Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Angie Stone released her new album “Rich Girl” yesterday. And she was definitely worth the wait!
Category Archives: Documentary
Freedom Friday: The Red Tails Edition
Happy Friday Everyone!
If you are looking forward to catching Red Tails this weekend, I recommend buying your ticket last week! 
It looks like theaters will be packed with enthusiastic movie-goers. I am glad that this overlooked part of black history, American history is coming to the forefront again. How many WWII films and documentaries were made with no mention of African-American soldiers and their accomplishments? Some folks have pointed out that this isn’t the first time the history of The Tuskegee Airmen was turned into a movie. And I think that’s great. Our stories must be re-told consistently to ensure that we don’t forget our history. I also hope we continue to stay enthusiastic about black history. We have such a rich history that has never been fully told, and we shouldn’t wait until someone makes a movie to learn about it. We can read a book, an article or watch a documentary. Or here’s a novel idea, talk to members of our family! More than likely, we have uncles, aunts, or older cousins who can talk to us about our history in a real way, not just to be entertained, then forget about it. Movies are a very powerful and impactful platform, but that is just a starting point. Let’s use this as an opportunity to connect and inspire one another to accomplish even greater things in the future.
There are several “watch” parties for Red Tails this Saturday, here, here and here.
Peace and Blessings, ThatKellieGirl
Freedom Friday: The Speak Life Edition
Hello Good People!
I hope you are enjoying your day off. I sure am. It really came right on time for me.
Earlier this week, I received an email from The Soul Power Coach, Ms. Adrienne. She sent a message about the importance of “speaking life” to one another. She wrote about how her beautiful Grandmother provided an example of speaking life to the people she meets each day. This really struck a chord with me.As I have started new endeavors– my blog, hosting events,learning new skills– I have had many people “speak life” or encourage me to keep doing what I am doing. However, I also have been the recipient of “not so flattering” words. Unfortunately, I believe that having a “Debbie Downer” or “Negative Ned” attitude is a learned behavior. We have to be very aware of our thoughts and actions. We have to guard against automatically “going into the dark room” or jumping to conclusions when we hear new ideas, thoughts or endeavors. It is very important that we encourage each other in positive pursuits. And when no one sees your vision, then you have to encourage yourself.
Life and death is in the power of the tongue. Which language do you speak most often?
Lastly, many thanks to the veterans who have served our country and to their families whose sacrifices made this service possible. Happy Veteran’s Day.
Peace and Blessings, ThatKellieGirl
Freedom Friday: The Fall Festival Edition
Hello Friends,
Happy Friday!
Fall is starting off great! There are a lot of art and cultural festivals going on this weekend you should check out. On Saturday, there is the Taste of Bethesda , Fall for Fairfax Festival, and on Sunday, the Turkish Festival and the Russian Bazaar. The Maryland Renaissance Festival is going on until October 23. Also, there are two Andy Warhol exhibits in DC. Check out some more events below!
Peace, ThatKellieGirl
Truckeroo is a monthly festival held June thru October at the corner of showcasing food trucks from the DMV.
Saturday, September 30
Half St. and M St., SE (across from the Navy Yard)
11AM-11PM
Check the Rhyme Ya’ll ( & Credits)
Courtesy of The Sound of Young America
Hey Good People,
Like many folks, I checked out the documentary on A Tribe Called Quest, Beats, Rhymes and Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest. However, there is some controversy over A Tribe Called Quest, mainly Qtip and Ali, requesting producing credit.
Freedom Friday: The Block is Hot Edition
Courtesy of http://www.projectsgallery.com
Hello Good Folks!
TGIF!
Summer is right around the corner, but things are already in full gear– high temperatures and power outages. Hopefully, your lights are back on. With all of this, I am ready for the weekend to cool out and relax.
You can start by chilling out at the Annual Capital Jazz Festival starting tonight with legends Herbie Hancock, David Sanburn and George Duke! The whole weekend has a great line-up. You can still get tickets at the door, at least for lawn seating .
For those who want to support a great cause and get some excercise, on Saturday, the Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure begins at 8AM at the National Mall. If you still want to run, you can do late registration until 6PM today (6/3) at the Hyatt (400 New Jersey Avenue, NW ).
The temperature seems to have evened out, so check out some events.
Lastly, shout out to all my fellow Geminis. Let’s get it in! :-)
Smooches!
Music Monday
Courtesy of http://www.stupiddope.com
Hello Everyone,
Happy Memorial Day!
I hope everyone is enjoying their Memorial Day. If you are like me, you are about to head to someone’s BBQ.
In the meantime, let’s remember the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. We can also remember other loved ones who have crossed over. One such person is Gil Scott-Heron. I found this great interview. In his own words he talks about his life and music career. He offers a great historical background. Check it out. It is really worth watching.
Peace and Blessings Everyone!
Freedom Friday: The Friday the 13th Edition
Courtesy of http://www.savagechickens.com
Hello Good People!
I know today is Friday the 13th, but I am not too superstitious. And I haven’t met a Friday I haven’t liked. So make sure to enjoy this weekend—food and wine festivals are kicking off and Passport DC’s Embassy tours are on Saturday. Enjoy! Peace and Blessings.
Freedom Friday: The Get Over It Edition
President Obama's Birth Certificate-- Are you happy now? Probably Not.
Hello Good Folks,
TGIF!
Now this is going to be my kind of weekend. Great weather and full of things to do. However, before I get into all the wonderful happenings, I wanted to speak my peace about these “birthers”. I don’t want to beat a dead horse, but there has been some poignant commentary about the treatment of President Obama. If you haven’t viewed it, please watch the commentary from The Grio’s Contributor Goldie Taylor about the history of African-American “showing their papers”.
Lastly, I read a great quote from WaPo’s Eugene Robinson that sums it up for me:
“Look, I’m not surprised that the first black president faces unprecedented scrutiny about his origins, and I hope Obama’s not surprised, either. This sort of thing comes with being a historic “first,” and there’s no way around it. To those deniers who can’t come to terms with the fact of the Obama presidency, I have nothing to offer but this: Yes, he’s smarter, richer, luckier and better looking than you, and he’s your president. Yours, mine and ours. And he’s black. Get over it.”
Get over it.
What else is there to say? You will have your say in the voting booth next year. However, until then, let’s work on keeping the government running, stabilizing the economy and other more important issues instead of wasting our time and distracting people. In the meantime, stop watching Trump’s “The Apprentice” and patronizing his businesses. He needs to know that we do not believe in people who stir up chaos and confusion.
Okay! Now with that out of the way….
Just in time for the beautiful weather, today is Arbor Day. Remember that holiday? Each year, I celebrated Arbor in elementary school by planting a tree. Arbor Day is a nationally celebrated observance that encourages tree planting and care. Founded by J. Sterling Morton in 1872, it’s celebrated on the last Friday in April. In honor of Arbor Day and the opening of their new headquarters, Casey Trees is hosting an open house with family friendly activities, demonstrations, building tours and neighborhood tree walks.
With the warm weather, you might be inclined to participate in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer on Saturday(4/30) and Sunday (5/1), or Race for Hope 5K on Sunday (5/1) to promote their mission to fight brain tumors.
Here are some other fabulous events, so get out the house and have some fun!
Peace and Blessings.
FYI…The County Coroner
Hey Good Folks!
It was a PBS kind of night for me yesterday.
After I checked out Black In Latin America, I watched a segment onFRONTLINE about death investigations conducted by coroners entitled Post Mortem. I know this isn’t the sexiest topic, but it was VERY intriguing and fascinating.
FRONTLINE, ProPublica and NPR collaborated to find a dysfunctional system in which there are no national standards, little oversight and the mistakes are literally buried. It is very unlike the CSI that people know and love. In state after state, reporters found autopsies conducted by doctors who lacked certification and training. Many coroners are elected and do not have medical backgrounds.
Post Mortem shows that errors by coroners and forensic pathologists have allowed potentially guilty perpetrators to go free and the innocent to be accused of crimes they did not commit.
Check out this snippet from the segment. This is an amazing story about the autopsy of a famous person’s father. You can watch the full episode here.
