1. Oprah’s OWN Lays Off One-Fifth of Work Force
More bad news for Oprah Winfrey’s OWN. The network announced it has let go 30 employees — one-fifth of it’s work force — from their New York and Los Angeles offices yesterday.

“It is difficult to make tough business decisions that affect people’s lives,” said Winfrey in a statement. “But the economics of a start-up cable network just don’t work with the cost structure that was in place. As CEO, I have a responsibility to chart the course for long-term success for the network. To wholly achieve that long-term success, this was a necessary next step.” [MORE]

2. Queen Latifah and Alfre Woodard Star in Steel Magnolias Remake
The Lifetime network has assembled an all-star, A-list group of acting talent for its Steel Magnolias’ reboot.

Deadline is reporting that Queen Latifah, Alfre Woodard, Phylicia Rashad, Jill Scott, Adepero Oduye and Rashad’s daughter Condola Rashad will star in the upcoming and much anticipated TV movie version of Steel Magnolias. Queen Latifah will serve as executive producer, Kenny Leon (who helmed the ABC TV movie remake of A Raisin in the Sun) will direct and the script will be penned by Sally Robinson, the writer of Iron Jawed Angels. [MORE]

3. Dentists Report Rise in Preschoolers With Cavities
Tooth decay and cavities are showing up in 2- to 5-year-old children, and dentists say it is largely preventable. [MORE]

4. Survey: Nigerians Most Educated in the U.S.
Nigerian Americans have long been known for their community’s intense cultural emphasis on education, and now an analysis of Census data coupled with several local surveys shows that Nigerians don’t just value education, but surpass all other U.S. ethnic groups when it comes to obtaining degrees.

“Being Black, you are already at a disadvantage,” Oluyinka Olutoye, an associate professor of pediatric surgery at Baylor College of Medicine, told the Houston Chronicle. “You really need to excel far above if you want to be considered for anything in this country.” [MORE]

5. This Day in Black History: March 21, 1965
Civil rights demonstrators march from Selma, Ala., to the state’s capital of Montgomery. [MORE]

In the tradition of fad diets and style trends, open relationships appear to now be all the rage among the Hollywood set. Academy Award winning actress Mo’Nique, and singer Jill Scott, have both professed themselves to be happily in, or willing to be in an open relationship. And while the whole notion of bringing a third party or parties into the physical and emotional affairs of a “committed” relationship seems a bit perplexing to us “regular” people, the idea of it’s dynamic being successful is rather intriguing.

I was first introduced to open relationships—known formally as polyamory—while in graduate school in 2006. My Gender & Sexuality professor was a self-proclaimed polyamory guru, who wasn’t shy about her lifestyle—she’d written and published articles in reputable journals about her and her husband’s journey. As I read her work, I constantly wondered, how “open” did one have to be in order to be actively involved in an open relationship? What were the boundaries? Was there a safety word? Read the rest of this entry »

“Now me non-clairvoyant and in love, made the coochie easy and the obvious invisible”-Jill Scott

There’s an unfortunate epidemic on the verge of becoming a pandemic that is sweeping the hearts of woman the world over. Granted it hasn’t received any widespread news coverage, but it is a bonafide silent killer. It’s called “not-your-boyfriend-itis.”

Ladies, several of us have picked up the interesting habit of giving men that we are not officially involved with, relationship rights and status. Why are we extending the benefits of being in a relationship sans commitment? I would not dare assume that every woman in the world is in search of a relationship or that they have a problem with this sort of setup. However, I do believe that the majority of the time, this type of arrangement is neither intentional nor desirable .

So how does one end up succumbing to “not-your-boyfriend-itis?” Having suffered from this ailment myself, I can say that it is typically bred from a situation where there has not been a honest conversation about expectations; therefore, whether by chance or of piss poor planning, you find yourself in this muddled gray area of existence. “Not-your-boyfriend-it is” is not to be confused with standard dating. As matter of fact, it starts with you reducing, if not cutting your dating roster, to focus most of your attention on your pseudo-beau. This method only leads to a lot of confusion when expectations that only you know about are not met, and ends in you playing Jill Scott “Love Rain” on repeat. Then there are also those instances when a gentleman has clearly stated that he is not interested in being in a relationship and one subsequently settles for what one is given.

So what is the cure for “not-your-boyfriend-itis”? I would like to say there is an easy answer equivalent to a cooty shot. However, it is not that easy. Or perhaps it is. The key to rectifying this situation is communication—addressing what needs are not being met, what your expectations and non-negotiables are, and making a decision about the sustainability of your situation. Sounds easy enough right?

“Is it the way you love me…”-Jill Scott

My name is SueZette Yasmin Robotham, and I have a lady-crush on Jill Scott. But can you blame me? It’s hard not too. There is something simply alluring and beautiful about Jilly from Philly.

The first time I caught a glimpse of Jill was in the Fall of 2000. I was skipping class, and relaxing in my typical position in front of the television watching videos on BET.  When the intro to “Gettin’ in the Way,” I was caught off guard. Who was this beautiful full figured woman with head wrapped to the sky, marching down the street to confront her current man’s ex about crossing the line?

I sat there intrigued, wishing there was a way to rewind the video to watch it over and over again. I guess you can say Jill had me at, “Sister Girl, I know you don’t understand.”  In a world of Destiny’s Child and Aaliyah, Jill stood out. She looked like me—fluffy and beautiful. She had a cool sexy, sass, with a mature sound that I came to crave. As soon as her debut album, Who Is Jill Scott? dropped, I was on it, and drove my roommates crazy playing it on repeat. Granted, I was only 18 years old at the time, but Jill made me feel grown—well as grown as a sophomore in college could feel.

I wrapped myself up in the Who Is Jill Scott? album like a baby in a blanket. I learned every verse and ad lib on the album in a matter of days. That album was something like love in progress, from the onset to the fall to the realization that maybe it wasn’t really what you thought it was. I fell head over heels for “He Loves Me (Lyzel in E Flat),” written by Jill to her then husband. I always wondered how special a man had to be to have a song bear his name on a debut album. Hell, even now over a decade later I still find myself singing along and daydreaming about the man who will incite me to chorus.

But songs like “Slowly Surely”, “Love Rain” and “I Think It’s Better,” showcased the flip-side of love—the side where your feelings are not matched nor reciprocated by your mate.

Ironically, Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1 taught me that love might sound good in the form of words and sounds, but the actions that show love are just if not more important.

Click Here to watch “The Original Jill Scott: A Documentary” streaming now on CentricTV.com

If you missed Black Girls Rock!  on BET last night, you missed a star-studded celebration of Black girl power. And wile the this year’s honorees—Angela Davis, Taraji P. Henson, and Pastor Shirley Ceasar among them—and performers deserve acclaim, the fashion that hit the stage and pink carpet was rocked too. A slew of celebrities shined and sparkled in metallics, sequins and crystals.

Tracee Ellis Ross (“Reed Between the Lines”) dazzled in a long-sleeve black sequin floor length gown, while and Regina King, held her own in a 1970’s inspired white sparkling jumpsuit—a hard feat if your body is not on point.

Check out the other dazzling beauties who caught our eye:

1. Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Hudson Tapped for VH1 Divas
The “Queen of Hip Hop Soul,” Mary J. Blige, will join Jennifer Hudson, Florence + The Machine, Kelly Clarkson, Jessie J and Jill Scott in a special VH1 Divas concert paying homage to the cities that gave birth to soul music. [Read more]

2. Artur Davis Supports Controversial Voting Laws
The former congressman and friend to the Obama administration has now come out in favor of laws that could make it difficult for Blacks to vote. [Read more]

3. Study: Fewer Black College Students Receive Merit-Based Aid
During the 2007–08 academic year, undergraduate students received $62 billion in financial aid through the government, educational institutions and other sources, according to a new report from the U.S. Department of Education. During that same period, the department found that Black college students were less likely than white students to receive merit-based financial aid, but more likely to receive aid based on financial need. [Read more]

Beyoncé Takes Over BET.com This Weekend
Music fans get ready because mother-to-be and mega-performer Beyoncé is taking over BET.com’s homepage from Friday (October 28) through Sunday (October 30). [Read more]

For the latest in news and updates, visit BET.com/News

Hidden Beach Recordings and Centric have joined forces to present the “Have A Lovely Day” campaign contest. Kicked off by the release of The Original Jill Scott from the vault vol. 1., this campaign was inspired by Scott’s cover version of Bill Withers‘ 1977 hit, “Lovely Day”. Fans are encouraged to submit videos which depict personal acts of kindness and volunteerism.

“Hidden Beach has always stood for ‘quality music that touches you deep inside and makes you feel better,’” stated CEO Steve McKeever. When an artist like Jill speaks to our inner core it can actually make you feel good by the experience. Our goal is to create a movement that motivates people to help someone ‘Have A Lovely Day’ by sharing their personal random acts of kindness or by volunteering their talents to individuals and organizations in need. With the ‘Do Good. Feel Better’ video contest Centric has joined us in challenging everyone to make a difference wherever they are by using their talents to bring happiness to others.”

“Have A Lovely Day” video contest will give fans an opportunity to be “creative for a cause.” From dance routines to poignant testimonials, fans can make their own personal videos showing their acts of kindness and/or their personal volunteer efforts. The submissions, due by August 29th, can be no shorter than :60 seconds and no longer than four minutes.

The grand-prize winning video will win $500 donated in the winner’s name to the non-profit organization of their choice, plus featured airplay on Centric and an online feature on Centrictv.com. Other winning submissions will receive music prizes including a deluxe version of The Original Jill Scott: From The Vault Vol. 1, a Hidden Beach catalog prize pack, as well as upcoming releases from Naturally 7, Glen Scott and Jeff Bradshaw.

For contest instructions visit
www.havealovelyday.org/contest.

(Las Vegas, NV) Comedian, radio personality, best-selling author, Family Feud television host and philanthropist Steve Harvey, hosted the 9^th Annual Ford Hoodie Awards at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. The sold out event attracted a slew of celebrities including Anthony Hamilton, Antonia “Toya” Carter-Wright, Christopher Massey, Ed Gordon, George Wallace, Hill Harper, Jill Scott, Kem, Kevin Hart, Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Nephew Tommy, Sheryl Underwood, Sommore, Tamara Tunie, Terrence J, Tichina Arnold, Tisha Campbell-Martin, Toccara, and Tye Tribbett.

In a recent interview with the U.K. Guardian newspaper Grammy Award Winning singer Jill Scott, opened up about her failed marriage with her first husband, DJ and graphic artist Lyzel Williams. After six years of marriage the couple divorced in 2007 and Scott admitted the main reason for the split was because he stop eating her cooking. During the interview Jill told the newspaper that she would specially prepare food for him and it would go untouched for days.

“One of the reasons my ex-husband and I broke up is that he stopped eating my food. He was pissed for other reasons, but the best way to show me was by leaving what I’d made for him uneaten for days on the kitchen counter. It was a smack in the face”.

Shortly after her divorce from her ex-husband Jill announced her engagement to her drummer Lil John Roberts and the two welcomed their first child Jett Hamilton Roberts in April 2009. A few months after the birth Jill and Roberts parted ways.

Scott will be featured on the Centric’s “As Written“ June 27 at 10pm/est. Her fourth studio album The Light of the Sun is in stores now.

source

“My love is deeper, tighter, sweeter, high, flyer…didn’t you know this or didn’t you notice”-Jill Scott

In my world I am the Highlander and, ”there can be only one.”

In reality, all of the people in your past move on, as do you. While, we wish them the best because we hope that they find the same happiness that we seek, if we are honest, somewhere in the back of our minds, we hope that we’re irreplaceable.  Since that is rarely the case, we then land on the hope that your ex’s next will not be cuter than you.

Yes. I said it.  No one wants their replacement to be in any way, shape or form more attractive than they are.  Sure they can be more successful, more educated, an entire host of things, BUT MORE ATTRACTIVE? Never!

At first I thought that this was some catty female thing that I shouldn’t admit to, but then I consulted with some male friends and they shared this same sentiment. Who wants to run into their ex in some public forum and discover that not only is that person happy, but they are happy with a supermodel type. I want to run into you and discover that your new love is Celie, not Shug Avery. Just as my male friends are hoping that the new guy is a frog and not Prince Akeem. Read the rest of this entry »