Liz’s Top Ten Deep Moments of 2010

December 31st, 2010 § 4 comments § permalink

1. In Chi-Town: Daley announces he will not run again as Mayor.
Ok, this may not be big for non-Chicagoans, but this is deep. Richard M. Daley has been mayor since 1989. That’s a long freakin time. His daddy was mayor for 21 years, so there’s a bit of a dynasty here. So it’s deep because of that. But it’s also deep cuz it is just so damn exciting – the possibilities! If we could elect a real reformer, one that will pay attention to neighborhoods, it would be such a breath of fresh air. I’m watching closely.

Honorable Mention: Chicago loses bid for Olympics in first round (and I laugh).



2. In the Federal Government: Health Care Reform Passes

Whether you agreed or disagreed with what went into Health Care Reform, this was major deepness. The largest legislation since the New Deal. I was so tired of hearing opponents tell me, “The United States has the best system in the world…So and so (foreign celebrity/political leader) came here for surgery.” Great…so foreign so and so can come here, but 1 in 7 Americans are uninsured and therefore without access to basic healthcare. Preventive medicine people!

Wow, I can still get riled up about it.

Honorable Mention: Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Repealed.

3. In State Government: Arizona and SB 1070

What does an illegal immigrant look like, Governor Brewer? Enough said.













4. Not in the News: Georgia Prisoners Peacefully Protest

The largest prison protest in history and I had to hear about it from independent blogs. How does this not make major news? At least four Georgia prisons in lockdown? Prisoners (some belonging to groups that would normally fight each other) peacefully protesting for their rights? News fail. So deep. So frustrating.



5. In Catastrophes: Haiti is hit by earthquake.
It’s sad to think how fixed our eyes were on this and how quickly we have moved on. Haiti continues to struggle – with infrastructure, safety, food, elections. Let’s return our gaze.

Honorable Mention: Oil Spill in the Gulf. 

6. In Religion: Pope Benedict XVI condones the use of condoms among male sex workers in order to prevent the spread of HIV.

This was an interesting story because news outlets treated it as a reversal of Catholic teaching, but it seems debatable that it was –  the Pope provided a very nuanced answer. His answers were not shocking to me, as I can guess many Catholic teachers/care providers have practiced some version of it.  It does not surprise me that Catholic teaching would err on the side of placing the health and care of male sex workers first, but it shows that the Catholic Church has difficulty messaging – everybody thinks they know what the Catholic Church believes and I have a feeling most are wrong. Also the Catholic Church is HUGE. There are gonna be multiple opinions (regardless of the Pope). Just sayin’. Interesting questions arise though. Read two versions of the story here and here.



7. In Food: We’re running out of chocolate. 

Yeah, you heard me. That’s what they’re saying. Chocolate is gonna become like caviar. The supply cannot meet the demand. This story freaked me out when I read it. What am I gonna do without Chocolate Chip cookies???? Start hoarding people! You have been warned.

Honorable Mention: KFC Double Down

8. In the Tea Party: Glenn Beck Rallies…for what again?

Take back America for who Glenn? “We will reclaim the civil rights movement.” Riiiighhht….I hope 2011 is the year where Glenn Beck shuts up. Wishful thinking? Sigh.

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9. In Entertainment: Taylor Swift’s Performance at VMAs

Ok, so there were actually a lot of deep moments in entertainment. And there are probably some that are deeper than this one….but I had to put this. Hot mess. Taylor sounds awful. The song is so patronizing. The setting…so messed up. She’s like this beautiful young country white girl in the 50s who has condescended to the angry black man. “I forgive you Kanye!” Bleh.

Team Kanye, anybody? Although, thank God that saga has been put to rest.

2010 MTV Video Music Awards

10. On the web: The launching of our blog, duh! 

Or what was originally, Salt N Peppa, remember that? (LOL) We started this in February and if I do say so myself, it’s (and we are) pretty awesome. May the deepness continue on into 2011!

Honorable Mention: Microaggressions. Such a good idea. I wish I’d thought of it.

Happy New Year Everyone!

The Black Girl Project NYC Event – “Women of Color on HIV/AIDS”

December 10th, 2010 § 1 comment § permalink

Liz and (readers!),

Happy Friday! It’s almost the weekend…so close I can taste it. Mmm…mmm…good. :)

Before your weekend schedule is completely booked, I want to share the details of a dope event that will take place this Sunday, December 12th with all of my New Yorkers out there (or fake NewYorkers like myself).
The Black Girl Project, a non-profit organization based in Brooklyn, NY that seeks to inspire young women of color to reach their full potential through a variety of artistic, cultural, and educational programs, is hosting a movie screening and panel discussion on HIV/AIDS and the women of color community. It is entitled “Prevent, Don’t Manage” Women of Color on HIV/AIDS.

We all know that HIV/AIDS is a global issue, but we often forget that it continues to be a major problem right in our own communities. Don’t let World AIDS Day be the only time you think about how HIV/AIDS may affect you and others. Make it an on-going conversation. It’s time to educate yourself, educate others, promote awareness, get rid of the stigma, and get tested.

Here are the quick details…

When: Sunday, December 12th 2:30pm – 4:30pm

Where: Center Stage, 48 West 21st Street, 4th Floor (Between 5th and 6th Avenues)

Cost: $5.00 BUT free tickets are also available and all proceeds go to Love Heals and
           The Black Girl Project’s After School Initiative.  You can buy and request free
           tickets here.

Please come out and support! Tell your friends, tell your sisters, tell your partners, tell your roommates, tell your aunties, tell your mama, tell your grandmama! It’s going to be a fun, interactive, and informative event. :)

BUT, even if you can’t attend the event on Sunday, I encourage you to get involed with The Black Girl Project, especially if you are in the New York Metro Area. I recently started interning with the organization and believe me when I tell you that Aiesha Turman, founder and director of BGP, is doing some amazing things in Brooklyn, New York City generally, and across the country. Her dedication to improving the lives of young women of color is truly inspiring. Check out some of what she has to say about her work here and here. She’s also just a fabulous person, so down to earth (can you tell I’m friend crushing?) and on a random note, wrote one of my absolute fave movie reviews ever. 
Enjoy your weekends, readers and if you can, please come out and support on Sunday!
Love and Light–

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