As a teenager I had the roughest time getting along with my mom. Lord knows out of adolescent frustration I prayed for impending death for myself and, sad to say, even sometimes for her. Every time I asked her for anything the first answer was capital "N," capital "O." I...

Regina, Regina

As the summer begins to peek through what seems like a long winter, I added ABFF, The American Black Film Festival, to my agenda of things to attend this summer. So Miami here I come once again.

What confirmed my attendance this...

Back in the day, this title alone made someone the most powerful person in any community. No matter the culture, the race or the geographic location of any village, big or small. With this title you were the most sought out person next to the chief.

Powerful is the adjective...

As a parent I know my intention for my kids. I am passionate, driven and borderline obsessive about their position in society and the use of our family name. The repeated morning mantra to my children was, "Know your name and who you are. I am a reflection of my...

It's been said, "Any press is good press." I don't know if I fully agree with that statement. But I can see where this phrase could prove true and, in some situations, any amount of press could be of benefit to someone. If properly used.

But then I think about...

America's Next Top Model, Project Runway and The Face are a few of the programs that glorify the hard work of the fashion business. It is through these shows that audiences see more than just finished products but are also given the chance to be taken behind the scenes for...

Beyonce has come under fire more and more frequently lately. If someone's not questioning her skills as a songstress, someone's questioning the very legitimacy of her child. Things have gone as far as her being critiqued on where she chooses to personally celebrate her wedding anniversary with her equally legendary...

Live long enough and someone will have a complaint about you. Interact with enough people and they will find your flaws. That is the price you pay for being an imperfect human being.

Even those with the best of intentions fall short of God's glory. Not even the man with...

For me the heartbeat of society lies within its artists. They see life larger and in more color, expressing every human emotion possible within their existence. Their biggest fear is themselves, and they can be their own worst enemy -- their own downfall. And at times they walk a thin...

The business of fashion, I repeat, is no small matter. No small matter by any means. This industry has built nations, escalated people to positions of power and employed entire families. These very families have dominated the fashion industry for generations and have gained worldwide recognition and respect for their...

Raising two boys is one of the biggest challenges I have ever faced.

Physically loving a child and feeding him is the easy part, even though it means employment is necessary to provide the required funds. However, the emotional, spiritual and social direction that comes with the responsibility of being...

Of late, my traveling experiences have been strange fruit to me. No longer a search for the next party, or the quick escape from my stressful life, my travels have become adventures.

I don't know where/when it started, perhaps in school as a young girl? Or did it begin when...

I'm a firm believer that knowledge is the key to successfully conquering life endeavor. I don't mean knowledge as far as just being familiar with the materials, laws and rules that govern our lives but mastering them to use the knowledge to work in your favor.

As persons of color,...

"Hi, Ms. Lady. How are you? How are the kids," was my normal greeting. "Don't forget to pray for me," another one would shout. These familiar faces were the local distributors -- of illegal pharmaceutical substances -- I encountered every Sunday morning as I made my way past them.

I remember the day I first saw my mother's cousin Maude walk into the room. Her white-chocolate skin; long, dark brown hair that hit the middle of her back; almond-brown eyes... she was enchanting. I don't ever recall seeing anyone as beautiful as she was.

Every time my mom...

For the first part of my life, I lived in Haiti. I remember some of that time, but it comes to me in spurts. What I remember most is the life we started here in America. Attending school, making friends and adjusting to a new culture were part of my...

Barack Hussein Obama. Mr. President, leader of the free world, husband, father, role model, first black president of the United States... However you want to label him, he has made an indelible mark in history. You don't have to like him, his ideals, morals or standards, but his current title...

"Aww come on mom, who's coming over to stay now? For how long this time?" is my son's response when I call to tell him to expect another guest in the house. For their entire lives, my children have seen people in and out of our homes. Some stay a...

As I prepare to return to school once again, for the fourth time in my lifetime, it occurs to me that I have always been excited about learning. I always embrace the opportunity to discover something new, whether it is a new place, a new culture, or the psychology of...

Every season I threaten to retire from the Fashion industry. Twenty one years later I am still in it, and see no immediate exit to this fulfilling career of mine. As I see it, working in the Fashion industry is like being married. You go through the dating process; you...