn of a real person whose character and life story was much more than that of just a millionaire businesswoman.

Madam CJ Walker was orphaned at the age of 7 and widowed by age 20, becoming a single mother. She was determined to make her daughter’s life better, says Ms Bundles, and like many single mothers became extremely driven and resilient.

“I used to play on her typewriter.”

Ms Bundles said that during her own childhood the constant presence of Madam CJ Walker was hard to avoid, but that her family attempted to make her great-great-grandmother’s memory seem as normal as possible.

“My mother was very cautious to not overwhelm me with Madam CJ Walker,” she said. “I was surrounded by things that belonged to her but I was never told you must be like Madam Walker.”

It was not until years later that Ms Bundles became interested in Madam CJ Walker’s daughter, A’Lelia Walker and developed an ironic resistance to her great-great-grandmother’s legacy, growing a large “Angela Davis” afro.

“I wanted a big afro,” she said, laughing. “My mother took me to the Madam CJ Walker Beauty Salon and they have me a big afro.”

Eventually a college professor insisted that Ms Bundles pursue the story of Madam CJ Walker in a course paper. This sparked a series of events, including the release of a stamp series featuring Madam Walker in 1998, and then the publication of Ms Bundles’ 2002 biography, ‘On Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C. J. Walker.’

“It’s become my second career.”

Ms Bundles, who previously worked in the media industry, said the release of her book increased the exposure of Madam CJ Walker thanks in part to her connections and ability to share the book with a large mainstream media audience.

She said her own career had been influenced greatly by her parents. Her father had studied journalism in college but was unable to the penetrate the job market due to the small amount of positions available to black journalists.

Ms Bundles went on to work for ABC and NBC in Washington, Atlanta, Houston and New York City. With over 30 years of experience in producing, recruiting and reporting, she has undeniably set her own path to success.

But she said Madam CJ Walker’s legacy began to influence her professional life in the later stages of her career.

“Seeing how much she inspires other women has really shaped this part of my career,” she said.  “It’s become my second career.”

In recent years Ms Bundles has been invited to deliver speeches in London and Jerusalem, and has also shared her stories with audience ranging from the women of Bedford Hills Correctional Facility to the students of the Harvard Business School.

She said the reason why Madam CJ Walker’s legacy applies in these settings is because her story is, “relevant and inspirational.”

“She’s the patron saint of those women.”

As a precursor to the successful black businesswomen of today, such as Oprah and Ursula Burns (CEO of Xerox), Ms Bundles said Madam Walker continues to receive much positive attention because of her symbolic importance as the first African American millionaire.

When asked about other black women who aspire to greatness, she said many women lack the self-confidence to get started.

“There are a lot of women who don’t see their capabilities,” she said.

But this is certainly not the case of Ms Bundles herself. Following the success of her book, she is now in the process of writing another biography about her great grandmother, the daughter of Madam CJ Walker, A’Lelia Walker.

She hopes to recreate a scene from the Harlem Renaissance that has yet to be explored by historians.

A’Lelia Walker was heavily involved in that movement as a socialite and businesswoman herself. But her mother’s legacy has often overshadowed the extraordinary life she lived. Ms Bundles hopes to increase the profile of her great grandmother in a similar way she did with the biography of Madam CJ Walker.

30 MORE Black Women You Should Know About

The interview with Ms Bundles comes as an honorary bill is addressed in Congress, paying homage to the achievements of Madam CJ Walker. The bill, H.J. Res. 81, was presented by Rep. Charles Rangles [D-NY] this year in March.

A’Lelia Bundles recommends that if you are interested in supporting the bill you write to your Congressional representative stating your support.

There is currently a Facebook page dedicated to the bill and you can also read more about it on the GovTrack website.

Profiles and more information on A’Lelia Bundles, A’Lelia Walker and Madam CJ Walker can be obtained by visiting the official homepage.

An additional link that you may be interested in is the Madame Walker Theatre Center, an Indianapolis organization dedicated to supporting the arts and honoring the legacy of Madam CJ Walker.

There is certainly no other audience like the Hello Beautiful audience. So, when we received so much positive feedback from you following the publication of a recent article titled, 30 Black Female Leaders You Should Know About, we decided to take it a step further. After reading through your comments for suggestions on other black female leaders, we deducted the following USER LIST. This time some of the 30 black female leaders we’ve profiled are far more controversial but equally as inspirational. Take a look!

1. Mae Jemison

Mae Jemison has gone farther than most people, let alone most black women. Jemison became the first African American astronaut in space when in 1992 NASA sent her up-up-and-away on the Space Shuttle Endeavor. She has also been a medical doctor and a member of the Peace Corps in Liberia and Sierra Leone. What you may not know about Mae Jemison is that she entered Stanford University at the tender of age of 16.

2. Wangari Maathai

This Kenyan-born conservationist, environmental activist, and former assistant minister of environment and natural resources in her home country, was the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize (1994). She attended colleges in Germany, USA (University of Pittsburgh) and Kenya. Her work in environmental protection has made her a pioneer in the effort to protect the planet from the impact of a changing climate.

3. Barbara Jordan

Barbara Jordan was a political force to be reckoned with, serving the Texas House of Representatives, the Texas Senate, and the US House of Representatives during her long and successful career in American politics. She was the first black Texas State senator since 1883 when she won in 1966, and the first black woman to ever win a senate seat in Texas. In 1972, Jordan became the first black woman from a southern state to enter the US House of Representatives, and was a popular, trusted colleague of many power players of that era.

4. Winnie Madikizela-Mandela

Winnie Mandela is a controversial example of a black female leader simply because of her tumultuous past with the South African legal system and several allegations made against her during her history in the spotlight. However it is still important to recognize Ms. Madikizela-Mandela because, regardless of her controversial past, she was intimately involved in the struggle to end one of modern history’s most deplorable policies, South African Apartheid.

5. Betty Shabazz

Also known as Betty X, Shabazz was the wife of former Nation of Islam pioneer, Malcolm X. While Betty Shabazz is a controversial figure in American history, she also served in a range of advisory and volunteer roles following the assassination of her husband, not to mention raising 6 children as a single mother.

6. Mary Seacole

Mary Seacole was a nurse and hero of the Crimean War. Born in Jamaica, she overcame several barriers in practicing nursing after the war, most of which were related to racial discrimination. Seacole eventually traveled to Turkey to join the team of Florence Nightingale. In late years she would be hailed for her bravery and dedication to the soldiers and nations she served to assist.

7. Madam Tinubu

Madam Tinubu was a Nigerian born political player who campaigned against the influence of the British Empire in her home nation and for the elimination of slavery. While once a slaver trader herself, Madam Tinubu eventually opposed all forms of slavery and used her influence to try to eliminate it.

8. Henrietta Lacks

Henrietta Lacks provided science with some of its most marvelous advancements simply by having had her cancerous cells sampled by a scientist in 1951. That scientist from Johns Hopkins University used them after she developed cervical cancer aged 30 to develop a series of immune cells in a culture. This development was the first of its kind and Henrietta’s cells were later sent to space for testing. They were also used to help develop the polio vaccine.

9. Queen Amina of Zaria

A 14th century Queen of what is now Nigeria, Amina is remembered for her role as one of the first militarily-active Queens. She participated in a number of battles and was renowned for her strategy and innovation.

10. Florence Joyner

Also known as Flo-Jo, Florence Joyner was a record-setting, multiple Olympic gold medalist and hero to many a small girl. She is attributed with increasing the profile of track and field for girls. Joyner died suddenly in 1998 aged 38 following an epileptic seizure.

11. Frances Cress Welsing

Francis Cress Welsing is an academic, psychiatrist and author. She is known for her controversial work about white supremacy and racial suppression theories. Her most recognized text is called ‘The Isis Papers.’

12. Angela Davis

Angela Davis is by far one of the most controversial black female leaders to have graced the pages of modern American history books. In the 60s she was involved heavily in the civil and woman’s rights movements. As a self-confirmed socialist, she was once a member of the Communist Party of the United States, spending extended periods of time in Cuba and remaining actively involved in the international socialist movement. However, Davis eventually became more moderate in her political affiliation and is now an active academic whose focus remains on feminist and Afro-American studies.

13. Toni Morrison

Toni Morrison is one of America’s most critically acclaimed authors, having won the Pulitzer Prize and the Nobel Prize for Literature. Her characters are known for their particular ‘blackness.’ This became relevant in 1998 with her most remarkable characterization – speaking in reference to the impeachment of former president Bill Clinton she so famously referred to him as, “Our first Black president” because of particular personality and contextual traits he embodied.

14. Nina Simone

Almost everybody should know one of her classic hits because Nina Simone produced over 40 studio albums during her long, successful career as a recording artist. Born in 1933, Simone went on to become a songwriter, pianist, vocalist, singer and civil rights campaigner, honored and admired across the world for pioneering much of what we listen to today.

15. Jackie Joyner-Kersee

Jackie Joyner-Kersee was an American track athlete, recognized as one of this country’s greatest female athletes and sporting icons. In 1988 she launched the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation to improve the lives of those in need in the St. Louis area.

16. Helene D Gayle

Dr. Helene Gayle is currently the CEO of CARE USA, one of the country’s leading humanitarian organizations. Dr, Gayle also chairs President Obama’s Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS as well as being involved in a number of other important humanitarian groups.

17. Margaret Ekpo

Like so many of the pioneering civil rights leaders we know in the United States, Margaret Ekpo was a leader in her own time and today. Although she passed away in 2006 at the age of 92, Ekpo is remembered for pushing for racial unity through the woman’s rights movement in Nigeria.

18. Cynthia McKinney

Cynthia McKinney is a well-known former House representative. A former Democrat, she later switched to the Green Party and was that party’s presidential candidate in 2008. McKinney has been a controversial political figure during her time in the spotlight, especially in regard to her belief of certain 09/11 theories. Yet McKinney has focused much of her attention on practical, grass roots political efforts. She was a strong advocate for victims rights during the post-Hurricane Katrina disaster.

19. June Jordan

June Jordan was a Jamaican-born, American poet, author, educator and activist. She is famous for her work in literature, covering topics relating to race, gender and equality. The June Jordan School For Equity in California is named in her honor.

20. Sheila Johnson

Sheila Johnson is a successful American entrepreneur, television and film producer and business woman. She co-founded BET but sold it in 1999 to Viacom. Sheila Johnson is also an owner and/or partner of three sporting teams, Washington Capitals (NHL), the Washington Wizards (NBA), and the Washington Mystics (WNBA).

21. Kathleen Cleaver

Kathleen Cleaver was a former Black Panther member turned Yale-educated lawyer and academic in law.

22. Harriet Washington

Harriet Washington is a controversial yet acclaimed author in the field of medical ethics. She is best known for writing the book, ‘Medical Apartheid’ in which she makes an historical and cultural critique of the medical situation facing African Americans.

23. Miriam Makeba, ‘Mama Afrika’

Miriam Makeba was a South African singer and civil rights activists, known for denouncing Apartheid on the world stage and campaigning abroad for the end of that government policy. Along with releasing several dozen albums, Mama Afrika appeared on television and across the world, holding at one time 9 passports as an honorary citizen in exile. She died in 2008, aged 76.

24. Michelle Obama

As the wife of our current president, Michelle Obama is undeniably the most recognized current figurehead of the black female community. Both nationally and abroad, she is hailed for her credibility, strong presence and intellect. Michelle is currently undertaking a range of programs, the most notable of which are the support of war widows and the battle against childhood obesity. However, irrespective of her unofficial role as the First Lady, she is also an accomplished lawyer, political campaigner and mother of 2 (and, as per the Vogue shot above, a style icon in the making).

25. Carol Moseley Braun

Carol Moseley Braun is, as of 2010, the only black female to have ever served in the US Senate. Braun was also the Ambassador to New Zealand from 1999 to 2001.

26. Patricia Roberts Harris

A Howard University graduate, Patricia Roberts Harris went on to become the first African American woman to serve as an ambassador. She held a number of Cabinet positions in the administration of Jimmy Carter including Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare.

27. Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald has had our skin in goosebumps for generations with her powerful lyrics and spectacular voice. She was the first African American woman to win a Grammy Award, eventually winning 14 as well as a range of other accolades including the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She passed away in 1996 at the age of 79.

28. Cora Mae Brown

Cora Mae Brown is an example of the less known, grassroots heroes of American social activism. Born in 1914, she was a social worker, policewoman, and lawyer, and eventually became the first black woman to be elected to a US state’s legislature, winning a seat in the Michigan State Senate in 1952. Cora Mae Brown was also involved actively in the  National Council of Negro Women, the NAACP and the YWCA.

29. Yvonne Braithwaite Burke

Yvonne Braithwaite Burke is a woman of many firsts in her home state of California. In 1966 she became the first black woman elected to California legislature, in 1972 the first black woman elected to California Congress and in 1993 the first black woman to serve as Chair of the Los Angeles County Supervisors.

30. Our Mothers

By far the most sought after addition to our last list of strong black woman to know about were our mothers. They’re the women that gave you your first breath, helped support you, provided you the clothes on your back, a roof over your head and the nurturing that you needed to make it day-by-day in this harsh world. Even if she isn’t in your life any longer, the simple act of having conceived you and nurtured you during those painful 9 months, is something to admire and never forget. So go moms!

5 Charities To Help A Girl Out In Today’s Economy

We recently came across a hilarious reality TV star named Joy. She’s featured as one of four female police officers in TLC’s Police Women of Memphis. Joy doesn’t take any BS from anyone.

Check out this clip from the show:

Click here to visit the TLC Police Women of Memphis site.

Why Are You Letting Your Children Wear Prison Fashions?

Parents Not Showing Interest In Kids Education Could Lead To Jail Time

In an ideal world your child would come to you asking about profanity and words they may have heard at school, but the reality is they probably already know many of the socially constructed meanings of those words.

This can be particularly challenging as a parent as you attempt to grapple for control over how your child interprets or uses particular phrases.

As a black mother or caregiver, the infamous ‘N’ word is probably the biggest vocabulary-related dilemma you’ll come across. So how do you deal with it?

“RHOA’s” Housewife Kim Zolciak Says The “N-Word”

A good idea is to never show your child any extreme reaction when they ask you or you hear the ‘N’ word used by them or around them. Instead attempt to sit your child down and, calmly, walk them through the history of that word, recommending that they too keep they’re calm if they hear it used.

The ‘N’ word tends to be used against young black children in school as a way of provoking a strong reaction and causing conflict. Many parents talk of how schools overlook the issue or don’t believe a child’s complaint that they were bullied using the ‘N’ word.

Empowering your child with calmness and intelligence is by far the best medicine for a bully and your child’s concentration at school.

Should The N-Word Be Abolished?

Now if you’re extremely against the ‘N’ word, irrespective if you have children or not, check out an interesting site called Abolish The ‘N’ Word, belonging to a group aimed at eliminating its use in American society. They recommend you consider some of the following tips:

1. Make a personal commitment to stop using the “N” word.

2. Download the contract. Read it. Sign it. Hang it up in a place where you can see it. Other people will see your contract and support your efforts.

3. Remember your elders and the sacrifices they made for you.

4. Expand your vocabulary and find an alternate word to use

5. Only purchase the radio versions of songs.

6. Write to the record labels requesting that they stop publishing songs using the “N” word.

7. Write to individual artist requesting they stop using the “N” word in their work.

8. Start a writing campaign at your school to both artist and record companies requesting they stop using the “N” word.

Click here to read the full list.

They also have a little contract which you can print out and sign as a resolution for yourself. Click here to see that.

In the meantime, we wish you GOOD LUCK! with this trying dilemma as a parent and as a black women in general. It can be resolved with proactive parenting and strong intelligent, communication.

Have you ever heard about these crazy rumors of shameful names like Espn or Typhoon being given to innocent, helpless babies, obviously without their consent? Well it’s true and if celebrities are anything to go by, there may be no hope for the world.

The simplest way to avoid shaming your child for life with an horrific name like Marlboro or Toe, is simple: Consult every person you know and take their advice, especially when you start getting abuse thrown at you.

How Soon Should You Give Your Child Technology?

Also pay attention to the signs. In early 2009, a 3 year old boy named Adolph Hitler Campbell, his sister JoyceLynn Aryan Nation, and a third sibling were taken from their parents by the New Jersey’s Division of Youth and Family Services. This came after a local supermarket refused to make a cake for the child, causing a mass media frenzy.

Take a look at the following list’s we found from The Stir and The Times Online.

Firstly, The Stir found these names on record:

Abcde, Hellcity, Richard Head, Clahmiddia, Rawmeet, Kandi Apel, Cadaver, Meconium.

While The Times Online listed these interesting celeb-kid names:

- Apple Martin (daughter of Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow)

- Aurelius Cy (Elle Macpherson)

- Fifi Trixibell, Peaches and Pixie (Bob Geldof and Paula Yates)

- Kal-El Coppola (Nicholas Cage)

- Moon Unit, Drweezil and Diva Muffin (Frank Zappa)

- Sage Moonblood and Seargeoh (Sylvester Stallone and Sasha Czack)

And what about these ones from some less known celebs:

- Moxie CrimeFighter (daughter of Penn Jillette)

- Pilot Inspektor (son of Jason Lee and Beth Riesgraf)

- Audio Science (son of Shannyn Sossamon)

What are some of the craziest baby names you’ve ever heard?

Is Being An “Over-Indulgent” Parent Bad For Your Child?

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History has provided us with some extremely successful stories of courage, strength and leadership. Yet sometimes we forget about just how extensive and diverse these stories are. So we’re profiling some of the many women who should be recognized for their achievements and strength. From sport to literature, politics to art, black women have been there and continue to ‘do that.’ Take a look at our list of 30 black female leaders.

1. Bessie Coleman (pictured above)

Elizabeth Coleman, known also as ‘Bessie’, was the world’s first black female pilot. Born in 1892, Coleman rose to fame in national airshows in Europe and America. After a tragic series of mechanical errors, she crashed her plane while performing in Jacksonville, dying immediately a the age of 34. Her legacy has continued however – she appeared in 1995 on US postal stamps and has received a series of honors across the country for her pioneering work, energy and passion for aviation.

2. Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou is a celebrated poet, author, activist and educator. Her work in literature has won her critical acclaim both here and abroad. Meanwhile, Angelou has remained at the forefront of politics and racial empowerment, appearing at inaugurations, rallies and sharing with the world, tales of discrimination and struggle.

3. Anna Tibaijuka (United Nations)

Anna Tibaijuka is the highest ranked African female in the United Nations, heading the UN-HABITAT program. She is a Swedish-educated, Tanzanian-born leader who has fought for the rights of women without homes or living in slums. Since taking her role as Executive of UN-HABITAT she has greatly increased its budget and function in the United Nations.

4. Madam C.J. Walker

Orphaned at the age of 7, Madam C.J. Walker overcame all adversity to become America’s first black self-made millionaire, after developing a range of haircare products that took her across the country and abroad.

5. Shirley Chisholm

Shirley Chisholm was the first black woman to be elected to Congress, winning in New York in 1968 and retiring from office in 1983. She campaigned for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1972, but is best known for her work on several Congressional committees throughout her career. A feisty politician, Chisholm has also been recognized in popular culture and in the political and academic worlds for her symbolic importance and career achievements.

6. Harriet Tubman

As one of American history’s most prominent figures, Harriet Tubman was responsible for rescuing around 300 former slaves from the South and escorting them to freedom via the underground railroads that led to Maryland. At one point a $40,000 reward was being offered for her arrest. Tubman was also a spy during her life. She died in New York in 1913.

7. Karen Bass

Karen Bass is currently seeking election to Congress, following a long career in California state politics and as the first black woman to hold the role of Speaker in any state Assembly. In California, Bass has focused on improving education facilities, health care and the foster care system. She also been the chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, which seeks to better understand California’s black population and their needs.

8.. Ida B. Wells

Ida B. Wells was a pioneer in the media and communication industries during the early 20th century. She is most remembered for her role in documenting the practice of lynching.

9. Michaëlle Jean (Canada)

Michaëlle Jean is an extraordinary example of overcoming adversity to rise to the top. She currently serves as the Governor General of Canada, the state role that links the British Monarch with the Canadian government. Jean was born in Haiti but fled the country during the dictatorship of François Duvalier, the man responsible for separating her father from his family for close to 30 years. She worked as a journalist for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation before being recommended to the role of Governor General and confirmed by Queen Elizabeth II.

10. Dr. Dorothy Height

This April the world lost one of its best, with the death of civil rights activist, Dorothy Heights. As a former colleague of the late Dr Martin Luther-King Jr, Rosa Parks, and many others, her passing came in sadness and celebration, and in recognition of a life of selflessness.

10 Strong Beautiful Black Women To Celebrate This 4th Of July

11. Robin Kelly

Robin Kelly is an accomplished force to be reckoned with in Illinois state politics and is currently running for the role of State Treasurer. Robin was the first African American women to serve as the head of staff of a constitutional officer.

12. Mary McLeod Bethun

In 1904, Mary McLeod Bethune did something that was almost unheard of in American society at that time. She began a school for young African American girls in Daytona, Florida. That school would eventually flourish and merge with a boys’ school to become Bethune-Cookman University. Meanwhile Mary McLeod Bethune is also remembered for her innovative work in Civil Rights, including acting as a presidential adviser to a number of our country’s leaders.

13. Rosa Parks

As the ‘Mother of Freedom’ and a figurehead of the Civil Rights Movement, Rosa Parks is almost unmatched in recognition and respect. One seemingly simple act of bravery in 1955 on a Montgomery bus eventually led Parks to the forefront of national attention, giving way to a number of improvements in the lives of ordinary African Americans. She died in 2005 at the extraordinary age of 92.

14. Sojourner Truth

A preacher, gender and racial equality activist born into slavery, Sojourner Truth spread the word of God and equality throughout her lifetime. She is best known for her 1851 speech titled, ‘Ain’t I A Woman?

15. Donna Edwards

Currently serving as Congresswoman for Maryland’s 4th district, Donna Edwards is the first black woman to represent Maryland in the House of Representatives. She defeated her Republican rival in 2008 with an amazing 85 per cent of the vote. She currently sits on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Science and Technology Committee.

16. Dame Eugenia Charles (Dominica)

Eugenia Charles was the Prime Minister of Dominica for 15 years until 1995. She was the first female head of state in the Americas and is currently the longest serving female prime minister recorded in world history.

17. Wilma Rudolph

Rudolph is a true survivor and American sporting hero, having suffered from polio and a range of other life-threatening sicknesses to become a triple Olympic gold medal winner in track and field.

18. Zora Neale Hurston

An acclaimed author and folklorist, Zora Neale Hurston contributed greatly to what was known in the world of literature as the Harlem Renaissance. She was also a pioneer for black involvement in the Republican party, a staunch conservative and Republican party favorite.

19. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf (Liberia)

Her country, Liberia, was named in recognition of its intriguing connection to African slavery and, as its President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has made leaps and bounds in improving the role of women in aspects of Liberian society. She was elected in 2006 but had no family connection in politics to allow for an easy rise to power. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is the first black women to win a presidential election in Africa.

20. Coretta Scott King

Five years have almost past since the death of the Civil Rights pioneer, Coretta Scott King, but her legacy lives on. After the death of her husband, the great Martin Luther King Jr., King became a prominent figure in the Civil Rights and Womens’ Rights Movement, advising the nation’s leadership and perusing the cause of her late husband. In later years she actively opposed Apartheid in South Africa and became involved in the LGBT movement by urging Civil Rights activists to reject homophobia and the dehumanization of all minorities.

21. Asha-Rose Migiro (United Nations)

Migiro is currently the 3rd Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations. Along with Anna Tibaijuka, she is one of the highest ranked black women in the UN. Migiro was born and educated in Tanzania.

22. Cathy Hughes

Cathy Hughes is a pioneer of business, media and entrepeneurship in America and the black community. In 1979, Hughes launched RadioOne, which since then has become the largest radio broadcast network in the United States with 69 stations in 22 cities. In 2004, she was also behind the launch of TVOne, a dynamic, fast-faced addition to the extensive media company she had started over 20 years earlier. She was once named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year and has continued to be involved in presenting and producing broadcast programs for her company throughout her 3 decades in the industry.

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23. Kamala Harris

Harris is currently running for Attorney General in the California State Elections, having previously served in a number of State offices.

24. Fannie Lou Hamer

Born in 1917 as the youngest child of a family of 19 children, Fannie Lou Hamer is remembered for coining the phrase, “sick and tired of being sick and tired” in her work as a Civil Rights activist in Mississippi. Her most notable achievement was the inclusion of her colleagues in the Democratic National Convention in 1964.

25. Ayanna Pressley

A former staff member of Congressman Kennedy and Political Director to Senator Kerry in Massachusetts, Pressley is currently a Boston City Councilor. She is expected to reach higher positions in the next few years.

26. Terri Sewell

A Democrat, Terri Sewell is taking the brave step of running for a seat in Congress as the representative for Alabama’s 7th district. She is an accomplished attorney and was educated at Princeton, Harvard and Oxford University.

27. Ursula Burns

Ursula Burns is one of America’s most powerful businesswomen. She currently heads Xerox as the company’s CEO and chairwoman. She grew up in a housing project in New York, later entering Xerox as an intern and filling a number of roles before reaching the top job. She is the first black woman to head a company of this size.

28. Ruth Simmons

In 2001 Ruth Simmons became the first African American to take the office of president of an Ivy League university. She is currently the president of Brown University, the first woman and first Texan in that position. Simmons has improved Brown’s budget and its reputation abroad, and has also been recognized on a number of occasions for her work in education.

29. Condoleezza Rice

Condoleezza Rice is no woman to mess with. As the first black woman to hold the position of Secretary of State. During her term, Rice was a well known figure of the Bush administration both nationally and abroad. But in addition to her political experience, she is also a published scholar, concert pianist and academic. She is currently working at Stanford University.

30. Gwendolyn Brooks

Gwendolyn Brooks was the first African American to win the Pulitzer prize for poetry following the release of her second book. She went on to publish over twenty texts and became well known in her home state, Illinois, and across the country for her outstanding contribution to American literature.

Hello Beautiful recently posted report about keeping your guard up in the fight to protect yourself against sexually transmitted diseases. STDs in America are on the rise in some demographics and still having a devastating impact in certain communities. What you probably didn’t know is that American doctors are reporting an increase in STDs within the elderly population, as the use of Viagra gets some couples “back into the game.”

Reuters Health recently reported:

“… the rate of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in older men taking erectile dysfunction drugs like Viagra is twice as high as in their non-medicated peers.

In both groups, however, the numbers are swelling. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were more than six new cases of STDs per 10,000 men over 40 in 2008, up almost 50 percent since 1996.

“Younger adults have far more STDs than older adults, but the rates are growing at far higher rates in older adults,” said Dr. Anupam B. Jena of Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, who led the study.”

Click here to read more or take a look at some of our recent posts on STDs:

STDs: Why You Should Never Let Your Guard Down

3 Reasons To Have Safe Sex

Kelis has been extremely vocal in the past few weeks about her divorce, the birth of her child and the release of her fifth album. She’s fed the press with a lot of golden material, but what about her new album? Where does it fit and what does it say about this vivacious starlet?

Kelis, the 30-year-old recording artist and controversial media figure, has said in the past she feels “no competition” in the music industry. If her new album Flesh Tone is anything to go by, that’s probably because Kelis has continued to produce intense disco-pop tracks like no other…. literally, no other.

Kelis On Other Female Artists: “There Is No Competition”

But Kelis stands by her claim that she has allowed other female artists to follow in her tracks, telling the Associated Press that the female presence in the top 40 charts has changed dramatically because of her work.

“I hate to toot my horn, but if you look at where music was as far females and what’s Top 40 radio and whatever, where it was before “Milkshake,” versus after, I mean you kind of have to be retarded to deny that it literally changed female vocalists.”

Her latest album is not much of a jump from some of her past work, though with it she  will probably continue to demand influence in the disco-pop market as one of its most well-known divas.

Flesh Tone is a short album, with a collection of 9 tracks totaling just under 40 minutes.

As is the case with many recently released albums, it is initially very hard to differentiate between the sounds and intensity of Kelis’ individual tracks.

But while some songs from Flesh Tone are are lyrically very repetitive, others are loaded with curious reflections of love and living, undoubtedly some in relation to Kelis’ fresh breakup with Nas.

Kelis Says Nas Is Her Biggest Disappointment

If you were hoping that Kelis would put that deep, hypnotizing and husky voice to work in an R&B-oriented project, this album is probably not going to interest you.

We can only hope that one day we also hear something on par with ‘Trick Me’.

Check out this backstage (or ‘backdesert’) clip from the making of her follow-up track, ’4th of July (Fireworks).

Before y’all start throwing punches, I must clarify that my exposure to this topic came from within the HB user community. In a recent post about the term ‘interracial,’ one user asked us why HB wasn’t tackling some of the hard issues?

In many regards the questions posed were simply strong conversation starters, with no clear cut, unique answer. To begin with, let’s take the first question presented by the user:

“Why is it Acceptable for Young Men of Color to Emulate Prison Fashions By Exposing Their A***s to Ourselves and our Children?”

My personal interpretation is that the issue is not the prison fashions themselves, rather that any male role model other than a “rapper” is consistently put in question for all the wrong reasons.

Kids On A Leash: Safe Or Sick?

For example:

CRITICISM: “Is President Obama Black?”
RESPONSE: YES, HE IS!

CRITICISM: “Obama’s making so many mistakes and everyone is doubting him so he’s not the most ideal role model.”
RESPONSE: YES, HE IS. You’re children probably have no idea about fiscal policy or Sino-American relations so don’t let Fox News or any other negativity detract from the fact that a family-orientated man, who has a healthy relationship with his wife and daughters, a 4-year contract and nice White House (excuse the pun), is on television everyday reminding us how far a black man can get in this world.

CRITICISM: “Will Smith and all those other Hollywood big names are trying too hard to be white and that’s not right for my child.”
RESPONSE: The world is what it is. Asian people, Hispanics, Middle Easterners and every race on earth do (and have every right to) wear suits, go to glamorous events and sip Martinis just like Hollywood’s black stars. The fact that more white people go to these events and wear suits reflects the fact that there is a disproportionate concentration of wealth in America because of socio-economic factors and our history. In order for this to change, there needs to be less focus placed on what is “White” and more criticism placed on self-victimization, in which the people who make these criticisms of the “suited black man” stop acting like the perpetual victim, getting hated on from birth ’til death. Yes, there is discrimination in this world and you, like every other minority group that suffers from it, have the power to allow it to destroy you or, by contrast, give you the fuel to overcome adversity and prove the “haters” wrong.

‘Making it big’ doesn’t necessarily have to involve what these Hollywood stars are doing, but their drive, self respect and motivation to succeed is relevant in all aspects of life.

5 Signs You’re Raising Your Baby’s Daddy

Another issue that catches my attention in regard to the initial question is that “prison fashions” are some how meant to be unacceptable, when in reality we’re talking about the behaviors that accompany such fashions. Careful consideration should be placed on what music you allow your children to listen to, what movies you bring home and which television shows you watch in front of them, before getting the stage where you scratch your head and wonder why your child has his/her rear end exposed to the world.

Once again it comes down to who and what we criticize. Some of you may be aware that Lady Gaga has been causing parenting problems abroad with her ‘Monster Ball’ tour. Parents were taking their children to see the show and later complaining with a great degree of rage that their child was exposed to “things” he/she had never seen before. Well, I’m sorry but check yourself and take a look at some of her video clips to judge in advance whether it would be appropriate to take your child to that concert and expect them not to want to wrap their hair around a beer can or cover their naughty bits in police tape. The issue here is not Lady Gaga herself so please don’t start any meltdowns about a white girl being mentioned on HB. It’s about the extent to which you allow your children to be exposed to role models in the entertainment industry where these questionable trends or ‘prison fashions’ are most on display.

So I ask the inevitable question: What do you guys think?

The birth of a child can dramatically change the dynamics of a family – and its not always for the best. We know that disrupted nights, dirty diapers and feeding times can all be problematic in a family accustomed to its original routine, but some changes can be long term. Your baby’s daddy may hold some of the answers to a change in your family dynamics and it might be time for you to reflect on some his behaviors to find signs that you’re raising someone more than just your baby.

1. He Barely Noticed You Were Pregnant

Men can have some peculiar reactions to the pregnancy of their partners, many of which are most noticeable during the pregnancy of the first child.

Some of the men I know have some interesting ways of dealing with stress and anxiety. A complete emotional shut down and detachment from your emotional needs is one of those, and another is to almost complete avoid all recognition of your pregnancy.

There are also those who have no concept of the pain of a pregnancy and therefore don’t empathize. When a girl is pregnant, in need of some serious love and attention, this may be a sign of bad times ahead.

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2. He Makes All The Petty Decisions, But Leaves The Hard Ones For You

To begin, let’s categorize some of the major daily decisions into ‘petty’ and ‘hard’.

Petty: Beef or chicken, Coke or Pepsi, take-out or eat-out, sex when he wants it or sex when you want it, TV or a DVD, etc.

Hard: Bay the bills late or feed your child tomorrow, make your girl work two jobs or get one for yourself, budget or save, rent or buy, Thanksgiving here or at your mother’s, another baby or time off the pregnancy trail, etc.

Once again a complete disinterest in daily household affairs could be a reflection a baby-like man. The real issue here is that more pressure falls on you to the point where you feel like a single parent.

How To Start Family Traditions

3. His Mother Either Completely Worships The Ground You Walk On, Or Is Highly Critical Of You

Mothers can have a tremendous impact on the development of their sons, though many people would argue that men tend to follow in the paths of their fathers more so than their mothers. So if your man’s mother is around, take a closer look at the way she treats you and the way she may have raised him.

If your mother-in-law worships the ground you walk on, you may be giving your man too many of life’s comforts – just like she did when she raised him. That age-old desire of a mother for her son to find a woman to treat him right may have you trapped in your own worst nightmare as the woman that inherited this old lady’s son.

By contrast, your mother-in-law may also be extremely critical of you as a partner. Any level-headed mother could see in her children just where she went wrong. In this case she may have wanted more for her son, a woman to set things right for him after she lost the battle. It might be time to listen to what she’s complaining about to see if you can eliminate some problems between all parties involved.

4. You’ve Stopped Talking To Each Other

Like many of the above mentioned ‘signs’, this one comes accompanied with a range of other issues. If you and your man are no longer able to produce a serious conversation, albeit about the most trivial topic, your relationship may be in trouble.

Yelling at him about important family issues, and his lack of interest and motivation with raising your child are all problematic trends in a mother-father relationship. The fact that, once again, you’re doing all the ‘caring’ and decision making without his input is certainly something that needs addressing in order for you to not feel like your raising one child extra.

5. He’s A Fat Slob Who Has No Desire To Work Or Provide For His Family

It would be nice for all men to be like Will Smith or Barack Obama, and thank goodness some are. But the best, most efficacious sign for you to realize that you’re raising your baby’s daddy is when he is nothing but an obnoxious couch-potato with no interest in anything other than this evening’s sport telecast or balancing a can of beer on his unwashed hairy belly.

Many women assume that they possess strong “common knowledge” about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and, as a result, have an innate belief that they are at less risk of infection. But women in America continue to bare the consequences of STDs like no other group, emphasizing the need to never overestimate just how vigilant you are when it comes to issues relating to your sex life.

There are a number of ways for you to maintain a level of alertness in regard to sexually transmitted diseases, beginning with informing yourself about their prevalence in your locality or country. Local, state or federal health services can provide you with a range of useful material in this regard. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention is always a good place to start any research.

It is equally important to recognize the symptoms of an infection by using reliable information from your library, clinic or from online sources linked to credible health services. Be aware that there is a range of misinformation on the Internet that can be confusing and dangerous (especially for those hypochondriacs out there!)

However, if only one thing were certain, it’s that taking complete measures to minimize the risk of exposure is and will always be the best advice to take on board. Some STDs can jeopardize your entire future and have long lasting consequences on your family.

Many STDs, like HIV, are passed from mother to baby during pregnancy and breast feeding. Others, such as syphilis, can lead to long term mental illness and death.

While the prevalence of some STDs has declined in the past few decades, some have become more common and dynamic, producing new varieties, strands or trends against which the human body and modern medicine have been unable to fully fight.

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The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimated in 2004 that HIV infection was the leading cause of death of black women aged 25-34, highlighting a number of risk factors to consider:

1. Lack of Recognition of Partner’s Risk Factors

You should never underestimate the sexual past of the people with whom you engage in sexual activity. Some women assume that HIV is confined to the gay male population but this is not the case. The Center for Disease Control & Prevention claims that as many as one third of gay black men have reported having sex with straight women.

HIV and other STDs are also confined to the straight community in may cases and continue to spread because of the isolated sexual activity of straight sexual partners.

2. High-Risk Heterosexual Risk Factors

Some men have a particularly strong dislike of condoms. This form of gender inequality in the bedroom can place a women in the uncomfortable position of having to negotiate the use of her body by forcing the man to use a condom against his demands. In an ideal situation a woman should develop a strong relationship with a future sex partner so as to be able to discuss safe sex practices and avoid any conflict relating to the use of protection.

3. Biologic Vulnerability and Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Sexual intercourse between a man and a women places the female participant in more danger than the male because of the sharing of bodily fluids. There is obviously no way to reverse the vulnerability of a women in this case, making other methods of protection even more crucial.

4. Substance Use

Issues relating to STDs may go well beyond sexual activity. The sharing of needles in the straight and gay community renders sexual orientation irrelevant for some sexually active people, as the HIV virus can easily pass through the blood stream via a syringe.

You should attempt to inform yourself of any past encounters your partner may have had with illicit drugs.

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Finally, it is important to emphasize once again that the best way to avoid being exposed to sexually transmitted diseases is to never let your guard down or lessen the control you have of your own body and mind.

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As a woman you are particularly vulnerable to exposure and the long term consequences of STDs so it crucial that you remain alert for any risk factors in your partner or your current situation that may place your health at risk.

If you do think you have been exposed to any STD you should immediately contact your health care provider to ensure early detection or, in the case your suspicions are wrong, peace of mind.

The 4th of July is all about celebration and reflection, pride and empowerment, love and liberation. America has lived through a series of setbacks in the last year and the current social climate is far from perfect for the black women of America. Yet some beautiful, strong black women did shine through in the last year as the figureheads of their families, their communities, their race and their country.

Dorothy Height

This April the world lost one of its best, with the death of civil rights activist, Dorothy Heights. As a former colleague of the late Dr Martin Luther-King Jr, Rosa Parks, and many others, her passing came in sadness and celebration of a life of selflessness and strength.

President Obama, shedding a tear or two at her funeral, spoke of her legacy as one of America’s most valued social and political contributors.

“What she cared about was the cause,” he said. “The cause of justice, the cause of equality, the cause of opportunity, freedom’s cause.”

Gabourey “Gabby” Sidibe

In her acclaimed role in ‘Precious’ as Claireece Precious Jones, Gabby Sidibe has already broken many of the traditional Hollywood stereotypes of what it means to be a star.

She played a young girl that reflected many realities in modern America and excelled in delivering an extremely powerful, gritty performance to audiences.

Precious itself is deserving of much celebration because it got America talking, albeit for a brief period of time, taking viewers out of their comfort zones and into the life a young girl who fought set-back after set-back to find some level of peace in her life.

Thanks to Gabby Sibide we were briefly able to feel part of that powerful story.

Michelle Obama

Our gorgeous First Lady has transformed her unofficial role in the White House to one of empowerment, equality and strength. She’s continued pioneering the battle against childhood obesity and, to prove it, she even has an eat-healthy White House garden.

But as a strong black woman, let’s not forget that Michelle is also representing her community on a number of platforms. She’s expected to speak at the 101st Convention of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in Kansas on July 12.

Michelle also continues to work closely with war widows – our country’s often overlooked victims of war.

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

While not American, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is a black woman to be admired this independence day.

Her country, Liberia, was named in recognition of its intriguing connection to African slavery and as its President Johnson Sirleaf has made leaps and bounds in improving the role of women in aspects of Liberian society.

She was elected in 2006 but had no family connection in politics to allow for an easy rise to power. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is the first black women to win a presidential election in Africa and for her strength, achievements and simple symbolic importance in our world, we admire her.

Mo’Nique

Beautiful, black, curvaceous and drop-dead hilarious, Mo’Nique was a starlet to be reckoned with this year.

Last December she won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for powerful role in ‘Precious.’ Check out this small clip from the movie to remind yourself why:

Jada Pinkett Smith

When your married to one of the world’s most desirable actors you’re bound to get attention. But Jada Pinkett Smith, this year, was a woman of her own creation.

A confident, strong-willed business woman and loving mother, Jada Pinkett Smith managed to participate in a range of headline events this year without even starring. She saw the premiere of her son’s debut feature role in the ‘Karate Kid’ and was also behind the Tony-Award winning Broadway hit, ‘Fela!’ along with Will and Jay-Z.

Liya Kebede

If you want to talk beauty, think Liya Kebede. If you want to talk power, think Liya Kebede. If you want to talk innovation, talk Liya Kebede.

This gorgeous Ethiopian-born supermodel graced the covers of our magazine, televisions and computer screens this year.

She’s been behind a range of firsts in her career as the first black cover girl of Estée Lauder. She recently finished working on her debut film, ‘Desert Flower’ and is also pursuing clean, green fashion in the industry.

Oprah

Oprah is 2009/2010′s most powerful celebrity, which is no surprise given the huge financial empire she manages. But Oprah is much more than that.

Oprah is a generous spirit and good to her employees and fans. While her role in the media industry is complicated and tiring, Oprah’s personality consistently shines through to remind us that behind the power and success of this strong black woman, is a human being.

Oprah’s coming to the end of her famed career on television soon but will no doubt continue to pioneer elements of the media industry. We look forward to seeing how that unfolds.

Beyoncé

The queen of the touring scene this year, Beyonce wowed us with her on screen and off screen achievements. She was ranked number 2 on the Forbes Celebrity 100 list of most powerful celebrities.

To top everything off, Beyonce continues being the beautiful, approachable woman that she is, reminding us that behind some of the world’s most powerful, famous black women remains a fantastic human being.

Alicia Keys

Her name is know the world over for her musical talents and beauty. This year Alicia Keys was a huge achiever, with her collaboration with Jay-Z, her pregnancy and engagement.

To top thing off, she showed us she can dance on pianos with a baby on board. In addition to that tribute to Prince, she also appeared at the historic World Cup opening celebrations.

Tomorrow is the first Friday of the month, which means its time for the Department of Labor Statistics’ June unemployment figures.

Last month we revealed that black women had performed particularly well in the unemployment figures, better than all other major demographic groups. Black female unemployment had declined 10 per cent from April to May.

Unemployment Drops For Black Women By 10%

Of course the data is indicative of only one aspect of the overall job situation facing everyone in the United States and we should never forget that the struggle to keep jobs is never-ending. But every-now-and-then its nice to hear some uplifting news like last month’s unemployment figures.

Check in tomorrow when we reveal if June has proved as successful for the black women of America.

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