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

 

 

 

 

AUTHENTIC Associates: The Peace and Love Movement

Hey Ladies! A little reminder from a special friend, Semira Fuller.

Peace and Love Day!!!!

Peace and Love would like to announce the creation of Peace and Love day....
Feb. 1st would have marked the day Theresa "Reese" Davis was born. For those of you who are unaware Peace and Love was created by Rochelle Davis, Reese's younger sister. Davis, after many years of working as a community activist for several different organizations felt the need was greater for her to raise the awareness in regards to the violence that plagues our neighborhoods, cities, states, and nation, by creating her own non-profit organization. We ask you that on February 1 that you make our image your profile picture, and spread the word to as many of your friends as possible

Please keep in mind that....
-Every 8 seconds 1 out 4 women is a victim of domestic violence.
-Violence is the #1 killer of African-American men.

By influencing the mind of one, we can ultimately change these facts!!!

Join the MOVEMENT.. www.weneedpeaceandlove.com

(if you would like for me to send you Peace and Love image please feel free to send me a message and I will do so).

Thanks so much,
The Peace and Love Team.

You know AUTHENTIC goes hard for Peace and Love. Not JUST because it's based in Philly! But because anyone DOING THEM while affecting national and international change is worth our support!



p.s. if you click Semira's image ... it'll take you directly to the Peace and Love Cause on Facebook.

AUTHENTIC WOMEN: Corinne Stevie

Corinne Stevie is a lover, a cynic, an intellectual, a fighter, an extremist, and an optimist. But above all she is the epitome of the word "artist." From her studio apartment in the heart of the Midtown area of Atlanta, surrounded by unfinished canvases and paint brushes dipped in cloudy cups of water the emcee/painter jokingly explains, "Corinne Stevie is none of the things you've seen at the same time."

Clearing her throat she asserts herself and says, "Corinne Stevie is the oddity."

An oddity she is indeed. From the epicene beauty of Grace Jones to the sheer lyrical genius of Lauryn Hill, Corinne Stevie is exactly what fans of Hip-Hop have waited patiently for while Foxy and Kim flirt with jail time, Queen Latifah and Eve flirt with Hollywood and Missy Elliot and Ms. Hill herself flirt with obscurity. Corinne Stevie is the difference between rap and Hip-Hop. But, don't think you'll catch her dissing the current music scene. Corinne is more than content reveling in it, whether true to form or not.

"Hip-Hop right now is just in a different place," Corinne explains. "I'm bringing back a memory of a feeling of a time in Hip-Hop."


Striking a conversation with the Miami native will reveal at least one thing, she's always eager to speak about her love for art and music. In fact, it's this strong devotion that drives her whether she's creating visual art or a song. As different as these mediums of self expression may seem, for Corinne they become intertwined one constantly fueling and pushing the other. So much that when she's not painting or studying illustration at the Atlanta campus of Savannah College of Art & Design she's using her Mac mini to record music in her home studio.

"When I can't write a song, I'm drawing," Corinne explains. "My art is very intertwined with my music and if I didn't draw I don't think my music would be as creative and if I didn't write [songs] I don't think my art would be as creative."

It's these creative songs—each essentially pieces of artwork—that find a home nestled together on Corinne's debut album, The Oddity. Synthesizer heavy dance tracks juxtaposed with nostalgic Hip-Hop odes create a unique sound that permeates through the 11 track project. From dance music ("Time Travela" "Set Me Free"), to old school Hip-Hop ("I Can Go Across The Globe" "Mornin' Sunrise"), and new school hipster rap ("Hackerz" "Club_Kidz") Corinne does it all with a lyrical skill of a polished emcee not afraid to transcend genres.

"I want to do something else, I want to create my own genre," Corinne says of the sound ofThe Oddity.

The Oddity, will be released online using the Radiohead "pay what you want format" October 23rd by Nouveau Music the music label division of Art Nouveau Magazine via her website www.corinnesart.com. She plans to release a mixtape entiled "The Other Sister," immediately after and will also continue selling prints of her artwork.

Finding a purpose or a mission is something every artist tussles with at some point. Bouncing her head to her theme song--Santogold's "L.E.S. Artistes"--Corinne's mission is simple. She looks to the future and hopes for two things: money and that her work will inspire others to be themselves.

"I want my work to be inspiration," Corinne says. "I want to encourage people and say you can just be everything, just express yourself and be who you are and not be afraid to see your different sides."

Well, mission two accomplished.

myspace.com/seestevie
www.corinnesart.com

But ... you can ALWAYS catch her at AUTHENTIC


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