!!!!!Black Beauty!!!!!!

From news coverage to entertainment, the media shapes, reflects, reinforces and defines the world in which we live. In publishing, theatre, films, television and popular music--industries largely controlled by white men--Blacks continually struggle for both a voice and representation. Many scholars write about the stereotyping of Blacks in the media (Meyers, 1999; Davis, 1989). Light skinned Black women with classic European features predominate in beauty pageants, music videos, and in the world of modeling. It is with respect to the world of modeling and music that this discussion will examine the globalization and commodification of Black female beauty. I will examine the historical creation of Black beauty in the United States and Europe and how theses misconstructed images play out globally.

It's kind of long but a good read. How do we reconstruct our own beauty within the context of the greater society in which we live? How do we grow to feel comfortable in our skin and celebrate our sexuality without conforming to or perpetuating pre-existing stereotypes about the oversexed Black woman? It's complicated but an open and honest discussion is the best way to start.

African American Beauty contestants from 1949 supported by a local pie shop.
As you can see there are NO dark skin women in this competition!!!!.....we were'nt considered Beautiful back then.....So glad we EVOLVED from that!!!!!

Ragen Fykes - Ebonics at Grand Finale Theatre

Have to REPRESENT!!!!Luvv this woman!!!!!

Ragen Fykes-Love Life.wmv

W0o0ow....so proud of my cousin Raegan Fykes from Portland, OR....there is a better version of this song on youtube.....& also check out her latest song "Dream of you" on vimeo with her new band Grillade....Aaahh yes finally some good music...before Grillade was actually a band, project or even a concept, Ragen Fykes was visiting the Bay Area. The plan was to meet up with Ragen maybe grab some food and hang out. What actually ended up happening is Keelay and long time friends and collaborators The Park eventually found themselves at Bird and Egg Studios along with Ms. Fykes. That night there was no plans of making anything specific, rather just wanted to make whatever came to mind. What actually did come to mind is this remake of M64's "In the Pocket". Since then Ragen Fykes, The Park and Keelay have embarked on a full length project calling themselves Grillade. Everybody show luvv && check more of her NEWEST videos on:{{{vimeo.com/ragenfykes}}}}

New Musiq!!!!

Producer/emcee Ohmega Watts has joined forces with vocalist Ragen Fykes, and the result is "The M64 Collabo". Their first single "Rhythm Of The Drum" is something very relaxed but yet decidedly Hip Hop. Fykes' vocals dance, over Watts' mellow swing, and when you pair this with the the second song, "In The Pocket," you'll immediately crave for the release of the entire project.

"Rythm Of the Drum + MP3"

"The M64 Collabo" - "Rythm Of the Drum" + "In The Pocket"--


"Messier 64" known as "M64" is a galaxy famous for it's the way it was created. Two galaxies collided and resulted in the formation of a new star system. It is well known among amateur astronomers because of its appearance in small telescopes. A collision of two galaxies has left a merged star system with an unusual appearance as well as bizarre internal motions.

Sugar Shane Diamond Love Foundation event