Whitney Houston: What Can I Say...

My God!  Just two weeks after the loss of Soul Train Creator/Innovator, Don Cornelius; we've lost another great one.

Sunday morning began as it always does for me; but at around 9:45 a.m.  I learned of the death of Whitney Houston on CBS This Morning.

Her life read like a movie script: Young kid sings in the choir--like many great R&B artists did. Gets discovered at 16 by a music mogul(Clive Davis); gets signed to a major record deal.  Her mother is a gospel singer and sings background for Elvis Presley--The King of Rock-n-Roll.  Her godmother is the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.  Her cousin is the legendary Dionne Warwick.  To top all of this off, her debut album sells over 25 million copies worldwide--and she becomes a legend before her second album.  And then stars in 3 very successful movies. 

This woman was born to sing.  But as with us all, she was human.

I've heard all of Whitney's songs since she came on the scene almost 30 years ago.  Witnessed every moment in her famous life and saw all of her videos.  She leaves behind an incredible body of work--no question.

But what bothers me at this moment is the anger that I feel regarding her death.  This woman should not be in a morgue this morning. 

What happened to Whitney Houston is what could happen to anyone--she allowed someone in her life that became the catalyst to this tragedy.  Yeah, I'm talking about that demon ex-husband of hers, Bobby Brown.  20 years ago, they married.  When I heard the news, I didn't even want to believe it.  And my reaction at that time was most indignant.  I stated to friends that she had made the biggest mistake of her life and would regret it.  Frankly, I didn't think the marriage would last 2 years--it lasted 15.  Of those 15 years, Whitney was addicted to drugs and alcohol for at list more than a 3/4th of the marriage.  It was a disaster to say the least. 

Sometimes in life, walking away from someone or something is a smart move. 

Whitney Houston had a perfect life before she met Bobby, but after they became a married couple; her life spiraled downward. 

Someone once said to me that if you get too close to toxic waste; one can become contaminated.  And I honestly feel that when Bobby Brown entered Whitney's life; a dark cloud hovered over her; intercepting all of her blessings.  Bobby Brown's curses fell onto her. 

How could I have known that my words would prove to be prophetic?  I couldn't, but what is clear is that a woman who had everything has lost a battle.

Sadly, the only time people had talked about Whitney of late is because of all of her struggles.  Perhaps we all should have been praying for her more, but there are times when demons are hard to expel and will claim the life of their host.

Whitney, wherever you are...We will always love you.

RIP, Nippy.

Don Cornelius: A Personal Tribute...



On February 1, 2012, I decided to chill out on my day off.  My weeks are typically hectic and I don't spend a lot of idle time doing nothing, but that day, I was a little tired and wanted to kick back.  I watched all of the typical daytime shows, People's Court, America's Court, Judge Mathis, etc., but later in the day, I checked out some old Soul Train episodes that come on on the new Bounce TV.  It brought back so many pleasant memories from my childhood. 

I thought of my aunts and uncles who were the same age as some of the dancers that were on Soul Train and I remembered my late aunt Ceil who used to get so exited when Soul Train came on. She's dance in front of the television--getting everyone in the family going with her moves and excitement.  She died at the age of 54 from bone cancer in 2007.  There have been other family members that have passed away in the last 8 years, and watching Soul Train that morning, made me remember them when they were young.  That was their generation.

What made Soul Train so special was the dancing, yes, but really, it was about Black people: how we danced, dressed and basically, how we GOT DOWN.  Dancing was how we related to one another and the originality and innovation that was displayed on Soul Train was a representation of our creativity as a people.

Don Cornelius, the shows creator, producer and host, basically wanted to create a show that was for Black people at a time when you didn't see a lot of Black folks on television.  To understand Don, you have to know where he came from and what he did before Soul Train.  He was born in Chicago, Illinois on September 27, 1936.  Graduated from DuSable High School in Chicago, Illinois, in 1954.  He joined the United States Marine Corps and served 18 months in Korea.
Before he was a television host, he did everything from announcer to news reporter to disc jockey.

He was discovered by WVON Radio personality Ed Cobb. In the mid-1960s, Cobb while driving ran a traffic violation and was pulled over by Chicago Police officer Don Cornelius. While officer Cornelius was asking him the typical traffic stop questions, Cobb noticed his unique speaking voice and told him that he was in the wrong profession. Cobb suggested that Cornelius come down to the radio station and make a demo tape. Don took him up on it and was hired as an announcer.
He used $400 of his money to produced and create "Soul Train" (1971), which was an African-American dance program.  Hosted "Soul Train" (1971) for 22 of the shows 35 years. In that time, he introduced many unfamiliar artists to a larger audience who would go on to become even more successful, among them are: Gladys Knight (his first guest), Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Barry White, Melba Moore, Al Green, Donna Summer and Mariah Carey.

What I remember about Don basically is that he represented what he hosted: Black pride.  Black dignity and Black power.  That deep voice.  So cool and collected.  He was the epitome of a strong Black man and that is what I will cherish most. 

My Saturday mornings were special because of this man's vision.  I enjoyed watching Soul train and when I learned of his death (suicide); it literally ruined my day.  It hurt.  We've lost so many greats in the last 25 years and Don's passing was sort of the ax in the stump. 

He will be missed. 

I don't know what was going through his mind when he made the choice to end his life, but if I could talk to him, I'd tell him that when Black people remember him--they remember our culture when it really felt good to be Black.

RIP Don Cornelius.

Love.  Peace.  And Sooooouuuuullll.

Braxton Family Values...Love This Show!!!



When I heard that the Braxton sisters were going to do a reality show last year, I really didn't pay much attention.   After all, would anyone really care about them.  I knew Toni--still have that first album.  After the season was over, I caught the re-runs on Youtube and guess what?  I got hooked.  These sisters really are bonded.  They love each other unconditionally and they fight like hell, but at the end of the day--they know that they are family and that is what matters most.

There aren't many shows these days that showcase African Americans interacting with each other like this...and I really do recommend this show.

I'm the only girl of 4 kids and they make me wish I had sisters to fight with and hang out with.

It airs on Thursdays on WeTv 9/8 central.

The Uppity Sistah fully endorses Braxton Family Values.

Beautiful Wedding Gowns!

Here it is...a collection of beautiful wedding gowns to peek at...makes you wanna be a bride...even if you're enjoying the single life.

African themed

More elegance

New Year....New Look!



Hey, guys...

Like the new look?

I felt like making some changes in my general life, so the blog had to reflect that as well.

Don't worry, I'll still be hitting the truth with grand slam force, but in life, one has to embrace change if one wants to grow.  And I most certainly am in process for that.

~Smooches~

Sneek Preview of My Book!

Here it is...

Greetings everyone...as some know, my new book, A Journey Into The Mind of a Black Woman is out and you can take a sneek preview at:

Amazon.com: A Journey Into The Mind of a Black Woman: In Search Of Black Men Who Live With Purpose (9781468025224): Sonya Lavette Bell: Books

 You can take a peek inside before purchase.

http://www.amazon.com/Journey-Into-Mind-Black-Woman/dp/1468025228/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326901144&sr=1-1

My Blackness Is Not Defined By Feelings of Inferiority...

"Never allow the opinions of others to become your reality." ~Gurda

 

I've been on this earth a long time and like all human beings, I've had highs and lows. But one thing I can say...is that I have never felt inferior to anyone--and particularly because of my African American heritage. It's quite the opposite. I feel a sense of not only pride in who I am; there's always been a strong sense of superiority towards whites, who for the most part; have always been motivated by racist attitudes and biases against Black people and other people of color. It's my way of countering the enemy's design of psychological warfare against Black people.

In my honest opinion, Black people worldwide do not realize how powerful they are mainly because of the media's blatant dismissal of our contributions as a people on this planet, and also because of some Blacks who possess power and wealth to change our condition, but accommodate white supremacy through passive compliance.

You've got to be bold in this world. Take the bull by the horns.

I know that Black people have accomplished a lot on this planet and I for one learned before I graduated high school that history is distorted to keep whites dominant over us through the reconstruction of facts. All anyone has to do is learn European history--and you'll see the gaps. Over 5000 years are literally wiped away.

Africa was going through it's third golden period when Europe was in the Dark Ages.

Thank God for Black Scholars like, Cheikh Anta Diop, Dr. John Henrick Clark, Dr. Chancellor Williams, Runoko Rashidi et al,  who documented our history and all Black people have to do to take power is to OWN OUR NARRATIVE. Take control of the media markets that truly determine perceptions and invest in our communities and people. Education must be approached with the wisdom of how it empowers. Knowledge is power. Information is critical. This is fact.

Within the next few years, the buying power of Black people will reach 1 Trillion dollars. This money could do tremendous things if our people would simple understand what white folks and other groups seem to understand: Posterity. Build our people and communities up. Empower those communities with Black entrepreneurship.

A mind is a terrible thing to waste; and wasting time, talent and energy keeps us weak.
The richest place on earth is not a gold or diamond mine; it is a graveyard. Why? Because graveyards are filled with people who never lived up to their potential.

Get lifted Black people.


__________________

What Is Black Beauty?

Black Beauty is my hair blowing in the wind, free of chemicals; healthy and shiny...everyone staring...and me smiling back.

Black Beauty is putting on hip hugging jeans, now that I'm way past 23; young and old men staring at me, winking and flirting; I laugh.

Black Beauty is having friends that knew me when I was five; we reminisce, tell jokes and act as if time has never slipped us by.

Black beauty is little Black girls with pig tails telling you they like your make-up; while eating an ice cream cone, running away to play--giggling, but turning around to wave good bye.

Black Beauty is watching Black grandmothers, looking proud and dignified, as they quietly thank the lord that he has allowed them to amongst those whom their DNA is linked; knowing they will never be forgotten.

Black Beauty is the laughter of old Black men telling jokes to old friends who knew them when they were young.

Black Beauty is going to church on Sunday, praising the Lord with your family and giving thanks for having a good life.

Black Beauty is looking at pictures of gold, copper and bronze; being reminded that my skin reminds the world of what is beautiful, desired and valued.

Black Beauty is always feeling the power of my ancestors as the sun kisses my face.

Black Beauty is me walking down the street seeing a butterfly and feeling the love of God.

Black Beauty is seeing a rainbow; feeling blessed to be alive.

I am a Black woman. God meant for this to be. Therefore, my Black Beauty is of the divine.

This is the definition of Black Beauty to me.





A Journey Into The Mind of a Black Woman Is Published!!!

You've all waiting a long time...had to go through a lot of edits before I finalized the much anticipated book that I've discussed.  It was a journey to complete it, but it is now available and you can purchase the book today at:  https://www.createspace.com/3739335 . It is also available on Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1468025228/sr=1-1/qid=1326291395/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&qid=1326291395&sr=1-1&seller=#_

This book was birthed through observation of Black men and how I, as a Black woman, interpreted their behavior over a period of time.  One day I just realized how often I'd see Black males and the one thing lacking in their demeanor was joy.  They were not happy.  And the negativity that surrounds many young Black men is not only having a devastating impact on them as a group; it's beginning to be felt in many levels of Black culture.  Do Black men know who they are and where their ancestors came from?  Do they know their history as men from a global perspective.  We've lost almost 2 generations of young Black men.  Gone too soon...and never realizing their potential.  It's a travesty.  This must stop.

A Journey Into The Mind of a Black Woman is the book that speaks with absolute realness, soul and discerment of what I, A Black woman, feels is the crux of the Black male dilemma.

Get your copy today!  And tell others about this book.





For Every Black Woman That Has Cried Over A Black Man...

The Message

One day, I sat at my windowsill, peering out of my window. Every Black man that I saw passing by…seemed to have a serious look on his face—no smile. I wondered why. Each and every day afterwards; I saw the same. The Black men that I saw with their girlfriends or wives, seemed to be somber and disinterested; as if they wanted to be in another place but where they were.
Where was the love?

I thought about the one true love of my life who forced me to walk away. His name was Craig. I was young when I met him. He was fine. Every time my eyes gazed on his strong masculine frame, my heart would literally begin to race. I thought I would pass out sometimes. Craig was everything to me—the thought of him could make me smile at any moment. When I woke up in the mornings—I thought of Craig. When the moon lit the sky, and my eyes drifted into sleep; my subconscious summoned dreams of the man—the “one man” who I believed would make me his wife. But I woke up from that dream. And I soon was forced to take off the rose-colored glasses; for the man of my dreams, was really a wolf in disguise. And if I didn’t walk away, I would be devoured.

I chose my life.

It was not to be.

So many women stay in relationships with men that they should have left alone.
It was not that I didn’t love Craig; I just loved myself more.

He was the one. I know this, but the tragedy of my loss is that I had to face the fact that Craig would have caused too much pain in my life. He had issues and people with issues hurt people.

How many sistahs have had to walk away from a man they loved because he had issues? How many stayed and lost their lives? I wondered this, along with many other things while writing my book: A Journey Into The Mind of a Black Woman: In Search of Black Men Who Live With Purpose.

For every Black woman that ever cried over a Black man or the ones who wondered what was going on with their man, I confronted the very issues that many try to express, but sometimes, just can’t find the words.

The most powerful thing a man can do is to read. Knowledge is power.

Brothers who love their women, will devour this message.

It is a page-turner. People will be talking about this book.

*Get your copy while supplies are available. There has been high demand for this book upon review. It is already being compared to such classics as, The Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison, The Autobiography of Malcolm X, Makes Me Wanna Holler by Nate McCall, and such urban classics as The Coldest Winter Ever by Sistah Souljah.

This is the best present a Black woman can give to the man she loves. It is the best gift to receive for the Black man who loves himself.

Merry Christmas!!!

Available December 24, 2011 on Amazon.com or Createspace.com/3739335.