My Nephew Stephen Turns One This Month!

Now That Trayvon Martin's Murderer Is Jailed, We Still Need To Keep This Momentum Up & Demand Justice For ALL People of Color In the U.S.!

with little pal Harmony following the March 26th "Million Hoodie March for Trayvon Martin" in downtown Los Angeles

The Washington Post published this photo of me and other activists on Tuesday from the April 9th march in downtown L.A. which demanded Zimmerman's arrest


The good people’s prayers and demands have been answered! Moving forward, now that 17-yearold Trayvon Martin’s murderer, George Zimmerman, is finally in custody and being charged with murder, where do the millions who cried out for justice go from here? How can the millions who marched, rallied, signed petitions, made Justice themed artwork, wrote articles & blogs, prayed, called or wrote their elected officials, utilized online social networking, started or joined causes such as Million Hoodie March , Occupy, Justice For Trayvon Martin and many other movements, and cried, chanted and shouted for Zimmerman’s arrest turn this case into something bigger than one man’s arrest?

We all know this is not an isolated incident. What’s the bigger picture? Shouldn’t we reach higher?

Of course it will be a lengthy trial, so we will have a lot of times on our hands. Why not make the most productive use of that time? (more after the jump)



Take action! Stay involved! Join one of the many groups who helped organize rallies and marches. Join a local social justice group. Register to vote! Volunteer. Invite friends. Let’s turn this tragedy into a powerfully positive force that we use to accomplish our dreams of a just and peaceful society.

In spite of the condemning evidence against Zimmerman, he was initially allowed to go free. Likewise, many crimes by those in power against minorities, women and the poor go unchecked all the time! Could this case be a starting to point to reform the police departments and judicial systems that time and time against fail the Black, Brown and economically oppressed communities in this country? Many Americans know that this case can be bigger than just Trayvon Martin if the We the People make it so. With all the unrest going on in this country and in the world, this is a prime time to storm the gates and demand a real democracy!

This mobilization is about rightness for ALL the Black and Brown youth around the country who have been in the past, currently are and will continue to be victims of corrupt law enforcement and unjust court systems! We are tired of our young Black and Brown brothers being illegally ‘stop & frisked’ without cause or warrants by racist and classist police officers. We are appalled at the neo-slavery that is enforced through the prison industrial complex in the country that unfairly imprisons Black and Brown men for lengthy periods of times, making the corporations who profit off their labor rich. We are disgusted by the GOP’s war on women’s rights and healthcare, which disproportionally affects women of color and the poor. We can’t believe our ears at the racist propaganda that screams at us from far right media outlets and pundits. We cry out against the laws in Arizona that make racial profiling legal, which obviously target at our Brown brothers and sisters and mirror the Jim Crow days. We protest the exploitment, scapegoating and mistreatment of our undocumented Brown brothers and sisters. Sadly, the list goes on of the systematic oppression of people of color in the “modern” country.

It’s urgent that this momentum does not slow down, but become a massive tidal wave that smashes the system that divides people in this country instead of uniting us together.

“An injury to one is an injury to all!”

It’s important that those fighting for racial social justice become aware and fight against the alarming and growing war against women that has been waged by the Republican Party! 50% of people of color are women, so the GOP’s war on women is also a racial justice issue, especially since women of color will suffer the worst if this current assault on women’s healthcare, contraception rights, well-being and self-esteem waged by the affluent white men who run the Republican Party succeeds. All social justice movements really do need to come together ASAP!

Again, take action! Stay involved! Join one of the many groups who helped organize rallies and marches. Start your own! Join a local and/or national social justice group. Register to vote! Volunteer! Invite friends. Paint a picture of what justice means to you! Write a poem, perform spoken word! Get the message out! Let’s turn this tragedy into a powerfully positive force that we harness to accomplish our dreams of a just and peaceful society.

2012 is not the end of the world as the Mayan calendar suggests, it’s the BEGINNING of a new dawn, the people’s dawn! Haven’t you noticed that people all around the world are rising up against tyranny and economic injustice all at the same time? There is also this global human consciousness awakening that many feel happening, a universal enlightenment. So much promise and positive energy is here and awaits us. And of course, right here and NOW is the time to take a stand!

A favorite chant of mine from the Trayvon march:

“Ain’t no power like the power of the people cus’ the power of the people don’t stop! Say what? Ain’t no power like the power of the people cus’ the power of the people don’t stop!”

Justice for Trayvon! Justice for All! Justice for Now! Justice for Our Future!
I met the cutest little trooper for justice on the steps of L.A. City Hall on March 26th following the Trayvon Martin march

Los Angeles Women's International Film Festival Shines A Light On Social Justice Causes Close To My Heart

Some of the filmmakers and festival volunteers make a cheeseburger run in between panels and screenings! I took them to my favorite burger joint, Hamburger Haven, super yummy!

Diana Means (right), who is the director of the festival, introduces the filmakers of for a Q&A following their screening

Panelists of 'Many Roads to Distribution' presented by 'be'- Black Employees of Warner Bros.

(L-R) moderator Eva Davis (EVP & GM of Warner Premiere), Ruzanna Kegeyan (VP of Hyde Park Intl.), Gary Hardwick (director, producer) and Elaine McGee, (Warner Brothers International Television Distribution), who introduced panelists

Panelists from 'The Changing Face of Distribution', and members of WOW

(L-R) David Norrell (Senior Counsel, Business & Legal Affairs, Warner Bros.) Kimberly Maxwell (Executive Director of Women Of Warner (WOW), Lance Sloane (Mortal Komabt producer, Warner Bros.), moderator Jackie Hayes (SVP of Business of Affairs, Warner Bros)

Female filmmakers attend panels on Saturday to learn about behind the scenes and the business of film from experts. Was very informative!

Many Christians, Including Me, Support Kristin Chenoweth's Choice to Star in ABC's New Show 'GCB' -Good Christian Belles. Hypocricy Should Be Exposed!

Was thrilled to meet and talk to Krisitn Chenoweth last summer at an event hosted by actress Rosario Dawson in LA. Kristin is super friendly and warm, not the stereotype Hollywood pushes about successful Broadway stars.

Tonight was the series premiere of ABC's TV show 'GCB' (after the book entitled 'Good Christian B*tches') starring Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth, who played Glenda, the Good Witch in the original cast of Broadway’s Wicked, my favorite musical! Chenoweth is open about her Christian faith; she also doesn’t shy away from voicing her disagreements with certain Christian-identified individuals who militantly promote ignorance and fear, such as last fall when Chenoweth was interviewed by CNN’s Piers Morgan and she publicly opposed Michelle Bachman’s phobic rhetoric. That's right, on top of being a talented singer and actress with numerous awards, she is a socially conscious and responsible advocate who promotes change towards more accepting and harmonious ideals , including the change needed by some in organized religion. Whether she's being interviewed on TV or the red carpet, or giving quotes to journalists, she always shares her beliefs that diversity in human beings should be celebrated and accepted, not feared, bullied or condemned. This is why Kristin Chenoweth is absolutely perfect to star in GCB, a show that will no doubt bring the truth to light about those who misrepresent and misuse Christianity.

Though it’s pretty simple ideals to ‘live and let live’ and ‘love thy neighbor’ and ‘diversity is the spice of life’, some critics of GCB claim “confusion” as to why any Christian would be a fan of a show (let alone star in one) that brings out the skeletons in the Church’s closet. It’s unfortunate that some of these critics have been misled to their state of “confusion” and can’t seem to come back to the light, and I pray intuition and warmth finds and awakens them. Yet GCB's confrontational message is wholeheartedly welcomed by many Christians because we refuse to co-sign fear-mongering, oppression of diversity in human beings, attacks against a woman’s right to govern her own body and health and other items which a hostile fraction of self-proclaimed Christians are pushing.

It’s 2012 (thank God) and strong oceans of enlightenment and open-mindedness are flooding the collective human consciousness in this country and around the world, causing more and more to reject what we find to be misinterpretations (if not blatant rewrites and patriarchal spins) of Jesus’ authentic and universal message of neighborly compassion, selflessness and forgiveness. It hurts, embarrasses and alienates many of us who appreciate Jesus' words of compassion as we witness some people who hijack Christianity as a weapon for messages of intolerance, ambition stemmed from greed and power, and/or narrow and mean-spirited ideas of how to treat those in the universal human-being congregation who were born different.

I disagree with the ridiculous propaganda pushed by some media outlets that says GCB’s premise encourages “hate and ridicule on Christians”. Truth be told, it’s actually the other way around. The intention of the show (apart from entertaining us with laughter and drama) is to unveil how contradictory it is when one identifies as Christian, yet mistreats, or even outcasts, people that they either dislike, envy or can’t (or refuse) to understand. The portrayal of some of GCB’s characters tonight shined a much needed light on hypocrisy such as when some of the show’s characters stood on self-righteous soap boxes with “more Christian than thou” comments, yet moments later lied, cheated, stole, bullied and a string of other actions which they had just condemned. Personally, as a Christian I wasn’t offended because I can testify that my whole life I have witnessed people firsthand who mirrored the GCB ladies' duplicity.

I admire Kristin Chenoweth’s courage to be in a show where the premise will attract judgments and personal attacks from fellow Christians, yet I think she must know there are many Christians who feel as she does about acceptance and openness. I also appreciate her integrity, as there are many professionals in the entertainment industry who feel similar as her, but won’t admit it publicly for fear of losing not just fans, but career opportunities and financial gain.

The show’s billboards have the following quote: “Love Thy Neighbor”. Yes, this action of “loving your neighbors” is precisely what I feel GCB has the potential to inspire towards and within certain Christians who have been misguided, except it will be a tough kind of love which holds a mirror up to their faces in hopes that they will realize that if it’s not unconditional love they are preaching or following, then it’s really not authentic love at all.

Why I Declined a Friend's Invite to Chris Brown's Grammys After Party. What's To Celebrate? Brutality? Immaturity? Lack of Remorse?

A friend had invited me to the Chris Brown Grammy After Party last week, yet I was shocked. Why would I celebrate a person who assaults the divine feminine, and then acts like an arrogant and unapologetic brat who shows no sincere remorse for his actions? The message he sends to young girls and boys is that it's okay for men to be out of touch or control of their emotions and use violence instead of healthy communication. Every interview after the incident Chris Brown has done nothing but deflect blame and belittle the severity of his behavior.

And now his infamous Tweet following his 2012 Grammy win: "HATE ALL U WANT BECUZ I GOT A GRAMMY Now! That's the ultimate F**** OFF!" Um, excuse me, but I'm confused. Brown tweeted the word "HATE"? What? People protesting brutal domestic violence means we are actually *against* hate and violence, and for love, more gentleness and peace. So his tweet made no logical sense. It just proved he has not matured or become less violent. Therefore he has not sought redemption, so he does not deserve forgiveness from Rihanna’s fans and the public in my opinion.

I declined the invite and stayed home to watch Whitney Houston movies with my girlfriends.

The two new developments that have everyone talking are:
ONE) The Grammys for some odd reason awarded Brown with a Grammy award
TWO) Rihanna and Brown have released two songs that they have collaborated on together.

First, I can’t for the life of me understand why he received a Grammy after his unacceptable violence. On top of that, I thought some of the other nominees were more deserving. Second, Rihanna may or may not have forgiven Chris Brown, however, many of her female fans have *not* forgiven him. Maybe one day, or maybe never, but definitely not now

Pre-Oscar Party Celebrating African American Talent Honors Debbie Allen, Chris Robinson & Martin Lawerence - Centric's 'Eye On Black' Event

Debbie Allen was honored for her trail blazing work

Chris Robinson was awarded for his contributions to star/brand making and pop culture

Honoree Martin Lawerence (center) with his little daughter, Luke Wilson (left) and Tim Allen (right)

Friday night before the Oscars CENTRIC Network held their 2nd annual The Eye on Black: Salute to Directors which "recognizes influential African Americans who are responsible for shaping the black experience through film." Debbie Allen, Chris Robinson, Haile Gerima and actor Martin Lawrence were given awards. EOB’s Spotlight Directors were Bill Duke and Ava DuVernay

This event is good to have during Awards season because we all know that Black talent many times gets snubbed, or even shut out, at the numerous Awards shows, including, if not especially, the Oscars.

There also were musical performances by Leela James, Goapele, Kenny Lattimore, and Tamar Braxton. Comedic actor Brandon T. Jackson was the MC.

I’ve been back in LA for only three weeks, and this was the event where I saw dozens of old friends or industry acquaintances. It really made me miss LA. Great way to start off Oscar weekend!

Brandon T. Jackson was the host of the show, and was a funny host at that!

(L-R) Film executive Amber Rasberry, Ashley NYC, Super publicist Echo Hattix

Sat at the same dinner table as blogger-diva Necole Bitchie!

with Michael Jai White

with singer Goapele

Honoree Debbie Allen is given award by actresses Nia Long (right) and Kimberly Elise (center)

Actress Kimberly Elise

Oscar After Party @ the Top of Hollywood Hills: Maxim Party w/ Ludacris Concert

with singer Letoya Luckett (former Destiny's Child member, now a solo artist)

(L-R) Amber Rasberry (Tyler Perry Studios), Ashley NYC, Wendy Rose Berry (Warner Brothers)

Sunday night after the Oscars Awards, Maxim magazine held a party on the very top of Hollywood Hills at a lavish mansion. Ludacris gave a concert. It was an interesting party. Only in Los Angeles would Maxim magazine have an Oscars party, LOL. Not necessarily the ideal match when one thinks of branding. But hey, it was fun.

Someone on Facebook asked me today about the event: “Just curious... did he tone down his misogynistic lyrics for the event?”

I answered: “Funny, my friends and I discussed that topic as well last night at the party”

My Facebook friend continued: “And?”

I replied: “Some of his music is fun to dance to, great beats. But little girls need to know that they are precious spirits, not objects.”

Since I do a lot of philanthropy and activism, my FB friend felt the need to make the point that Ludacris’ lyrics are off putting to women, so why did I attend? Well, I attended the party to see me friends and to have fun, period.

Ludacris gets down at the 2am concert!



Happy Buddah by the pool! w/ Hollywwod Life's Russ Weakland



with singer Marz Lovejoy (right)

OK! Magazine's Pre-Oscar Party Hosted by Adrian Grenier

Real Housewives of Bevery Hills! With Housewives Kyle Richards (center) and Taylor Armstrong (right) and Kyle's husband Maurico (left)


With actress Emmanuele Chriqui (Entourage)

OK! Magazine held an Pre-Oscars Party at Greystone Manor (formerly known as Industry) which was hosted by actor Adrian (star of HBO’s Entourage). There was also a performance by The Glee Project.

I hung out for a while with Kyle Richards and Taylor Armstrong, stars of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. I have a confession, I do sometimes watch that show, it can be quite entertaining! But seriously, even in reality shows, one can find interest in the relationships, storylines and emotions.

with actress Bai Ling

DJ YO-C (left) played a really good musical set

Stars Honor Whitney Houston at Clive Davis and The Recording Academy’s Pre-Grammy Event

15th Annual Friends 'N' Family Pre-Grammy Party at Paramount Studios

with friend and Hollywood publicist Christina Martin
with Jonathan Davis, singer of band Korn
Robyn played a great set

RED Hosts Grammy Event with Mary J Blige Concert

with singer Sheila E
with actress and former Miss America Kenya Moore

Paris Hilton and singer Kellis enjoying the after party at Bordot

Mary J Blige gave an amazing performance!

DJ Spinderalla and Erkyah Badu Provide Musical Inspiration at GRAMMY Glam Event. Happy GRAMMY Week!

with DJ Spinderella
with model and actress Toccara Jones
There was a Greek Goddess theme for the event

Iman Hosts Alvin Ailey Opening Night Gala Benefit; Welcomes New Artistic Director Robert Battle; John Legend Performs

Beautiful gown alert! (L-R) Alicia Blythewood, Ashley NYC, Pamela Joyner

(L-R)artist Gina P. Nelson, Ashley NYC, former Alvin Ailey dancer Phil Thomas
Alvin Ailey's new Artistic Director Robert Battle

It was my first Alvin & Ailey performance and the powerful dancing, accompanied with majestic music, was spectacular! First Lady Michelle Obama was an honorary chair, and I was heartbroken that she was unable to attend. Supermodel Iman also guest chaired the event. John Legend gave a magnificent performance while he sang and played the piano, with a dancer joining him. One dance performance was played to classical music; another to jazz, and my personal favorite was to Black church music. This was new Artistic Director Robert Battle inaugural event. Following the opening night performance at New York City Center was the dinner gala at the Hyatt Hotel. It sure was an immaculate set up! And unlike other dinner events which could be a bit unexciting, this dinner surrounded a large dance floor! How could they expect us to enjoy some of the most talented dancers in the world and not feel inspired to dance ourselves? I sure did have a good time!



Love the bow ties! (L-R) Wayne Christie, Thomas Parkins, Ashley NYC, Lyndon Mackenzie, Joe Risico

Supermodel Iman looked stunning! Her elegant gown was the same color as the curtain, lovely

(L-R) Jessye Norman, Board Chari Joan Weill

Alvin Ailey dancers on the dance floor following dinner

After dinner dancing!