My first work week and the HBCU “real world” myth

 

 

Tonight marked my first full week living in the New York area and for the most part I’ve adjusted pretty well. I’m loving the trainee program that I’m in as well as the other people in the program/company. One of the reason’s I love the company is because its very diverse and its in my field. The environment is very open and everyone’s very friendly. This got me to thinking about my college experience and how outsiders perceived my specific experience. I graduated from Howard University, a Historically Black College (people always seem to forget what historically means). Going to a HBCU is a unique experience with rich history. Some people feel that this experience is not relevant today because the world isn’t the same way anymore. I remember being told by someone (a BLACK woman btw) in 10th grade that HBCU’s “don’t prepare you for the real world”. I also recall telling an even older black woman my senior year of high school that I would attend Howard to which she replied “You want to go to school in the ghetto?” (it was funny because she went to school in West Michigan which is probably only a quarter of a step above). These comments were things I just had to brush off. However, these are things many people actually think are true. Like stated, the office I currently work in is very diverse. Every culture or ethnicity is represented. Up until now, I would’ve thought it would be a huge adjustment to me. I based this on what people said “the real world” would be. I (and they) couldn’t have been more wrong. Maybe because the program is full of people my age with similar interests or because the company is full of fresh blood with laid back attitudes. I’m absolutely loving it and I’m finding myself having great conversation and fun just like I did with anyone in school. I even went out to Happy Hour with everyone in the program and had an absolute blast! My point is that Howard being an HBCU and me attending Howard didn’t put me anymore behind a black person who didn’t attend an HBCU. As a matter of fact, I feel Howard prepared me for the “real world” more than if I attended a regular state school. Going to a school where I got to meet people from all over the country exposed me to a lot more than I would have in Michigan. It was a great stepping stone to a diverse city and this diverse program. I am so appreciative for my HBCU experience and where it has brought me.

Thoughts On Oscar Nominations

 

2013 has undeniably been a pretty solid year for film. Whether it was the powerful Fruitvale Station or the uplifiting Lee Daniel’s The Butler or even the entertaining American Hustle, it was a great year. This year I really enjoyed a lot of my movie choices and I was excited for how the Oscars would recognize it in 2014. How did the nominations stack up? Did my personal favorite, 12 Years A Slave, sweep? Would Chadwick Boseman be nominated for 42? Will Steve McQueen become the first black director winner? And could Jennifer Lawrence take home her 2nd Oscar in a row? Well, this morning I got some answers or better ideas to answers for my questions. Since the year was full of great movies and the competition was really high, I knew it would be a tight race. That being said, there weren’t many surprises. No 42 didn’t get nominated but it honestly had too much competition. Harrison or Chadwick wouldn’t have stood a chance in Best Actor or Supporting anyway. 12 Years A Slave racked up nominations (and it was well deserved) and I believe it has a strong shot at all of them. One slight surprise was the total snub of Oprah and The Butler (not one nomination!). I figured Forest wouldn’t make it to the Best Actor category but a few months ago, I would’ve bet my bottom dollar she would’ve been a front runner for Best Supporting. After the Golden Globes snub, I at least thought it would play out like Quavenzhane Wallis last year (No GG nod but an Oscar nod) but no. I would’ve never imagined Oprah getting turned down, let alone the entire film. Danny Strong could’ve at least been up for a Screenplay nomination if anything. Another shock to me was the total absence of major recognition of Saving Mr. Banks. I really enjoyed the film and found it to be a touching story. Emma Thompson was fantastic in that role and just as deserving as anyone else nominated. I don’t understand why Amy Adams is up for Best Lead when she was clearly supporting Christian Bale in American Hustle. Recently I watched Blue Jasmine and enjoyed Cate Blanchett’s performance, however, I don’t think anyone else should’ve been nominated. That being said, I would replace Sally Hawkins in B.S. Actress with Amy Adams so Emma could be nominated. Others are shocked that Fruitvale Station was totally left out but I expected that. It was excellent but I think it will become a breakthrough film for everyone involved. We definitely haven’t heard the last of Michael B. Jordan or Ryan Coogler. Idris Elba was a shock too due to him giving a great performance as Mandela but compared to his competition, he honestly would’ve been the weakest link. I’ll be announcing my nominations later but this is gonna be one of the most unpredictable and interesting Oscar races in a long time. I’m excited and congrats to all the nominees!

My first full day in the NY area

 

Independence has been something I’ve always strived for. Today I got even closer to being extremely independent. My family left me yesterday evening at my new Jersey City apartment. I wasn’t going to camp or going to school. I am getting ready to start a new position in New York tomorrow. I needed a change from DC and after today’s events, I believe I can really adjust to it (and enjoy it). The PATH train is really convenient and surprisingly gets me to where I need to go. I went into the city, I was able to stop on the waterfront and shop at Target and I also took in some great shopping in my own new neighborhood. For example, I bought 4 apples and grapes for $3 at a fruit store (thats unheard of to me). I also went inside a closing video store to buy 5 DVDs for $26 (a STEAL!). My new neighborhood is really diverse and urban, I can get used to it.  New York has a lot of great opportunities that I look forward to taking advantage of. Im so excited for it.

My love for “Being Mary Jane” and Mara Brock Akil

Last night saw the return to a project I really enjoyed this Summer. “Being Mary Jane” tells the story of Mary Jane Paul, an African American woman who is successful but doesn’t have it together outside of work. When I saw the initial film, I had nothing but raving comments about it and I thought it was very honest. The brain behind it was the amazing Mara Brock Akil. Mara has been an innovator in urban television creating hits like “Girlfriends” (my favorite show) and its spinoff “The Game”. When it comes to black women, Mara has that touch and paints it like no one else. There’s a sophistication, a truth, lightheartedness and honesty to her writing. I’ve always called “Girlfriends” a masterpiece. Up until the show, I felt all other sitcoms were simply comedy, nothing special outside of it. Her show brought something different. After episodes I found myself thinking, sometimes days after. Yes, it was funny but it was also a mirror of a life that I was living (or striving to live). I enjoyed “The Game” as well and its also one of my favorites but “Girlfriends” will always hold a place in my heart. The show also cemented her as a great. After disappointments with the recent seasons of “The Game” and the “Sparkle” movie, I still held on to the Mara I knew. “Being Mary Jane” was a return to true form, the form I had been missing. While not as lighthearted and funny as “Girlfriends”, “Being Mary Jane” holds its own. The show is a drama but once again it’s honest. Gabrielle Union is perfect in this role and I hope she gets the shine she deserves. As a creative writer I’m inspired by many greats before me. Mara Brock Akil is a woman that I’ve always (and will always) look up to. I hope to write educated blacks in my stories as well as she writes black women. She’s a true gem in urban entertainment and I will continue to support her endeavors.