Black Hippy

Merry Christmas (to the Blacks & Gays)!

2011-12-23T11:35:00.001-05:00

While much of 2011 has been wrought with frustration, anger and anxiety, it was time to hear a positive story (or two). A few short months ago Don't Ask Don't Tell was officially repealed for our armed forces. This move was a long time coming, especially since other top tier world nations have allowed openly gay service members into their ranks for years. Petty Officer Marissa Gaeta won a "

The Big Chop

2011-12-14T11:59:00.000-05:00

So I've played around with the idea of cutting my hair for years. I think most women do, but as a "natural sista" the idea of this is a tad bit nerve racking. For one, I'm pretty proud of the length I have, took me an eternity to grow it, but I am sick of doing it (or paying to get it done). Secondly, I've always believed having shorter hair would allow for easier maintenance and a variety of

Happy Anniversary Philly

2011-11-08T10:22:00.000-05:00

This Fall marks the 10 year anniversary of my arrival to the City of Brotherly Love, and boy how the city and I have come a long way. It doesn't seem like ten years ago when my mom eased onto Broad St from 95 and with a slight grimace asked "you want to go to school here?" Honestly, I was happy to get the hell out of Maryland and into a major city. I couldn't blame her for the look though; the

5 Shirts

2011-10-13T00:44:00.000-04:00

This time last year I was sitting on a panel at Rutgers University telling complete strangers what it was like to be a gay person of color in today's world. 1. I can't believe that was a whole year ago 2. My how time has changed....or has it? OutFest was this past weekend in Philadelphia and I didn't go. Why? Well, I'd been to just about every OutFest since college and I just wasn't up to

Follow Your Bliss

2011-10-06T21:53:00.000-04:00

His name was Matt. He was a long time acquaintance of mine in college. We didn't hang out in the same circles but, our paths always seemed to cross, especially when I decided to act in the school play sophomore year. Hey was a big guy, shy, into books and theater. He was a techie stagehand through and through, he actually taught me how to use the lighting boards before practices and run throughs.

Farewell Summer

2011-09-05T20:51:00.001-04:00

Labor Day will officially end in a little more than 3 hours, closing the chapter on what was the summer of 2011. Here are my pics from the summer, enjoy! Spent a lot of time enjoying fun things to do in the city Knocked some things off the bucket list Wouldn't be a summer without doing the Greek thing Or going to a free concert Or traveling Or drinking with friends on the holidays!

5 Online Shows You Should Be Watching

2011-09-01T22:40:00.002-04:00

I don't have cable. Its true, I don't. I have a great high speed internet connection (thanks to, or in spite of) via Comcast, which allows me to multitask effortlessly online. As we speak I'm blogging, cleaning files off my computer and YouTubing Silverchair videos (was in the mood for 90s grunge, don't judge me). In the tradition of new media, a nod to my generation's need to be constantly

Earthquakes & Hurricanes Oh My!

2011-08-29T00:46:00.000-04:00

Its been a pretty big week for Mother Nature. First, an earthquake that was felt from Virgina to Maine, then a hurricane that devastated the Caribbean and most of the eastern seaboard. As I lay hold up in my apartment for the latter event, I began to think of the trajectory my life is taking. I've been approached with a few propositions lately, some have crashed and burn and some....well, we're

Music to Trip To

2011-08-23T11:30:00.000-04:00

With Labor Day fast approaching, many will plan last minute road trips to see family, friends, chill out at the beach or finish out that season pass at a beloved amusement park. These waning summer days remind me of my many trips up and down the Eastern seaboard in search of summer adventure. In addition to my trusty, multicolored (lime green and blue) backpack, I always had my MP3 player

Traveling Techies

2011-08-16T11:10:00.002-04:00

Earlier this week our friends at Tripping posted a question on their Facebook page "what's your favorite travel app?". Some responded with standards like Google Earth, Orbitz and Yelp, however, there were some cool mobile apps that weren't mentioned that I love, as well as some I wasn't too familiar with. I did a little research and came up with my top 3 mobile travel apps that will enhance any

I Need Celebrity Friends!

2011-08-03T13:11:00.000-04:00

By now its no surprise that I've been heavily promoting Tripping International, a great start-up out of San Fransisco that wants to re-invent the way we travel. Its a bit like Couch Surfing, but with an altruistic message and mission, that's what makes it so unique. I'm vying for a coveted seat on their Board of Interns, an international think tank that searches for ways to promote and build the

The Nation. The Debt.

2011-08-01T20:28:00.000-04:00

I haven't talked politics in a while, but I figured today would be as good as any to start up again. After weeks of bitter negotiations between Democrats and Republicans (of which neither party do I belong to), the House of Representatives just voted in a bill that would help the United States, and the world, avoid economic catastrophe. Normally everyone would see this as a victory, but its not.

5 Tips for a Destination Wedding

2011-08-01T00:29:00.000-04:00

I'm back! Its been about a week since I was relaxing poolside at a top resort, ordering endless drinks and watching a dear friend commit her life to her better half. Since then I've been in hypermode trying to adjust to my normal pace. Needless to say I had a great time, but I also came back with a better understanding of what it means to participate in a destination wedding. Below are a few tips

Countdown to Cancun!!

2011-07-21T00:25:00.000-04:00

Its about 7 hours until Cancun and my excitement is palpable. I'll be escaping the 6th heatwave this summer and relaxing on sandy beaches at a five star resort. Am I bragging? A little. But the vacation is well deserved. In this day and age we all work waaaayyy too much for waaaaayyy to long, so taking time off to recharge and just let loose is fun...and necessary. Many things will await my

Greeks should start Tripping

2011-07-14T12:39:00.000-04:00

Now that I've introduced you to my new favorite site, www.tripping.com, its time for me to elaborate on how beneficial it can be for people in the Greek community. Once you become a member of a Greek letter organization you instantly acquire a new family; one you've pledged your allegiance to until your dying day (or at least until you go inactive). The cool thing about this family is that

I get around

2011-07-12T18:33:00.000-04:00

As I continue my countdown to Cancun, and how I plan to venture past the safe harbor of the resort, my main concern is "how do we get around"? I've been lucky to live in an accessible city like Philadelphia; we have 2 main train lines, a myriad of buses that criss-cross the city, and regional lines that can connect you to Delaware and central Jersey. Something tells me that Cancun's system won't

#ThingsI'llDoInCancun

2011-07-07T10:45:00.000-04:00

The countdown to Cancun has officially begun, and in lieu of my upcoming trip all of my posts this month will be about traveling! I love to travel, try new things, and enjoy new places, and I've never been to Cancun before so I'm pretty stoked. I've been planning for this trip for nearly a year because my dear friend and line sister will be getting hitched at the Moon Palace Resort. I couldn't be

To ALL my Travlers!

2011-07-02T12:27:00.000-04:00

Summertime is perfect for traveling, whether its in your own city, state, or in a completely different country. I recently renewed my passport and I can't wait to add some stamps and travel to places I've never been (Mexico in 3 weeks will be stamp numero uno)! If you're like me, you're not as into glitz and glamour of a resort, and you're not into paying for a bus ride around town to drop

Freedom to Marry

2011-06-27T23:31:00.000-04:00

Score one for New York! The past weekend the great state of New York became the 6th and most populous state to legalize same sex marriage, that's right MARRIAGE, not civil unions. Congrats to Gov. Cuomo who made it a top priority during his campaign and actually delivered on a political promise. I've said it many a times that same sex marriage is inevitable because an equal right is an equal

Grinds My Gears: Public Transportation Edition

2011-06-16T14:07:00.000-04:00

After living in the city of Philadelphia for the past decade, I've come to develop a love/hate relationship with the public transit system known as SEPTA. Many native Philadelphians share the same sentiment and for good reason; the unions usually strike every year or at least once every three years, there's always mechanical problems, the trains are unkempt, and if there's a Phils or Eagles game

Set Your Sights

2011-06-15T23:24:00.001-04:00

When was the last time you've set your sights on a goal and accomplished it??

Quick Blog

2011-06-12T14:32:00.000-04:00

What a weekend! Its still not over because I'm headed to Philly Pride. Started in NYC Friday night, woke up early for a community service, now I'm home about to chill with some awesome people. I realized that I need to learn to really enjoy the moments with my friends. This weekend many were had and I don't want to forget them. Pics to come!

You're allowed to dream

2011-06-02T15:39:00.000-04:00

To all my followers I'd like for you to contemplate these things: Are you happy? Why or Why not? What is success to you? What are you doing to change things?

Welcome to the Xone

2011-06-02T15:24:00.000-04:00

Its official, I will be one of the 2 Stroll Deans for Greekster's SILK & SMOOTH Competition this year at La Boom nightclub. Kind of excited to see the show and pass judgment on all the new strollers in the Zone. Can't reveal too many details, but TRUST its a sight you're going to want to see! Did I mention Keith the LUL will be my co-Dean?? See you there!

Dassit!

2011-05-19T00:23:00.000-04:00

If you're a member of the Latino Greek World, you know that around this time every year your organization's best strollers disappear to train harder than Paciquao for a championship fight. These beloved members re-emerge mid-June to give their all for the annual Silk (& Smooth) Stroll Show. There's been much controversy the past couple of years about the judging of the show, whether or not teams

Rebuttal

2011-05-17T14:11:00.000-04:00

I haven't written in a while, so what better way to come back than with a bang! For those that are not aware, there's been much hoopla over the Dream Act recently especially with Pres. Obama's address in Texas this past week. In addition, there have been various demonstrations on college campuses nationwide including at the University of Indiana-Bloomington, where a group known as the Indiana 5

Keep on Moving

2011-04-12T12:43:00.000-04:00

Its amazing how time flies when you're pre-occupied with the trajectory of your life. For all the planning and lists that it takes to get things done, it takes the life out of a person. I had a great meeting with my new academic adviser regarding my acceptance into the graduate program. I felt free to say what my goals and aspirations were and have someone agree and work with me on a plan of how

Right to be forgotten

2011-03-17T15:27:00.000-04:00

Ever get sick of Facebook constantly changing their privacy restrictions, or having them share information with third party sites? Or have you ever been freaked out by how Google knows what you like? Ever looked yourself up on Spokeo.com? With the world wide web holding on to every byte of our information from profile settings to those embarassing Facebook photos, many lawmakers in Europe and the

Mo Money, Mo Problems?

2011-03-17T01:14:00.000-04:00

I've recently been very blessed by receiving the fruits of my labors. After many early mornings and late nights in the office, juggling multiple deadlines, and an active social life, things are going quite dandy in the financial area of my life (a first in about a year or so). But with finances comes the ability to use the money wisely and responsibly. Paying off bills, saving for my linsister's

#TeamGradSchool

2011-03-17T01:02:00.000-04:00

I've officially been accepted to the Professional Writing Certificate Program at Arcadia University, and I couldn't be happier! I know I've been laughing at all of my friends either in Graduate School or taking classes, they're always dreading another paper or test, but now I am one of them. If all goes well and I like the program and school, I want to continue and pursue my MBA. Time to get the

What's a Phone Call?

2011-03-10T22:49:00.000-05:00

I realized today that something is very wrong with my friends and I; something very odd indeed. I realized that the best way to talk to anyone I know is NOT on the telephone, which is pretty odd because we are the last generation to remember what it's like to have a landline. I grew up in the olden times where you didn't have to memorize area codes, and there was such a thing as being charged for

Plastic Is Your Friend

2011-03-08T23:56:00.000-05:00

I never realized how important it was to have a debit card until now. On February 19th, I "lost" my debit card while out with friends. Once I go home I called my bank, deactivated the card, and was assured that within 5-7 business days I would have a new card. Its been about 14 business days, and I still have no card, and I hate carrying cash, not for the fear I will be robbed, but knowing I have

I'm addicted

2011-02-28T23:10:00.000-05:00

I recently updated my phone, and am now living in the 21st century with the Android OS. I enjoy my phone, and maybe a little too much. First, I downloaded Angry Birds to keep me occupied on the ride to work, then a memory game. Now, its Words With Friends. Its basically an interactive game of Scrabble, but you can play multiple games at one time...it's really addicting. I enjoy words and games,

Don't they know its Black History Month

2011-02-11T01:15:00.000-05:00

February is here, which means its Black History Month. A time where African Americans, and those who identify themselves as such, celebrate their impact on American history. Black History Month used to be a time of self celebration and self reflection. During these 28 (every four years we get an extra day) days, Black families nationwide gather round to educate the younger generation on what it

Pretty Cool

2011-01-27T00:31:00.000-05:00

Something pretty cool happened last night. After watching President Obama's State of the Union address, I took to my organization's Twitter account and immediately began engaging the Greek community. I felt that Obama's speech was important and addressed several key issues that have been major talking points for my organization this year; the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell, Education Reform, and

Techie Weekends

2011-01-23T23:49:00.000-05:00

I recently purchased a new phone. It was time, I was still using a Blackberry 8900, you know, the one with the trackball? I've upgraded (for a discounted price due to my loyalty to T-Mobile) to an Optimus T, and I think its pretty awesome. Its an Android phone which is great for apps moreso than Blackberry. Every time I loaded an app on my Blackberry to would slow to a near halt, but the updated

Restaurant Week: The Verdict

2011-01-21T10:13:00.000-05:00

Today concludes the first half of restaurant week, and boy is my belly tired! The huslte and bustle of making reservations was well worth my experience yet again! Here's the verdict on the two places I went for this season: Phillip's -- This place is a childhood favorite of mine. Growing up in D.C., my family and I used to go to Phillip's on The Wharf. The Wharf is a seafood market lined with a

Restaurant Week Winter 2011

2011-01-17T01:50:00.000-05:00

In a few hours I will be partaking in Philadelphia's Restaurant Week. I've spoken of this week many times; I truly believe its a gift from God. A three course meal at some of the city's finest restaurant's for less than $40?! I've saved up to hit up two places: Phillip's Seafood Restaurant (a sentimental favorite) and Fogo De Chao, which I've been told many times to try. I wanted to aim for a

New Year, New Challenges

2011-01-12T01:06:00.000-05:00

No one said it would be easy. We all take an oath every January first to improve or become "better" in some way. We anticipate that it will be challenging, but we struggle through to get to the end result. No one said it would be easy, but I never anticipated it being this hard! The struggle is what makes the reward so sweet, but when you feel like the struggle can/will break you, what do you do?

Club Sexism

2011-01-04T22:53:00.000-05:00

Its a typical Friday night and you're dressed to the nines. You accompany your crew to the hottest club on its hottest night. After what seems like a forever wait in the line, you go to whip out your ID and cash when the bouncer tells you, "we can't let you in". Dumbfounded and searching for answers, you and your crew say in unison (stank face and all), "why"? "We can't let you in here

Its coming to an end...

2010-12-30T00:07:00.000-05:00

I've spent the past couple of weeks taking it easy and reliving some of the best moments of 2010, while simultaneously preparing myself for the excitement of 2011. There's a lot to do. Being with my family this weekend only solidified the fact that I need to spend more time with them. We had a great holiday together, but it never ceases to amaze me how they'll never see me as an adult. In away

The Mighty Lame Ducks

2010-12-23T10:18:00.000-05:00

Traditionally, congress rides out the last couple months after an election year taking extended vacations, buying gifts for the holidays or tying up personal loose ends. Traditionally. The 111th Congress has completely bucked the trend by passing not one or two special interest bills, but by putting in overtime to pass monumental legislation. First, was the extension of tax cuts for all Americans

Tis the Season

2010-12-13T10:40:00.000-05:00

Its Monday. I'm not happy. Nothing new there. I love this time of year but hate it all at once. Its always filled with some sort of negativity, selfishness and (sadly) sometimes death. Why does it always seem when we have the opportunity to embrace and celebrate greatness, its accompanied with pain and misfortune? I think I've officially lost balance.

THE Burger

2010-11-30T22:05:00.000-05:00

There is an urban legend that tells of a monstrous burger. A sandwich so deliciously irresponsible, any sane doctor would highly recommend that you not even enter the same room as it, for fear that your arteries might tighten and close from just a wiff of its sizzling glory. For the past few years, since its original inception, I've been on a mission to grab a hold of this burger. Alas, time,

Gay Money

2010-11-30T13:01:00.000-05:00

I read an article recently on Yahoo's music blog, The Amplifier, about Lady GaGa weeping at her concert in Poland. Apparently she's been disappointed with other female artists waving their "freak flags" after she's made her career on being the biggest kook of all time. She calls out Pink, Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry and Ke$ha on cashing in on the plight of "freaks" everywhere, especially the gay

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2010-11-23T13:47:00.000-05:00

Its started. They're pumping the Christmas music in through the vents at my job, stores are staying open later and opening earlier, and all the TV commercials are holiday themed. Its that time of year. Strangely, I'm not annoyed or bothered by any of the blatant materialism of the season because I actually love this time of year, not the weather, but those six weeks of harmonious holiday bliss

Queens Stroll for a cause

2010-11-20T11:58:00.000-05:00

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the 6th Annual Gamma Stroll Show. I've attended each show since its inception, and performed the first three years on behalf of Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority, Inc. Every year the brothers of Gamma Phi Sigma Hermanos Unidos Fraternity, Inc plan a great show that runs smoothly and starts "on time", which is a feat if you've ever been to a

When I grow up

2010-11-16T00:22:00.001-05:00