The Journey with Hillary Clinton...so far March-June2016 for the 2016 Election

I have been meaning to write about this for a while my dear readers. I have been busy I am working late nights part time at an at a call center part-time, and I am working still at Lord & Taylor. I am also of course trying to make sure I write the best entries and keep up with you on what’s going on in Honey Brown Sugar’s world (my world) and it’s a lot apparently.

                For the past 5 years I have been doing volunteer work but 4 years ago in 2012 I had an opportunity to be a part of Barack Obama’s campaign. I think that experience changed and opened up my world a lot in so many ways.  You get to see what people really go through when it comes to the campaign. What they experience and how they deal with it too on a regular basis. I started with Hillary’s campaign this March of 2016 and it was a great opportunity to see and witness what would happen during this unique and special campaign. I thought working for the Obama campaign was quite this experience this just put a cherry on my sundae for my bucket list and goals for 2016 to accomplish. About four weeks into my volunteering I got quite the surprise.

I was at work actually when I received an e-mail to come in to see and meet Hillary Clinton. I accepted right away she was scheduled to be a part of the rally and I immediately sent my response right away.  For the last few years that was one of my major goals I had on my list I wanted to accomplish along with so much more. To make sure I could be  part of the momentous occasion as first a human being, a young woman, a writer/journalist, and a volunteer lastly. To witness this experience is one that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I received some tremendous gifts.  So when I arrived there I went into the Hilton Hotel on 57^th street and sixth avenue  went in with two other ladies who would also be a part of the rally. I knew there would be photographers, heavy security, and so much more to go through before actually arriving there.  I spotted people of all ages wearing Hillary t-shirts, buttons, hats, holding signs, and all kinds of insignia to support her.  I went through security got approved and then all of a sudden a young lady comes up to me. I didn’t know her but somehow she called me out and asked me, “Would you be willing to stand on the stage during the rally and you will get a great look at Hillary?” I said with an emphatic “Yes, sure I will do it”. Mind you readers one little detail I forgot…I was wearing four inch heels. I completely forgot to change my shoes before I hit the stage at the Hilton Hotel Banquet Hall room  . So I had to get through 4 hours from 12-4 to see the future Madame President, The New York state democrats, and all of her supporters.

 I was on stage and I remembered what can I do in the mean time to keep the pain from hurting in my feet (I had high heels on I had to turn into Patti Labelle and kick off my high heels). I had to move from side and side.  The great thing is with me being 5 feet 7 inches I am pretty tall plus I had ladies covering me too. They couldn't see me in my  bare feet. I got through the first hour and then it was show time go on stage and cheer for Hillary. I made sure I had to really just keep mentally telling myself “You will get through this you have a chance to see her…just get through the pain”. So I kept standing with my “We support Hillary” and “Fighting for us” sign and I saw the many news  reporters, cameras,  the bright lights, the hundreds of volunteers who are part of the campaign from all over cheering, clapping, and chanting her name while they waited for her to come on stage. So finally about 3 hours later I and many other young ladies were prepared, fired up, and ready to see her.  By this point my high heels were off and I was just waiting. I had actually told my boss I would be back shortly. I didn’t realize it would be such a long wait to see her.

I participated and went to an Obama rally back in 2008 in the Village in Washington Square. I forgotten rallies often involve a lot of anticipation, building, and there are many speeches given before the “main event” similar to a concert. (You have the “opening act” like Letitia James, Gabby Giffords, and Kristin Gillibrand) and then next the main event, Hillary. I was talking to a very sweet and pregnant volunteer (She was so tired and hungry poor lady had to call her husband to bring her food). As soon as I said ok “I am going to have to go….” Here she is and here she comes she came out with her bright purple suit one of her signature colors, and I saw her greeting, heard her husky, womanly voice, I saw her face of course. We all were pumped the one thing I remember is how they kept saying her famous and well known quote….”Human Rights are Women’s Rights…and Human Rights are Equal Rights”. I can’t tell you how proud I am to see every woman of color, every walk of life, every background, and more supporting her on that stage was incredible. It’s an amazing feeling to witness one the people you admire achieve their dream and their own personal goals. It’s a dream for so many women for centuries have been trying to achieve. I cannot wait honestly until this fall 2016 because I really do not want this experience to end. It has built me up, it has given me an extra push to know you’re stronger, you’re wiser, smarter, you don’t have to limit yourself, ever be afraid to speak your mind or raise your voice. You have to raise your voice and be louder, scream if you have to, fight harder, and make sure you give back to those who are trying and sacrificing so much for all of us. This November 2016 will be really special not only will I continue to support, travel, document, and cover my journey with Hillary. You know I have to go back to my old hometown Washington, DC to go support her, and of course I will be here in my birthplace and current home, New York City to support her here too. I am very excited, and will be reaching some personal milestones my 30^th birthday as well. So it’s just an amazing great time to witness so much immense change and celebration. So stay tuned my readers I will have so much more to share with you in the future. Meanwhile check out these photos…now one thing I will tell you I was in the New York AM Newspaper and I was in a few photos my head may have been blocked by some of the ladies but I promise you yes I was there.

 



Hillary Clinton at the podium giving her speech on gun laws, equal rights, and more.

Up on stage I told you my feet were killing me smiling through it all lol

At the UFT Volunteering

Volunteer dates just momentos

I am sure you have heard "she tries to play the woman card.

She's an around the way girl and not afraid to show it Taraji's bio debuts October 11th

You know who she is the doe-eyed curvy beauty who favors a young Diana Ross, she is sassy, funny, quick-witted, down-to-earth, and the lady you can hang out with at a five star restaurant and go to a Mary J. Blige concert with the next and go to McDonald’s. Her name is Taraji Penda Henson. She has an incredible talent and is able to work a comedic, romantic, diva, dramatic role.

 

 

 

She's cool and not afraid to take the bus too

 

Around the way girl gear bamboo earrings, sneakers, and expensive bag

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fans love her posting up quotes

 

Taraji and her mom

 

She’s not afraid to create a whole new person. She isn’t afraid to express herself in a role that will cause controversy either. One thing I love she said how “When she received the script from Lee Daniels she realized this role would scare the hell out of me. “Cookie Lyon” is the kind of person who will scare you and that’s what I look for in a role. Something to make me jump.”  We all know with her characters they are tough, fearless, and you don’t know what to expect. Each character she has played every woman around the world could identify with the character. I am sure some of you know the definition of “Around the way girl” a young hot woman who is urban, edgy, sophisticated, sassy, and street smart. I think the meaning fits her because she has all of those characteristics and more.

                Her autobiography reflects her story  Taraji is from a familiar place I know she was born September 11, 1970 and grew up in Washington, D.C. , she attended Oxon Hill High School and led her to later to study at the historically black college, Howard University. She studied there and majored in theater and drama.  She worked a cruise ship singer, and worked as a secretary in the Pentagon. She later became pregnant with her son, and later was discovered, and decided to travel out to California.  Taraji’s journey and story is one I believe will give every little girl, teenager auditioning for roles, and looking to breakthrough in the business as well a chance to make something happen. It doesn’t matter where you came from or where you have been you can take a chance and make your dreams come true.  For more information on the book visit http://www.simonandschuster.com and follow her on facebook, snapchat, Instagram, and twitter. Make sure you all tune in for Empire’s season 4 this fall. The book debuts on October 11, 2016. I hope my lovely readers will grab their copy. Also check out my tribute to Around the way girl with the classic 1990 hit from LL Cool J. I think you may see she fit the description to the t. See you and of course my readers always so much to share with you

Oh Darling! Let's go be Absolutely Fabulous like these ladies

On July 1, 2016 in the United Kingdom and on July 22, 2016 America get ready for these two crazy ladies hitting screens. These ladies are the original “Sex and the city” cast in my opinion. I love these two and can watch a marathon of episodes. I used to watch as a kid and actually rented the series a while ago just binge watching. I was completely shocked and pleasantly surprised when I saw the preview for this film coming out this summer 2016.

 

 

 

 

 

                Jennifer Saunders , Joanna Lumley, Julia Sawalha, June Whitfield, and Jane Horrocks will all reprise their roles as Edina “Eddie” Monsoon, Patsy Stone (Joanna Lumley), Saffron “Saffy” Monsoon (Eddie’s daughter), Bubble, and her dear funny and sarcastic mother  and the whole gang are all back.

I love this series I believed I discovered it on comedy central first and then just got into it right away. My mother and I are big fans. There’s no perfect person other than my girlfriends who I would probably go see this movie with cause we love Patsy & “Eddie” These ladies are the original sex and the city cast for sure remember how Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall) and Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) both worked for prestigious , well known magazines and public relations firms too. Eddie owned her own PR Firm and Patsy was working at a popular fashion magazine. The show is featured around all the crazy shenanigans and mishaps these two create. Eddie and Patsy always find a way to get out of their fun trouble and they always meet some interesting characters along the way.  The series has debuted several times in the last 25 years (1992-1996), (2000-2005), (2011-2012) and now the movie. It was originally written by Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders both.  The series has gone on to be such a big hit and popular culture phenomenon. You can’t help but recognize these two. So ladies I hope you all will go see this hilarious film.

I don’t know how many episodes I have probably seen but I will tell you they are all hilarious every single one. So on July 22, 2016-Friday I know where I will be I hope you guys will be somewhere at a theater, eating and indulging in popcorn, candy, and some fun treats too.

Follow them on twitter, facebook, and Instagram for more information. Visit them at @AbFab on Twitter.

 

               

               

 

 

To Orlando you're with all of us

Picturesque, beautiful, fun-filled, sunny, and exciting are some words often used to describe the city of Orlando and the state of Florida. People often describe it as a place to come relax and enjoy your self as well. On June 12, 2016-early Sunday morning the town would come to see this place in a different light one that would bring everyone together in a time of distress and need as well. At 2 am in the morning people were dressed casually and celebrating their days of work, wanting an escape, listening to music, perhaps conversing, and having great conversations too. When 29-year-old Omar Mateen a native New Yorker went inside Pulse Nightclub located on East Orange street in Orlando, Florida and took the lives of 50 people and injured and harmed 53. It’s still hard to wrap your mind over something. You want to go on with your days and lives but there is something that makes you remember we just went through another national tragedy again.  The nightclub which is predominantly part of the LGBT community was targeted by a homegrown terrorist here in our country.

                Mateen was identified by the police right away and was shot and killed once they were called and showed up as well. They automatically found him in th

 

 

 

 

e FBI data base he had been called for questioning and interviewed twice for several issues. People describe him as a racist, harmful, no true emotions to people of minority backgrounds or descent. He was described by his own family as an abuser , violent, irrational, and full of rage. He had dispassion against many people and didn’t mind expressing his feelings and opinions against any group. He didn’t have any empathy at all it seems if when his co-workers described him. They often felt guilty themselves for not standing up against someone who can have such hate and not feel any remorse. I would tell them this is something they could have not seen coming at all. How do you have a premonition about a man who plans to destroy and break the world’s heart? You don’t see something like this ever coming at all. I would tell his co-workers if anyone ever witnessed any signs. Not to feel guilty this clearly was something he had planned way in advance, took time, and had been keeping a dark secret for years possibly. It’s just a shame that maybe law enforcement didn’t see all the signs though either.

                The one thing that really touched me with this whole situation was the outpour of people quickly responding, the love, donations, and how quickly so many Floridians and people all over the world were ready to give. I watched the news coverage here in New York City and believe me we are all still feeling it. We know what this experience is like and we know that they can adapt the motto “We’ll Fight Back”, “We will be stronger and braver”. I believe this is the mentality we all have to adapt and now and take in just making sure we are more aware in a sense of our safety.

I don’t believe we need to judge, mislead, or become prejudice against people who we may not know. It’s a lot that really made me happy was how quickly the law enforcement got this man, how first responders got everyone out right away as well.  The one thing that hurt was the fact that parents, friends, and loved ones were unable to reach people right away due to the identification process. That took major time and people had to wait. There was one mother who unfortunately found out her son was gone. She was looking, just seeing her face reminds me how all parents feel horrified. You’re waiting, you don’t know who to ask, you are helpless, then you receive an answer without compassion. That’s the one thing that hurts. Another parent’s story her son was trapped in the restroom inside Pulse nightclub and he was texting his mother.

Their stories touched me the people who were rescuing those and these people really got me. Cause that waiting for a response on a phone call or text could be unbearable. It’s also sad because it was the last time she would say good-bye to her son as well. He was later identified as well and they all have been. People all over the world have been giving tributes. It’s just a shame that for our country we still have a lot of work to do. I watched the press conference and hearing that this would be President Obama’s fifteenth time addressing our country in a press conference it hurts, it’s a shame because he, our government, and his cabinet have been fighting against terrorism, gun safety, and so many laws since the beginning. This is one issue we cannot resolve over night.

The fact that it happened so abruptly and so quickly we all didn’t see this coming at all. I just pray and hope that we can come up with a better solution for laws, we know they are in our Bill of Rights and Constitution. We all have the right to bare arms but what gives someone to right to abuse the laws against life and create cruelty. Create harms against others out of hate, unfairness, and injustice as well.

                I believe this man may have experienced some racism I wouldn’t be surprised, but I am not giving anyone the benefit of the doubt in this case. I believe it was still senseless and harmful to everyone, it caused hearts to broken, memories, plans, and dreams to be erased for these families and friends. All we can do is pray for them to be stronger, to fight against this, and pray that solutions will be resolved. That we will have future leaders who will make wise decisions, who genuinely care, and who want to put the best needs ahead for this country as well. I dedicate this entry to all of you who experienced a loss and to all of the families who were touched , affected, and impacted by this tragedy. God bless to you all. People are still holding vigils, giving donations, and all of the support for these families as well.  I dedicated a couple songs to you all too.

Rihanna reaches Global Icon status with Anti in 2016

When you made it in Times Square with your poster you know your album is a beast. Took this last night 5/26/2016

I remember when this young lady first came out I was traveling abroad to Italy  learning beginner's Italian with “Macaroni” (Marisa, you all know one of my dear friends). So as we were traveling I remember visiting the internet café and there was a television on at the time. I look up and see MTV on and this girl moving her hips and dancing across the screen. She had long dark brown beautiful hair and hazel-green eyes.  She had a thick Caribbean accent and then her name flashed below and they said her name and it was Rihanna. The summer of 2005 was when I learned all about Rihanna and her music. I have been meaning to write about her a lot more often as well. I feel sometimes as a writer you have to time things and wait for the right moment. Sometimes you just know when it is the right time to release something and this definitely the right time for her. She has had over 8 albums over 52 singles have been released and have all made it on to the Billboard Hot 100 either in the United Kingdom or the United States. Rihanna has reached global icon status in a matter of a decade her career has taken off like wildfire. She has completely developed herself as an artist entirely. A recording artist is supposed to develop themselves, their craft, know the history, the present, and techniques behind their art form. They also learn how to create music, the business side of music, and promoting themselves too.

                For her as an artist she branched off into every single genre of the industry: R&B, Pop, Rock, Rap, Reggae, Dance, Club music, Country, and I believe if she wanted to do Jazz she probably could as well I think with the right song any melody you find for her I think she as an artist can connect to it. I didn’t realize at the time you know she was so young and was singing about issues and problems in relationships that 16 year olds don’t need to be singing about quite yet. She had a way of singing songs that even at a tender young age she could sing about grown woman’s problems in a problematic relationship. She has a raw ness, a vulnerability in her voice where you can see now she has been through things. The first time we all got to know her she was this beautiful Barbadian princess who could be relaxing in a hammock and singing fun, upbeat songs. Now she has evolved into the eclectic, rebel, bad girl, and enchantress. She has a way to grab people and get their attention right away. She has become a rebel and developed a strong exterior over the years to develop herself as an artist, speak her mind freely, and gain more control too. I don’t believe she is a bad girl I just know one thing Rihanna knows how to sell albums point blank. She has got the right musical army of soldiers behind her all the way they make sure she is taken care of completely. One thing I have noticed she has continued to expand her brand and herself as an artist with dancing, modeling, endorsements, clothing line, shoe line, and she has broken so many records.   

                Robyn Rihanna Fenty has broken a record of being Dior’s first African American woman to grace their campaign. She did with their Secret Garden collection in her stylish shades, red lipstick, and of course they have the right lady she’s 5’10 inches tall, with model looks and features. You she has the whole entire package, she has done some acting as well appearing on SNL in many skits, Battleship, and lent her voice to the main character of Home (2014). She has shown that she can cross over and work with just about anyone. She has worked with Kanye, Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake, her ex-beau, Chris Brown, Future, Drake,  and so many more. I would love to see her work with more female artists and possibly do some more songwriting as well. She has a way of transforming herself as a chameleon completely. She can become anyone she wants to be.  

 

 

2011 released "Rated R" featuring "So Hard" and "Talk that Talk"

 

 

2010 Relased

 

Her first album, "Music of the Sun" in 2005 featuring "Pon de Replay"

 

She released a reloaded album of Good Girl Gone Bad in 2007 featuring hit "Take A Bow" and "Umbrella"

 

2012 Unapologetic "Stay", 'Birthday Cake" and "Diamonds"

One other personal memory I have was when I was working at Roc A Fella Records doing my internship at Universal Music Group Records and I remember for the first time hearing “Umbrella” being played definitely a true hit. It was originally written for Mary J. Blige but she refused the pop confection hit. Truly a gift I believe because this song is played all over the world, in so many television, movies, and will be forever a karaoke go to song too.

One of her biggest accomplishments she just won a Billboard Award for Billboard Chart Achievement Award on Sunday at the2016 Billboard Music Awards and just performed “Love on the Brain” from her latest album  her new single just released in March is all ready climbing the charts right now. She has won numerous in the past as well from Billboard, American Music Awards, MTV, and more. So this woman isn’t slowing down at all. Expect more music and more of her fashion label in the future. For more information on her new album and upcoming projects visit http://www.rihannanow.com and follow her on Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, and Twitter.

 

 

You hear her on the radio now read how she got there-Angie Martinez-My Voice

The book just debuted this month with a foreword written by: rap artist/songwriter, J Cole

I have something definitely to share with you all when it comes to this special woman. You can hear her voice on the radio. It’s something about people’s voices and faces we have a tendency to remember especially when you have known or seen the person for a long time. Her story resonates with mine we both are familiar with the radio industry and how it works. I wanted to be in the music industry for a long time always wanted to be a singer/songwriter or become an actress actually. As many of you know my background let me into the media field.  So as you know I grew up around the radio industry. My mother, Gina is an account executive she works in the sales/advertising department of radio. She earned her degree in broadcasting from Stony brook University. So radio and music have always been a part of my life but when your mother is around that industry you really grow up around it.

                My mother has been around the industry of radio since the mid-1980s she found a job working for CBS Radio the year before I was born. She worked there for a few years before getting the opportunity to work and relocate to Washington, D.C. to work at Majic 102.3 radio station with Cathy Hughes. So for me being able to grow up around that I always knew I was attracted to the arts, entertainment. I love being able to see what they do actually. It really hit me when she got the chance to work at 93.9-Kiss FM in Washington, D.C. that’s when I discovered I had a knack for doing interviews, also I fell in love with having the opportunity to meet celebrities too. The first group I met was the R&B 1990s band, Immature who would later become IMX. I knew from that day this is it I am supposed to be in the music industry some way or somehow. So when my mother and I had to relocate back to New York she went first for a new opportunity I of course was right behind her. This time she would cross over into mainstream radio though. She had the chance  first to work at WBLS Radio station this was when I discovered many deejays one in particular, Wendy Williams who would go on to have a successful career in radio broadcasting, film, and television. Hence the “Wendy Williams Experience” and now “Wendy Williams Show”. So you all wonder how does  Angie Martinez fit into all of this. I will get to that in just a moment. In 1998 my mother asked me and told me she would be working for a new radio station well one that caters to a younger audience WQHT’s HOT 97 in New York City. I told her she should do it and the rest is history. She worked there for about 5 years during that time was definitely some of the most memorable times of my life and hers. In 1999 I would get the chance to experience my first summer jam concert. I loved it I was very young but it taught me how to grow up fast. I had a chance to see the faces of the radio station. One in particular of course is Angie Martinez she would emcee the show along with DJ Funk master Flex and many other people. Angie is one of the fiercest Latinas in the radio industry game. She has interviews hundreds of rap artists, R&B, pop and international stars from all over. You can recognize her voice instantly.

                I would also listen to her show and many others. I still do so it’s definitely a part of me so now when I hear she has a book I am like really!!! I have heard about her book with her Latin recipes, I have heard her album she had a single called “Mi Amor” and “If I can go” on the radio that was pretty popular where she crossed over from deejay to rap artist. So now that she has expanded her brand is incredible. In 2014, Angie left Hot 97 which of course many of us were like all sad because she has become apart of the 18-45 crowd when it comes to music. She has not lost her touch though she still conducts some of the best interviews in the business. She treats people very welcoming like their her personal friends. Although some are her personal friends she makes them feel at home when behind the microphone.

                One of my best memories of Angie has to be for my sweet sixteen she wished me a Happy Birthday for my 16^th birthday. So that’s something I won’t forget that I still have my sweet 16 video and the tape of dedications from everyone  including DJ Funkmaster  Flex, Red  Alert, and Angie to all of you thank you sending mucho besos !!!  For more information on Summer Jam (see I am giving you all a plug lol!) visit http://www.hot97.com for more information on Power 105 visit http://www.power1051fm.com , and for more information on Angie, her books, and music visit http://www.thevoiceofny.com follow them on twitter and Instagram too!!!!