Luvv Divine

Double Consciousness

Luvvieblog@gmail.com (Luvvie) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:30:00 +0000

I wrote this my sophomore year of college for my Sociology class, so this is 6 yrs old. Hmm... tempted to edit this because my writing has evolved but I'll leave it be.

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W.E.B. DuBois introduced the term "double consciousness" into sociology a century ago, and it is still as relevant a term then as it is now. His idea that Blacks in America have to be aware of the fact that they are both African and American was ingenious, and I definitely agree with that. However, during his time, Blacks were generations removed from their African background, so his term basically meant that Blacks in the United States had to realize that society required them to realize that they had to have two personas, the public one that everyone sees, that is required to be a little bit assimilated to White culture, is different from our actual selves. I, on the other hand, can take his concept of double consciousness literally. Both my parents are Nigerians, but I was raised here, so I am the quintessential definition of African-American.

I speak Yoruba fluently, and so do most people in my family. We speak it to each other most of the time when we are in the confines of our home, and this has led to me having a little bit of an accent when I speak English. Ever since I was young, classmates and people in general, have always felt the need to let me know that I have an accent, whether as a compliment about how nice it is, or just as a random statement. I hated this attention, and I became very aware of how I spoke just so I could hide my accent. I did not want to seem different from anyone else, so I tried to assimilate my accent into how everyone else spoke. However, my accent was still detectable because I would slip up sometimes, and of course, someone would notice.

I used to hate the first day of school, when the teacher would be taking roll, and get to "A****, *******". He/she would not even say my name before I knew it was me because 1) I knew I was always the first on the list and 2) the teacher would always look up and just say "This is a hard name." This is when I would say "It's probably me", and dread having to pronounce my unique name because all the students had the same reaction; they'd all look at me with very interesting expressions, and eyebrows raised with curiosity. I would sometimes wish that I had a simple name like "Lauren Jones" because I got sick of standing out on the first day of school. What also made me feel less accepted was that the teacher would ask "Is there something else I can call you?" because they just never deemed it necessary to learn how to pronounce my name. This is why most people outside my family know me only as "Luvvie"(well, my professional name but we'll use Luvvie for this instance).

It was not until recently, probably within the last year, that I have truly started embracing my African self. I hide my accent less, if at all, and my name does not embarrass me, but it gives me a sense of self because it is beautiful and it is uniquely me. What made me finally become more proud of my heritage? I would say that it is all a part of growing up and really learning who I am. In looking back, I realized that I was hiding my accent, and hated roll call because of the reactions I got from my peers. It marginalized me from them because it automatically labeled me as different. My need to fit in and assimilate had me ashamed of the deepest part of me, my African heritage, and I am definitely not proud of that. Due the years of hiding my accent, it has decreased tremendously. It's almost undetectable. Although I don't try hiding it now, it is no longer really there so I definitely assimilated.

Picasso's "Girl Before a Mirror"

I'm realizing more and more that I live in an ethnocentric society, one where people only have knowledge of their own culture and no one else's. The differences we all have culturally are not always embraced because everyone believes their culture is the only true one. Microsoft Word tells me that every time I type my heading and it does not recognize my name, showing that I need to do a spell check (on all three of my names). I notice that I'm different every time I go to a store, and my name is not on a mug. Nevertheless, these biases are too deeply ingrained in society for me to expect any change, so the best thing for me to do was to change my way of thought. I have a very rich culture, and I love everything it stands for. My unique names are just a testimony to it, and I have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.

My case of double consciousness is so literal that I can easily see myself as two very independent personas, "********" and "Luvvie". ******** is the me that loves my African heritage, speaks Yoruba, and is very comfortable being different from everyone else. She's the one few people outside of my family really know, and some people I've known for years don't even know exist. Luvvie is the westernized version of me; the one that is widely accepted, and who everyone prefers because she's mainstream. Some people don't even know I'm Nigerian until I mention it, and tell them my first name. I subconsciously switch between the two, depending on the context, but I identify with both. However, I'm becoming more "********" everyday now.

GUIDANCE: God, U and I Dance

Luvvieblog@gmail.com (Luvvie) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 07:00:00 +0000

Below is an email I received the other day, and it was so powerful to me. Had to share it.

When I meditated on the word Guidance,
I kept seeing “dance” at the end of the word.
I remember reading that doing God’s will is a lot like dancing.
When two people try to lead, nothing feels right.
The movement doesn’t flow with the music,
and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky.
When one person realizes that, and lets the other lead,
both bodies begin to flow with the music.
One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back
or by pressing Lightly in one direction or another.
It’s as if two become one body, moving beautifully.

The dance takes surrender, willingness,
and attentiveness from one person
and gentle guidance and skill from the other.
My eyes drew back to the word Guidance.
When I saw “G”: I thought of God, followed by “u” and “I”.
“God, “u” and “I” dance.”
God, you, and I dance.
As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust
that I would get guidance about my life.
Once again, I became willing to let God lead.

My prayer for you today is that God’s blessings
and mercies are upon you on this day and everyday.
May you abide in God, as God abides in you.
Dance together with God, trusting God to lead
and to guide you through each season of your life.
This prayer is powerful and there is nothing attached.
If God has done anything for you in your life,
please share this message with someone else.
There is no cost but a lot of rewards;
so let’s continue to pray for one another.

And I Hope You Dance Through 2010!

I support Yele Haiti and Wyclef

Luvvieblog@gmail.com (Luvvie) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 08:50:00 +0000

This earthquake in Haiti has stayed at the forefront on my mind ever since it happened. I've become obsessed with watching CNN around the clock and checking their website for updates. I've also been checking tweets from those in Haiti right now. The images I've seen are so horrific, yet I can't stop looking at them. It's so saddening too. So I can't imagine what the people who are on the ground are experiencing.

What has now taken some spotlight from the people of Haiti is the drama surrounding Wyclef Jean and his organization, Yele Haiti. Wyclef was one of the first people to fly to Haiti to help.

Well I'm here to say that I support Yele Haiti. *taps mic* I'm on Team @Wyclef & Team @YeleHaiti. That is all. *drops mic*

Yes, I read the Smoking Gun articles. But nothing there was mind-blowing and detective work. You can find most nonprofit organizations' info on Guidestar.org. I do kind of side-eye the Smoking Gun for choosing NOW to throw shade on Yele Haiti. The timing sucks because people have been giving freely since the earthquake. Smoking Gun just casted doubt on the 2nd-highest fundraising organization for Haiti. Wallets will be less open now. The psychology of people is that they GIVE when touched emotionally. Smoking Gun jus screeched some of the momentum. It took light away from the real issues, which is the victims of the quake and placed it on the back end of an organization's management.

Did the Red Cross get the same type of expose when it came to their handling of Hurricane Katrina funds? I don't recall the Smoking Gun exposing the Red Cross (RIGHT AFTER it hit) when they misused Katrina funds? I call slight BOOLSHEET.

*****

I will admit though. My support of Wyclef stands strong on one fact alone. He ACTED instead of SAYING. I give Wyclef MUCH props for his reaction to this disaster. The man spent 2 days digging up bodies in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake. That alone shows makes me tip my hat off to him.

And then I saw the press conference he held. Watching a grown man cry affects my soulspace.

Besides, Wyclef was for Haiti before being for Haiti became a trend 7 days ago. So folks acting like he amassed his wealth through Yele

Call me an optimist with sepia-toned glasses on but I doubt that Wyclef is foolish enough to misuse these funds. THE WHOLE WORLD IS WATCHING. EVERY.BODY.

EVERY organization collecting money for Haiti right now needs to be audited strongly so the money can be ensured to be going to the right place. Not just Yele Haiti. ALL OF THEM. Wyclef and YeleHaiti wouldnt be greedy enough to misuse these funds that are being donated. The whole world is watching. Call me an optimist, but I will give them the benefit of the doubt. I will continue to rock the Yele Haiti banner on my websites. And I feel no qualms texting "YELE" to 501 501, as I already have on multiple occasions.

For those who don't agree with me, all is well. Just donate your funds to one of the many other giving charities, including UNICEF and Doctors Without Borders. Doesn't matter which one of these you give to. Just GIVE.

P.S. This post is piss poor in quality. Don't blame me. It's late and I'm tired. I'm probably gonna edit this to make it coherent at one point. I just had to put this up because I've been promising it and I didn't want to be ENTIRELY tardy for the party by the time I posted it.

My Love, Thoughts and Prayers to Haiti

Luvvieblog@gmail.com (Luvvie) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 06:00:00 +0000

History hasn't been too kind to Haiti.

I saw the pictures and my heart broke into a mosaic of pieces. Haiti's earthquake rattled me to the core. Seeing people sit on the ground, covered in soot and blood. An old lady looking catatonic. A young woman with half her body under rubbles, looking at the camera. The man with a mangled left leg. The National Palace in shambles.

Photo taken by Daniel Morel, a Haitian photographer in the midst of Ground Zero. Originally uploaded to Twitpic here.

The pictures made it feel like it happened in my backyard. I sat on Twitter and read first person accounts of the devastation from people in the midst of Ground Zero, like RamHaiti. Each tweet I read was an SOS. I wanted to cry.

The island of Haiti is devastated. I pray for its recovery. I pray that the country can rebuild. I pray for the people there. The lives lost.

Wyclef Jean's organization, Yele Haiti, is raising money for the victims. Please donate here. I hope the world stands up and hold Haiti up while it buckles.

Bloggers Unite for Yele Haiti

To my fellow bloggers. Let's use whatever influence we have to generate support for Haiti. Add the Yele Haiti banner to your homepage with a link to the donate page. If you need the html code, I can email it to you. You can also text ‘Yele’ to 501501 to donate $5 to YELE HAITI.

Much love to SoundSavvy for jumpstarting this.

P.S. If you've joined in to place the Yele Haiti banner on your blog, please leave a comment here with your blog link and name. I want to create a list of Bloggers who united for Haiti. Thanks!

2009 - Year of Reminders

Luvvieblog@gmail.com (Luvvie) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 13:00:00 +0000

This year has seen its share of blessings, no doubt. But more glaring has been the unfortunate events that have riddled it, especially the deaths in Hollywood. Not only have they been many in number, but many have had absurd circumstances surrounding them, to where they've come from left field, totally. The latest was the news of Brittany Murphy's death from cardiac arrest. At 32. Wow.

A celebrity dying is not necessarily about a greater loss than when someone non-famous dies. However, it is on a larger scale because it is blared from figurative megaphones and we have no choice but to know about it. More importantly though, deaths are a reminder of our own mortality. Anytime death happens, it is one less breath being taken on this Earth. It's a reminder of the fragility of life. It's life's equalizer and a chance for us to access where we are in our lives.

For me, it is my reminder that I need to be living the best life I can.
It is my reminder that I need to be fulfilling the purpose that God created me for.
It is my reminder to use my gifts freely, acknowledging them humbly but thanking Him for them daily.
It is my reminder that while I AM here, I'm leaving a legacy that positively and concretely.
It is my reminder to love those that are close to me.

I wish perfect peace to all those who saw Spring but didn't make it to see Fall or Winter.

2009 has seen the end of so much. I pray that 2010 signals a new beginning with more positivity. I hope it's the rainbow after the storm.

So all of this is to say Life is short. Live well. Count your blessings. Have Love. Give Love. Learn. Laugh. Be GREAT. I hope I am.

Behind the Hiatus

Luvvieblog@gmail.com (Luvvie) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:00:00 +0000

I am a blogaholic. This I admit. But last week, I made the announcement that I was going to take the rest of December off blogging (at Awesomely Luvvie) at my MAIN eHome. I've not taken a full break off AweLuv in over a year and a half. Even the weeks I didn't write, I got guest bloggers to fill the space.

I'm not taking the break from blogging because I ran out of things to write. Quite the contrary. My head is filled with so much lately that I wished I could get a Pensieve in REAL life to empty my thoughts.

"When chaos reigns within, REFLECT, REPENT, REBOOT. Order shall return."

The main reason behind my hiatus is to get myself in order. Not only have I had things on my plate that are overwhelming me, but I've felt a bit OFF lately in terms of my own center. Kind of out of balance. I've been on the edge and quicker to react to things. Quicker to anger, irritation and hurt feelings. It's so unlike me too, because I can be the Queen of "Shake it off." This may or may not play a part in this. I'm like a volcano when it comes to emotions. I usually keep them all bottled in. But when they erupt, they spew everywhere and it becomes a mess.

So I decided to take one thing off my plate in the time being. That being AweLuvvie. I'll still blog here though. It may be the space for Emo Luvvie to live while I get myself together. Don't mind me.

World AIDS Day 2009

Luvvieblog@gmail.com (Luvvie) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 06:15:00 +0000

Today is World AIDS Day, an annual commemoration of the impact of HIV/AIDS around the globe. This is the 21st anniversary of WAD, so the day has come into its own, as full-grown. However, HIV/AIDS was discovered in 1981. Since then, it's claimed the lives of over 25 million people globally.

* Over 33 million people are infected with HIV/AIDS

* 67% of the people living with HIV/AIDS are in Sub-Saharan Africa

* Young people account for half of new HIV infections

The number of people living with HIV has risen from around 8 million in 1990 to 33 million today, and is still growing. - UNAIDS

This year's WAD theme is "stigma and discrimination." Almost 3 decades into the HIV epidemic, there is still stigma surrounding it. It's important for us to kill the stigma that's associated with HIV/AIDS in order to move forward in fighting it. We have to learn to speak candidly about the issues surrounding it so we can find the solutions.

HIV is the most deadly disease in the world that isn't contagious, malaria OR cancer. I hold The Red Pump Project so close to my heart, and pour myself into that work as a result of this. I feel like I've found my purpose, and the reason I was put forth here. Educating folks about the disease and its impact.

My hope for those infected with HIV is that they live well with it, leading prosperous lives in spite of the disease. My hope for those who aren't HIV-positive is that they remain without it. I truly want for this disease to stop it's spread.

HIV is nature's oxymoron. Sex is supposed to bring forth life, but now, it can potentially destroy it. Let's ALL stay safe. Know your status. Get tested. Drop the stigma.

I will continue to Rock the Red Pump (TM) in honor of the impact HIV/AIDS has around the globe.

P.S. To those in Chicago... I'm having an event tomorrow, Dec. 2nd, called "Say RED... Cocktails and Conversations." Come join me and a bunch of other awesome folks for an evening of sushi, cocktails, good convo and good times as we discuss HIV/AIDS. Bellas, Rock your Red Pumps. Fellas, Rock your Red Ties! More information is HERE.

Dear God, I Give Thanks

Luvvieblog@gmail.com (Luvvie) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 06:00:00 +0000

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and I have to use this occasion to put down the TONS of things I'm thankful for. When I sat down to write my thanks, I found myself repeating everything I said in a letter I posted on AwesomelyLuvvie a couple of months ago. So here it is again.

Dear God,

It's me, Luvvie. I just wanted to say that I'm thankful for everything. I look around at all my blessings and I take credit for none of it. I'm not that powerful. It's ALL You. You set my life's theme to be LOVE before my mother even named me that and everyday, something or someone around me epitomizes it.

I'm thankful for those You've placed around me, who push me to be better. Those who see bigger things for me than I see for myself. Those who appreciate me when I've taken myself for granted. Those who "in the world of smoke and ashes... are milk and honey" (word to India.Arie).

I thank You for the gift of writing, because although I missed the "good sense" line, You gave my pen a special touch so when it hits paper, something good happens. And of course, my natural gift of roast (not sure if You wanna take credit for that, but I'mo give the glory to you anyway. I won't be surprised if the Lord just gave me the side-eye o_O talmbout "Umm... that foolery is all yours. No thanks.")

I know I visit Bedside Baptist and Pillow Pentecostal way too often on the Sabbath, but do know that You are important to me. When I say my prayers at night, sometimes I fall asleep before I get to "AMEN". This is shameful of me. I'm sorry. *hangs head in shame* ~~I be tired and sleep just dropkicks me~~ I will do better. I may not know your WORD verbatim but I try to live the best life I know how. I treat folks well, I love my neighbor as my friend (apart from the ones that make that gross-smelling food and... You know what? Never mind), and I try not to covet anything that isn't mine (apart from fabulous shoes. Those I covet often. I hope that isn't too bad. I loves shoes).

I also give thanks for the pain. Life's curriculum has been Advanced Placement and I haven't always passed and gotten credit. I also haven't failed either, even when I didn't study. But it's taught me much and I've taken away lessons I hold dear to me from it all. I am who I am for them. Flawed, but learning and growing. See, God? Sinners have souls too (c) Color Purple.

So this is all to say I'm thankful for today and everyday. For my blessings. For my LOVES. For my passion for life. For a light heart. For joy. For him. For her. For them. Just... thank You.

Yours in gratefulness,

LUVvie (Love life)

"My imperfections & failures are as much a blessing from God as my successes & my talents & I lay them both at his feet." - Mahatma Gandhi

I lay my burdens at His feet.

The Surface Blogger

Luvvieblog@gmail.com (Luvvie) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:00:00 +0000

I originally wrote this post for Aliya S. King's blog, and she posted it on August 5, 2009. The Surface Blogger.

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I sit down to write a post for my blog. The topic… Religion? Nope. Relationships? Not my own. Politics? Umm… I like Obama. That’s good enough.

Which celebrities do I think need to go SAT DOWN and think about themselves? Yes. I’ll write about that. What fashion trends need to die a violent death in a Dereon bonfire? My readers are all too familiar. Hilarious adventure I had yesterday? Sure, I’ll share.

I don’t write about anything that’s really personal to me. I don’t write about how Father’s Day came and went with no recognition from me despite the fact that my dad is alive and well. I don’t write about how I wish I could forge a stronger relationship with God.

By nature, I’m non-confrontational. Harmony Rules Everything Around Me (HREAM). To open myself up is to subject myself to vilification. And honestly, being judged by people, even those I do not know, is something I’m not ready for. I’m just not brave enough.

I haven’t always been a Surface Blogger though.

I started blogging in the days when AOL reigned supreme and the running yellow man and that “ping” sound signified an internet connection. Back when A/S/L (age/sex/location) was a popular “getting to know you” question. (24/No, thank you. I hardly know you/Chitown). Yes, yes y’all. Way back in 2003.

Picture it, my computer, six years ago. It was the second semester of my freshman year in college. The blogging platform was called Xanga. It was clunky, slow and the content looked clumsy.

My blog was called “Consider This The Letter I Never Wrote.” It was like an online journal. Sometimes, I’d blog about my day, no matter how minute the details.

I also blogged about extreme emotions and vented. Super pissed? Blog about it. Feeling really down? Weep with my words. The time I fought with my good friend and felt betrayed? Call her a b*tch online. Witnessed my nephew’s birth? Describe the joy & disgust of childbirth to everyone!

I shared my highs and lows with my reader(s), which consisted of a handful of friends. Basically, it was an ordinary (read: boring) blog of a college student’s life.

Then my stepdad died of cancer in December of 2005:

“My Stepdad’s wake was yesterday, and it was tough. What I saw was far from the man I knew. At first, when we walked into the funeral home, and into the section where he was laid, I walked about 10 feet from the casket and retreated, because the glimpse of him totally unsettled me. I walked away, and had a quick cry and then came back and got by the casket. His body looked nice in the gray pinstriped suit that me and my Mom picked out for him. His tie was on point (a gradated blue and gray one). There was a Bible on his chest with his arms placed on it, and a rosary around that. The suit fitted him to a tee (which in itself was a GREAT accomplishment by the Undertakers, due to the fact that he probably weighed less than me when he died). Then I worked my way up to his face, and here was where I just wanted to bawl.”

My stepdad was a handsome man, who was closer to the lighter side than darker. He loved to laugh, and loved to LIVE, and live well. The man in the casket only slightly resembled him, with his dark, rubbery skin, and expressionless face. The only way I knew it was him for sure was by the shape of his eyes, and his profile still showed a bit of his former self. I was FLOORED! I stared, walked away, and repeated over the course of the night. Before the service started, at one point, the only people standing by his casket were me and my Sis. And we touched him. He was SO COLD and hard. His body was rigid. “Can I touch his face?” My sis said “Yeah if you want.” It was like I was touching mere skull. So cold, and so hard. We stared for a while, and studied him almost. I couldn’t stop. I was looking at him, hoping that I’d see a little twitch at anytime, and he’d open his eyes. Nothing. He didn’t quite look like he was sleeping, and I’m not sure if I’d say he looked completely lifeless either. But he certainly was not in that body.”

I opened myself up in a way I probably never will again in a public forum. I am no longer willing to share my pain and deepest feelings with a unknown amount of people. Even reading it now, I get slightly uncomfortable that I shared so much of myself. I can’t remember if there were any comments on that post, but I can’t imagine that I actually wanting feedback when I posted that.

Today, I’m a closed book with a few open chapters.

I abandoned Xanga 3 years ago and moved to Blogger where I created a new blog named “Luvvie’s Queendom” or something chiché and cheesy like that. Then changed it to “Luvvie’s Random Rants”, which today is “Awesomely Luvvie.”

The recipe for my blog’s brand of social commentary is a scoop of analysis with a dollop of wit and a pinch of snark in a crust of IGnance (not to be confused with ignorance. IGnance is plum foolery, while still being intelligent). This gave birth to LuvvieIG (my Twitter screename).

I accidentally carved a niche for myself as a humorist when I started blogging about random things in the news, pop culture and just life in general. What I blog about is often my stream of consciousness, and apparently, it’s amusing. I give credit to my over-imagination and my penchant for foolish metaphors.

A few of my reader favorites:

When writing about something that makes me loose my cool, odds are, you will see a *wall slide* or two (picture when someone goes on a wall and slides down into a crumple on the floor. THAT is a wall slide). I even filmed a video to show what a *WALL SLIDE* looks like. View HERE. The first reference I saw to someone sliding down a wall was on VerysmartBrothas.com. My imagination ran wild with it and I’ve been wall sliding ever since.

When something is too ridiculous for me to fathom, or has rendered me dumbfounded, I say a simple “iCan’t.” Can’t what? Doesn’t matter, Whatever it is, I just can’t. This is closely related to “iRebuke it.”

When I see a wig or weave, I refer to it as a “hairhat” (because some folks’ hair looks like a literal hat of hair strands)

My other Luvvie-isms include: iHate that iLove you, *thug on floor* (for when I get emotional), iRoast because iLove, iShan’t…

Although I get a lot of people to laugh, sometimes, I wish I hadn’t pigeon-holed myself into being a humorist. There are times I want to lay on my eCouch and vent to my readers about the things that are truly bogging me down. I’m tempted to talk about my perpetual feeling of being overwhelmed because of my huge fear of failure.

But at this point, folks have come to expect a certain kind of writing from me. To serve them with an op-ed or an emo post would weaken my brand.

Although even Atlas Shrugged, Luvvie can’t. I’ll just *wall slide* my way through my thoughts. Thankfully, I don’t have to try too hard to be funny. If I did, I’d be drier than Beyonce and her lacefront hairhat during an interview. My hope is to stand out somehow by making folks cackle a couple of times.

Will I ever write about personal topics again? Sure. When Idris Elba ends up on my doorstep and professes his love for me, I’ll share EVERY bit of that experience with my readers.

Until then. iShan’t.

Black folks can't have NOTHING

Luvvieblog@gmail.com (Luvvie) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:29:00 +0000

Why are some white folks so threatened by anything identified to be targeted towards Black people? We can't have NOTHING for ourselves without someone from the majority group feeling slighted because of our "preferential treatment."

I took a lot of race-focused classes in college. One that still stands out in my mind was a 20-person class called "Race & Ethnicity" which just happened to be 10 black and minority students, 10 white ones. One day, we had a "fish bowl" activity, where the 10 white kids sat in a circle while we sat on the outside. And they were told to be blatantly honest about their thoughts on race issues, affirmative action and the like. I remember the white kids saying how they felt slighted because they were always coming across scholarships that they couldn't apply for because they were for "minorities." I had a permanent scowl on my face during this exercise.

Then one particular chick was mad that she didn't get chosen to be a Resident Advisor even though she was qualified. She felt that the reason she didn't get it was because the university wanted to "diversify." I remember kindly telling her "Ok, this school is made up of 70% white students. If EVERY qualified white student who applied to be an RA got it, by numbers alone, it'd be a pretty monochromatic dorm staff." Her: "Oh. Well I guess I never thought about it like that." Naw fool. you didn't. And the issue of the minority scholarships is too long for me to talk about in this post. That's for another day.

I've had this comic since I was a senior in college and I've kept it saved in like 5 locations so I wouldn't lose it. Cartoon by Barry Deutsch of LeftyCartoons.com

American Airlines, in partnership with Nelson George, just launched a travel portal called Black Atlas: The Passport to the Black Experience. The concept is that when Black folks travel and we wanna know certain places of interest, it serves as reference tool. It's focuses on Black travelers and lets folks know things like information on Black culture in Madrid. Or where to visit if one goes to Seattle. Full disclosure: I'm a contributor for the Black Atlas website.

Sounds decent enough right? NOPE! Apparently, some white folks are insulted by it and think it's racist. I've seen some folks tweet about how it offends them. WHY? Because it's not for you???

We can't have nothing for ourselves! These are probably the same people who are mad we have a Black entertainment Television. Well, that's because EVERY OTHER CHANNEL is white entertainment. And BET isn't much of a trophy anyway. Black folks hate it as much as white folks resent it (but don't get me started on BET. I'd never stop). Shoot, technically BET isn't even done by US anyway. It's owned by Viacom, same folks that own CBS & MTV. So womp.

But I don't understand why some white people think us having something FOR US is somehow racism. Yes, I do think it's dope that there's a website I can go that will point me to the oldest Black cemetery in the United States. No, it has nothing to do with you. And no, everything doesn't have to.

You're mad at an online portal for Black people? Cry me a river, build a bridge, and get the hell over it.

P.S. This slightly convoluted post was sponsored by Fatigue Inc and Need some sleep enterprises.

I'm Nobody's Darky

Luvvieblog@gmail.com (Luvvie) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:40:00 +0000

A year ago, history was made. It was interesting to see that I was experiencing a day that would be in textbooks, 100 years from now. The chapter would be called "The first Black United States President was Elected." Kids would have to memorize the day's events for their quiz. Barack Obama would be in the index pages, with his name in bold and an asterisk. He is just that special.

It was a beautiful feeling to sit on history's lap and watch it tell a story that unfolded as it went along. THAT is the significance of today to me, and it will remain so.

But the day started tinged with negativity. I woke up this morning and on my commute to work, got on Twitter, as usual. What I saw pissed me off for at least an hour where I ranted and raved. The #2 trending topic was "ThingsDarkiesWouldSay." What this means is that around the WORLD, on the 2nd most used social networking site, the second most popular topic was "Things Darkies Would Say."

Tell me, Black people. Has Twitter become our newest way of kicking ourselves as white folks laugh at us? Are we using it to make self-sabotage easier and faster? There isn't ONE day where there isn't an offensive Black-focused or initiated trending topic, and each time, it pisses me off to no end. I still remember Lil Duval starting a "TeachANiggaTuesday" trending topic a couple of weeks ago, and it went on for over 30 minutes. I have a HUGE amount of disdain for him. But that's neither here nor there.

People said that "Darkies" is a South African term used similarly to "nigga" so it isn't offensive. First of all, don't get me started on the falsity of that statement. I'm gonna leave my thoughts about "nigga" and "nigger" for another day.

For a trending topic to exist, the subject of it has to be tweeted by a lot of people, and a lot of times, simultaneously. South Africans are not so concentrated on Twitter that they could (by themselves) make a trending topic that not only gets so high, but sustains for so long.

This makes it clear that the topic had help from around the world, probably, especially from Americans. Black Americans, I presume. THIS is where I truly have a problem. We do these things to ourselves and then get mad when white folks join in. If we calling ourselves darkies, what do we expect them to call us? Fine citizens? Blackface stopped being overt entertainment for White folks in the 40s and 50s but we've kept it up in other forms. I feel like this is one.

Trending topics come and go on Twitter but this one has had staying power.

"Darkies" may have started as an inoffensive term describing Black folks in South Africa. However, it isn't continuing as that. Words are given power and meaning by those who use it. Look at the evolving meanings of the words used in the Bible, and what they mean today, as an example. As the trending topic went on, "darkies" was used as a term to make fun of Black people by OTHER Black people. It was all on some dumb ish like "#ThingsDarkiessay imma either be a nba player or a drug dealer." (Yes, that was one I copied and pasted). So on Twitter this morning, "darkies" wasn't being used to refer to South Africans inoffensively.

A darky is a caricature of Black people. I lay no claims to it.

I'm nobody's darky. I'm Nigerian first. African second. Black always. Darky or nigger NEVER! They say it's not what you're called that matters, but what you respond to. I give a damn what I'm called and I surely won't respond to the foolishness.

We need to spend the day remembering how far we've come. And that we are better than we give ourselves credit for. One of us is sitting in the White House. I'm sure Barack isn't claiming "Darky" anytime soon either.

Edit: It is now the #1 trending topic, and has now been up there for 2 hours.

Edit 2: Twitter finally intervened and deleted it. Bravo.

HISTORY through HerSTORY

Luvvieblog@gmail.com (Luvvie) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Ever sat in front of HISTORY HerSTORY and got a chance to listen to it for 1.5 hours? I did last month. How I’ve ended up here is beyond me, but I’m amazed at this chance I got. To sit in front of HerSTORY and soak in the pain, triumphs and continuing journey is amazing to me. She gave me the opportunity to peek into her past and how she became the figure she is today. I had NO words but “WOW.” Nothing else sufficed.

To even say “THANK YOU” for her time is inadequate. I walked away feeling like my life has been a garden of cherry blossoms. I walked away being reminded that the “Thanks” I must say in my nightly prayer must be extensive. I walked away knowing that God really did give some people strength that Atlas WISHED he could have had. 26 years and she hasn’t yet shrugged.

So thankful. For her deeming me worthy of her time. For HIM for putting her here to do such work. Maybe I can carry that torch. But hers is still so bright that I just stare at it, mouth agape.

Extraordinary Check

Luvvieblog@gmail.com (Luvvie) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0000

My brother-in-law checks in with me every 6-8 months or so to make sure that I’m not being “ordinary.” Yes, he uses that word. It's his way of making sure I haven’t settled for the ease of mediocrity because he doesn’t believe I was put here to be average.

He gave me a mission at the beginning of this year, and it was to be completed by December 2009. I looked at him like he was crazy.

Me: “How am I supposed to do that?”

Him: “I’m not worried. You’ll make it happen”

Me: “o_O Aight… but…”

Funnily (and oddly) enough, due to a series of circumstances, I accomplished this mission about 7 months into the year, and even I’m shocked. How did THAT happen? But it did.

I dream big at times, but it’s good to know that others dream bigger for me.

Oh, and yesterday’s Extraordinary check? His response was: “This is all very good, and I think you’ve done really well (and you know I won’t just say that). So, well done! But in the spirit of always looking forward, so what’s next now? As you look out over the next 12 - 18 months where do you want to take all this?”

I haven't responded to his email yet because I still don't have an answer.

By the way, his mission for me was to get on the Board of Directors of an organization. I’m now on the Board of Director’s of a 21-year HIV/AIDS organization in Chicago (Chicago Women's AIDS Project), on the Advisory Board of a philanthropy fundraiser website (GiveForward.org), and on the Blogger’s Advisory Committee of a huge 20-yr old international nonprofit organization (Elizabeth Glaser Pediatrics AIDS Foundation). Plus I’m incorporating my own national nonprofit organization as we speak (The Red Pump Project).

Methinks I’m on the road out of mediocrity. I’m trying to be extraordinary in a sub-par world. I have to leave my footprints in the sand so they won’t get washed away when I'm no longer here.

"Precious" was AMAZING

Luvvieblog@gmail.com (Luvvie) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0000

I was at the movies a couple of weeks ago when I saw a trailer for a movie called “Precious,” and it definitely went on my invisible list of “Movies I should see when they come out.” Then last week, I got an email inviting me to a private screening of the movie, which I promptly RSVPed for.

I ended up going with Afrobella and my girl Brittany. I shan’t be too bitter about the fact that they separated Afrobella from us and made her go to another theater to watch. HMPH. Nope. I shan’t make a fuss.

So on to the movie. “Precious” was AMAZING. The titans of Black media (Oprah and Tyler Perry) got together and made something very powerful happen. I walked out of the theater knowing that I had to toot this movie’s horn as a MUST SEE. I’m no Roger Ebert but here goes my review. Don’t worry. I will not be spoiling the plot by revealing any plot points that the trailer doesn’t)

“Precious” is a movie that's based on the book "Push" by Sapphire. It's about a big Black teenaged girl who lives with her verbally and physically abusive mother (played by Mo’Nique). She’s been told she would never amount to anything all her life. Most importantly, she’s been TREATED with the same creed and reminded of it often. The movie deals with Precious’ struggles, which mirror some real-life ones that are oft-ignored. After watching the movie though, I think it tells a tale of redemption, courage, strength and resilience. It shows some severely flawed humanity, but also goes on to shows the journey of a person trying to overcome it. The story of Precious isn’t the “happily ever after” but it is the “taking it day-by-day.”

The star of the movie, Gabourey ‘Gabby’ Sidibe is an unknown actress who played Precious like a veteran. She embodied the character through and through. There were times that she didn’t speak yet we were able to fill in the blank. So many props to her for this.

Mo’Nique is known as this loud, crass comedian who cackles excessively. In this film, she transformed into a terror. A human being so flawed that you wondered if she had any redeeming qualities. Mo’Nique was filmed without makeup for most of this film and it only added to her rawness. She really did become Mary. She poured her heart out on those lenses and left it in the reels. I am so impressed by her, and any talks of an “Oscar” have been earned. By BOTH women, actually.

When they were on screen together, these women made me sit on the edge of my seat. Their dynamic was so strong. In their scenes, they were so good that I felt like a fly on the wall in their real home. I felt like I was eavesdropping on them in their scenes. They were a powerful duo when onscreen together.

They were helped by a pretty good supporting cast. All the actors in this film were brought down a couple of pegs, and I loved that. I had to ask Brittany “Is that…” whenever I saw a new actor onscreen. Mariah Carey was almost unrecognizable. Maybe it was because she wasn’t in some tight spandex outfit. I’m not used to that. No but really. She was inconspicuous in a black wig, no makeup and a cheap suit. I forgot it was her, which was a positive because she played a social worker.

I also did a double take when I first saw Sherri Shepherd in some cornrows and minimal makeup. Her character provided some subtle comic relief. Lenny Kravitz played a make nurse (a murse) and distracted me for a few seconds because he is still as fine as he wants to be. He was the eye candy in the movie. LOL. Paula Patton’s character was the antithesis of Mo’Nique’s and was the little beacon of light in Precious’ life. She was great in her role.

I loved this movie for many reasons. It touched on a lot of difficult topics, including sexual and physical abuse, illiteracy, teenage pregnancy and others. The movie didn't shield us from some of the ugliness of human nature, and for this, I appreciated it. I winced, squirmed, gasped and covered my eyes at certain scenes. I even clutched my chest at one point. I was uncomfortable at several points of the movie but it was all the more real for it.

“Precious” is a movie everyone should go see. It’s one of the most impactful flicks I’ve seen lately, and left me saying “WOW.” Kudos. GO WATCH IT when it comes out!

Check out Afrobella's Review of "Precious".

Luvv Divine

Luvvieblog@gmail.com (Luvvie) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Hey folks. I'm Luvvie, a blogaholic, roastaholic and shoeaholic. By day, by trade, and by career, I'm a nonprofit marketing coordinator. I am also the co-founder of The Red Pump Project, a national initiative to raise awareness about the impact of HIV/AIDS on women & girls. Overall, I'm a chick that's trying to be extraordinary in a subpar world.

Welcome to my newest eCrib, LuvvDivine. The name is from my favorite Seal song ("Love's Divine"), and I digs it.

I am the person of many eHomes, and I've been getting the itch to do more than I've been doing at Awesomely Luvvie or at House of IG. Both of those blogs are humor-focused, and I feel like I can't branch out to write about other things there. This is going to be a space that is a bit more personal, to showcase more of my actual writing. I'm naturally a fool, so humor will creep its way into things I write, but it won't be the focus. AweLuv is still my #1 eCrib and will be getting updated regularly, so don't leave there.

Luvv Divine won't be a "This is what I did today" kinda spot, because my days are not that interesting. But it will showcase my:

Random loves (shoes included)
Reviews (books, movies, products etc.)
Whatever else doesn't fit at AweLuv

It's simple (look-wise), calmer and I look forward to seeing how it takes shape.

So stay tuned, Subscribe, Enjoy.