The List: Pride

I hate awards shows. I really do. After the red carpet is over, you're literally sitting there watching people sit in seats and walk up to accept trophies with a couple of strange performances in between. Blame it on every school awards day and cheerleading banquet I've had to sit through in my life.

Last night's Academy Awards were a bit different, however. I really enjoyed the entire night. I mean, did you hear Lady Gaga? I'm so glad that my arguments of how well trained of a signer she is have finally been validated. This woman sings!

But most significant for me, was the performance and subsequent acceptance speech by John Legend and Common.

Here's a fun fact about me: I ADORE John Legend. So much that I quit following him on Twitter when he married her. And no I don't just love him because he's adorably handsome or just because his velvety voice makes you want to shout hallelujah. I also love him because he is intelligent and cares so deeply about his community. But the universe has conspired to keep us away from one another (another post for another day). And yes I feel the same way about Common, I mean, c'mon, this man has been enlightening us for years. And he's not too hard on the eyes, either.

Last night, however, my love deepened to a place that can't be described. They proved to the world that they are more than entertainers; a fact that many in the community have known for years. I am so proud to call them some of the leaders of our generation. So proud that they are continuing the work of our ancestors and all who have fought for equality in this country and beyond. To use a moment where you are being given one of the world's highest honors to speak about justice for all, the prison industrial complex and the threatening of the Voting Rights Act is just awe inspiring. And worthy of every tear that was shed; tears of remembrance and appreciation. 

These men and the entire cast of Selma have done nothing but make me proud. They have walked in this moment with such poise and grace and I am grateful to them for the example they have set. 

So, I dedicate this list to them. 

1. John Legend 

2. Common

3. Ava DuVernay

4. Selma cast & crew 

always in love, 

Vlog #4 - You Ain't Lived

On this week's vlog, my sis-in-law Frances, my brother Brandon, our bandmate Juston and I go on a field trip. Brandon, Frances and I also take a mini roadtrip to Fairfield for Miles College's homecoming as well as the Magic City Classic. Frances and I also spent a lot of time saying HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities). Forgive us. We LOVED college.

                

The List: My Weekend

Two things happened this weekend. One was perfection. One was the opposite of perfection. A fail? A tragedy? Well, whatever it is it happened. Needless to say, this Valentine's Day will be one for the books. And I didn't even have a Valentine. Way to go, Whitney.


1. I went to see the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Atlanta. 

I normally just make this a list, but let me just say this is beauty personified. I felt every emotion imaginable during this performance. Words are not enough. So, I've included a video for your enjoyment and understanding.




2. All of the money in my checking account is gone bye bye. 
No clue how. No clue why, but it happened right as I was sitting in the "fabulous" Fox Theatre enjoying the a fore mentioned perfect show. I'm not stressed. I'm still in shock, I guess.


How was your weekend? Did you enjoy your Valentine's Day? Let me know in the comments below or tweet me @whitandlove!

Vlog #3 Whitney Doesn't Wear Glasses

Still catching you guys up on our vlogs, which means you'll get a vlog today and tomorrow!
Hopefully that will bring us up to speed and into 2015.

We just started filming again for 2015, so you'll get to see my life from today forward starting next week. So, be sure to check back every Thursday for more of my crazy crazy life. Enjoy!





Always in love,

The List: The Grammys

Since I'm a musician and last night was music's biggest night, I just had to dedicate this week's list to the Grammys. Now, I'm sure everyone will be talkng about their favorite moments today and while I'd love to write a full dissertation on Kanye West (yes, I love Kanye) or the perfection that was Usher and that amazing harpist, I won't. My list, instead, is about the plethora of AWKWARD moments during the night. And boy were there a lot. I'll give you 5.


1. The whole moment that was the red carpet interview with Ryan Seacrest and Mr. & Mrs. West. But Kanye was kind of, sort of, right.

                                                 


2. Sia...and Maddie. I loved this duo at first, but now, it's getting out of hand.

CREDIT: Larry Busacca/Getty Images for NARAS

3. Madonna. ::palm to face::

              


4. Rihanna's arrival. Rihanna's hair. Rihanna's dress.

5. Jamie Foxx (as Ray Charles) and Stevie Wonder. Everyone that knows me knows how I feel about Stevie Wonder's blind jokes. No. Just no. 

Credit: MICHAEL TRAN/FILMMAGIC

Did I miss any more awkward moments? Let me know in the comments below or tweet me @whitandlove!

Always in love,