We all have the capacity to achieve success. But what happens when self doubt takes over? You’re probably left feeling down, depressed and marked by an inability to embrace your full potential personally and professionally. So what’s the remedy? There isn’t a set remedy that works for everyone, but ‘The Empress Has No Clothes: Conquering Self-Doubt to Embrace Success’ by Joyce M. Roché is a great reference and guide that provides a point of regard for several different types.

The book, described as a “deeply personal memoir,” finds the retired President and CEO of Girls Incorporated, chronicling her lifelong struggle with Imposters Syndrome, a psychological phenomenon in which people are unable to internalize their accomplishments. Despite external evidence of their success, those with this particular syndrome remain convinced that they are “frauds” and somehow do not deserve the success they have achieved.

“The Empress Has No Clothes” is chalk full of comprehensive coping strategies based on her own experiences, and those of other successful business leaders including CEO of BET Networks Debra Lee.

Roché a professional with over 25 years in the business, has received national acclaim for her achievements in the business world: Black Enterprise named her one of the “21 Women of Power and Influence in Corporate America” and one of the “40 Most Powerful Black Executives” in 1991 and 1994 respectively. A few years later she was featured on the cover of Fortune Magazine in 1997, and Business Week selected her as one of the “Top Managers to Watch” in 1998.

‘The Empress Has No Clothes: Conquering Self-Doubt to Embrace Success’ will be released on June 3.

The New York chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) hosted its 25th annual scholarship and awards banquet last night at New York City’s Time-Life Building.

The event recognized veteran journalists Randall Pinkston and the late Bob Teague with Lifetime Achievement awards for their contributions to media and the advancement of Black journalists. Pinkston, a three-time Emmy Winning reporter has covered many stories for CBS News; while Teague, who died last March at the age of 84, is remembered as one of New York City’s first black television reporters, working as a reporter, anchorman and
producer at WNBC-TV for over 30 years.

Two scholarships where given out to Ashley Johnson and Jeremy Valle, two high school seniors who participated in NYABJ’s ‘First Take’ student journalism program.

Guests at this year’s banquet included local news anchors Cheryl Wills, Toure, Diane King, Ronda Ross, and singers, Envasi and Chrisette Michele.

Established in 1976, the New York Association of Black Journalists “provides career development as well
as educational and other support to its members and is an affiliate of NABJ, the largest organization for journalists of color.”

What’s Good? Swizz Beatz!

It was “showtime” in the Big Apple last night, as the award winning super producer helped raise over $200,000 for the  Bronx Charter School for The Arts at their tenth annual art auction at the swanky Marquee nightclub in New York City.

The anniversary event was marked by both a silent and live auction that featured art work by Bronx Arts elementary student artists; as well as a Napa Valley vacation package, autographed Adele sheet music, and an autographed vinyl of the 25th anniversary edition of Michael Jackson’s Thriller album.

The evening’s highlight was a special performance by two-time Grammy Award winning singer, Melanie Fiona.

Beatz, a Bronx native, was joined by a slew of his celebrity friends including Bilal, Adrienne Bailon, and VH1 ‘The Gossip Game” co-star and former BET News anchor, Sharon Carpenter.

Funds raised at the event will support the South Bronx school’s academic intervention programs, which provide additional support for struggling learners; and enrichment programs, such as the Bronx Arts Band and Dance Team.

To make a donation to Bronx Charter School for the Arts, please visit www.bronxarts.net.

Questlove knows his way around a pair of drumsticks, literally and figuratively.

The Roots drummer and Late Night With Jimmy Fallon bandleader has teamed up with veteran restauranteur and fellow Philly native Stephen Starr to open Hybird, a chicken and dumplings stand located in the Chelsea Market in New York City.

The two celebrated the restaurant’s opening with a private event, attracting a hosts of celebrities, restaurant industry insiders, family, and friends that included, Melanie Fiona, Bilal, Tyson Beckford, Theophilus London, Just Blaze, ‘Top Chef’ judge Gail Simmons, chef, Spike Mendelsohn; and Questlove’s mother, Jackie Thompson (pictured top L).

Hybird will offer a menu that includes drumsticks ($4 each, two for $7.50, four for 14.50), biscuits ($2), dumplings with a variety of fillings ($7 per order), cupcakes ($3.50) and “Love Slush” slushies ($4.50).

The restaurant will officially open to the public on May 18.

When terrorist attacks occur in America, naturally the attention of the entire nation turns to the lives lost and affected in the wake of the tragedy. In the weeks and months to come following the Patriots Day bombing at the Boston Marathon, individual and national soul searching will continue as we try to understand how and why someone could commit such a senseless act of violence.

However, as we grapple with the emotional and physical wounds of the bombing, Americans should be cognizant of the changes some are advancing that could alter our constitutional rights.  Just one day after the surviving bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev (pictured above) was apprehended, U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), John McCain (R-Arizona), Kelly Ayotte (R-New Hampshire) and Congressman Peter King (R-New York) issued a joint statement urging the Obama administration to label the suspect an “enemy combatant.” An “enemy combatant” is an individual who, under the laws and customs of war, may be detained for the duration of an armed conflict or until hostilities cease. The definition was expanded to include any member, agent, or associate of al Qaida or the Taliban. By deeming Tsarnaev an enemy combatant, the constitutional rights afforded to him as an American citizenship would be suspended, including being advised of his Miranda rights.

We have all seen bad guys get read their rights on shows like ‘Law and Order’ or ‘New York Undercover’: “you have a right to remain silent, anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have a right to an attorney…”  However, the implications of the warnings extend far beyond what any television drama can capture. The Miranda warning requirement ensures suspects are made aware of their Fifth Amendment constitutional right against self-incrimination, namely the right to remain silent and right to counsel.  To suspend this right for an American citizen is to critically alter critical rights most take for granted.

Senators Graham and others were concerned that once Tsarnaev was given his Miranda warnings, he would cease providing valuable information regarding who else may have assisted with the Boston attack, if there were any other attacks planned and more.  Despite the validity of their concern, giving the bombing suspect enemy combatant status would require a dangerous expansion in the definition of the term and a reversal in longstanding constitutional principles.

To date no evidence has surfaced linking the Boston bombers to al Qaida or any terrorist group.  On the contrary, he maintains that he and his brother worked independently and without coordination with another entity.  Therefore, no justification exists for labeling Tsarnaev an enemy combatant and doing so would only erode the constitutional protections afforded to all American citizens.

The Obama administration did invoke the “public safety” exception to Miranda, which permits officers to conduct a limited and focused unwarned interrogation for 48 hours before providing the warning.  During this time period, Tsarnaev cooperated and continued to do so even once warned about his right to remain silent and have counsel present.  His cooperation clearly demonstrates that safeguarding the nation’s legal traditions do not have to compromise our safety and pursuit of justice; the two can coexist.

As horrendous as the bombings committed by the Tsarnaev and his brother were, he is still a citizen of this country and deserves the same constitutional protections afforded to us all.  To label the bomber an enemy combatant is to erode the very freedoms we hold so dear.  As we pursue justice, we must be cognizant of what it really at stake. The real need to advance the nation’s security and safety cannot be done to the complete obliteration of the very rights that make America the land of the free and the home of the brave.

What are your thoughts?

Stacy M. Allen
Attorney and Counselor at Law
@SMAllen_Esq

Despite the fact it doesn’t hit theaters until November, the excitement surrounding ‘The Best Man Holiday’ has already reaching a fever pitch, and with this week’s release of the movie’s trailer, things just got hotter.

Directed by Malcolm D. Lee, the film is the sequel to Lee’s 1999 hit movie ‘The Best Man’. Original cast members, Taye Diggs, Nia Long, Morris Chestnut, Harold Perrineau,Terrence Howard, Sanaa Lathan,Monica Calhoun, Melissa De Sousa and Regina Hall, are all reprising their roles in the film that is set during the Christmas holiday, fifteen years after the original.

‘The Best Man Holiday’ is set to hit theaters on November 15.

It’s a celebration Mothers!

The Shawn Carter Foundation celebrated Mother’s Day a couple days early, presenting “Celebrating Mothers, Our First Educators,” a pre-holiday charity event held last Friday at the 40/40 Club in New York City.

Those on hand at the event included Melanie Fiona, Adrienne Bailon, Victor Cruz, Amber Sabathia, Alexis Stoudemire, and organization co-founder, Gloria Carter, who conceived the organization in 2002 with her son, rapper and mogul Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter.

Sponsored by Gucci, Grey Goose Vodka, and Duracell Powermat; the proceeds from the event will benefit the foundation.

Since the Foundation’s official inception in 2003, “over 750 students have received awards totaling over $1.3 million dollars.”

What’s Good in Hollywood? Stevie Wonder’s 63rd Birthday Celebration!

When one of the greatest names in music throws a birthday celebration, the stars come out. Such was the case over the weekend as the legendary Stevie Wonder celebrated his 63rd birthday a few days early this past Saturday with a star-studded celebration at The House of Music & Entertainment in Beverly Hills, California.

Guests in attendance included John Legend, Tyrese, Kelly Price, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Kym Whitley, Vanessa Williams, and Vivian Green.

The 22-time Grammy winner, who has been performing since the age of 11, officially turns 63 on May 13.

Angela Bassett lent her support to The Coalition for At-Risk Youth (CARRY)’s 7th Annual “Shall We Dance” gala held this past Saturday at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.

The Oscar nominated actress, alongside her daughter Bronwyn Golden and son Slater Josiah, was on hand to to help the non profit organization, which offers free dermatological care and support to those who need it most–foster and at-risk youth recognize Tyler Perry, Janie Bradford,Dr. Jerome R. Porath and Laura Hunter, J.D. for their contributions the cause.

“Skin disorders for youth during the formative years are as devastating as any systemic disease or illness. When we clear their skin, we build profound self esteem,” said CARRY’s founder, dermatologist Dr. Pearl E. Grimes.

Other celebrity guests included Kimberly Elise, Jenifer Lewis, Brenda Russell, Tyler Lepley, and legendary disco singer Thelma Houston, who served as the evening’s entertainment.

Founded by Dr. Pearl E. Grimes in 2005, CARRY offers free dermatological care and support to an estimated 500 youth in the Los Angeles area annually.

What’s Good? Necole Bitchie!

The blogger and 2011 Soul Train Award winner for Best Soul Site was the ultimate hostess, as she presented an exclusive screening of the Baz Lurhmann film, The Great Gatsby in New York City.

Bitchie, who is known for her sugary sweet gossip blogging on NecoleBitchie.com, mixed and mingled with guests that included Grammy Award winning singer, Estelle; BET 106 & Park co-host, Paigion; VH1 ‘Basketball Wives’ star Jennifer Williams; and a host of notable bloggers, journalists and fans.

The event, was the latest in a string of screenings that included an events in Los Angeles hosted by Karen Civil and special guests, Eva Marcille and Kevin McCall; and Washington D.C.; hosted by TheYBF.com

The Great Gatsby, based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic 1925 novel of the same name, stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Michelle Williams, and Carey Mulligan.

The film opens in theaters nationwide on Friday, May 10.