Ra SHAWN-DA-PROFESSOR

Ra SHAWN-DA-PROFESSOR

Friday, March 23, 2012

MO' MONEY MO' PROBLEMS MAKES RACIAL PROFILING MO' EASIER

Yesterday former talk-show host Geraldo Rivera gave an interview and said that Trayvon Martin wasn't wearing a hoodie, he wouldn't have gotten shot and killed. When I heard him make that ignorant statement, I became pissed and angry. Just because Trayvon was wearing a hoodie did't mean he was a thug or a gang member and just because he was wearing a hoodie, didn't give Zimmerman the right to take his life. There are many criminal who sport urban gear, but there are many people who like to sport urban gear, but they don't rob, kill, rape or do drugs. In fact there are many Blacks and Latinos who have been harassed by cops, and they were wearing suits, which makes Rivera's statement totally bias and ignorant when in reality, many Blacks and Latinos who ride in fancy cars and live in middle class neighborhoods are constantly harassed by cops who are quick to come to the conclusion that they're involved with drug trafficking or if they see Blacks and Latinos riding a fancy car in a middle class neighborhood, they automatically assume that they're there to partake in criminal activity, which is not the case. Many don't like the fact that there are Blacks and Latinos who aren't living in the projects or the ghetto, on welfare, section 8, social security and HASA, and all of those who are living and surviving on government programs are NOT lazy or addicted to drugs and alcohol either.
Blacks and Latinos have no right to be subjected to illegal searches,and it's up to the parents of rich Blacks and Latinos to school their kids on the realities of the world because many cops don't care what your address is, they're still an minority.
I have an example to prove the point of this blog. I used to enjoy watching The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and there was one episode that is one of my favorites; it was when Will and Carlton was the victims of racial profiling. Carlton and Will were car-sitting for Uncle Phil's White law partner while they were on a weekend trip. As they were driving, a police car, stopped them, Will who had knowledge of racial profiling, was trying to prepare Carlton who was wearing an Ivy-league sweater, button-up long sleeve dress shirt, khakis and penny loafers for what was going to occur, and while Will was serious, Carlton's tried to be nice to the cop despite Will's telling him what was going to occur, and though Will was right, Carlton didn't think it was serious. Especially when he told the cop that it wasn't his car. They were taken to jail and when Uncle Phil and Aunt Vivan, arrived at the police station to demand that their son and newphew be released, the cop tried to use his authority to scare them, but they got a surprise; Vivian was about to whip ass and when the cop told Phillip to calm his wife down, he stepped to the cop and told him no one talks to his wife that way!! Things got more heated when Phil's legal partner and informed the cops that the Black guys they arrested did NOT steal his car. They were watching it for him and the guys were also related to his legal partner. The cop felt stupid, but they felt more like asses when Phil confronted them.
"Was a lawyer present when you got that bogus confession from those boys? No because I'm their lawyer! Did you contact their parents? No because we're their parents! So open up that damn cell or I'll tie up you up in so much litigation that your grandchildren will need laywers!!!!"
After they were released, Carlton still didn't get the point of the situation. He kept saying that it was no big deal and that the cops were doing their job and the system works. Will did his best to tell him that it didn't matter that he was in a private school, in the glee club or living in Bel-Air, he would subjected to racism because of the color of his skin, but Carlton kept saying that the next time he hangs out he would bring a road map, and he even had the nerve to tell Will just because things like that happened from his childhood neighborhood didn't give him the right to be hostile and he would have stopped them. When Phil entered the living room, Carlton asked his father would he have stopped a group of Black guys. Phil's reply was 'I asked myself that question the first time I was stopped. Carlton still kept saying he would have stopped them.
I was so heated at his character that I wanted to go through the television screen and slap some reality into his uppity ass!!!!! He didn't get the point; he was a victim of racism and he didn't care that he was falsely arrested and spent most of his day in jail. He should have been thankful that Will was there, because if wasn't, things could have gotten ugly. He could have gotten attacked physically, and taken advantage of in so many ways. Carlton didn't think about that! Had I wrote that episode, I would have Phil and Vivian call Hillary, Ashley and Jeffrey for an family meeting to discuss what happened to Will and Carlton, and to let them know that things like that can happen, and I would have did a future episode with Carlton getting a real dose of reality and to come out of his Ball of Confusion.
That episode also was a great way to let rich Blacks and Latinos know that they're not immune to racism; many rich Blacks and Latinos, who become successful seems to forget that racism doesn't exist and that living in fancy neighborhood shields them from it while many Blacks and Latinos who grew up with silver spoons in their mouths tend to think that they're it doesn't concern them because of their money, fancy cars and their ability to speak proper grammar. Please!!! They are still Black and Latino and they need to face the fact that they could be targets as well as the Blacks and Latinos who live in the ghetto attending public school and working at clothing stores.
The point of this blog is to let Blacks and Latinos know that no matter where you live and no matter how you dress, they need to be have knowledge of life and that they could be targets and yes they shouldn't be judge by how they dress, but it does happen and not because of the clothes. It's the color of their skin.

SONGS INSPIRED FOR THIS BLOG

WHAT'S GOING ON
BY MARVIN GAYE
WRITTEN BY MARVIN GAYE, RENALDO OBIE BENSON AND AL CLEAVAND
PRODUCED BY MARVIN GAYE

SYSTEM
BY LABELLE
WRITTEN BY NONA HENDRYX, PATTI LABELLE AND SARA DASH
PRODUCED BY LENNY KRAVITZ

CAN YOU FEEL IT
BY THE JACKSONS
WRITTEN BY MICHAEL AND JACKIE JACKSON
PRODUCED BY THE JACKSONS

MESSAGE FROM A BLACK MAN
BY THE TEMPTATIONS
WRITTEN BY NORMAN WHITFIELD AND BARRETT STRONG
PRODUCED BY NORMAN WHITFIELD

BALL OF CONFUSION (THAT'S THE WORLD IS TODAY)
PERFORMED BY THE TEMPTATIONS
WRITTEN BY NORMAN WHITFIELD AND BARRETT STRONG
PRODUCED BY NORMAN WHITFIELD

Thursday, March 22, 2012

TRAYVON MARTIN-A YOUNG LIFE THAT DIDN'T NEED TO BE TAKEN

Yesterday evening I, along with many concerned and outraged citizens had attended a rally at Union Square for Tayvon Martin, A Black teenager from Florida who was shot and killed in a gated community by George Zimmerman, a member of the neighborhood watch, who thought that the academically and athletic gifted teenager was either high or drunk, when in reality he wasn't. In fact Martin wasn't into any type of negative activity at all; he was on his way from the store and running to avoid being drenched by the rain as well as running to get away from Zimmerman, who despite being told to stay in his vehicle by 911 and the police, decided to take matters into his own hand, and the end result was the death of the teen, who's life was taken, while this bastard got the opportunity to return to his home without being questioned or investigated, while the cops ran a criminal check on Trayvon, the life that was taken?!
Many are sad, angry and pissed at what happened to Trayvon, calling it racial profiling and injustice. "If Trayvon would have killed Zimmeman, he would have been arrested" one guy said at the protest.
"Yet he was the one who was killed and they do a criminal check on him?"
This case is really getting people to talk; there have been countless young Blacks and Latinos who have been gunned down by police who mistake them for drug dealers, thugs and rapists. Especially those who sport street gear (baggy jeans, hooded sweat shirts-hoodies for short, timberland boots and sneakers), but just because a person wears chooses to wear this attire doesn't mean their criminals, but most trigger-happy police, who feel like they have power with their badge and guns, tend to look, assume, charge and shoot before doing a proper investigation, but the fucked up part is tht Zimmerman was NOT a cop!! He was the head of the neighborhood watch in the complex where Trayvon was visiting his father and step-mother, and in addition to not being a cop, he also has a police record for resisting arrest in 2005, which leaves many to wonder why did he have a gun in the first place?
This sick act began when Trayvon had gone to the store to purchase some snacks for his brother, and during his journey to and from the store, he was on his cell phone speaking to his girlfriend, who could be a key witness in this case if the state comes to their fucking senses and make an arrest. As Trayvon was making his way back home, George Zimmerman, a resident of Latino-White heritage was sitting in his car patroling the area where he was residing at, and saw Trayvon walking through the neighborhood, and because he was rocking a hoodie, and in his twisted view, felt that Trayvon was either high, drunk, both and looking for trouble, so Zimmerman called 911 to report a suspicious person in his neighborhood, and while he was on the phone talking to the dispatcher, he began to follow Trayvon telling the dispatcher that things need to be change and even having the audacity to call him a fucking coon. When asked if he was following the teen, Zimmerman told the dispacther yes, and was told to NOT to follow him and to stay in the car and wait until the cops arrive. Did Zimmerman follow orders? No. He decided to take matters into his own hands by following him, which rightfully so cause Trayvon to become fearful for his life. Especially since he didn't know what the driver was up to. Zimmerman got out of his car, and confronted him and an fight esculated with Trayvon being shot and killed, with Zimmerman claiming he shot in self-defense. With the cops seeing that Zimmerman with grass and water on the back of his shirt and a bloody nose decided to allow him to return to his home while Trayvon was searched from drugs, alcohol and weapons and they found nothing of the sort. All he had on him was a can of Arizona Iced Tea and a pack of Skittles!! News of his death has many people devestaed including his parents, family members and friends who wants justice, which they so rightfully deserve. Especially since he was NOT the instigator and I agree. There had to be a reason for Zimmerman to get knocked flat on his ass; Trayvon was on the phone speaking to his girlfriend, and he told her that he was being followed and he ran for safety, and Zimmerman most likely harrassed him verbally and physically, which resutled in him defending himself against Zimmerman, who pulled out his gun and shot him. Especially with the moron weighing close to 300 pounds, while Trayvon was weighing close to 170 pounds. PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Zimmerman's ass should have been arrested for his actions not giving a free pass while Trayvon's parents has to make plans to bury their son!! What also has me upset is how some people who are close to Zimmerman are saying that he's a good person and doesn't have a racist bone in his family, while his family is saying that he's part Hispanic and there are several Blacks in their family. Well if that's the case, then why did he identity as a White man on the police report and why did he refer to Trayvon and other Blacks as fucking coons while speaking to the dispacther? Why did he target Trayvon and why the hell didn't he stay his ass in the car? Those close to him are saying that he was in right due to Florida's Stand Your Ground Law which allows residents to carry pistols and use them if they're feeling threatnend. That would have applied Trayvon tried to break into his vechile which DID NOT happen!! Zimmerman was the one who DID NOT follow 911 instructions to sit his ass in the car and wait for backup!!! Something that journalist Larry Elder (a brother who has issues with being Black) had to be told while he was being interviewed. Now I bet that he and those close to Zimmerman are feeling stupid now that the law officals are saying that that law does NOT apply to Zimmerman due to him not following insturctions and taking matters into his own hands.
This isn't going to bring Trayvon Martin back, but I hope that the family gets the justice that they rightfully so deserve, because no parent shouldn't have to bury their child. Trayvon's family is gonna have a long healing process, but knowing that they have the support of his friends, and supporters from all around the world, should help the healing process become easier.

SONGS INSPIRED FOR THIS POST

SCREAM
PERFORMED BY MICHAEL JACKSON AND JANET JACKSON
WRITTEN BY JAMES HARRIS III-TERRY LEWIS-MICHAEL JANET JACKSON
PRODUCED BY JIMMY JAM & TERRY LEWIS FOR FLYTE TYME PRODUCTIONS, MICHAEL JACKSON FOR MJJ PRODCUTIONS AND JANET JACKSON FOR BLACK DOLL PRODUCTIONS

MESSAGE FROM A BLACK MAN
PERFORMED BY THE TEMPTAIONS
WRITTEN BY NORMAN WHITFIELD AND BARRETT STRONG
PRODUCED BY NORMAN WHITFIELD

Saturday, March 17, 2012

GERMAN BORN-QUEENS BRED GAY RAPPER AND ACTOR SPEAKS

Whenever people first meet rapper Lester Green, many gets the impression that he's a hardcore rapper due to his looks and attire, but he's not a hard core thug. Lester is an openly gay rapper who performs Hip-Hop music that has different genres of music including Rock and Dance that has a unique style as well as given him a large overseas following. Green, who holds a Bachelors Degree in English, has also been adding modeling and acting to his resume and has plans to put out an calendar. I spoke with him via telephone about his career.

DA-PROFESSOR: How are things going?
LESTER: Busy. Busy. Busy. Enjoying life. Enjoying the things I love to do. Acting. Performing. Auditioning. You name it.

DA-PROFESSOR: How did you get into music?
LESTER: Actually, my brother used to be a rapper years ago. And he had a group. Every night he would come home from the studio and he would play different tracks and I wasn't into Hip-Hop music. I would listen to them because my brother was making music and he was thrilled about it. I just watched from afar. Then he got locked up and it was like he passed the torch to me. While he was in jail, he would rap over the phone and mail me rhymes and it slowly transended to me being a rapper.

DA-PROFESSOR: Which rappers and musicians inspire you?
LESTER: Well, let me start with the local acts. Elijah Black. I've been listening to his music for a few months. I love his music. I love his work ethic. Who else inspries me? Tori Fixx. 50 Cent. Lil' Wayne. Emeniem. Kayne West. I love these artists cause they have their own idenity. They're not trying to be that person or this person. They make very good music.

DA-PROFESSOR: I understand that you was born in Germany. What was it like living in Germany as a child?
LESTER: Good question. I was born in Germany, but I didn't stay that long. I was there for three or four years before I knew it, we upped and moved so I don't know the language, but it's still a part of my roots. Good question.

DA-PROFESSOR: Thanks. What other places have you lived?
LESTER: I lived in Georgia. I lived in El Paso. Then we moved to New York. I haven't done much traveling and I think that as I get older, I want to see more. My partner has been everywhere from France, Italy. You name it. He used to ask me where would you like to go and I say I don't know. I haven't been anywhere. I think I need to expand and travel more. Especially if I can do that through my music. That would even better, but if I can't do it like that I'd like to see different people. Different cultures. Different languages. I really want to go the U.K. and tap into that industry.

DA-PROFESSOR: Me too.
LESTER: Yeah. They're supportive of their artists. I'm not too sure if they're gay friendly, but as far as music is concerned, they support their own. And of course there's L.A. and I went to Vegas. I want to get back there to do shows.

DA-PROFESSOR: You're a openly Gay Rapper. What made you pursue an career as an openly gay rapper?
LESTER: I figure there weren't too many people out there doing it so I could do it, do it better than them or be competitive with those artists, I would possibly get the recognition, and I of course know nothing comes easily; you have to work to have work at it. You have to put in the leg work.

DA-PROFESSSOR: You're a sexy Black Gay man with a sexy physique. Do you have issues with females being shocked learning and knowing that you're gay?
LESTER: That's a good question. I co come across strong and sexual, but believe it or not, women were never interested in me. I find that hard to believe. ususally women fall for the good looking guy. I consider myself a good looking guy. The women never liked me in that way. They always come to me like brother-sister type thing. They came to me for advice or to listen tto. It was never sexual and it used to bother me because I wanted them to like me that way even though I wasn't straight. But I wanted to have their attention. It never happened and I think that's another reason why I came out and be who I am.

DA-PROFESSOR: What are the pros and cons of being a gay rapper?
LESTER: I don't know. I really don't like the tern 'gay rapper' because I don't see myself as just that. I'm trying to build a brand. Of course I do music and I'm a rapper, but I don't wanna be known as a gay rapper because I'm doing commercials, televisions and movies so I don't wanna be pigeonholded and boxed in. But if I had to do answer that question, pros and cons, I think with everything there's pros and cons. Lot of people tend to think he's a gay rapper, he's kinda deal with those unusal things. It's the same across the board. As an artist, especially if you're trying to be an independent artists, there are ups and downs. Regardeless if you're gay or straight.

DA-PROFESSOR: Lester, you brought up an interesting point. There are many people who still think that gays are supposed to be flamboyant, hairstylists, make up artists, and fashion designers, yet they don't wanna accept the fact that there are many gay males who are masculine, into Hip-Hop, athletics, and who can rock fitted caps, baggy jeans, timberlands, nikeys and adidas. Tell me from your prespective why is that?
LESTER: That's a great question. I don't wanna say television has a great influence of what people see, but it does have an influence. Me personally, I just wanna be different. I'm not trying to deny my sexuality by wearing do-rags, boots, and fitted caps. I think people are into me because I'm true to who I am.

DA-PROFESSOR: You're also pursuing an acting career. What prompted you to pursue acting as well as rapping?
LESTER: Well I don't know for sure, but for some reason, people say music and television go hand in hand. You see artists like 50 Cent make that transition from music to television. Like I said before, it's about branding yourself. Why limit yourself to one genre or one specific thing. Why not do all?

DA-PROESSOR: Who are some of your favorite actors?
LESTER: I like Denzil Washington. I like what he represents. Professionalism. He respects his craft and I respect people like that. Antoine Fishcher. Derek Luke. I usually don't watch alot of movies, but as an actor, you really need to learn your craft and know your craft. Who else do I like? Queen Latifah. I like Whoppi Goldberg. I like what these people represent. I like Vivica A Fox. I met her at the LGBT Center. She's real down to earth. I like people who are exceptioal. I don't like people who act like they're bigger than who they are.

DA-PROFESSOR: What do you like about Queen Latifah?
LESTER: I'm still amazed. She's constantly reinventing herself. She's so real. People connect with real people. It's just the vibe she gives off. There's nothing fake about her. People like Ellen Degeneris because they're great people and to top it off, they're really talented.

DA-PROFESSOR: A few years ago, you was in a Gay Hip-Hop documentary. How did you becomwe involved in that project?
LESTER: It featured other acts such as Bry'nt and Shorty Roc, and that came about through Carmello, the president of outhiphop.com. I really enjoyed the documentary because it gave people a better idea of what it's like to be a gay rapper.

DA-PROFESSOR: You also took part in performing at the memorial for the late Joseph Jefferson, who shockingly and sadly took his own life. What was it like performing for the late activist/party promoter?
LESTER: It was a great opportunity. I wanna thank James Saunders and Lawerence Pickney for that opportunity. I really wanna do more of that work where I'm supporting the movement and doing charitable things. It was a great opportunity. He was very young and I didn't realize it was that prevelant.

DA-PROFESSOR: Who would you like to do a movie with?
LESTER: I don't know if I wanna do a movie with this person. I think his name is Jesse. He does alot of videos for alot of rappers.

DA-PROFESSOR: I think his name is Jesse Terreo.
LESTER: I love his music videos. As far as filmmakers, I like to work wiwth anybody who's willing to give me a shot.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

KAOZ DROPS HOT UPLIFITNG TRACK

J'FUZION FEATURING KAOZ
STANDING

Whenever Kaoz drops singles and does collabs with other artists, many in the lgbt music scene always expects him the drop hot joints that are entertainment and uplifting. Well the Minnieapolis-based Out rapper's collab with J'Fuzion didn't leave us disappointed with his latest single "Standing." In fact, many in the commuity are saying that this is one of his hottest joints to date and I can see why. The song has hot beats, strings, breaks, horn riffs, and samples of Elton John's 1984 classic "I'm Still Standing" and Della Reese's line from the classic film "Harlem Nights" adding a fierce combo of Hip-Hop, Gospel and Dance. Also giving the song fire is the call and response with Kaoz saying still I rise and the looping of John's vocals as well as Kaoz's flow and his intelligent lyrics.

I'm Still standing
Yo! Still I rise
Still I rise
I'm still standing
Still I rise.
Yo! Last but not least
Gay men ain't the beast
That shit needs to cease
Who else in society gets beaten on the streets
For their express of love always generate the heat

This joint is really hot and it's also a joint that Gays needs to listen put on their I-pods and bump at their prides, balls and shows to help them see that they can overcome obstacles as well as know that there are talented Openly Gay Rappers like Kaoz can spit hot verses as well as represent for the Gay community.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

COSBY 2012-HOW THE HUXTABLES WOULD BE REALLY LIVING NOW

From 1984-1992, The Cosby Show was a hit with television and it made history by being the first Black television show to hit # 1 in the ratings. Many loved seeing positive images of Blacks on television as opposed to seeing the sterotypes of Blacks living in the projects, ghetto and commiting crimes. While many loved to see a family where both parents were professionals, there were many however who felt and still feel that the show didn't deal with other issues surrounding Blacks including intercultural racism and classism, and while the show did show Claire Huxtable reprimending her children when they misbehaved and lied, many felt the show wasn't Black enough.
Me and my best friend Donald Peebles were talking about the show's impact, history, and how Cosby had the family portrayed, and we were talking about the experiences of most middle and upper class Black families go through and began to speak on how the Huxtables would be living in real life in this day of age.



HEATHCLIFF HUXTABLE-A Retired doctor who spents most of his time volunteering and at home watching television, hanging out with his buddies and trying to enjoy his retirement, but is unable to due to certain things that happens within the family. In addition to coping with the loss of his mother, he is still having issues trying to get over Denise dropping out of Hillman and becoming an wife and stepmother to Martin's daughter Olivia as well as returning to a Cuny school and earning her degree in Education-History and Literture. He's also coping that Sondra his favorite daughther is giving the family a bad reputation.


CLAIR HUXTABLE-An attorney and partner at the firm that she works for still practices law, and living an active professional and social life. She also still makes time for her children and grandchildren, who she loves, nurtures and comforts. She's also tired of Cliff's childish beef he has with Denise, who is doing well for herself (better than Sondra),tired of his views concerning one of his grandsons. She also has to help Sondra with her crisis. Especially when she reveals to Cliff that Sondra may not be his child. It's revealed that when and Cliff broke up temporary, she briefly (and secretly dated) two guys. A Black student who has his own business and a White Soul Singer from Welsh, who would later ask Claire to become his US attorney.


SONDRA HUXTABLE-An attorney and divorced mother of twins. Sondra was Cliff's golden and favorite child who could do no wrong in his eyes. She had went to Princeton College, became an attorney, married an doctor and was raising her twins who would turn out different in more ways than you would expect. Sondra still thinks she's hot shit and the best until Denise steals the spotlight from her, which causes their feud to become hotter. Sondra can't accept the fact that Denise turns out better than her. Sondra becomes so bitter and jealous, that her work suffers, but things get worse when she loses a high profile case to an young Black Ebony Complexion Female Prosecutor, who's a combination of Christine Blair from the Young & Restless and Author/Prosecutor Starr Jones. Sondra begins to drink heavily, to the point of losing her drivers license, her marriage, and winds up being arrested for running down Denise who gives tells her about herself.


DENISE HUXTABLE-KENDALL-An teacher/Guidance Counselor at Hillman High Academy, successful award-winning author, wife and mother of two. After giving birth to her son and returning to the states in 1994, Denise decides to re-enroll at Medgar Evers College, and not only does she thrive and does well academically, she's asked to be the Valenvictorian for the graduating class of 1999, and gets recruited by several grad schools (Howard, Penn State, Temple, University of Miami, UCLA, Pace, Fordham University, Brooklyn, Hillman). Denise decides to go to Brooklyn College and thrives there as well. With the execption of Cliff and Sondra, the whole family is proud of her success including Grandpa Huxtable and Claire, who throws Denise several graduation parties including inviting several of her friends from Hillman including Whitley, Dwayne, Jalessa, Maggie, Ron, Lettie and even Millie. Upon receiving her Masters, Denise decides to teach at Hillman's newly formed high school where she becomes a favorite. She also becomes close with her niece and newphew who confide in her especially when their parents throw their old-fashioned and narrowed minded views at them.

THEO HUXTABLE-An special education junior high IS 109. Theo has been teaching at the famous school since 1997, and he has helped many special education students thrive and achieve higher learning. In fact most of his students have beat the odds and enrolled in several of the city's tops schools including Brooklyn Tech, Bishop Lougling, Murrary Berturm, Bronx High School of Science, School of Aviation, The High School of the Performing Arts in Brooklyn and Manhattan as well as several boarding schools out of state. Most of Theo's students have done well, and they still keep in contact with him. Theo's personal life isn't as great. His girlfriend Justine, had died from cancer shortly after Denise's graduation, and his former student Stanley, who despite being dyslexic graduated from Murray Bertum, BMCC and the University of Miami, was murdered while coming from a concert with his Dark-skinned girlfriend. Theo has spend most of his time and energy teaching and tutoring as a way to cope with her passing. Many urged him to date, and it's hard especially since they were together for a long period of time. He begins to re-enter the dating scene when he reconnects with his childhood friend Cockroach, who is doing well in life.


VANESSA HUXTABLE-The Director of marketing at an advertising agency. After graduating from Lincoln University, Vanessa had managed to secure a job at an Advertising agency where she worked to becoming the director of marketing. Unlike her older sisters, Vanessa isn't interested in marriage, and enjoys living the single life, with her best friend Cara who also works at the same agency as the director of international publicity due in part of her fluency in English, Spanish and German. In addition to having a great career, Vanessa is still outspoken and is constantly at odd with Sondra, Elvin and her father over how they raised their kids, their old-fashioned views (especially Elvin's) her not wanting to be married to Robert her first love, who is an successful television and stage actor and producer.

RUDY HUXATABLE-A graduate of Spellman who is a case manager in Manhattan. Rudy is an case manager at AIDS organization where she is loved by all the clients for her fun outgoing love spirit and her passion for making sure her clients gets the support and respect they need. Like Vanessa she has issues with Elvin's narrow-minded thinking, and isn't ready to marry, which causes problems with her relationship with Kenny who despite many efforts to change still has his narrow-minded views. Rudy finally leaves him one night after catching her former friend perform oral sex on Kenny in a club. Hurt and felling betrayed, she runs into the arms of Peter, who has lost his baby and begin dating, causing Kenny to become stalking to the point where she has to get a restraining order against him. Rudy and Peter work hard on their interracial relationship.

GRANDPA RUSSELL HUXTABLE-Is still coping with the loss of his wife of several years. While he misses her, he still keeps himself busy by traveling and spending time with his family including Denise who he is proud of as well as Nelson and Winnie. He's also tired of Cliff's beef with Denise and lets him know that he needs to grow up and get over it, reminding him that Denise not only is doing well for herself, that she was the one who helped Sondra and Elvin come to their senses about moving out of that tacky apartment, and how Denise helped him and Anna have a greater appreciation of African History.

ELVIN TIBIDEAU-A surgeon, husband and father of three-Elvin had become an surgeon, and while he's a great doctor, he is in need of an long-overdue heart and brain transplant. Despite trying to change, he still has his sexist views, and wants his kids to be proper-Ivy League especially his daughter Winnie, who gives him fever during her college years. He also had hoped for his son to have a career as a doctor and marry a successful yet submissive woman. Those plans are thrown out the window when he learns that his son wants to pursue a career in media and he has no plan to settle down with a woman. When Elvin learns that his son is dating an Dark-skinned African American/African Panamanian from Flatbush, his Caribbean roots and views come out and it causes tension between the two. Elvin is also trying to deal with Sondra's beef with Denise and her constantly crying about losing the high profile case to the point where he's temporarily suspended after a patient he was performing surgery on goes into a coma. Hurt and defeated he has an affair with a woman and gets her pregnant causing his problems to go from bad to worse.

WALTER COCKROACK OR C.R.BRADLEY-A successful party international party promoter-Cock Roach or C.R. as he's now called reconnects with Theo in early 2000's one night at Miami beach where Theo is vacationing with Denise and her family. Cockroach explains that while his family was in Florida for the Christmas holiday, his mother began to have headaches. Shortly before they were scheduled to leave, the headaches had gotten worse, and after getting her to a doctor, it was discovered that she had a brain tumor, so have surgery, and a few days later, his dad learned that his job was letting people go, but because his dad was a disabled veteran who had worked at his job for over twenty years, they couldn't let him go, and he was able to get transferred to the Florida branch. So he had to stay with his mom while his dad sold the house. Cock Roach had finished high school and graduated from Florida A&M, and became one of the industry's most sought after promoters. He informs Theo that he had lost his girlfriend in 911 and it's hard being that he has moved and is focusing on raising their son. He helps Theo see that he can live again.


WINNIE TIBIDEAU-Sondra's and Elvin's twin daughter a former student at Princeton and an Hillman Transfer student. Winnie is Sondra and Elvin's twin daughter, who is an earthy, outspoken, female who is proud of her Blackness and stands up for herself and people she loves. Especially Denise, and her brother Nelson. Though Winnie grew comes from a working middle class Black family, she doesn't act like she's better than others and one of her pet peeves are seeing uppity snobby Blacks put down others because they're from the projects or are welfare and social security. The biggest thorns in her side are her parents thinking that they're better than everybody and her mom's jealousy of Denise who is more than a mother to her. Winnie also enjoys life and parties, hang out while maintaining a 3.90 GPA.

NELSON-TIBIDEAU-Sondra's and Elvin's twin son a student at Hillman College. Nelson is Sondra and Elvin's twin son, who's into art, music and urban culture and is majoring in communications and urban studies, while working part-time in the school's counseling office and when he's not working and studying, he spends most of his time with his boyfriend Selwyn An Dark-Skinned African American/African Panamanian guy who rocks street fashion (baggy jeans, timberlands, polo boots, nikeys and adidas)was Nelson's close friend which dates back to elementary school with. They had lost touch when Selwyn was accepted to a private school on an academic and athletic scholarship. They friendship rekindled after bumping into each other in the village where they both learned they were going to Hillman. They later attended concert that featured openly Gay Rappers and after the show they learned they they had crushes on each other and they begin to date. Nelson having a Caribbean father has fears about coming out, so he confides in Denise who tells him that there was nothing wrong with being Gay and that Selwyn who is proud to be a Black Latino and is book and street smart is a great guy to be with. Nelson tells his parents who freak out and bitch about how he's making the family look bad, and that they won't accept it. Nelson tells them that he's not gonna be forced to live a false life and things get worse when he informs that Denise accepts him and that he will spend his vacations at her house with his boyfriend who stands up to Elvin. Nelson is hurt at his parents reaction, but he lives his life and spends time with his boyfriend who like him are attending Hillman on scholarships chilling attending rallies and prides and making hot passionate love.

MARTIN KENDALL-A retired Navy Man who is working as Olivia's manager. Since retiring from the Navy, Martin had tried to work as a civilian, but like many military veterans who are used to traveling, he found it hard to adjust being home, so when his daughter Olivia was began to pursue a singing career, he decided to go on the road with her as her tour manager to prevent her from getting involved with drugs and alcohol. Despite the time on the road, he still manages to have a successful marriage to Denise and a good father to their son.


PAM TUCKER-A Doctor at Thomas Jefferson University. Pam had decided to follow in Cliff's footsteps and become a doctor. After graduating from Temple University's undergrad and medical school, she began to work at Thomas Jefferson University, and was interviewed by several medical publications. She still keeps in touch with Charmaine. STANLEY-Theo's former student at the after school program, who was discovered to have dyslexia, had got the proper help and managed to get accepted into Murray Bertuam High School and graduated with a B- GPA. He went to the borough of Manhattan Community College, where he earned an Associates Degree Liberal Arts, then he enrolled in the University of Miami where he earned his Bachelors Degree in Communications and a job doing Public Relations for a record company, making Theo who he kept in touch with proud. He did try to pursue a relationship with Rudy, but they decided to remain friends due to Kenny's jealously and to avoid conflict with Theo and his parents (though Clair would have rather Rudy and him date), so he later fell in love with a Dark-Skinned female from Coney Island who had graduated from Stuyvesant High School and Tuskegee University. They had a great relationship and they would volunteer at the center twice a month. In fact they were in the process of building a summer home in the south and expecting their first child when tragedy struck. Shortly after Halloween, Stanley and his girlfriend were returning from a friend's house warming, when a female who was drug addict asked them for money. They offered her a plate of food, she declined, so they attempted to leave, but the addict continue to harass them, to the point where she attempted to attack his pregnant girlfriend. Stanley pushed her away and as they tried to leave the addict pulled out a shot him, and ran. Stanley was rushed to the hospital and was on life support but managed to see his son who was named Stan Theodore before he died, and many came out to his wake, funeral and burial including The Huxtables who was hurt, especially Theo who took his death hard and along with Stanley's mother pushed for the NYPD to investigate. The female was later captured, arrested and sentenced for murder to the first degree. KENNY A/K/A BUD: Bud still had tried to change his ways but couldn't. He did graduate from More House and got a job doing office work. He dated Rudy, but they were having conflicts due to his ignorant ways and his homophobia and things go from bad to worse when Rudy catches him receiving a blow job Carolyn, who also revealed that she and Kenny were seeing each other on the side.

Monday, March 5, 2012

WHO SHOULD TAKE WHITNEY HOUSTON'S SPOT IN WAITING TO EXHALE SEQUEL?



Before Soul/Pop Legend Whitney Houston passed away, she had many projects in the works. She had finished filming the remake of the classic film "Sparkle" with Jordan Sparks and was planning on recording a new album. She has also signed on to star in the sequel to the hit film "Waiting To Exhale" with Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine and Lelah Rochon, but with the award-winning legend's untimely passing, many had wondered if production of the movie was going to stop or continue with Houston? Studio executives have decided to go on with Houston.“It’s almost in [Houston's] honor that we think to soldier on,” Fox 2000 president Elizabeth Gabler told Vulture which was the first to report the news about the studio's decision to carry on. Galber also revealed that plans to feature Oprah Winfrey a huge supporter of Exhale to take Houston's spot.
I personally don't see Oprah playing Houston's character Savannah, because except for playing a thearpist on the Ellen Degenerus show, the former talk show host hadn't play any roles other than a wife and single mother living in the ghetto. Houston had the sass and sophistication to play Savannah an 33 year-old television producer who looks for the right man, but winds up becoming involved with her old love an Doctor who is married with a daughter, who wants to be with her, but gets cold feet. Savannah who gets tired of waiting, gives him a piece of her mind and gently spills her drink into his lap and later tells her mother that she is sick and tired of her forcing her to get married and have children like her sister so she won't be alone like her. "Yes mama I'm 33 years old and I'm alone" Whitney's character said in the award winning classic. "I may have to accept the fact that I may be alone for the rest of my life!" When her mother tried to reason with her about the doctor being a good man in a bad situation, Savannah relied with "Momma why don't you fucking marry him?!"

I think that the person who should take over the role is actress/author Robin Givens.
Why I chose Givens? Robin is an talented actress, who brings sassiness and classiness in most of her roles she plays. In 1992, she starred in the classic "Boomerang" as Jacquline Broyer, an beautiful woman, who captures Marcus Graham's (played by Eddie Murphy) eye and while he thinks he can easily get her into his bed, he's shocked to learn that not only is she hard to get, she's also an executive who later becomes his boss at Chantress an marketing company. He tries everything to get her into his bed including inviting him over to his house for dinner, but it doesn't work. At a party she informs him that if she would to ever seduce him, he would know. He finally makes love to her during a trip to New Orleans, and he falls for her, but she has a few tricks up her sleeve. She gives him a strong dose of his medicine by having her secretary call him to schedule a date for them to meet. The night of their date, he buys tickets to a movie premiere and after party and it rains and she doesn't show up. After calling the airports to see if any flights from Canada wer delayed or in an accident. Jacauline then arrives at his apartment donned in a trench coat, high heels, and underwear, and she apologizes by putting it on him to the point that he has her screaming her name while making his toes curl. She later leaves his apartment as well as leaves two hundred dollars on his dresser with an empty condom package. The scene that really shows that Robin can play Savannah is when she steps to Grace Jones' character and lets her know that if she doesn't fly to the Bahamas to do the photo shoot she will take back the money and sue her for every goddamn cent. The way Robin says it shows that she is capable of doing the job well.

ROMANTIC FLASHBACK: TONY AWARD WINNING SINGER'S FALLING IN LOVE SONG


MELBA MOORE
FALLING
1986 CAPITOL RECORDS

From the late 1970's, Tony award singer/actress Melba Moore had become a household name. She had conqured Broadway by starring in the hit play "Purlie" and scored many dance hits including "You Step Into My Life," "Love's Coming At You," "Mind Up Tonight" and "Read My Lips." She also scored a # 1 hit with former labelmate Freddie Jackson, but hadn't score a # 1 hit on her own, and many fans wanted her to sing a romantic ballad. Well Moore was able to do both with her 1986 ballad "Falling" which not only became a fan favorite, it also became her first # 1 R&B hit and also her signature live performance song, which showcased her ability to sing harmony, and showcase her different ranges. It also contains her hitting a high note for 22 seconds, which gives the classic a romantic feel along with the lyrics, and music which has a nice romantic feel courtesy of the guitar, percussion, keyboards and strings.
Melba Moore recorded a wonderful jam and it still sounds as romantic and beautiful as it did and I know that many couples still play this to set the mood for romance.