Reggae’s Civil War [Village Voice]

Indian Designer to Watch: Nipa Doshi [Fly Girl]

Rachel Roy & Estelle jewelry collaboration [Rachel Roy]

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Felicia Persuad (chairwoman of CaribID 2010, a New York-based campaign to get a category on the census form for Caribbean-Americans or West Indian) recently wrote an editorial piece about Caribbeans be accounted for on the U.S. 2010 Census. For years most Caribbean-Americans of Non-Hispanic decent have been lumped into the “Black” category and thus have never been truly accounted for.

“We are completely undercounted because there isn’t an accurate way of self-identifying for people from the Caribbean,” said Felicia Persaud, chairwoman of CaribID 2010, a New York-based campaign to get a category on the census form for Caribbean-Americans or West Indians.

About 2.4 percent of the U.S. population — more than 6.8 million people — identified on the 2000 Census as belonging to two or more races. A little less than 1 percent of the population — more than 1.8 million people — wrote in their West Indian ancestry.

And about 874,000 people — or 0.3 percent of the population — ticked boxes for Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islanders that year. If those islanders could get their own categories on the form, Caribbean-American leaders say, why not their communities? (Read Entire Article)

If we are not accounted for, how can we get the resources we need? There is strength in our numbers, just look at the number Caribbean-American owned businesses based in the U.S., yet there are no official statistics of Caribbean-Americans.  Many leaders of the community are urging everyone to complete the census. Persuad and others are urging people to complete the census, but also check the “other” box and define your ethnic background.

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Sewn from the Soul…An Amazing Editorial Piece

[Street Etiquette]

Another Reggae Documentary [Guardian UK]

Black Voices won’t let Melanie Fiona be great [Black Voices]

Launch of Vogue Black & Vogue Curvy [Vogue Black]

Tweeple get ready for more ads on Twitter [Fashion Techie]

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As the efforts in Haiti continues on the forefront people all over the world are pulling together to continue to raise funds, clothing and food for those affected by the diasterous earthquake. Authors for Haiti organized by RJ Publications founder Richard Jeanty is a great way you can continue to help the cause.

About Richard Jeanty:

Captivating the mind with spellbinding, provocative and ingenious storytelling, author/publisher Richard Jeanty is a master craftsman–and tireless crusader–in the burgeoning arena of “urban literature,” as well as in life. Founder and President of his own RJ Publications, Jeanty turns words into vivid images, painting well-formed characters that compel the reader to become involved in their sagas.

The prolific New York City-based contemporary wordsmith and visionary founded his publishing company to both publish his own works and to provide an invaluable conduit for talented writers of color to have their works published. He provides encouragement and support to his fellow writers, assisting them with stretching their creative souls and making their own indelible mark on the literary landscape. Says Jeanty, “I want to give each author or artist the exposure they deserve.”

Social activist as much as he is a literary crusader, Jeanty’s mission is to foster change in people and society as a whole. That is always his motivation in all his undertakings.

Jeanty’s current passion is helping his Haitian people by any means neccessary. He has recruited some of his counterparts in African American fiction to aid in raising funds to send 10 french/creole speaking nurses to Haiti to aid in medical care.  On February 13, 2010 he is along with more than 10 other notable authors will host Authors for Haiti, a book signing fundraiser being held in Brooklyn.

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Soap operas started out on radio in the 1950’s (history of soap operas), but soaps have since been weened off the airwaves — until recently. “Like Us” is a brand new, radio only soap drama being aired on college campuses.

Like Us” is a 60-90 second episodic radio drama based on the lives of the students of the fictional HBCU, Atlanta University.  “Like Us” is the first coming of age radio drama with an all African American cast to focus on issues facing college students and members of the urban community; such as abusive relationships, eating disorders, finances, isolation, peer pressure, substance abuse and much more.

The show’s unique vision is the brain child of Shirley Vernae Williams. While everyone wants to be seen, Shirley wants us to be heard in a way we’ve never heard ourselves before. Bringing the drama to radio in a pure verbal/aural form is difficult, yet refreshing. It’s not a new concept, but a revamped one for young African-Americans to relate to. Bound to keep you tuned in to hear what happens next.

Listen to a sneak peak of the audio trailer.

Check out more info on the characters and get info on how you can tune in visit Like Us.

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Congrats to Ziggy Marley, who won a grammy for his children’s album Family Time. And Stephen Marley won for Mind Control – Acoustic in the Best Reggae Album category.

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According to MSNBC, actor John Travolta flew his personal plane carrying four tons of relief supplies and a team including doctors and Scientology ministers.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

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Photo of Jeneil William from Clutch Magazine

Jamaican Model Jeneil Williams on Clutch Magazine’s 2010 Model Roster [Clutch Magazine]

Digicel partners with Caribbean Musicians to raise fund for Haiti [Jamaica Observer]

Check out this fly watch from Welder [Papi's Market]

Urban Mags making a comeback…maybe [Black Web 2.0]

Fashion Techie give tips for Fashion Designers Online [Fashion Techie]

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I have to be honest, since the Earthquake in Haiti I haven’t felt much like writing. I just felt like I should be doing more to help than just updating about music, fashion and entertainment. The daily pictures and videos continue to shake me to the core and it reminds me that my problems are not that great and that my blessings are greater than most. I realized I am part of the media, albeit a small media outlet, I have a duty to write some sort of reaction. But rather than post more pictures, videos and articles I’m just going to say what’s on my mind when it comes to this tragedy:

1. Haiti All Eyes are on You.

As a revolutionary nation Haiti has struggled since their independence from the French. Often referred to as one of the poorest nations in the Caribbean, this devastating situation can give way the a rebuild of the nation. Rebuilding the country will take years and believe or not, when the media dies down and the donations start to dwindle it will be up the the people who live in Haiti to really rebuild the country, which can bring forth economic growth.

2. “I’m not donating because I don’t know if the money is really if it’s getting to Haiti”

This is just one of the ignorant comments I’ve heard in regards to donating. Unless you are going the get on a plane and deliver your $10 donation personally please refrain from foolish comments. Give whole-heartedly. And please know that ALL non-profit organizations have overhead expenses and part of those donations go to the operating cost. Yes, there are sick people who create scram non-profit organization to steal money, but if you do a little research you’ll find out which ones are legit. (Yele, Red Cross, Bill Clinton Foundation)

3. Waivering Faith is for the Weak

In rough times like this many people look to God and say “why”? Let’s be honest, this is not the first natural disaster and it probably will not be the last. It’s okay to question your belief from time to time, but these are the tests to know whether your faith is solid.  Keep your faith true, we can’t blame God unless we’ve been perfect human beings all of our lives. Rather than blame the creator find reason in a flourishing future.

4. Event Planners Organize and  We Go in Good Faith

Party promoters and socialites alike have been using their own popularity to raise awareness, money and goods locally. Parties with a purpose are a great way to get the crowds out in droves because we all want to help. Party goers go in good faith therefore promoters should act in good faith. DJs should be voluteering their time, entertainers should come out for free, flyers should be printed for free and club owners should be renting out their clubs at extremely discounted prices if not for free. I realize from a business perspective  every “charity” event can’t be free, but if your’re truly putting the event together for the right reasons one night of profits will not hurt your bottom line.

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Photo Credit: Rihanna Daily

The blogosphere was buzzing yesterday about Rihanna writing a book titled The Last Girl on Earth. No real details about the book’s content, just a release date of June 26th. You can pre-order a copy on Amazon. I’m sure the book will sell, but I’m not sure I’ll be running to get the first copy. I think she’s had typical island girl upbringing, she’ll probably touch on her past, obviously her relationship with Chris Brown, but other than than I’m not sure she has a substantial story to tell. Maybe she’s doing it for the young girls that look up to her, she received a lot of slack from fans and the media for initially going back to Chris after the incident. Would you buy the book? Or wait ’til your local library gets a copy? (Yes. Libraries still do exist!)

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