Keeping Kids Out of Hot Cars

Considering the recent high profile deaths of kids in cars, the video this father does is worth checking out.

Nappy Roots - 'Roun The Globe (2003)

Changing Face of Corporate Commercials

Last month during the NBA Finals, I happened to view two commercials back-to-back that featured quite the stark views of black folks in their ads. The first ad is from Verizon.




I was honestly a little surprised when I saw this. A commercial full of black folks in an ad for a phone company of all things? This was indeed different. Below is the commercial that came up immediately following the Verizon ad.




Maybe it's me, but dude seems awfully happy to be in the kitchen making some chicken. I'm just saying.

I look at these ads and on one hand while I'm happy to see a a prime-time commercial featuring black folks as the primary characters, I'm still dismayed that in 2014 we got brothers talking bout "it saddens their heart that some people will never know the pleasure of tasting chicken that's hand breaded twice." Really though?

Skeelo - I Wish (1995)

A 90s classic.

Learning With Others: The Importance of Blogging While Brown

A few weeks ago I was in Harlem attending the Blogging While Brown conference for the first time and learned quite a bit. The most striking being that so many people are no longer waiting on "traditional media" to tell their stories, but instead, are using new platforms to tell their own.

Telling stories and differing perspectives have been going on for as long as humans have been able to communicate. With the ever evolving landscape of technology, blogs have been at the forefront for enabling communities (particularly those of color) that have either been ignored or forgotten about by mainstream society, to make sure their voices/brands are noticed. It is because of this, that I felt compelled to attend Blogging While Brown.

It truly was a great experience. I was fortunate enough to meet a number of bloggers who are writing about everything from hair care, to health and fitness, to career services, and media. It certainly was inspiring to see so many other bloggers of color who were making their stories and voices known throughout this space we here call the internet.

Fostering relationships in any profession is key, especially among bloggers. I myself made a few connections with people and the conference overall made me think about just what I want for FilmSwag and ways to continue to grow. I certainly would recommend the conference for bloggers of color and hope to attend next year as well. For more info, you can check out the website here.

To Be Articulate

Powerful poem by Jamila Lyiscott on language, race and conext.

Happy Independence Day Weekend Folks

Here's the trailer for the 1996 movie "Independence Day" that launched Will Smith as a bankable Hollywood star.