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4 Reasons Why “Love & Hip Hop: Miami” Star Amara La Negra is Very Necessary for the Culture

Amara La Negra, Dominican-American singer and star of “Love & Hip Hop: Miami,” is very necessary for the culture. There is a lot as creators can learn from her and the growing dialogue around the episode on “Love & Hip Hop Miami” where she meets with Young Hollywood.

Just Incase You Missed it! #LHHMIA #LHHMIAMI On @vh1 every Monday Night!

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She is yet another talented singer and performer, in a history of battling for representation for people of color in the entertainment industry, to be met with people like Young Hollywood telling her she has to conform in order to be successful.  Afro-Latinas, particularly Afro-Latinas of darker complexions are not prevalent in main stream media or entertainment and as we know this is not something new. However, in a situation like this what will prevail over this type of adversity, in addition to talent, is self-confidence and an unbreakable vision.

“Celia” by Andres Alvarez 5 x 9 ft, acrylic on canvas

Singers such as the legendary Celia Cruz and Elza Soares blew up and reigned in an era of racial segregation and these legendary women’s complexions isn’t as dark as Amara La Negra. There are a lot of things that we can learn from Amara La Negra and the company of legends she finds her self in.

Here are 4 things we can all learn from Amara Le Negra that makes her necessary for the culture:

Elsa Soares, photograph by Salvador Cordaro for Giz Magazine
Elsa Soares, photograph by Salvador Cordaro for Giz Magazine

 

1.Take who you are and what you do serious, if you don’t neither will they

Amara wants to be taken seriously as an artist, but specifically as an Afro-Latina artist because it is who she is and that means more. Who she is means more for the girls and women who look like her. Latina or not she represents little girls like her when she was young looking up to Celia Cruz. Being who you are with no filter shouldn’t be up for debate for an artist that has been doing her thing already. To Young Hollywood, she got this far with her afro.

Amara La Negra instagram post with Celia Cruz as a young girl

2. Keep Pushing towards you’re vision, No Matter What!

Yes, you must be strong to keep pushing, stand for something  and show integrity as Amara did and is doing.  This is a reality that we the people needed to see! Amara Le Negra has been clear about those two things, she is beautiful as an Afro-Latina and accomplishing her goal of crossing over into the U.S market.

Amara Le Negra photographyed by Joey Rosado of Island Boi Photography

3. Take pride in who you are

Amara Le Negra knows that she is representing more than just herself where ever her career goes and I think that is her driving force. She brings with her the sacrifices her mother made for her throughout her career, the Dominican people,  Latins and the many young talented girls fighting for their dreams as well. They will be there to celebrate in her success as well.

 

Pt.2 Love and Hip Hop Miami #LHHMIA #LHHMIAMI #AMARALANEGRA

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4. Be undeniable

Like Celia Cruz and Elza Soares, Amara is an amazing singer and performer. I had the privilege of seeing her perform live at Afro-Latino Fest NYC last year in Brooklyn, NY. This is where she announced that she would be in “Love and Hip Hop Miami.”

Sis, she is captivating. She killed it. That performance that night…I didn’t know the words or who she was at the time, but that night I became fan. So much so, that I stalked her after the performance to snap a photo with her and she was so gracious. (Side note: Security wasn’t trying to let me have my photo, but she made it happen.)

I kept thinking to myself she is the Dominican Beyonce. She just has an energy that is undeniable. Amara Le Negra was meant to be a star.

 

How do you become undeniable? it’s hard work, takes persistence and having a clear vision.

Amara Le Negra photographyed by Joey Rosado of Island Boi Photography

Authenticity is the new black

Young Hollywood is obviously stuck in a bumble because Amara Le Negra’s look is what’s popping right now. Women, but particularly women of color are no long with the bullshit. The growing trend are beauty products and shows catering to women who are naturally themselves, proud of their complexions and many with kinky or curly hair.  Hence successful series, such as Spike Lee’s “She’s Gotta have it” and Issa Rae’s “Insecure,” At the end of the day it’s really about being yourself and being able to celebrate who you are.

Amara’s timing is perfect for the U.S  market

Basically, the way she looks is exactly what the people want. It’s time the dark-skin women get more love in the entertainment industry.

Closing Remarks

Moral of the story just be you, but also be undeniable and persistent. The world will bend to your authenticity. When  you bend, you suffer and the people who could have benefited from your true essence will have to find inspiration elsewhere. It’s never only about you, who we are has a rippling effect. Imagine if Celia Cruz or Elza Soraes gave up, they wouldn’t have been around to inspire young Amara La Negra to see and know that it is possible for her to be a success as la negra.

I am so happy to have had the pleasure of meeting an Afro-Latina Queen Amara La Negra. She is a sweet, beautiful and very captivating soul who deserves all of the success and acclaim coming her way, not only because of her fight to be her, but she is an inspiration for those of us who are striving to do what she’s doing and that’s making an impact with what she loves and is called to do. #justdekit #beacreator

 

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"I Was Here" artwork by Stephanie Harris Dekit

How Having a Clear Vision Can Turn Your Year into a Masterpiece

Taraji B. Henson

It’s going to take vision to make 2018 a masterpiece

Not all of us are you walking in to 2018 like Taraji P.Henson–armed and ready. Most of us want to live a life of purpose, own your influence and amplify your impact, but haven’t sat down to do the work.  If this describes you, do not stress. Most masterpieces do not happen overnight, but the do require a vision.

First things First

How’s your vision? Is it clear? Meaning are you focused on realizing something specific with a specific vision for yourself?  In other words, have you identified your goals or dreams? You are going to need to sit down and think on it in order to make moves most effective.

Your vision is like your google map. Instead of passing streets, avenues and storefronts you are checking off daily task, hitting milestones and experiencing growth as you travel closer to your destination. The journey to realizing your vision.

 

Vision Board Puzzle #justdekit

How do you I get 20/20 vision?

Ask yourself, what is the big picture for my life? What are the different parts to your vision? From there prioritize and then choose an area of focus. Attacking an area of your vision at time makes the big picture more manageable. Once you get one thing done, all you have to do move to the next. Repeat this process until you have created your masterpiece. As far as time frame per goal, I suggest breaking it down quarterly. So every three months it’s like a new year for you!

Executing your vision is like painting a portrait

Having a vision and manifesting that vision is like painting a portrait. The end goal is to have this amazing painting that represents your progress, your style and your voice in the world. Each piece is an extension of you to be sent out in to the world for people to experience. They can hate it, like it or love it, either way keep creating. What you create leaves a mark in the world.

 

"I Was Here" artwork by Stephanie Harris Dekit

Know your why, sis!

Why is your goal important to you? What purpose does it serve? Why do you have to paint this particular masterpiece? These questions make things real. Knowing why realizing your vision is a must for you is necessary. It can get you through the days when you want to give up or loose sight of your purpose. But it usually, boils down to a certain level of domain over your life and or the lives of people you love and care about.

It definitely helps to have a personal mantra, a tribe and good self-care routine to help you to refocus along the way.

Closing remarks

Yes, before you get there, there are several necessary steps that you need to take especially, if you are just learning how to paint.

What is your vision?

Is it clear?

Have you prioritized the parts of your vision?

What are you doing daily on your road to get to your complete manifested vision?

What’s your why? What’s motivating you

With that hard-work, patience and focus you will have your masterpiece and in the process you will become a masterpiece as well. #justdekit

Also, please know I am also a work in progress. This year I will take you all along this journey of realizing my goals, dreams and purpose.

It is my belief that the potential of humanity exist within the visions of creators. One cannot live without the other! So, I encourage you to go after it, sis. #justdekit #beacreator

Stephanie

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Artwork by Blake @blakesart

Issa Rae is Right, New York’s Creator Tribes are Not More Valid than Where I Stay

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​My experience last night gave me another perspective on what Issa Rae said about “networking across,” vs. networking up. It also applies if you don’t live in or near a city like New York. Not all of us do and yes, the internet has made that less of an issue, but what takes it to the next level are the creatives who build  on or create their own vibes and tribe in their local city.

 

Issa Rae portrait by William Blake via Instagram @blakesart

 

Last night, I met an amazing woman creator, who goes by Mufasa, surrounded by amazing people at the launch of her new podcast The Lionz Den, bringing it like New York in Bridgeport, CT. It was there that I found a tribe and that New York vibe closer to home. Sometimes your tribe is closer than you think and sometimes there are people waiting for you to create a platform to come together right where you are.

 

Mufasa Bastet at The Lionz Den Bridgeport CT
Mufasa Bastet@mufsabastet at The Lionz Den Photography by Stephanie Harris

 

Connecticut vs New York, and…so?

I live in southern Connecticut; aka Fairfield County and I literally have the privilege of taking a forty-five-minute train in to New York City, of which I take full advantage of.

I am the CT head that goes to Harlem, Brooklyn and Queens for the arts and culture (food!), to find inspiration and reclaim that motivation to keep pushing towards my dreams. It’s that real for me.

New York energy is unique

Anyone who moves to New York or just travels there you know what I am talking about. The energy, it is in the air the moment you arrive and when you get to vibe with people there you have no choice but to be inspired. Everyone is grinding, everyone has a hustle and often you find people living on their own terms as creative entrepreneurs.  Now I know that what I describe isn’t exclusive to New York (and not the only vibe there either) but, this is just where I have habitually gone to meet other creators and vibe with like minded souls.

The Lionz Den on the map

At The Lionz Den launch event, I thankful had the opportunity to experience that same vibe in Bridgeport, CT. Now to be frank, I knew and know Bridgeport has a popping art cultural scene. In comparison to my city they really have a vibrant community of artist, but when I think about the history, opportunities and the vibes I’ve experience in New York, it’s just not on the forefront of my mind.

Mufasa is also a creative that travels to New York and meets other dope creatives. In fact, she  had a few artist come through to add to the vibes.

Marcus Jade

Marcus Jade at The Lion's Den Bridgeport CT
Marcus Jade @marcusjademusic Photography by Stephanie Harris

 

Indigo General

Indigo General @indigogeneral Photograph by Stephanie Harris

 

Travis Little

Travis Little at The Lion's Den Brigeport CTTravis Little @travislittlenyc Photograph by Stephanie Harris

 

With New York in the building, it was absolutely a space that also acknowledged and brought light to the dope creatives in Bridgeport, CT.

Phenix

Phenix at The Lion's Den Brigeport CT
Phenix @phenixtheartist Photograph by Stephanie Harris

 

Marty

Marriell "Marty" Watson at The Lion's Den Bridgeport CTMarriell “Marty” Watson @mar_ri_ell   Photograph by Stephanie Harris

 

The reality is it is not New York, but it’s not supposed to be

Now Bridgeport, CT is not like Brooklyn or Harlem. It’s likely that it may never be, in fact it doesn’t have to be, but what it does have is a handful of people like Mufasa who are doing the damn thing, honing their own dope energy and gifts and supporting each other’s creative endeavors. I am so grateful to have experienced and be charged by this energy. By the way, an energy that has been there long before I acknowledged it. I do however think, I witnessed a spark before the glow up and it’s invigorating.

 

The Lion's Den Bridgeport CTPhotograph by Stephanie Harris

 

Closing Remarks

Yes, Issa Rae is right. There are many people who don’t live in major cities like New York, but that shouldn’t stop you from finding or building your tribe. Don’t get me wrong sometimes you have to travel, and that experience gives you the perspective on how it’s done somewhere else but, like going away to school or going to sit at the feet of an elder to learn something, you have the choice to apply what you learn. Sometimes it takes a person to say, ” that’s dope, how can we have that where I live?” And you know what, if you are in a city looking for like minds there’s a chance that there are like minds looking for the same thing. So, #justdekit look for them folks and if you can’t find them create an event like Mufasa’s  for The Lionz Den podcast.

Be a creator, sis!  #justdekit

Stephanie

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How I Almost Didn’t #BLACKANDBASEL for Art Basel Miami

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Stephanie Art Basel 2017

I almost didn’t get to #blackandbasel at Art Basel Miami because this December I traveled to Florida to visit family and more importantly to celebrate my nephews 1st Birthday. However, three years ago, around this sometime, after venturing down to Miami on a solo trip, I had vowed that I would travel to Florida every year in December just for Miami Art Week It was that amazing for me. Last year and this year it was about family, while the thought of going to Art Basel haunted me.

Excuses, visiting family, limited budget

Prior to my trip to Florida, I had mustard up a couple valid excuses as to why I couldn’t or wouldn’t be able to go to Miami and #blackandbasel at Art Basel. Every year that I had gone it had been on a pretty tight budget that I somehow, I made work. This year it was an even tighter budget, I wanted to get my nephew a few things for his birthday and I honestly didn’t plan for Miami.

So, I wasn’t as prepared as I would normally like to be. Having a tight budget makes it very necessary to have things in order, okay. I didn’t know where all the awesome things were taking place. How could I go down there with no plans and no money, right?

JUSTDEKIT

Listen when it is for you, there is always a way! I hung out with my family for about two days. I was playing with my nephew, eating and preparing food and just hanging out, but always thinking about Art Basel. My thoughts were pretty much, “You’re going to come all the way down here and not got to Miami?” and “Damn, I wish I could go to Art Basel.”

I didn’t have the money going down to Florida, but I did get paid Friday. Thursday night I asked my sister if she wanted to go to Miami with me, of course she said no, she didn’t have the money. That night I was thinking I really don’t have the money either, if I go it’s going to be hella tight when I get back home. I went to bed thinking about it and on some level, had convinced myself that I shouldn’t and couldn’t go to Miami.

Mega Bus made this trip possible, lol

Friday morning, I woke up dumb early. It was 6:32 a.m. and I immediately got on the computer to start looking for buses to Miami from Tampa. Lo and behold, there was a 9:00 a.m. Mega Bus  leaving from Tampa to Miami. I quickly started looking for the places to go for Miami Art week. Based on my two previous trips, I knew that I wanted to explore art spaces outside of Miami Beach, I wanted to see more artist of color and women creators. Very quickly I came across, Sugar Magazine’s guide to Art Basel and Miami’s black artscreen and culture  guide

Thanks to the Mega Bus, for $25 I went to Miami. I was going to hit up three area’s South Miami, Wynwood and Little Haiti.

#iknowforgiveness & Wynwood

There is Miami and there is Miami Beach, I’ve grown to love the Miami where the people live. With that said, my first stop was Wynwood. I love Wynwood it is where the mural artist lives and thrives. It’s like going to Never-never land where the kids grew up and became muralist. This is where the art has a heartbeat, it is alive. The colors from all sides of the road is so vibrant, it’s energizing—it’s whimsical.

 

So, I also have a project called I Know Forgiveness. I met several artist and entrepreneurs along my way and you can meet a few of them on Instagram @iknowforgiveness. The I Know Forgiveness Instagram offers me an opportunity to speak to people wherever I travel and build on my photography skills. Like Dekit, it was created out of necessity to address and improve my quality of life. The hope is that by sharing  my experience it will in someway improve other people’s quality of life.

Fair Market’s All Women exhibit with Taja Lindley, Tatyana Fazlalizadeh & Juan Valdes

From the Sugar Magazine guide, I found myself on Instagram following the #blackandbasel and came across Taja Lindley’s  Instagram photo of her standing in front of her work at the Fair Market  show. After visiting her website, I had to check her work out in person, plus the Fair Market exhibit solely featured women creators.

Taja Lindley instagram post Art Basel Miami

When I got there, Taja’s work not only made a huge statement at the entrance of the space, but it was  also side by side the legendary Guerrilla Girls. The entrance of the wall was covered with black plastic garbage bags, with the names of unarmed black men and women killed by police  following the statement, “RE-MEMBERING IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE LIVING.”

“Because black lives get treated as disposable, I’m specifically concerned about who gets remembered and who doesn’t and making an insertion in our collective and cultural memory about the people that we’ve lost,” said Lindley about her work.

Taja Lindley 's This Ain’t a Eulogy: A Ritual for Re-Membering (2017) at Fair. Photo by Stephanie Harris
Taja Lindley ‘s installation This Ain’t a Eulogy: A Ritual for Re-Membering (2017) at Fair. Photo by Stephanie Harris

 

Tatyana Fazlalizadeh’s work was also in the building! Fair Apparel. featured her “Not Going Anywhere” &  “Stop Telling Women to Smile” t-shirt. Tatyanna is most know for her “Stop Telling Women to Smile” campaign. She also is the artist/art consultant who painted Nola Darling’s paintings shown in  Spike Lee’s “She’s Gotta Have it” on Netflix.

 

Tatyana Fazlalizadeh's T-shirt at Fair "Not Going Anywhere." Photo by Stephanie Harris
Tatyana Fazlalizadeh’s T-shirt “Not Going Anywhere” at Fair. Photo by Stephanie Harris

 

I was a little disappointed, I didn’t get the chance to meet Taja or Tatyana in person, but not to worry they both live in NY. So you know Taja and Tatyanna we’ll just have to make that meeting happen up here on the east coast!

 

Juan Valdes's colored china rags at Fair. Photo by Stephanie Harris
Juan Valdes’colored china rags at Fair. Photo by Stephanie Harris

Afro-Cuban Miami based artist Juana Valedes’ ceramic “Colored China Rags I (La botaron como un trapo viejo)” of varying skin toned porcelain is, to sum it up in one word, deep. Fine china or porcelain is usually snow white and valued as so, so the varying skin tones introduces another interpretation of societies value of colored people, but particularly women. Historically, there’s a lot of symbolism with the rag as it relates to women. Valedes, originally titled the ceramic rags “La botaron como un trapo viejo ” and this translates to “They threw it away like an old rag.”

I really love work that has interwoven concepts and components because it is like discovering hidden treasures for me. The best way I can describe it is, it’s like going down a rabbit hole. With Valdes’ work on site you think you know what it means, but then when you find out what it’s made of it takes it to another level. Then when you know the history behind that material it takes it to another level. Like the art is communicating so much history and it’s existences interlaces humanity.

Little Haiti, Muce & Stacy Icke

After hanging with the ladies, I went over to Little Haiti for the Now or Never Hip Hop Art Fair, produced by Muce.  It was held in the Little Haiti Cultural Complex Center. There were artist from all over the world feature. However, my favorite pieces were by Terrence Vann and Brenda Presil. Check out the complete list of artists here.

Terrence Vann

Terrance Van painting "Building" at Now or Neverland Hip Hop Fair. Photo by Stephanie Harris
Terrance Van painting “Building” at Now or Neverland Hip Hop Fair. Photo by Stephanie Harris

 

Brenda Presil

Brenda Presil's potrait of Ice "Billion" Berg at Now or Neverland Hip Hop Art Fair. Photo by Stephanie Harris
Brenda Presil’s potrait of Ice “Billion” Berg at Now or Neverland Hip Hop Art Fair. Photo by Stephanie Harris

What I didn’t know was that there was a keynote speaker in the auditorium.  I walked in the auditrim not know who was speaking or what the talk was about. I quickly found out  the keynote speaker was Stacy Icke and this chic real talking sis had a remarkable story about how she met Oprah and how how she ended up with a show on OWN. Well I didn’t know who she was, but I blown away and I’m so glad I stumbled across her talk. Here’s a little clip.

Back at Wynwood

Okay, I ended the night in Wynwood at the Wynwood Yard. I was so hungry needed to charge my phone and wanted a drink. I was able to get some  vegan Mexican food, charge my phone and a $13 watered down gin and tonic. It was a chill ending to my day in Miami. I met some cool people who kept me company until they had to leave. Finally, at around 4:30 am I went back to the bus station, caught up on some sleep and at around 6:00 a.m. found myself back on the Mega Bus to Tampa.

Closing Remarks

Ladies, #justdekit! That’s the moral of the story. I am so grateful for my impromptu 1-day trip to Miami for Art Basel/Miami Art Week. I wouldn’t have been happy with not going. There were a lot of shows and events that I didn’t get to see, but I’m satisfied with the experience and the people I had the opportunity to meet. I went to each place I planned to with the criteria I set out with and on a very tight budget, lol. fter this experience, and as I’ve learned from many prior, #justdekit go for it and if it’s for you, the universe will respond with all on deck  to help make it happen.

Be a creator, sis #justdekit

Stephanie

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Be Strong artwork by Tiffany Glenn

Tiffani Glenn’s Artwork Shows Black Women’s Character

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Be Strong artwork by Tiffany Glenn

Meet creator Tiffani Glenn who is a mother, a wife and an amazing artist, capturing the energy and range of black women of different walks of life. We got an exlcusive interview with Mrs. Glenn. She answered our questions on her artwork, the things that inspire her and the stories she likes to share through her work.

First tell me about yourself. ( city,state, age, favorite vegetable,  top 3 songs from your playlist)

My name is Tiffani Glenn  and I am an artist born and raised in Tampa, FL. I’m 32 years old, and married with two children. An 11 year old son and a 4 year old girl.

My favorite vegetable is broccoli. 

The top 3 songs on my playlist at the moment are Set You Free by Bryson Tiller, Sky Walker by Miguel, and Lust by Kendrick Lamar.

Why do you paint? Where does your passion for painting come from?

I paint because I love the creative process behind mixing and blending colors and how it all just eventually comes together to create something beautiful. My passion from painting comes from being an avid art lover all my life and from being inspired by other painters that I admire.

Being an artist also allows me to share my vision with the world and hopefully inspire others.

When did you know you were an artist? What does that mean to you? 

I’ve known I was an artist since I was a small child. Probably between ages 5 and 6. I would draw on anything I could such as cardboard, shoeboxes, even the walls lol. Being an artist to me means a way of expressing myself and the ideas that are in my head. Being an artist also allows me to share my vision with the world and hopefully inspire others. Most importantly it means I’m not afraid to be creative!

 

Be Fearless by Tiffany Glenn

How do you choose your subjects? Tell me about your most recent painting.

Most of my subjects are African American women. I love to draw them with a look of confidence. I enjoy drawing them with a caricatured or stylized feel. I feel this allows me to have fun while painting them. In most of my paintings I intentionally emphasize many of the physical features that we are sometimes criticized for. These are features that embody the black woman such as full lips, kinky/curly hair, or wide hips. I include these features because they are features we should love and embrace. I don’t always have an idea of what my piece is going to look like, often times I just pick up the canvas and start drawing. However, I do always aim for my pieces to have a fun, sassy feel to them with bold colors.

My most recent painting called “Be Fearless” features a woman wearing her natural hair in an Afro. She is standing with her arms behind her back and  one leg crossed over the other wearing a white crop top that reads “fearless”. Her large golden hoop earrings with a flannel shirt tied around her waist were added to give her a sense of style and swag.  I don’t often paint many background details in my piece because I want the focus to be on the character I paint. I love to include details that can represent the African American culture in some way.

Is there an artist your admire or is inspired by?

I am a huge fan of artist Ernie Barnes. His work is phenomenal!  It is also very animated and fun, often featuring characters with exaggerated features such as long arms and legs. I love the way he would overemphasize certain physical features while creating work that represented the African American culture.

What kind of stories do you look to tell with your work?

I want women and young girls to be able to look at my paintings and see a piece of themselves. I want them to know that there is nothing wrong with the texture or curliness of their hair or the fullness of  their lips. Just as they can look at my paintings and see women who look confident and beautiful I want to ensure them that they can look at themselves and see the same thing and embrace who they are.

Name an important quality you’ve learned about yourself through your creative journey

Through my creative journey I have learned that I am not a quitter. Meaning that throughout my journey I have had times when I felt like giving up at being an artist. There have been times where I have been tempted to compare my work to that of another artist and felt like my art wasn’t “good enough”. However, there was always something in me that made me keep picking up the paint brush and doing it again. Perhaps just my love for art. I am determined to show other artists, especially black women that through determination and hard work you can create your own journey and path that will inspire others to keep going also. Keep your focus and NEVER compare yourself to anyone else. Everyone’s journey is special and unique.

Lock and Key by TiffanI Glenn

What is/was the most difficult skill or technique for you to master? How did you overcome it? 

One of the most difficult techniques I’ve had to master is shading. Because of my background in animation it was always natural for me to draw things very flat and 2 dimensional (like cartoon characters). When I first started, most, if not all of my paintings were very flat and lacking depth. However, because I knew I wanted my pieces to have more depth to them I practiced more shading techniques in each painting I did. I improved by using real life references to work from and also studying the art of other artist who had already mastered the technique of shading. I still won’t say I’m a master but my skills have improved tremendously over the years. Practice always makes perfect!

How did you develop your style?

As mentioned above I studied animation in college so my drawing style has always had more of a stylized approach. Anytime I would try and draw things that looked realistic I would find myself getting bored with it. Drawing with a more animated style allowed me to be more creative and feel like I didn’t have to follow any rules. This is why my style has an animated feel behind it and why you may see exaggerated features on my characters.

Is there a difference between Love & Hip Hop women we love to hate or hate to love and the women you capture in your paintings? 

Lol. I try to capture images of women that everyone can love. I want them to represent positivity and confidence for Black women and girls. However,  I do think they are stylish  and beautiful like many of the women on Love & Hip Hop.

To see more of Tiffani’s work follow her on instagram @artbytiffanig

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Spike Lee’s “She’s Gotta Have it,” We Gotta Have A Season 2 of Nola Darling

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Can I tell you how much I enjoyed Spike Lee’s  remake of “She’s Gotta Have it,” showing on Netflix? I watched it in one sitting, despite having tons of other things I should have been doing. Nola Darling played by Dewanda Wise is my new favorite person, hands down! If you haven’t seen it, find it on Netflix and make it a fun day Sunday.  Let me tell you what I love about it, the few things that had my head titled and some takeaways.

First, the  4 things that had my head tilted

1. The style

The style of the show, which I later found is similar to the movie, was off putting at first. I wasn’t feeling how all the characters spoke to me, the audience. Aside from reality TV, usually there is one character, the lead, speaking to the audience. They all had access to us, even the therapist. However, it grew on me and as a component of the entire creative piece I understand it more after watching the whole season. Basically, everyone in her life thought they knew her and compartmentalized their version of Nola Darling. How true is this in life? Right?

2. Music

At times, the music seemed out of place and random, but what I loved was the display of the single cover and the variety of music. I can tell that it was important that the audience was fed some history, while at times it seemed force fed, I wouldn’t be surprised if it was Spike Lee’s personal playlist of his favorites. There were several songs I remember hearing while growing up. There were many songs that I thought were dope, but the “Set it off” by Strafe, when it came on… I wished it played longer. Sidenote : Listening to “Set it off” as I write this blog post.

3. Random ass dance

Okay, the dance scene wtf was that? Like really? That just looked a hot mess. None of these dudes could really dance and Mars was trying to make it Hip Hop while channeling all the Prince vibes. That was one part I would have dropped or a least made it a much shorter. I didn’t get it and damn sure didn’t like it.  I guess that was as close to a threesome we were going to get. Which I’m glad they didn’t take it there, a threesome would have been cheap, tasteless.

 

4. Remixing of Characters

At first, I was like “Oh, no why is Mars a Puerto Rican dude.” Now, when I watch this series, I hadn’t yet seen the original movie, but I am familiar with Spike Lee and his likeness from “Do the Right Thing.” So I was expecting a skinny little black guy playing the Mars character. Nonetheless, the new Mars is dope. In fact, he killed it.

Anthony Ramos as Mars Blackman vs Spike Lee as Mars Blackman
Anthony Ramos as Mars Blackman vs Spike Lee as Mars Blackman Image source

 

That being said I love Nola Darling!

Nola, played by Dewanda Wise is yet another breath of fresh-air. She is a working artist, strong minded, passionate, and very determined to live life on her own terms. The number one thing I appreciate about this character is her raw authenticity, whether it’s her outburst or her brutal honesty at all times, she doesn’t feel the need to compromise her identity. She exemplifies the black girl magic.

 

DeWanda Wise as Nola Darling. Photo: David Lee/Netflix Image source

The art artwork!! If you didn’t know Nola’s paintings were painted by Brooklyn’s Tatyana Fazlalizadeh.

Rightfully, Nola is not the Issa Rae’s character of “Insecure,” Jessica James of “The Incredible Life of Jessica James” and Samantha White of “Dear White People,” but fundamentally all these women are very much alike, they’re all striving for more in their pursuits, trying to balance relationships, owning their identity and each demonstrate the complexities of being a millennial woman, particularly black women. Like with all of these women, many of us might be privy to know a person like Nola in our lives- hell you might even be her, but we have not seen her on screen.

I also really liked when Nola visited the cemetery. We got visit the grave stones of many great creators, which I didn’t even know or thought was an option. That was so cool.

Take-away

In one episode, Nola takes the blame for graffiti in the neighborhood to protect a member of the community, a homeless veteran, friend and artist. That was hella brave, and or stupid, but also got me thinking about how there are people who stand up for someone or something other than themselves at the expense or determent to their selves. I like that she moved through fear to do what was in her mind the right thing to do and that speaks to her character, the kind of person she is in and something that anyone stifled by fear can learn from. This can be applied to anything in life, but for this site, I would like you to think of it in the context of your art, your business ideas, your goals and dreams.

This series hit on numerous important subjects, art politics, history, male & female dynamics, sexuality, treatment of our vets, our homeless, black men.

For me, obviously, “She’s Gotta Have it” is another win in the genre of content that further champions and caters to the millennial women.  And after watching the original film “She’s got to have it” we can see that Spike Lee was a head of his time with Nola Darling.

 

Let’s just say Ms. Nola is one BOLD chick!  In the end of this season there is a lesson, the over arching message for me is that, the world will bend to your authenticity.

Finally, the message

The final message is real adult communication and that comes from unapologetic authenticity. Living with authenticity means defining and living life on their own terms. So #justdekit dammit!

What did you think about Spike Lee’s remake of his original film “She’s Gotta Have?”

Be a creator,sis #justdekit

Stephanie

 

 

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Meet Stephanie1

How Do You Find Your #BLACKGIRLMAGIC as a Grown Ass Woman?

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As a grown as woman, do you ever find my yourself looking for your #blackgirlmagic? I do. Growing up, the black girl magic hashtag  definitely didn’t exist and particularly, the celebration of our potential and gifts on such a wide scale wasn’t a prominent thing. And when I initially, came to know the black girl magic movement, it was hard for me to not assume that it was of the kids and for the kids, the generation after me. But what I’ve now come to understand is that it is as much of a gift for me as it maybe for the generation of young girls growing up today more aware of their of how awesome they have the right to be. However, for me to come to grips with my own black girl magic, my own potential and gifts I had to become aware of the like girl that still lives me in, the little girl that wanted to be magical, but didn’t know that she was all along.

What is black girl magic?

Black girl magic is feeling empowered and worthy to be present and shine where ever and in whatever way you are compelled to as a black girl and black woman.

As I look back on my youth and maybe some can relate, it wasn’t that I was talented or capable, in fact, I expressed multiple talents, such as writing poetry, stories, drawing, painting and music. It was that in my mind, I wasn’t suppose to shine or shine too bright. I developed an understanding that my role in the world was to dim my light for others to shine. So I grew up with the habit of only sometime letting my light peak. I would create amazing things, but would find any reason to validate why I should retreat and or be satisfied with the least or no recognition for my contributions.

Working in progress

This is something that I still struggle with today. Today, I have a list of blog post titles and ideas that I haven’t drafted. Today, I have several projects that I have not taken steps to develop and bring to fruition. This website was on the back burner for a long time.

As as a creator, a creative mind that doesn’t stop working, having ideas and unfinished work weighs my ass down, it stresses me out and I get to a point where I must release.I’m trying now to have create more balance, really more ways in my life where creating is a full-time thing, with a regular outlet. Mentally, creating and having an outlet makes me a happier person. Right now, I can hear Lil Wayne saying, “let it go, let it go, let it go” from Solange’s song “Mad.”

I think that in the past, those moments when I would let my light peak, so to speak, it was to release more than it was about shining. As a creator it becomes painful to create something and not share it because whatever we create it is meant to be giving to the world. Period. I created Dekit as a means to that end, so that I may have a reason and platform to share what I create, but more importantly to inspire others to be creators and more recently to support other women ( mainly women of color) who might have grown up with the same thinking as I had.

Awareness is KEY

I’m still trying to understand where this mindset came from. I know it has to be a combination of things stemming congruently from history and my upbringing. I do think that I have been trying to avoid being wrong or bad to this imaginary authority that told me I shouldn’t be great and I shouldn’t shine or out shine. However, black girl magic as a mantra and an understanding is that force to break the spell of this imaginary authority.  Simply put, it’s  an awareness that comes in the form of the permission to be great and to live without suppressing who you are and that can be magic if one chooses.

I came across this young girl name, Shasparay Lighteard on Youtube performing her spoken word piece, “Black Girl Magic,” it hit a cord and it sums up the sentiment of the struggle.

To reclaim your #blackgirlmagic it starts with self-awareness. The good and the bad.

So here were go, I am aware that sometimes I shun away from things that are perceived as difficult, things that have a chance of failing or anything that I feel makes me look weak or out of control. I am tackling the victim mentality, which for the record I resent that title, one because it truly exists and two because it has a tendency to be used in away that dis-empowers a person being victimized. Essentially, what I’ve come to understand is that this habit has been about protecting myself.

What do we do? #JUSTDEKIT

But, F that! #JUSTDEKIT, bring on more perceived difficult milestones, failures and feeling vulnerable. Just dekit is meant to emphasize Dekit and most essentially, it is a call to action that was created out of necessity. Just Dekit represents an authenticity and unfiltered presence to be shared with others. I didn’t always feel comfortable to do so. It’s the unapologetic existence that I wanted growing up and even as an adult. No better time than now to #JUSTDEKIT!

If you’re reading this, let’s be accountable for our dreams and #JUSTDEKIT

Stephanie

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Afro-Latino_Crowd-by-Redens-Desrosiers-1-1024x683

5 ways 2017 Afro-Latino Festival in New York Impressed this Newbie

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Afro Latino Fest NYC Crowd photograph by Redens Desrosiers

As a first-time attendee of the Afro-Latino Festival my experience at this year’s fest was such an affirming one.  Day 1 of the fest kicked-off with a series of panel discussions and films at Harlem’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. The second day took it to Brooklyn’s Powerhouse Arena where the music from the diaspora and performances by Nitty Scott, Amara La Negra, Zuzuka Poderosa kept the energy on 1,000!

Powerful, educational, inspiring, soul quenching are just a few words that sum up Afro-Latino Fest. -Stephanie Harris

Here are 5 ways 2017 Afro-Latino Festival impressed this newbie:

  1. The Theme

So, the theme of this year’s festival, “A Tribute to the Women of the Diaspora” gave way to such an empowering experience that included a series of panels, films and booty shaking performances crossing genres and borders. It brings to light how many of us have limited opportunities to be in spaces where we identify as women of the diaspora and be in community with other women who proudly identify as the same. Why is this important? It is important because events such Afro-Latino help to build on the shared history, experience and perseverance of women of the diaspora. Connecting people of a shared history nurtures a necessary synergy that not only helps them to survive, but to thrive.

When we speak of the now global economy, it is not only empowering to acknowledge our shared history, but it also becomes a very necessary frame of mind with unlimited opportunities to be able to compete and thrive in a global economy. We are the global economy.

The theme of this year’s festival was instrumental in shining a light on how women are contributing to the continuation and cultivation of the diasporic people’s story and influence.

  1. The Schomburg Center

As I mentioned , the first day of the festival was held at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem, NY. There is so much history at the Schomburg Center! The ashes of Langston Hughes are in the floor, ladies. It is a resource that I knew nothing about until I attended the Afro-Latino Festival.  Many of the works of black historical leaders, authors, artists from around the world and more are documented and cataloged at the Schomburg Center. As I learn more about the Schomburg Center it is the perfect venue for the Afro-Latino Fest. I am so grateful that it took place there this year and I hope that that partnership continues.

 

  1. The Panel Topics

I was late getting to the Schomburg Center so unfortunately, I missed the first few panel discussions. However, if you didn’t make it or was late as I was you can check out all the panel discussions on the Schomburg Center’s Livestream. There you will find the panels discussion on topics such as, activism, environmental rights, women and entrepreneurship, spirituality, and identity in museum spaces and more from the Schomburg Center.

Even though I arrived there late, it did not take away from the breadth of information and overwhelming sense of community received. I made it to the last two panels “Diaspora and Black Representation in Black Museum Spaces” and “Black Lives Matter in Latin America (Part 3): Diaspora, Spirituality, and the Sacred”

The “Diaspora and Black Representation in Black Museum Spaces,” Curated by Ariana Curtis, Curator for Latino History and Culture at Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, was made up of a panel of inspiring women whose dialogue was so absorbing. Immediately Curtis pointed to the importance of having a conversation around the terms curators use in museum spaces, terms such as Afro-Latino, Black, Diaspora, Afro-Latinidad.

Dr. Irma McClaurin, Founder of The Irma McClaurin Black Feminist Archive shared how she herself had to first identify as a black feminist, understand what that meant and how important that was in moving forward in developing the archive.

  1. The Performances & Music

For many of the culturally informed folk, you’re probably reading this and thinking “Duh!” Well, that’s all good, but I was put on to new music, new artists and a hell of a lot of new dances.

Again, I arrived late on the second day of the festival which took place at the Powerhouse Arena in Brooklyn, NY. As I’m going through the security check, the drums and rhythms of Strings N Skins is pulling me in to a 50 shades of brown energized space. I am surrounded by my beautiful people and amazing music. It is just a huge hug. I love hugs.

Nitty Scott photograph by Priscilla J Gaona

Nitty Scott’s performance blew me away! It’s affirming to watch her perform songs that unapologetically celebrates culture and pussy power! I was crushing on her the whole time. She beautiful, intelligent and driven by purpose. That’s so attractive.

Amara La Negra energy on stage had me thinking to myself, “Why I am just finding out about this negrita!” Another AH-MAAY-ZING performer. She was so lit. I became a fan and even stalked her for a selfie. She announced to the audience that night that she would be part of the cast of Love & Hip Hop Miami. There’s something to look forward to.

In between performances, the DJ puts on Soca music and the place goes mad! The whole place was moving and lining up and jumping. It seemed like the music at this point was cut a little short and quickly change. Maybe they feared someone would get hurt, I don’t know. That sucked I wanted to dance to Soca music for the rest of the night after that teaser.

  1. Hats off to the organizers

The organizers did an outstanding job delivering on an experience that is memorable, educational and entertaining. I for one feel very fortunate to have been able to attend Afro-Latino 2017 Festival. Next year’s festival cannot come soon enough.

 

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Photo: Billboard

Rihanna’s Wild Thoughts or Lack Thereof

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​DJ Khalid’s sampling of “Maria, Maria” for his new track “Wild Thoughts,” featuring Rihanna and Bryson Tiller leaves more to desire. It’s clear that the memorable summer hit song “Maria, Maria” made by Carls Santana, Wyclef and The Product G&B had what “Wild Thoughts” lacks and that’s substance…aka soul.

In addition to Santana’s sultry guitar riff, what makes this song moving and timeless is the way that it paints a picture of young love; not just love, romance and in a way, that can speak to everyone living in place like the Spanish Harlem of that era. It does something else it engages the young people who think about, to take a line from one of the verses, “ways of making it better.”  With all of what’s going on “Maria, Maria” is more relevant today than “Wild Thoughts.”

More on “Wild Thoughts,” not only are the lyrics hyper sexual and unimaginative, but the are so above the surface in comparison to “Maria, Maria” which has dimensions. This is evident even in the way both tracks were mixed. In “Wild Thoughts” Rihanna’s voice is so loud and on top of the music that it doesn’t even sound like she is in the song…her vocals are on top of beat literally. Now you listen to “Maria, Maria” and it takes you away sonically. Everything works together like a delicious gumbo and for my vegetarian/vegan folks that amazing quinoa bowl!

DJ Khalid, Rihanna and Bryson Tiller missed an opportunity with “Wild Thoughts,” to give listeners more than the status quo sex, sex and more sex. News flash for the music industry there are real things going on in the world. The success of albums by Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole tells you that we are also looking for real shit in our music too. Something that the “All Eyes on Me” movie reminded us and that’s why Pac was and is still one of the greatest of all time.

 

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Dekit,LLC is the media company using the power of art and creators to provide content, products and experiences for the millennial women of color who, wants to live a purposeful life, own her influence and amplify her impact. Our vision is to amplify the potential of humanity by economically and creatively supporting the voice of women of color creators.

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