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  • Author Archives: sguerilus

    • Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are Coming to America

      Posted at 7:53 pm by sguerilus, on November 13, 2019

      Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will be coming to America later this month to celebrate their first Thanksgiving and Christmas as a family with their son, Archie, and the duchess’ mother, Doria Ragland. Much like the classic movie starring Eddie Murphy, these royals are in search of a life outside of their titles. It’s doubtful that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be slinging burgers at McDowell’s, but they are hitting pause and deciding what comes next.

      Buckingham Palace confirmed the plans of the DDoS on Wednesday, November 13.

      Buckingham Palace: "The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are looking forward to extended family time towards the end of this month. Having spent the last two Christmases at Sandringham, [the couple] will spend the holiday this year, as a new family, with the Duchess’ mother Doria."

      — Omid Scobie (@scobie) November 13, 2019

      This decision by Harry and Meghan has been polarizing as usual. They have their supporters and the pearl clutchers continue to act as though she is a child that needs permission to go see her own mother and he an animal just being led around on a leash. At worst, she’s treated as a slave who needs to be policed and does not have the agency to come and go as she pleases. She is not owned, but born free which seems to confound the mostly white talking heads who nitpick at her every existence.

      These two assholes, our chance to see Archie with the Queen, are they mad?!#harryandmeghan Christmas with granny Doria #SlyNews pic.twitter.com/s3xgpCjwg5

      — LondonSussexRoyalWatch🇬🇧🇲🇸™️ (@iamjustjoz) November 13, 2019

      Her marriage, pregnancy, becoming a mother and the autonomy of being a woman has been filtered through a prism of misogynoir, sexism, xenophobia and good ol’ fashioned racism. Her every action, including shutting her own car door, crossing her legs and black nail polish, has been deemed as a breach of protocol by a very hostile U.K. press. It has also helped usher in the era of “Kate the Great”. Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, has come into her own as a living saint who can “never put a foot wrong”. Some folks have really taken up the edict of the Mississippi Mass Choir and aren’t tired yet of trashing Meghan because it exalts Kate.

      Only Prince Andrew has benefited more since he can be accused of being a pedophile but still carry on his royals duties without panels demanding he renounce his title. Prince William also isn’t hounded over rumors of an affair. Qwhite interesting. As if the royals now keen to model strategies that have been out into place by Meghan.

      Listen up, UK! These are Meghan’s inalienable rights: LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS! . Thank God, she’s still an American citizen and I hope she burns that UK citizenship application. Shred and burn the abominable thing!!!!!

      — A Royal Quid Pro Quo. (@brenbrenchie) November 14, 2019

      Meghan — denigrated.
      The others — celebrated.

      For the same damn thing. https://t.co/AW8ZX5xq9k

      — Sussex Strong 🥑🍌👶🏻⚾️✝️🐎🐝🌪📖👜👗🇿🇦👶🏻🦷 (@freepeeper) November 14, 2019

      Meghan recently admitted her struggles and will return to the U.S. with clearer eyes, far from the starry-eyed bliss she envisioned her life would become after wedding Harry. She can’t even visit her mother without it becoming scandalized and her own humanity is once again stripped. It’s all about Queen Elizabeth II’s feelings, how she’s being “snubbed”, a guilt trip about how she’s going to drop dead now at 93 and may not be around to celebrate another Christmas. Therefore, Harry and Meghan must be tethered to her just in case even though they see her every time she pops in their backyard.

      Moreover, the length of days is not promised to anyone and Doria is no more mortal than the rest of us. She shouldn’t have to take a back seat to a deity who rarely publicly defends her daughter. Nor should she be less of a priority than Thomas Markle who has been complicit in the abuse of his daughter. The palace allegedly has an issue with Meghan spending face time with her mother but should be at the mercy of her father. Whiteness should not trump either Meghan’s or Doria’s humanity. The sheer entitlement to control, belittle and disparage Meghan while diminishing Doria’s significance is a cornerstone of white supremacy.

      Meghan and Harry are ripe to be bitter about their good intentions being weaponized. They have promoted such causes as gender equality, environmental issues and mental health awareness but have been met with an aggrieved press demanding access into their personal lives. There is also friction within the BRF who feel that the sixth in line and his wife command far too much attention that takes away from others higher in the pecking order. It was once speculated that Harry and Meghan were being shipped off to Africa to dim their light but as shown by their recent trip to South Africa, they will shine in any location. They didn’t need any robes or tiaras to draw crowds and attention to the causes they’re passionate about. Harry and Meghan only needed to be themselves.

      It was Earl Charles Spencer who famously eulogized his sister Princess Diana at Westminster Abbey when he stated that she was “someone with a natural nobility who was classless and who proved in the last year that she needed no royal title to continue to generate her particular brand of magic.” The same holds true for her son and daughter-in-law.

      Since their union, Meghan and Harry have modernized the monarchy and have connected with a younger and diverse demographic. Their popular Instagram was the first to announce Archie’s name and pictures. The social media platform has also allowed the Sussexes to bypass traditional media as posts regularly provide details about various engagements. This is a couple that does things their way and it has been weaponized but there’s a liberation in not being beholden to an outdated way of life. Just like Diana before them, they’re branded as political for having the courage of their convictions. The front pages savaged Diana for championing the end of landmines and were aghast when she held hands with AIDS patients.  Diana was the people’s princess because there was substance to the style and that baton has been picked up. There’s a gravitational pull between the DDoS and the public. It is one that is not bound by the call of duty to the firm.

      The greater calling may be what Meghan and Harry can offer to the world as individuals and a formidable duo. He is the patron of Sentebale and the Invictus Games. She has spearheaded the Smart Set clothing collection with celebrated over 10,000 items purchased and best-selling Together: Our Community Cookbook. Every item worn by Meghan usually sells out within minutes. Their fans rallied to donate thousands of dollars to charity for the #GlobalSussexBabyShower. In 2020, the philanthropic coffers of the Sussex household will most likely swell when their foundation is officially announced.  Oprah and Disney C.E.O. Robert Allen Iger have already pledged their support. These are endeavors that did not need the apparatus of the British Royal Family to be successful.

      To be sure, permanently moving to the United States will not suddenly will not erase all of Harry and Meghan’s woes. The press plays a vital part in our society and no one is afforded a free pass. We are also not in perfect harmony with one another as many divisions such as race and class continue to polarize. The upcoming presidential election will inflame those tensions but at the very least, we are honest about what ails our great nation. There will be no need for Harry and Meghan to maintain a stiff upper lip.

      You can cuss people out as much as you want to over here. It worked for Prince Akeem.

      Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment
    • Black Folks Love Money Too (Florida Evans Lied to You!)

      Posted at 1:53 pm by sguerilus, on August 23, 2019

      Bless her heart but Florida Evans lied to some of you. Just because she made good times out of keeping her head above water doesn’t mean that we’re all about that life. I love money. Black Jesus said that was alright by him.

      Beyoncé, Jay Z, Oprah, LeBron James, Diddy, Tyler Perry, Barack and Michelle Obama and so many Black celebrities who reach an upper echelon are smeared as capitalists who brag too much. They’re judged for having so much $$$ and not catering to those less fortunate. Rihanna was dragged for not having affordable prices on luxury items rather than celebrated for being the first Black woman to head a luxury brand for LVMH. Mo’Nique is told to shut up and just accept whatever is given to her. Mishael Morgan on The Young & Restless asked for a raise after five years on the show and being part of a popular supercouple. Her character was promptly killed off but the money was just right for a parade of white actors who have since returned to their roles. Rumor has it Ms. Morgan has been invited back to Y&R but another Black actress lost her job in the process. Apparently, the budget will break if there’s more than one employed.

      There is a conversation to be had about the 1%. No their success isn’t mine but I will not hate them for theirs. They earned their money and status. Similarly, Black people who move into suburban neighborhoods are deemed sellouts for moving their kids to better neighborhoods and “acting white”. Damned if you do and damned if you don’t if you’re a minority and believe the American Dream is yours for the taking as well.

      We know our worth and will not be shortchanged. There’s power in that recognition.

      Contrary to popular belief, Black people and communities of color like money just like everyone else. We love it. We enjoy earning, stacking and spending it how we see fit. However, those who look down on those in the “ghetto” also take offense to us having more than just enough to pay the bills and keep a roof over our heads. If we’re not scratching and surviving, we’re betraying Florida. Too many reruns on TV One has got some of you thinking that being impoverished is our default setting. When we break out of that preconceived notion, the push back is inevitable. Black Wall Street comes to mind.

      If Black folks and those of color move out of certain tax brackets, suspicion is levied upon those finances. How’d you get it? How much are you giving back? Don’t you know kids in Africa are starving? We’re expected to humble ourselves before the world and give away hordes of wealth. To much is given, much is expected but being charitable and rich is not a choice that needs to be made. Both can be accomplished and as a future millionaire myself (I’m claiming it now), I’m tired of busy bodies acting as if we should just be grateful for having the bare minimum. Humanity doesn’t leave all of us because there are a few extra zeroes in the bank. Ain’t nobody trying to be poor just to get likes and retweets for being woke.

      Just this past week, Barack and Michelle Obama have been bashed for reportedly buying a $15 million home in Martha’s Vineyard that is a seven-bedroom, 8½-bathroom spread with a 29-acre beachfront plot with a 6,892-square-foot main house. Good for them. The Kennedy’s have got some new neighbors. The usual critics pounced and accused the couple of cashing in on the presidency and that public servants should not be allowed to profit from their time in office. The voices of discontent weren’t just from the usual chorus of conservatives who fault the Obamas for sport. They were joined by pussy hat liberals who swear they would’ve voted for Obama a third time; demanding that they renounce such lavish expenditures. Previously, they also echoed the sentiments of Sen. Bernie Sanders and Sen. Elizabeth Warren who took issue with the couple for their lucrative deals. Never mind that those two are independently wealthy themselves with their own wares on bookshelves but optics only seem to come into play when it’s Black folks. We’re opportunistic but everyone else can be guided by ambition.

      The Trump administration is currently embroiled in various scandals and some of them involve the inappropriate use of police funds but policing how the Obamas make a living post presidency is a thing. Trump is celebrated for being a billionaire but the Black POTUS is policed even after leaving office. They can’t enjoy concerts, participate in the speaking engagement circuit or vacation in Paris without some fuss being made. In case some of you forgot, Barack and Michelle Obama are free. They can do as they please if they’re not harming anyone or breaking laws just as President George W. Bush is afforded. Not all have to be like President Jimmy Carter who has spent much of his time in selfless service. That’s his choice. Not only is it admirable but respected.

      No one is above criticism but is tiring that Black folks but it’s tiring how our coins are watched. Excess greed is an issue. It’s not right or fair that we live in a world of haves and have nots. If I could snap my fingers like Thanos to change this discrepancy, I would. I’m not alone in that desire but the Obamas living hand to mouth doesn’t change the circumstances of veterans living on the street or eradicate homelessness. That poverty tour Van Jones is what we’re not gonna do.

      My lineage is from Haiti where my parents were born. They immigrated here in the 1980’s in search of a better life. As many know, Haiti is the poorest nation in the Caribbean. Haitians are a spirited and proud people. We know who we are and whose we are. Our ancestors were the first to gain our independence from bondage and have suffered the consequences since. Various regimes have raped us our natural resources and even the own government has been part of that theft. I want to help soil growth in the nation; give back in some way and be the manifestations of their wildest dreams. No, money doesn’t solve everything and is the only measure of success. But it’s one of my goals.

      To that end, I self-published my novel Control last year after struggling to get it just right for so long. Each new day brings another sale. Some days, I only sell one book or not at all. It is what it is. What I know for sure is that I’m creating generational wealth for myself, family and heirs. They will never go hungry, feel the weight of student loan debt, forced to share a small place and budgeting that last dollar to make it stretch a week.  Control will take its place on the best sellers list alongside “Becoming”, “Dreams of My Father” and so many iconic titles. You’re going to realize the power in my name and talents (which I will take all over in a private jet if I damn well please). I will not apologize to anyone for my success or be shamed.

      Just mind your business while I will strut like George Jefferson in my deluxe apartment in the sky.

      Posted in Uncategorized | 0 Comments
    • Meghan Markle Is the British Royal Family Scapegoat

      Posted at 8:53 am by sguerilus, on July 9, 2019

      Meghan Markle is going to bring down the British Royal Family if royal reporters, experts and the gaslight are to be believed. Let it be. As the Beatles sang, speaking words of wisdom let it be.

      Since the successful Oceania tour that Prince Harry and Markle, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, took last fall, the knives sharpened against the couple. All his life, Prince Harry was assigned the role of spare and told to make peace with being in the shadow of his brother, Prince William. In case you haven’t heard about a million times now, William will be king. He’ll be restricted in his duties but he’ll be king as so Harry and Meghan must know their place. Harry has always had the free spirit of his late, Princess Diana, and often goes rogue. When he took Meghan’s hand in marriage in May 2018, he found a partner to share his ideals, but she is now too being subjected to being the Firm’s black sheep. Since she has melanin, the attacks against her character have been relentless with cruelty being the point. The 36-year-old American born royal should be one of the mascots of the archaic institution but instead serves as their scapegoat.

      BREAKING: @abcnews anchor @arobach caught on 'hot mic' in August disgustedly exposing networks decision to strategically spike bombshell investigation into Jefferey Esptein over THREE YEARS AGO.

      Says what she had was "unbelievable" #EpsteinCoverup: https://t.co/HagfLpwKDn pic.twitter.com/fPvJc3JCCQ

      — James O'Keefe (@JamesOKeefeIII) November 5, 2019

      ABC News anchor Amy Robach responds to the video published on Tuesday by the conservative group Project Veritas: "As a journalist, as the Epstein story continued to unfold last summer, I was caught in a private moment of frustration" https://t.co/CcwKdUUDN7

      — Hollywood Reporter (@THR) November 5, 2019

      Taking photos for the gram but staying quiet while Meghan endures daily abuse is a choice. And no, complaining about the length of Kate Middleton’s hair extensions is not on the same tier as the orchestrated dehumanizing attacks on DOS. Everyone in that family has been beaten up in the press but there is a visceral hatred in the treatment of Meghan.

      I’ve always believed that Meghan’s cardinal sin, other than virtue of having Black blood, is that she excelled. She is excellent and could not be afforded the privilege of standing high on any pedestal. The past few years have seen the press wind up the public with one faux outrage after another. As a writer and member of the press, we are all conscious of the language used to build a narrative and a harmful one of racist, sexist and xenophobic undertones has been planted by those who leverage influence in the British sphere. Meghan has been otherized; the go to person to kick around when other scandals enter the conservation. Prince William trended globally for two days over an alleged affair but the RR’s went all Mariah Carey: I don’t know her. Meghan’s in-laws may envy her popularity, but she also helps eclipse their shortcomings. Mediocrity never looked so good in juxtaposition to a WOC being thrown under the bus but enough is enough.

      She says two of the men Epstein lent her out to were Alan Dershowitz and Prince Andrew. She was a child. https://t.co/HyZirHa4Yf

      — Mia Farrow (@MiaFarrow) July 9, 2019

      Who in the town or in the entire world is talking about this shit? Yes they really wrote "struggles to know her place."Using Meghan yet again to cover up for Andrew and his Epstein parties. Better yet? The dumb ass misogynoir/xenophobic/classist readership is buying it hook line pic.twitter.com/GUj5Wfldsc

      — Goldburn P. Maynard Jr. (@deathntaxesprof) August 11, 2019

      The blood you smell in the water today belongs to Prince Andrew as his association with billionaire financier Jeffrey Epstein is back in the news following Epstein’s arrest on sex trafficking charges. Epstein is accused of various vulgar acts against minors, some girls as young as 14. President Donald Trump, former POTUS Bill Clinton, Alan Dershowitz are other names linked to Epstein’s nefarious activities. All the men involved have denied guilt and none charged as of this writing. But they’re being talked about but if you were to go by the chest beating of the RR, it’s Meghan that is still at fault.

      She’s in the wrong because her child won’t be extorted for positive press by a rabid crew that won’t be satisfied until they know just how many centimeters Meghan was dilated and which breast she uses to feed Archie.

      Meghan Markle is not owed outpouring of affection and fealty by journalists, but ethics dictates that it be fair. There can not be more faux outrage ginned up over an appearance at Wimbledon and choosing with her husband for baby Archie’s christening to be private than there is for powerful men using their influence to abuse young girls. But like clockwork, the Meghan card was thrown down as if it were Andrew’s get out of jail free card. Andrew’s name is mentioned in passing by virtue of good faith and extending benefit of the doubt but that damn Meghan is at it again.

      The Duchess of Sussex is a privileged woman many times over and has access to far better and uniquely qualified professionals who can and will defend her name. But I’m one of the daughters of Ida B. Wells and Toussaint Louverture. I come from a lineage of fighters and those who used their positions to bring about justice, speak truth to power. I don’t have the biggest platform but I have one.

      I went from a mute to running my mouth because silence is no longer my prerogative; from a scared girl looking up at her abuser to a woman cloaked in the armor of righteousness and messiness. Because I’d love to see what these royal reporters would do if there were no Meghan Markle to use as a shield. If there were no royal family to eat and be fed well from.

      Princess Diana died because she was hounded by the press. I’d rather the monarchy end than for another life to be sacrificed because there is no respect for the person and yes, the hate being ginning up against Meghan is reaching that point. There is a calculated smear campaign being carried out and I believe with help from those inside the castle walls. If only there was the same blood boiling for men and their foul behaviors.

      Posted in Uncategorized | 16 Comments
    • A Year In Grief, Fritz Guerilus Was Here #RIP

      Posted at 10:03 pm by sguerilus, on April 23, 2019

      There’s a lot going in the world. So many isms, tragedies, and shit going wrong. Those are a few reasons why living my best life hasn’t been a priority. Grief is another.

      Fritz’s voicemail from 2015: “Hey Fafane. It’s Fritz. Alright. Goodbye.”

      April 24, 2019 makes it a year since my father, Fritz Guerilus, died. The official cause of death was heart failure. He loved his Chinese food, cuisines at buffet restaurants and while his thin appearance never showed any hint of that, it took a toll on his heart. He underwent surgery years ago, had been on medication and extended stays in the hospital.

      Fritz always had a way of cheating the inevitable. But the inevitable hovered like a cloud. It poured down last year. I was shocked but not surprised when my brother called to say that he died. He’d been rushed to the hospital the night before and died in a hospital room. I write but there wasn’t an obituary saved for him in the drafts; taking for granted that he’d do it one more time and let me know it was all good.

      I’d check in on my Fritz, picking up the phone to call him. Even if it was just for as few minutes at a time, we talked and laughed. Our conversations, sometimes short, were always friendly. We were friends. My mom says my first word was “Daddy” but there’s never been a day in my life where I can remember calling Fritz by that title and it’s not because I don’t have any good manners.  I’m Black and was raised by a Haitian family. There wasn’t a choice if I could ever grow up being Charles Barkley types of turrible. You’ve to kiss everyone on the cheek, shake hands, smile and make nice whenever someone comes in the room. It’s a ritual. Neither me nor my siblings went rogue referring to Fritz by his first name. It’s just how he preferred it. He called his mom Grace and that’s a familiarity that passed on to us.

      And by us, there are many. I’m sixth in about 8 or 9. Fritz was a charmer with a laid back personality, tall, handsome with a gentle smile that easily morphed into a smirk because he knew. When things would go bad in his relationships, his partner would probably say “you aren’t shit” and he’d smile. I might’ve seen that happen a few times between him and my mom.

      Fritz wasn’t a bad guy. He was just a guy. Just not the settling down type who was going to play house. He was born on June 18, 1951 in Haiti on the island of La Gonave to Graceieuse Océan and J. Pierricois Guerilus; growing up to become a man who was multilingual, speaking English, French, Creole and Spanish. He moved to Brooklyn, New York in the 1980’s in pursuit of a new and full life; one that saw him explore the world around him as a Jehovah Witness, husband, father, photographer, videographer and cab driver. There wasn’t an opportunity he didn’t capitalize on through his entrepreneurial spirit.

      If there was an idea in his head, he was gonna make a coin. He secured bags, fumbled them and did it all over again. The bread helped him dress in the finest clothes and shoes, always looking his best. I never saw him in sweats, rumpled shirts or sneakers. It was GQ adjacent or nothing else. He looked and lived the part of a playboy.

      I made peace with that at 19. I can’t speak for anyone else, but I left the hurt to God. He’s still working on me because I cuss too much, hold onto anger and doubt but I submitted to forgiving Fritz for all that he never was. I accepted him, faults and all.

      It didn’t sting as much when I learned that Fritz changed his ways, becoming the head of the house with his new wife and two daughters in Florida. He attended a church service at a Jehovah Witness temple the weekend before he died. It never leaves my mind the irony of his passing. Fritz got domesticated just as his days ended, continuing the vicious cycle of a father not being present in the home.

      I may never have been Daddy’s little girl in the traditional sense but he loved me. I loved him. I have no guilt, regret or remorse about what I should’ve said or done. As his heart gave out, he knew that love filled mine for him.

      There were a lot of people who attended the service and wondered why I didn’t cry, scream at God and throw myself at his coffin. All these things actually did happen as I watched. At times, I had my iPhone out, capturing the moments just like Fritz would’ve wanted. There wasn’t a family event, celebration, wedding and even memorial that Fritz didn’t cement to camera. He was a hustler of all trades but photography was a passion. The money shot was never far from his frame in good and bad times, a trait I inherited. In fact, the picture that was used to create the blanket that draped his coffin was taken by me.

      I like to think I did him proud, carrying on his legacy just as he’d be honored to know how passionately my sister spoke at the podium for him; how my oldest brother helped organize his farewell and my youngest helping to carry his casket to its final resting place under the Florida skies. A lot was said and done leading up to his funeral. There are fights that can lead to resentment but we came together in that moment.

      A year later, I’m adjusting to the new normal. It’s hitting different that memories are all I have left. My mom had a health crisis the last few months and fear gripped my bones like never before. I buried one parent and am not ready to do it again anytime soon. I’m still getting used to not being able to pick up the phone and just call him. He’s not gonna call me “Fafane” anymore, my nickname. I just have a voicemail that I play on repeat to hear him.

      Fritz Guerilus, son of Haiti and world traveler, was here. My dad, friend and phone buddy. I just wanted to remind the world and to let him know that he hasn’t been forgotten. Especially not by me.

      Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments
    • #RedTableTalk The Grace of Black Women

      Posted at 3:11 pm by sguerilus, on March 1, 2019

      There but for the grace of God go I and Black women; both pour into you and replenish.

      Jada Pinkett Smith invited Jordyn Woods onto her Red Table Talk platform to speak her truth. The 21-year-old is at the center of the latest Kardashian drama. For more than a week, Jordyn has been gossiped and smeared since it became public knowledge that she hooked up with Khloe Kardashian’s baby daddy, Tristian Thompson.  Jada offered her the opportunity to set the record straight in her own words.

      Khloe barely let the episode finish before she blasted Jordyn as a “liar” and blamed her as the reason why her family is broken up. Yeah, okay. My spidey senses tell me that the Kardashian’s are more than just angry about the transgression but also that Jordyn had the resources to shape her narrative. Hollywood and the world at large finds women, especially Black ones, disposable. Not on Jada’s watch.

      This #RedTableTalk episode is so powerful.

      It publicly shows a Black celebrity family protecting a Black woman who became disposable in this industry after being exploited by one of Hollywood's most problematic white family — The Kardashians.

      Jordyn deserves our grace.

      — Ernest Owens (@MrErnestOwens) March 1, 2019

      Wow I really really love and appreciate Jada and Will for openly standing up for Jordyn. They KNOW how the world treats Black women as disposable, saw it happening and stepped in. #RedTableTalk

      — Melanie🍯 (@thesoulasylum) March 1, 2019

      What they seem to be mad at is the fact that Jordyn got the opportunity to go on #RedTableTalk to counter their bullshit narrative. Publicity stunt is over. Move around.

      — Johnetta Elzie (@Nettaaaaaaaa) March 1, 2019

      In my life, Black women have always stood in the gap for me. I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life. I’ve never been in jail or scandalous for days to the point I’d end up plastered on TMZ, but mistakes nonetheless. I’m grateful for the blessing of being able to be forgiven and start anew. That is the reciprocity Jada showed to Jordyn. She didn’t throw away a young woman who didn’t kill anyone or whose behavior hasn’t met the threshold of being a social pariah.

      Jada could’ve easily sat there and ate her popcorn like everyone else. Instead, she held space for Jordyn.

      Most of us don’t have the celebrity machine to keep us going but just each other. This is especially true for Black women. We hold each other down. We are the ears when others won’t listen and consider our voices angry. The shoulders to lean on when backs are turned. Just a simple hand to hold when you want the warmth of another. We’re the strong ones who make it a point to check in with the other strong friend. We put on our dirty capes to fly in for the rescue.

      To be clear, it isn’t always pain and agony. It’s just that too much of the time, we’re deprived and we deny ourselves heaven. There are so many microaggressions to wade through before we can just exhale and breathe in peace. When those moments come, my joy is a mirror. I see happiness genuinely reflected back at me. They definitely make me laugh out loud from the pits of my belly. I’m grateful and humbled by Black women, even prouder to be one.

      A lot of folks got off on this latest episode of the Red Table Talk because it served tea. The grace was my main course because sometimes, we’re all that we’ve got.

      Posted in Uncategorized | 0 Comments
    • Kamala Harris Does Not Need to Show Her Papers

      Posted at 2:37 pm by sguerilus, on January 22, 2019

      To paraphrase James Brown, I’m a Black journalist and proud. It’s not easy, glamorous or particularly safe being one as the president of the United States routinely refers to the profession as the greatest enemy to the United States but I am here to be counted.

      As with all humans, I have my bias, POV and subjective opinions. Behind my desk as an editor, I do my best to remain a neutral observer of the truth. My job is to give you facts and when an opinion is being offered, I make that clear as well. Contrary to the talking heads across the dial and on Al Gore’s internet, the majority of us did go to journalism school. Sallie Mae reminds me every month that I really did graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in journalism and not the one in nursing my mother wanted.

      It’s not that being a medical profession has no value. It does and I bear witness as someone profoundly grateful to the staff that card for my mother recently. They provided a comfort that my mind and heart could barely grasp. My ministry to nurture is of a different kind. I want to bring forth the narratives of those who don’t have a voice or have been silenced. I’m a five feet, petite translator that makes another’s echo vibrate through a bullhorn.  Words are my armor of choice and I get suited up each day because if not, our stories are told through the lens who have no care or take it for granted.

      The latest examples being that of Sen. Kamala Harris and the Covington Catholic teenagers who wore MAGA hats to intimidate and harass. In both instances, perspectives mattered and the ensuing coverage made that clear.

      Harris announced on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday that she would be running for president in 2020. It’s no secret that I’m an admirer of hers but that is with the knowledge that she does not get a free pass. There are valid and constructive criticisms of her record as a prosecutor in California. She supported the three strikes rule, denied transgender inmates sex reassignment surgeries and made it harder for sex workers. Harris has taken full responsibility for her choices.

      Each person can decide if her words and subsequent deeds are enough but what she won’t do is show her papers in in the year of Our Lord 2019!

      Here we go again with the “birther” crap. Same drummed-up charge used against Obama to question his citizenship and legitimacy. Hmmmmm…..I wonder what Obama and @KamalaHarris have in common? 🤔 https://t.co/FJALAcAsXd

      — Ana Navarro (@ananavarro) January 22, 2019

      This isn’t people picking on you, @ChrisCuomo.

      This is you making the same mistakes the media made with Obama—acting as if there’s 2 sides to questions about his citizenship.

      There is proof either way: the 14th Amendment and the fact that Harris was born in Oakland.

      Stop this. pic.twitter.com/l9DhBRuGVu

      — Imani Gandy (@AngryBlackLady) January 22, 2019

      Ahead of 2020, the media must improve

      The shutdown is covered like a "both sides" lack of compromise when Trump is the only one making demands

      Baseless & racist birtherism claims against Kamala Harris are magnified by @ChrisCuomo

      Bad faith arguments must not be given credence

      — Rantt Media (@RanttMedia) January 22, 2019

      Chris Cuomo giving credence to Jacob Wohl’s conspiracy theories is an absolute disgrace, and CNN needs to make a statement as to why their hosts are propagating birther nonsense.

      — William LeGate (@williamlegate) January 22, 2019

      It's no coincidence that @CNN Jake Tapper and Chris Cuomo have defended instead of condemned evidence of racism this week. When you enjoy white male privilege it's easy to play "both" sides because to you, racism in America is a game
      For people of color, it's an everyday reality

      — Kaz Weida (@kazweida) January 22, 2019

      Chris Cuomo of CNN ultimately apologized.

      Deleted my original tweet because it was taken literally the opposite way that I intended it. Sen Harris has no duty to justify any such accusation, let alone a birtherism attack. You accuse, you prove. That was my point. Apologize for confusion.

      — Christopher C. Cuomo (@ChrisCuomo) January 22, 2019

      Nonetheless, the underlying problem persists. Conversations about her identity and ethnicity have been started by bad faith actors and indulged by those in the mainstream press who should know better. Some of these folks are not just asking to ask or curious. They are woefully ignorant and invalidating her just as President Barack Obama was similarly smeared by Donald Trump who demanded proof of his birth. Obama, a Harvard educated and constitutional lawyer, had to show his papers and it still wasn’t enough. To this day, there are those who believe he is a secret Kenyan or Muslim. Obama may have laughed off the matter but that is a degradation that hurts. Now the same Beltway press that played along with Trump’s antics are giving light to this new smear but yet it’s crickets about Rafael Edward “Ted” Cruz being born in Canada.

      Speaking from experience, I had to show my papers just last year or rather my purse after being accused of stealing from a Family Dollar in Philadelphia. I lived there for almost 20 years and was welcomed home by being accused of being a thief. I’m a little bitty thing that the wind will knock over but still I go out of my way to smile and be non-threatening to the eyes following me around in stories. Much like Obama, my efforts weren’t enough and I was confronted by the security guard who demanded to see what was in my brown bag.

      I opened my purse to show a book, pens, candy and too many receipts from CVS. After, I cussed him out. No, I didn’t go high. Yes, it felt good.

      Harris and Obama aren’t afforded the pleasure of just going off. In all honestly, I’m not given the freedom of weaponizing my anger and to this day, I thank God’s grace for shielding me because we’re never allowed to be angry. We are shamed into forgiving those that hurt us while others are given so much benefit. When I first saw the Covington Catholic clips spreading on social media, I instinctively knew what Nathan Phillips felt as those teenagers sneered, jeered and taunted him. Others also recoiled in disgust and asked how this could be happening. Why that is a serious question in this day and age, I don’t know.

      As the events unfolded, many white journalists took the initiative to declare that boys would be boys, planting their flags that everyone makes mistakes and to let them be. Where was this understanding for Tamir Rice, Trayvon Martin and the Michael Brown’s of the world deemed as no angels? The ink didn’t runneth over but it sure ran out to create a new narrative that the teenagers were the true victims of fake news and knee jerk reactions were the media’s undoing. A lack of diversity in the newsroom is.

      Prior to this “Show Me Your Papers” spectacle, CBS was called out for its lack of Black representation and a Washington Post reporter said members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. were screeching at Harris when it fact it was the AKA greeting skee wee.

      I’m not the loudest voice in the room. In fact, I’m a bit mousy and tend to observe but I’m going to stay in one and keep banging my small hands on doors for an opportunity. In the tradition of those that came before me, especially the founders of the National Association of Black Journalists, I can’t leave it to chance that stories of those who look like me will be told correctly. If at all.

      Posted in Uncategorized | 0 Comments
    • Rest In Peace #JamdownRocks (Cher M.)

      Posted at 11:19 am by sguerilus, on December 29, 2018

      Hi Guys this is Cher brother… I’m saddened to say she has passed away on December 25. 2018! I know she was a big part of this community, and I’m sorry. On January 12 2019, we say our final farewell I will be leaving her phone in with her! Love you Cher!

      — Cher M. (@jamdownrocks) December 28, 2018

      Hi… in a few days I’ll confirm visiting and funeral details. If you live in the GTA you more than welcome to attend! Thx for more keep us definitely in your prayers

      — Cher M. (@jamdownrocks) December 29, 2018

      Hi Good Morning! The funeral home has now posted Cheryl M on their page. Very recent so we don’t have a picture of her as yet… but feel to visit and share your prayers and memories. https://t.co/SOxprGfXTg C.M.Spence! I see all the love ❤️ Cher was very special! Love always

      — Cher M. (@jamdownrocks) December 30, 2018

      Cher’s tweets were some of my highlights each time I logged on to Twitter. In the past week, I noticed she hadn’t posted any #Hevon love or shade to Trump. It wasn’t like her to just disappear without giving us a heads up that she’d be taking a break. I took it for granted that Cher would return in time just in time to join the #Vane army and indulge our petty instincts but the tweets from her brother crushed that hope.


      I never met Cher M. In fact, when I think of her, Jill Scott’s picture comes up because Jilly from Philly was her profile pic. Still, I knew her, She was my friend and it hurts that my fellow Caribbean gal won’t be here to share in the love of Beyoncé, Rihanna, Duchess Meghan Markle, putting Donald Trump in his place and our beloved soap operas. She might’ve been one of the founding members of #Hevon and #Shadam.

      As toxic Twitter can be, especially with folks taking advantage of the anonymity of Al Gore’s internet, bonds are also formed. That’s one of the guiding principles of Soap Twitter. There are so many who look down on us as fans because we enjoy the escapism of evil twins, serial killers falling in love with the town sweethearts and back from the dead twists. If only the absurdity of reel could apply to real life and Cher’s passing would be easily explained by Dr. Rolf wanting a sassy Jamaican to keep him company. Alas, Cher is really gone and we’ve all been feeling that hurt since her death was announced.

      Yesterday, so many of us mourned a woman we didn’t know physically but she found a way into our beating hearts. Fans and actors shared their memories of Cher who often went above and beyond to befriend and drag when needed (She said what she said)!

      Just been informed and am heartbroken that @jamdownrocks (Cher M.) passed away on Christmas. 😢 She was a die-hard fan, a vocal #YR Shadam and @CBSDaytime @YandR_CBS supporter. She will be missed.

      Cher, my darlin, I will miss you. ❤️ #GonnaMakeYouProud https://t.co/0vMLuy9QRs

      — Michael Muhney (@michaelmuhney) December 29, 2018

      All my Love to the family & fiends of @jamdownrocks ….. I am beyond sorry for your loss… Her love & support meant the world to many, & will never be forgotten 🧡

      — Bryton James (@BrytonEjames) December 29, 2018


      The CBS Daytime Family mourns the loss of @jamdownrocks, a soap fan and voice in our community who was loved by all. We join @BrytonEjames and the entire daytime community in sending condolences to her family and friends. https://t.co/oRKta5edMk

      — CBS Daytime (@CBSDaytime) December 30, 2018

      It’s so nice to see that Cher touched so many lives in so many ways ❤️ we never know when we’re making a difference in someone’s life even if it’s just providing a reason to laugh or smile it’s the littlest things that matter most ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Rest easy Queen 👑

      — Bring Mishael Back (@LongLiveHevon) December 29, 2018

      Cher was such an interesting & intelligent person to follow, I’m gonna miss seeing her comments about everything 😢 she was also such a kind & compassionate person, her concern for others was touching. Such a loss.

      — 🍬 (@arrestormborn) December 28, 2018

      Never met @jamdownrocks face to face and yet you could not tell us that. We argued at times but laughed way more times. Let us not forget those private DM's, One day in that great place I shall see you face to face. RIP #MySister💔💔🙏🏾for her family.

      — Kimberly King (@Kimberl80660524) December 28, 2018

      She always had your back too I swear if anyone came for me in a nasty way on here she would snatch their edges off! Always kept it real …..ALWAYS 💔 https://t.co/QDpNhzl5mq

      — Tania🍷 (@Mommy2JandB) December 29, 2018

      One of the accepting ones on twitter. Never turned her back on me. I loved our chats and I loved her tweets. She will be sadly missed. We love you @jamdownrocks may you RIP and meet a hell of a crew up in heaven ❤️Till we meet again #TeamMM #Shadam

      — Jenne 🤷‍♀️ (@LadyJen_10) December 29, 2018

      Good people don't die, their memories live forever in our hearts, souls and minds. Cher was an authentic, genuine and caring person. For one night only, I will be #TeamShadam, but I will always be #TeamCher. @jamdownrocks

      — J. (@jimmyyadig) December 29, 2018

      Your sister was a wonderful human being. One of a kind. She was a friend to me & many others and brought joy, laughter & positivity. I am devastated for your loss. I will pray for you & your family.

      Cher, there's a hole here tonight because you're not here. I'll miss you always https://t.co/UGEsG0UVnb

      — Erika Pearson (@erika_kay10) December 29, 2018

      I’ve had the great pleasure of interacting with @jamdownrocks on a daily basis for so many years.
      I can’t believe it.
      I’m in tears.
      I’m in shock.
      I’m utterly heartbroken.
      RIP, you fiery spirit.
      I’ll never forget you, Cher. https://t.co/owV8XC8M1z

      — Matt Hanvey (@GarbageFan98) December 28, 2018

      Matt even got Bryton E. James to shout out Cher last year.

      Aww Amazing ❤❤❤❤❤❤ ….Cher you okay? LOL 🤗

      — Tania🍷 (@Mommy2JandB) August 19, 2017

      Cher’s time on this earth may be been a short one but she left a legacy as a caring, compassionate, thoughtful and able to spice it up when necessary. It was that flavor that flowed through her veins.

      I lost a friend who supported me through my highs, lows, grief of my father earlier this year and recent successes. Cher was happy for me when I did good and would twirl on the haters right alongside me. If Cher was for you, the battle was already won. She’d rally the troops if needed and not just to defend a fictional character. Her grace was on full display when she sought to help a user who was suicidal.

      I know the pain that’s piercing our spirits pale in comparison to the raw wounds that have opened up for her family. Once again, I extend my deepest sympathies and thank them for their graciousness during this time.

      To be absent from the body is to be present wit the Lord. There are those reading those words who are not believers. I am. Cher was as well and may she now rest in the eternal peace of her savior’s comfort.

      As Riri would say, shine bright like a diamond with the rest of the angels.

      Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments
    • Put Some Respect on #MeghanMarkle, Duchess of Sussex

      Posted at 12:51 pm by sguerilus, on December 6, 2018

      I don’t have a Meghan Markle poster above my bed but I stan the Duchess of Sussex. More importantly, I respect the royal for holding her head up even as forces are actively engaged to shame her into lowering it. The crown is not about to slip no matter how many anonymous sources tattle to the British tabloids that she’s making her in-laws cry, breaking the good china sets and is leaving scones on Queen Elizabeth’s front lawn at Buckingham Palace. At this rate, Markle is so “polarizing” that she may even be blamed for the whole Brexit debacle. 

      Ever since Prince Harry and the Duchess returned from their very successful  Royal Tour of Australia, Fiji, Tonga, and New Zealand, the backlash was inevitable. They clearly upstaged the chosen ones, Prince William and Duchess Kate Middleton and the holy ghost had to jump out in some folks clutching their pearls and shaking their fists at the popularity of the couple. Prince Harry is suddenly “dictatorial” and his wife a diva who reduced Middleton to tears. 

      I call bullocks. I think that’s what the British say. Others also agree that that PR intimidation and bullying the Sussex couple, particularly Markle, don’t pass the smell test.

      Meghan is getting the Barack Obama treatment. At first celebrated for breaking down barriers, then demonized for it with severe backlash. Rise above. #MeghanMarkle #duchessofsussex

      — Anne Boleyn (@TudorChick1501) December 2, 2018


      If the UK rags think they can fuck with Meghan Markle the way they did with Diana, they have another thing coming.

      — Amee Vanderpool (@girlsreallyrule) December 6, 2018

      The intensity with which so many people are hating on #MeghanMarkle is an example of how this world can’t see a woman achieve something out of her league and own it.

      — reema k sehgal (@reemakoul) December 5, 2018

      From the moment Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were linked in the press, many felt she wasn’t good enough for a man of royal blood, as though she would dirty the gene pool by association; that her divorce would bring further scandal to monarchs who have broken vows before the public. She was trashed for being an American, not of nobility and pedigree. Markle speaks above a whisper and has used her voice in advocacy of others and that is deemed taboo because a perfect royal can only be seen and not heard. Her career as an actress was used against her; as though one needs a degree to know how to wave and smile to an adoring crowd. Her mother Doria Ragland was smeared as being from Compton, exposing the racism at the root cause that many had with Markle. She identifies as biracial (seen as just Black to many due to the one drop rule) and would never be good enough for an outdated upper echelon of people who only see her as a tier below their preferred choices of a mate, someone more like the character and complexion of Kate. 

      I’ve got nothing against the Duchess of Cambridge. I stayed up to watch her wedding to Prince William in 2011. She seems like a nice lady who is all class, wonderful mother and poised ambassador to the firm. Middleton will be a great Queen one day because she stays in reserved, stays in her lane and a good steward of protocol.

      Some call Middleton boring but we’re not all meant to be flashy. I’m not but her identity and whiteness have been continually weaponized against Markle because she’s her own unique person. Kate does Kate and Meghan does Meghan. It doesn’t have to be the competition or feud the peanut galley wants it to be. Kate may appear soft but I doubt very much she’s some wilting flower. While Meghan is more of an outgoing personality, I don’t see her being a fire breathing dragon out to torch her sister in law. They’re both grown women. 

      Truth be told, in 2018, the idea of a royal family is antiquated. But since we’re all playing along and it’s still a thing, Markle has more than earned her crown. Prince Harry chose her. Not the rest who came before her who are more pale and polished to the preference of others. The Duchess is here to stay, receiving visits from former first lady Michelle Obama, carrying on with her duties, the baby’s on the way and the Piers Morgan’s of the world will just have to keep shading from outside the castle walls.

      Throw stones at the Samantha side of the Markle family. They’re the uncouth ones! Every time y’all think to run your mouths or take up space on Al Gore’s internet with worthless hot takes, we’ll be here to remind you. 

      Stay mad about it and remember to curtsy to your Duchess when you see her. 

      Posted in Uncategorized | 7 Comments
    • I Met Mariah Carey! #MariahCaution

      Posted at 1:31 pm by sguerilus, on November 17, 2018

      Proceed with caution…

      That’s a lyric to Mariah Carey’s new song, Caution, from her new album of the same moniker. It’s also a warning to those who ever dare to meet their idols. Their feet are made of clay and the image often doesn’t measure up to the reality. Still, I went full speed ahead to meet the elusive chanteuse. After suffering through 8 hours in the New York cold and body going numb, I met the living legend herself. 

      That’s the back of my head!

      I’ve been a MC fan for as long as I can remember. It’s how I met my best friend, Cori, who is the only bigger Mariah fan than me. I have a “Maria” obsession according to my mom. She’s not wrong. Even before Eminem (Yeah, I know) coined the term stan, I was one for Mariah. I’ve got love for a lot of artists but she’s held a permanent spot in my Aries beating heart. 

      Do you know how many SAT words she’s taught me? Mimi helped me get into college and hone my writing skills.

      Mariah is my spirit animal. If I were a multi millionaire, I’d be living my life just as she indulges in hers. I love her excess, being eternally 12 , throwing classy shade and her authenticity. Being *** flawless is its own goal but a lot of us are fucked up. I’m one of them. There’s a lot that’s gone left in my life and Mariah’s voice has soothed the pain. This was a common story told by those who risked frost bite and losing fingers just for the chance to meet our idol.

      We stood in bitter cold, sharing how Mariah gave us strength. It was a fabric of background of diverse backgrounds, creeds and orientations. But we came together to laugh,  sing her songs in off key falsetto and mock the idea that the diva would roll up in a standard taxi. As if! Only choppers would do.

      Even as the day wore on and grumpiness started to set in, we were still there for each other. Paying for other lambs when we were told that cash wasn’t accepted, buying each other hot drinks and food. Another fan took my hand in hers and breathed warmth. She was literally keeping me warm and we all teased the married guy who came just to support his wife and knew it wasn’t the crowd that wanted to talk about sports. Sorry about your Boston teams. 

      It was around 9:30 p.m. when I shuffled inside the Sony building to meet Mariah. I gasped to see Madame Butterfly. It really was her! I opened and closed my eyes, almost convinced it was a dream. I took the deepest breath and told her what she meant to me. At this point, Mariah has heard it all before but she looked at me with genuine affection as though it were the first time she’d heard those flattering words. But I did catch her surprise when I presented her with Control. Reesa Jenkins is inspired by her, a biracial singer who wants to take the music industry by storm. 

      This is the note I wrote to Mariah. I promise the book is better than my handwriting!

      We weren’t allowed to take selfies. I’m annoyed by that but perhaps it was for the best. I never live in the moment. My iPhone is always snapping away but I got to be in the moment with my fav and absorbed it. 

      I’ve been stressing about making Control a best seller. It would be nice to see my book on the New York Times list but it’s not bullshit to say that placing the book in Mariah’s hands means more to me. She blessed the novel! She has it. I hope she loves Control and Reesa.

      Thank you to all the lambs who stayed with me from early morning to the late hours on this cold day in November. We are a lambily. It’s because of you that I fortified my will to go the distance. 

      I fux with you! 

      Posted in Uncategorized | 0 Comments
    • #Thanksgiving Family, Don’t they know that they’re toxic?

      Posted at 4:29 pm by sguerilus, on November 14, 2018

      Thanksgiving is quickly approaching and the aroma of turkey is going to fill homes. I’m more of a ham lover but everyone can agree on macaroni and cheese. We’re also in silent co-sign of not being able to stand one another. For too many of us, our loved ones are emotional vampires drawing blood who swear it’s for our own good.

      Family, Don’t they know that they’re toxic? 

      You can be in you 30’s and still be referred to as a child and told to get out the kitchen because the grown ups are handling dinner. At times, it’s done with a smile to sugar coat the dismissiveness. You’ve got to remind yourself to take a few deep breaths and remember to respect your elders while not giving into the instinct to just let that mouth run. If this isn’t your family, that’s a blessing. You don’t have to put up with people who nitpick your every existence because they assume to know better than your own lived experiences.  

      To be clear, I love my family. I really do. I’m not sure of the person I’d be without their love and support. I would lay down my life for each and every one of them without a second of hesitation.  I’ve also been hurt by them, had my mistakes rubbed in my face and kind gestures used to keep me in line. The love doesn’t always feel unconditional but with strings attached. To quote Facebook, it’s complicated.  

      I can already feel the judgment expressing my frustration. Some of it is self inflicted because guilt has already been drilled in. You call family out on how they treat you and suddenly, you’re the problem. Those who nitpick every last thing you do are masters at playing the victim and the world merrily goes along.  

      I got the big chop and decided to wear my natural hair and was told that I looked like a boy; no longer pretty. I was happy that Bill Cosby was convicted and called a traitor to the Black community; when I mentioned my abuse, someone very close to me ran into the living room to yell “Stephanie was raped?! She never said anything!” I had but it was swept under the rug. After putting my business out there, my abuse was never brought up again. In October, I self published my novel Control.  Because it’s not a best seller (YET), my years of work was reduced to a waste of time.  

      I’m not perfect. I’m impatient. Hot headed. Moody. There’s a lot going on with Stephanie, including referring to myself in the third person now. But I’ll be damned if I deserve to be shit on everyday. It’s not making me a better person, only more cranky.  

      I want to genuinely smile again and not have it be an effort. It sucks that that those closest to me drain me of that joy.  

      I usually shake off the toxic fumes. The smell got to be too much today. Better to relax, relate and release than instead of the Thanksgiving table.

      Posted in Uncategorized | 0 Comments
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