Martin Luther King Jr. "I Have a Dream"

HIS DREAM LIVES ON...

A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus. ~Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

If Dr. King was still alive he would've celebrated his 82nd birthday this past weekend. However, his life was taken almost 43 years ago all because he chose to stand up for what he believed was right. He took a stand to end racism because he knew it was wrong. Not saying that everything is perfect now, but our lives are definitely that much better because of all the things he did. A friend (Jessica Justice) and I were having a conversation yesterday. We asked the question...Out of all the young men we know how many of them would stand up for what they believe in and take a stand like Dr. King did? Our answer...ZERO! Dr. King was a very courageous man that had a dream and fought for it. In remembrance of Dr. King I've put together a little list of little known facts. Enjoy!

1. In 1934, five years after his birth, his family discovered Martin's name had been recorded wrong on his birth certificate. The certificate said Michael King, so his name had to be legally changed to Martin Luther King Jr.

2. He skipped both 9th and 12th grade in school and entered Morehouse College at age 15.

3. Between 1957 and his death in 1968 he gave over 2500 speeches. (WOW that's dedication!)

4.Currently there are over 730 cities that have streets named after Dr. King!

5. In 1963 King was Time Magazine's "Man of the Year" 

6. Over six million people signed a petition given to Congress in an attempt to get the holiday recognized. This petition was submitted to Congress in 1970. This was and remains the largest petition in US history.

7.  At the White House Rose Garden on November 2, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill creating a federal holiday to honor King. Observed for the first time on January 20, 1986, it was called Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. However, it wasn't recognized as a holiday in all 50 states until 2000. 

8. MLK Day was the first federal Holiday to recognize a U.S. citizen other than presidents. That was one of the main reasons it was such a debate about it. 

9. Hiroshima, Japan and Toronto, Canada also celebrate MLK Day.

10. The Lorraine Motel, where King was assassinated, is now the site of the National Civil Rights Museum.

Be On The Lookout...

I've decided to do a weekly post dedicated to positive people and great happenings in our communities. 


This week the spotlight is on  Detroit native, Jessica Justice. Jessica has been hard at work grinding in preparation of brining you Sweet Tooth Magazine.  A quality lifestyle magazine about fashion, entertainment, and culture, featuring interviews fashion spreads and much more! Be on the lookout for her first issue Spring/Summer 2011...It's gonna be well worth the wait! You won't be disappointed!

WHAT'S IN A NAME?????

I guess a lot if your name is Jay-Z! Everyone in Brooklyn is talking about Jay's recent investment in his cousin's  (Jamar White) wing business, Buffalo Boss. It's amazing how much of an impact one name can have on something. Jay's name being associated with the four month old restaurant has made made business sales grow 60% since just last Tuesday. This is absolutely amazing to me that ONE person is this powerful that just his NAME can have such an impact! It's not even known how much he invested but, clearly that doesn't matter...the name alone being attached says it all! I want to be like Jay when I grow up LOL! 

PRETTY GIRLS ROCK

Well as we all know the 2011 Critics Choice Movie Awards aired last night. Of  all the performers, presenters, nominees, and just people in attendance I found my three favorite looks of the night. 

#1

I'm not the biggest Kim Kardashian fan but I must give credit when it's due...she looked great in her Vera Wang gown!


#2

Keri Hilson looked fabulous on the red carpet in an Aurelio Costarella mini dress!

YIKES....Those shoes definitely helped her land the # 2 spot on my list!

#3

Amber Rose looked amazing!

These three ladies definitely were the top three best looks of the night without a doubt!

ARE YOU A FINANCIAL CHEATER????

This is a hot subject and I'd say a very sensitive one. How many times have you told a lie to your spouse or significant other about your finances? Said you didn't have money but was really saving up on the side, a bank account they know nothing about, racking up thousands of dollars in credit card debt that they know nothing of, or you've even hid a minor purchase you know that wouldn't approve of. According to an article on Forbes.com you are indeed cheating on your mate financially! The article also states how dangerous it is...it breaks trust, causes divorce/separation and all sorts of problems. 

When I first read the article I though to myself okay it can't be that serious to take it as far as calling it financial cheating. However, after thinking about it I began to agree. Just thinking about everyone I know I can give several examples of things that would be under this list of things considered "financially cheating." I'm almost positive that each and every one of you have been on either end...the deceiver or the one being deceived. But why? Why is it necessary to lie to your mate about FINANCES??? 

In some cases it's obvious as to why someone would...such as a man dishing out money on a mistress on the side. Of course he wouldn't tell his spouse about something like that. There was an example that was mind boggling to me though. A woman who remarried hid from her new husband $7,000 a month that she was receiving in child support for her son from her first marriage. She lucked up and found a man that accepted both her and her son but out of greed she chose to lie to him. In cases like that I don't understand why. 

One example that was listed I've heard one tooooooooo many times in the just the 25 years I've lived. Actually just heard a very similar story last week SMH. It's being victim of someone fabricating their whole life. Marrying or being in long term relationships with people who have LIED about EVERYTHING...from the degree, to the high paying job, or having a load of debt that you know nothing about. In these type of cases I feel they're easiest to not become a victim of though. All it takes is a little bit of background work to avoid this. I have no shame in saying...YES 9/10 you should do a background check on someone before you get IN TOO DEEP! Not saying you'll find out everything but you'll definitely avoid being deceived in quite a few of these type of situations. Also, I know money is a very sensitive subject but...in the beginning you better have those money talks before you get so serious and say "I DO"

Financial deceit is becoming more and more prevalent...but hopefully after reading this post you'll think before being the deceiver or you'll avoid being deceived. 

LOVE IS IN THE AIR

It's about that time of year again. A month away until Valentine's Day! I know all the ladies are excited as can be. Men on the other hand I'm pretty sure are ready for the day to come and go already.  Well guys if you're never sure of what to get your special lady go no further, I've put together a few great ideas to help. Of course jewelry always works but lets try to step outside of the box this year...she'll appreciate your thoughtfulness! I have something for every budget!

But before I even get into gift ideas...let's talk about the things you can do for her without spending a penny and all the points you'll gain from doing them lol... Let her come home to a clean house (from top to bottom) and cook her favorite meal. Okay, don't think you're off the hook if you all don't stay together...I have something for you also.  Plan an entire vacation for you two without her assistance. It will blow her mind that you were able to plan an ENTIRE vacation ALONE! (Well actually the vacation will cost lol...but you doing the planning alone won't.) Last thing, write her an old fashioned love letter...easy winner! Now on to the gift ideas...

SURPRISE HER WITH A ROMANTIC GETAWAY TO SYBARIS!

Rates between $109-$549 a night. You can also get great packages.

Sybaris.com

TIFFANY & CO IS ALWAYS A WINNER!

Summer will be here right before we know it!

These are by far my favorite pair of sunglasses ever! They're so much fun with the interchangeable charms. $320.00

If she loves to travel...

Tiffany Passport Cover $145.00

WHAT WOMAN ISN'T A FAN OF THE GAME???

Seasons 1-3 $24.99 Each

CAN WE SAY MAC 

(I wouldn't advise you to pick out the make up...so a giftcard would work...of course now that means you need to get something else to go along with that)


OF COURSE A BAG ALWAYS WORKS
BUT.....please remember there's more out there than Gucci and Louis Vuitton!


Yves Saint Laurent $1450.00


Tory Burch Hobo $550.00 



SPA PACKAGE

A couples spa package would be great for the both of you and very inexpensive.




MICHELE

Or just a nice watch...this one just happens to be my favorite and not your typical Movado, Gucci or everyday fashion watch...


$1065.00