After reading this article, and after following Tasha Smith’s career, she has earned a spot on my Icon list simply because she symbolizes to me what it means to move out of your own way.
Her life has not been easy, yet once she decided to let go and let God, there were miracles born unto her that can only be explained if you believe in faith and hard work. I can’t say anymore than the article can, but I will say this: when He speaks, listen; or you just may miss out on the biggest miracle of your life…
Peace and blessings…
She’s been on my mind lately…I have no idea why. But I vividly recall the day the news came down about her death and I remember how truly heartbroken I was. It still shakes me up a bit when I see her face and listen to her sing or hear someone mention her name. Maybe God is trying to tell me something—all I know is that I am compelled to write it out and pay tribute to a beautiful soul.
I think I’ve already done an Icon on Aaliyah; but since all my files are lost in space, we’ll just pretend this is new. Aaliyah is the original…Britney, Christina, Ciara…mere imitations of what Aaliyah was. She had something that they did not: class and a humbleness that displayed itself in everything that she did. With an angelic voice and agile dance moves, she quickly became a favorite among Hip Hoppers and R & B fans.
video credit: originally uploaded to YouTube on January 11, 2008 by denmay88
Her talents quickly parlayed into an acting career, starring in “Romeo Must Die” and “Queen of the Damned” before her untimely death. She was set to star in the Whitney Houston-produced remake of ”Sparkle”—which was canceled in 2007 (oh, how I would have loved to see that!).
Aaliyah is an Icon because she was a beautiful soul who left behind millions of fans who still mourn her and love her. She left precious memories, good memories…and thoughts of a young woman who had all the potential in the world. We still miss you, Baby Girl…R.I.P…
video credit: originally uploaded to YouTube on October 13, 2006 by denmay88
Peace and blessings… 
You know, I like Michelle…I like her “stand by my man” attitude, I like the fact that she puts her family before anything (except for God), and I like the fact that she is beautiful and tall and clearly loves her husband. I can dig anyone who stands up for their man, but for Michelle Obama to do it on a national stage for the past year or so is noteworthy. But don’t get it twisted…Michelle is her own woman. She has her own mind, her own thoughts, and she’s very protective. Step across the line and see what happens.
Michelle LaVaugn Robinson Obama was born and raised on the south side of Chicago. She projects the image of the friend that listens and gives good advice…not the kind that tells you what you want to hear, but the one that is honest with you and tells you what you need to hear. She is not the type to mince words, as you should know if you have listened at all to her speak on the campaign trail for her husband. She also has a very dry, but witty, sense of humor that takes some getting used to, but keeps you on your toes.
This is a woman that I added to my list of Icons because she is unrelenting in her belief in her husband. I think she honestly and truly believes that he is the right man to lead this country. Listening to her speak on the decision for her husband to run, Michelle speaks passionately about why she gave her approval…
video credit: originally uploaded to YouTube on August 16, 2007 by ScarceTV
I envision a White House with this woman as First Lady that is full of love and compassion…I envision Michelle bringing women’s and children’s issues to the forefront with her forceful speaking and brilliant mind. I hope for the day that I see Michelle and her husband and their two beautiful daughters on the White House lawn, soaking in the atmosphere of being the First Family, bringing a change to the nation that is needed and welcomed…
Peace and blessings…
I have always had mad respect for Jada…she is someone who has always been who she is, never succumbing to Hollywood. I have enjoyed watching her grow into a beautiful woman…from her time on “A Different World” to her ventures now in movies and music. Ms. Jada is phenomenal, and packs a punch in her diminutive frame. She doesn’t always choose the best roles (see “Woo”), but even in the bad roles, her personality always shines through.
Besides, anyone who grew up with and understands Tupac is always going to be cool with me. Ms. Jada does a lot to keep the memory of Pac alive, like donating money to the Baltimore School for the Arts in his memory. She has said that their relationship was a once in a lifetime type friendship…that is absolutely beautiful.
Her marriage to Will Smith has lasted almost 11 years, and they are the prototype of what a Hollywood marriage should be (in my opinion). Their love for one another shines in a way that I haven’t seen in a long time, and honestly, it is refreshing to see them be able to endure among all the craziness that is Hollywood. Will and Jada, I think, epitomize for Black couples what they can be: successful, family-oriented, and focused on keeping the family intact despite outside influences. I appreciate the fact that even though they are successful individuals, they realize that each play a role in the other’s success…there would be no “them” without the input of the other. Will and Jada not only love one another, but the level of respect they have for each other is tantamount to the success of their marriage.
video credit: originally uploaded to YouTube on January 8, 2007 by BravoTV
Ms. Jada is lead singer of Wicked Wisdom, a rock band that tours regularly. An unlikely choice, but as talented as she is, not surprising. Ms. Jada has her hand in many things: philanthropy, acting, directing, music…the list goes on and on. She is an icon to me because she is real. Besides the fact that she is beautiful and has one of the finest husbands out there, her realness is something that needs to be celebrated…
Peace and love…
