Above: Video of the '2012 Go Topless Day Rally' In New York City. Started in 2007, the celebration and protest actually pushes an agenda of equal rights for the sexes in another way. Simply put, a breast is a breast - be it male or female. In fact, for the NYPD, 'breast exposure is not considered public lewdness, indecent exposure, or disorderly conduct.' In fact, the New York cops have been instructed to protect topless protesters like others marching for rights.

'In 2007, Go Topless, a national organization supporting gender equality in shirtlessness laws, established Go Topless Day. Dozens of women protest - often topless - in thirty cities around the United States, promoting equal rights to be shirtless. Protests usually include chants of "Free your breasts. Free your minds" and a song "Let 'em Breathe" to the tune of the Beatles' "Let it Be."'

- Policy Mic

Gotta love America. Top(less) to bottom! Watch the [Not Safe For Work] video after the jump.

READ THE ENTIRE WRITE-UP FROM POLICY MIC HERE.

- @ojones1



via: http://www.jayforce.com/videos/what-does-gender-parity-mean-women-go-topless-and-demonstrate-in-nyc-video-nsfw

I was getting ready to put my laptop down. When I saw that one of my favorite actresses, Catherine Zeta Jones was in the Headlines: Catherine Zeta Jones Checks in For Bi-Polar Disorder "maintenance." Whoa. It made me think and wonder-are Sistas suffering from this as well??...of course we are suffering from Bi-Polar Disorder.



Black people traditionally do not go see psychiatrist's or "head doctors." I am in close relationship with the Lord, however I do feel like when you are in mental instability the remedy is not Prayer. You need help in the same way that you need insulin or high blood pressure medication. Black people are still feeling like there is a stigma attached to mental illness or something that only white people get treated for.



I hope that if you or anybody that you know may suffer from Bi-Polar Disorder or any other mental issues, that you would read this and do more research.
According to BlackHealthZone.com

Bipolar disorder involves periods of excitability (mania) alternating with periods of depression. The "mood swings" between mania and depression can be very abrupt.

Symptoms

The manic phase may last from days to months and can include the following symptoms:

• Agitation or irritation

• Elevated mood

o Hyperactivity

o Increased energy

o Lack of self-control

o Racing thoughts

• Inflated self-esteem (delusions of grandeur, false beliefs in special abilities)

• Little need for sleep

• Over-involvement in activities

• Poor temper control

• Reckless behavior

o Binge eating, drinking, and/or drug use

o Impaired judgment

o Sexual promiscuity

o Spending sprees

• Tendency to be easily distracted

These symptoms of mania are seen with bipolar disorder I. In people with bipolar disorder II, hypomanic episodes involve similar symptoms that are less intense.

The depressed phase of both types of bipolar disorder involves very serious symptoms of major depression:

• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions

• Eating disturbances

o Loss of appetite and weight loss

o Overeating and weight gain

• Fatigue or listlessness

• Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness and/or guilt

• Loss of self-esteem

• Persistent sadness

• Persistent thoughts of death

• Sleep disturbances

• Excessive sleepiness

• Inability to sleep

• Suicidal thoughts

• Withdrawal from activities that were once enjoyed

• Withdrawal from friends

There is a high risk of suicide with bipolar disorder. While in either phase, patients may abuse alcohol or other substances, which can worsen the symptoms.

Sometimes there is an overlap between the two phases. Manic and depressive symptoms may occur simultaneously or in quick succession in what is called a mixed state.

Treatment

For the manic phase of bipolar disorder, antipsychotic medications, lithium, and mood stabilizers are typically used. For the depressive phase, antidepressants are sometimes used, with or without the manic phase treatment.

There is very little long-term evidence suggesting that any medication has great success in the maintenance phase. However, in studies that followed patients for 2 years, lithium and some antipsychotics were found to be moderately successful.

Antipsychotic drugs can help a person who has lost touch with reality. Anti-anxiety drugs, such as benzodiazepines, may also help. The patient may need to stay in a hospital until his or her mood has stabilized and symptoms are under control.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be used to treat bipolar disorder. ECT is a psychiatric treatment that uses an electrical current to cause a brief seizure of the central nervous system while

So its no secret I love wine, rich food and I don't get excited when its time to put my running shoes on. Okay, my walking shoes on. Yes, my goal in this article is to get Black Girls Walking! But I do know that as a 35 year old Black Woman, I must exercise. Not only is it important to stay marketable and look good, exercise is also important for my heart health and state of mind. The importance of staying in shape is paramount, not something to be thought about on the sidelines of life. But the question is, how does a regular girl do it? If you are no Kenya Moore, and know that you probably wont ever be, how do you stay looking good?



I have pulled together 10 Tips to get Black Girls Walking:
1. Just Do it. I know that sounds harsh and boring and not like a tip at all but it is. We don't think about going to work, though we may not want to do it, we dont think about taking care of of our children or loved ones, we just do it. So put yourself first for just a few minutes a day and Just Do it.

2. Find a Partner who does not live near you and schedule time to walk for 30 minutes twice a day. Make sure that its somebody that you like talking to, so that you look forward to the social time more than you cringe at the though of exercise.

3. Buy a dog, I know, a dog is more responsibility than just walking them. But if you have a creature that you love that depends on you for everything-including a walk to go to the bathroom OR for exercise. You will take that walk around the block! I have two dogs and I walk them separately so that I can spend quality time with both of them AND get twice as much exercise.

4. take a picture of yourself in your bra and panties. Yeah, get in that mirror with your cell phone and take a REAL picture of yourself in your sexies! Does it look good to you? Because if you are not turned on yourself, then your significant other might not be all that excited about seeing it either. You don't have to be skinny minnie at all, but DO be healthy, in proportion and looking good. Review this picture often and have a goal of a more fit picture in a month.

5. Start off with 10 minutes. If you have not exercised in a while, then you may not be used to opening up those lungs or moving those legs. Don't over-do it when you start. The way to be successful with anything is to be consistent. Its better to do something for 10 minutes a day-every day than 2 hours two time a month. Start off slow, build your stamina and endurance and then increase.

6. Realize that walking is enough. While some people go all crazy in the gym, you dont have to. Exercise is as easy as opening your front door and moving. I know that you are driving here and there and walk very littie. That is why that pouch is killing your center.

7. Think about how marketable you want to remain. If you are married you want to stay sexy to your husband. If you are single and want a husband, being fit allows your pickings to be greater. If you do not want a husband, aint nobody ever complained about a whistle or two. Knowing that somebody else is looking kinda makes you feel good and can remind you to get that big butt offa the couch!

8. Remember your heart. You probably like the rich food and wine, just like me. So you are taking care of your mouth, remember to take care of your heart. She needs you to keep her pumping, moving and healthy. Exercising is the BEST thing that you can do.

9. Want to have a better mental state, MOVE. When I exercise I handle stress better. I actually get more done-even though I am taking more time out of my day, because my body and mind are more effective.

Side Note: Exercising helps me make better eating decisions because I am thinking about carrying all the junk in this trunk up the hill. I will have the protein shake not the milk shake, please.

10. The Most Fabulous First Lady of all time, Michelle Obama tells us ALL to move our bodies. And who is badder than Michelle Obama? I'm taking her advice! She is (ag

Tracy McMillan - the 'Supreme Matchmaker' and author of "Why You're Not Married Yet" - explains why some women are b!tches on 'Sway in the Morning.' Her rather simple yet candid answer makes all the sense in the world if you think about it. But Hey... Just sharing some insight with you. She also speaks a bit on her show 'Ready for Love.'



via: http://www.jayforce.com/videos/why-some-women-are-btches-video

Singer/Songwriter Crystal Nicole will be a featured performer at WGCI's Black Women Expo today in Chicago, IL

JANELLE MONÀE COVERS LATEST ISSUE OF FLATT MAGAZINE
DISCUSSES PHILANTHROPY, ADVERSITY, PERSONAL STYLE, & BEING A WOMEN IN MUSIC, WITH SPECIAL GUEST CYNDI LAUPER!

"Remaining unique and comfortable in my own skin is part of my DNA...I feel a shift in the amount of diverse examples of women in the music industry." - Janelle Monáe
"I used to call the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Men because when I walked thru the museum there were only a handful exhibits dedicated to women...I think the next generation will be the generation where equality for all will actually be a reality." - Cyndi Lauper

FLATT Magazine is the artifact of a new community of creative entrepreneurs who believe that art, in all of its guises, can be a scaffold for great change. Operating as a philanthropic gesture, Founder and Editor in Chief, Christina Lessa promotes the urgency of support for the arts in America whether through mentorship, physical action or finance. http://flattmag.com/

Reportedly a letter from a Sister2Sister reader has sparked the age old debate if black men prefer white women. And there was no shortage of answers from either side of this debate. But read the letter for yourself below.
::::::::::

Dear Jamie:
I'm sorry but I would like to challenge some of your Black male readers. I am a White female who is engaged to a Black male-good-looking, educated and loving. I just don't understand a lot of Black female's attitudes about our relationship. My man decided he wanted me because the pickings amongst Black women were slim to none. As he said they were either too fat, too loud, too mean, too argumentative, too needy, too materialistic or carrying too much excess baggage. Before I became engaged, whenever I went out I was constantly approached by Black men, willing to wine and dine me and give me the world. If Black women are so up in arms about us being with their men, why don't they look at themselves and make some changes. I am tired of the dirty looks I get and snide remarks when we're out in public. I would like to hear from some Black men about why we are so appealing and coveted by them. Bryant Gumbel just left his wife of 26 years for one of us Charles Barkley, Scottie Pippen, the model Tyson Beckford, Montell Williams, Quincy Jones, James Earl Jones, Harry Belafonte, Sydney Poitier, Kofi Anan, Cuba Gooding Jr., Don Cornelius, Berry Gordy, Billy Blanks, Larry Fishburne, Wesley Snipes... I could go on and on. But, right now, I'm a little angry and that is why I wrote this so hurriedly. Don't be mad with us White women because so many of your men want us. Get your acts together and learn from us and we may lead you to treat your men better. If I'm wrong, Black men, let me know.

Disgusted White Girl,
Somewhere in VA
::::::::::
There is nothing more infuriating to most black women than to have to watch the slim picking of brothers go outside of their race. Sure, that is not the politically correct thing to say, but it's true. Why a black man chooses a white woman over a black one is really up for debate, because ultimately it's a very private decision, right? Or is it? Is a brother turning his back on his culture because he decides to date or marry outside of it? That is another subject for another day. What we need to talk about here is whether 'disgusted white girl' has valid points. And to ask ourselves is it really what she said or whether or not we feel

Sitting under my tree, enjoying the breeze. Celebrating all women around the world. Enjoy the pictures below .











via: http://djblackgh.wordpress.com/2013/03/08/pictureshappy-international-womens-day

We recognize this image. It looks like us, sounds like us; the physical resemblance is striking even. However, their behavior is loud, crude, and out of the norm for us. Their attire is revealing, risqué, and not something we'd regularly wear. The language they use is laced with profanity and obscene gestures that doesn't necessarily fit our demeanor. Who is this image? Her name is the media and she's holding up a mirror to African American women everywhere. But is the mirror showing us a reflection of our true selves or our evil twin? From movies, to music, and finally to television, we explore our portrayal in the media both past and present.
Like everything else, the media has a good and bad side. It provides us with hours of entertainment of our favorite programing that range from reality shows to movies to popular music videos. At first glance, it seems innocent enough. However, as time goes on; our portrayal in the media has been called into question. What started out as subtle instances of us not being displayed in the best light at times has turned into blatant illustrations of our reputations being dragged through the mud. Then again, is this something new or have we just overlooked the understated changes in the image the media has been showing us over the years?
Movies: Ever since we were allowed to play a part in the media, we were type casted and roles were limited. One of the first images young girls of color identified with in the media was the "mammy" image, in which the characteristics consisted of being of a darker complexion, a larger frame, and only working in domestic situations. Hattie McDaniel brought this image to the big screen in her role as "Mammy" in the famous movie "Gone with the Wind" which earned her an Oscar in 1939. Unfortunately, we are still not too far removed from roles like these. In February of 2012, Octavia Spencer wins an Oscar for her role as "Minny", a domestic servant during the civil rights era in the critically acclaimed movie "The Help."
Music: The same similarities can be made with music. In the late 1980's and early 1990's, music groups such as 2 Live Crew type casted young ladies as nothing more than sexual objects through their explicit lyrics and even more explicit music videos which were primarily made up of black women. The same can be said for past artists such as Big Daddy Kane and Too Short. Today, music artists such as Lil Wayne, Big Sean, and Tyga are carrying on the tradition started decades earlier of degrading females through their craft and ultimately contributing to the stereotype that has been placed on us.
Television: With the birth of reality shows, girls on the outside looking in are trying to obtain "microwave fame", the illusion of instant success reality shows appear to provide. Now many are looking toward The Real Housewives, Basketball Wives, and Love & Hip Hop franchises to turn everyday women like themselves into household names. But at what cost?
Sixteen year old Maiah Morris of Atlanta Georgia can identify with how the portrayal of African American women in the media spills over into the real world. "There are plenty of women that feel as though they deserve respect but can't always receive it because of how Black women are perceived and portrayed" she explains. "Some say all women are not dirty and don't "back it up" on every guy in the club."
Not all of our images in the media are negative. "I think that there are both good and bad looks of African American Women. There are a lot of beautiful black women that serve as a foundation such as Oprah, Michelle Obama, Ms. Rice, and many more" says Morris. "They portray black women as Strong, Independent, Beautiful, Talented, Loving, Peaceful, Intelligent women." However, success did not come for these ladies overnight.
Many of the issues surrounding our portrayal in the media touches on more of the long term effects caused by the images women see of themselves in the media, specifically bod

The 6th Annual Essence Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon was held on Thursday. This year's event honored Oprah Winfrey, Alfre Woodard, Gabrielle Union, Mara Brock-Akil, Naomie Harris and Quvenzhane Wallis.

The annual luncheon recognizes and spotlights the accomplishments of African-American female performers and creators in film and television.

Zsanae Davis from RedCarpetImages.net was at the event. Check out some of the great photos from the red carpet. To purchase or view more images, go to http://www.RedCarpetImages.net and make sure to visit their Fan Page at http://facebook.com/redcarpetimages


Kelly Rowland


Sanaa Lathan


Devon Franklin and Meagan Good


Lauren London


Laila Ali


Jill Scott


Denise Vasi


Essence Atkins


Honoree Gabrielle Union


La La Anthony


Honoree Naomie Harris


Honoree Quvenzhane Wallis


Tamera Mowry-Housely and Tia Mowry-Hardrict

(Singing) Beauty's only skin deep.... Yeah yeah yeah.... Beauty's only skin deep... Ohhhhh yeah

— Jay Force (@Jayforce_) February 12, 2013

The 4th Annual Essence Black Women in Music took place on Feb 6 in West Hollywood.

Essence Black Women in Music brings out the music industry's elite to celebrate the accomplishments of the most influential movers and shakers in the business.

Zsanae Davis of RedCarpetImages.net was on hand to get some great pictures from the red carpet. To purchase one of the pictures or to view more, check out http://www.RedCarpetImages.net


Jill Scott


NeNe Leakes


Jennifer Williams


Solange Knowles


Lianne La Havas


Kelis


Leah Labelle


LisaRaye McCoy


Naturi Naughton


Vanessa Williams


Goapele


Jennia Fredrique

Click For MORE 4th Annual Essence Black Women in Music Pics

Photo Credits: RedCarpetImages.net

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Singer/songwriter Crystal Nicole was honored at ASCAP's 4th Annual Women Behind The Music. The Grammy-winning artist was recognized for her numerous contributions to the industry including four #1 records and countless chart-topping records.

Check out the footage captured from RashaEntertainment



via: http://rashaentertainment.com/crystal-nicole-honored-at-ascaps-4th-annual-women-behind-the-music-video

This is the 1st ever stripper reality show
"BEHIND THE POLE"!!

This show is based out of ATLANTA,GA
home of the strip clubs.
This is not a show to belittle or degrade the strippers but to show the world their life behind the pole. Auditions are being held @Club Goose Bumps (134 Baker St. Atlanta, Ga)
on Sunday Nov.4th @2pm
Bring 1full body photo & 1 dance outfit. Be ready to do a 2min stage audition/interview. THANKS
134 baker st. Atlanta,ga 30303

FOR MORE INFO:
EMAIL- BEHINDTHEPOLE2012@GMAIL.COM
OR
CALL 404.671.631