The SistaGurl Blog

By Laura Miller  As we propel ourselves in the season of giving, I'd like to share with you the full answers to some of what we talked about as well as some questions that weren't seen in my Rolling Out interview. I'd like to call this segment "The After Interview".  So dig in folks, Maria is a quality candidate and just by being herself, she stands to make HERstory. It’s to note that if elected you would be the first AA woman and openly gay alderman in this district. What are you thoughts on this? I think it’s exciting. We live in a place where diversity is a strength, and I think our leadership should represent that. And that’s not to say I represent every identity in our ward, that’s impossible, but I do think having someone who looks like a lot of people in this ward and shares more of their lived experiences will make a difference in encouraging people who aren’t currently engaged in the political process to get involved. It’s also a reason I don

By Felicia R. Shakespeare The Night Was Magical.... The experience of the 40 Under 40 Awards Young Women's Professional League Ceremony this year was one for the books. The "girl power" factor was on 1000! To see the level of experiences and the backgrounds among these 40 amazing women was astounding. From PhD's, Entrepreneurs, to MBA's, the list goes on and on. I had the opportunity to start out the evening speaking to one of last year's co-hosts, Rendel Solomon, Founder of One Stock One Future. This year was extra special for Rendel because his younger sister, Quinessa Solomon, was one of the 40 inductees to be honored. This is what Rendel had to say: INTERVIEW #1 Rendel Solomon How does it feel to be returning back to this year's ceremony after being a co-host last year? "Super excited to be here supporting my sister Quinessa Solomon as she's inducted into the 40 Under 40 Young Women's Professional League. I had the honor of host

Earlier this week an old Jill Scott's "Crown Royal " performance resurfaced and had social on a media soap box ready to take her to Salem. Viewers who seemingly have never seen Jill Scott in concert were appalled by her very sensual displays of fellacio to a microphone. That's not really the purpose of this article. The purpose of this article is to alert all of you R&B lovers that "Mr. Steal Your Girl" was not disgusted by the video, he was inspired.  So much so that he dropped a track today titled " Jill  (Sumn Real)" on soundcloud. Using the sample of Jilly from Philly's "He Loves Me-Lyzel in E Flat" single from her first album.  Here are some of the lyrics:  "Oh Jill, Jill, Gimme some real.  Your different you're special you're out of this world, Extraterrestrial.  Promise to hold you, Imma protect you  Promise you shelter, heaven neglect you,  I wanna love you, give me some real, I wa

By Sierra Pepin Dressed to the nines. Smiles and gracious hugs. Recognition of movers, shakers, trailblazers, and give-backers. These elements formed the perfect cocktail to celebrate 40 Black women who hadn't even turned 40 yet.  Wednesday, November 14, was the Young Women's Professional League's 40 Under 40 ceremony. The event, which took place at the Du Sable Museum of African American History, was the induction for these women into a cohort of Black women leaders. Each of the 40 women, were top professionals in their respective fields. More than professionalism,  the 40 Under 40 induction ceremony stressed the importance of #sisterhood. I spoke with Cheresa LaFrances Purnell, the founder of YWLP about being a sister. "A true sister holds you accountable. A true sister tells not just what you want to hear, but what you need to hear. And do it in love," she says. The ceremony included poetry from the artist, K Love, a rendition of Andra Day's

Dear White Women, You lost yesterday. The blow you felt to your very existence and the fiber in fabric of the place of your birth was harsh. People of color, native folks and LGBTQ folks everywhere can empathize with the way you are finally feeling. The part we can not fathom is how it took y’all so long to get here. The outrage of white women the past few weeks has been surprising to say the least. It was as if you were shocked by the unmitigated gall of white men to be white men. Where have you been since the inception of American history? Or did you just not think they would have the causticity to do it to you? You see, no one is free until we are all free. Where was your outrage when Black children were being gunned down in the street? Where was your rage when Trans-women were being murdered for merely existing? And Native women vanishing without a trace? You lost today because you’ve been so busy enjoying your privilege it never occurred to you that something give

Hey Friends!  Remember when we were 12-13 and we knew someone that was thirty+ and thought they were SUPER OLD? Like retirement old?  That was around the time you started to make promises to yourself about the magnificent things you would accomplish before turning 30. Some of us namely me, didn't even waste our time with planning a life after 30, because by then, we would have had it all figured out.  If you have done all those things. Good for you, great for you! Go ahead and stop reading, you'll be more useful on other posts. "Buh Bye." (90's SNL reference). If you're like me and you have barely scratched the surface, stick with me.  Let's get started. Hey 34 year old.. YOU ARE NOT OLD. You have reached an age that many of our idols and history notables did not make. (Biggie, Tupac, Aaliyah, Left Eye, Mac Miller, Selena, Jimmie Hendrix, Amy Whinehouse, Tami Terrell, Lorraine Hansberry, Bruce Lee, Chris Farley, King Tut, and JESUS).  Obv

By Sierra Pepin,  Social media can be an unhealthy escape in the slow, and sometimes sad, days of post-college. In fact, as transitions can be, post-college is a quieter and difficult moment. When I scrape up peace of mind in this confusing pause, I think about what the old me can teach the new me. I remember that while social media can be a fantasy, it can also be my refuge. Sixteen and 17-year-old me needed the safe space of the Internet. I remember laying across my queen-sized bed, in my small bedroom scrolling, scrolling, scrolling. I was in high school and in my first (and only, thank God) toxic relationship. One of my close friends had passed away. I wasn't okay. Through my Tumblr account, I found the music, the community, the blogs, that gave me escape. Through Tumblr, I found the language to recognize emotional and mental harm. My blog started as a place to fawn over One Direction and re-blog pretty pictures of Black people. However, it became my introduction t

By Rapmusiq The realization There I was in the middle of the Caribbean sea. I was in a one person canoe, but I wasn’t alone. Surrounded by a counsel of my ancestors the decision was made. My life had to change.  As I dunked my paddle long ways into the water as if it could measure the depth of the sea or my soul; I just knew. I could no longer continue in my marriage as it was. I was hurting, yet going through the motions everyday to salvage what I thought was the most important thing in my life. My marriage was a symbol that stood for a number of things, but namely: that I was an adult and that someone in this world (aside from my parents) wanted me.  That I was worthy of love because I had a $200 Kay jewelers ring on my finger and a piece of paper in a drawer at home.  I had grown up in the most loving environment possible and still somehow society had convinced me that this relationship was more important to me than me.  I knew something was wrong as I lost myself more

Actor and Artist Tray Chaney has been on a mission to let his purpose lead his passions. Since 2012, Tray has been fostering his movement and fashion line called “Dedicated Fathers”. He uses his brand and celebrity, which I have spoken of previously , in efforts to encourage and support fathers who are doing what’s best for their families on a daily basis. It’s been reported that African American men have the highest percentage of being the most active in their children’s lives. Tray has been working in earnest to negate the stereotype that assumes otherwise. He understands because he is a father himself, being an everyday hero to your children is not something that comes without struggle; but should be supported as we continue to improve our communities family structure.   Starting this past Father’s Day, began formally honoring fathers by presenting them with the “Dedicated Father’s Award. His latest recipient, is not a stranger to acclaim in our community , but he

By Felicia Clark So guess who is gang banging at breakfast now? On Friday, September 14th, to be exact, Emmy award winning comedian Katt Williams appeared on the Frank and Wanda in the Morning show, along with fellow comedian Red Grant to promote his upcoming Comedy Special in the ATL. After Frank interviewed the ever so pleasant Red about his life and comedy, he turned his questions to Katt, asking him, “What makes a great special sir? Cus' no one makes them like you.” Katt responds by saying, “It speaks to quantity...I had more specials than any comedian breathing or dead...7 more than Richard Pryor, 6 more than Martin Lawrence…” Frank interjects, “Are you serious? Are you serious, Katt?” Katt is carries on, “...6 more than Chris Rock, and 5 more than Dave Chappelle.” Again, Frank is asked again, “Are you serious?” Katt simply states, “Those are just facts.” What an interesting kickoff, don’t you think? Pass the bacon, please. From there, Katt went on to discuss how

By Felicia Clark  “Dissolution of Marriage and Marital Settlement.” I read these words to myself as I stood in line at the courthouse. It was four sheets of paper, front and back. The breakdown of my marriage. 7 years broken down into 4 sheets of paper.  Paper like any other that can be torn, shredded, and ruined by water. It felt like my marriage was as easily ruined as the paper I was holding in my hands. "What the hell is this?" I asked as I stepped closer in line. Seven years prior, we were in such a rush to get married. We went down to City Hall to get the marriage license. We were so proud to have obtained it. The day of the wedding, I jumped out of bed. I was tripping all over myself. I couldn't contain my excitement.  I had on a short peach A-line dress and he wore a nice peach button down shirt and slacks. We looked very cute. And happy. As we made the walk from underground parking towards City Hall, we held on tight to each other’s hands. I glanced

By Sierra Pepin In the words of my editor, last week was nuts. Don’t worry, while you catch your breath, your good sis (me) will get you up to speed. Let’s start with the ugly - George Zimmerman allegedly threatened Beyoncé Giselle Knowles, and her husband, Jay-Z. According to The Blast , Zimmerman, the man acquitted of taking the life of teen Trayvon Martin, allegedly called Bey a "broke whore" and said if he saw either part of the power couple, "they'll find themselves inside of 13-foot gator." Zimmerman supposedly sent a series of texts to a private investigator, Dennis Warren. Warren was responsible for contacting potential participants for the six-part docu-series about Trayvon that was co-produced by Jay-Z. Photo from TheBlast.com Totally related: for the heartbreaking history of black babies being used as bait for alligators and crocs, see here , here , and here . I know I said I'd help you breathe easier, and if you'