stepping out solo {solange knowles}

reasons why we salute solange knowles in list format:

• she's such an amazing example of unapologetic carefree black girl status
• she follows her own path
• her style has evolved into pure black girl magnificence 
• she stands up for what she believes in (even if it may affect her pockets a little)
• she's talented
• {least of all} she's beyonce's cool little sis

herstory lesson {ava duvernay}

chinua achebe said, "Until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter." 

that said, we have to be responsible for creating, shaping and sharing our own stories. and that is why we are grateful to ava duvernay. ava appears to be committed to giving honesty, integrity and compassion (humanity) to black lives in her films. perhaps you may know her from work the beautiful film 'middle of nowhere' or maybe you've seen her directorial debut for shonda rhimes' scandal. hopefully, you won't miss her current project 'selma' which covers the marches in the south during the civil rights movement. we congratulate ms. duvernay for being the first african-american/black woman director to be nominated for a golden globe. ava is doing the work, the work that gives us dignity and humanity in the present and will help to shape our future.

master chef {adaiah}

do you watch 'master chef junior?'  well, i must admit, i'm addicted to the show.  youngsters from ages 8-12 compete in various cooking competitions until one is crowned the winner.  don't let the age of the contestants fool you.  these kiddies are cooking at professional capacity.  one top chef was adaiah.  this girl can seriously throw down in the kitchen.  her meals were not only delicious but pretty as well.  adaiah made it to the top ten against thousands of others and placed third in the competition.  because of her talent, skill and discipline,  we felt the need to shine the spotlight on ms. adaiah and congratulate her on her accomplishments.  looking forward to eating at one of her restaurants in the near future.  

beverly bond {our bond girl}

beverly bond has conquered practically every mission she set her mind to, it.  before turning to philanthropy, she was a successful model with an impressive resume, and an enviable record collection.  beverly soon ditched the runway to become a deejay.  and like all of her endeavors, she became a success, spinning for the likes of russell simmons and kimora lee, sean combs, hugo boss and numerous others.  it is no exaggeration to call her one of new york's most sought after deejays. later, bond's philanthropic efforts would lead her to create the non-profit organization known as 'black girls rock.'  it's mission is to empower young, black girls and provide them with the tools they need to thrive (sound familiar?).  beverly bond and black girls rock eventually began rewarding outstanding black women/girls who have achieved great feats within and outside of their communities.  BET network now televises the annual event so be sure to catch it.  it's more inspiring that i can explain.  as for ms. bond, for being a black girl who rocks and for shining a spotlight and providing assistance for other black girls who rock, we salute the incomparable bond girl: beverly.