Chris Rock's "Good Hair"

This documentary on what Black women think about their hair, how they relate to and style it is way past due, in my opinion. And I'm glad that Chris Rock was able to bring some humor to a subject that could and perhaps should be seriously contemplated. I've been interested in seeing Good Hair since I first heard about it a while ago, but the new, more extensive trailer including celebrity interviews really piqued my interest more in the film.

Are you interested in seeing it?

Fashionista Friday: Rachel Roy

Girls, I am salivating over the style today's fashionista holds. I literally JUST discovered Rachel Roy, an accomplished and ridiculously stylish fashion designer who is also the ex-wife of hip-hop businessman Damon Dash. In my research I learned the she went to Columbia Union College, a Seventh-day Adventist school in Takoma Park, Maryland. I'm an Oakwood University alumna myself, but big ups to SDA schools!

But back to the fashion! Take a look of some of my favorite looks worn by Rachel. What are yours?

Casual but still ultra-femme and cute.

Retro chic! I'm loving it. And check out the shoe game!

Just in case you didn't get a good look!

Lovely color. And y'all know how I love those clean lines!

I have no words.

Looks like Rachel might be back for another installment of Fashionista Friday because this gallery is just the tip of the iceberg. The girl's style goes on for days! Visit her at rachelroy.com and check out an interview with her on Afrobella detailing her forthcoming affordable clothing line at Macy's!

Meagan Good's Beauty Picks

Meagan recently dished her beauty product picks that keep her looking oh-so-youthful and pretty to BeautyBlitz.com. Take a look at the list and tell us what your beauty must-haves are.

Read more at Backstage Beauty Pass!

Black In America 2

Back for its second installment on CNN, "Black in America" gave Americans a more in-depth look into the day-to-day lives and plights of African Americans from health care, to education, to achievements in Hollywood, to rehabilitation back into society-at-large. I love the fact that it highlighted the issues as well as the achievements of Blacks in their respective neighborhoods. It was really moving and it made me proud to see that just a fraction of my people's selfless acts done on behalf the residents of their needy neighborhoods were being televised for the world to see.

What I found most interesting were the highlights on the
Harlem Children's Zone and Project Brotherhood in Chicago.


What did you like or dislike about the special? Was it an improvement from last year's BIA?

School Daze

Well folks, it looks like I may be going back to school a little sooner than planned. As we all know, it's rouuuuuuuuugh out here for everyone and especially undergraduates to get their feet in the door these days. Like I said before, I didn't waste any time once I got home after graduation beefing up my resume and job hunting, but it hasn't been to much avail. I'm doing a bit of freelancing, and for that financial blessing I'm truly grateful, but it's not going to pay any serious bills. No one has really been knocking my door down to have me fill an editorial positon, so it seems like the next best option would be for me to go get that M.S. I'm not really doing it as an all-out backup plan because honestly, I believe my undergrad program ill-prepared me for the magazine world (Thank God for my patient and hands-on editor), and I'd really like to receive some real education in the magazine-writing field. I have a good feeling about this. One, because I'll get to learn how to be better at what I love to do, and two, I've always been good in school so I know I'll succeed. With that said, I'm going to buy a GRE prep book tomorrow. Pray church!

Sanaa Gets Animated

My supposed "twin" Sanaa Lathan is gearing up for the Fall premier of The Cleveland Show which is a spin-off of Family Guy. She's doing the voice over for Cleveland's wife Donna. I'll admit that Family Guy is one of my guilty pleasures outside of the blasphemy, and I'm expecting The Cleveland Show to irreverently follow suit. And who said Black family sitcoms were becoming obsolete?

Fashionista Friday: Byron Lars

Yeah, I know it's been a loooong time since my last Fashionista Friday post, but I wanted to bring you something extra special today. I forgot that I'd done a piece on the fabulous one and only designer Byron Lars for AMBER and I thought that I'd let you share in his genius if you've never heard of him before. His clothes are so classy, chic, and ultra femme. You know how I love clean lines and empire waists;)

Earlier this year, fashion designer Byron Lars made his Rip the Runway debut on BET's fourth annual fashion-meets-music showcase. The style maven, who has had his own line since 1991, and is known for mixing Savile Row-type tailoring with casual gear for women, showcased his fashions alongside fellow designers and newcomers Douglas Says, Johnny Vincent, Akoo, Project Runway finalist Korto, and Monif C. Though the Rip the Runway show may have been many younger viewers' first encounter with him, Lars is no newcomer to the fashion world. Quickly after the launch his own designer label in 1991, when he was named "Rookie of the Year," by WWD, Lars' signature style of edge mixed with "the familiar" caught the eye of major retailers such as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bloomingdale's.

Read the rest of story at AMBERmag.com!

Chrisette Michele is Pretty in Pink

On Wedndesday Chrisette Michele performed her new single “What You Do” on the Wendy Williams Show wearing a bold, hot pink eye shadow and and pale pink gloss on the lips. Want the look? Try M.A.C.’s eyeshadow in “Passionate” and tinted Lipglass in “Steal My Heart.”

Read More at Backstage Beauty Pass.

I Can Do Bad All By Myself

Tyler Perry is doing it again. Yes, his flicks have become a bit predictable and maybe just a teeny bit cheesy, but they're nonetheless enjoyable in my opinion. And I must admit that the cinematography is always great. Plus, Tyler has Taraji Henson (one of my faves) and Mary J. Blige for I Can Do Bad All By Myself to boot! Tired of him or not, Tyler is here to stay. And you have to admit (simply because of box office numbers) that there's something about his films that will keep you going to theaters opening weekend.

I Can Do Bad All By Myself is hitting the big screen this September.

Will you go to see it?

Check Me Out!

Hey Ladies! Yours truly is a contributor on BET.com, so check me out daily on BET.com's Backstage Beauty Pass blog for updates on hair and makeup products, giveaways, celebrities and much more! Don't forget to comment:)

Beauty=Pain?

This beauty article that I found of Brownsista.com really piqued my interest. What are the real reasons we women endure painful "beauty" procedures? Do we do it for ourselves, others, or a little bit of both? I myself do it primarily for me, but I do appreciate the compliments that come as a result of my efforts. To tell the truth though, I don't take part in any painful beauty regimen beside eyebrow waxing, but I'm not giving that up. Unibrows are no-no's.

I know many of you here read the article I wrote a few weeks ago about getting my eyebrows threaded for the first time. To refresh right fast: It hurt, I cried. The end. At the time I wasn’t sure if I would have the procedure done again- but today I decided to give it another try and so far so good. I like the results- though the procedure was just as painful as it was the first time. As a matter of fact, while reclining in the chair and enduring the awful pain, I asked myself why I had chosen to do this again. But not only me- why as women do we endure painful beauty procedures? From waxing to relaxers that actually burn our scalps, as women there seems to be no pain threshold we won’t cross in the name of beauty. But why do we do it? As women do we want to be beautiful for ourselves or do we want to beautiful for men?

As I was standing in my bathroom looking at my newly cropped brows I liked the way they looked. I liked the image I saw looking back at me from the mirror. Something as simple as getting my brows done made me feel good about myself. So I decided for me, the answer is a little bit of both. I want to be beautiful for me- and if men so happen to notice and like what they see as well- then all the better.

But I wanna know what you guys think. Do you beautify yourself for yourself or do you do it to attract men?

Michael Jackson Cover Up?

I came across this YouTube video today and I must admit that it upset my peaceful Sabbath. The video poster who calls himself "The Forerunner777" insists that the papacy took advantage of the media's preoccupation (read: overkill) with MJ's death and funeral so that not many were informed about the G8 meeting taking place on the other side of the world where the Pope was proposing a New World Order be put into action. I was one of the millions of viewers watching MJ's memorial service shedding a few tears even, so upon learning this information I felt just a bit bamboozled that this event had slipped under my radar. I'm SDA so I know about all End Time prophecy and that these things must come to fruition before the Lord returns, but it was kind of unsettling to know that we are actually approaching the eve of the marriage between church and state. I felt kind of weird during the hours following my discovery and I'll admit a bit scared, but then God gently reminded me that there is no need to fear the awesome events that are to come.

The only thing that I should be afraid of is not having that personal relationship with Christ necessary for my meeting Him in peace. I appreciate "The Forerunner" bringing our attention to the occurrence of events as outlined in prophecy, but my only problem with him is that I think his fervor is a bit unsettling. Yes, the gravity of the Great Controversy is immeasurable, but I think his presentation is frightening and that it works more so to instill fear than to bring attention to God's mercy and to encourage repentance during these finals moments of the Judgement . God's Word says though, that He hasn't given us the spirit of fear but of love, power, and of sound mind.

World authorities can do whatever they want--It's in accordance with prophecy anyway, but at the end of the day it's all about an individual's personal relationship with God. We are not to fear what's going on in the world. These things are merely signs that the Lord's coming is more rapidly approaching. The Word says that all who call of the name of the Lord shall be saved. That alone should give us peace and courage to face whatever it is we are to face in the near future.

What do you think about the video?

Say what you want about Michael Jackson, but it's undeniable about the legacy of selflessness he has left. I've always loved Michael, but I'm really inspired especially now to make sure that I leave behind a legacy, an example of purpose, excellence in all things, genuine concern for the plight of others, and of selflessness that can therefore be inspiring to those who succeed me.

Thank you, Michael for using your gift for good. Rest in peace.

Cat Got Your Tongue?

Because I've seen this situation one time too many and have also experienced some level of deception by someone I thought was at least still a friend, this post has become necessary, a Public Service Announcement, if you will. LADIES, if you broke up with your man, but have agreed to remain friends, the safest thing for you to do, considering that you'll probably be the one having the harder time letting go, is to assume that you will NEVER be privy to information about him and another female. The fact of the matter is that when he's done, he's done and that he in no wise feels obligated to even simply inform you about a budding romance with another woman. Regardless of how much he tries to convince you that you two are still friends and about how much your friendship means to him, DO NOT under any circumstances make excuses for his evasive behavior. It's probably best to conclude that the relationship and friendship alike are things of the past. Take note.

I'd be lying if I said that the passing of Michael Jackson hasn't affected me. I really am saddened about his death so much so that I'm not even planning to watch the memorial service airing on TV next Tuesday. I, like millions of others, really liked him and thoroughly enjoyed his music and showmanship. Despite the never-ending scandals surrounding him and the relentless scrutiny of the media, I always thought he was an innocent man, troubled perhaps, but innocent. It's still unbelievable that he's actually gone. I'm waiting for some breaking news headline to pop up saying that the media found him hiding out on some remote, unoccupied tropical island, but I know that won't happen. Anyway, I think the world in general is suffering a huge loss. Because of his far-reaching influence the world is sort of at a stand still right now and I think that the stage has been set a man or woman of God to stand up and direct focus to the Lord during this time when everyone is listening. Michael's death was certainly shocking, but was it untimely? No one's death is truly untimely and now is a time as good as any for people, everyone to realize that it is God who controls the next and last breath we take. It's kind of scary to know that we're not truly in control of our lives, but the very best we can do is to accept God's sovereignty and commit our lives to His will. No one ever thought that Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, would die at the age of 50. He probably thought he would succumb to old age, but that wasn't the plan.

Folks, let's make our peace with God today, right now. It could be our last chance to.

"Death is untimely only to those who are restrained by time."--Miss Major Substance

R.I.P. Michael

I watched Jermaine Jackson's interview with Matt from the "Today Show" this morning and it literally brought tears to my eyes. Listening to Jermaine talk about his grief about Michael's passing reminded me of how I felt when I lost my brother nearly two years ago. Of course, Shannon (my brother) wasn't as nearly as famous as the King of Pop, but he was a decent, upstanding man that took care of business and his family. He was good to everybody. He never forgot a birthday or a graduation. I can slightly relate to the Jackson's pain because Michael wasn't just someone many looked up to, he was family.

Watch the video if you haven't seen it already.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Underrated--Tarsha' McMillan Hamilton

Bet you didn't know Anthony Hamilton was married. If so, I'll bet you didn't know she could sing. And if you may have guessed that, I'll bet you didn't know the sista could BLOW! Because of the work I do with AMBERmag.com I get tons of free books and CD's to review for the site and hers was one of them. After my interview with Anthony, I found out through his publicist that his wife, Tarsha' was also a recording artist. When the album arrived I wasted no time in popping it in to hear what she was all about. I wasn't disappointed. From the very first bar of the first song "Second to Nothing," I was arrested by her rich, contralto tone and churchy attitude. A Christian compilation, The McMillan Story is a soulful project with a dash of funk showcasing Tarsha's impressive range and heartfelt writing ability. Dubbed as "grown folks music" The McMillan Story is a mainstay in the serious listener's CD collection. Story includes a number of memorable songs, my personal favorite being "Determined." If you're looking for inspirational music with incredible vocals, check out The McMillan Story.

Visit tarshamcmillanhamilton.com for more info.

Keep Hope Alive

It looks like another one of our arguably reputable Black publications is biting the dust. Various sources say that the 16-year-old urban-music magazine, which has featured hip-hop and R&B artists from Biggie Smalls to Eminem, has finally succumbed to the economic recession. The folding of Vibe certainly doesn't give aspiring magazine journalists, ie. myself a good feeling about where this industry is going, but all we can do is hold onto our dreams and keep working hard in hopes of reaching people through the written word.