Unacceptable!

For the most part I normally don't really get caught up with the Oscars.  Some of my friends find that amazing since I was an actress for several years (almost a quarter of a century ago) and since for almost another 20 years I've been in the event business.  Both of my careers would scream pay attention to the Oscars.

However,  this year I was involved with putting on a fabulous affair at the Ebell of Los Angeles with co-chair Evelyn "Sparkle" Toliver and I have to say it was an amazing evening.  Although I had to wear a hat of "host" or "event coordinator," I was able to partake in the festivities and for the most part see what was going on the screen.  This year there weren't a lot of African Americans up for the golden statue, but we were present and represented.  Of course we all looked forward to seeing who wore what on the red carpet and who dazzled us and captivated our attention.   I would have to say, our first lady Michelle Obama, not only was amazing as usual wearing a silver Naeem Khan dress, but she closed the night by naming the best picture with class, style and purpose from the White House.

So as we were all enjoying the night and trying to have a good time, across the social media world, there was this (stupid) publication called The Onion that tweeted out about our young adorable girl actress Quvenzhane Wallis from the film, "Beasts of the Southern Wild" calling her a cunt.  When I heard that and then saw it in print I was done.  That was very offensive and not acceptable.  We're talking about  a young lady who was five when she auditioned for the film and is now nine.  Miss Wallis is the youngest nominee by the Academy Awards for Best Actress.  She has now gone on to star in Steve McQueen's upcoming film "12 Years a Slave," and was recently cast as the title character in the film remake of  "Annie." 

 I am a champion for young women and for their self esteem.  I am truly appalled by that comment.  As Actor Wendell Pierce said, "Identify the writer.  Let him defend that abhorrent verbal attack of a child.  You call it humor I call it horrendous."  We must protect our children and the virtue of our girls.  This is not acceptable and I'm paying attention!

 

Healing Without Hate:  It's a choice. It's a lifestyle. Pass it on!

 Visit www.WendyGladney.com &  www.forgivingforliving.org.   You can email her at wendy.gladney@gmail.com. Also follow her blog:  Wendygladney.blogspot.com. Wendy is featured on Radio Free 102.3 KJLH on Dominique DiPrima's Front Page Friday Mornings @ 5:00am.

The Ebell of Los Angeles Presents Academy Awards Night

It's always good when we can "party with a purpose." The Ebell of Los Angeles will host a special Academy Awards Night on Sunday, February 24, 2013.  There's no doubt that in addition to the Dolby Theatre, the best place to be for this affair is the other cultural icon, the historic Ebell of Los Angeles.  I became a member of the Ebell last year under the leadership of Shirlee Haizlip, best known for her book, "The Sweeter the Juice:  A Family Memoir in Black and White."  Under Ms. Haizlip's  presidency she worked hard to make sure that all women knew the doors of the Ebell were open to everyone. 

The Academy Awards Night Party is not only to highlight the Oscars, but it's a time that Membership Chair and Fourth Vice President, Evelyn Toliver wants to create an atmosphere that sets out the "red carpet" for future members.  The evening will  feature great dining by Chef Louis Pechan, music by Jerome Dean and his band and many surprises throughout the night.  The decor for the evening will call to mind the Hollywood dominated by Dorothy Dandridge, Hattie McDaniel and Sammy Davis, Jr.,  to name a few.

The Ebell of Los Angeles is an educational and philanthropic organization founded by women in 1894.  The mission is to participate in and encourage the educational, cultural and social growth of the diverse Los Angeles community.  The Ebell administers a college scholarship program for women and men and a program that assists women in need.  The Ebell also maintains and preserves its art collections and its historic Clubhouse and Wilshire Ebell Theatre.  Patty Hill serves as the President of the Ebell of Los Angeles.  Membership Chair and Fourth Vice President, Evelyn Toliver and Wendy Gladney serve as The Academy Awards Night Co-Chairs.  The profits from the evening will go back into the Fine Arts Theatre where the Club will engage middle & high school girls  in their STEM initiative.

 Healing Without Hate:  It's a choice. It's a lifestyle. Pass it on!

 Visit www.WendyGladney.com &  www.forgivingforliving.org.   You can email her at wendy.gladney@gmail.com. Also follow her blog:  Wendygladney.blogspot.com. Wendy is featured on Radio Free 102.3 KJLH on Dominique DiPrima's Front Page Friday Mornings @ 5:00am.

One Person Can Make A Difference & Touch A Life

This past week Forgiving For Living, Inc., taught a class on self esteem  to a group of young ladies in Watts we meet with monthly.  Before the class began and while we were waiting for some of the other young ladies to arrive, I decided to go around the table and ask what was a highlight for them since the last time we were together.  What I found a little shocking and puzzling was several of the girls shared they went to the cemetery to see one of their loved ones "rest in peace."  I'm not totally sure the age of the dearly departed, but I could tell he was a young person.

 

What makes me write about this particular situation is because more than one of the young ladies in the class shared this same sentiment.  As I began to reflect on their conversation and emotions, I thought about how all of us are a product of our environment and the way we process things or navigate through situations is based on what we are exposed to.  For these young ladies if death (whether through gang violence, murder, or just random acts of violence because of their location) is something they face on a regular basis, they begin to possibly build a wall around their emotions and they may even begin to see death as a way out.

I feel that we as adults need to do our best to try and help our youth hold onto their innocence and hope for a better future.  As I sit and write this article my mind drifts to the saying, "you can take the person out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the person."  (You can also exchange the word "country" for other words to describe a person's location).  But, I want to beg to differ.  If we replace negativity with positive thoughts and a plan or process to a better life or situation, I believe all things are possible.  I didn't come from the same exact situation as the young ladies I mention in this story, but I did come out of a desperate situation that may not seem full of hope, but because of a few individuals that touched my life in a positive way, I sit here today writing to you.  One person can make a difference and touch a life.

 

Healing Without Hate:  It's a choice. It's a lifestyle. Pass it on!

 

Visit www.WendyGladney.com &  www.forgivingforliving.org.   You can email her at wendy.gladney@gmail.com. Also follow her blog:  Wendygladney.blogspot.com. Wendy is featured on Radio Free 102.3 KJLH on Dominique DiPrima's Front Page Friday Mornings @ 5:00am.