Keeping up with the Huxtables

An Evening with Dr. Maya Angelou and Friends...

2009-11-11T11:08:00.002-05:00

This weekend the Socialite hit the scene and attended an event that speaks volumes to the purpose of this blog. I finally felt like I attended an event that represented what our race should be focusing on collectively and that our ancestors would be proud of. On Saturday I attended "Saving the Race: The Human Race"...an evening with Dr. Maya Angelou and friends. The event was held at the famous Riverside church in Harlem, where Dr. King once spoke...how fitting!

The event was a call to intra-racial healing and inter-racial reconciliation. We joined that night to turn our attention to the work of freeing ourselves, and the world, from the myth of Black inferiority. This was the beginning and a launch of a grassroots movement of healing. At the end of the night they invited us to stay on the path to healing and wellness by visiting www.communityhealingnet.org often as they expand the network of people working to build the movement for emotional healing and renewal....changing how we see and feel about ourselves.

The host of the event was Tom Joyner, from the Tom Joyner Morning Show. The event started with a performance by The Faison Firehouse Respect Project, which weaves together such pertinent issues as teenage pregnancy, absentee parents, date rape, racism, poverty, peer pressure, illiteracy, cultural identity, community, gang crime and violence. Saturday they reminded us about the suffering our race is going through, and how oftentimes it seems like we are "living in hell on earth".

Common, Grammy Award winning Hip-Hop artist and noted actor, hit the stage next. He started off his speech by quoting Rapper Drake's "I just wanna be successful". He went on to talk about how all of our youth needs to strive for success, and it is our duty to encourage them. "Greatness is not just achieving for yourself, but achieving for others" and "Work so that your legacy is beyond your time" are two lines that really spoke to me in his speech. I love that Common shows us a representation of someone who stayed true to himself and worked hard to get to where he is today, despite many doubts.

When Maya Angelou hit the stage, I was immediately amazed. She entered with such grace and as soon as she began to speak, it was like poetry in every sentence that she let flow out of her mouth. She talked about this being the time when we all need to come together to start a movement towards changing how we see ourselves, and working towards changing the current state that we are in. "We did not create demeaning terms such as the n word, but out of ignorance we use them." is a statement among many great statements that reminded you of how much we are ignoring the struggle that is in front of us.

The night also included Red Hurley, an Irish singer, known as an Irish national treasure, and the Harlem Gospel Choir, the most famous gospel choir in America today. The night ended with a performance by The Faison Project again, ending the show with Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror." What a perfect way to end an event by telling people to make a change within themselves if they want to see change! The event was amazing and I encourage you to help continue their efforts by visiting www.communityhealingnet.org

-Keep Up!

Keeping Up Daily...Top Stories to Help Us Keep Up

2009-11-11T09:19:00.004-05:00

Bringing you the morning news...the fastest way to Keep Up!

John Allen Muhammad, the convicted D.C. sniper, was executed Tuesday night by lethal injection. Talk about night, Brazil emerged early Wednesday from a widespread power outage that plunged its major cities and at least nine states into darkness for hours, prompting security fears and concern from residents about another black eye for a country hosting the 2016 Olympic Games. This next case stirs up an even more dangerous concern. In the study released by Consumer Reports, canned soup, tuna, juice and green beans have all been found to contain potentially dangerous levels of bisphenol A, a man-made chemical preservative that increases shelf-life.

NASA celebrates the 400th year of the telescope being turned to the heavens by releasing one of the most detailed images of the center of the Milky Way's center to date. Not as much as 400 years, but is has been a long time in this next story. Services took place around the world to mark the 91st anniversary of the armistice signed between Germany and the Allies on November 11, 1918. As people were reflecting on the lives lost before the armistice was finally signed, other's reflect on the life of this star soccer player. Germany's national soccer team has canceled its training session ahead of Saturday's friendly match with Chile after its goalkeeper, Robert Enke, was struck and killed by a train on Tuesday, in what police called an apparent suicide.

Hall of Fame center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar battles with a rare form of leukemia. Speaking of amazing performers, Oscar winner Denzel Washington is headed back to Broadway. He will be playing the lead in a revival of August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize-winning drama "Fences." Another Oscar winner is accomplishing great things also. Halle Berry will receive the Sherry Lansing Award, an award that recognizes groundbreaking contributions to the entertainment industry.

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Keep Up!

Quote of the Day...

2009-11-10T17:26:00.000-05:00

"Every time you win, it diminishes the fear a little bit. You never really cancel the fear of losing; you keep challenging it." -Arthur Ashe

Lisa Leslie helping us "Keep Up" with Liver Cancer

2009-11-09T23:48:00.005-05:00

The Socialite recently had a chance to chat with Lisa Leslie, former WNBA player, about how she was Keeping Up and discuss some serious matters regarding the recent lost of her step-father to liver cancer, and some advice she has for those that might be suffering from the same type of cancer. Lisa Leslie is teaming with Covidien, a world leader in advanced energy-based surgical systems and solutions, to launch www.MyLiverCancerOptions.com, a new educational Web site which provides information to help patients and their families understand the treatment options available to manage liver cancer.

Leslie has helped us Keep Up on the court, as a mother, and now she has hit the road to help us Keep Up with Live Cancer.

The Socialite: Congrats on being a four-time Olympic Gold Medal winner and three-time WNBA most valuable player. You are such a positive role model for females all over the world. What did it feel like when you made your first dunk?

Lisa Leslie: Excited, especially because we were at home playing at the Staple Center.

The Socialite: I am aware that you have decided to retire from the WNBA, do you mind letting us know why?

Lisa Leslie: I wanted to leave the game while I was still able to contribute offensively, defensively, and block shots.

The Socialite: And do you see yourself having a role in the WNBA, such as coach, or on an executive level?

Lisa Leslie: You never know, I definitely hope to stay involved with women's pro basketball.

The Socialite: How do you feel about the popularity of women's sports; do you feel like it could ever reach the level of the NBA?

Lisa Leslie: We are always hoping to grow as a sport, and its been great because the product we have put out on the floor has been much improved every year; the players have gotten better and better. So hopefully one day we hope to have the fan base and following that the NBA has.

The Socialite: How did you balance being a world-class athlete and mother?

Lisa Leslie: I have a wonderful husband and family that is supportive, and will watch my baby when I have to work. But oftentimes, I pretty much work half days. I get up, lift weights, and work out. When I get back home, I get groceries, I cook dinner, clean, and put my baby to bed. So I enjoy doing all the motherly things that most moms do...just what working moms do.

The Socialite: I am sorry for the lost of your step father. I just lost my mother also. How long was your step father in your life?

Lisa Leslie: About 6 years

The Socialite: I know your father had liver cancer; are there any signs people should look for when it comes to live cancer?

Lisa Leslie: I can't say any specific signs, but once you are diagnosed, you can go to http://www.mylivercanceroptions.com/. With my step-father we didn't really have any options. I teamed up with Covidien, which is a health care company. http://www.mylivercanceroptions.com/ is where you can find out more information.

The Socialite: Are there any steps that your family and father took or did not take that may help other people with dealing with liver cancer?

Lisa Leslie: We didn't have any options. When he was diagnosed, he was gone in 3 months.

The Socialite: You have been traveling around to different hospitals nationwide to spread awareness; what have been the responses and what have you learned?

Lisa Leslie: I've learned that since 1975 the number of cases have tripled in the U.S. I also learned that more men are susceptible to having liver cancer, ages 55 and older. In addition, the myth that people who use alcohol and use drugs are more likely to get liver cancer is not true. Those people are at high risk, but they are not the only people that are susceptible to liver cancer. It can be environmental or things that you come in contact with because all of our blood pretty much flows threw our liver.

The Socialite: Is there any major events or fundraisers you want to let people know about?

Lisa Leslie: No, if they log on to the website, there is a lot of different things regarding health care and family where people can find out more information, if theirs things they need to do, and even contacting their local physicians.

The Socialite: I know that you have been very busy with this incentive, but is there anything else you have been working on?

Lisa Leslie: Trying to get the Lisa Leslie Basketball Academy off of the ground, and you can find out more information about that at http://www.lisaleslie9.com/

The Socialite: Is there anything else you would like people to know about liver cancer?

Lisa Leslie: I just encourage people who know of anyone that's struggling with the disease or has been diagnosed to visit the website, and find out what their options are before it is too late.

-Keep Up!

COVERGIRL Queen Collection Contest...Winners Have Been Announced

2009-11-09T13:38:00.004-05:00

Last month I'm Keeping UP and CoverGirl Queen Collection ran a twitter contest where 5 girls would have the opportunity to try out COVERGIRL Queen Collection Vibrant Hue Shine lip color and COVERGIRL Queen Collection Natural Hue Minerals bronzer.

5 lucky girls have been selected at random, and will be revealed on here and twitter. The winners will have 24 hours to claim their winnings. The winners will need to send me their addresses and their names to bwomack@imkeepingup.com

And the winners are....

@brenee83
@RVSnewark
@tcummings
@beamerdreamer
@hautemommie

Congrats lady and I hope you enjoy trying the CoverGirl Queen Collection.

Keeping Up Daily...Top Stories to Help Us Keep Up

2009-11-09T09:36:00.004-05:00

Brining you the morning news...fastest way to Keep Up!

Germany celebrates 20 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall. It may not have been 20 years, but Philly has just come off of 6 days of its transit workers being on strike. A deal has been made, and trolleys, subways, and buses will be up and running. Don't be so quick to say that this next case is a done deal. The House has recently passed the Health Care bill, and now the debate shifts to the Senate, where many people are saying that it will not be as easy to get passed in the Senate.

Sharon McDonough, a New York woman, was arrested for allegedly kidnapping and murdering her neighbors' pets with the help of her children, after authorities found carcasses of at least 20 animals in her backyard. That is just disturbing, and this next story is a little also. Claiming Barack Obama as "white power in black face," hundreds of African-Americans marched on the White House Saturday to protest policies of the first black US president, and demand that he bring US troops home. The US may be having some issues, and African must be having some financial issues also. China is going to give Africa $10 Billion dollars in loans. More on good news, The film "Precious" has a huge box office opening, opening in 18 theaters and earning $1.8 million (or $100,000.00 per screen, more than 10 times the average for a new film).

-Keep Up!

Quote of the Day...

2009-11-06T16:37:00.000-05:00

"Giving back involves a certain amount of giving up." -Colin Powell

Friday's Top Ways to Keep Up

2009-11-06T13:03:00.002-05:00

Music:

Video of the week

Books:

I am currently reading "Forty Million Dollar Slaves" by William C. Rhoden

I encourage everyone to pick up this book, which focuses on the African-American athlete and his journey. It points out the current position of the African-American athlete and how one could consider them slaves in the industry.

Movies

Released week of Nov. 2nd:

Disney's a Christmas Carol
The Box
The Fourth Kind
The men who stare at goats
Precious
Splinterheads
Endgame
Collapse
The Evening Sun

Health

Know you heart, know the risk.

Here a few tips that Jennie Garth from CNN gives to ensure that you are taking care of your heart, and you don't get some type of heart disease.

Remember to make a doctor's appointment every year, perhaps around your birthday.
Stay active for your heart and make physical activity a family affair.
Commit to planning balanced meals and teaching your family about healthy food choices.
Choose to breathe clean, fresh air. Kick the smoking habit once and for all.

Technology

If you didn't know yet, blackberry now has applications like the famous iphone applications. All you have to do is go to blackberry app world and find a list of apps for free and for you to buy. I already downloaded Pandora, which allows me to play different music stations. Take a look at the list and let me know if anything is worth downloading. The apps still aren't up to the standards of the iphone, but just give it a little bit!

Food

Earlier this week I went to a restaurant in New York called Sushi Zen.

108 W 44th St

New York, NY 10036-4011

(212) 302-0707

The food was such a delight. I recommend making reservations, because the place is always packed, but well worth the wait if you have to. When you open the menu it lets you know that you are about to go through a journey through Japan, and you do just that. If you love sushi, you will like this place!

Relationships

We all get stressed out sometimes when it comes to dealing with our mates. Try the following exercise to dead some of the tension that the relationship might have. My mate and I wrestled and had a pillow fight to release some of our tension towards each other. It was clean and friendly playing...we released our anger without having to yell or hurt each other. We also had so much fun!

Staying Happy

Keep a clean house! I always feel down when I come home to a messy room, have to step over clothes to get into a closet, have to wash a dish every time I want to eat...things like this is annoying. Studies show that a clean environment makes a happy person.

-Keep Up!

Perspective- What Has Your Job Done For You Lately?

2009-11-06T11:38:00.005-05:00

Written by Catherine C. Powell

I work as a program assistant for a nonprofit organization in southern Maryland that serves low- to middle-income individuals/families. Dealing with people in a different socioeconomic class than my own has opened my eyes to a knew outlook on life. The choices, decisions, attitudes, and beliefs of the people that I have encountered have changed how I view society, relationships, and the meaning of the words freedom and responsibility.

There were many times in the past when I was not grateful for my job. I had a blind eye to the fact that I was witnessing so many life lessons, and that I had led, and continue to lead, a very blessed life.

From what I've learned, here is what sticks out the most:

1. Treat Others- i.e., get into the habit of helping others. I have learned that giving into the urge of feeling like you should do something for someone can mean the world to that person, especially someone who is continuously weathering one storm after another, battling setbacks, and whose existence is sometimes viewed as no more important than the ants on the ground.

2. Everything is Temporary- Nothing material is promised or guaranteed. One day your bringing home $1000 a week, and two weeks later your in line at a food pantry writing "unemployed" where you used to put "English teacher" or "truck driver." The only constants are your values and beliefs, and even those are subject to change depending on your situation. The key is to be mentally, emotionally, and spiritually strong enough so that your values and beliefs transcend your situation.

3. Less Money, More Problems - Having money enables you to alleviate many problems that keep those without money trapped in bleak situations. Having more of an expendable income provides easier access to education, health care, career advancement, and personal growth.

4. Hand Up, Not a Hand Out - I don't totally disagree with this statement, but what I do realize is that there are some people who will never overcome their situation or obstacles because they don't want to and thus they will always need a handout. They have become so entrenched in their beliefs or situation that they are rigidly complacent. Can they change? Of course they can. But it's a choice some people do not and will not make.

6. By Helping Others You Help Yourself - One of the nicest compliments I've ever received was someone saying that I was a "nice person." Extremely simple and cliche, but it has profound meaning. I wasn't "nice" because I allowed them to cut in front of me in line or because I told them that their tag was sticking out of their shirt, I was "nice" because I helped them fill out paperwork to keep their electricity on or swiped my jobs credit card at the gas station so that they could get from A to B. Are all of the things apart of my job description? Yes, but I do them from my heart and they can tell. I can't express how much being called "nice" inspired me.

What have you learned at your job about yourself, people in general, and society? Is your job fulfilling not only your physiological but psychological needs? What are you doing outside of work to further fulfill your purpose or to give your life more meaning?

Keeping Up Daily...Top Stories to Help Us Keep Up

2009-11-06T09:20:00.004-05:00

Bringing you the morning news....the fastest way to Keep Up!

(Utah's first African-American Mayor. Photo taken from The Black Report)

The unemployment rate has reached 10.2, and this is the first time since 1983 that it has surpassed 10%. If that isn't shocking, this next story might be. Army psychiatrist trained to help soldiers in distress turns on his comrades in a shooting rampage that killed 13 people and wounded 30 in Texas. I know this left a lot of people in tears. Speaking of tears, from a babies very first days, the cries of newborns already bear the mark of the language their parents speak, scientists now find.

President Barack Obama is set to sign a $24 billion economic stimulus bill providing tax incentives to prospective homebuyers and extending unemployment benefits to the jobless. Looks like someone unsigned a deal. The University of Central Florida has lost its $3 million exclusive contract with adidas after basketball player Marcus Jordan's insisted on wearing his father, Michael's, Nike Air Jordans for the school's opening basketball game. It is kind of like a tribute when the Jordan son's wear their father's shoe. Estelle, Ludacris, and other's pay tribute to soul singer Otis Redding in a two-hour performance at the Woodruff Arts Center in Atlanta.

ABC officially announced Thursday that its upcoming Janet Jackson interview will be taped at her Malibu mansion, marking the first time the singer has allowed television cameras into her home, and the first interview since the death of her brother. The interview is set to air on Nov. 18. The queen of interviewing, Oprah Winfrey, says she's keeping singer BeBe Winans off her show until domestic violence charges against him are resolved. The gospel singer had taped appearances on Winfrey's "karaoke challenge" and was on last Friday. On good news, Saratoga Springs made history Tuesday night, becoming the first Utah city to elect a black woman as mayor, naming Mia Love Mayor.

-Keep Up

Keeping Up Tip of the Day...Game Night!

2009-11-05T16:16:00.006-05:00

Everyone wants to know how to live life to it's fullest. One thing that I suggest is sometimes going back to your youthful days. These past two weeks I have been doing just that. I incorporated a few game nights into my week, where I enjoyed playing monopoly and taboo with friends. This took me back to a time where my days were filled with my favorite childhood games, spending time with my friends, and tons of smiles and laughter. I was surprised that those same feelings game back. Despite my competitiveness taking over at times, I felt like a child again without a care in the world. I was able to ignore all the hardships that come with being an adult. Yesterday, I also went back to my college days when I participated in a card game called "circle of death"...a drinking game of course. Although I don't think my body can handle multiple glasses of vodka anymore, it was still a ball of fun!

This weekend prepare a day or two of childhood/college games with your friends. This will give you a chance to relax, have fun, and spend time with your love ones.Try incorporating some new rules that might make the game more adult like. Come back and let me know how it feels to go back to the days where your biggest worry was a term paper or which food you didn't want to eat at dinner. Take time to enjoy the simple things in life!

What were/is your favorite childhood or college games?

-Keep Up!

Quote of the Day...

2009-11-05T16:12:00.001-05:00

"It ain't as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning." -Colin Powell

Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married Too...

2009-11-05T13:56:00.003-05:00

I remember seeing Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married, and thinking this is the best film Perry has come out with so far. It put a light on an area that our country struggles with all of the time. It showed us the problems that many marriages face, and some solutions to helping couples get through the ups and downs that a relationship is bound to face. With the percentage of divorces on a rise, movies like this can help you see into your own marriages, and hopefully guide you down a path of a successful relationship. This is why I am excited that Perry has come out with Why Did I Get Married Too. Check out the trailer below.

Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married Too

Have you seen the first movie? What did you think about it?
What are some of the reasons you would get a divorce?

Let's Talk!

Is Obama Inspiring Black Men to Keep UP?

2009-11-05T10:56:00.004-05:00

Is Obama inspiring black men to step up? A recent article pointed out some facts that could indicate that this is indeed happening. John Blake of CNN points out:

Three of the nation's largest black fraternities have formed a partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. The fraternities -- Omega Psi Phi, Alpha Phi Alpha and Kappa Alpha Psi -- are holding a summit in Atlanta, Georgia, in December to decide how to recruit more black men as mentors.
About 800 more African-American men have become big brothers since Obama's election
A record number of black men -- 650,000 -- participated this year in an annual Million Father March.
A foundation headed by billionaire George Soros, an Obama supporter, is investing $15 million in a three-year campaign to help black men.

Hearing some of these numbers makes me smile. When I was in college I use to mentor for a school called Bruce Monroe, and everyday I hoped that more black men would walk threw those doors and request to become a mentor. There were so many little black boys dying to have a strong black male figure in their life. If Obama is indeed helping black men step up, then if he doesn't do anything else, that is a lot in my book. It is like Obama has become the black male figure that black men across the country were looking for. I hope that everyday he is a reminder of how a little black boy being raised in a single parent home, barely seeing his father, can still achieve without making excuses for his situation.

If Obama hasn't made you step up, or you simply want to be involved, I have included a few organizations that you can volunteer for:

Big Brothers Big Sisters

100 Black Men of America, Inc.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America

Volunteer at your local YMCA

Search for mentor programs in your local school

Do something today....because tomorrow might be too late!

Do you think that black men are stepping up?

-Keep Up!

Keeping Up Daily...Top Stories to Help Us Keep Up

2009-11-05T09:17:00.004-05:00

Bringing you the morning news...fastest way to Keep Up!

(photo taken from Guardian)

The Yankees take took their 27th World Series title after beating the Phillies last night! As the Yankees titles increase, so does the bodies found in Anthony Sowell's house. There has now been 11 bodies found in this serial killers house in Cleveland, and has people wondering how this could go unnoticed for years, and did police simply ignore missing people reports? Things just keep increasing. the Senate voted on Wednesday to lengthen unemployment benefits by up to 20 weeks and to extend the $8,000 home buyer tax credit.

A 14-year-old California boy Raul Renato Castro told police he drowned his 4-year-old neighbor on Friday because the child had threatened to tell his mother the older boy had molested him. Talk about a case, the U.S. Supreme Court Monday refused to review the 2007 conviction of a former Ku Klux Klan member in the 1964 kidnapping and murder of two black teenagers, leaving in place the trial judge's decision to let the prosecution go forward more than 40 years after the crimes, despite questions about a five-year statute of limitations on kidnapping. That is bad news for the defense team, and there is also bad news for the Essence team. After relaunching their Website last week into a more blog-like look, Essence magazine laid off its Web team today citing budgetary reasons.

On good news, 2009 SOUL TRAIN AWARDS' Show Taping will be on Tuesday, November 3. More good news, President Barack Obama launches yearly summit to hear the concerns of American Indians. Not sure if you can call this good or bad news, but John Allen Muhammad, DC Sniper, is set to die by injection in a Virginia prison Nov. 10, seven years after he and his teenage accomplice terrorized the area in and around the nation's capital for three weeks.

-Keep Up!

Quote of the Day...

2009-11-04T20:34:00.001-05:00

"Just Do It"

For the Love of Happiness..Or the Love of Money

2009-11-04T19:41:00.004-05:00

If America was to become a country where we focused more on working to live a happy life, instead of living to consume, how much different would our lives be? I recently became addicted with how the Danes live, and wondered if America could ever be like other countries? Do we want to? Money is at the top of our list of wants, and happiness is at the top of other's. We live in a country where people will kill to be rich, and I mean that literally. I am starting to think that America is going to self-destruct. It scares me to think that we have all become slaves to a life that beats us down everyday. We wake up and can't wait to be able to compete against the next American by having the nicest material items. We rarely focus on family time, health, or simply going outside to enjoy the air. We spend hours behind our desk, determined to hit a level where we can "ball out of control".

It bothers me that the majority of Americans are so depressed with life. We complain about everything...taxes, bills, traffic, people, places, things, love, how we look, and the list could go on. How can we live a life where the majority of it will be spent being angry in hopes that money will buy our happiness. "Get rich, or die trying" has forced a lot of people to miss out on the beauty of life because they have buried themselves in working towards material wealth.

What confuses me is how so many rich people end up committing suicide, how people get money and end up going to jail like TI, how people end up killing other's to get more money, how people can get money, but still continue to work all of their lives? So are you telling me that money doesn't buy happiness? I am sure that it makes life so much easier, but easier because of how America is set up. Is being an American the ideal way to live? If I had all the money in the world, but never spent much time with my family, and then one died, would money take away being sad? If you had all the money in the world because you married someone that was rich but abusive, and then you died, would the money still be worth the pain? If you worked hard every day to live the American Dream, and never reached that goal, would you be able to say you still lived life?

I think that we need to re-evaluate what we live for in America...I have already started. Life has so much to offer, and I think we miss out on it everyday as we concentrate on the wrong things. You do not need billions of dollars to live the best life. Of course there is nothing wrong with having money, but when you get it, will drowning yourself in material things make it better? Some people die lonely with money....will that be you? Begin to focus on your family, friends, fun times, mother nature...if you aren't living now...you never will!

Young and Keeping Up...Entertainment/Media

2009-11-04T18:14:00.006-05:00

Interviewed/written by Darren Smith

Name: Amanda Rodrigues Smith

Industry: Entertainment/Media/ Public Service

Location: Baltimore, Maryland (Hometown) by way of many places

College: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Journalism and Mass Communication

I am "Keeping Up" because I am a cultural ambassador and aspiring journalist.

What I actually do is use associations in entertainment media

I look up to Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple, Inc. He uses technology and communication to inspire, and makes complex inventions simple and palatable that everyone can use and potentially access. That's the essence of an effective communicator - creating a product or concept that everyone gets! The signal is equally as important as the message. Innovation thrives because when applied it is both resourceful and practical. I enjoy this synergism. It's magical to see him and what he inspires in action.

My first job was actually an internship. I was a Market Research intern at BET Networks in Washington, DC under my mentor who's now the Senior Vice President of the department. At 16 years old I became their first ever and only high school intern. I did everything from ratings analysis to producing on-air segments for BET News.

My first job out of college I was cast in the show Model Latina Miami, which is an original series of SiTV Network that airs nationally on Sundays at 9PM, and now I represent SiTV as a Network Ambassador and convey the importance of the American Latino demographic to media consumers, sponsors and advertisers alike. Culture is a very important dynamic of the Network and my involvement in the show, so I get to elaborate my Brazilian and Jamaican heritage while also highlighting my personal achievement and that of my community. I am one of the only American-Brazilians to appear on the show, and the only Afro-Latina cast member. In addition to national exposure and the opportunity to work with and for major brands like Herbal Essences and Verizon Wireless, on-air spots and modeling, I've also been very active on the public service forefront, making a difference and stressing the importance of a diverse media. I recently attended the Pathways Out of Poverty Summit during Congressional Black Caucus Week and also showed support for the National Hispanic Scholarship Fund during Congressional Hispanic Caucus Week. I'm off to Chicago next for Latino Fashion Week, but I take my responsibility as a role model and public figure very seriously, which starts at being aware and involved in all areas of public interest, not solely entertainment.

The biggest thing that brought me to this point in my career …is a combination of my talent, humility and earnestness. Growing up, each of my role models were journalists, Peter Jennings, Bryant Gumbel, Ed Bradley, Oprah Winfrey, Tom Brokaw. I always aspired to join the ranks of elite journalists who mastered their craft by staying true to their conviction and commitment to truth. The day that I entered the School of Journalism at the University of North Carolina, I knew that regardless of where I'd been, where I was raised or what others thought--I was qualified and had an equal opportunity to make a difference through my writing. And it wouldn't have been possible without a quality education. My college education was my biggest career move! I value education and hardwork and can't see a future as rewarding as the one I have now without both. As president of the Carolina Association of Black Journalists for two terms, I kept that legacy of diligence and excellence in mind and believe that my greatest contribution (to date) - my biggest career move was using that opportunity to encourage and engage young writers from disadvantaged communities to find their voice in journalism.

My Best quality is my ambition and historical reverence. I love history, and I know mine!

My Worst quality is not being able to say no. If it's for a good cause, I'll do it.

People might be surprised to know that I am a classically trained violist and that I sang with the hip-hop a capella group, Harmonyx! I can also dance ridiculously well, Samba, Salsa, Hip-Hop!

I hate that people think that I'm reserved. I'm serious when it comes to work but outside of that I am very social, down to earth and have a pretty free-spirit approach to life.

Latest reads: Choosing Civility, The Alchemist, Eat, Pray, Love; Intro to Conversational Italian

Blogs/websites I follow NPR, The Root, Bossip, NYTimes.com, BBC, TMZ, Globo, Concreteloop

Magazines I read Harper's Bazzar, Washington Post, Teen Vogue, Ebony, Essence,Arise, Nylon, Vogue, Fader, Rolling Stone, Times, Latina, Vibe, Giant, iD

The best thing about I do is that my ideas and passions matter, and I make a difference in the world.

Quote I live by… here's two that I'll combine.. "Thinking is a form of action." "Just Do It!"

What advice do you have for people trying to "Keep Up" in your industry: Finding a career is destination, not a journey. Don't underestimate the importance of life experiences and knowledge, regardless of your industry, because that will ultimately make you better at what you do. Being able to communicate with people about different topics of interest and in different languages is an important skill to have also. I speak three languages, Portuguese, English and Spanish. Being able to express yourself and articulate your thoughts is an asset that will open you to many worlds and opportunities.

Amanda Rodrigues Smith is Young and Keeping Up!

Contact:

www.sitv.com/modelaltina, twitter: jadoreamanda

Keeping Up Daily...Top Stories to Help Us Keep Up

2009-11-04T09:25:00.005-05:00

Bringing you the morning news...fastest way to Keep Up!

Obama's half brother

Where Barack Obama and the democrats had been hoping for a victory, Republicans took Virginia and New Jersey. Republicans might have had that victory, but democrats got a victory in New York, as Bill Owens won a seat in New York's 23rd Congressional District, becoming the first Democrat in more than 100 years to hold the seat. 100 years is a long time, and this next case has a large and disturbing number. Police said they found the remains of four more bodies plus a human skull Tuesday at the Cleveland home of suspected serial killer and rapist Anthony Sowell, bringing the body count to 10.

President Barack Obama's half brother has broken his media silence to discuss his new novel — the semi-autobiographical story of an abusive parent patterned on their late father, the mostly absent figure Obama wrote about in his own memoir. That might be an interesting read, as is this next story. Two people suspected of stealing up to 1,000 pieces of luggage from baggage claim carousels at Phoenix's airport have been arrested by police who found heaps of the stolen bags strewn throughout their home. 1000 is crazy, and I guess after hundreds of calls about him being crazy, this next guy suddenly resigns. Keith Bardwell, Louisiana justice of the peace, quits after refusing to marry an interracial couple.

A 35-mile rift in the desert of Ethiopia will likely become a new ocean eventually, researchers now confirm. Well, this next case has been confirmed. Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling will pay $2.725 million to the U.S. Department of Justice to settle a lawsuit that alleged that Sterling discriminated against African-Americans, Hispanics and families with children at apartment buildings he controls in the Koreatown section of Los Angeles.

-Keep Up!

Why I Fight...

2009-11-03T16:29:00.004-05:00

Someone asked me why do I spend so much time focused on the Black race instead of spending time helping all of God's people? They wanted to know why I had made "blacks" the cause to fight for, and not something like Breast Cancer? I explained to them that I am fighting for all of God's people, and I am starting with equality of all people. I very much would like to spend my days worried about someones well being, and the thought of their color would never cross my mind. But when you wake up to stats like 90% of Black children will be on food stamps, the color of one's face flashes before my eyes, my heart drops, and yet again I begin to type another article expressing my concern for my people.

I will stop focusing on my race when my people are no longer an oppressed race.
I will stop when my race doesn't have a larger percentage of people in the jails.
I will stop when our poor people don't out number yours.
I will stop when my people can get a decent education.
I will stop when a large percentage of my people will be able to see the doors of a college campus.
I will stop when my people receive counseling from years of mistreatment.
I will stop when our youth are able to experience more than the streets as their playgrounds.
I will stop when health care is a priority and not a distant reality.
I will stop when "you" stop pretending that after years of pain, that today is the day we should just forget about it all.
I will stop when my race doesn't fight against each other, because you make it appear that only a few of them will ever make it.
I will stop when they are no longer slaves to money.
I will stop when pictures of my Black President do not have racism written all over them.
I will stop when AIDS don't effect my people more than yours.
I will stop when you become sensitive to a race that has been teased, beaten, and abused for years.
I will stop when you realize that we are still fighting an obvious battle, although you would like to pretend that it doesn't still exist.

So you can make breast cancer, homeless people, and AIDs your number one cause and I will continue to support those efforts, but don't think for one second that my number one cause won't be Black People. You can pretend that we live in a "New America" where everyone is on an equal playing field. You can pretend that we have arrived and we are so much better off than before. I will stand strong and say I disagree. We will agree to disagree and I will move on with my efforts.

-This has been a message to everyone that keeps asking me why I fight...

Quote of the Day...

2009-11-03T12:05:00.001-05:00

"The man who never makes a mistake always takes orders from one who does." -Daisy Bates

Howard University Homecoming Yardfest...Photos from a Young Photographer

2009-11-03T10:40:00.003-05:00

I am a little late, but it is never late to see a few pictures from Howard Universities Homecoming infamous Yard Fest. A young up-and-coming photographer took photos of some of the celebs and people that attended this years event. Her name is Paige Fenn, HU student. Check monthly for more photos from this young photographer.

The Socialite and Keith Robinson of "Dream Girls"

The Socialite and Pooch Hall

Fabolous

Keeping Up Daily...Top Stories to Help Us Keep Up

2009-11-03T09:17:00.004-05:00

(Michelle Obama announces mentor program. Photo taken from Seattle Pi)

Across the country it is election day, where people will elect a handful of congressmen and big-city mayors. Today is also a test of President Barack Obama's political influence as he has spent a considerable amount of time and energy trying to ensure that Democrats win governor's races in Virginia and New Jersey and pick up a GOP-held congressional seat in upstate New York. I guess Ebay wasn't going to allow this influence to be on their site. EBay has removed an auction posted by supporters of Scott Roeder, the man charged with the May murder of abortionist George Tiller, that featured graphic prison art celebrating the murder, and was an effort to raise money for Roeder's legal defense. While Roeder's supporters are working hard, so are these scientist. Scientists working at the site of the Mayan city of El Mirador are trying to preserve a pyramid that could be the world's largest pyramid.

One year after he won a historical presidential election, 54% of Americans approve of the job Barack Obama's doing in the White House. Warren Buffett isn't too bad himself. Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway said Tuesday it will buy railroad operator Burlington Northern Santa Fe for $44 billion. Talk about a whole lot on it, a recent study shows that 90% of Black children will be on food stamps. While that number is alarming, this next number is surprising. Shirley Ann Jackson, President of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y., tops the list of the highest paid college presidents, making nearly $1.6 million, who happens to be a Black woman.

Michelle Obama announced a year-long mentoring program at the White House for area high school girls. More good news...the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum will celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Sugarhill Gang’s pioneering single, “Rapper’s Delight.” Michelle isn't the only one launching something positive. Starting November 1, Judge Glenda Hatchett, will challenge America to "Cheer for Our Children" with the launch of the DREAMPOST Campaign, a movement to mobilize parents and influencers to post the dreams of one million youth.

-Keep Up!

Keeping Up Daily...Top Stories to Help Us Keep Up

2009-11-02T09:06:00.005-05:00

Bringing you the morning news...fastest way to Keep Up!

The Afghanistan battle for a President has finally ended, and they have proclaimed President Hamid Karzai winner of the runoff election. It might be good news for Karzai, but CIT is not doing so great. CIT Group Inc., one of the nation's leading funders of small and medium-sized businesses, filed for the fifth largest bankruptcy by assets in U.S. history. Speaking of history, an African-American man won the New York City Marathon. Meb Keflezighi was also the first American to win NYC Marathon since 1982.

Al Sharpton's oldest daughter, Dominique Sharpton, 23, and ex-wife, Kathy Jordan, 53, were arrested Friday when they got into a heated verbal tussle with cops during a traffic stop. Speaking of cops, the Charles County NAACP is asking the U.S. attorney general to review a police-involved shooting death last month in Pisgah. Cornelius Maurice Warren, 44, of Indian Head was shot and killed by two sheriff's officers after he was pulled over at Nelson Point and Mason Springs roads in Pisgah. He was unarmed. While the U.S. attorney is reviewing this case, you might want to go an review this next film, "By the People: The Election of Barack Obama," which premieres Tuesday, election night, on HBO.

In response to the recent events that have taken place on the Prairie View A&M campus, President George C. Wright has placed a moratorium, or temporary hold, on new membership intake processes involving all organizations on campus. Some university officials have suspected that the circumstances surrounding Donnie Wade's death might be linked to inappropriate acts that are in violation of the university's code of conduct. That was not so good for the organizations on campus and Donnie Wade. My heart goes out to him. There was better news for Ford. Ford, the only Detroit automaker to dodge direct government aid and bankruptcy court, surprised investors with net income of nearly $1 billion in the third quarter and forecast a "solidly profitable" 2011.

Keep Up!

Howard University Homecoming Celebrity Basketball Game 2009 Recap

2009-10-30T16:04:00.008-04:00

I attended the 2nd Annual Howard University Basketball Game and was pleased to say that it was a wonderful addition to the HU Homecoming events. The event was originally introduced to the HU lineup of events by last years vice coordinator Brett Williams. This year his vision expanded and I was excited to be there to capture the moment.

The sponsors of this years event was New Era Cap, Cricket Wireless, and WKYS' Angie Ange was the Host, who is also a Howard Alum.

The coordinator of this years game was Charles Bell.

Some of the players included:

Pooch Hall from "The Game" who took a little time to tell us, "I've always wanted to get to HU, but I never had the financial blessing," and that he is working on his new show "Accidentally on Purpose" on CBC.

Midget Mac

Lance Gross "House of Payne"

Omarion

The team celebrity coaches:

Essence Akins "Half and Half"

Melyssa Ford

The game was interesting, and the coordinator forced the crowd to be interactive as he included a performance by Omarian, dunk contest, and a free throw contest, where the winner received tickets to the Trey Songz concert from WKYS.

The best part of the game, was when $200 was rewarded to a student from Bruce Monroe Middle School for being the winner of an Essay contest, sponsored by the celebrity basketball game.

Not only was this game a "ball" of fun, but it touched my heart to see HU helping the youth Keep Up!

I encourage everyone to attend the game next year...

-Keep Up!