The pain of not reflecting the range of our complexions

This is a shout-out to my girl Monif. She is a sista doing her thing trying to make her mark in the world by empowering women to be free and expressive and comfortably beautiful in their own right.

I keep her hair braided, bought her a black Barbie
I keep her mind free; she ain't no black zombie

I've know ma for over seven years now and she's always kept it real. Real hectic. Nah, but on the reals, we've been good friends. Helped move and cope and flirt and move and study and network. Had a brief bean stay then went on to make more moves. I walked in shoes she once held and she held me down many a time. We clowned each other. We hugged each other. I have even hooked her up with the ill assist. We shared breakfast at Mike's Diner in the South End. We watched NBA playoff games at her first crib in Southie and hit up the cookout and potluck circuit over many summers. You kepp it real with me; I'll keep it real with you.

I see the picture clearer thru the stain on the frame
She got a black girl name, she livin black girl pain

From being an engineer/computer scientist to non-profit technology guru to consutant, she has now distinguished herself as one of the illest up-and-coming fashion designers. Simply put, Monif C. is an unapologetic stand for high fashion style for plus size women; conceived to reaffirm every woman's desire for an inspired life, luxury, and unadulterated sex appeal. She's a dear friend of mine and I'm commited to spread the gospel of her business because it's that kind of reciprocity and respect that works wonders when it matters most. Like Gangstarr said, gotta give the credit where it's due.


My pretty black princess smell sweet like that incense
That you buy at the bookstore supporting black business

So in light of the theme I got going here, naturally there's some lateral connection. My dunny at GhettoUprising has an ill editorial up at Nobody's Smiling about the short-sightedness of Jay's Cristal boycott. In addition, here are some other business ventures by some folks who are doing their thing and I personally feel like if given the chance, just making a link to check out their goods is a step in the right direction. Patronage by choice is the norm; but like affirmative action, they don't have a chance if you've never heard of them.

So if you want some greeting cards or custom t-shirts or stationery, holla at SoapBoxTheory.

If you want some pictures, holla at Mr Kelley of Studio 10 Photographers or Lolita Parker Jr of Parker Digital Imaging.

For custom kicks, holla at the young dunny over at Blak-Out.

If you're in the mid-atlantic and need IT consulting services, holla at the fellas of Nvidius. (If in New England, holla at me. ahem.)