A Diva State of Mind

Only a true diva would have a Barbie created in her image.  Toy maker Mattel has created a new Janet Jackson Barbie doll, inspired by her 2010 American Idol performance.

Mattel designer Jackeline Gonzalez didn’t miss one detail! From Janet’s new short haircut to the black gown and body-hugging cat-suit she revealed during her second performance, this doll is fabulous! Mattel went one step further by adding Swarovski crystals to the gown and mic.

“Divinely Janet” was created to help benefit Project Angel Food, a charity working with those living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. “Divinely Janet” is definitely a collectors item. The current bid for the new Barbie doll is $1,050 (the doll is valued at $15,000). Bidding will end next Wednesday, December 15^th.

This is an innovative way to raise money for a non-profit. After all, when was the last time we saw a Barbie like this?  Would you purchase this doll or any item of premium value to support a great cause?

Tyler Perry, known for his Madea plays and films, is taking on the biggest movie of his career. He has decided to remake the award winning play For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf featuring an all star cast!!

The women who make up this film are remarkable; the legendary Loretta Devine, Whoppi Goldberg and Phylicia Rashad lead this cast of black women who experience love, abandonment, rape and abortion.  Other cast members include Janet Jackson, Kimberly Elise, Anika Noni Rose, Kerry Washington, Tessa Thompson and Thandie Newton, some of the most talent black actresses of our generation.

I haven’t seen the play or read the book, but with a cast like this, I definitely plan on seeing this movie when it arrives in theatres this Friday, November 5^th.  An all black cast like this is making history (this is the largest black female cast in a movie).  And Tyler Perry has assured fans that he delivers.

Check out the trailer to For Colored Girls  and support this movie and phenomenal cast November 5th!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLnJt_KVsJY

Socialite. Fashionista. PR & Special Events Extraordinaire. Those are just a few words to describe Ms. Whitney Stringer. Whitney moved to Washington, DC two years ago and since then she has made a name for herself in the city.  She currently works as an Account Executive at Brotman Winter Fried Communications (BWF) and is a contributor for Pamela’s Punch, which means she has access to everything that’s going on in the city from happy hours and parties to grand openings. If it’s a major event, she’s there!!  Her clients include various charities, retailers and sports teams.

Along with working hard at BWF, she also takes the time to give back to the community.  She currently serves as a mentor with Pipeline Project DC through The Young & Powerful Group: 

The Pipeline Project (”Pipeline”) is a 10-week program designed to support Dunbar High School and the surrounding Washington, DC community.  Pipeline combines classroom exercises with a speaker series, group field trips, and mentoring by young professionals and university student volunteers.

Whitney has worked hard for the past two years in DC.  With her background and personality, she’ll continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the PR and Event Planning business.  

You can follow this diva on Twitter @WhitneyStringer. To stay up to date with what’s going on in the city follow BWF at @bwfpr.

I’d like to take this time to thank Whitney! I’ve reached out to her over the past couple of months asking a lot of questions and seeking suggestions in terms of the blog. Thanks for all of your help!

Only Oprah could surprise 300 of her ultimate fans with a trip to Australia and have John Travolta as the pilot!  Talk about leaving a final impression! The Queen of talk shows out did herself with this episode!

The Farewell Season of The Oprah Winfrey Show began Monday, September 13^th. Only a Diva like Oprah could make plans to leave daytime television after 25 years and move on to start OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network).

This media mogul has built an empire: talk show, O Magazine, Dr. Phil Show, Dr. Oz Show, Nate Berkus Show (I don’t know if she started these shows, but all have been frequent guest on her show before getting their own show so you know her company has something to do with them getting started on other networks), and now OWN.  She also has the “Oprah Effect.”  Anything she decides she loves from books to gadgets on Amazon becomes an instant hit.

Not only is she a media mogul but she’s also a philanthropist. She started her own schools in Africa and creating Oprah’s Angel Network, a network that strives to inspire people to use their lives and help others in need. She is a true example of what it means to “live a meaningful life by living beyond you.” 

In 2011, Oprah steps down from her daytime television thrown and moves on to focus on OWN.  There will be a huge void from 4-5pm on ABC.  Who will take her place for the next 25 years?  Whoever it is, they have some huge shoes to fill!

Congratulations Oprah on 25 years!!

Check out Oprah’s surprise during her season premiere of the Farewell Season:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJrQIsqvoCM

After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Political Science, Ms. Kendra Jenkins worked with Public Allies in Pittsburgh.  Public Allies is a national movement grounded in the conviction that everyone leads with a focus on advancing leadership to strengthen communities, nonprofit and civic organizations.

Through Public Allies, Kendra was placed with Schenley Heights Community Development Program (SHCDP) as an Executive Assistant.  She was responsible for writing grants and proposals, seeking partnerships throughout the community, recruiting volunteers and assisting site coordinators.  SHCDP is a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing, supporting and developing the community through wholesome programs that address the academic, moral, cultural, health and recreational needs of children and their families. 

Her hard work didn’t go unrecognized; SHCDP hired Kendra to continue working with the organization after she completed the 2008-2009 Public Allies program.  She is not only continuing her work at SHCDP; she will begin her Masters Program this fall in Social Work, Community Organization and Social Administration at the University of Pittsburgh. 

She’s a rising star is social services and a fashionista too! She currently works part-time at United Colors of Benetton in Shadyside and volunteers with various organizations throughout the city of Pittsburgh.

I’ve always known how hard Kendra works and the difference she wants to make in her community.  Others have recognized her passion as well.  She has been nominated for the Public Allies Pittsburgh Alumni 2010 ChangeMaker Award.  She’s humbled by the nomination so she won’t admit it, but I know she’d love to win this award.  I’m asking all of you to help me recognize this Diva,  a Pittsburgh changemaker now and a global changemaker in the future.  Please click on the link below to vote for Kendra Jenkins to win the Public Allies Pittsburgh Alumni 2010 ChangeMaker Award.  Voting closes September 3, 2010, so please share this Diva Spotlight and the voting link with friends! Let’s recognize those who are making a significant impact in our communities!!!

Voting once per day is allowed using the same email adderss. So yes, I’ll be voting everyday until Friday and so should you!!!  TO VOTE, CLICK HERE!!!

Here’s one more reason to love Halle Berry. Ms. Berry graces the cover of the 2010 September VOGUE issue.  She is the first black woman to be featured on the September issue since 1989.  In this issue that hit stands during the first week of August, Berry covers the pages of Vogue in a short bob and opens up about motherhood, relationships and marriage. 

While Berry has been on the cover of VOGUE before, December 2002, the September issue of the year for the magazine.

Talk about a true DIVA!! I hope to look that good when I’m 44 years old!

I was catching up on my Google Reader this morning and saw the new pics of Keri Hilson from her FLAUNT Mag shoot! I’m not only a fan of Ms. Hilson because we spell our first names the same way, but b/c she’s humble, beautiful, has great style, talented and is grindin’ in the music industry.  The essence of a true DIVA!

For your guys out there, here are some pics to put you in a good mood this morning!

 You better work it MS. KERI BABY!

Source: www.theybf.com

Known as the “god mother of civil rights,” Height served as chair and president of the National Council of Negro Women.  She led the group for more than 30 years. The National Council of Negro Women dealt with the “unmet needs of women and families by combating hunger and establishing decent housing and home ownership programs through the federal government for low-income families.”

She is also served as the 10^th National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated from 1946-1957. She was an active member of the sorority throughout her life.

 In 1994, Height was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Clinton.  She has also received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2004 and the Barnard Medal of Distinction in 1980, from Barnard College, a school that turned down her admittance (She had been accepted but could not be admitted because the school had met their quota of two black women).

Height has left her footprint on the civil rights and women’s rights. Her work has opened many doors for women across the country and serves as inspiration for those of us who follow in her footsteps.

 Source: www.cnn.com

Our society feeds off of negative stories about the Black community, so it’s important that we highlight those who are making history, especially in higher education!  The 21-year old Katie Washington from Gary, IN is the first African American Valedictorian at Notre Dame. She has a 4.0 GPA.

Here’s what she told BET

“I am humbled,” said Washington, a biology major, to the Northwest Indiana Times. “I am in a mode of gratitude and thanksgiving right now.”

She has been accepted into medical school at Johns Hopkins University.

Congratulations Katie for becoming the first African American Valedictorian at Notre Dame.  Hopefully your achievement will encourage others in the Black community to stay focused on academic success and create their own history.

On March 12, 2010, Natalie Robinson became the first female coach at Calvin Coolidge Senior High School in Washington, DC.  She is the second female to coach High School Football behind Debbie Vance, the coach at Lehman High School in New York.

Robinson is a 29 year old biology and environmental sciences teacher.  She was a wide receiver for a five years and played on special teams for DC Divas, a professional women’s team, so she has a true understanding of football.   Her new players are excited and anxious for their new female coach.

As a fan of football, I’m glad to see women are making their way into coaching. It’s about time we made an impact in the male dominated sport.   I know we have a long way to go before we see a female coach on the college or football level, but we have to start somewhere. 

To learn more about Natalie Robinson, visit The Early Show.