In celebrating 30 days of Yasmin — 30 days of literacy, film and empowerment–this is one of my empowerment messages.  9/23  to 10/23/11 – Join the Movement… As rough as life is, and it does get rough, there are things for which we should be thankful . When I look at my life, I am [...]

I’ve been tested for HIV/AIDS several times in my life. Though I’ve had the same partner for a decade+, I’m not an intravenous drug user and I don’t engage in high risk sexual activity–it feels good to know my status. Be encouraged on this day and know your status.

I’m on my annual vacation and I’m having a good time. I didn’t want you all to think that I had deserted you. I flew to the Grand Cayman Islands for a while to regroup. As a writer, director, activist, etc, its so necessary for me to clear my head on a consistent basis. Its [...]

I’ve been hanging in here with my lifestyle journey. The Artist’s Way has been helping me tremendously with its suggestions of doing things that I like each day. So, I’ve committed to having an hour of fun each and every day.  Some days I play tennis for 30 minutes and then I’ll go bike riding [...]

Okay, Day 10 is kinda rough. I’m already tired of giving up the stuff that was bad for me. Why can’t I have two boxes of grapeheads before breakfast? I don’t feel like jogging or walking for 2 miles either. The only thing that I would never give up on is writing. Its sorta like [...]

I guess in our society where one’s individual impact is often minimized, we begin to believe that the things that we do don’t matter. How we dress, how we talk, what we eat… Who is looking at us? Who are we? We’re only one person. So, what does it matter? But on this journey of [...]

Before and after dinner for the last couple of days, I have gotten headaches. It was like my body was saying, “Since you’re not overstuffing me anymore, I’m going to give you a headache!” Gee whiz. It’s the most ridiculous thing. I’m eating less junk food, less fats, less sweets, and eating more vegetables, more [...]

I declare, I don’t want to gross anyone out today. But, I believe the more veggies you eat the better you smell. I think it affects, breath, body odors, the whole thing. I don’t know if its true, but I think so. I wear a retainer at night to keep my teeth straight, and I’ve [...]

Give it to shock jock, Howard Stern, for saying what many people were probably thinking. Oprah and all the fans of Precious applauded Gabourey Sidibe’s performance in Precious, but all seemed to ignore that Hollywood is a size conscious place. With stars like Queen Latifah –who had a breast reduction–early in her Hollywood career, Oscar [...]

According to the Washington Post, the District of Columbia will be giving out free female condoms over the next three weeks as a part of a campaign that will distribute 500,000 condoms through high schools, beauty salons, and convenience stores.The campaign is funded by MAC cosmetics. (Get ya lip gloss on!) This initiative is aimed [...]

In continuing with my 2009 end of the year lists, I wanted to share what I learned while seeing a shrink this year. Before you gasp and think I cannot see a shrink because I’m obviously so together. I will say this, “This is how I stay together, by seeing a shrink!” It helps unload [...]

I’m so proud of Nick Cannon and Nickelodeon for hosting the TeenNick Halo Awards tonight and giving teens awards for their community service and dedication. It is hard enough being a young person so when I see young people go the extra mile I think they should be given every accolade possible–including free rides to [...]