love and goodness

thesmithian: Like Tyler Perry’s oeuvre (with which it shares a...

Sat, 18 May 2013 18:43:42 -0400

Like Tyler Perry’s oeuvre (with which it shares a histrionic streak), Scandal’s place in black popular culture is way outsized because of the paucity of other black faces in their ecosystem. The work of Perry and [Shonda] Rhimes becomes shorthand for Where Black America Is Today. But where Perry’s work is deeply polarizing, in part, because of his apparent distrust of career-oriented women, Scandal’s popularity is fueled by the many professional black women who, like Olivia, are less likely to be Firsts (but may be still Onlys). They are ambitious and careerist and hypercompetent and well-compensated and unapologetic about all of it.

more.

Photo

Sat, 18 May 2013 18:40:14 -0400

queenpoetic: ibreakshitlikeboundariesnstuff: sexbooksandvacati...

Sat, 18 May 2013 07:05:59 -0400

queenpoetic:

ibreakshitlikeboundariesnstuff:

sexbooksandvacations:

Kanye West ”New Slaves” HD version

This is genius.

My mama was raised in an era when/Clean water was only served to the fairer skin
Doing clothes you would have thought I had help/But they wouldn’t be satisfied unless I picked the cotton myself
You see its broke nigga racism/That’s that “don’t touch anything in the store”
And there’s rich nigga racism/That’s that “come in and buy more”
What you want a Bentley, fur coat and diamond chain?/All you blacks want all the same things
Used to only be niggas /Now everybody play me
Spending everything on that Alexander Wang/New Slaves

You see it’s leaders and it’s followers/But I’d rather be a dick than a swallower
You see it’s leaders and it’s followers/But I’d rather be a dick than a swallower

I throw these Maybach keys/I wear my heart on my sleeve
I know that we the new slaves/I see the blood on the leaves
I see the blood on the leaves/I see the blood on the leaves
I know that we the new slaves/I see the blood on the leaves
They throwing hate at me/Want me to stay at ease
Fuck you and your corporation/Y’all niggas can’t control me
I know that we the new slaves/I know that we the new slaves
I’m about to wild the fuck out/I’m going Bobby Boucher
I know that pussy ain’t free/You niggas pussy, ain’t me
Y’all throwing contracts at me/You know that niggas can’t read
Throw him some Maybach keys/Fuck it, c’est la vie
I know that we the new slaves/Y’all niggas can’t fuck with me
Y’all niggas can’t fuck with Ye/Y’all niggas can’t fuck with Ye
I move my family out the country /So you can’t see where I stay
So go and grab the reporters/So I can smash their recorders
Yeah they confuse us with bullshit/Like the New World Order
Meanwhile the DEA/Teamed up with the CCA
They tryna lock niggas up/They tryna make new slaves
See that’s that private-owned prison/Get your piece today
They prolly all in the Hamptons/Braggin’ ‘bout they maid
Fuck you and your Hampton house/I’ll fuck your Hampton spouse
Came on her Hampton blouse/And in her Hampton mouth
Y’all ‘bout to turn shit up/I’m ‘bout to tear shit down
I’m ‘bout to air shit out/Now what the fuck they gon’ say now?”

Exile: werewolfpussychiapet: native-detroiter: marfmellow:...

Fri, 17 May 2013 23:39:09 -0400

Exile: werewolfpussychiapet: native-detroiter: marfmellow:...:

werewolfpussychiapet:

native-detroiter:

marfmellow:

aboutexhaleprivilege:

The best thing is that these people are complaining that white people ruin everything and are the devil and only steal everything from PoC while 99% of them sits in a country that wouldn’t be in …

november-blog: engraving, atlanta, 91 http://bit.ly/16jJ25l

Fri, 17 May 2013 17:30:56 -0400

november-blog:

engraving, atlanta, 91 http://bit.ly/16jJ25l

heragain: Throwback Thursday: Me, 7 years old. I loved that...

Thu, 16 May 2013 22:18:41 -0400

heragain:

Throwback Thursday: Me, 7 years old. I loved that outfit, I used to call it my “Annie” dress. #thehardknocklife #tbt #throwbackthursday #80s #childhood #nofilter #breakingheartssince78

coolcalmcommitted: elizabeth-antoinette: raincityvegan: Massag...

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:37:20 -0400

coolcalmcommitted:

elizabeth-antoinette:

raincityvegan:

Massage Oil – Coconut oil soothes tired and sore muscles. Add a few drops of essential oils for more effect.

Athletes Foot – The powerful antifungal properties of coconut oil make it perfect for any fungal infection. Add a few drops of oregano or tea tree oil for more antifungal power.

Acne – Coconut oil gently fights the bacteria that cause acne. Dab it directly on the offending pimples and watch them shrink.

Cleanser – Coconut oil makes an effective and gentle cleanser to remove the grime of the day.

Lice – Coconut oil kills and removes this pesky problem.

Stretch Marks – Prevent and soften stretch marks from pregnancy with coconut oil for soft and supple skin.

Warts and Moles – Rub oil into area and cover with a bandage. Rub in fresh oil and place a new bandage each day.

Moisturizer – Coconut oil is an excellent way to soften and hydrate dry, rough, or damaged skin.

Face Scrub – Mix coconut oil with baking soda, sugar, or cinnamon and oatmeal for the perfect face scrub and exfoliator.

Dandruff – Massage coconut oil into the scalp to ease symptoms of dandruff, both itching and flaking.

Curb Appetite – Take a spoonful before meals to curb appetite so you don’t overeat.

Wrinkles – Rub into lines, creases, and wrinkles to rehydrate skin and soften those wrinkles away.

Sore Throat – Dissolve a spoonful in your mouth and let it slowly roll down the throat. This will coat and protect the throat, boost the health of mucus membranes, and fight any infection.

Ring Worm – Rub coconut oil onto affected area to kill the fungus that causes unsightly ringworm. Add tea tree oil to clear the infection even faster.

Lip Balm – Coconut oil hydrates and protects lips. Coconut even offers some protection from the sun, about an SPF 4.

Cold Sore – Coconut oil has antiviral properties that will help the body get rid of the virus that causes cold sores. Rub it on when needed and add a drop of oregano oil to speed healing.

Lubricant – Coconut makes an all-natural personal lubricant for intimate moments without chemicals.

Gum Removal – Coconut oil gets the sticky stuff out of hair, carpet, and anywhere else it doesn’t belong.

Pet Health – Coconut oil can do a multitude of things for pets, both topically and internally. It improves breath, makes for a shiny coat, eases joint problems, cleans ears, gets rid of fleas, and much more.

Stys/Pink Eye – Rub a small amount of coconut oil on the sty or around the eyes to get rid of these painful and annoying infections quickly.

Earaches – Earaches, swimmer’s ear, and ear infections clear up fast with a few drops of coconut oil mixed with garlic oil.

Cradle Cap – Coconut oil is gentle and safe for infants and helps ease the itching, pain, redness, and flaking associated with cradle cap.

Diaper Rash – Coconut oil can help heal mild diaper rash gently and effectively.

Bruises – Rub coconut oil into bruised skin to speed healing and watch the bruises fade fast.

Age Spots – Coconut oil has beneficial effects on any skin blemish. Use it to help fade age spots with powerful antioxidants.

Shaving Cream – Coconut oil keeps the razor gliding smoothly while leaving skin smooth and soft.

After Shave – Don’t want unpleasant bumps and rashes after shaving? Coconut oil soothes sensitive skin and promotes healing.

Toothpaste – Mix 1 part coconut oil with 1 part baking soda and add a couple drops of peppermint oil. This makes a refreshing, natural toothpaste that whitens and cleans without added preservatives, fluoride, sweeteners, or other chemicals.

Chicken Pox – Ease the itch and encourage healing with dabs of coconut oil. It also works on poison ivy, poison oak, mosquito bites, and other insect stings or bites.

Yeast Infections – Coconut oil fights these fungal infections internally and externally.

Makeup Remover – Coconut oil removes oil-based makeup easily, like mascara. It cleans, hydrates, and makes skin glow.

Conditioner – Coconut oil conditions, strengthens, and repairs hair. Massage it in and rinse it out after ten minutes. A small amount can be rubbed in to dry hair to tame frizz.

Polish Furniture – Coconut oil gives a protective shine to wood furniture. Just make sure you test it out on a small area to make sure you like the outcome.

Energy – Coconut oil and its medium chain triglycerides make it an excellent energy source to improve stamina, endurance, or just to give you a boost through the day.

Deodorant – Mix coconut oil with cornstarch, baking soda, and your favorite essential oils for a natural deodorant that smells fantastic.

Eye Cream – Reduce puffiness and dark circles with a few dabs of coconut oil.

Eczema – Coconut oil reduces the itchiness, pain, flakiness, and dryness of eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.

Sunburn – Coconut oil can help prevent sunburn for short exposures. When you burn, it will also speed healing and take some of the sting away. Make sure you wait until all the heat has dissipated before applying it or you trap the heat in. Wait 24 to 72 hours depending on the extent of the burn.

Hemorrhoids – Coconut oil eases the pain and discomfort of hemorrhoids and encourages natural healing both internally and externally.

Nose Bleeds – Rub a bit of coconut oil in nostrils to fight the dry cracking that can lead to nose bleeds and pain.

Canker Sores – Dab coconut oil on canker sores to kill infection and speed up healing. Coconut oil is also a far tastier way to treat canker sores than most other methods.

Toothaches – Coconut oil eases the pain and strengthens teeth. You can mix it with a drop of clove oil to almost instantly relieve pain.

Acid Reflux – Take a small spoonful with meals to keep acid reflux and heartburn at bay.

Urinary Tract – Treat urinary tract infections with a spoonful of coconut oil. It may even ease the painful passing of kidney stones.

Nursing – Coconut oil works great to repair dry, cracked skin, including sore nipples from nursing.

Alzheimer’s – Some research points to coconut oil as a way to slow the progression of or prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Bones – Coconut oil aids the body in the absorption of calcium and magnesium. Both minerals are important for strong bones and teeth.

Epilepsy – Coconut oil may reduce the incidence and intensity of epileptic seizures.

Fitness – Coconut oil boosts energy, increases metabolism, improves thyroid function, and aids healthy weight loss. It is the perfect addition to any workout or fitness regimen.

Cooking – Coconut oil doesn’t form harmful by-products when heated like most other oils and animal fats. Use it to replace butter, cup for cup in recipes. Sauté, cook, bake, broil, braise, and more using coconut oil as a healthier alternative.

Coconut oil is the only thing I use for literally everything. Great post to bookmark for future reference!

Who knew?!

dynamicafrica: b-sama: AFRICAN INDEPENDENCE African...

Thu, 16 May 2013 08:40:28 -0400

dynamicafrica:

b-sama:

AFRICAN INDEPENDENCE

African Independence is a feature-length documentary covering the history of the African continent since enslavement and colonization by Europeans.

The film highlights the birth and realization of and the problems confronted by the movement to win independence in Africa.

The story is told through the voices of freedom fighters and leaders who achieved independence and justice for Africans.

It seeks to enlighten and provide audiences with African insights into the continent’s past, present and future through the lens of four watershed events: World War II, the end of colonialism, the Cold War and the era of African republics.

On my ‘to watch’ list.

Photo

Wed, 15 May 2013 20:53:39 -0400

rbb85: Colin Quashie Just posting some random photos of artwork...

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:19:41 -0400

rbb85:

Colin Quashie

Just posting some random photos of artwork made by artist featured on my wordpress blog: www.rbb85.wordpress.com

naturalhairlookbook: Jill Scott performing at the New Orleans...

Tue, 14 May 2013 19:40:18 -0400

naturalhairlookbook:

Jill Scott performing at the New Orleans Jazz Festival- 2013

androphilia: “Nationality: Negro”

Tue, 14 May 2013 19:39:02 -0400

androphilia:

“Nationality: Negro”

Voodoo Likely the First African-American Religion in America

Tue, 14 May 2013 19:38:13 -0400

Voodoo Likely the First African-American Religion in America:

afrodiaspores:

withrevolutionarycries:

deluxvivens:

wakeupblackpower:

“Chicken bones. Conferring with spirits and ethereal deities. Visions of graveyard rituals. These are the images movies and superstition have conjured about the practitioners of the religion of voodoo, or Vodoun.

Unlike Judeo-Christian religions, Vodoun encompasses all areas in a person’s life and incorporates intricate rituals for even the smallest daily routine. The religion stems from natural religions cultivated and handed down from generation to generation in Africa. Largely based on general concepts such as “nature” or the “spirit,” Vodoun is the predecessor to American voodoo. The name “voodoo” is actually a term created by those who saw the religion as evil, but it has derived from several sources, including “Vodou” in the Fon language and “Vudu” in the Ewe language. All told, more than 30 tribal groups in West Africa subscribed to the religion.

OK i’m not feeling this article at all. Starts off about voudun but then talks about “ase”; yoruba based religion and fon based religion are *not* interchangeable. And also I know its not hip in some circles to talk about Islam in Africa but plenty of enslaved Africans were muslims and stayed that way the best they could. I suggest people read Servants of Allah: African Muslims Enslaved in the Americas.

reblogged for the critique

While I appreciate the thrust of the original piece and am grateful for the conversation it has opened up, I would want to build on the critiques concerning Islam and Yorùbá traditional religion thus far by noting that Central African groups were among the first to arrive in the Americas as slaves. Culturally and linguistically Bantu-inspired traditions not only contributed to the development of Vodou in Haiti and hoodoo in the United States, but also inform ‘Kongo’ traditions in the Caribbean and Latin America, such as Afro-Cuban Palo Monte. To add another layer of complexity to the situation, some of those enslaved persons from the Kingdom of Kongo had already converted to Roman Catholicism by the end of the fifteenth century as the result of Portuguese missionization, so Christian aspects of Afro-Diasporic traditions (the use of crosses in Espiritismo, chromolithographs of saints in Lucumí, and so forth) are not always an imposition from above or matter of dissimulation. Of course, this remains a challenge to the popular historiography on these issues, yet the scholarly consensus has been turning towards this view with the recent publication of several new monographs, especially about Central Africans in the “New World.”

"I am a lesbian woman of Color whose children eat regularly because I work in a university. If their..."

Tue, 14 May 2013 19:34:37 -0400

“I am a lesbian woman of Color whose children eat regularly because I work in a university. If their full bellies make me fail to recognize my commonality with a woman of Color whose children do not eat because she cannot find work, or who has no children because her insides are rotted from home abortions and sterilization; if I fail to recognize the lesbian who chooses not to have children, the woman who remains closeted because her homophobic community is her only life support, the woman who chooses silence instead of another death, the woman who is terrified lest my anger trigger the explosion of hers; if I fail to recognize them as other faces of myself, then I am contributing not only to each of their oppressions but also to my own, and the anger which stands between us, then must be used for clarity and mutual empowerment, not for evasion by guilt or for further separation.”

- Audre Lorde, The Uses of Anger, “Sister Outsider” (via tabularasae)

sed: Who’s that talking in the library? Who’s that talking in...

Tue, 14 May 2013 14:12:18 -0400

sed:

Who’s that talking in the library?

Who’s that talking in my library?

Is that you? No, I won’t put you out

Cause what would this place be without my muse?….

Nothing special,

Every book in here I wrote

Some I’m not too proud of, some I wish I could burn….

So many pages I wrote, wish I could revise them

But there’s no erasing and the best advice I got

Was keep writing, and keep living, and keep loving

And when the ink dries and the pages turn to dust

So will we turn to dust, so will we dust, dust

Who’s that laughing in my library?

Who’s that laughing in my library?

Is that you? No I won’t put you out

Cause what would this place be without your smile

Nothing special, I fell in love with you girl

You let yourself inside with no respect for privacy

You said there’s too much on my mind

Then you ripped out a page and set that shit on flame

I quit writing, I kept living, I kept loving

neoafrican: Stevie Wonder - Soul Train (by SoulTrainHits) Look...

Tue, 14 May 2013 14:09:41 -0400

neoafrican:

Stevie Wonder - Soul Train (by SoulTrainHits)

Look at us :-) Love my people

vouslalala: youngblackandvegan: turtandmamalivingfree: Nature...

Tue, 14 May 2013 14:06:08 -0400

vouslalala:

youngblackandvegan:

turtandmamalivingfree:

Nature hunt.

Today we went on a ”nature” hunt in the back garden. Turt just loves being outside, we go to the park all the time. But we very rarely venture out into the garden because well, that’s Coco’s territory. He was barking at us the WHOLE time we were out there; I think he hides food in the back garden so he gets all territorial (LOL).

But anyway, Turt grabbed her bucket and begun to fill it with leaves, stones, rocks, weeds and sticks. We couldn’t really find any ”wild life” so to speak, so next time I think we’ll go to the park and do it better and Turt can play with insects. Never the less, Turt still had fun and cried when I popped inside to get a drink as she thought it was time to go inside. So we ended up staying out there for two whole hours. It wasn’t freezing but it wasn’t warm either. LOL

Turt plucked weeds for mama and examined each one before placing them in her yellow bucket.

As long as Turt enjoyed it. She was getting really involved, sticking her hands in the mud, putting everything she could find in her bucket, putting them in, emptying her bucket and putting them back in again. As she showed me each item, I named it to her, she clapped and placed it in the bucket.

I think it’s important for every child to have a strong connection with nature and so did Maria Montessori:

”if for the physical life it is necessary to have the child exposed to the vivifying forces of nature, it is also necessary for his psychical life to place the soul of the child in contact with creation, in order that he may lay up for himself treasure from the directly educating forces of living nature. The method for arriving at this end is to set the child at agricultural labour, guiding him to the cultivation of plants and animals, and so to the intelligent contemplation of nature.”

Maria Montessori.

I just love Sundays.

Indeed“Place the soul of the child in contact with creation”.

this is just beautiful! #inspirationforfuturemommies

I want a baby…later. but still a baby.

interestanddesign: Landa Desk by Samuel Accoceberry

Tue, 14 May 2013 14:03:41 -0400

interestanddesign:

Landa Desk

by Samuel Accoceberry

disciplesofmalcolm: norulenorule: Assata Shakur from Honey...

Tue, 14 May 2013 14:03:17 -0400

disciplesofmalcolm:

norulenorule:

Assata Shakur from Honey Magazine debut issue, 1998. Full article forthcoming.

“In some ways it was easier for my generation. Racism was blatant and obvious. The “Whites Only” signs let us know clearly, what we were up against. Not much has changed, but the system of lies and tricknology is much more sophisticated. Today young people have to be highly informed and acutely analytical, or they will be swept up into a whirlpool of lies and deception.”

-Assata Shakur

auntada: thecivilwarparlor: Before Rosa Parks- There...

Tue, 14 May 2013 13:59:46 -0400

auntada:

thecivilwarparlor:

Before Rosa Parks- There Was Frances Ellen Watkins Harper

1846 – She began her amazing career as a writer by publishing her first book of poetry, Forest Leaves, at the age of 21.

1858 – She refused to give up her seat or ride in the “colored” section of a segregated trolley car in Philadelphia (100 years before Rosa Parks) and wrote one her most famous poems, “Bury Me In A Free Land,” when she got very sick while on a lecturing tour. Her short story “The Two Offers” became the first short story to be published by an African American.

1859 – A dedicated abolitionist, Harper was one of the few public figures who did not abandon John Brown after his failed effort at Harpers Ferry, instead writing to him and staying with his wife, Mary, at the home of Lucretia Mott (Philadelphia’s leading Quaker Abolitionist) for the two weeks preceding his hanging.

1865 – In the immediate post-Civil War years, Harper returned to the lecture circuit, focusing her attentions on education for the formerly enslaved, on the Equal Rights Movement and on the Temperance Movement.

I had a history professor once who was so obviously in love with her.