Here’s a little of the Red Carpet as so many friends came out in support of this project. Among those in attendance: Oprah, Angela Bassett, Susan L. Taylor, Terence Howard, Jeff Majors, Bebe Winans among others. As well as brief glimpse at the museum within the school which houses many of Miss Tyson’s treasures.

The legendary Miss Cicely Tyson was in town to open her The Cicely L. Tyson School of Performing and Fine Arts in East Orange, New Jersey and Corynne Corbett from ThatBlackGirlSite.com chatted with her about the school and the legacy she’d like to leave for the students there.

Capitol records artist, Priscilla Renea (whose CD “Jukebox” drops December 1st), was out at the Blogalicious Brunch where she sang two of her songs. Here’s bit of her song “Worker Bee” as well as my quick interview with her about her style and her music.

Here are four women who hold a unique place in the blogesphere. Awesomely Luvvie and Danielle Henderson of “The Knotty Yarn” and the “Divas Ranting” Ebony and Kim who have a site where you can anonymously rant about your problems.

While I was at Blogalicious (and also BlogHer earlier this summer) I got the chance to chat with three bloggers who specialize in fashion, beauty and finance. Check out their blogs and see what they have to say.

Here are four fabulous sisters who happen to be Mothers who blog. And each is coming from their role as a parent from a unique perspective. Check out their blogs which are proof positive that we do care about being good parents.

The first night of Blogalicious 2009 was action-packed. There was a cocktail party sponsored by So In Style, Mattel’s new dolls that look more like us, then we were off to the launch party for a new website, “Sunkissed Mommy” at Uptown. Finally, we came back to the W for a cupcake party sponsored by [...]

Blogalicious is a gathering of women of color who blog. This was the inaugural conference and it was fabulous. The women of the Mama Law Group who put this together did a great job. I talked to Justice Fergie about the genesis of this conference here.

So Whitney Houston’s album release has been moved up to August 31st to make her eligible for Grammy consideration. In this interview, she gives her reasons why she needed to take a break.

KJ Matthews chats with LeToya Luckett about her new CD which comes out next work. Too bad folks are still interviewing her with the focus ‘what’s life like after Destiny’s Child?’. I think this sister proved her chops with her first solo disc.

I don’t watch this show but I know many of you do so my girl Jenyne Raines will be giving you the blow-by-blow on these sisters starting later this week. In the meantime, check out Lisa Resper France’s interview with Kandi Burress, the new kid on the block.

Our POTUS Barack Obama makes history (and probably some waves in some circles) when he visits Ghana. As the first African American President he is sending the signal to the world that Africa is not invisible.

Sure Hurricane Chris’ song about Halle Berry is quite catchy. But I wonder why the Louisiana House of Representatives thought it was a good idea to have this brother come in and ‘perform’ when there most certainly is real work to do. Last I heard people are still living in trailers in New Orleans.

Rihanna was ready to testify about the events of her alleged beating. Chris Brown decided it might be better to take a plea deal. Essentially, he is getting 5 years probation, 180 days in jail or an equivalent (whatever that means) and must go to court ordered counseling. Rihanna wasn’t in court with him but [...]

Anita Hill makes some good points when asked about the qualifications of Sonia Sotomayor for SCOTUS. Basically, she’s not the best Hispanic Judge she’s the best choice of Judge period. She knows about the scrutiny that comes with these confirmation hearings (albeit from a different perspective) and she thinks Sotomayor can handle it.

There are so many sad stories about how the economy has negatively impacted people’s lives. But hardship also inspires greatness. These homeless teens are celebrating their graduation from high school. One has done so after his mother threw him out when she lost her job (but instead of complaining his is moving forward with his [...]

The Obamas are making their presence known in more ways than one in The White House. Today the First Lady hosted “Jazz in The White House”, which was the premiere event in a music series. I love the way Michelle Obama defined jazz. An African American art form that originated in the city of New [...]

Patti LaBelle, Quincy Jones, Bill and Camille Cosby are some of the legends that received awards at the 75th Anniversary Event at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem. Others on hand include Ruby Dee and the ubiquitous Reverend Al Sharpton. All have fond memories of what this historic landmark means to them.

Yes, a sister made this song before Elvis Presley remade it for a white audience. The duo behind the music count the original version (Big Momma’s) as one of their favorite songs of all time.

I saw this documentary which was done by Kiri Davis earlier this year and it really had an impact on me. Can you believe she put this film together when she was still in high school? Obviously, the issues of skin color and texture run deep and are obviously passed down from generation to [...]

Yesterday I did a powerful interview with Terrie Williams, author of “Black Pain” on black women and depression for Episode 14 of That Black Girl Radio Show (listen to it here). I can’t tell how important this mission is that she is on to shine the light on mental illness in our community (particularly [...]

When it comes to hip-hop this song marks a seminal moment. Brothers once learned that they couldn’t talk about a sister without their words coming back to haunt them in mind blowing rhyme. Where are the new Roxanne Shanté’s now anyway?

Mariah Carey wasn’t the first to hit those high notes. Most folks think she is just trying to channel the late, great Minnie Riperton—who hit those high notes with ease. She is still missed.

Brenda Lee is still perplexed by the way the Secret Service removed her from near Air Force One when she had press credentials and simply wanted to give the POTUS a letter. She was calling forth techniques that used to be used during Civil Rights protest when she sat down. That’s when four Secret Service [...]

The President and First Lady take a trip to the theater on their most recent visit to the Big Apple. On the play on their agenda? The revival of one of the late August Wilson’s “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone.” (It is now playing at the Lincoln Center Theater).

Wanda Sykes is probably one of the only comics that can get away with telling a Michelle Obama joke. On her latest appearance on the “Tonight Show” she tells host Jay Leno what folks mean when they say ‘when will we see the real Michelle Obama?’. But listen to what she says after the [...]

The golf world has been awaiting the next Tiger but they never thought that a young sister might be the one to fill his shoes. Mariah Stackhouse, a 15 year-old Georgia native is kicking butts on the course and keeping her head (still humble). She’s been touted as a golf prodigy but she is just [...]

Glenn Beck (who calls himself a ‘commentator’) should have known better. Don’t go telling lies on your radio show and then go on “The View” and think you can talk your way out of it. Whoopi Goldberg called him on it. More pointedly she called him “a lying sack of dog mess.” Then Barbara Walters [...]

The former heavyweight champ has not exactly been a friend to black women but I have got to say that the brother sounds like he has gotten some help. He talks about the ‘dark places’ he goes when he let his ego get out of control and that this is the first time he has [...]

The President, First Lady, Secretary of State and Attorney General all were guest speakers at graduations recently but the students at the University of Pennsylvania went a different route. They gave the green light to alum and singer John Legend who got downright soulful about life.

We all know that our First Lady, Michelle Obama, attended the American Ballet Theater Gala last night. But we also know that this sister does way more than go to parties. She took the time during her trip to NYC to talk about the importance of the Arts.

This year, the city of Chicago has seen way too many children killed as a result of school violence. CNN talks to one more whose child was a victim of this senseless epidemic and investigates why the Windy City has had such a deadly year.

Anti-abortion protestors were practically apoplectic that our President was invited to be the commencement speaker at a Catholic University like Notre Dame. So get this, President Barack Obama actually talked about the subject of contention calling for some “common ground”.

While President Barack Obama dealt with the protestors who were against him speaking at Notre Dame this weekend, our First Lady did her thing at University of California Merced. She didn’t have to worry about naysayers folks were downright ecstatic to have her there.

If you were behind in your all your bills and found more than a quarter of a million bucks in your account would you tell anyone? Well single mom Lynita Regis went to a consumer reporter at her local television station when the amount continued to grow. And you know what that means….she gave the [...]

This past weekend, Oprah headed down to Durham, North Carolina and the fabulous Duke campus to deliver the commencement address. She was really there because her godson, William Bumpers (Gayle’s son) was graduating. Love that she said that neither of Gayle’s children go around saying that they know her. “I’m just the crazy aunt [...]

Wanda went after The President and Joe Biden in the first part. In this part she cracks on FLOTUS Michelle Obama and then goes after Rush Limbaugh, Dick Cheney and Sean Hannity.

Comics are all a little skittish about clowning the President. But Wanda Sykes doesn’t have a problem at all. Here’s part one of her act at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner this weekend.

This hilarious send-up on the Jamie Foxx hit features look-a-likes of the most notable political characters dancing as the faux President sings about the economy. Hilarious!

Earlier this week Michelle Obama said that the highlight of her trip was being on “Sesame Street” and having a chance to hang out with Elmo and company. And you can tell by this sneak peek that she is enjoying her experience. She’s practically glowing as she gets her points in about eating right and [...]

Love this profile of Andrea Ivory, a South Florida sister who was diagnosed with breast cancer and decided to use her own experience to educate those in her community door-to-door—those who may not have insurance.

We’ve been waiting a long time for Maxwell to release some new musics. YEARS!!!! But he’s finally back and he isn’t disappointing us with “Pretty Wings”.

Reverend Michael Beckwith of Agape International Spiritual Center says gratitude should outweigh your feelings of negativity. The key is to find things that inspire you prayer, meditation or inspirational readings. And when you emerge from a tough time like this economic crisis your mindset will change from getting to giving. We all need to [...]

This profile of a sister named Sheila Wash really shows how the economic crisis has impacted our community. Wash had what we once considered a “good government job” but was laid off in 2007. Now she is living in a DC shelter with her two children and trying to maintain her dignity. Her story hits [...]

The first in a series of Michelle Obama comics sold 45,000 copies (outselling both the Sarah Palin and Hillary Clinton editions).

Stephanie Mills sings the classic joint from “The Wiz” on Sinbad’s Summer Jam. Ashanti better study this tape since she’s set to fill Dorothy’s shoes in the Broadway revival.

Larry King spent a good portion of his show talking/grading Michelle Obama. What separates this critique from so many others? The presence of Patti Davis, daughter of President Ronald Reagan and Nancy Reagan. She thinks Michelle is authentic and true and her says her mom likes Michelle. (They didn’t get the Republican memo obviously). Plus [...]

Three different sisters played Beulah, the all-knowing maid in “Leave it to Beulah.” Academy award winner Hattie McDaniel was one of them. Although she played maids McDaniel had a list of things she wouldn’t say or do and folks listened. Although things have changed the battle still rages for sisters in Hollywood

Jill Scott talks about the making of her latest album “The Real Thing.”

This reminds us that once upon a time the only outlet black folks could count on to see their favorite artists was “Soul Train.” Here’s a classic James Brown performance.

Here’s the memorable 2008 Super Bowl Ad for SoBe Life Water featuring Naomi Campbell and Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Who knew Naomi could move like that? Directed by Peter Arnell.

Jill Scott’s open letter to all the people who don’t wish her well.

After 20 years apart, All My Children’s, Angie and Jessie Hubbard Reunite!

Another excerpt of Diana Ross’ 2 hour interview with James Lipton from “Inside The Actor’s Studio”.

Diana Ross sits with James Lipton for one of his classic softball interviews. She gives her own version of why Florence Ballards left the group and her transition to a solo career.

Her first mini video short. Starring Janet Jackson with Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Jelly Bean Johnson and Ja’net DuBois 1986 A&M Records.

Aretha has been called for many years “The Queen Of Soul”, but many also call her “Lady Soul,” as well as the more affectionate “Sista Re.” She is renowned for her soul and R&B recordings but is also adept at jazz, rock, blues, pop, and gospel. She is generally regarded as one of the top [...]

Can you believe that director Spike Lee has been in the film game for nearly 3 decades? It’s true. Here Spike talks about his new documentary on Kobe Bryant and why “Do The Right Thing” is so important to him.

Kentucky Fried Chicken will not be eclipsed in the chicken wars by Popeye’s so they’ve taken their message on the road in Chattanooga, Tennessee in the literal way. They’ve given the city money to cover up potholes and then placed their logo on the repaved roads. If you’re in the car you won’t be able [...]

A fascinating series of interviews have been conducted by The Detroit Free Press in honor of Motown’s 50th Anniversary. Here, Martha Reeves keeps it real about the racism they faced when they toured. Berry Gordy tries to make it sound all pretty but Martha keeps it real. Y’all it ain’t no joke.

Forgive the bad quality of this commercial but it simply cracks me up. You see before Alfonso worked so hard to make us believe he was a pompous, no dancing buffoon on “The Fresh Prince”, he could actually dance. He was the original “Tap Dance Kid” on Broadway back in the 80s. Squint and you’ll [...]

Before the late Nell Carter came into our living rooms in “Gimme A Break.” She was in the hit “Ain’t Misbehavin’” which paid a rousing tribute to the songs of the one and only Fats Waller.

I know we’re overjoyed to have President Barack Obama (and his family) in the White House. But let’s not forget about Shirley Chisholm whose historic campaign made this whole thing more than a notion.

It’s so sad that the legendary Dance Theater of Harlem doesn’t have the cash to keep its touring company. But check out this vintage documentary (1979) on the company and its very particular founder. And check out the section where his mother is interviewed. Priceless.

Here the teen runway gives her perspective on being one of the hottest chicks in fashion these days. And yes, that is her real name! (from 2008)

Here’s sweet harmony in action. The sisters of Sweet Honey in The Rock create an artistic sound with their voices that will have you on your feet.
This is a TBGS classic to remind you that we make all kinds of music.

You may not fully appreciate (or even like) opera, or classical music but you still have to give a Diva like Jessye Norman her due. An amazing talent hands down.

A CNN reporter met the Kenyan Boys Choir at the Inauguration in January and did a story on them. A British producer saw their clip on You Tube and now they have their first CD out. How sweet is that?

Although it was President Obama who was elected President, pundits are also eager to access what Michelle Obama has accomplished in their first days in the White House.

Weezy showed his intelligence, humble nature and his cross-over appeal on his recent appearance on “The View”. Joy touching the tatts is priceless.

There’s been tons of controversy surrounding the concept and execution of “The Princess and the Frog” featuring Disney’s first black Princess. Voiced by the lovely and talented Anika Noni Rose, Princess Tiana, has been changed from a servant to a waitress. But alas, she doesn’t get a brother in the end.

Can’t help but look back at the woman who was to become our First Lady in her co-hosting sting on “The View”. Even then we knew she was a winner.

Our First Family has worked hard to carefully craft their image (except for that shirtless cover of The Washingtonian). The pundits weigh-in, speculate and show how much they’re in awe of the Obamas.

We all know that the fashion industry is not sure what to make of our First Lady. Turns out, designer Elie Tahari, decided to make a dress in homage to her that you can own for yourself. There’s also a Michelle Obama gym class to get her arms (good luck) and a Michelle Obama lip [...]

You never know what’s going to happen on Oprah, especially the Friday live shows. After invading Twitter one week she answered a tweet about her hair the following week. The question was, “do you wear a weave?” The answer below…

For the most part “In Living Color’s” most memorable sketches feature the men on the show. (Okay so I am not counting The Fly Girls). But this skit featuring T’Kyeah Crystal Keymah was an instant classic. Go On Girl!

This is an interview from a show called Sisters from blacktvonline.com hosted by Anika Foster the focus of this particular show is on natural hair in Hollywood (or the lack thereof). Interesting subject.

A sneak peek on the award winning documentary focusing on the politics and power of wearing our hair in its natural state. Kim Fields, Malcolm Jamal Warner, Vivica A. Fox, Patti LaBelle weigh in alongside historians and academics on the subject.

“A Different World” is still enjoyable not just because it is the first show to attempt to depict life at a HBCU. We also love it because the show did such a great job at casting—especially when it came to Whitley and Dwayne’s mothers. Ms. Diahann Carroll and Ms. Patti LaBelle on screen at the [...]

Clips of Diahann Carroll as ‘Julia’ are really hard to find. But I did come across the diva belting out a song on “The Judy Garland Show” back in 1964. Go Diahann!

Here’s jazz great Nina Simone doing her thing on a German tv show circa 1967. Love, love, love the white fishnet outfit.

This clips is a little grainy but it features a tv segment about the Apollo that features the man who would become President Ronald Reagan. Dinah’s delivery is absolutely amazing.

There’s no one like Ella and I would be remiss if she didn’t have a place on TBGS. This lady can scat and sing with an effortless beauty and clarity. And we have yet to see her style replicated.

The First Lady gets a little emotional when she recalls her working class upbringing while on her first official trip to Europe.

During the Obama’s official visit to Europe they had an audience with Queen Elizabeth. Our First Lady touched the Queen touching off lots of controversy. Here’s what a Royal insider has to say about the whole thing.

CNN’s Suzanne Malvauex reports on the First Family’s arrival in Prague. The consensus: she bowled folks over.

First there was the sister whose weave saved her life—literally stopping a bullet in its track. Now comes word about a woman in Detroit who was shot at by men who were robbing her neighbor’s home when they saw her looking at the window. Her underwire bra literally saved her life. Talk about a miracle!

We love chicken and perhaps Popeye’s underestimated that fact. Here’s how our folks reacted when their local stores ran out of chicken in Louisiana. Yes, you will hear a sister say she was counting on that special to feed her kids.

Another great video from the fabulous Keri Hilson. She is certainly doing her thing.

This song is more than a bit infectious. Keri spent so much time collaborating on other people’s CDs that she had a good lineup for her own project.

Cassie may be more famous for being Diddy’s alleged paramour than she is for her music. But now she seems to be paying attention to her work.

It may have taken forever for singer/songwriter Keri Hilson to release her first solo project but let’s just say it was well worth the wait.

Fashion makeover queen Stacy London and writer Inga Ratledge made a big mistake when she dissected the moderator of “The View” Whoopi Goldberg’s fashion sense in a TV Guide article. That prompted an on-air response (call it a rant) that will not soon be forgotten. I’ve often wondered what she was thinking but now [...]

This is a simply heartbreaking story of a young girl placed in the care of her loved ones and they let her down. The body of nine year-old Shalay Thomas was found in a storage facility in Flint, Michigan after family members reported her missing. The child had been adopted by her biological aunt but [...]

Every time a rapper does something wrong, we hear the story of their exploits over and over again. But what about when they do something amazing, awesome even? Such is the case with Nelly, who recently awarded two St. Louis teenagers scholarships which made it possible for them to attend college.

Here’s a preview from the second night of Tavis Smiley’s interview with Prince. Oh so much to talk about, so little time.

The purple one made a special guest appearance on Tavis Smiley. He tackled everything from why he doesn’t vote to his childhood and his experience with record labels. Here’s an excerpt.

Most of us have probably not been aware of Artis Lane’s work. But this 82 year-old has created some of the most important historical cultures in the years that she was been working. So it comes as no surprise that she was commissioned to create the statue that honor another sister of great importance, Sojourner [...]

Unless you’ve been living under a rock you’ll know that the politic pundits and media in general have been anxiously awaiting the chance to grade President Obama on his first 100 days in office. Now that we’ve gotten there the retrospectives and the grading have begun in earnest.

This is a documentary called “Black Women Walking” by Tracey Rose (I believe she also has a myspace page by the same name)http://blip.tv/file/290944/
***Don’t Allow Anyone To Talk You Out Of Your Right To Freedom Of Movement! This has NOTHING to do with men who approach women like men…Two different subjects…As Tracey Rose quite accurately describes [...]

Beyonce - At Last LIVE Fashion Rocks 2008, Etta James tribute

Michelle Obama introduces her husband, Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, at a campaign stop in western Iowa.