Black Community Empowerment

Ferguson: I am Going To Say What The President Cannot Say

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The events in Ferguson are a reminder that Americans are  deeply divided. Today President Obama had a press conference about the events in Ferguson, but he didn’t say much. Some are hurt or disappointed that his speech about Ferguson is not bold nor directly focused on racial tension in America, but President Obama has good reason not to say much. When President Obama takes sides on racially charged controversies, it causes a massive divide in the United States.

The article by Vox.com called ‘Why Obama won’t give the Ferguson speech his supporters want‘ offers a good explanation for President Obama’s silence. There is a state of emergency in Ferguson but  people shouldn’t only be outraged for a white cop killing a Black man. People should also be outraged for the number of killings within the Black community by Black people.

Be outraged about the killing of 1 Black man. It’s your right but you need to also be outraged about the excessive violence in the Black community and the overall violence in America.

There is no secret. Black life in America is not valued, not by the masses nor by the Black community. Instead of looting and rioting, how can we increase the value of Black life in America? The answer to this question will lower racial tension in America and improve quality of life not just for Black Americans but also all Americans.

I truly believe strong nuclear families, quality education, and entrepreneurship can reduce violence in America, particularly Black violence. In the Black community all three elements are lacking. Strong nuclear families can keep Black youth off the streets and out of trouble. The drug lords wouldn’t be the ones with power. It would be the community village with the power. Quality education could break the chains of poverty-stricken, crime ridden communities. Entrepreneurship could help future generations thrive.

Safe communities; respected communities. Unified communities are powerful communities. If we want to make Black men &  women more valuable to society, we need to play the part. We cannot expect society to value our lives, if we cannot value ourselves or keep up safe communities.

No, Michael Brown did not deserve his untimely death. No youth deserves a violent death in a community they call home. How can we be proud to live in a world where it’s okay to kill and ask questions later? We cannot.

I urge you to take a stand. Stop destroying your communities and say you are doing it for Michael Brown. Build them up. Show society we are valuable because we value ourselves. We need fathers. We need mothers. We need community.

Keep the peace but also voice your opinions and do positive actions in the name of Black youth gone too soon. Standing together is the only way to effectively prove high worth. Don’t take no for an answer. It’s not okay.

We are stronger than oppressive authority and it’s time to prove that with self-respect. Show the world with positive images and positive actions.

Black is valuable.

 

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Black Community Empowerment

Why is Hair such a big deal in the Black Community?

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Beyoncé and Jay Z’s daughter Blue Ivy is a very beautiful child. This week I could only shake my head on the harsh comments people left about this 2-year-old baby over her hair. As a Black woman, I feel disappointed that Black people still judge each other harshly not only by skin complexion, but also hair texture and appearance. There is a real political issue over Black women’s hair. Not having an acceptable natural hair texture can make many women feel insecure. Your hair is too dry. Your hair is too kinky. You don’t have “baby hair”. You don’t have good hair.

Being judged on hair texture and appearance can truly lower a Black woman’s self-esteem. Did you know hair could be such a big deal? It is no surprise there are so many women wearing hair weaves and putting chemicals in their hair to fit a standard of beauty. I like Blue Ivy’s natural hair. Her hair is authentic and refreshing. It inspires me to allow my daughter to wear her hair natural, if I am ever-blessed with a daughter.

I didn’t even embrace my natural hair until I was in college. I am proud to say that I am not afraid to embrace my hair texture. I am not afraid for the man I adore to touch my hair. No permission necessary. Feeling good about yourself is truly the most empowering feeling in the world. Do not let anyone take that empowerment away from you ever. This brings me to a recent discussion about natural hair and the professional career. Will natural locks ever become acceptable in Corporate America? I’ll tell you a story. My younger brother had a perfect afro growing up. It was flawless and people from all walks of life would look at it in admiration wishing they had a fro. He kept it neat and tidy. Then one day he started cutting his hair low and I knew it would never grow quite the same. He told me he cut his hair because he knew it would hold him back from career advancement in corporate America. It was just too ethnic. The same stigma goes for women with natural hair as people love when black women wear their hair straight as it is easy to play in. We don’t discuss that the heat to hair process is extremely damaging to the hair.

As a black woman who embraces natural hair, it feels like total acceptance of self and gives women more confidence because it’s their natural state. Growing up I was scared to wear my hair natural, let alone cut it low. I did both by the age of 20 and have no regrets. Accepting my natural beauty was a breakthrough for me. I urge all women of all ethnicities to accept themselves as is. You’ll be surprised how wonderful life gets when you do. You can learn about the Politics of Black Women’s Hair by reading The Root Issue: The Politics of Black Women’s Hair . Watch the videos below to get an understanding how hair politics negatively impact Black girls and Women. Share your stories on our Fromgirltogirl Facebook page.

Natural hair … or nah?

Natural hair or nah? Professional advice for one of our interns. Weigh in? #naturalhair #yolo #professionalism #bighairdontcare

Posted by WNCT Angela Green on Monday, September 14, 2015

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Black Community Empowerment

How your network creates your net worth

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By Javone Jones

One of the keys to success is having a successful network because “Your Network Creates Your Net Worth.” I’m no expert in this field but I’ve acquired enough knowledge that enables me to share with you invaluable network tips to help you further your career or reassure you’re headed the right direction in your personal & professional development.

There are 3 steps you must follow to build a successful network. You can apply these same principles to your personal relationships:

Step 1: Networking

Networking is the process of finding out one’s profession and exchanging contact information. For example, when a man sees an attractive woman, he approaches her to exchange contact information such as phone numbers.

You can take this same dating approach and use it for professional networking at an event, function, or even out in the streets.

For me I have always networked with performers because I put together showcases and search for talent. My philosophy is to network with as many qualified people as possible because networking helps me find
who is serious about a showcase after the first meet or revealing of a business opportunity. The purpose of networking is to build and add to your network.
Step 2: Build Rapport

Building is the crucial aspect of creating a successful market. After you network with someone/ exchange information, you began to see what the person is really all about and you find out how the person can fit into your market.

Similar to the first date, you find out if the person is serious about business or a BSer. It’s up to you to decide if you have a solid connect or a conflict of interest.

Make sure you ask the right questions to develop a successful network. By asking questions, you drop those that lack the ability to follow through with business ventures.
Step 3: Establish A Business Relationship

Now after you go on a few dates, you should want to start establishing the relationship you want in the long haul.

Is this person a bf/gf relationship, friendship, fling, etc?

Follow this same strategy for building your network. As soon as you can, set up what kind of business relationship you want to have – consumer, client, business partner, or connect. This is very crucial for those who are networking with the opposite sex. I’ve networked with many attractive women and it is easy to find personal attraction, but the focus should always be on growing each of your businesses and personal relationships. When you don’t ask questions early on, it can sometimes hurt your business / relationship. Be on the same page.
Building a successful network isn’t easy by any means but it can guarantee you success. Follow these three steps and you will have a very successful market.

Thank you for being part of our network.

 

To learn more lifestyle tips from great community leaders, Like Fromgirltogirl on Facebook.

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Black Community Empowerment

Living for the City

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Below is my cover to Stevie Wonder’s Living for the City. I absolutely love this song. There’s so much struggle and emotion in the lyrics.

I can just see the mother scrubbing the floors and working so hard to make those floors shine, even if she makes nothing from it.

I can see the young daughter strutting down the street confident,looking clean and pressed even when her circumstance would make most give up.

Just listen to the power in my voice and check out the lyrics to Stevie Wonder’s Living for the City when you get a chance. I hope you enjoy!

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/108408382″ params=”” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

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Black Community Empowerment

Healing Hearts

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After not knowing much about one side of the family, I finally feel some healing. We went to a family function today and it felt good to be welcomed. The family I never knew is loving and religious. They seem to have good souls. I look forward to spending more time with them.

What really touched my soul was my Aunt Tara saying this:

” Booker women are strong women.”

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Black Community Empowerment, Black History, Fromgirltogirl Global world, Fromgirltogirl.com, Politics

Trayvon Martin vs. Black on Black Crime: What is the victimization of black communities?

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Picture by MillionHoodies a movement for justice formed by Daniel Maree ( posters coming soon).

By Briana Booker

For those trying to connect the topic Black on Black violence as a reason for people to not voice their thoughts on the killing of black teen Trayvon Martin, I urge you to sit back and give thought on the reasons why black on black violence occurs and why Trayvon Martin got confronted by George Zimmerman for looking suspicious because he was a black young man. I occasionally check my Facebook feed to see discussion on social and cultural issues. Daniel Maree, political activist/human rights activist, status caught my eye. His status had the following remarks:

People love to talk about black on black crime as if it’s Trayvon Martin vs. Black on Black Crime. As if we have to pick between the two. Ok. Let’s talk about it. Let’s talk about drugs and guns in our inner cities. Let’s talk about how they got there. Let’s talk about Ronald Reagan. Let’s talk about Iran Contra. Let’s talk about poverty. Let’s talk about the victimization of black communities.

These black talking heads should be ashamed of themselves for not making that point. Let’s be honest about the crises that exist in our communities. Let’s not just use them as excuses for not finding justice for Trayvon. #GetSerious #Millionhoodies


I feel passionate about the matter as well. I thank Daniel Maree for speaking up about this matter. It’s time for ‪America‬ to have discussions on the tough topics. ‪Drugs‬ & ‪guns‬ didn’t come to ‪inner cities‬ simply from people in ‪‎poverty‬ being there. Drugs and guns come from people in ‪positions of power‬ whom profit off of the poorest of the poor. The ‪‎education system has failed to teach people why these problems exist or people have failed to listen. Perhaps it’s both.

Poverty isn’t about people ” just not trying hard enough.” Anyone that truly believes that really needs to find sources that teach them why society is the way it is. When people are willing to visit the communities that have been forgotten, that is when we can find solutions together. To empathize with those that suffer, you need the will power to ask tough questions and get out of your comfort zone. We can’t wait for people in positions of power to correct a system that wasn’t made for everyone to succeed or have a good quality of life. We need to set up real ‪family values , we need effective ‪‎business plans, and we need more ‪‎community unity. It’s time to wake up and ‪‎do something. For more of my outlooks on racial issues in America, subscribe to the blog and Like me on Facebook .

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Black Community Empowerment, Black is Beautiful, Career, Dating, Sex, Women Empowerment

Self empowerment: Don’t sell your ass

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By Briana Booker



If I could give any young woman advice, it would be this:

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You never have to cheapen yourself to gain true happiness in life. Don’t ever let anyone or anything make you think differently.

Your most powerful tool in life is your mind. With a positive mindset, you will have positive experiences in life and meet positive people. Sell your mind, not your ass and you’ll go far. Share this advice with other women in your life. It’s time that we take a stand and empower each other.

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Black Community Empowerment, Black History, Black is Beautiful, Briana Booker

Simplify Everything: How to achieve happiness

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Illustration of Jay Bee by Victor Ramos.
Illustration of Jay Bee by Victor Ramos.

It’s official. My brother JB has joined the blogger world. What’s his blog? It’s called Simplify Everything. On the blog JB will take a complex idea, event, situation, anything and present it more simply.
Check out his articles today! Expect big things from him.
While I asked my brother about his new blog, I also asked about his thoughts on the Trayvon Martin case. If you all are not aware, my brother is a black young man. A smart, intelligent and friendly black man. Yes, black men with those traits exist.
Here’s what he had to say:

It’s different in Maryland. Florida is different – their gun laws and laws in general. As a woman, you wouldn’t be seen as a threat. This society has always viewed black men as dangerous, giving them the burden of proving otherwise ( Black men and to some degree Hispanic men now). Asian men aren’t really viewed as physical threat or dangerous. It’s all cultural/social/racial/regional/historical.

My question to all is when will it change? Leave a comment for me on your thoughts or Like us on Facebook.

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Black Community Empowerment, Black History, Briana Booker, Financial investments, Fromgirltogirl Global world, Local Topics

Baltimore Violence: Gimme Shelter

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By Briana Booker



I was born & raised in Baltimore City. People keep asking me what are my thoughts about the gang related outbreak of violence in Baltimore.

I figured there was no better way to go about the answer than my beloved blog.

The wave of violence in Baltimore city is no secret. Black people…White people…the rich…the poor are all concerned.

There have been at least 40 people shot in Baltimore and it’s only the middle of July.

The cops promise citizens that the police force will step up enforcement to protect neighborhoods, but it doesn’t mean much to the people of Baltimore.

The Black Guerrilla family prison gang is retaliating for the Federal government cracking down on their operations.

If you are not familiar with the Black Guerrilla family prison gang, they originated in California prison systems by the Black Panther member George Jackson during the late 1960’s.

The gang ideology focused on Marxist/Maoist/ Leninist philosophies. The primary goal of the Black Guerrilla gang was to eradicate racism, dignify prison life and eventually overthrow the government.

Those that join the Black Guerrilla have a life pledge of allegiance, loyalty to the prison gang.

In a city like Baltimore, the life pledge of loyalty is a major threat to the safety of the community. The streets of Baltimore filled with fatherless homes, low-income families and under-educated citizens.

People in the city either fear the gang, look up to the gang, are part of the gang or never heard of the gang.

The Black Guerrilla has strong ties to street gangs. Right now, an order is placed to kill gang members faulted for the Federal crackdown.

From there, it’s expected that the gangs will go on killing sprees throughout Baltimore city…for the innocent in the community. No one is safe.

This is not the end of the violence – extortion, contract assaults, murder, drug wars ( predominately heroin and marijuana), and human trafficking will all be on the rise. It’s not just a Baltimore concern. It’s a nationwide concern. An International concern.

What do we do about the wave of violence in Baltimore?

The cops want people to speak up in the community, but no one wants to do that. Some of the cops are in on the gang life. One tip could mean you or someone in your family might be dead the next day.

I have spent a great deal of my life in Baltimore. And trust me, it’s been a place I’ve tried to get away from all of my life. I don’t see much opportunity here…especially for people of color that started from the bottom.

The solution I see happening for Baltimore is to bring back the days of community self-empowerment. Where are the Malcolm X leaders? Where are the Martin Luther Kings?

I have always wondered where Black people would be today, if those two men came together to start an uniformed movement to allow Black people to prosper as a whole.

When Black communities gain some level of prosperity in the poorest cities in America…that would honestly be the day Gangs will no longer have the ‘Almighty’ power they have in the community.

It takes people standing up against fear and community division to take on the Gangs of Baltimore and the nation. Gangs divide the community. Gangs take in those that feel they have no home, no love.

This city needs more love, more educated people and more give a fuck.

If I could think of one song to show the wave of violence in Baltimore,it would be the Rolling Stones’ Gimme Shelter.

“The storm[ gang] is threatening my very life today. If I don’t get some shelter, Lord I’m gonna fade away…It’s just a shot away.”


Let’s start today to educate ourselves on the need to work together for our community financial empowerment, spiritual empowerment, political empowerment, and social empowerment.

Take power away from the gangs.

What do you think will reduce the violence in Baltimore city? Leave a comment.


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