“It’s like BOOM, I gotta do what I gotta do, son…Shhii…Grown woman making decisions and choices, utilizing everything inside of me.”
-Jill Scott
Boss.
The Light of the Sunexceeded my expectations. Ms. Scott never, ever disappoints. Possibly 65 percent of the album sounds like “Imagination” (musically and lyrically), and words cannot describe how I feel about that one. With this album Jilly has inspired me in more ways than one. She was so honest on this album. She put it all out there in tracks like “Le BOOM Vent Suite” and “Quick.” One of my favorites, for sure is “Hear My Call,” a prayer to God to grant clarity and discernment about life and what it is and is not offering to us. She makes sure we don’t forget that she’s a writer and storyteller first. Her poem, “Rolling Hills,” sends a powerful message to women to look inside themselves for what’s real, instead of basing our lives and decisions off of our “fat asses.” She made me want to dust off my poetry journal. Uggghhh!!!
“Here am I again asking questions, waiting to be moved.I am so unsure of my perception.What I thought I knew, I don’t seem to…”
-Jill Scott
Have you ever heard someone do a poem or a song that makes you shout out all kinds of cosigns and foolishness at them even though you know good and well they can’t hear you? This is that all day!
Before I could plug my iPod up at work, I ran across this interview on Afrobella with Ms. Scott. While listening to the album, I noticed several themes tailored towards women, including having a spirit of discernment, which prompts us to make good or better choices in life and love and yes, even what goes on in our beds, and seeing the prize and value in ourselves. Her quote summed it up when she said this, “Now I have to look at myself and really pay attention to what I want out of life. And I don’t wanna be physically satisfied and emotionally lonely. That not good enough. Not for me.” Listen to the first two parts of the interview here.
The Light of the Sun gets my stamp of approval. Can’t wait to see her for Essence Music Festival.
Last night millions (hopefully) of faithful fans gathered around their televisions to watch the premiere of the re-airing of ‘The Game’ on BET. Someone said it was the best thing since the airing of Roots. Two years later, a lot has changed with our Sabers family, but even more has stayed the same. Quickly, let’s discuss what went right, what went wrong and what just had me plain confused.
The Good
The characters’ evolution: These people have come full circle Derwin is the man, Tasha is a big-time sports agent, Jason is trying sports commentating and Melanie graduated from medical school.
The music: The BEST thing about the entire premiere was the intro. Whoever decided to put that montage to B.o.B.’s “Don’t Let Me Fall” is a genius! They’ve always done a great job of incorporating music that fits the scenes perfectly.
Jason Pitts: Had to be the character with the least change. His dry humor is still hilarious to me. Not to mention, he’s hot.
Tee Tee: Malik’s cousin and former assistant has come up in the world with his very own wing truck. I was so glad to see him again. He still doesn’t have those acting skills up, but that’s part of his charm. He’s the best bad actor I’ve ever seen. Gooooooo Tee Tee! I wonder if he’ll rat Malik out though.
The Bad
Girl Melanie’s erratic behavior: She will forever be stupid. Now, I have to watch the whole season while she walks on eggshells about this damn DNA test. She made the show exciting at the end with her foolishness–as usual. Leave it up to her to keep us on our toes.
Kelly: She has gone straight crazy. Does she represent the Divorced Woman Gone Wild? She doesn’t even sound the same anymore, like she shot up right before they began filming. I have a feeling she’ll calm down as the season goes on. I’ve got my fingers crossed on that one. I really like her character.
Malik’s obnoxious behavior: Actually, he’s still the same narcissistic, arrogant asshole he was before, but he didn’t have to sleep with Tee Tee’s wing truck intern, nor does he have to carry on with the team owner’s woman. Oh Malik, I feel self-destruction coming on.
Jenae’s pompadour: No ma’am. Stick to the bob. In the words of Sheneneh, “You gotta bob and weave. Bob and use yo’ weave.” (I couldn’t resist.)
The Side-eye
Terrence J as Tasha Mack’s boy toy: No disrespect to Terrence, as I see he’s trying to get his acting career and sexy on, but they couldn’t find anyone else? And where in THEE hell is “Rick. Fox.” ? Bring him back, Ms. Brock!
The new and older Britt Brat: I know it’s been two years, Jason and Kelly’s daughter sure has grown up. She went from a little kinky-haired biracial child to a full-grown woman with a flat-iron and Sephora gift card to match. To the producers’ defense, I will say that very few television shows get it right when replacing characters, and they’re no exception. It’s to be expected after a two-year hiatus. Remember the original Derwin Davis?
Umm hmmm. Let’s move on.
Tasha Mack smoking a black and mild: Whoa. Totally threw me off. What’s really going on, Tash?
Too much drama, not enough comedy: Again, the one who delivered in comedy the best was Jason Pitts (Colby Bell). I was looking for more of a punch from Tasha Mack, although that “stable of Golden Girls” was hilarious. I’m pretty sure the writers opted to use more drama to pull viewers in quickly. I felt like I’d gone through an entire season by the end of the premiere.
Overall, I was pleased with the premiere. I’ll be tuning in every Tuesday to see my favorite cast again. I don’t buy into BET making the show “hood” or “ghetto” either. For those complaining about the resolution quality of the show, I didn’t have any problems. Get ya HD game up!
What did you think about the premiere? Check out a full recap at WSJ.com by Jozen Cummings.
Remind me to find out what a movie is actually about before I go see it. Last night, a friend and I saw Darren Aronosky’s Black Swan starring Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis and Vincent Cassel. I’d only seen bits and pieces of the trailer. The only things I knew were it was about a ballerina who gets pretty aggressive and it’s already been nominated for two Golden Globe Awards. Under normal circumstances, those two factors wouldn’t push me sit in a theater for two hours to watch it, but there was something intriguing and very “un-ballet” about it all. I wanted to see it.
It took about 45 minutes to realize Black Swan is a psychological thriller. There are overtones of seduction and sex, as Nina played by Portman, the timid ballerina selected as Swan Queen, the lead role in a Swan Lake remake, fights to get in touch her dark side to make a perfect performance.
“All that discipline, and for what?”
Without giving away the movie, Black Swan zoomed in on the following themes: passion, self-denial, surrendering to self and eroticism. The movie focuses on the duality of a person, and begs the questions: What are you afraid of? Does perfection really exist?
It’s my opinion that every person has two sides, a ying and a yang. While some people are experts in the balancing act, some only operate in one dimension. Nina was an accomplished ballerina, but her producer doubted her ability to let go and be a seductress for the sake of her craft. Her obsession to be perfect resulted in rigidness, creating a less passionate work.
I’d like to think that while striving for perfection can be healthy, it isn’t the answer to everything. That theme can easily be applied any other area of life. Aren’t there times when “letting go” and stepping outside of the box are necessary? Sometimes you have to sacrifice yourself or that which is so familiar and comfortable to get the results you’re seeking.
I’m not a cinema buff, but I think I know a good movie when I see one, and Black Swan is one of them. It stimulates every sense. For most of the movie, I was on the edge of my seat. The cinematography was amazing, taking you through every pirouette and plie’ in the dance sequences. Portman, though lacking in words for much of the film, gives an excellent dance and acting performance. She completely transformed by the end of the film.
There were some holes in the story for me though. There’s little explanation of Nina’s mom’s bizarre behavior or her bodily reactions to some things in the film, but overall it’s a story with just the right mix of thought-provoking symbolism and thrill. Finally, not only does it take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, but it forces you to ask yourself if you’ve ever met your “dark” side.
Lord knows I tried, but to no avail, I failed miserably and landed on the floor, on top of some guy I didn’t even know. In front of a large crowd of people I probably had never even seen before.
How did I get here? Let’s go back…
Last week was a work week straight from hell. By the time Friday rolled around, I was physically and mentally exhausted. Driving home that evening, I longed to be in kindergarten again for two reasons only : naptime and my favorite part of the day, recess.
Every day in elementary school, we would get 30 minutes to an hour to run, jump, play–basically wild out to relieve stress and practice fitness activity. If a 5-year-old needs naps and recess, don’t adults need them, too? Well, unless I walk two blocks to the parking garage to take a nap in my car (yes, I’ve done it before.), I won’t get nap time, but recess I can do something about, thanks to PlayDate.
PlayDate was finally launching in Memphis, according to a tweet I saw circulating a few weeks ago. I was so excited, as I’d always heard about how fun the monthly events were from friends in nearby cities like Atlanta and Nashville. Finally, we would get to experience it, like every other major city. Thank God because I’ve been burnt out on the club scene here. The need for something out of the norm in Memphis is great.
“PlayDate is an alternative to the everyday club scene. The concept was developed to bring diverse groups of people together to interact in a social setting based on playing games. PlayDate provides a unique platform that allows individuals to just have fun and interact with those who have the same goal.”
Let’s get back to the night in question. Imagine walking into a room to find full-grown adults Hula-hooping, playing Simon Says and Twister to “No Hands.” Or how about competing in sing-offs to Tupac’s “I Get Around” or Jay-Z “Empire State of Mind” to win prizes? That’s what was going on inside Stop 345, the launch event location.
The best thing about PlayDate? I didn’t feel restricted or guarded like I can sometimes feel in a “club” atmosphere. Though I could’ve hit the bar, no libations were needed to hype me up. We were all having good ol’ fashioned fun. Check it out:
This is what I walked in on.
DJ 007 was spinning.
PlayDate founder and TEC, Inc. CEO, Imari Harvard, showing us how Hula-hooping is done.
Twister…Big Fun!
PlayDate founders and team. Great guys!
Overall, PlayDate definitely brings something new to the Bluff City: diversity, a relaxed environment (no speed-dating here) and plain fun. If you missed the launch, check PlayDate Memphis out on Facebook or Twitter for next month’s event details and pictures.
Ironically, the title of Marsha Ambrosius’s upcoming album is a complete description of last 24 hours of my life. Last night the unthinkable happened. I went out during the week–to a club. I haven’t done that in ages, but this was special. The English girl with the golden voice, Marsha Ambrosius, formerly of Floetry made a stop here in Memphis to promote Late Nights & Early Mornings, her highly anticipated solo debut. For years, I’ve longed to see Floetry live, so I couldn’t pass up the chance to see Marsha.
Miss Ambrosius was wonderful! She’s yet another added to the very short list of artists who sound exactly like their studio records. Her voice and range were flawless, even through the crackling speakers in the venue. Though an artist for a little over 10 years, she has a songwriting and producer catalog out of this world. She hit the stage at 12:30 a.m. exactly with “Butterflies,” written for and recorded by Michael Jackson and went on to some Floetry songs, even singing those requested by her Twitter fans like “Feelings” and “Getting Late”. And if you’re wondering, yes, she did perform, “Say Yes” and paired it with her feature in Jamie Foxx’s ”Freak’in Me.” It’s safe to say that she had everyone wanting to yes to somebody.
The crowd singing “Butterflies” with her. Delighted much?
“You make me so, so, so, so….”
We were all still feeling that “Say Yes” medley. A little too much.
She’s full of personality and connects with the crowd well, a skill that seems to come naturally. How can you not love the woman who wrote “I Hope She Cheats (on You With a Basketball Player)”? That lovely English accent doesn’t hurt, either. In less than 40 minutes, she talked about the best sex she’d ever had, dropped the F-Bomb, and threw up the middle finger, all while doing so in glittery hot shorts, fabulous curly hair and flawless makeup. A lady, indeed.
I was slightly disappointed to find out that the album won’t drop until January 4, but patience is required when waiting on GOOD music, such as hers. She performed a few songs on the new album, Late Nights & Early Mornings, such as one written with Alicia Keys. BANGER. I’m sure Ambrosius’s solo efforts won’t disappoint, so we, faithful fans, will hold on to mixtapes and even old Floetry albums until that time arrives.
Admittedly, I Twitter, Facebook and email stalked her for days for an interview. It didn’t happen, but look what I saw once my no-battery-life-having iPhone recharged….
Where was I by the time I read that tweet? At home wrapped in my terry cloth robe. What an #ultimateFAIL. So, I missed out on the opportunity to meet Marsha and I have a slight headache due to sleep deprivation, but atleast I witnessed her talent live and up close. I look forward to January 4 and even more live performances. Check her out at www.marshaambrosiusmusic.com/ or on Twitter . Clearly, she actually tweets back.
So it’s official. Will Packer’s film, Takers, starring an all-star cast of actors and entertainers turned actors was #1 in ticket sales its opening weekend, bringing in $20.5 million. It was a GREAT movie. It exceeded my expectations in all areas: acting, action and story lines. I’ve heard a few people say that it sucked, while others are calling it the new day heist classic. I won’t go that far since heist movies aren’t my thing, but I do think Will Packer, producer of Stomp the Yard (1&2) and Obsessed, produced this movie with the most popular business formula by Tom Peters in mind: Underpromise; overdeliver. Takers did just that. Here’s why:
1. Idris. Tip. Paul. Michael. Hayden and yes, Chris. I initially thought this movie would have been a great “Date Night” movie, but upon looking at the preview again, I changed my mind. I decided not to go with a guy to see a movie chock-full of eye candy. Within a week of the release, two friends asked about going. Evidently, every other young woman in Memphis had the same idea: Go to see Takers and lust over these fine men together. Good ol’ female bonding–no Waiting to Exhale. The cast is what I’ll call the perfect mix of swagger. (Forgive me. I vowed to never use that word again, but dammit, it fits!). There was something for everyone and every taste in men.
2. The Allure. Nothing peaks the average American’s interest more than fine men dressed in tailored suits, beautiful women, flashing lights, cocktails, fast cars and money. From Miami Vice to Takers, over twenty years later, the formula still works. In the words of Dave Chappelle: GOTCHA, BITCH!!
3. The Action. I saw the preview a few months ago. The only thing I could remember was Tip and Chris were in a movie together. That was enough for me. (Too easy!) I didn’t see the action coming. at. all. First things first: I’m not an action film kind of girl, so it’s a great thing that I didn’t expect it. And even better thing is that I loved it. The guns, the fights, the chases–Takers had it all. Chris Brown’s scene (I nicknamed him “Lil Pooh” immediately upon sighting) was awesome! According to MTV News, he did 96 percent of his stunts. Di-ZAMM!
4. Clifford Harris’ ad-libs and humor. I swear Tip’s Atlanta accent works for him, rather than against him. It’s eerily funny, partly because it just is, but more so because I’m from the South. Therefore, I “get it.” I have a strange feeling that “I’ll put three holes in ya head like a bowling ball” wasn’t in the original script. Neither were all the other lines during the heist. He definitely added comedy to the film. Big ups to Tip!
Sorry, I tried! Believe me!
5. Idris Elba in boxer briefs. It’s quite possible that as he sat in the bed in nothing but his “drawz,” every woman in every theater around the world secretly prayed that the camera would zoom in as he got up. Our prayers were answered. Rejoice!
Congratulations to the Takers cast and production crew. Keep films like these coming!
Thanks to gossip blogs and social media, everyone thinks they know the ins and outs of celebrity relationships. Award-winning journalist Aliya S. King takes you beyond the red carpet and flashing lights in her first novel, PLATINUM.
When Alex Sampson, a seasoned journalist, takes a huge writing assignment to shadow hip-hop wives while ghostwriting a raunchy tell-all book for Cleo, a veteran video vixen, she knows drama awaits. Cleo wants to single-handedly destroy lives one by one, page by page by documenting her sexcapades with powerful rappers–who could possibly in relationships with Alex’s upcoming story sources. Little does Alex know how much of her own life she’ll see in theirs.
She interviews the wives and wives-to-be: Beth Saddlebrook, longtime wife to Z, one of New York’s hottest rappers, who is on the verge a personal and professional breakdown. She is also a small town white woman, pregnant with their fifth child–all while tolerating and managing his infidelity.
Josephine Bennett is a beautiful couture clothing designer married to the most sought after producer in the industry, Ras. When her husband’s fling confronts her face-to-face, she must ask Ras—and herself, if he was only in lust with another woman–or was he in love?
A megastar and entertainer since her teen years, Kipenzi Hill wants to give it all up for the simple life. For years she’s had to hide her relationship with her boyfriend, hip-hop god, Jake, for professional reasons. Kipenzi trades in her stilettos for sneakers and looks ahead to marriage until Cleo’s book puts doubts in her mind about Jake’s committment to her.
Conflict of interest is the name of the game, but Alex must do both jobs and hold in a secret she’s had for years without compromising her journalistic values and morals.
King takes readers on a real life ride through the lives of women and what they will and won’t do for their men, families and happiness. Her first-hand experience in the journalism game makes her writing even more believable. You feel as if you’re right there in the moment, in the offices of a Vibe or Source Magazine. PLATINUM shows readers there’s much more to hip-hop journalism than just putting words on paper.
It’s realistic and sexy–definitely a page-turner. I look forward to the sequel, or even a spin-off book focusing solely on a particular character.
Father’s Day, hair appointments, work events and such, made for a very busy weekend. I decided to treat myself and go to the PJ Morton show on Saturday. You do know him, don’t you? If not, read my interview with him at Clutch. (It’s fairly dated, but still relevant.)
Long story, short, PJ is the son of a preacher—Bishop Paul Morton, Sr., the father of the Full Gospel denomination, to be exact. He’s been on tour promoting his new album, Walk Alone, so how fitting that in his return to Memphis, he’s brought by a Christian promotions company, Preacher Kid Promotion (PKP) Agency.
The PK Agency’s goal, according to its website, is to “build churches and ministries through our talent roster and providing you with gospel talent of every level from urban, contemporary, traditional, neo soul and hip-hop gospel.”
I’d known that PKP Agency was behind the show from the start, but when I entered the club, it totally slipped my mind. Music was blasting and people were posted at the bar. No biggie. There were two opening acts who turned out to be Christian/Inspirational artists. I didn’t think much about it until a guy asked me if he should be ordering alcoholic drinks at the bar. By the time the first second act finished, I realized that the intermission music consisted of “Ego” and a few other “secular” songs. Wait, what kind of event was this? I thought. I felt like my old Sunday School teacher was asking me, “Who are you going to serve? God or the world? **Cringe**
So it was a Christian show. Maybe not? I mean, Sheri Jones-Moffett (Memphian and “Encourage Yourself” lead), was in a corner booth, vibing to the music. I felt different suddenly. Is there a switch that we constantly flip on and off depending on the situation, when in fact, being a Christian is a way of life? And then again, who says you can’t thank God in any setting? It’s always been my philosophy that God’s people can have fun, too. We don’t have to be in floor-length skirts, quoting scripture all day to receive the peace and blessings of God. That doesn’t make for a “heaven bound” soul. **Steps down off soapbox**
The whole scenario was a perfect illustration, possibly, of the war Morton’s critics try to place him in the middle of: secular vs. church. When you hear him, you definitely know his roots are in the church, but he’s a soul singer. His music reminds you of Stevie Wonder and sometimes even James Brown. It’s just good music that doesn’t make you pick a side. However, he’s written for gospel greats and R&B singers alike (One of his singles, “Love You More”, is a duet with Tweet. Come back Southern Hummingbird!!), as well as a music director for the house band on BET’s gospel talent show, Sunday Best. This time last year, a huge debate followed Morton’s release of his first book, Why Can’t I Sing About Love? From the website:
Why Can’t I Sing About Love deals with the age-old argument of sacred vs. non-sacred music. Many of the doctrines we as Christians are taught have been man-made and not Biblically based. A number of writers, producers, artists, and musicians have been shunned from the church for doing music outside of gospel. This book will show that love songs are not only inspired by God, but are in fact Biblical!
How different is Morton’s place in the music industry from Al Green, the legendary soul singer turned preacher (minus the drug addiction)? Because his music is timeless and universal, Reverend Green still sings his classics “Love and Happiness” and “Let’s Stay Together” for adoring fans and then returns to the pulpit of his church to talk about Jesus. There are countless other artists who perform both genres of music.
Despite my own personal confusion about the event itself, I quickly moved past that. I was there to hear good music, and as usual, PJ and his band didn’t disappoint. They rocked! From songs like “How We Were” and “The One” to the inspirational “Mountains and Molehills” and “I Need You,” he put on an awesome show.
He was feeling it.
There’s nothing like live music.
With PKP Agency’s owner, LaQuinton Alston.
After only an hour, he had to go, but ended the set as he always does, with the theme song from Cheers. He cut the music and we all sang it soulfully, and dare I say, it felt like we were at church. I guess it’s something that will never go away.
From Dallas show
The highlight of the night was meeting him (again). Before I went into my spiel about meeting and interviewing him, he quickly let me know he remembered me from Twitter. Oh, the power of social media! Order Walk Alone at Amazon.com or iTunes.com.
“And there, in the same city where they met as girls, four New York women entered the next phase of their lives dressed head to toe in love.”
-Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City (I)
Well, the girls have grown up, and you can’t say you weren’t warned.
They’re still in the city and they still have sex (Hello, Samantha!), but there’s something different this time around. For years, we have been hypnotized by their adventures in finding love, coupled with sexcapades and relationship drama, but this movie answers the question: What happens after you find the love you were always searching for? How does life work then? Is youth and the chase more alluring than age and comfort?
I purposely did not read any reviews of the movie until I saw it, though you should check out Sex and the City Psychology and Belle for two different perspectives. I’d heard that a few industry reviews were less than stellar, and I was a little worried. I couldn’t believe that the girls wouldn’t be able to pull it off like they always do. (I had this overwhelming fuzzy feeling after I watched the first one. I wanted to hug my mama and call all of my besties near and far to tell them I loved them. I watch it every time it comes on and cry over the JOP wedding scene. See 4:18)
To those who never watched the Sex and the City series (I didn’t know they existed.), on the outside it seemed to be a fairytale about women who have lives that most will never attain. (The average woman doesn’t snag Manolo Blaniks and Prada bags on a whim, nor rock them to the corner market just for kicks.) To put it bluntly, a follower on Twitter said, “Why is everybody going to watch four rich white girls talk about sex and money? Why? I think they just four old sluts looking for love.”
I pointed out that for most women, sex, money and beautiful clothes are universal themes that, though we may not have them all at the same time, in a perfect world, we would. Life would be so boring without fantasy, and that’s why Sex and the City is a hit. Beyond that, SATC 2 shows the evolution of the four women who have come full circle since their early 30s, some trading in their sky-high libidos for hot flashes, others finally finding the balance between work and family.
There were several themes in the movie that stood out: (1) Compromise: Even after two years of marriage to Big, Carrie seemed to be stuck between her old life of VIP nights and excitement and her new life as a married woman destined to eat takeout forever. Big was caught up, too. Is it possible to take the spark of our old lives with us to our new lives? (2) Perfection: No person or their life is perfect. Period. It’s okay to be less than a Stepford Wife (3) Life Cycles: When Jay said he wanted to be “Forever Young,” he was referring to a state of mind, not the state of the body. (Again, hello, Samantha!) (4) Womanhood: The need to be heard and feel beautiful is innate in all women, even those who aren’t as “free” as us American women.(5) Friendship: This is what had women making plans and getting glam for movie premieres. Through hectic schedules and ex-boyfriend pop-ups, friendship never goes out of style.
Aside from the consistent themes, The girls changed, but they’d stayed the same, too. Samantha was always on point to provide the crass comic relief, while Miranda was her usual type-A self and Charlotte was the voice of reason (annoying at times to me). Carrie, the Golden Girl, purposely, was the one with internal conflict–trying so hard to find peace in herself and the relationship she waited so long to get.
Did it measure up to the usual standards? Yes, but in different terms. Movie-goers who expected to see the ladies clad in Gucci, partying it up in the clubs with one-night stands to follow only might have been let down. Sex and the City is a theme, not a permanent way of life, and this installment showed that. They’re in their 40s with the exception of Samantha, who’s “fifty-fucking-two years old.” Does life outside of your 20s and 30s stop? Of course not, but it does take a different turn.
The beauty of it, though, is the girls continue to find their way through life’s inevitable changes with style, and as they always have–dressed in love.
Friday night, I braved the cold and snow to attend a book reading/signing for author, Dolen Perkins-Valdez’s first novel, Wench. Out of all of the book reviews I’ve done, this was my very time actually attending a book signing. I’d already done the book review for a publication, including a phone interview with her. She’s a native Memphian who is finally getting the recognition she deserves in the literary industry.
What intrigued me most wasn’t that the body of work came from a Memphian, but the story itself is one that needs to be shared. It’s a fictional take on history, a love story and look at friendship between women and slaves. I’m half-way through the book and I feel like I know each of these women. They each have a special story to tell–and it all takes place while on “vacation” at Tawawa House.
Tawawa House resort is located in the free state of Ohio in the mid-1800s. Beautiful and secluded, it is also the place where white masters vacation with their enslaved mistresses, including Lizzie, Reenie and Sweet. Over the years, the three women have formed a bond through commonalities and differences—physical and psychological ties to their masters and family matters. Enter Mawu, another mistress from Louisiana, who shares dreams of freedom with the women—after all, they are in a free state. All four women’s relationships with their masters and their lives on their respective plantations chance being changed forever.
The Tawawa House was a real place, open from 1851-1854. It later became Wilberforce College, a historically black university. “There was no record left behind (from vacationers or slaves),” says Perkins-Valdez. “I couldn’t stop asking myself, ‘how did it happen? How did they get away with it?’ I decided I would go into the imaginative side.”
A novel about slave mistresses isn’t a new idea–consider Sally Hemmings’ reported longtime relationship with president Thomas Jefferson or any Alex Haley novel (Roots, Queen). What is new is a story told from several women’s points of view. Each character has her own relationship with her master, some based on love, others based on shame and ownership. She has hopes for herself and her children who are born into slavery, but have nearly white skin and straight hair. What will their futures look like? Will they ever be free?
Perkins-Valdez vividly paints each picture to illustrate the complexity in these slaves’ relationships. Everything isn’t as black and white as one would like to think. “This is a part of out shared American history,” said Perkins-Valdez at the book review. “It’s healthy to talk about it.”
Currently residing in Seattle, Washington, Perkins-Valdez is very much in touch with her southern roots. “I will always carry Memphis with me,” she says. “I think it’s (Wench) a book that every person with interest in the history and legacy of slavery should read.”
