WORD OF WISDOM

So ... I know it's not Wednesday ... but I NEEDED a word of WISDOM ... ANYWAYS (and ya ... sometimes its hard to get to the computer to blog while in transit from Harlem to NJ ... SUE ME).

(mm. i apologize for that ... it's one of those days, ladies.)

anyways ... our WORD OF WISDOM comes from none other than?!?

JUDITH JAMISON

Judith Jamison was appointed Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in December 1989 at the request of her mentor, Alvin Ailey, who personally chose her to succeed him before his untimely death. A native of Philadelphia, she studied with Marion Cuyjet, was discovered by Agnes de Mille and made her New York debut with American Ballet Theatre in 1964. She became a member of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1965 and danced with the company for 15 years to great acclaim. Recognizing her extraordinary talent, Mr. Ailey created some of his most enduring roles for her, most notably the tour de force solo, Cry.

After leaving the Company in 1980, Ms. Jamison appeared as a guest artist with ballet companies all over the world and starred in the hit Broadway musical Sophisticated Ladies. In 1988, she formed her own company, The Jamison Project; a PBS special depicting her creative process, Judith Jamison: The Dancemaker, aired nationally the same year.

I could go onnnn and onnn and onnnn... about her ... but what's important ... is what she has to say to us today ...

“Once you've danced, you always dance. You can't deny the gifts that God sends your way.”

and boyyyy, is this true. honestly chicks, today is one of those days i find myself tired ... wondering whether what i'm doing is even DOING anything ... whether i should throw it in.

But I already know that answer ... I can never stop being AUTHENTIC ... it's in my blood. NEVER stop writing ... I'd stop breathing ... NEVER stop critically thinking and appreciating the world around me ... I have no investment in suicide.

Be you, beauties. At your best always.

Love you.

oh ya! click HERE for HAPPINESS!

NEW YORK NEW YORK: This Weekend!

Looking for something to DO this weekend? LOOK NO FREAKIN' FURTHER, LADIES!!!!

You KNOW what time it is! And if you don't ... pretend (while taking discreet notes ... just don't make eye contact).

INFORMATION

Dates & Hours | Admission | Group Sales | Location | Directions | Hotels

All Artwork is for Sale
The National Black Fine Art Show, the premier fine art fair featuring an impressive array of original artwork by Black artists, is a yearly meeting place for knowledgeable curators, collectors and interested novices.

The Show will be held at 7 West 34th Street, across from the Empire State Building in the heart of Manhattan.

40 of the finest international dealers exhibiting work by 19th–21st century masters as well as newly emergent artists will be offered in a range of media from paintings, photography, limited edition prints, mixed media and works on paper to fiber art and sculpture.

Show Dates and Hours

Friday, February 13 Saturday, February 14 Sunday, February 15

Noon – 8:00 pm 11:00 am – 8:00 pm 11:00 am – 6:00 pm

Opening Charity Preview Thursday, Febuary 12

General Admission
Daily Tickets/Passes available at the door only. Cash & checks only, admission includes Show Catalog.
Adults $15 (Students $10, with student I.D.)
2-Day Pass $25
Children 16 & under admitted free when accompanied by an adult.
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Charity Preview Party Hours & Options
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Patron Reception & Preview, 5:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Preview Party, 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Be the first to browse the artwork and chat with art dealers at the only show of its kind, complete with cocktails & hors d'oeuvres a Show Catalog and one readmission Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.
To Download Charity Preview Tickets Order Form Click Here
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Group Sales
Contact info@blackfineartshow.com
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Location
7 West 34th Street between 5th & 6th Avenues, across from the Empire State Building in the heart of Manhattan.

The Show is wheelchair accessible.
No strollers are allowed on the Show floor.
Café & Bar available at the Show.

Directions
Subway Stops /Lines
• 34th Street /Herald Square—B, D, F, V, N,Q, R,W
• 33rd Street /Park Avenue South—#6

City Bus
• 5th Avenue - Downtown—M1, M2, M3, M5 and M4 to Penn Station
• 6th Avenue - Uptown—M5, M6 and M7
• Madison Avenue - Uptown—M1, M2, M3 and M4 from Penn Station
• 34th Street - Crosstown—M16 and M34 (Directly to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center)

Bus Terminal
Port Authority Bus Terminal—8th Avenue and 42nd Street • 212.564.8484

Train Stations
Penn Station—8th Avenue at 34th Street (2 blocks from 7W New York)
• Amtrak—800.523.8720
• Long Island Railroad (LIRR)—718.217.5477
• New Jersey Transit—800.772.2222
• PATH—800.234.7284

Grand Central Terminal—Park Avenue and 42nd Street
• Metro North—212.532.4900
• Amtrak—800.523.8720

Parking
Numerous garages are available on 35th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues and nearby. Call the 7 W New York Concierge for locations, 212.279.6063.

and YES ... it WAS NECESSARY for me to copy and paste all that info for you!

Why?!?

Because I try to give you ladies the upper hand ... teach one to teach themselves and such ... and STILL ... i know sometimes we just get too busy to click the link! -_-

But AUTHENTIC does NOT want you to miss out on THIS!

muah!
who loves you babies?!?

stay real. stay AUTHENTIC.

Mic on Mondays: Without Love...

Good day, AUTHENTIC!

With Valentine's Day rapidly approaching and we (That's right! Your boy has a Valentine this year...sickening, right?) are putting the last minute touches on our special weekend to honor our relationship/booship/bootycall/ho' on the side, you might want to think about doing a little something extra to honor those who simply seek to survive in spite of the politics of love in our capitalist society. Ending world hunger and homelessness are two very overwhelming world issues that require our aid. Aid that is tangible. Servitude is one of the most selfless acts of love and encouragement we all can offer with little to no cost to us. So...because I really dig AUTHENTIC, I figured I would share a really dynamite idea with you.

withoutlove.org is a wonderful site and organization dedicated to encouraging the public to offer their love this Valentine's Day. They say, "Think Globally. Act Locally." One way in which to show your love locally and still effect change globally is to take a small brown bag of non-perishable items to your local food bank. You'd be surprised at how much love you will be sending someone's way. Hershey kisses that add to your love handles and roses that die within a week are momentary. A warm meal that a fellow human being might not have had without your love for their humanity is lasting tangible love. You may even want to prepare a Valentine's Day plate for an elderly widow or widower whose beloved has died. You could even call the parentals and say thank you for their love. Without their love, whether it was momentary, forever, or a lapse in judgement, you are it's product. And I don't know about you, but Mic loves his life, so I will definitely be saying thank you for the parentals going half on this baby.

AUTHENTIC please take a moment this Valentine's Day to honor not only romantic love, but familial love and love for humanity in some way that may best use your AUTHENTICITY.

Till next time...

get love. get life. get AUTHENTIC.

-mic

AUTHENTIC WOMEN: Shawnon Corprew

Soooo ... you know what happens here EVERY THURSDAY!

AUTHENTIC gives all our favorite chicks ... meaning YOU! Yes YOU! ... a little thank you for showing us so much support!

How? We let you hype yourself! duh! (ya'll don't be payin' attention. lol)

So this week, we want to feature one of my favorite HU ... and NOT that other one ... HAMPTON (::crowd roars. chants:: "i love i love i love my H. IIIIIIIII. U!") comrades!

Who? Why NONE other than Shawnon Corprew! Here's what Shawnon had to say about herself:

Basically, I'm a poet coming into my own. I'm participating in the Black Extravaganza at HU (ok now when u click that link ... dont ask any questions ... but u will see kholi standing all prim and poet-like in the background)for the first time and I'm sooo excited about it! I just want people to be more exposed to my poetry and such.

My name is Shawnon and my blog link is http://curiouslovechild.blogspot.com and that's where my newest pieces (as well as ramblings) are.

I BET YOU ALREADY KNOW WHERE ELSE YOU CAN CHECK SHAWNON OUT! Don't you?!?

No?!? Well, let me help!


Find more photos like this on AUTHENTIC


Stay Real, chicks. Stay AUTHENTIC.

Wednesday's WORD OF WISDOM

“When you educate a man, you educate an individual, but when you educate a woman, you educate a nation.” - Johnnetta B. Cole

Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole (born October 19, 1936) is an American academic. Cole was the first African American female president of Spelman College from 1987- 1997. She was president of Bennett College from 2002-2007. The Johnnetta B. Cole Global Diversity & Inclusion Institute at Bennett College for Women leads the way in exploring the growing complexity of diversity and inclusion as it partners with academic institutions, businesses, corporations, civic and community organizations, government leaders and their agencies and a variety of global thought leaders who continue to make the study and advancement of diversity their life’s work.

…and I kinda dig her because one might say that I’ve met her a time or two. I’m just sayin’…

AUTHENTIC get the hump out ‘cha back. Get educated. For yourself. For a nation. GET AUTHENTIC.

AUTHENTIC Venues: The Arts Garage, Philadelphia, PA

Remember l the AWESOME times you had at The Arts Garage?





No?!? If not, ladies, you might be sleepin' ... actually SNORIN'!

If you tryyyy to think back, you might remember that AUTHENTIC had our outdoor "Dance for Democracy."


If you missed it .. well, babes, you just ... missed it. and out.

But ya ... The Arts Garage has housed some of the most AWESOME events in Philly .... BE SURE TO CHECK THE WEBSITE.

Below ... Ola, the owner, has sent you AUTHENTIC ladies a listing of some of the events this week!  Everybody say "Thanks OLA!"

Thanks OLA!

When: Thursday February 5, 2009
Where: The Arts Garage - 1533 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Who: Young Friends Society (YFS) Thursday Social
What: First Thursdays' afterwork social
Time: 6 p.m. until 10 p.m.
Admission: No Cover + One hour complimentry warm Sangria and food & drink specials
Note: Kitchen is Open until 3 a.m.


When: Friday February 6, 2009
Where: The Arts Garage - 1533 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Who: IGS Tasters' Choice - Free samples of assorted tasty special drinks
What: First Fridays' Tasters' choice
Time: 5 p.m. until 10 p.m.
Admission: No Cover + Free samples of assorted tasty special & Hors D'ouevres
Music: DJ Kinetic
Flyer: http://www.theartsgarage.com/2009/02/01/tasters-choice/
Note: Kitchen is Open until 3 a.m.

When: Friday February 6, 2009
Where: The Arts Garage - 1533 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Who: The Fix w/DJ Ambush
What: First Fridays late night party
Time: 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. Free until 11:00 a.m.
Admission: First hour no cover, + complimentry warm Sangria, & food and drink specials.
Music: Dj Ambush
Flyer: http://www.theartsgarage.com/2009/02/01/first-fridays-fix/
Note: Kitchen is Open until 3 a.m.


When: Saturday February 7, 2009
Where: The Arts Garage - 1533 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Who: Melodic Movement
What: Saturdays (Every Saturday)
Time: 10 p.m. until 2 a.m.
Admission: No Cover until midnight + First hour complimentry warm Sangria and drink and food specials.
Music: DJ RocDaSpot
Flyer: http://www.theartsgarage.com/2009/02/01/saturdays-melodic-movement/
Note: Kitchen is Open until 3 a.m.


When: Sunday February 8, 2009
Where: The Arts Garage - 1533 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Who: One Book One Philadelphia,
Host: Young Friends Society (YFS), Master Griot, Black Women Arts Festival (BWAS)

What: Review of the book titled "Soloist" - Complimentry book w/admission
Time: 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Admission: No Cover + food and drinks specials
Flyer: http://www.theartsgarage.com/2009/01/20/one-book-one-philadelphia-2/
Note: Kitchen is Open until 3 a.m.

Get Out.  Get Real.  Stay AUTHENTIC.

Muah.

Mic on Mondays!: Peace & Love.

Happy Groundhog’s Day, AUTHENTIC!

 

1.    We will have six more weeks of winter thanks to Punxsutawney Phil seeing his shadow this morning. ::gives stank face::

 

Cold days and nights aside, Sunday, February 1^st, 2009, marked the first ever “Peace & Love day.” Check out Kholi’s post below to ‘Get in the Know’. (Sidenote: I love that phrase. It’s so AUTHENTIC. )

 

With the Super Bowl blasting from every flat-screen HDTV in every bar, I thought it would be a great idea to spread some peace and love (like butta’) on Sunday. In the spirit of Peace & Love, the ladies and I decided to pass out pamphlets with rape and violence against women statistics. Now, I know you’re thinking that this is definitely putting a damper on the Steelers and Cardinals, seven-layer dip, and Jennifer Hudson’s performance (phenomenal!). How could we expect drunken, testosterone-driven, cigar smoking beer-bellied men and equally wasted and excited females to take a moment to focus on rape and violence during such a festive occasion?

I must share with you the reason behind this work we do.

 

Let’s gets serious for a moment…like for real.

 

*Names have been changed to protect anonymity.*

 

Nikki moved from Chicago to attend school in Texas. She transferred to my university, leaving home her last year of undergrad to show the parentals that she could be the independent woman she knew that she was and to finish her senior year on her own terms. I saw her, she saw me. Instant friend connection. [Isn’t that always the case with me and the womenfolk? LOVE IT.] Two weeks ago, Nikki, who usually kicks it with yours truly on the weekend, opted to attend a recent back-to-school shindig hosted by a campus organization. If you didn’t know, my birthday is in January and for the past ten years or so I have celebrated my birthmonth. Yes! I celebrate for thirty-one days. I’m worth it. Don’t judge my life! Thus, it was agreed that Nikki would attend at least one of many weekend soiree’s in honor of me and my flyyness (He’s so vain…and yes, this song is always about him.). Nikki helped me celebrate on Thursday and on Friday night she attend the school party. Friday night after the basketball game that I attended, my phone rang. It was Nikki.

 

“Mic, could you come get me? I need to go to the hospital.”

 

Her voice was scarily calm. When I arrived in front of the dorm to pick her up, she opened my car door, sat down, and said nothing. Neither did I. I looked at her for seconds that seemed like hours. I’d seen that look before. I’d felt that tension before.

 

Nikki was raped.

 

Nikki withdrew from school today and is moving back to Chi-town. She will finish her Bachelor’s in engineering and industrial architecture in Chicago this summer.  I will miss her.

 

Those who know me personally, know that my sistafriends truly are my heart. [Shout-out to KHOLI! LOVE YOU, MA!] I am a Sexual Assault/Abuse Advocate. I have worked and aided resource centers dedicated to ending and bringing to light the hurt and destruction known as sexual abuse. It is a cause very near and dear to me.

 

Nikki reads AUTHENTIC though she is not a member of the Ning Network site. Ladies of AUTHENTIC, please take a moment to send her some words of encouragement. As a sister. As a woman. I would personally appreciate it if you sent her some warmth and love and peace that I honestly believe only a woman can give to another woman.

 

I talk to her daily. I am the only person beyond her parents that she has told about this attack on her womanhood and freedom. She agreed that I should share this portion of her story…because it ain’t over! My girl is strong and she’s making progress every second of every day. She will push through this because beauty and strength are her birthmark. She is AUTHENTIC. I love you, babe.

 

I dedicate this post to Nikki. *Kisses, mami.*

 

mic