Jessica Ann Mitchell addresses different topics discussed in the documentary Dark Girls.
Author Spotlight: Cherise "Reese" Charleswell
Cherise “Reese” Charleswell is a dynamic, ECLECTIC, self -and- internationally published author, poet/spoken word artist, entrepreneur, activist, bookworm, model, fashionista, penny-pincher, accessories designer, music lover, and sista-friend, host of “Wombanist Views” radio program; who has been described as the “Mad Scientist”, due to her varied interests and passions. She is of West Indian descent, with heritage from numerous Caribbean islands, such as St Thomas, St John, Puerto Rico, Tortola, St Kitts, and Anguilla.
Cherise is also the CEO of Eclectic Life and Liquid Whine Entertainment, as well as the Assistant Director of the Los Angeles Black Book Expo.
She is currently serving as the California State Representative for the National Black Graduate Student Association and the Editorial Intern for the American Public Health Association Student Assembly. She is also a member of the Southern California Public Health Association, National Women’s Studies Association, Society for the Analysis of African American Public Health Issues, California Caribbean Chamber of Commerce, and the Women of Color Research Network. Cherise is also the creator, producer, and co-host of Wombanist Views (www.facebook.com/wombanistviews) , a radio program that focuses on promoting and highlighting the achievements of women in various fields and social sectors.
Cherise has recently published the satirical self-help guide Real Talk TIPS For the Morally-Challenged, Socially Inept, & The People Who Love Them (available at http://www.etsy.com/EclecticLivingOnEtsy) She is also currently working on a book project, The Link Between Food, Culture, & Health Disparities in the African Diaspora.
Zoe Saldana Nina Simone: A Hypocritical Controversy
The controversy from the African American community surrounding Zoe Saldana playing Nina Simone in the upcoming Biopic is warranted, yet a bit hypocritical. Where was this uproar when Kerry Washington was playing Kay Amin or Jennifer Hudson was playing Winnie Mandela? The way in which Hollywood chooses to portray people of African descent is a real issue. But we must view this problem equally when an African American actress is hired to play roles that disenfranchise the upward mobility of African actresses.
Jessica Ann Mitchell is the founder of The National Black Pages & Black Bloggers Connect. She also writes on her personal blog at OurLegaci.com. To reach JAM email her at info@OurLegaci.com.
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The Demise of the Black Television Actress
Maxine Shaw “Attorney At Law”, although my academic leaning would later be geared towards the PreMed track, you could not have told adolescent “me” that I could not be as fly, as funny, and as smart as Erika Alexander’s character on the television series Living Single. Sure, I appreciated the other characters on the show, the loony but lovable Sinclair, the seductive Regaine, and the witty and reliable Khadijah; but I saw myself in the assertive and intelligent Maxine. The magic of Living Single revolved around the fact that the show depicted the different types of Black women in our families and social circles, and not just in their personalities, but also their body types and complexions. I would watch every Thursday night, along with the other shows that made up my “Must See TV” line up: Martin and New York Undercover. Here was a collection of diverse Black women all being shown in a positive manner.
Even before Living Single first premiered, at a younger age, I would watch Claire Huxtable on the Cosby Show, and would marvel 
at how much she looked like my own mother, and was even more amazed by the fact that she carried herself like my mother too. She was educated, intelligent, calm collective, funny, nurturing, but strict! Like my mother, I found Claire Huxtable to be so classy and non-stereotypical. My mother was not the type to roll her eyes, raise her voice, snap her fingers, whip her neck, or use profanity. Like Claire she didn’t have to employ any of those “Angry Black Woman” tactics to be a respected disciplinarian and matriarch.
Then, what about the Spin Off, A Different World, where we were introduced to characters like Julissa, Whitley, Freddy, Denise, Lena James, and Kimberly Reese? Yes, Kim played by Charlene Brown, she was a PreMed major like I wanted to be, and she was the epitome of the statement Black Is Beautiful; with her dark chocolate skin, big eyes, full lips, and shapely hips. I can still remember the episode where those strikingly African features brought her to tears when she had to adorn clothing that reminded her of a “mammy”, only to later peel off those layers and proudly reveal the African beauty that she was.
I reminisce and can’t help but notice that something has happened. Turn on your television and you will have difficulty in finding a Black actress, particularly in a prominent role. You literally have to LOOK for us, and unfortunately when you find us, it will not be in traditional roles or in a positive light. Instead, Black “actresses” and pseudo-celebrities are being casted on surreal “reality” shows shucking for the camera. Gone are the talented and classically trained actresses, they have been replaced by Black women who would rather indulge in stereotypical and derogatory behavior for the world to see. The danger here is that life often imitates fiction (and yes it is fiction, because these shows are highly scripted), and the degenerative behavior will be emulated by viewers; particularly those who are younger and impressionable. Even more problematic is that these images are broadcast around the world, and gives a false view of the American Black woman. It helps to uphold long-standing stereotypes and misconceptions, and even affects the manner in which Black women are treated when they travel abroad.
We can only hope that the pendulum will swing the other way. Perhaps through letter writing campaigns, demands for more inclusive and positive programming, or simply turning the television off. Once again, we can only hope. Maybe the transformation will come about when we begin to pen our own stories and actually support these shows when they air. If not, we will continue to witness the inevitable demise of the Black television actress.
Cherise Charleswell
Eclectic Life Books
September 2012
Cherise Charlseswell is a published author, writer, poet, model, health researcher, contributing writer of Lady Influence; host, producer, & creator of Wombanist Views radio program, creator and lead designer of Eclectic Life, Associate Director of the Los Angeles Black Book Expo, and the California State Representative of the National Black Graduate Student Association. She is currently working on the book projects “The Link Between Food, Culture, & Health in the African Diaspora” and “Walking In The Feminine: A Stepping Into Our Shoes Anthology”.
Awkward Black Girl In Networking
I’m excited every time I learn about a new networking opportunity. I highly anticipate Networking Mixers and Happy Hours. Then the excitement slowly wanes as I remember, “I have to talk to people.” The dreaded talking to people fear is a staple personality trait that my sister, brother and I all possess. My mother recently invited my younger siblings and I to a holiday event. This led to my younger sister and I consoling each other as we both exclaimed, “Oh, God we’re going to have to talk to people.” Its not that we don’t like people. We love meeting new people and learning new things. The problem is we are afraid of exactly what we’re supposed to say.
Ironically, this doesn’t happen to me when I’m doing public speaking or performing. Its those darn personal moments in which people ask standard questions and you are expected to give standard answers. “Yes” “I work at…” “I live in …” “Its been raining at lot lately.” And then what? You’re forced with the dilemma of thinking of something that will either continue the conversation or end it, so that you can return to the safety of your solo corner in the far right of the room. The worst problem is saying the wrong thing. This is the unfortunate moment when your lips form and say the exact opposite of what your brain would have preferred. Its always easier to network online. All you have to do is click a button and abracadabra, you’ve “liked” someone or “joined their network.”. Networking in person is definitely an art. I find that I’m always better at networking in relaxed settings.
Our Legaci Question: How do you feel about networking and what are some of your suggestions for people that are apprehensive about the networking process?
Jessica Ann Mitchell is the founder of The National Black Pages & Black Bloggers Connect. She also writes on her personal blog at OurLegaci.com. To reach JAM email her at info@OurLegaci.com.
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Dealing With Negative Feelings From Black Co-workers
On a recent episode of The Unwritten Rules webseries, the main character Racey deals with negative attitudes of Black co-workers. She was teased for being a “whack” girl; a play on the racial descriptions white and black. The episode quickly became a hot topic of discussion as viewers expressed differing opinions on the subject.
One viewer stated:
I think the episodes are entertaining, but why do middle and upper middle class black people act as though all poor and working class black people are the same, This is just as bad as the white stereotypes they rail against. Many of the most accomplished ‘black” people came from humble beginnings, acting as though the only thing able to make one successful is money and a “white middle class” prospective seems quite ignorant to say the least. (Youtube viewer 9xxxxxxxxx)
A different viewer stated:
Stereotypes or not…there are black ppl who act like the employees downstairs, and there are black people like Racey. There doesn’t seem to be a biracial experience either, it’s just people who “look” the same, but act differently, the same can be said for white people who act like the family on full house or the family on Honey Boo Boo. People are people, they’re gonna act differently. The problem arises when ppl don’t show social ediquette or one group puts another down because of appearance.(Youtube viewer cycarter25)
Our Legaci question: Do you relate to Racey’s experience as the Black employee from “upstairs”? If so, how did you deal with the situation?
Jessica Ann Mitchell has a M.S. in Public Relations and a M.A. in Pan-African Studies. Mitchell specializes in multicultural outreach and communications. She also writes on her personal blog at OurLegaci.com. To reach JAM email her at info@OurLegaci.com.
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Racism Is So Utterly Ridiculous
Racism Is So Utterly Ridiculous By Jessica Ann Mitchell
In less than the span of a month citizens of the U.S.A. have endured multiple deadly public shootings. These horrific acts of violence took the lives of innocent people who were living their daily lives until they ended up in the wrong place at the wrong time. One of the latest massacres occurred in Wisconsin where a gunman with a 9 mm semiautomatic handgun walked into a Sikh Temple on their day of worship and went on a shooting spree, shooting at men, women and children in the congregation. Six people were killed.
The murderer, Wade Michael Page, was a white supremacist that often hung up swastikas and Nazi paraphernalia. Additionally, he spent is days singing about how much he hates non-whites. But low and behold, when the cameras started running and the tv analysts began to talk with “acquaintances” of Page about this brutal murder, what did they say?
“He was a nice guy.” CNN
“He always seemed happy and smiling.” CNN
“What could have made him snap?” CNN
“Police are still looking for a possible motive.”MSNBC
“Hate Rock groups lure in veterans.” MSNBC
I wanted to throw my shoe at the television screen. I was outraged, but not surprised. When an Arab person commits an atrocity like this, before any investigation takes place it is promoted as an act of terrorism. When a Black person is suspected of committing a crime, it is promoted as “Gang” or “Drug” affiliated before any investigation takes place. But when a white male goes on a shooting spree for the world to see, people somehow find a way to say something good about him. The newscasters stumble upon their words and can hardly bring themselves to say what is the glaring truth to the rest of us. He Was A Terrorist. This Is An Act of Terrorism.
They even went as far as trying to break down his mental state. MSNBC brought on a former hate group member that started saying he joined a hate group because of his sad childhood. That’s when I really had enough. So now they’re making excuses for a murderer. Not just any murderer, but a known white supremacist. He was so well known that civil rights organization, Southern Poverty Law Center had been tracking him for over ten years. But were the police tracking him? No. The B.S. that he might have been lured in because of his rough past is overwhelming.
If so called Muslim Terrorists and Black Criminals do not get this same “psycho” analysis, why are they doing it for this bottom barrel hideous murderer, Wade Michael Page? I’ll tell you why. It is because America still refuses to believe that white men are capable of acts of terrorism. They don’t want to believe it because it would force them to be held accountable. It would also force America to come to grips with the overwhelming truth. Criminal behavior is not racially based. The fact that people of color have been arrested for crimes means nothing because the police are not stalking and paying the same amount of attention to white communities. Thus, we have this current situation where Wade Michael Page can be a member of a hate group, openly sing hateful lyrics, express his deep disdain for anyone non-white to hate group scholars and is still free to roam free with no surveillance murdering 6 innocent people. And they are still “looking” for a motive.
Racism is so utterly ridiculous.
Jessica Ann Mitchell has a M.S. in Public Relations and a M.A. in Pan-African Studies. Mitchell specializes in multicultural outreach and communications. She also writes on her personal blog at OurLegaci.com. To reach JAM email her at info@OurLegaci.com.
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The Worst Day Of Your Life Might Be The Best Day Of Your Life
We all go through days that seem to take all of our strength to get through. Sometimes, we have experiences that are life changing and we don’t know how or why it’s happening to us. My grandmother experienced this over 50 years ago. As a young wife and mother, Mrs. Hattie Virginia Jones decided to start working to bring in some extra income. At the time, my grandfather was the sole family provider. They had a house full of children and were living on limited funds. The extra income from my grandmother working was helpful. She enjoyed being able to buy her children extra Christmas presents.
However, they were living in government housing aka “the projects.” Due to her additional income, however minimal it was, authorities said she was making too much to continue living there. My struggling grandparents, with a house full of children, were kicked out and forced to pack up everything. Some would expect my grandmother to be bitter about this situation. But instead, decades later, she used it as a testimony. She said,”The day they kicked us out of the projects, I thought it was the worst day of my life. But now I’m glad. Because if I was never kicked out, I never would have bought a house.” Years later she bought a second house.
Someone told this story as one of her many testimonies at her funeral this past March. The house that my grandparents bought is full of memories from my mother’s childhood and my childhood. I picked plums off the trees in the back yard. I slept beside my cousins and shared peanut butter syrup sandwiches. Even as a college student, on summer breaks I’d go to grandmother’s house and sleep beside her like a little child. And even as she lay taking her last breaths, that house is where her children gathered to sing hymnals, pray, and hold her hand as she went home to be with God.
When my grandparents were kicked out of the projects, my grandmother didn’t know what was in store for her. She didn’t see the treasure and foundation that she was about to create. She thought it was the worst day of her life. It turned out to be the beginning of a long loving, memory filled journey that impacted the lives of all the generations she nurtured. When she died, her legacy was continued through her 6 children, 14 grandchildren, 12 great grand children and one great great grand child. Every one of us spent our childhood in the house she never would have bought, if she hadn’t been kicked out of the projects.
The worst day of your life, might be the best day of your life.
Jessica Ann Mitchell is the founder of OurLegaci.com & BlackBloggersConnect.com. To reach JAM, email her at OurLegaci@gmail.com.
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Still Haven’t Been Able to Pass that Darn Paper Bag Test
By Khristi L. Adams
Spekulator -BSK
Colorism rears its ugly head again. Twice in one week has the issue (and yes, I dare say, issue) of color complexion among African Americans come up in conversation. The first time was in reference to an old article that some very witty young writer wrote asking the question, “Why Does Alicia Get a Pass and Fantasia Doesn’t?” She was questioning the publics scrutiny of Fantasia’s alleged infidelity and Alicia Keys who, prior to marrying Swiss Beats, was in the same position but to many it seemed…cute. She dared pose the question, “Is there a color complex at play in this infidelity circle?” Alicia and Swiss are superstars. Who was Antwan Cook anyway but a tatoo on Fantasia’s body?
Color complexion discrimination was the furthest thing on people’s minds because we’re supposed to be PAST that! Well, after putting it out of my mind a bit, while having a conversation with an old friend, he mentioned to me that he knew a gorgeous actor in the media that most women have been gawking over since his on screen debut a few years ago. And when I playfully asked him to “hook me up” he simply (and without effort) responded, “Well you’re not really his type. He likes the light brights.” So I stopped for a minute and thought to myself, “Wouldn’t you know, I still can’t pass that darn paper bag test.”
Just as Michael Eric Dyson has asserted that racism is intrinsically located within the DNA of America, I say, that complexion discrimination is intrinsically located within the DNA of Black America. (and America in general of course) Light skin, in. Dark skin, out. And in some cases it’s vice versa. There has been someone who has looked at someone with lighter skin and thought, “Now she think she better than er’eybody.” And like racism, we need to stop pretending like it doesn’t exist within our subconscious.
In the book The Color Complex, the authors write, “Most Blacks are careful about letting Whites in on their dirty little secret.” Yep folks…while we’re crying racism on every corner of the American Flag, this reality is our dirty little secret. Of course brought on by racism, but nonetheless an issue that has historically pervaded our culture. And yes…it shows up in the media too. Look at how Usher’s ex-wife was vilified. Don’t tell me it was because she was a “bad person.” I can count the number of times on my hands people kept pushing the “she’s not cute enough for him button.” And Loreal’s convenient lightening of Beyonce’s skin for their magazine ads. I think they even got sued for that one.
I’ve gotten comments as bad as people wanting me to “get with” a light skinned brotha so that we could have cute kids…anything so that the kids aren’t dark. God forbid! Don’t get me wrong, I know i’m cute. Maybe not to everybody, but there is somebody out there who thinks my skin is my greatest asset…me being the first one because it always starts with you. For 30 years i’ve had to be the “cute dark skinned girl” representing on behalf of underprivileged other dark skinned girls without those features that were identifiably able to be exchanged for their darker skin. It took me a really long time to look at black and see beautiful….to look at Dark chocolate and appreciate its beauty and milk chocolate and appreciate its beauty too and vanilla chocolate and appreciate its beauty three. I get that people have their preferences in beauty and look, but must we still limit it to such disdain for ones skin complexion?
Twitter: @KhristiLauren
Blog: www.48ways2spellkhristi.blogspot.com
“48 Ways to Spell Khristi is a smorgasbord of reflections on faith, beauty, relationships, pop culture and other thoughts that go through the head and heart of this newly turned 30 year old single woman.”
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Black Author Spotlight: Nina Brewton
Nina Brewton is a minister, speaker and vocalist who describes herself as “a writer who speaks and a speaker who sings,” using poetry, prose and song to motivate the masses. Nina aka the Bald Head Queen recently released her first book, a memoir titled “Dramas of a Bald Head Queen,” which is currently available at Amazon.com and indiebound.org. The native of Wichita now makes her home in Hampton, Virginia with her husband Raphael. Keep up with her on Facebook, Twitter and at www.baldheadqueen.com.
Learn about Nina’s work:
‘Dramas of a Bald Head Queen’ is a memoir that takes a look at the girl I was and the woman I am. It gives the reader a glimpse of the road that I’ve traveled with my lesbian mother and alcoholic father, all while pressing past my own issues with self-image and promiscuity, finding my way to the one thing that has always kept me upright and moving forward: The Love of Christ.
Are you a Black author? If you would like to be featured on OurLegaci.com, email us at info@OurLegaci.com.
Our Legaci with J.A.M. Aiwuyor 