Okay usually I talk about serious issues impacting the community etc etc but some of my fellow crazies at work put together this version of the Harlem Shake and I had to share it.  I was out of the office for the shoot because otherwise I would be been out there shaking uncontrollably with the best of them.

http://www.wdasfm.com/common/harlemshake.html

You know the secret of creating new habit is repeating behavior over time and I guess I haven't been too good at doing that with updating my blog.  Well I'm turning over a new leaf!  I get to do so many wonderful things and meet so many extraordinary people I want to be able to share them with you as much as possible. Over the weekend I had the privledge of moderating a panel on the impact of the Media on the 10th Annual Women and Influence Conference sponsored by Women's Way.  Respected journalist and activist Linda Wright Moore from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Documentary Film Maker Jude Ray and Educator, Film maker and media liberacy advocate Nuala Cabral were panelists.  How often do you see women sexualized, undermined and disrespected in the media?  Here's a picture of the panelists.  I really look forward to updating you on all the great people I meet and also the ways we can all empower ourselves.  - Loraine

I've known Essence Magazine best selling author Karen Quinones-Miller for over a decade and I'd heard about her writing workshops for years.  I finally broke down and attended one and I can speak from the heart when I tell you it was the best writing class I've ever taken.  Karen is holding a 6 hour "Publish orSelf-Publish Your Book" workshop in Philadelphia on Sunday, Feb 26th, from 10 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Karen has not only published seven best selling books including her first Satin Doll which was self-published - but she also runs a publishing company.  The workshop has a 15 person limit so you have to pre-register and soon.  If you think you have a book in you - this is a workshop you won't want to miss. Click here for more info  Publishing/Self-Publishing Workshop . Check out my recent interview with Karen Quinones-Miller and her partner Toshon Jennings.

 Interview with Karen Quinones-Miller and Toshon Jennings of Oshun Publishing

Okay Valentine's Day is behind us. How is that relationship going?  Or are you in a relationship at all.  The Philadelphia NAACP and the Philadelphia Sunday Sun are sponsoring The Black Love Experience 2012 Relationship Conference on Saturday February 25th at the Student Faculty Center on Temple University Health Science Campus at the Corner of Broad and Ontario Streets from Noon to 5:00 PM. It's free and there will be some great resources to help you find the relationship of your dreams.  Check out my interview on the event.

  Interview with Kiarra Solomon from the Philadelphia NAACP

Julie Tanpitukpong along with her partner Alton Fox are a powerhouse couple who are dedicated to using multiculturalism to leverage business and professional growth through an organization called Connect to Advance. They've got an event coming "syn-er-gy" on Thursday February 16, 2012.  The event promotes networking among professionals from diverse communities.  Plus a portion of the ticket goes to benefit the Philadephia Youth Orchestra's Tun Up Philly Program which provides music instruction for kids in the city.  Their vision is ..to beocme the premier venue for professionals of diverse culstures to gather together and share ideas, to exchange business and create strategic alliances."  For more information go to '
http://www.connecttoadvance.com.

 Interview with Julie T of Connect to Advance