How amazing is Ava DuVernay? In the dazzling span of her film career, she’s blazed a trail and changed the game. She was the first African-American woman to win the Best Director Prize at the Sundance Film Festival, for her film Middle Of Nowhere. Her first feature film, I Will Follow was critically acclaimed…
Pop Culture
Iman! Gabrielle! Bethann! And…Me? My Essence Upfront Panel Experience
I’ve said this quite a bit when asked about what it’s like to be who I am and do what I do – my job is an ever evolving, always exciting exercise in perpetually rising to the occasion. That’s the most appropriate explanation for last Thursday’s experience. I was flown to New York City,…
Janelle Monae Is Electric. The Afrobella Interview
Beautiful, talented, enigmatic and introspective – an in-person experience with Janelle Monae gives you unique perspective on how the petite singer has ascended the pop music throne. When you see Janelle Monae in person, you’re awestruck at her gorgeousness and when she opens her mouth to speak or to sing, you’re compelled to listen. That…
Apparently I Look Like the Eggo Waffles Girl
There’s a commercial on TV quite a bit lately, and EVERY TIME it airs, I get tweets and texts and Facebook messages about it. Have you seen the latest Eggo Waffles commercial? Apparently lots of people think the little girl in it looks like me. Or could be my child. Either way, LOL! I…
Things We Can Learn From Jenifer Lewis
Jenifer Lewis is a whole lotta woman. She’s a powerhouse actress, a groundbreaking performer of stage and screen, and a legend who has worked with the best in the business. And I can tell you from personal experience, she gives AMAZING quotes in interviews. I learned that from personal experience when I interviewed her…
Dave Chappelle Rocked Chicago – My Oddball Festival Review
I literally just got home from the Tinley Park stop of the Oddball Comedy Festival, and normally I like to let my thoughts stew for a bit before writing a review, but I figure I should get all of this out right now while it’s still fresh. First, a tiny bit of backstory for anyone…
10 Amazing Moments From The Janelle Monae Listening Party in Chicago
This week kicked off with a BANG for me. Fresh from my trip to New Orleans, I had to attend a very special event. Thanks to my friends at COVERGIRL, I was invited to the special, exclusive listening party for Janelle Monae’s new album, The Electric Lady! And not only that, I got to bring…
Inside My BET Awards Weekend 2013 Experience With Cadillac!
This past week just whizzed by me in a total blur. I’m now playing catch up from all the fun I had. I can blame it all on the fabulous weekend I enjoyed in Los Angeles. Thanks to my friends at GM and Cadillac, I returned to the BET Awards for the second year in…
FEED for Target -The Collection, The Launch, The Fabulous Evening in Brooklyn
As a proud member of Target’s Inner Circle, I’m liable to be whisked off to incredible events from time to time. Last week in Brooklyn, I was lucky enough to attend a truly remarkable launch event for an incredible design partnership – one that I hope is successful beyond measure. Lauren Bush Lauren’s FEED…
Afrobella Film Review – The Great Gatsby
Because I grew up in Trinidad, I didn’t grow up reading American literature. It was pretty much all British and Caribbean lit until I moved to America and started doing college literature classes. Naturally The Great Gatsby was an early essential, and from the first time I read it I had strong feelings about it. I…