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If It Isn't Love: BET's New Edition Biopic

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by Tiffani Greenaway of MyMommyVents.com

Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky and Mike.

New Edition was the soundtrack of a generation. 80's babies still jam to "Cool It Now,""Candy Girl," and "Mr. Telephone Man," embarrassing their kids on the way to school.

BET is helping us relive the era with the New Edition Story, starting on Tuesday, January 24 at 9:00pmEST. Headed by producer Jesse Collins (Real Husbands of Hollywood, Soul Train Awards) and award winning director Chris Robinson (ATL), the three night event stars
Luke James as Johnny Gill, Woody McClain as Bobby Brown, Elijah Kelley as Ricky Bell, Empire's Bryshere Gray as Michael Bivins, Algee Smith as Ralph Tresvant, and Keith Powers as Ronnie Devoe.

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“I want people to see the sacrifices that [Tresvant] made,” Smith says. “It was New Edition against the corrupt business, and they came through it. They all stayed as brothers.”

Producer Jesse Collins says he came up with the idea for the film after working with the iconic group for BET's 25th anniversary show. “I grew up a fan just like everyone else,” said Collins. "“They were very cautious. They only get one shot at doing this and it was about finding the right script, the right producer and the right time to put their business in the street. They wanted to tell the real story of their relationship. They didn’t want to sugarcoat it.”

Spanning the group's humble beginnings in Boston’s Orchard Park projects to their meteoric rise to fame, The New Edition Story gives viewers an in depth look at the group's, drug use, money problems, and departure of Bobby Brown--giving rise to New Jack Swing and the birth of Bell, Biv, Devoe.

After watching a screening of the film at the Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills in December, Bobby Brown was emotional.

“I was sitting in the chair over here and got a little crying on,” Brown said during the screening's Q&A. “Watching and being alive to be able to see what my life was and has become and where my life is going from this point on? It’s special, man. These kids put their hearts and souls into this, just like we put our hearts and souls into our lives.”

Dance along in your living room starting Tuesday at 9pm!

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Tiffani Greenway is the wife and mom behind MyMommyVents, a New York city parenting blog. Her tips have been seen on Yahoo Parenting, Mommy Noire, and Fit Pregnancy. Find more of Tiffani's work at mymommyvents.com.


These Black Barbers Launched Their Own Hair And Body Soap

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Pictured: 2 of 3 creators of Greauxph, Left to Right: Chaun Tucker and LaMont Zeno Russell

Written by Mike Orie of TheConsciousTip.com

These three barbers have launched their own hair and body soap. Twenty-somethings Chaun Tucker, LaMont Zeno Russell and Will Koehn are the founders of Greauxph.

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According to their site,Greauxph is a hair & Body Soap Brikx made with coconut oil, shea butter, vitamin E, and other essential oils that invigorate your hair, body, and senses. The product is described as a great source for those with body acne, eczema and dandruff. The three barbers, all originally from Detroit and Chicago,  says the spelling stems from the creators' distinctive cultures, consisting of Creole roots.

I briefly chatted with LaMont, the executive director of Greauxph. He shared with me the story of how the company started, how the three creators met and how they're all Howard alumni.

"The cool thing is that all three of us are barbers from the Midwest and went to Howard University around the same time. Chaun and Will came up with the name Greauxph back in Detroit when they were talkingg about being good barbers that wanted to keep uplifting their field and community. Over time, a lot of ideas were developed but Chaun came up with a hair and body soap that we could push to clients for convenience. So then when I got into the mix, I wanted to develop the brand and help us make a business of it all. We launched in September of 2016."



Too often, African Americans find themselves using hair and body products for them, not made by them. I was first introduced to these guys a little over a month ago in Chicago during Buy Black Friday. For years, I've always found myself having to visit the beauty supply after leaving the barbershop to purchase products. But Greauxph offers the ability to combat this narrative. You can check out their products here and follow them on Instagram here.

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Mike "Orie" Mosley is a freelance writer/photographer and cultural advocate from St. Louis. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Arts, Entertainment & Media Management from Columbia College Chicago and a Masters in Higher Education Administration from LSU. He is also the co-founder of music and culture website www.theconscioustip.com. In his spare time, he's probably listening to hip hop & neo soul music, hitting up brunch or caught up in deep conversations about Black music. You can follow him on Twitter @mike_orie or on Instagram @mikeorie

All Hail the Queens! Centric Debuts 'Queen Boss'

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by Tiffani Greenaway of MyMommyVents.com

Fortune Magazine calls black women "the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in America." An estimated 1.3 million businesses in the United States are controlled by African American women.

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Centric, the first network designed for black women, takes aspiring businesswomen a step further with Queen Boss, the first business competition reality series for Black female entrepreneurs.

“Black women are and have always been pioneers and titans of industry — from Madame C.J. Walker to Lisa Price of Carol’s Daughter. We are proud to help nurture the next wave of women taking over,” Zola Mashariki, executive vice president, head of original programming, BET Networks, told Forbes Women.

Eighteen women will showcase their products, potential, and passion through a series of challenges testing their elevator pitches, networking skills, and social media knowledge. A panel of self-made celebrity judges, including host and CEO of Edmonds Entertainment Tracey Edmonds; reality show star and co-founder of the shoe line Pastry, Vanessa Simmons; lawyer, author, and star of Paternity Court Lauren Lake; businesswoman, singer/songwriter/producer and Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kandi Burruss; Carla Hall, co-host of ABC’s The Chew; the former beauty director and cover editor of Essence magazine, Mikki Taylor; founder and CEO of Carol’s Daughter Lisa Price; public relations mogul Rakia Reynolds; founder and CEO of NewME Accelerator, Angela Benton; and interior designer and author Robin Wilson decide who has what it takes to be the ultimate #bawse.

“We as the judges are very particular about our brand of inspiration,” says judge Lauren Lake. ”It’s not just about the business of it all, but also about connecting on a spiritual level and helping these women grow and challenging them. We’re giving them the tools needed to truly pitch and grow their product.”

The winner will take home $25,000 for her business and the title of “Queen Boss.”

Who will take the crown? Watch Centric's Queen Boss on Saturdays at 10pm.

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Tiffani Greenway is the wife and mom behind MyMommyVents, a New York city parenting blog. Her tips have been seen on Yahoo Parenting, Mommy Noire, and Fit Pregnancy. Find more of Tiffani's work at mymommyvents.com.

Can't Style Hair? 3 Tips for Styling When You Are Not the Best Styler!

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by Jonna of BlackNaps.org

Growing up with a great aunt who was a hairstylist and salon owner, learning how to do hair styles was like second nature to me. I would do cornrows and twists, even hair cuts on my dolls. As I got older, I would try everything from color to weaves on my own hair. I was pretty good at it and even considering becoming a hair stylist. I always thought doing hair was just a thing all Black girls learned to do growing up. That’s until I started blogging about natural hair, and connected with so many women who don’t know how to two-strand twist, braid or cornrow.

If that’s you, the thought of trying to style your own hair can be daunting. But never fear – it is not too late to learn. Here are some tips for styling your own hair even when you aren’t the best at it:

#1: Patience. Be patient with your self. Don’t be so hard on yourself if it takes you a while to learn a certain styling technique. Also, give yourself the extra time you know you might need to style your hair. If you know you have a limited amount of time, don’t try a style you aren’t that good at. You’ll run the risk of having to rush through it, and it definitely won’t turn out how you want it.

#2: Practice. We know the saying ‘practice makes perfect’ and it is true when it comes to learning styling techniques. If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it. So if there is something you want to learn to do, or get better at doing, try it over and over again until you have the technique perfected. Don’t avoid it because it’s harder to do. Find video tutorials on YouTube that show the technique close up and don’t be afraid to slow it down or rewind it a few times until you’re comfortable with it.

#3: Professional help. Don’t be afraid (or too cheap) to seek the help of professional natural hair stylists. A great stylist will not just style your hair, but will also teach you how to style your own hair at home so that you can maintain the style or even recreate it. Many salons and stylists even offer hair styling classes for their clients so that they can learn hands-on how to do simple styles. Salon Noa located in Virginia Beach, VA, and N Natural Hair Studioin Silver Spring, MD are both salons that offer these types of classes. The at the beginning of this article is from one of their hands-on classes offered during the Naturalista Hair Show they host each year.

Remember the 3 P’s of becoming better at styling your hair: Patience, Practice, and Professional Help. Putting these 3 tips to use will help you improve your hair styling skills.
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WHAT IS A HAIR STYLE THAT YOU’D LIKE TO LEARN HOW TO DO FOR YOURSELF THIS YEAR?

Jay Z Sells 33% of Tidal to Sprint for $200 Million

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Written by Mike Orie of TheConsciousTip.com

Reports show that Jay Z has sold 33% of his stake in Tidal to Sprint for $200 million.

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Jay Z and the companies owners including Kanye West, Beyonce and other artist owners will still keep their stake in the company. The new deal will make Tidal available to Sprint's 45 million retail customers, partnering to release exclusive content. Sprint's CEO Marcelo Claure has also joined the Board of Directors. You can read his statement below on the partnership.

"Jay saw not only a business need, but a cultural one, and put his heart and grit into building TIDAL into a world-class music streaming platform that is unrivaled in quality and content," Claure said in a statement. "The passion and dedication that these artist-owners bring to fans will enable Sprint to offer new and existing customers access to exclusive content and entertainment experiences in a way no other service can."

What are your thoughts on this new partnership between Tidal and Sprint?
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Mike "Orie" Mosley is a freelance writer/photographer and cultural advocate from St. Louis. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Arts, Entertainment & Media Management from Columbia College Chicago and a Masters in Higher Education Administration from LSU. He is also the co-founder of music and culture website www.theconscioustip.com. In his spare time, he's probably listening to hip hop & neo soul music, hitting up brunch or caught up in deep conversations about Black music. You can follow him on Twitter @mike_orie or on Instagram @mikeorie

Natural Hair Winter Survival Tips!

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Naomi for LAMBB via BlackNaps.org

Sometimes I understand why black girls and women relax their hair. Natural hair can be a challenge, if exposed to too much sun, the Keratin which our hair is made of, would start to break down. Yet if exposed to too much wind our ends would dry and break off. So yes, sometimes it is a struggle and I begin to wonder if the grass is greener on the other side. But then I go onto @lambbofficial Instagram and I am reminded of the beautiful and bouncy nature of natural hair! (Perfect plug right?) Anyways, let’s get into how you can protect your tress this winter!

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Know your Porosity Level- Porosity refers to how open the cuticles on your hair shaft are. To find out your porosity take the hair porosity test. If you have Low Porosity hair it means your hair has issues getting moisture to penetrate on the other hand if your hair is High Porosity you need help retaining moisture. Shea Moisture has a product line that is geared for high porosity hair and one for low porosity hair.

Know your Hair Type- Some naturalista’s question the importance of knowing your hair type, but in this case it does play a vital role. Kinkier hair types (4B/4C) tends to be dryer and this is because it is harder for your scalps natural oils to travel down your strands.

Use The LOC Method– this method is Holy Grail for every naturalista, no matter the hair type, although some prefer to reverse the order to LCO the principle is still the same. Adding Liquid, Oil and Cream to your hair is the perfect way to add moisture. In the winter it is better to use thicker sealant’s like Shea Butter which helps to retain moisture. Also make sure your Liquid is primarily water based, or just water itself.

Do the Baggy Method- the most important part of our hair is the ends because it is the oldest part, and just how your supposed to care for the elderly, the baggy method does just that. By applying a moisturizer to your ends and sealing it with an oil, then putting a baggy (plastic cap) over your hair, your ends would be rejoicing!

5 Natural Hair Apps That Every Curly Girl Should Try!

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by Ariane of BlackNaps.org

Go digital with your natural hair journey! There are a few apps available that will simplify some things for you. While there may be some aspects of natural hair care that will always be challenging, that doesn’t have to mean everything about it has to be. Especially when we have technology right at our fingertips why not use it? Here are the Top 5 Natural Hair Apps every natural should try.

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TRESSENOIRE

This app brings the salon to you. No long waits at the salon, get salon service right in your home. Simply download the app for your Android or IOS device. Then locate a stylist in your area, schedule an appointment and they will come to you to do your hair.


MYAVANA

Get a full hair analysis. Send your samples of your strands to Myavana labs and they will provide you with a comprehensive report accessible through your personal dashboard. You will discover your porosity, density, elasticity and a recommendation of products best suited for your hair. Avaiable on IOS and Android devices.


HAIRBOOK

Stick to your hair goals, track your progress and document your journey through photos. This app is a user friendly way to help you stay committed to improving the health of your hair. This app is currently only available on Android.


STYLESEAT
Looking for a good natural hair salon in your area? Look no further than the Styleseat app! Simply type in the service or hairstyle you are looking for, put in your location and you will find salons in your area. From there you can view prices and book an appointment. Available on IOS and Android devices.

HAIR JOURNAL

Another way to stay committed to your journey! This app features the ability to set reminders, track progress, and input your personal review of the products that you try. This app is available on both IOS and Android

Viola Davis Becomes First Black Actress To Land Three Oscar Nominations

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Viola Davis pictured at the 2016 Critics Choice Awards
Written by Mike Orie of TheConsciousTip.com

Viola Davis makes history as the first African-American woman to receive three Oscars nominations.

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Tuesday, Davis announced via Twitter that she would receive a nomination as 'Best Supporting Actress' for the movie Fences in which she stars alongside Denzel Washington.

The record was previously held by Whoopi Goldberg, who held two Oscar nominations, one for "The Color Purple" in 1986 and "Ghost" which she won best supporting actress in 1991.

Making history is nothing new to Davis. In 2015, Viola Davis would become the first Black woman to win an Emmy for a lead actress in her role as Professor Keating on "How To Get Away With Murder."

To date, Fences is Denzel Washington's highest grossing directorial project.  The film is also up for three additional nominees, including 'Best Picture,''Best Actor' and 'Best Writing Adapted Screenplay.'

The 2017 Academy Awards is set to air February 26th on ABC.

What are your thoughts on Viola Davis making history again?
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Mike "Orie" Mosley is a freelance writer/photographer and cultural advocate from St. Louis. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Arts, Entertainment & Media Management from Columbia College Chicago and a Masters in Higher Education Administration from LSU. He is also the co-founder of music and culture website www.theconscioustip.com. In his spare time, he's probably listening to hip hop & neo soul music, hitting up brunch or caught up in deep conversations about Black music. You can follow him on Twitter @mike_orie or on Instagram @mikeorie


My Curl Squad Hair Rollers: Heatless Curls, Comfy Rollers

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 by Ariane of BlackNaps.org

Who doesn’t love a good a roller set? They are one of the best ways to create beautiful defined curly styles, but what most people do not love is how they feel. YouTuber ProtectivePrincess has invented and produced a solution to this problem; My Curl Squad hair rollers, a whole new type of roller.

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While most rollers either end up being bulky or so firm that they are super uncomfortable, the MyCurlSquad design is compact with a firm but flexible texture. Here’s a look at how they work:

You can create tight defined curls, loose waves, or use them to curl your ends. The rollers work on all hair lengths and textures. For longer and or thicker hair you will need to purchase more than one pack to set all of your hair. The roller packages have a standard size, husky size (for thick hair) and a combo package that includes both standard and husky sizes. The new line of rollers is available on Mycurlsquad.com.

I love seeing naturals in the community creating new innovations.

What do you think of these? Would you try?

Melissa Harris-Perry Wants To Create A College Course Inspired By Solange's "A Seat At The Table"

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Melissa Harris-Perry wants to create a course inspired by Solange's album "A Seat At The Table."

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The course, titled A Seat at the Table Syllabus: The Truths of Young Women of Color is expected to focus on the following themes: (1) Resisting Racism, (2) Understanding Gender and Sexuality, (3) The Role of Relationships, (4) Nurturing Ourselves, (5) A Seat at the Lunch Table.

Perry's course invites women of color between the ages of 16-30 to have a seat at the table by collecting the texts, music, and visual art that speak to 'our experiences.' Each theme breaks down some pretty complex challenges that might have a significant impact on your coming into adulthood. For example, theme three, 'Role of Relationships' hopes to analyze your relationship with mother figures, father figures and women of the same race/ethnicity.

A Seat At The Table debuted at number one spot, becoming Solange's first number one album to date. On the record, Solange poses a lot of questions, those both asked to her by the world, and similarly those she finds herself asking. Things like, "Where do we go from here?"

You can find out more information about Perry's course here at SeatSyllabus.com

Would you take this course?
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Mike "Orie" Mosley is a freelance writer/photographer and cultural advocate from St. Louis. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Arts, Entertainment & Media Management from Columbia College Chicago and a Masters in Higher Education Administration from LSU. He is also the co-founder of music and culture website www.theconscioustip.com. In his spare time, he's probably listening to hip hop & neo soul music, hitting up brunch or caught up in deep conversations about Black music. You can follow him on Twitter @mike_orie or on Instagram @mikeorie

Essential Care Tips for Natural Hair Growth

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by Gwen Lewis via SeriouslyNatural.org

Your hair is a part of your body, like your skin and nails, and they all require nourishment and attention to thrive. In order for your mane to be at its beautiful best, it’s important to take care of your hair in several areas.

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Heat & Dryness
Your strands can take a beating from the heat, whether it’s dry weather or repeated styling. Heat (direct heat) in general dries out the hair's cuticle, stripping it of natural moisture and making it more prone to thinning and breakage.

Heating elements like hair straighteners and curling irons do the most damage, causing breakage and split ends. Try to use these less often, or switch to a rolling brush and soft curlers to protect the hair cuticle and get the same style.

Sunshine
Just as the sun can change the color of your skin, it can also affect your hair color. Hair dyes in particular may turn orange or brassy when exposed to persistent sunlight. Wear a hat in direct sunlight and for extended periods of time in the sun.

Conditioning
It’s important to condition your hair regularly to lock in moisture, lessen frizziness, and overall improve the health of your hair. Shampoo less often and condition each time you shower. Leave conditioner in for five to ten minutes to allow it to penetrate into the hair cuticle and provide the maximize effect. Avoid putting conditioner on the scalp, which causes hair oiliness.

Deep conditioning treatments also help with frizziness and hair damage during high temperature months or a period of styling. Use a hair masque once a week or once every other week to treat itinerant damage and perform upkeep.

Haircuts
Having healthy hair also means getting haircuts. Though you may lament cutting any of your locks if you have long hair, it couldn’t be more important for having a healthy head of hair every day. Stylists recommend getting a haircut every four to eight weeks (which may be too often for naturals so opt for less frequent trims. I go about twice a year) to get rid of dead ends. This keeps your hair looking longer and smoother; skipping trimmings makes

Natural Oils
Natural oils are great for keeping your strands smooth and are great for use as a detangler. Argan oil, olive oils, coconut oils are good options for helping out your hair cuticle in the face of frizz.

Nighttime Styles
One thing that’s very important for healthy hair is protecting it at night. While you sleep, your hair can tangle, which promotes breakage. Cotton pillowcases also cause your hair to catch, twist, and break as you toss and turn throughout the night. There are several solutions here. In the first instance, satin or silk pillowcases have much finer textures that are smoother against the hair strands. A hair cap also helps protect the hair. Finally, putting your mane in a simple French braid or set of twists does wonders for keeping your strands from tangling while you sleep. As a plus you’ll wake up with sexy waves!

Having great hair can be as easy as establishing an everyday routine. Take good care of your strands with prevention and maintenance to get the a healthy, beautiful mane.

The Woman Who Claims Emmett Till Whistled At Her Admits It Was A Lie

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Pictured Left: Emmett Till, Right, Carolyn Bryant and her two sons. Photos courtesy of Getty Images
Written by Mike Orie of TheConsciousTip.com

The woman responsible for Emmett Till being killed after accusing him of whistling at her has admitted it was all a lie. 62 years later.

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In September 1955, Emmett Till was accused of whistling at a white woman, who we know as Carolyn Bryant. Till, 14, while visiting family in Mississippi, entered a store to purchase two cents of bubble gum. It was here, after exiting the store that he was accused of whistling at then 21-year old Bryant. Two men, J.W. Bryant and half-brother Roy Bryant (husband of Carolyn Bryant) decided to take matters into their own hand, kidnapping Till three days later and brutally murdering him. The two admitted to the crime but were later acquitted.

But here's where things get interesting. It turns out that wife Carolyn Bryant admits that she fabricated most of the story.

Read the excerpt below from Vanity Fair that highlights this new book in which Bryant details the fabricated story:

In a new book, The Blood of Emmett Till (Simon &; Schuster), Timothy Tyson, a Duke University senior research scholar, reveals that Carolyn—in 2007, at age 72—confessed that she had fabricated the most sensational part of her testimony. “That part’s not true,” she told Tyson, about her claim that Till had made verbal and physical advances on her. As for the rest of what happened that evening in the country store, she said she couldn’t remember. (Carolyn is now 82, and her current whereabouts have been kept secret by her family.)


Over 60 years later, what repercussions should Carolyn Bryant face?
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Mike "Orie" Mosley is a freelance writer/photographer and cultural advocate from St. Louis. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Arts, Entertainment & Media Management from Columbia College Chicago and a Masters in Higher Education Administration from LSU. He is also the co-founder of music and culture website www.theconscioustip.com. In his spare time, he's probably listening to hip hop & neo soul music, hitting up brunch or caught up in deep conversations about Black music. You can follow him on Twitter @mike_orie or on Instagram @mikeorie

Black Greek Members Are Sharing Their Immigration Stories Using #D9Immigrants

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Photo courtesy of Watch The Yard

Written by Mike Orie of TheConsciousTip.com

Members of Black Greek Letter Organizations from the Divine 9 have taken to Instagram to share their stories of how their families immigrated to the United States for better opportunities.


While many of the stories surfaced online have been centered around Mexico, Trump's saddened attempt on creating the #MuslimBan highlights just how much his ridiculous antics are affecting the African American community and those who migrated from the Diaspora.

BGLO-focused website WatchTheYard.com kicked off the much-needed hashtag on Instagram and so far they've shared some pretty powerful stories. Check out some of them below.












"My family immigrated from Guinea 14 years ago. My parents gave up their lives & careers to give my siblings & I a chance at a better of life in a country they were unfamiliar w/ culturally & socially. Putting us through school while working jobs they didnt want to have, but they pushed through them. They've sacrificed so much for my siblings & I. Through all this they have taught me the importance of determination, the value of education & persistance. Today, I stand as a First generation COLLEGE GRAD, a proud MUSLIM, and a woman of DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC. Thank you so much for your support." - @she_so_aissy (@WatchTheYard is doing a project to highlight D9 immigrants/ refugees and put a critical a spotlight on how the US is currently treating immigrants. The purpose of this is to show that we need to care about these people because these people are our frat brothers and sisters.) #D9Immigrants
A photo posted by Watch The Yard (@watchtheyard) on



What are your thoughts are reading some of these very personable stories? Share your reaction in the comment section below.
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Mike "Orie" Mosley is a freelance writer/photographer and cultural advocate from St. Louis. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Arts, Entertainment & Media Management from Columbia College Chicago and a Masters in Higher Education Administration from LSU. He is also the co-founder of music and culture website www.theconscioustip.com. In his spare time, he's probably listening to hip hop & neo soul music, hitting up brunch or caught up in deep conversations about Black music. You can follow him on Twitter @mike_orie or on Instagram @mikeorie

Hidden Figures Cast Wins SAG Award For 'Outstanding Performance By A Cast In A Motion Picture'

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KEVORK DJANSEZIAN/WIREIMAGE

The Hidden Figures cast wins SAG Award for 'Outstanding Performance in a Motion Picture.'

Written by Mike Orie of TheConsciousTip.com


Last night at the Screen Actor's Guild Awards, the trio most recently notable for their performance in Hidden Figures took home a much deserved award, 'Outstanding Performance in A Motion Picture.' The film stars Taraji P. Henson, Janelle Monae and Octavia Spencer.

"African-American women were living at the time where segregation was the letter of the law,”  said Octavia Spencer.

Taraji P. Henson would go on to give a very powerful speech which you can hear an excerpt of below.

“This film is about unity,” she said. “The shoulders of the women that we stand on are three American heroes: Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson. Without them, we would not know how to reach the stars.”

This story is about what happens when we put our difference aside and we come together as a human race,” Henson continues. “They are hidden figures no more!”

The film highlights three brilliant and talented African American mathematicians who calculated flight trajectories to Project Mercury and other missions. Before this film, their story was relatively unknown. 




Congrats to these women on a much deserved award! Have you seen the film yet? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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Mike "Orie" Mosley is a freelance writer/photographer and cultural advocate from St. Louis. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Arts, Entertainment & Media Management from Columbia College Chicago and a Masters in Higher Education Administration from LSU. He is also the co-founder of music and culture website www.theconscioustip.com. In his spare time, he's probably listening to hip hop & neo soul music, hitting up brunch or caught up in deep conversations about Black music. You can follow him on Twitter @mike_orie or on Instagram @mikeorie

ImeIme Umana Becomes First Black Woman To Serve As President Of Harvard Law Review

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Imelme Umana, first Black Woman to serve as President of the Harvard Law Review.

This Harvard law student just became the first Black woman to serve as President of the Harvard Law Review.

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Meet ImeIme Umana. She is currently a law student at Harvard University, one of the most prestigious programs in the world. Yesterday, news broke of her making history, becoming the first Black woman to serve as President of the Harvard Law Review. In 2014, Umana earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Joint Concentration in African American Students and Government from Harvard. In 2018, she’ll finish with her Doctor of Law (J.D.) from Harvard as well.


In 2012, Umana’s work was published at the National Conference on Citizenship (NCoC.) The report takes a critical look at the current state of civic health in Massachusetts and understands current trends and rates of participation relative to the nation.

Previously, Umana has served as Associate Editor for the Harvard Undergraduate Law Review, Chair of Community Action COmmity with Harvard University Institute of Politics and President of Student Advisory Committee.

Congratulations on becoming the first ImeIme!

What do you think took Harvard so long to appoint the first Black woman as President of the Harvard Law Review?
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Mike "Orie" Mosley is a freelance writer/photographer and cultural advocate from St. Louis. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Arts, Entertainment & Media Management from Columbia College Chicago and a Masters in Higher Education Administration from LSU. He is also the co-founder of music and culture website www.theconscioustip.com. In his spare time, he's probably listening to hip hop & neo soul music, hitting up brunch or caught up in deep conversations about Black music. You can follow him on Twitter @mike_orie or on Instagram @mikeorie

5 Changes You Should Make to Your Diet for Healthy Hair and Body

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by sointocurls via Blacknaps.org

Healthy, beautiful hair doesn’t just happen. It takes concerted effort on your part to inform yourself about healthy choices, and it also requires firm determination to be able to follow through with making the necessary changes that will result in benefits. And interestingly enough, many of the nutrients that benefit hair also contribute to beautiful skin and a healthy body. So what are some healthy choices that can make your hair, mind and body healthier and happier?

1. Eat fewer processed foods and opt for foods that are closer to their natural state.I don’t mean raw – that’s a really good idea, but you don’t have to go that far. What I’m referring to is food that has been minimally or not at all processed by means of chemical additives and preservatives. For example, instead of reaching for that bag of chips that has MSG, “natural flavors” and other additives as well as large amounts of sodium and trans fats, opt for the bag of chips that contains only potatoes, sunflower oil, and and has a low sodium content. Of course, this means paying very close attention to nutrition labels and product packaging. But a small change like this one will protect your heart, lower blood pressure, and ensure that your hair and body experience improved hydration.

2. Drink lots – and I do mean lots – of water.

There’s simply no substitute for it, so drink as much of it as you can; 6 to 8 glasses a day is a pretty good amount. The benefits? Increased water results in hair and skin that are adequately moisturized, and it flushes out toxins that daily invade our bodies. If you’re not a big fan of water on its own, why not consider drinking herbal teas like peppermint, spearmint or chamomile? They are full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that your hair and body will love, and it’ll add a little flavor to your water. The hydration benefits of the water will be completely unaffected, and you’ll be hydrating your hair, mind and body while enjoying a calming moment of relaxation.

3. Eat a balanced diet that includes fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, whole grains and lean meats.
Again, the operative word is balanced, meaning in the proper ratio or proportion. Unrefined carbohydrates are excellent, but veggies and proteins should constitute the larger portion of your daily diet.

4. Lower caffeine intake.

Caffeine is not all bad as long as it’s consumed in moderation. Obviously, too much caffeine can interfere with rest and sleeping patterns, and we all know that we do need our beauty sleep. So be sure to monitor the amounts of caffeine that you consume.

5. Reject trans fats in favor of healthier options like olive oil, grapeseed oil, or coconut oil for cooking purposes.   These oils are full of vitamin E and other nutrients that your body will simply love. A small transition in favor of one of these oils may seem inconsequential, but your heart, your hair and waistline will thank you for it later.

Today Is The Last Day To Sign Up For ObamaCare

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Today is the absolute last day to sign up for ObamaCare. Have you signed up for your health insurance yet?

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Despite the Trump administration's numerous attempts to repeal ObamaCare, there is still time to sign up. But the deadline of January 31st is now here.

In case you're still unclear, Obama Care is a nickname for Affordable Care Act (ACA). The goal of ACA is to put in place comprehensive health insurance reforms that have improved access, affordability and quality in healthcare for Americans.

ObamaCare has made healthcare more accessible for well over 15 million Americans, but if you're still unclear of the benefits, or simply why you should sign up, you can do your own research here.

Because of confusion and wrongful information being spread, along with the cancellation of many of the advertisements, some celebrities are using their voice to spread the word. Ava Duvernay, John Legend and comedian Colton Dunn are among the few. Huff Post Black Voices did a great job of pulling together celebrities advocating for ObamaCare, but you can check out some of them below.













And most importantly, you can sign up for ObamaCare by simply going to HealthCare.Gov

Help us spread the word and share this with a friend.
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Mike "Orie" Mosley is a freelance writer/photographer and cultural advocate from St. Louis. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Arts, Entertainment & Media Management from Columbia College Chicago and a Masters in Higher Education Administration from LSU. He is also the co-founder of music and culture website www.theconscioustip.com. In his spare time, he's probably listening to hip hop & neo soul music, hitting up brunch or caught up in deep conversations about Black music. You can follow him on Twitter @mike_orie or on Instagram @mikeorie

5 Tips for Growing Out Natural Hair

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IG @afrog4l

by Mary Wolff

When it comes to long and lovely hair, length can be a challenge for some of us. Growing out your natural hair can feel like a slow journey with little to no results to show for it. Follow these tried and true 5 tips for growing out natural hair, and get the long strands of your dreams!

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1. Get Proper Nutrition

Why would experts say the key to hair growth is in your eating habits? Because hair health starts on the inside! If you aren’t getting those essential nutrients like vitamin B, iron, and protein, hair won’t grow as quickly. Try to eat foods rich in these nutrients like spinach, salmon, eggs, and even cinnamon, and drink plenty of water. If you are dehydrated, your hair will show it. Dry hair is hair that can’t grow long and beautiful.

2. Hair Supplements

Following the same idea that hair growth is about the foods you eat, taking certain vitamins can help hair growth. Consider a hair supplement such as biotin. Not only will it make your hair healthy enough to grow in length, it gives your nails a boost too! Other supplements to consider are zinc, collagen boosting silica, and kelp. Biotin is still the most commonly used hair growth supplement with many people reporting impressive results. Be careful before you jump on the biotin train. Before adding biotin supplements to your routine, check with your doctor. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have certain existing medical conditions, there may be concerns about adding it your supplement intake.

3. Regularly Trim

One of the most important of our 5 tips for growing out natural hair is to cut regularly. I know it may seem like the opposite of what you should do, but experts agree that regularly trimming hair can help it stay healthy. Make sure you watch out for split ends. Once these split ends show up, it is time for a trim. In fact, trims are the only effective way to get rid of split ends. It is a good idea to trim ends every 4-6 weeks or more frequently based on your hair growth.

4. Take Care of Scalp Matters

The scalp is the foundation of growing your hair out. If you have a dry, irritated, or overly oily scalp, your hair will be less healthy. You want to make sure you don’t get too much build up, so use a reliable clarifying shampoo like As I Am Curl Clarity Shampoo. For a dry scalp, consider something like ORS Shealicious Scalp Relief Shea Butter Conditioner. You should also make sure you protect your scalp from damage caused by the sun. Wear a hat or use products with SPF to help safeguard your scalp.

5. Use the Right Products

The key to hair growth is making sure your hair is healthy. I’ll say it again; unhealthy hair just won’t grow. Part of making sure your hair is healthy is to use the right products. Your hair growth is a result of the overall health of your hair. If you are using products that are too harsh, such as certain shampoos with sulfates and other chemicals that throw hair out of balance, you won’t get the length you want. You want to steer clear of mineral oil because it coats the skin on the scalp and makes it harder for hair follicles to generate cell turnover needed for new growth. You should also be on the lookout for any ingredient listings with propylene glycol which also inhibits the turnover of healthy cells. Make sure you carefully read the ingredients and directions of your favorite hair care products.

Here's How Women Are Protecting Their Black Girl Magic During A Trump Presidency

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Photo courtesy of Essence//March On Washington 2017
Written by Mike Orie of TheConsciousTip.com

Everyday there's a different headline about what's going on with the Trump Administration. And while it's affecting a lot of us, many are choosing to focus on life outside of what's going on in The White House.

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Essence recently caught up with a few women of color during the March on Washington to discuss how they're protecting their Black Girl Magic during this new era of President Trump. Some of the common themes are centered are self-focus and community. Two important things needed to progress but individually and as a society. Read and excerpt from the video and watch it below.

"I plan to continue my black girl magic by setting goals, especially my New Year's Resolutions that I have set for myself. And I feel as though the presidency doesn't affect how I'm going to prosper, and how I'm gonna push on, and how I'm gonna continue. I plan to graduate within the next year, and I already think that that's an accomplishment as a black female."

Another woman chimed in: "I plan to continue my Black Girl Magic by always remembering my foundation and that I come from a family of strong, incredible black women. And continuing to inspire other black women and women of color."



What actions are you taking to protect your sanity under this new Trump Administration? Share in the comment section.
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Mike "Orie" Mosley is a freelance writer/photographer and cultural advocate from St. Louis. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Arts, Entertainment & Media Management from Columbia College Chicago and a Masters in Higher Education Administration from LSU. He is also the co-founder of music and culture website www.theconscioustip.com. In his spare time, he's probably listening to hip hop & neo soul music, hitting up brunch or caught up in deep conversations about Black music. You can follow him on Twitter @mike_orie or on Instagram @mikeorie

Bruno Mars Says He Wouldn't Be Here If Not For Black Artists

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Written by Mike Orie of TheConsciousTip.com

In the February cover story of Latina Magazine, Bruno Mars gets very real and honest about Black culture.

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Bruno Mars has made some amazing music over the years. His album 24K Magic, was arguably one of the best releases in 2016. But Mars, who identifies as part Puerto Rican, also realizes that much of the music he makes is inspired by and derived from Black culture.

In the cover story of Latina Magazine, he touches on just how much Black culture, specifically Black music contributed to overall pop culture in general, and how it played a big role in his career. You can read an excerpt below.

“When you say ‘black music,’ understand that you are talking about rock, jazz, R&B, reggae, funk, doo-wop, hip-hop, and Motown. Black people created it all. Being Puerto Rican, even salsa music stems back to the Motherland [Africa]. So, in my world, black music means everything. It’s what gives America its swag. I’m a child raised in the ‘90s. Pop music was heavily rooted in R&B from Whitney, Diddy, Dr. Dre, Boyz II Men, Aaliyah, TLC, Babyface, New Edition, Michael, and so much more. As kids this is what was playing on MTV and the radio. This is what we were dancing to at school functions and BBQs. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for these artists who inspired me.

They have brought me so much joy and created the soundtrack to my life filled with memories that I'll never forget. Most importantly, they were the superstars that set the bar for me and showed me what it takes to sing a song that can get the whole world dancing, or give a performance that people will talk about forever. Watching them made me feel like I had to be as great as they were in order to even stand a chance in this music business. You gotta sing as if Jodeci is performing after you and dance as if Bobby Brown is coming up next.”

He also goes on to touch on his Puerto Rican roots, and how some feel like he's denied them in order to achieve mainstream success. 

“I never once said I changed my last name to hide the fact that I’m Puerto Rican. Why would I f--king say that? Who are you fooling? And why would anyone say that? That’s so insulting to me, to my family. That’s ridiculous. My last name is Hernandez. My father’s name is Pedrito Hernandez, and he’s a Puerto Rican pimp. There’s no denying that. My dad nicknamed me Bruno since I was 2 years old.
The real story is: I was going to go by ‘Bruno,’ one name. Mars just kind of came joking around because that sounds bigger than life. That was it, simple as that. I see people that don’t know what I am, and it’s so weird that it gets them upset. It’s an oxymoron — the music business; like the art business. You’re making a business out of these songs that I’m writing. And how are you going to tell me that this song that I’m writing is only going to be catered to Puerto Ricans or to white people or only Asian people. How are you going to tell me that? My music is for anybody who wants to listen to it.”

Bruno is right. For decades, Black music and culture has consistently been stolen, re-packaged and re-distributed to fit mainstream acceptability. But despite this, the truth still stands. Most artists wouldn't be where they are today without the roots laid by Black culture.


What are your thoughts on Bruno's comments? Are you surprised?

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Mike "Orie" Mosley is a freelance writer/photographer and cultural advocate from St. Louis. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Arts, Entertainment & Media Management from Columbia College Chicago and a Masters in Higher Education Administration from LSU. He is also the co-founder of music and culture website www.theconscioustip.com. In his spare time, he's probably listening to hip hop & neo soul music, hitting up brunch or caught up in deep conversations about Black music. You can follow him on Twitter @mike_orie or on Instagram @mikeorie

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