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"He needs some black history, so he can be proud of himself and understand himself, so he can take care of himself, and so he can quit worrying you so much" --Muhammad Ali to a group of white students during the height of his boxing career and during the time of 1960's civil rights protests for better education.
Phyllis Hyman
I was extremely hurt when I heard that a beautiful soul like Phyllis Hyman took her own life. I've been following her music for more than 14 years. Her unique voice was always so pleasing, calming, romantic and "all that and then some". Her last album was almost like an extended suicide note, but they were words from her heart. When there's a suicide involved, there's always the "what ifs", "I wonder whys" and "how comes", but the only thing that matters to me now is that "she was", as in "she was here", "she was blessed", "she was beautiful" and more than anything "she WAS loved" by so many, something she unfortunately couldn't see first hand. And every time I hear the song "These Three Words" by Stevie Wonder, it reminds me of her, and of how grateful I am to have been able to hear and appreciate her music, especially when she was here. (back to top)
Alfre Woodard
Every time I see Alfre, I smile. Her smile is so contagious. Each and every role she's played has been inspirational. The roles are played with dignity and respect, including for the character. She has never received the full recognition she's deserved, but luckily it hasn't stopped her from continuing to provide one great performance after another. My favorite roles were as "Popeye" in "Miss Firecracker"; as the sister of another great actress, Loretta Devine, in "Funny Valentines"; and the mother in "Crooklyn". It's also good to know she's a wonderful mother and loving wife who has her priorities straight. (back to top)
Danny Glover
One word, "Mister". Ooooh, I hated him in "The Color Purple", but that's when the acting is just good. I also respect Mr. Glover for the personal choices he's made in his life. He's an activist, a loving husband and father, and an all around respectful man. So I guess I can overlook that "Mister" thing! And nice butt in "Beloved". (back to top)
Ms. Dorothy Dandridge
It's a shame to have to say someone was born too soon. But things certainly would have been different or better for her now. It's also unfortunate that her only living offspring has been confined to an institution for the remainder of her life, not knowing (or maybe we don't know that) the great love and concern her mother had for her. What's very profound is she has definitely passed on from one generation to another. There are so many personal pages dedicated to her by people of all ages. Coincidentally, both she and Halle Berry were born in the same city and same hospital. Halle also portrayed Dorothy in "Introducing Dorothy Dandridge". Both actresses were nominated for Oscars, with only Halle winning and the first black woman in 74 years to receive the Oscar, something that many think Dorothy deserved for her role in "Carmen Jones". The first person Halle gave praise to was Dorothy, which was the only person I was thinking of when her name was announced as the winner for Best Actress. (back to top)
Ronald Isley and The Isley Bros
Can someone explain to me how the same group I grew up listening to is still one of the groups I'm listening to today WITH new hits? And how come they still look so young and good looking? Did someone sell their soul to the devil? Well, I guess I can't blame them for that deal. I'm happy with it. Just the beginning of their signature songs brings back so many happy memories and fun times. You can't get out the car until their song goes off and someone's gon' get hurt if it's ending when you get in the car and turn on the ignition (awww man, if that loser would have given me change faster, I should go back and open a can of whup ass!). And if I was 10 and jamming to "Somebody said. . I was living in the life ...", how I can still be jamming to their new hits? Am I that old or do they never age and never stop putting out hits? (back to top)
Yolanda Adams
Girl, sing! Her voice is just amazing and it always puts you back in focus. Everything about her is just so positive, and she's like this energy which keeps you going in the right direction. One night, I was driving home from the grocery store, just feeling disgusted, tired and still in physical pain from "Drawdy-Gawdy Gate". I barely made it to the store and could barely walk down the aisles or even carry the groceries. As I was driving home, her song "Open My Heart" came on the radio and I just started crying. The song said everything I was feeling. The song seemed to speak the words I could barely even think because I was so tired. And my other favorite, but only sung by her is "This Battle Is Not Yours". The next day after sleeping peacefully for the first time in a long time, I woke up smiling and had so much energy to start getting things back on track. (back to top)
Halle Berry
The first role I remember Halle in was "Jungle Fever" as a crack addict along with Samuel Jackson. Other favorites were "Boomerang", "Queen" and "Introducing Dorothy Dandridge". I thought Janet Jackson should have portrayed Dorothy, until I saw Ms. Berry's performance. She was Dorothy. What I like more about Halle is she's "human". She makes mistakes, acknowledges and corrects them, and she doesn't hide behind her pain and pretend for others, because she's learned the hard way that others won't always be there for you whether you pretend for them or not. (back to top)
Vanessa Williams
I truly admire her on and off-screen presence. She reminds me of so many strong sisters I know and is just so beautiful, which is the first thing I said when I saw her on the "The Cosby Show". I stopped watching "Melrose Place" when she was no longer a part of the cast. It's unfortunate that every time her name is mentioned, people automatically assume it's the other Vanessa L. Williams. And every week, I'm glued to the TV waiting for the next new episode of "Soul Food". My time for "Soul Food" is now equal to "Jordan has the ball, don't call me during that time, and if you don't know Jordan has the ball, what's wrong with you?!" I didn't like the first season too much because the direction was different and not as interesting as the movie characters, but I followed it only because she was cast in it and I figured it had to get better. And OH YES, it has. The show is now part of so many Afro-American families. Vanessa's acting, along with everyone else's is outstanding!!! The situations are REAL. And she gets to star in the show with all of my husbands (hehe), Boris Kodjoe, Darrin Dewitt Henson and Rockmond Dunbar (ok, ok, I'll get in line and wait patiently). (back to top)
Vanessa L. Williams
Ok, so I never paid much attention to Vanessa L. Williams other than she was the first black Miss America. Then, the dethroning was shocking, but I didn't understand the need since there's a lot worse that I'm sure other former Miss America's have done, like participate in Klan activities, assist with murdering others and other heinous crimes. What I do remember was a relative running her down to ground saying she ruined her life, and she would never be nothing and that people would always look at her as if she was trash. Then some many years later, I saw her face on an album cover, then another album cover, then in Ebony Magazine and in more and more articles. Then I saw her in "Stompin' At The Savoy" with other great actresses I admire (Vanessa Bell Calloway, Lynn Whitfield, Jasmine Guy, Debbie Allen). What I saw was someone who was able to rise above so much controversy and make a positive place for herself. The one thing I remember most about her was her acceptance speech at an NAACP Image awards. I just cried. It was a major award because it was after years of struggle. This woman stood alone and under a microscope with "failure" labeled on it in so many ways. Her primary support system was her family and ex-husband (who now shall go nameless) and the black community, which always supported her. These are the people she thanked! She managed to come out on top, with dignity and grace. Every time I'd hear her speak it was with strength and dignity. And more important, she's a mother first above anything else. (back to top)
Samuel L. Jackson
"Gator!" If you have not seen his performance in "Jungle Fever", well, I don't know what to tell ya. It is certainly a shame that Mr. Jackson has not been awarded an Oscar for one of his many outstanding performances. What I also like about Samuel Jackson, as well as Morgan Freeman and Danny Glover, is their choice of wives and the longevity of their marriages when so many are just falling apart. (back to top)
Michael Jordan
His Airness. The Man. I have always loved basketball since grade school. My favorite players were Pistol Pete, Isaiah, Magic, Kareem, Byron Scott, Julius "Dr. J" Erving, Kurt Ramblis, Bill Laimbeer (yes, I said Bill Laimbeer!), Michael Cooper, Larry Bird and other legends (Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain). After our New Orleans Jazz was sold to Utah (the new Jazz capital of the world, I guess!), I could only watch games on TV. After moving to California, I had the pleasure and priviledge of sitting 4th row at Oakland's Coliseum in 1986 during a Bulls/Golden State Warriors game. And that "west coast plays east coast only twice" rule needs to change, as it did NOT work for me.
That Oakland game was the ONLY time I was able see Jordan live. He scored 41 points that night and continued to become a basketball phenomenon. I was never lucky to get the 1-time Bulls tickets in the pool I shared tickets with - what idiot would give it up. I even stupidly asked once to have the annual Jordan ticket, but my friend and owner of the pool just laughed and walked away. Friendship stops at Jordan, I guess. And scalped tickets were starting at $500 or more when Jordan was in town, or $200 or more for the nosebleed seats.
But I was still able to see the "how'd he do that?" or "did you SEE that?" plays by watching the games at a sports bar or comfortably at home with the phone unplugged or forwarded directly to voicemail. Anybody who interrupted me during this time, was X'd, especially since they weren't watching the game or even aware. If I could have ordered a Mafia hit on them, so be it. If I cared about a guy and he kept talking after the words "Jordan's got the ball" came out of my mouth IF I answered the phone, break out the attitude and time to reevaluate this relationship after the game. And I think this is the main reason I desired to kill O.J. personally and NEVER watched the trial: during a playoff game, the LIVE game was interrupted to watch O.J. riding down the freeway, talking about he's scared. Well, he would have been really scared if I had hopped in my car, flew 6 hours down the freeway and found him!!! "This just in. OJ was killed. A crazy lady was mumbling about interrupting a live game. And now, on to the weather." Even if it's not Jordan, my favorite combination: sports and fine men. (back to top)
Robert DeNiro
"Casino" and "Heat". I was too young to understand the Godfather movies, so never got into them. But what an incredible career. Can you say you've worked with Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci, Angela Bassett and so many legends? What I remember most about him was a letter written to Palm, where I was working. He was really impressed with the product, and being a member of the product team, that was an ultimate compliment. (back to top)
Chris Rock
Please bring back The Chris Rock Show and with the same cast members, pluh-eaze! No fair. I was so looking forward to seeing a live taping now that I'm here in NYC. But Chris Rock has grown into a very well respected man, who's funny as hell. If you never saw the show, better buy the "Best of..." videos because you sure missed some good laff's. (back to top)
Sister Betty & El Hajj Malik (Brother Malcolm) El Shabazz
To this day, Brother Malcolm's words spoken almost 30 years ago, are still the most practical advice given to the African-American community. So many predictions and examples of what he stated repeatedly exist today and the conditions are worsening. The most powerful statement I remember is to stop trying to seek approval and acceptance of those who will never think of you as an equal, and better your own environment. And Sister Betty was always just a perfect, positive and beautiful being that you can't help but admire. (back to top)
Audrey Hepburn
The only movie I've seen by Audrey Hepburn was "Roman Holiday", and it just happened to be starting on cable. But it's not her movie roles that I admire, it's her humanitarian work. Throughout her life and especially during her last living years, she not only contributed, but volunteered in Ethopia and other impoverished areas through UNICEF. The love she gave to the children of these areas, that she held as if they were her own, was selfless and priceless. She could have chosen to spend her days doing selfish things with her money and time, but chose to devote that time and money to others less fortunate than her. My heart went out to her when I saw her an smiling like an angel in the middle of so much sadness in the areas she visited. However, she left so much love in the areas as well. (back to top)
Janet Jackson
It's so good to see someone who grew up at the same time as yourself, and see them handle themselves so well under so much scrutiny and pressure. Ms. Janet has made so many contributions, both humanitarian and entertainment contributions. It's ironic that I would have so many admirations for celebs because I rarely watch TV, go to movies and rarely pay attention to the names of artists, or info about them. But Janet is one the many people I've noticed throughout the years and have always been impressed with, like so many others mentioned here. What is funny is hearing guys from all nationalities refer to her as "My Wife, Janet". As long as I don't hear Denzel or Derek Jeter say "My Wife, Janet" it doesn't bother me. (back to top)
Sister Mahalia Jackson
I can't wait to watch "Immitation of Life" just to see her performance at the end. It added to the bonus of Juanita Moore's performance. The first time I saw the movie was when I was about 13 with my cousin and her daughters. The movie kept you glued to find out what happened, then to have Mahalia singing at the end was unforgettable. I think it hit home moreso because my grandmother had just died and her voice and the song were comforting in more ways than one. (back to top)
Morris Dees
We should all be so lucky to have his life. He and his organization are directly fighting what the majority hates: intolerance. His Southern Poverty Law Center one of the few organizations I donate to on a yearly or twice a year basis because I know that what they're doing is not easy or cheap. They're dealing with hate and run the possibility of being killed by hate, as evident by the many death threats and hate groups targeting his organization. (back to top)
The Wayans Family
THE hardest working family. I can only imagine what it must have been like growing up with them. Non-stop laughs, or the ability to laugh while overcoming obstacles. And dang, the men are fine. (back to top)
Sting
FINE AS HELL! Oh, and a great artist too. I think I have just about every Police LP, but never really noticed "Mr. Sumner" too much. Now, I don't think women think of his music when they think of Sting. Hmmmm, I wonder why. (back to top)
Paralyzed Veterans of America
I'm not pro-war or anti-war, 'cause sometimes someone needs an ass-whupping for doing something stupid. The military mainly reminds me of how inhuman all nations have become and we need to keep people standing by to open a can of whup ass. But what's beyond belief, is sending a person to fight your battles, AND THEY GO and some not by choice, then they come back and receive minimal support, attention and concern, even when maimed by government wars. There is no excuse for this. There is no excuse to see a homeless veteran. Even worse, there's no reason to see a disabled homeless veteran. These people should be paid more than the politician who sent them to fight their battle that couldn't be resolved peacefully with the high salaries we're paying them. (back to top)
Ludwig van Beethoven
"The Shit" and then some! Passion. Undying Love. Pain. Joy. I just LUV Beethoven's music. There are similar others that I like (Wagner, Schubert, Vivaldi & Chopin), but nothing compares to Beethoven's works. I don't understand how anyone cannot have an appreciation for classical music when the works of Beethoven exist for everyone to enjoy. It's around you everyday, and is the origin of so many other types of music. I heard one piece by him ("Moonlight Sonata") and wanted to hear more FOREVER. (back to top)
Bill Porter & Shelly Brady
A few years ago, I was alone on Christmas Eve, which is has been the usual for me for more than 10 years. I was flipping through channels while trying to fall asleep, which is also a never ending problem since childhood, for obvious reasons. I just happened to catch the beginning of a story being aired on 20/20 on ABC about Bill Porter. Instantly I became drawn to the story and by the time the story was over, I was crying, but not with sadness, but with joy. It also made me stop feeling so sad and disappointed about my own life experiences. Bill's story and the undying selfishness of Shelly Brady, at a young age when most kids would either be afraid to get involved with Bill Porter or be concerned with "teenage" things, made you immediately focus on the important things, friends and family, and not the materialistic temporary things of this world.
I logged onto ABC's 20/20 website and sent a letter with comments about the show, something I would rarely care about doing, unless it's a letter of complaint. Last year, I was so overwhelmed when I received an e-mail from a publisher asking for consent to print my e-mail in Shelly Brady's upcoming book about Bill Porter (now available). I almost deleted the e-mail because the account had become overflooded with junk mail (damn AT&T Worldnet!) and I just delete all messages without looking at them. But I happened to notice the publisher's subject line and instinctively was told it wasn't junk mail. The request should have been the other way around, as in me asking for permission to be a part of someone's incredible life story. People like Bill and Shelly are a rarity and we need to acknowledge them more. Their story defines strength, character and unconditional love. (back to top)
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Tamra
