Monthly Archives: December 2009

Janelle Monae makes an appearance at MTV’s Woodie Awards

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ATLien Janelle Monae has been rocking the scene lately making a number of appearances at such underground events as New York’s Afro-Punk Festival, and elsewhere.

In 2008, she was featured in Interview Magazine as an up-and-comer. However, most folks may recognize her –in a less alien appearance– from fellow ATLiens OutKast’s movie IDLEWILD, even appearing on the soundtrack. Like creative, independent funkstresses before her, Miss Janelle has run across a lot of stereotypes that try to impede her progress as an artist. According to her Interview Magazine feature, she states, ““It’s unfortunate that a lot of people think African-American female artists are monolithically R&B this-or-that …I don’t have to do anything by default.”
Janelle Monae Presents "The Soul Collective" In 2009, was re-imagined and reworked to her current persona as a renegade alien who’s in love with an earthling on her creative album “Metropolis.” The incredibly lush orchestration of Ms. Monae’s music are a wonderful accompaniment to her lilting, bird-like vocals that are reminiscent of Edith Piaf and Marilyn McCoo, all wrapped up in one funky, Mothership package! On Friday, December 4, 2009, Miss Janelle appeared on MTV’s (literally) hot mess of an award show, the Woodies. Nominees –which included Ms. Monae– were selected by college students, who are the barometers of cool.
Not only was Ms. Monae nominated, but she even let her funky android out to present one of the awards!

Miss Janelle isn’t finished, and her epic album has more to go! Also, check out her label Wondaland Arts Society.

Grace Jones Redux

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Though some of these sisters may not even know who Grace Jones is, they all still embody the inimitable style of the daring Disco-era diva.

In the 1970′s and 80′s Grace Jones (A VIEW TO A KILL, BOOMERANG) was the “It” Girl. She was in every cutting edge art, fashion and music magazine, and was on the A-List for every disco in the world.

A native of Jamaica, Ms. Jones made her mark in the fashion-world, and soon broke apart the accepted standards of feminine beauty. She was bold, brash and regal, though many accused her of playing into the hyper-sexualized imagery of the Black woman.

Her style is still avant-garde, but it was her closely cropped, natural hair that made her sultry face stand out in the crowd!

Grace Jones performs at Matthew Williamson's H&M event in New York wearing a very high-cut outfit showing her unkempt bikini line!! Her unique style turned off a lot of mainstream people, including many in the African American community, who just didn’t understand her commitment to art and style. Little did many of us know that she was light years ahead of her time! Her spirit embodied such independent past divas as Josephine Baker, Eartha Kitt, and others! Check out these 21st century divas who are sporting Ms. Jones’ spirit with funky, cutting edge, short do’s! 2009 MTV Video Music Awards - Arrivals Rihanna heads for home after a busy night of performing, eating sushi and partying at the Mahiki nightclub 2009 Soul Train Awards - Arrivals The National Hip-Hop Team Launches Vote 2008

Free Screening of Zimbabwean Documentary on 12/3!

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The Women’s International Perspective, The WIP, along with The Ginetta Sagan Fund of Amnesty International, invite you to a screening of the award-winning documentary TAPESTRIES OF HOPE, followed by a Q & A session with Zimbabwean child and human rights activist Betty Makoni and filmmaker Michealene Cristini Risley, at the Community School of Music and Arts in Mountain View, California.

TAPESTRIES OF HOPE, an astounding story told through filmmaker Risley’s eyes, captures her sojourn to Africa as she investigates the longstanding myths surrounding the power of virgin blood. Produced by Freshwater Haven, a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the dramatic social change that is required to stop the physical, sexual and emotional abuse of women, Tapestries documents the work of Betty Makoni and her organization, Girl Child Network. The film follows the journey to healing taken by the girls who arrive at GCN daily. Caught in the crossfire of a country devastated by poverty, limited medicine, and the increasing use of girls as charms to heal illness, Tapestries allows us to witness the resiliency of these girls who refuse to be defined by their abuse.

This year, Tapestries of Hope has been awarded BEST DOCUMENTARY at the 2009 Louisville International Festival of Film, received an AWARD OF MERIT from the Accolade Film Awards and an Aloha Accolade at the 2009 Honolulu International Film Festival.

Please join The WIP, The Ginetta Sagan Fund, Betty Makoni and Michealene Cristini Risley at 6:30 pm, The Community School of Music and Arts, Finn Center, 230 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View, CA 94040. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the film begins promptly at 7:00 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Donations are encouraged and greatly appreciated. Please RSVP to michelle@freshwaterhaven.org.

For more information on the film visit www.tapestriesofhope.com or contact The Women’s International Perspective directly at 831-644-0116. To get involved, contact Michelle Titus, Executive Director, Freshwater Haven of Redwood City – www.freshwaterhaven.org.

More info: http://www.thewip.net/