Reflections. Life. History.

Shades of Color Reloaded | African American Calendars ==== Recently I started working on Shades of Color’s Black History Facebook page. I really enjoy reading about the different first African Americans to pioneer hope in America. People from all walks ranging from founders, sororities, leaders, activists, pioneers, scientists, musicians, performers, inventors, award winners, athletes, entertainers. As you can see our influences crosses all categories. It is inspiring to uncover the first African Americans to make…

MISSION: BEST MOTHER’S DAY GIFT

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and it’s that time to start shopping for your mom’s gift. It is important to celebrate your mother, especially since being a mother is one of the toughest jobs on earth! (Amen??!) Mothers aren’t always appreciated, except on Mother’s Day, therefore it is NECESSARY to splurge a little every second Sunday in May. Show your mother, or mother figures, how much they mean to you! In the United States,…

The Heroic Hustle of Ermias Asghedom

The Heroic Hustle of Ermias Asghedom I had heard the name before. “Nipsey Hussle.” I don’t think I could tell you who he was or what he did though. But it was a catchy name that stuck. On March 31st I was in Starbucks and overheard two barristas say that Nipsey Hussle was shot. My initial thought was I’m sorry for his loss; other than that I did not think much of it. It’s unfortunate that during…

Celebrate and Support Women in Business

Did You Know… “Black Women Are Fastest Growing Group of Female Entrepreneurs A new report from Nielsen puts numbers to Black women’s consumer, entrepreneurial and advocacy power in the 21st century…the number of businesses majority-owned by Black women grew 67 percent between 2007 and 2012, compared to 27 percent for all women and 13 percent for White women. Nielsen quantifies that growth at 1.5 million Black woman majority-owned businesses as of 2015.” ********* Be Inspired By Other…

Strong Women

“Here’s to strong women, May we know them, May we be them, May we raise them.” – Unknown Happy International Women’s Day! Did you know IWD has been celebrated around the world for decades?? First, a brief history lesson: “After the Socialist Party of America organized a Women’s Day on February 28, 1909, in New York, the 1910 International Socialist Woman’s Conference suggested a Women’s Day be held annually. After women gained suffrage in Soviet…

It’s A Day Of Love: Get Your Sparkle On…

It’s A Day Of Love: Get Your Sparkle On… Happy Valentine’s Day, Loves… ‘Gal-entine’s‘ Day is what we like to call it around here. In our world we thrive on UPLIFTING and INSPIRING our sisters and brothers. We don’t think about chocolates and flowers today. There is no need for reservations. Today is about loving ourselves, loving our people, and celebrating all that is good that we L.O.V.E. in our lives. Do not, I repeat do not,…

The Best History Is Your Own History

Today would have been my grandmother’s 86th birthday. “Gran” as she liked to be called. She only lived to see 78 of them, but she lived her life to the fullest, hopefully with few regrets. She is the only one of my grandparents born in February. She is almost the only family member born this month really, which got me to thinking about “Black History.” Many of us think about Black History all year long;…

When It’s Cold Outside, Bring Some Sunshine Inside

The end of January tends to be when the pangs of winter really kick in. It’s cold. The blizzards and rain storms have started. The cuteness of Christmas and New Year’s Eve are far in the rear view. Your nose is cold and your toes are wet. You’re already done and you have at least until March to go… Don’t let the winter blues get you down yet. Part of the magic of the holiday…