Redefining Diva- Sheryl Lee Ralph The Original Dream Girl Speaks Volumes

Whenever I heard that term "Diva" it always made me think, who was saying it, who was it being said to and did they deserve it.

The term always did remind me of a vuloptuse Opera singer in all her fabulousness.  Then I started hearing the term being used to describe Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, Diana Ross, Diahan Carrol, Dorothy Daindridge, Josephine Baker, Ertha Kitt, Etta James and Ruby Dee, and the likes which made perfect sense.

But as time passed the word in my opinion started to become overly used.  It was being missued.  By people that in my opinion had not had enough life experience, work experience to earn that title.

Then came Mary J Blige, Faith Evans, Sade, Jill Scott, Kelly Price, Anita Baker, Angela Basset, Victoria Rowel, Debbie Morgan, and now the Diva I have come to adore Sheryl Lee Ralph.

I name these names not because those that are not named are not "Divas", that we have come to know.  But to me these are the women that stand out to me to have earned that title.  For one rease or another.

So when I had the priviledge and honor of running Mrs. Sheryl Lee Ralph and her husband, Senator Hughes wedding pictures for magazine article because I handled the editorial content of the particular bridal magazine.  I was in awe.  It was a no brainer to have their wedding featured.  That was the wedding of the year as far as I was concerned.
Then, I met her again at a charity event produced by the amazing John Campbell, JCINTIME Productions, and Chef LoveJones at an Alvin Alley  Dance Studio.  That was an exhilirating encounter.

Then now with great honor and pleasure I get to work with her on the launching of her book in my second home town Brooklyn.  Again brought together by JCINTIME Productions.  This time at the home of the amazing Michael Robinson and Michael Hamilton, and introduction by Harriette Cole.  Chef LoveJones, tantalized our appetite with the most refreshing of foods.  The weather was divine, the crowd beautiful, but the presence of a "Dream Girl" was perfection.

Although it proved to be work for me, no great joy did I experience then being in the room with the most amazing taste makers the industy has to offer.  The enviroment, was right out of the pages of Town and Country, if I say so myself.  The art work has not seen anything yet until the visit this divine home.

But back to the "Diva", Mrs. Sheryl Lee Ralph, she excudes beauty, style and grace, her very presences is that of a queen.
The book is definitely inspiring.  Much to my surprise it seemed to reflect some of my very sentiments about life and family.  I only wish that I had read this book years ago, when my confusion, my questions, my doubts were fresh and the voice of reason I needed could not be heard.
But it is never to late, timing is everything.  I receive it now because I desperately need it now as I open up a new chapter to my book of life. MLM Represnts will represent all that is good.

Thank you Mrs. Sheryl Lee Ralph, you have redefined Diva.

Sisterhood of Inspirations

Wonderful day in the life of being MLM.  As I spend the afternoon with dear friend Stacie Jones Upchurch, as I exit HueMan's book store in Harlem, I can't help but be in aww of the rows of books of people of color, negro, black, African American, whatever you want to label me as.
I smile inside with pride as I carry my newly purchased gift, Inspirations by Crystal McCarary.  As I turn each page I can't help but grin with joy as I recognize each of these brilliant women of color, whom some I had the honor of doing there nails, meeting them through friends and other respected clients.  And now to be sharing a room, and hugs and kisses with Crystal McCrary is priceless to me.

Her voice was not only inviting as she shares with you the "Inspiration" behind the book, the people whom she decided would grace the pages of her gift to all women.  But to hear the warmth in her voice as she shares with us the moments with each of them and their special stories.

I could not wait to go home, so I welcomed the subway ride back to Brooklyn, because I know those moments would bring me closer to each of the wonderful, special women that I was about to bring home.

To think Patty LaBelle, Mary J Blige, Thelma Golden, Whoopi Goldberg, Venus Williams, Iman,  Gail King would finally grace me with their presence.  Although for the moment it would be in the pages of this brilliant book.  Some day it will be for real.

Every one that knows me, knows I have an infinity for books.  I am a collector.  So taking me to a book signing is like taking a child to Disney! Please run to your closest book store and demand a copy of  "Inspiration- Profiles Of Black Women Changing Our World".  You will not be disappointed.

Gods (esses) Among Men

Day two of what will become my greatest accomplishment for 2012.  It is only 8 days into the new year and already I have worked with the most amazing souls that I could dream of.

Every year I make a list of goals I want to accomplish.  I often start with two selfish desires and the rest I beg God for mercy and wisdom to take my responsibility of sharing with my fellow men/women with the wealth of resources that he has bestowed on me.

This year I have the honor and pleasure of working with an amazing photographer Frank Ishman, this man's eye is definitely a gift from God.  His spirit is that of calmness.  So it was easy to pull together the most amazing talent:

Dominga Martin, Film Director, who is about to debut her film that is sure to be a box office hit brought to you by House of Ming.

Patrick Riley, Socialite, writer, producer and people connector... you better check out who is friends are.

Latonya Blige- Decosta, Songwriter, producer, philanthropist and entrepreneur, mom, wife and community activist.  Yes she is the sister of the legendary Mary J Blige.  But she does not ride her sisters coat tail by no means.

Kym Hampton, former legendary WNBA player, philanthropist, motivational speaker, mom, wife, community activist, role model and one of my best friends.

Danny Simmons, legendary artists, activist, philanthropist, community role model, author, poet and we don't have enough space for to keep writing.

Justiin Davis, actor, model, community activist and a voice for the upcoming generation of young and gifted talent who want to make a change in their community.  The new face of hope.

It is with great humility that I surround myself with these great souls in hopes that one day that all their great powers, kindness, giving spirit, their best rubs off on me and I become a better human being.

Goddess Among Men

When you look at history often those who shape the world don't plan it.  It is often something the run from, they shy away from any sort of attention.  That is not to say they don't want to make the world better.  In fact that is what drives them.  They want to right the wrong, they want to save the world, be strong for the weak, they want to help the next generation.

Thus the birth of this amazing project.  Gods (esses) Among Men.  This is a series of portraits of people who in some small way in their eyes, but grand to others or the effects are earth shattering.

We hope it motivates, inspires others when they see those who willfully, joyfully do deeds that moves others and desire to give a helping hand.

We bang this amazing journey with a few great women, Mia Rebel, song writer and actress, KD Wilson, music producer, entertainment executive and connector of phenomenal women, and Leticia Reyes, singer, poet, actress and TV personality.

They say a picture says a thousand words, I can't imagine what a book will do.... Frank Ishman will capture the souls of these amazing souls in the next couple of months.