Feeling Fabulous: An Interview with Jessica Burks

It's not often that you meet a young woman under the age of 25 that is the CEO her own company. It's also uncommon for a young African-American woman to found a company based on improving the self-esteem of other young women. Jessica Burks is no ordinary woman and she founded Feeling Fabulous, an organization that concentrates on women and their self-esteem. Feeling Fabulous' mission is to encourage women around the world to "unleash and enhance their inner diva." We were eager to find out more about this organization and this extraordinary woman so the Brownstone Blog got the chance to chat with Jessica and this is what we found out:

When and why did you decide to create this unique organization?

Feeling Fabulous entered my heart in November of 2009 and the organization launched on January 1, 2010! I was inspired to start Feeling Fabulous after completing a workbook entitled " 30 days at 100%" by Crystal Wright (who is now my personal mentor). At the time my self confidence was so low and that book helped me ssooo much I wanted to reach out to women all over the world and inspire them in my own way! For my 30 days I looked in the mirror every morning and said out LOUD..."I feel FABULOUS!"


What are your plans for Feeling Fab in 2011?

For 2011 I plan on having our first Feeling Fabulous convention, and work with more of the local Jr. High Schools.

Brownstone strives to honor women of color. Are there any women that you consider an inspiration? If so, why?

I would honor my mother ( Sherri Burks Terrell). She's my number one cheerleader/fan, and stands by my side to make sure that I fulfill my hopes and dreams with Feeling Fabulous.

What are three words that you would use to describe yourself?

Blessed, Fabulous, Bashful :)

What kind of legacy would you like to create?

I would like for all my Feeling Fab members to remember me as a positive, risk taker who truly believes that with God your destination is endless.

Anything else you'd like to share with our readers?

I just want everyone to know that you all have an inner diva. Sometimes we just need to unleash & enhance her! We are all beautiful and made just how God wants us to be! Keep you head up and know that the rainbow only follows the storm. Whatever situation you might be going through, know that God will always takes your bad and makes it work for your good!



-- Alexandria Bland
Brownstone Intern

The Trail Blazing Women in my Life

This month is all about trail blazing women. The women who have made an impact in Black history. I took this opportunity to write about everyday women that are in my life, that aren’t necessarily acknowledged for the work they do but have impacted me in a tremendous way. These women have helped me work through problems and make solutions out of predicaments I was in. The trail blazing women in my life are my grandma Gloria Williams and my godmother Gwen Fortier.

My grandma was always my shelter to go to when I was sad, mad, depressed or getting in trouble. She would always console me as well as discipline me in a way that I understood. My grandma is the most genuine person I have ever met. If you looked in the dictionary under philandtrophy you would see a picture of my grandma. She just gives and gives no matter if she doesn’t have. I remember when I was younger she had about one hundred pairs of nice, expensive shoes and gave more than half of them away to anyone who wanted or needed them at the time. She would always provide a home for those in the family who needed. She even started a day care, where she watched our family as well as friend's kids and took them under her wing. My grandma was always lending an open hand to family and close friends, but she even took it further and always gave to homeless. If she had even a little to give to them such as food, even if it was down to our last bit my grandma was there to give it. This was just astonishing to me how someone would just give and give but never ask for anything in return. This act of giving and just caring for others became the foundation of my life. Because my grandma lended a hand in raising me, I always knew to take others into consideration before myself. She taught me to think of yourself last and you will benefit from it later. Those who don’t need to be recognized for lending a hand are those that truly care. My grandma on top of giving and lending a hand always loved no matter what. Despite the fact of what you have done to her, she always forgave you and prayed for for you in the process. You feel the love around her and she truly shines form the inside out which is why she is a trail blazing women in my life. And I acknowledge her for it everyday.

I also admire my godmother Gwen Fortier. Gwen is my formal music director’s wife. She is the epitome of what I want to be like when I grow up. Her determination and drive in life just shows through her work. She is just an amazing singer and devotes her life to music. On top of being the leader of our sopranos section she always has a very busy job and has a growing family. On top of that she is a lead vocalist, who has such a beautiful and anointing voice that you get chills when she sings. She always consoles me on my life as well as keep me in check. This act of maternalship is something any young women needs in growing up in life. The fact that she is so open about her life teaches me to not make the same mistakes she did. Her act of independence as well as her soulful and beautiful spirit makes her a trailblazing women in my life.

Trailblazing women don’t necessarily have to be someone who have won a noble peace prize or is well known within your community. Everyday we are surronded by strong women who nmake huge impacts in your life. My godmother and my grandmother are trailblazing women because they helped shape me and mold me to become a woman. And maybe one day through the knowledge they have taught me and the wisdom as well as the guidance they have given me; I will become a trail blazing woman also.



-- Jamiah King
Jr Correspondent

Desiree Rogers: Executive Chic

Desiree Rogers is one of those women that you look at and think “I want to be her!” She’s the CEO of Johnson Publications, the company that owns Ebony and Jet Magazines and Fashion Fair Cosmetics, and she most notably served as Social Secretary for the Obama Administration. (who knew such a job even existed?!) She has a Master’s degree from Harvard, yet she is still fly beyond belief and the life of the party. She’s achieved that mix of brainiac and sophisticated cool that so many of us strive for. Vogue Magazine even used Rogers as an example that “executive and chic can co-exist.” I’ll admit that I didn’t know much about Ms. Rogers before I began researching for this article, but I can now say that she is someone that us Brownstone girls can look up to!

Desiree Rogers was born and raised in New Orleans Louisiana, the daughter of a city council man father and a mother who ran day centers. Her house was always full of people from blue collar workers to local business leaders, and one can only speculate that her evolved social skills are a result of t his childhood. Ms. Rogers received her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Wellesley College in 1981 and went on to receive her MBA from Harvard Business School in 1985.

Rogers is no stranger to powerful positions, she’s served as the Illinois State Lottery Director, President of People’s Energy Corp, and President of Social Networking for All State Insurance, but she is most known for her role as the Social Secretary of the White House under the Obama Administration. Desiree has been friends with the Obamas for over two decades, introduced by Desiree’s ex husband and Michelle Obama’s brother (the two played basketball together at Princeton). Ms. Rogers and the Obamas ran in the same social circle of successful upper middle class Black families in Chicago, and Rogers reportedly used her connects to pool together $200,000 for Obama’s Presidential campaign!

The Obama Administration has brought about a new era of politics for the obvious reason that Barack Obama is the first African American President, but also because there is a new perceived accessibility to the White House that didn’t exist before. This change can partially be credited to Desiree Rogers as she worked tirelessly to make the White House “the people’s house.” Ms. Roger’s main goal was to create a White House that reflected who the Obama’s truly are. She did this by planning events such as inviting a group of culinary students to the White House kitchen to review menus with Mrs. Obama, organizing the planting of the White House Vegetable Garden with local elementary school students, and dying the White House fountain green for St. Patrick’s Day.

Like most prominent women, Desiree Rogers did face some controversy. Rogers has a keen eye for fashion and a closet worthy of coveting, but some people thought that her clothes were inappropriate for someone in her position, especially during a recession. When she sat next to Anna Wintour, Editor of Vogue, at a New York Fashion Week show, critics claimed that this choice was too showy and flamboyant for a White House figure. However, none of this criticism compared to what Rogers was faced with in November of 2009 when two socialites from Virginia allegedly crashed a White House State Dinner. The actual details of the event are unclear as the couple, Michaele and Tareq Salahi, claim that they were invited to the dinner and did nothing wrong (despite not having a physical invitation in their possession). Still, a lot of negative press was directed toward Ms. Rogers because as Social Secretary it was her role to maintain the guest list. A few months after this incident Ms. Rogers resigned from her position as Social Secretary.

Desiree Rogers is now the CEO of Johnson Publications, the world’s largest African American owned and operated publishing company. The firm is owned by Linda Johnson Rice who happens to be a good friend of Ms. Rogers. In her new position, Rogers’ goal is to reinvent Ebony and Jet Magazines and Fashion Fair Cosmetics into brands that are prominent and profitable. These brands have had a significant impact on the Black Community over the years and some might venture to say that her role as CEO may have an even greater impact on the Black Community than her position as Social Secretary.

What stands out most to me about Desiree Rogers is not that she was criticized for being too flashy or that she resigned from her White House position after a year, but that she stayed true to herself despite it all. She didn’t let criticism change how she dressed or how she carried herself, and she didn’t tolerate people who blamed the White House crasher scandal on her negligence. The Wall Street Journal quoted Desiree as saying “ All these rules we’ve put in place for ourselves . . . . ‘Ladies, smash them. Be who you want to be.’” And that’s my hope for you Brownstone girls, that just like Ms. Rogers, you will always have the courage to be exactly who you want to be.

--Karissa Allen
Brownstone Team

Assata Shakur: The Woman Who Inspires My Natural Hair

One African American woman in history that has been a great influence to me is political activist Assata Shakur. In the 12th grade, I enrolled myself in a “Women in Literature” class at my high school. Our main reading was “Assata: An Autobiography” by Assata Shakur which fellow Brownstone writer, Chevonne Collins wrote about Wednesday.

What I liked about the autobiography was that the issues discussed weren’t trivial or stereotypical: they were real issues on race and politics. Finally, I thought, Black literature with substance. She touched upon the racial discrimination she experienced in the education system growing up as JoAnne Byron and the justice system when she became an adult after she joined the Black Panther Party and later changed her name to Assata Shakur.

However, Assata’s view on hair had the biggest impact on me. She expressed how stress-free and low maintenance it was to wear an afro. When I read that something struck a nerve in me . I realized how self-conscious I was about my hair. I was a “shampoo, press and curl” girl back in my high school days. Many girls at my school would get either presses or weaves. I would get a little afraid when my hair would “go back to Africa” at some places. When people told me that my hair was “trained,” I considered it a compliment until I read this book. An afro was more than just a hairstyle to me, but a symbol of my love for my Black heritage. This was definitely something the “man” wanted to suppress during the days of the days of the Black Power Movement. No longer was I excited about getting my hair done every other week. I felt like I was assimilating to the conventional constructs of beauty; being a beautiful women meant you had long, straight hair. These very constructs were created to undermine the Black race, implying that our distinct features should be considered ugly and unacceptable. Sadly, my surroundings would not approve; Los Angeles didn’t seem politically inclined to me and my beautician (older sister) would not allow me to.

I wore an afro for the first time in public during my freshmen year in college. I figured the Bay Area would embrace this style more than Los Angeles. I felt a little insecure at first, I didn’t know how people would react. I got many compliments from older people. One person called it “psychedelic,” others were amazed with how much hair I had. People of different races even complimented me. I felt liberated in a way. I was able to express myself in terms of my culture. Wearing an afro was a lot less worrisome as a press. Neither rain nor sweat scared me. What made me sad were people that couldn’t understand why I would wear my hair like that, all people who disliked my hair was black. However, I didn’t let stop me from wearing my afro; I honestly like showing off how thick my hair is.

This book showed me a side of Black history I never learned about before. I feel incredibly empowered as a Black person every time I read the book. The Afro has become a signature of mine. I wear it a lot more at home now than at school. It is my favorite hair style, mainly because of the remarks I get. I figure that people from other races wear their hair natural, why can’t I?

-- Amanda Scurlock

Brownstone Intern

Assata: The Unheard Voice of the Black Panther Movement

I didn’t learn about Assata Shakur in school. In fact, the extent of my Black History education in school consisted of learning about slavery, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, and Martin Luther King. Of course, these are all HUGE people and events in the story of African Americans… but there is also so much more to Black history. And SOOOOO many more people, like artists and inventors, politicians and revolutionaries.

My senior year in high school, I read the Autobiography of Malcolm X and it changed my life. It’s one of those books that I couldn’t put down! (If you’re not big on reading, then check out the movie version.)

Recently, I finished reading Assata, which became another book high on my list of favorites. In honor of Black History Month at Brownstone, I would like to pay homage to this legendary woman.

Who is Assata Shakur? I’m glad you asked.

Well, to be brief, Assata (who changed her name from JoAnne Chesimard) was an activist and a revolutionary. She was a member of the Black Panther Party in the 70’s and was incarcerated and wrongly convicted for a crime she did not commit. The book actually starts with Assata being almost fatally wounded after being shot (multiple times) & dragged across the pavement by a New Jersey State Trooper.

Leading up to that, she had been regularly criminalized by the police as well as the media.
As you all probably know, racism was a lot more explosive and hostile in those days. Organizations like the Black Panther Party, the Nation of Islam, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and the NAACP worked hard to fight for the fair treatment and opportunities of African Americans, who were OFTEN treated unfairly. Some of these groups were infiltrated by the Police, the FBI, and/or the CIA in order to destroy them through the Counter Intelligence Program, or, as it’s more commonly known, “COINTELPRO.”

Unfortunately, for some of these groups, their mission worked. Assata, and other members of the Black Panther Party, were manipulated, blackmailed, and some were even killed as a result of this program. Mostly because they fought to defend equal rights and take a stand against oppression.

Can you imagine that happening today?

If you saw something happening around you that you felt was totally unfair, and you spoke up about it, can you imagine going to jail for it?

While in prison, Assata was regularly treated poorly by guards (sometimes was beat by them), judges (who tried to use the legal system against her), doctors (who wouldn’t give her adequate treatment during her recovery from being shot or while she was pregnant), and even members of the jury (who were all ready to vote that she was guilty before even listening to the trial.)
All this because she didn’t sit down and just accept racism. She, and the rest of the Black Panther Party, promoted Black pride. They had breakfast and recreational programs for the Black youth in their community, and protected members of their community from police brutality, that was prevalent in poor Black areas.

She endured a whole lot and lived to tell the story. After she was wrongly convicted, she escaped from prison and was given political asylum by Cuba, which means she can live freely there. She now resides in Havana, Cuba.

If there’s one thing to take away from Assata’s story is perseverance. This woman fought injustice in a time where the odds were stacked against her, and continued to fight for freedom when everything else around her seemed hopeless. Many of us haven’t had to face circumstances as tough as hers, but if she dealt with all that adversity and kept going, we should look to that as an example when we find it hard to keep going. Sometimes you have to really dig deep, find your inner strength, and keep fighting for whatever you’re fighting for. Keep going!
And check out the book when you get a chance.

“I wasn't just a Colored girl. I was part of a whole world that wanted a better life. I'm part of a majority and not a minority. My life has been a life of growth. If you're not growing, you're not going to understand real love. If you're not reaching out to help others then you're shrinking. My life has been active. I'm not a spectator" - Assata

-- Chevonne Collins

Brownstone Team

Introducing Our New Partner: The Black Girl Project

Brownstone is proud to announce our first partnership with The Black Girl Project. The Black Girl Project is a nonprofit organization founded by Aiesha Turner that confronts the issues that most-impact girls head-on all within the context of being a Black female in an ever-changing world. BGP originally began as documentary film about Black girls and the diverse lives they lead (the good, the bad, and the in-between)and has grown into a movement to uplift, support and nurture Black girls everywhere. BGP provides tools, guidance and support for girls to prepare themselves physically, socially, emotionally and culturally for the responsibilities of young adulthood. Through literature, the arts, individual and group work, along with a host of interdisciplinary modes BGP helps bolster self-esteem, critical thinking and leadership skills. We feel that The Black Girl Project is the perfect partner to help give a voice to the stories we tell here at Brownstone. Stay tuned as we feature more work from BGP in the upcoming months.

Check out some snippets from BGP's film here. Also, help support them as they raise funds to expand the BGP film and create materials for educational outreach. You can help donate on their Kickstart page.

What Does Your Hair Say About You?

If I used the image above to define myself I'd definitely be "ghetto fab" because I love how that particular hairstyle looks. Even though I love that hairstyle, my current look is similar to the intellectual style shown. I'm almost positive that the person who took the time to create this cartoon photo is either joking or crazy. There's no way that someone's hairstyle can dictate what type of person they are. I know plenty of cultured women that don't have dreadlocks and the fashionistas I know would never have that blonde haircut. Despite the fact that I disagree with some of the labeling shown in the picture, I can't help but take notice to the truths shown. People do judge others based off of their hairstyles.

Lately I've been wearing my hair in a straight bob style in order to look "professional" when on job interviews or at my internship. I personally dislike getting my hair pressed on a regular basis, but I've been doing it because I feel like it's the right thing to do. Do I subconsciously think that my hair in its natural state in unprofessional? I wish I knew the answer to that question, but I don't. What I do know is that people perceive me differently when my hair is straight.

As a person, I'm no more or less professional with my hair straight than I am with it puffy so it should not make a difference, right? I've honestly had guys tell me that they prefer when girls go get their hair done (meaning relaxed, pressed and/or flat ironed). I've heard numerous women, on television and elsewhere, claim that getting their hair done helps them keep a man. On the other hand, I've recently come in contact with many young women that are embracing their natural hair textures. I am glad that I've been able to see both sides of the spectrum.

Unfortunately, some natural hair textures are more easily accepted by others. Those of us with kinky (or nappy) hair are often seen as the types that need their hair done the most. Those with natural wavy hair or loose curls can easily get away with not straightening their hair without worrying about the opinions of others. Hair length is also an issue for some of us. We want longer hair for whatever reason so we'll get extensions that can possibly damage our natural hair. Maintaining healthy hair is what should be our priority.

The truth is, it should not matter how you wear your hair nor should it matter what texture your hair is. What other people think about your hair shouldn't matter either. What should matter is the person you are and the person you are becoming. If you choose to wear your hair straight, do it. If you prefer your natural kinks or curls, wear them with pride. As young women, we are far too concerned with what other people might think. We base many of our personal decisions on what we think others will say. We should stop doing that.

So what does your hair say about you? It shouldn't say anything and what others say about your hair shouldn't matter. I welcome your feedback and would love to read your opinion on the topic. How do you currently wear your hair and why is that your preference? Do you have any interesting hair-related experiences to share?If so, feel free to post them below.


Thanks for reading,
Alexandria B.