How many Black Architects do you know?

America’s Hidden Gem (TM)

Yes, I’m asking you. How many Black Architects do you know? It’s not a common question and many would have the same answer – none. In a profession where Blacks make up an alarming 2 percent (many reports state less than 2 percent), it’s difficult to find any. Luckily for me, I’ve been able to find a few in my own backyard.

Let me start from the beginning though.

I never thought my paper during my graduate studies would turn my life around and my appreciation to skyrocket (future post about this coming soon). The concept of the Black Architect is an exquisite one. To understand the existence of individuals in a field that initially wasn’t meant for them…it’s perplexing, demanding, and amazing.

I wanted to write my paper on a Black Architect named Julian Abele and focus on his blueprints.

*thanks Wiki*

My paper took me through great lengths…

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Black Business Spotlight: Pastel Rae Art

Black SOULutions

The capital of California is home to many unknown gems and stars. In Sacramento, there is not enough credit that goes around to the artist or other creative individuals that put on for the city. Everyone in the 916 knows their work should be seen by larger crowds but they always stay true to their roots. One artist who has made a good name for herself within the city and is gaining more notoriety is Pastel Rae. One look at her artwork will make you want to buy everything she paints.

Pastel Rae is a Sacramento based painter who has been creating artwork for years. As a child growing up, it started with your basic arts and crafts which then transitioned to painting as a teenager. It was only when she became a young adult that Rae started taking painting more serious as she went through a rough time…

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Black Business Spotlight: She Got Her Own Clothing

#black business

Black SOULutions

For years Black Women have had one of the hardest paths in this country.  Their struggle to gain equality is still being fought today.  With the need for more leaders in the community, there is a pair of strong Black women who are teaching others how to be confident and bold through fashion.  She Got Her Own Clothing (SGHOC) is helping women to be victorious.

SGHOC is a clothing line that helps women, through fashion, faith, culture, and femininity front and center.  SGHOC gives them a sense of empowerment and pride.  The apparel has a number of inspirational messages that provide encouragement and motivation for Black women.  Whether it’s “Melanin Poppin” or the “Queenin” shirt, these sayings are important in the development of black girls’ magic.

In the beginning, SGHOC was located in New Life Community Church in Oakland where the Lord allowed Nicole Day and Leandrea Mack to meet…

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She matches my blackness

Love Dance

tapin2life.com

This narrative tells the story of two lovers through my eyes as a dancer and admirer of music, particularly 90’s R&B.  I hope you enjoy and feedback as well as constructive criticism is always welcome!

So young in the beginning, she politely accepted his hand as he asked her to dance.  As he led her to the dance floor, she thought, “I’m not his type”.  The music was so soft but yet alluring.  Something different about him, she thought.  His confidence made her head twirl and her imagination tip toed into the future, a soft bourree’ into places in her mind she would not dare share with anyone, for certain not him.  Would she dare dream that he is the ONE?

The music sped up and became a bit louder as the song transitioned into a conscious hip hop beat, making the young couples’ hearts saute with delight, and as…

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Why “Good Guys” Go Unnoticed When Dating Black Men

Boom, you’ve hit the nail on the head. I’m a guy and I’m constantly telling guys this. In my opinion women want a man, who knows how to please himself, knows who he is as a man and isn’t afraid to take charge of a situation. The problem is, nice guys are reading and listening too much to what women say they want, which is always a nice guy. I used to do the same
,but then I realised. It’s important to not just listen to what people say but also to watch their actions

MY BLACK ?… YOU CAN’T ERASE

By Jenay Wright —Being Black means the world. While many will try their hardest to hide this part of them. I have to embrace it. Apart of Self-Love is loving all that comes with you. If you carry that Black magic with you, it’s essential to celebrate it. There is more to being Black then your physical skin color. 

Your culture. Your roots traces back to the motherland. 

I would die to know what part of Africa my blood runs through. My Black matters and through a lifetime I’ve seen and heard people try to change that perception. Individuals try to justify that anything associated to Black is wrong. 

Repeating words like” Blacks are ghetto” or” Blacks are loud.”

As a Black woman how do you think that makes me feel. I was born into this world Black was born to a Black mother and father. Who not only…

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On Relationships: Ordinary Hearts

Black fathers matter

#Restore Manhood