GOOD NEWS

It's always great to hear good news no matter who it's about and today's news was no exception... My usual perusing of websites, top city newspaper sites, etc. brought me across a story that touched my heart at it's core; being from an environment of similar expectations. It was recently announced that Chicago's first all-male, all-African American charter high school Urban Prep Academy for Young Men had reached it's ultimate goal of attaining a 100% college acceptance rate within it's first senior class. Located in Chicago's Englewood section an area known for it's paroxysm and poverty, the outlook on life and it's possibilities don't stretch as far as the next neighborhood in which the schools director knows first hand being a native of the neighborhood and determined to make change.
During the March 5th ceremony of changing the mandatory uniform red school uniform tie to a gold and red stripped one to represent college acceptance a gift was given to these hard-working and well-deserving young men. Making the surprise announcement was Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and city school Chancellor Ron Huberman, granting this special class a free prom! A reward often overshadowed by costly tickets would now be covered, allowing each young man to enjoy the festivities no matter socio-economic stature; all because of hard work!!!!!

Congratulations to the brave Young Men of Urban Prep Academy... you have each defied the first road block! Continue on with determination and faith, letting nothing deter you from success.

♥Love LIVE Life♥
Brooklyn Girl

Wilma Rudolph...BLACK HISTORY To Know

Sorry all for my absence these past few weeks.... But I can't let this Black History Month go by without sharing some African Americans whose lives have influenced my own.




Wilma Rudolph:
Many people know her story but yet and still many don't appreciate the perseverance, dedication and triumph that was her life. From humble beginnings in Tennessee a young Rudolph overcame several illnesses including whoping cough, mealses, chicken pox, scarlet fever and most notably polio. After being labeled disable as a result of the polio Rudolph went on to become a world class athlete in basketball as well as track and field. Making her Olympic debut at the age of 16 and returning at the age of 20 Rudolph became the first American female to capture 3 Olympic medals (100 & 200 meter dashes and 4x100 meter relay)
As a former Collegiate Track and Field athlete Wilma's strong will to overcome all obstacles gave me the motivation to also believe anything was possible.

Blue Michael Cosmetics

All Natural, Vegan, Home-made, Biodegradable... GREEN!!!

All these adjectives describe what may be my one of my favorite products out right now: BLUE MICHAEL COSMETICS. Made right in NYC (Washington Heights to be exact!) this brainchild of renowned makeup artist Blue Michael is ready to take the make-up world by storm. His work has been seen on magazine covers, runways, and television screens all over; now his expertise of what skin really needs has transcended into his own make-up and skin care line.
Still in it's beginning stages, Blue Michael Cosmetics has in my opinion mastered every woman's favorite accessory... LIPGLOSS. My everyday touch of kissable red comes from my own tube of I.U. Kiss. that never leaves my purse. With five available shades (I.U. Kiss, Babygirl, Thea, Na Na & Brown Sugar) every woman is bound to find a tube she loves!

In addition to the amazing lipglosses, Blue Michael offers Body Scrubs, a "Green" T-Shirt and Make-up Services.

As an advocate of Blue's amazing talents I encourage everyone to check his work out! (He created a masterpiece on my face for my birthday, as well as life long tips on our many meeting during "Model City" shoots!)

If you LOVE the earth and LOVE your skin just as much...try BLUE MICHAEL Cosmetics... Once you go Blue you'll never go MAC!

xoxo Brooklyn Girl

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

It's February 1st and that means BLACK HISTORY MONTH. Even though I support the 365 Black History campaign, I still get excited to see the embracing of a culture that I call my own my by mainstream USA. This Black History Month I just wanted to share with everyone a few of my Heroes of Black History...

Josephine Baker-was my all time favorite person to research and no matter how much I know about her I love to learn more! She inspires me, with her courage and ambition to make it big no matter what the odds where!



For the rest of the month I will be sharing with you stories of fabulous Black women and their triumphant stories...

Tragic ending to a Tough Battle

I have been following the story of a magnificent young lady named Jasmine Anema since last year when the story broke of her having a severe and rare type of Leukemia. Since then Celebrities, Politicians and normal people alike have come to the aid of this brave little girl, urging bone marrow donors to come forth. It saddens me to have learned via her twitter page @ONEFORJASMINA, that she has lost her courageous battle.
Please don't let this tragedy go without continued support! Jasmina was able to show the world that courage come in any package big or small and that faith and a smile makes any day brighter. Below are several links that you can go to for further learning on Jasmina and Leukemia...

One For Jasmina: Jasmina's Website

Daily News: Jasmina Anema, brave six-year-old who captured New Yorkers' hearts, loses battle with leukemia

DKMS: World's Largest Bone Marrow Donor Center

My prayers go out to Jasmina's Family, Friends and especially her best friend Isabelle bravely fought this disease with Jasmina.

R.I.P. Teddy Pendegrass

It was recently announced that Soul singer Teddy Pendergrass has passed away following a difficult recovery following colon cancer surgery. Pendergrass rose to fame during the 1970's with hits such as "Love T.K.O.", "When Somebody Loves You Back" & "Close the Door".
Here are is the ABC news story which broke the story.
May he REST in Peace and forever live on through his music!

Prayers Go out to Haiti and it's Citizens

As you all may know Haiti was recently hit by a devastating earthquake causing additional chaos to a country already plagued by poverty and over-population. I am personally sending my prayers out to everyone effected by this disaster. We can all do our part to help the people of Haiti. Before we look to judge please remember that above all the people of Haiti are humans as are we; no matter what their social/economic standings may be! Below are several ways but they don't just stop there stand up people and support the Haitian Community:
* You can text "HAITI" to 90999 to donate $10 (Charged to your phone bill.)

* For the Red Cross relief efforts and/or go to http://www.redcross.org to donate to the International Response Fund.

* Go HERE to donate to UNICEF's Haiti relief fund

* Text "Yele" to 501501 to donate $5 to the Haiti relief efforts (charged to your phone bill.)

* American Airlines is flying doctors and nurses to Haiti for FREE to HELP...Please call 212-697-9767...


Please Keep the Prayers Going! A little bit goes a long way!!!!!