Janelle Monae | "This is a reminder that I have work to do."

Did you catch Janelle Monae on the Black Girls Rock! 2012 Awards?? This is one of our favorite magic moments from the star studded awards ceremony honoring women of color. Monae says, "I didn't have to change who I was to become a Cover Girl... I've learned through my journey that perfection is often the enemy of greatness. Embrace what makes you unique, even if it makes others uncomfortable. I believe it is our uniqueness, and our unique ideas that make us rock."

To learn more about the Black Girls Rock! organization CLICK HERE. 

And to learn more about what INSPIRIT does to INSPIRE young girls, learn more about our PROJECT: Becoming.

My Country Tis of Thee

Last week's Presidential debate left a lot to be desired. To start, my ovaries were completely ignored. Call those little organs self-centered, but they've been the center piece of this election season for the past 10 months, and when we finally get to a debate? Ignored.

On the bright side, the event did focus on the economy, healthcare and education - all extremely important issues. It's just too bad the President didn't bring his A game. Mitt Romney stood on stage with his perfectly quaft salt and pepper #JustForMen ad hair (word to twitter), and told lie after lie with the straightest face, a well executed argument and delivery. Meanwhile, the President struggled to be as clear, concise and confident as his opponent, even when spouting proven facts. If I were an uninformed undecided, based on that presentation alone, I would lean toward Mitt. My Country.

My country is in an interesting place. In this two party political system, one side has created a pretty political puppet - a talking head, while the other side is failing to present itself as consistent, persistent and confident in its choices.

My country is a place where those with power and privilege bank on the uneducated staying uneducated, and prey on people's fears and prejudices.

My country is a place where we can elect a president who runs on the platforms of hope, change, and "yes we can!" - but quickly forget that WE includes I, and change does not occur overnight.

INSPIRIT Recommends: 5 Star Chick

Performance artist Denae Hannah explores contemporary images of black womanhood in Five Star Chick.

Through dance and theater, Ms. Hannah shines a satirical spotlight on the role models, stereotypes and aspirations of black women as depicted by popular hip hop music and culture.

Delivered in five vignettes, this thirty-minute solo follows the main character, Ms. Five Star, as she strives to achieve the apex of five star womanhood by getting a good education and job, dating the right men, and “snagging that baller” – all with a nice booty and “everything did.”

Denae Hannah explains, “Black women and women of color are too often portrayed as stereotyped characters in popular hip hop culture. However, the effects on the women and girls who come to identify themselves as these human caricatures must be examined more closely and honestly. I know I’ll be the first to talk about how women are degraded in the music video but still drop it like it’s hot when the song comes on! Five Star Chick is raw, real and provocative. It’s both an introspective and over-the-top journey about a woman trying to live up to the image she sees projected upon herself by pop culture.

Ms. Hannah will also present the work of guest choreographer Monique Roberts. Ms. Roberts will show a solo entitled Contrary Divestment and a duet entitled Labyrinth.

Each night will feature a guest moderator.

Doors open at 7:30 pm. 

*For mature audiences only

A/C/G to Hoyt-Schermerhorn

2/3 to Hoyt

F/R to Jay Street-Metrotech

On street parking available as well as 3 neighboring ParkFast lots

Less than 20 tickets left on each night!

https://fivestarchick.eventbrite.com/

Played by Words: Lupe Fiasco's Newest VIDEO

"Bitch Bad" is the latest from hip hop artist Lupe Fiasco. Don't let the title trip you up. Fiasco is making a point with his play on words - that we've all been played by words, and are all the more confused about who we are for it. In the words of Christal Brown, this video "speaks to the history and proliferation of minstrelsy, the social plight of young women, and the role that other artists like Lupe Fiasco can play in making change." As women artists who are in the business of social change, particularly with regard to developing girls into self-actualized women, "Bitch Bad" resonates.

What are your thoughts?