Wordless Wednesday-January 23, 2019

In Diva Love &

In Honor of MLK, Jr.,

Pamela 💯

Black Girl Magic-No Longer Hidden

If any year has taken Black Girl Magic to an all-time high, that year is definitely 2016. Not only were there beautiful Black girls in the White House but Black girls made significant strides in every arena from politics to Olympic sports and of course entertainment. Our FLOTUS, Michelle Obama, pushed for education of children everywhere but specifically for African American girls in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) arena. Isn’t it fitting that a film, highlighting the accomplishments of three African American women who were critical to NASA and astronaut John Glenn’s successful launch to the moon, would finally be told?

Hidden Figures chronicles the stories of Dorothy Vaughn, Katherine G. Johnson, and Mary Jackson, names that were most likely relegated to “Little Known Black History Facts” until just a few short months ago. After a 22 million dollar opening, on a nationally weather challenged weekend, I suspect they will soon be household names uttered with pride. Based on a book written by the daughter of a NASA research scientist who worked with the women, the story highlights their friendship along with the challenges each faced working with the backdrop of the Jim Crow South in a racist and sexist environment. Despite the odds stacked against them, the women played a critical role in America’s first successful moon launch, piloted by astronaut John Glenn.

Oscar winner Octavia Spencer, Taraji P. Henson, and Janelle Monae, poignantly play the women and are supported by a cast that includes Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst, Jim Parsons, and Mahershala Ali. Spencer plays Vaughn, leading and nurturing the Colored Pool of mathematicians, without the title of supervisor. She teaches herself to program the then innovative IBM computers, and by movie’s end finally is named NASA’s first African American supervisor. Henson, plays Johnson, in a role so much more demure and low-key than her over the top Cookie Lyons portrayal in “Empire”, I wanted to stand up and cheer for that alone. Johnson, is the trusted number cruncher who was an integral part of John Glenn’s flight team. Not only was she eventually allowed to attend NASA briefings, she actually calculated the equations that led to Glenn’s successful launch and landing in his quest to orbit the earth. Mary Jackson, played by Janelle Monae, had to legally petition the court to allow her to take university courses at a segregated high school in the evenings. Jackson goes on to become NASA’s first African American female engineer.

Given how long it has taken for the three women to receive any accolades, I think this is a film they would be proud of. It appropriately highlights the joys of their personal lives and friendships versus their more intense and often daunting work environment. As a viewer, I relished those scenes away from NASA so I can only imagine how they cherished them. Tender moments with their children, families, and each other, coupled with church attendance and functions probably sustained them for the work week ahead. At work, they endured racist and sexist acts that were characteristic of the times. As part of the Colored Pool, their work assignments changed regularly. Johnson had no Colored restroom to utilize and could be found running from building to building with stacks of work in hand, on a daily basis, in any weather to find one. At this point she had proven that she was brighter than most of the men in the room, yet they didn’t even want her to pour coffee from the same pot. You can feel the emotion and passion Jackson has as she makes her case to go to a segregated school during the height of Woolworth sit-ins and demonstrations.

This film is a must see. The film makes math (and physics) look pretty cool. Not only does it reinforce Black Girl Magic but it is a story of female empowerment that will resonate with any girl. Yet, the film is not just for girls, it’s for everyone. The characters are relatable and you will cry over their pain, celebrate their joys and cheer their victories. The relationship between the women is warm and humorous. You will welcome those moments because you want them to succeed despite the oppressive roadblocks that are thrown in their way. You will walk away from the movie with new knowledge of the past but you will also walk away wondering how many more of these stories exist and when exactly will they be told.

In Diva Love,

Pamela

Keep Calm, It's My 47th Birthday

I  woke up this morning feeling extremely blessed. I was thankful for  another year of life and a chance to be better and  do better in the year ahead. When I  reflect on the past year and a half, I can clearly see that despite the pitfalls and snares the enemy threw at me, God's Hand always prevailed and He brought me every step of the way. I realized that I feel lighter and have a ton of peace and joy. While I definitely have reason to be angry and even bitter, there is absolutely no reason to allow the  negativity a place in my blessed life. 

I know that I am still in the midst of a valley experience but as the  minister said in a sermon a couple weeks ago, the experience is to prepare me for the blessings that God has in store for me. I need to be ready so that I don't destroy the blessings. The  season is long and it often is painful but my faith has to be strong and it has to be enough to sustain me.  Don't be confused, I have wavered and questioned God on many occasions but I must confess. every single time, I have a brief faith crisis, He has shown up and shown out. Sometimes, I didn't even know I needed His Sovereign protection or guidance.

As I look to the  future, I look with hope and faith. My dreams and goals are huge. My capacity to love is great. My heart is grateful for every trial and tribulation, every smile, every tear, and accomplishment and even every setback.  Life experience is priceless. You are sum of every experience.  I know I am loved and I know my worth. I am flawed but I remain unapologetically me. To the year ahead, I say, "Bring it! God and I got this!"  Raising  my wine glass, I say, "Happy Birthday to me-a fabulous woman, living life to the fullest, no regrets! " Just as my earthly daddy would tell me to do, if he were still here. Cheers to a fantastic 48!

In Diva Love,

Pam 

 

Didn't We Almost Have It All??

Whitney Houston did almost have it all. Money, fame, fortune, and the voice millions coveted. It simply wasn't enough to keep her from seeking the next best thing. I think it is safe to say that we all rooted for Whitney to regain her throne. A comeback story always gives us a sense  of hope and pride. We all wanted to hear that bone chilling voice that touched our souls and could bring tears to the eyes of grown men. Unfortunately, that moment will never come. On Saturday, it was reported that Houston had died in the Beverley Hilton Hotel at the age of 48.

There true legends and there are true divas. Whitney Houston was definitely both. It is with a heavy heart that I write this blog. Few other artist define the music scene of the 80s and 90s in the way that Houston did. Whitney Houston was a gifted songstress who could touch you deep down in your soul when she was at her height. I felt immediately sad. I thought that perhaps she is finally at peace. I knew there would be no one else like her. Her voice was one of kind. Her megawatt smile could light up a room. Her feisty personality and life choices had intrigued fans and haters alike. I realized a child would be left motherless. Again, my heart ached for yet another void in the music industry. My son said, "Wow! This reminds me of when Michael Jackson died. A lot of coverage." He is ten. I had to let him know that while Whitney barely registered as a blip on his radar, she was a force to be reckoned with during my adolescent years.

Because, I grew up with Whitney Houston, I have had the opportunity to witness her highs and her lows. When Houston was up, she was up, when she was down, well, you never knew what might happen. While I really want to focus on the positive, I would be remiss not to go on and say what I truly think. We are all aware that there is a pre-drug Whitney voice and a post drug Whitney voice. Pre-drug Whitney was the business. No one could hold a candle to her range and ability to musically mesmerize a crowd.  Post-drug Whitney was able to sing but it was painful to realize that her gift was no longer as powerful as it once was.

I will never forget her heartfelt rendition of the National Anthem (http://youtu.be/Z1QmeEdFOSc). Hands down it is best performance that I have ever heard. It touched my soul. There are  various songs that I could mention but I will say that "Saving all My Love" is my favorite secular song and my favorite religious would have to be "Who Would Imagine A King." The soundtracks to The Preacher's Wife and The Bodyguard are both sensational showcases of her vocal talent. It goes without saying that I will post my Whitney Play list in a day or two.

As I watch the various news reports, I am irritated that the media has chosen to blame Bobby Brown for her downfall. We all have life choices to make and Whitney made hers. Like most humans, she too is prone to make mistakes and bad decisions. I am chuckling because I can remember the day clearly when I told my BFF Sonja that Whitney was a hood rat that Clive Davis had groomed to perfection and America and the rest of the world bought the lie. I know you can take the girl (or boy) out of the hood but you can't take the hood out of the person. A savvy person could figure it out after a while. I think the best example of this was when she did an interview with late night talk show host Arsenio Hall. Houston spoke to him from her home and I think it was one of the rare opportunities you got to see who she really was. She was smoking Newport cigarettes and had her home-girl persona in full effect. It confirmed what I already knew. I mean no disrespect, I just knew in my gut that she had been packaged well. I want Clive Davis to package me if I ever make it.

Bobby Brown was just a part of who she really was. Their relationship was on display and it didn't play out well in public. Two addictive personalities are volatile and can't help the other out of a rut. He was a choice that she made too.  In short, let's just say that Whitney was a strong woman who made her own decisions. She didn't march to the beat of anyone's drum but her own.

People can't love you out of your issues. Whitney was no exception. She had demons to slay and her family and friends desire to see her well didn't change the situation. There is no doubt in my mind that Whitney believed in God. and yes, she knew Jesus loved her. Even still, she had addiction issues and eventually they become more important to her than the gift God gave her. No amount of money or fame can protect you from the blows that life may send your way.

Whitney Houston's memory will live on in our hearts and souls. There will be no more CDs or performances. There is only one movie left to see. Sparkle comes out in August. Like many folks, it is a re-make that I am really looking forward too. I hope Houston shines on the big screen. After all, she was larger than life. God, and God alone knew Whitney's destiny. Her legacy is far reaching and will live on for decades to come. Now, she performs for an Audience of One. Her voice has taken flight and joined the angels and eternity praising Jesus, truly, The Greatest Love of All. No more paparazzi, sorrow, or pain. Whitney is healed and her voice is better than ever. RIP, Nippy! You are with the One Who Loves you Best.

Saddened Diva,
Pam