Young Woman Killed Over a Bruised Ego

Teen shot after rebuffing advances dies
Mildred Beaubrun's family wants to find the man who shot her after she rejected advances.

RIP Mildred.

Susan Jacobson Sentinel Staff Writer
June 4, 2008

Mildred Beaubrun's family celebrated her final birthday, her 19th, with cards and balloons at her bedside Sunday at Orlando Regional Medical Center.

Two days later, the young woman, who was shot after she rebuffed the advances of several men who spotted her at a downtown Orlando gas station last month, was declared brain-dead and removed from life support.

Beaubrun's mother, grandmother and aunt stood beside her, stroking her hair and hands, crying and praying as the machines were turned off. Now, they want the public's help in tracking down her killers.

"I let her know: Thank you -- thank you for being here," said Beaubrun's aunt, Margaret Francis of Marietta, Ga. "It's going to be all right. She's in God's hands."

Beaubrun of west Orange County and two girlfriends were accosted early May 19 after a night of partying at Club Firestone. As they left a 7-Eleven on Colonial Drive after buying gas and something to drink, three or four men in a silver or gray Chevrolet HHR followed their dark-blue Nissan Maxima.

"Hey, baby, what's your phone number?" they called out as the cars headed west.

At John Young Parkway and Princeton Street, a bullet ripped through the door of the Maxima and shrapnel struck Beaubrun, who was sitting in the back seat. She had been fighting for her life ever since, losing part of a lung, beating back pneumonia and suffering potentially paralyzing spinal damage.

In the end, her injuries were too severe. She died about 1 p.m. Tuesday, her family said.

"Every day was a struggle," Francis said. "She was fighting to be here." (More Stuff...)

This breaks my heart. This young girl was killed. And over what? A fucking bruised ego? Who failed those little boys that holla'd her? Who didn't teach them to take rejection like men? Why is it OK to kill over rejection which was terribly misconstrued as disrespect? Why do women have to handle men so delicately as if they're a ticking time bomb?

I used to just shake my head at my friends who would oh so politely turn down an unrelenting guy who wanted their number (read as "ass"). They did so in order to not be called a "bitch." I'm not like them. I hate giving out fake numbers. I hated lying about having a man (now I have one and it's the same unrelenting behavior). They don't let up when you tell them you're involved: "We can be friends." "Well, does he allow you to have friends?" "Are you faithful?" "Is he faithful?" Why can't I reject some sex-thirsty clown that acts like that? You're acting desperately and I'm supposed to want you? Huh?

I've been called a "bitch" and "stuck-up" for refusing the advances of jackasses who would interfere with my personal space, grab my arm, hit me with a host of questions regarding my relationship, or yell out "Ay you, with the tight jeans on!" or "Ay you, with the big ass." That's very attractive. I mean, why wouldn't I wanna give you the goods after that? *Sighs* This is the reason I wear a "'FUCK OUT MY FACE" scowl when I'm at the unofficial singles venue (read as "outside of my home"). My friends act like I'm bugging when I put up a shield but this act of madness and the aforementioned behavior warrant my actions.

I don't know what's in the water these days, but we've got a new brand of jackasses that can't handle rejection. Especially when in the company of their boys. What are women to do about street harrassment? Should we handle these fools delicately? Seems like being insulted is the very least that can be done.


MUST-READ LINKS:

UPDATE: Mildred Beaubrun passes on
Mildred Braeburn: Rest In Peace for Sticking to Your Principles

Another Reason Why I'm Mary's #1 Fan

Mary J and Rap Exec Steve Stoute Launch Women's Support Network
By Chris Richburg

Hip-Hop soul queen Mary J. Blige is joining forces with music executive Steve Stoute to motivate women to reach their goals. The pair will officially launch their new organization, FFAWN: the Mary J. Blige and Steve Stoute Foundation For the Advancement of Women Now, Inc. this Friday (May 9) during a press conference at Roosevelt High School in Yonkers, New York. Founded by Blige, FFAWN is dedicated towards inspiring women to reach their individual potential through scholarships, grants, and programs that foster strong self-esteem, career development and personal growth, while gaining the confidence and skills needed to achieve success. In addition to Blige, the organization’s board of directors will include Stoute, Kendu Isaacs, Jada Pinkett Smith, Charles Wright, Lisa Price and Samantha Fink. More Stuff...

People who know me know how much of a Mary stan, I mean fan I am. Anyone that talks greasy about Mary will get the screwface with the quickness, LOL!

The first time I heard her was on the hook of Father MC's "I Will Do 4 U." Her voice was just different and she was just riffing away. I was loving it. Then came "You Remind Me." Still my joint. Then came "Real Love" and that sealed the deal --- I will remain a Mary fan for life.

Mary's been through so painful, personal struggles so it's good to see her happy, successful, and fully coming into her womanhood. I know some people miss the old, drama-filled Mary but I really appreciate the new, happy Mary that doesn't have to rock shades and isn't afraid to smile.

This foundation is such a wonderful gift for today's women and girls who doesn't have someone to properly groom them. Many women and girls are still trying to find their way and see where they fit in this world's crazy puzzle.

Much props to Mary and Steve Stoute!

These Are Still My Joints!!!

"Freedom (R&B Version)"



"Freedom (Rap Version)"

Man, I still love these joints. They made me feel so good and empowered when I first heard them. I was 13 at the time (Dag, I'm getting old, LOL!) and it just made an impression on me to see healthy, inspiring, different images of Black women on TV. Boy do I miss that.

In my opinion, during this time, there was such a huge surplus of talented artists and the vehicle for variety was there. I wish it could be that way again. Nowadays, finding good music is a project as it is not as simple as turning on the radio and/or the TV to discover refreshing new artists. Thank God for the Internet though.

Ban Shirley Q. Liquor

If you are disturbed by this image of a gay White man paying "homage to Southern women," then please sign the petition.

I guess I'm gonna have to fight as fervently as the gay community did in getting Isaiah Washington fired from Grey's Anatomy.
http://www.banshirleyqliquor.typepad.com/my_weblog/

CA Assemblywoman Pushes "Donda West Law"

From Baller Status:

Cali Assemblywoman Pushes 'Donda West Law'

A California Assemblywoman says death of the mother of rapper Kanye West proves that individuals seeking plastic surgery should be required to get a medical clearance from a licensed doctor before they can do so.

Kanye's mom, Donda West, died in early November at the age of 58, and later it was learned that the cause was a heart attack due to complications of cosmetic-surgery.

An autopsy revealed she likely died of pre-existing heart disease coupled with multiple postoperative factors.

According to the Associated Press, democratic assemblywoman, Wilmer Amina Carter, says Donda West's niece contacted her and asked her to introduce a bill that requires a health check before any cosmetic surgery.

Carter introduced the "Donda West Law" on Friday (February 22).

"I would not in any way cast any negative opinion toward cosmetic surgeons because many of them do it the right way," Carter told local paper, The Inland Valley Daily Bulletin. "This bill is for those who don't."

Yolanda Anderson, niece of Donda, said that her cousin, Kanye, was enthusiastic about the law and offered support. "[Kanye] is ecstatic and very grateful," she said. "He said, 'You started this. Now run with it and let me know how I can help.'"

Source

Sounds like a good idea. Still, people should do thorough background checks because Dr. Jan Adams was not a reputable doctor. Too many people came forward about their botched surgeries. Omarosa and her mother were on Inside Edition and discussed how he "lacked the proper credentials" to perform surgery.

Citoya Greenwood Relocation Fund

Citoya is a community activist whose goal is to improve the conditions of Dunbar Village. For the safety of herself and her daughter, she needs to be relocated. Please check out her story on Black Women Vote! and make a donation to fund her relocation from Dunbar Village.

Oprah in Bronze

Controversial sculptor's latest: 'The Oprah Sarcophagus'

Some of you out there really worship Oprah. Well, now you finally have a golden idol.

Controversial sculptor Daniel Edwards’ latest creation is “The Oprah Sarcophagus,” a gold-colored bronze and a very full-figured likeness of Chicago talk-show queen Oprah Winfrey.

The sculpture features Oprah — famous for battling her weight — with, as one report describes it, “a full-breasted woman with generous child-bearing hips.”

The image is attached to a block in the shape of a burial chamber, much like an ancient Egyptian sarcophagus.

Why Oprah? Edwards has caused stirs before with his sculptures of celebrities — “The Birth of Sean Preston” (Britney Spears giving birth), “Paris Hilton Autopsy,” “Suri Cruise’s First Poop” — and has said this piece “pays homage to the closest thing America has to a living deity.”

Source: http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/people/767543,oprah013008.article

Do you think her figure's exxagerated? Or is this her true form minus Spanx?

Is There Some Kinda Birth Control Allergy?

About 80% of black babies are born to unwed moms

Report: These children face life with greater disadvantages. By Tim Evans

About eight in 10 black children in Indiana are born to unwed parents -- a start to life that sets them up for problems during adolescence and beyond, according to an Indiana Black Expo report.

Indiana's black youths fare significantly worse than Hoosier youths in general across 18 indicators of well-being, such as graduation rates and poverty levels, and do worse than black youths in the U.S, according to the report being released Friday.

Tanasha Anders, acting president and chief executive of Indiana Black Expo, said the problem comes down to education -- making sure young people finish school and understand the consequences of having a baby.

"Everything else is a domino effect," she said.

The explosion of births to unwed parents is driving many of the state's social problems, such as increases in poverty and child abuse and the growing cost of public aid, said Bill Stanczykiewicz, president and CEO of the Indiana Youth Institute. He added that the problem is not exclusive to any one race.

Indiana's out-of-wedlock birthrate is at an all-time high, with unwed mothers accounting for nearly 40 percent of all births, he said. Nationally, about 36 percent of all births are to unwed mothers. (Source)

There has to be something that can explain this out of control out-of-wedlock birth rate in the Black community. I know the article said that this problem in Indiana goes beyond race, but high out-of-wedlock births is a problem in our community. Obviously Black women make conservative choices and keep our unborn children, but why not opt for contraceptives? They're out there and they're for FREE at clinics and hospitals.

It still is a problem with the teenagers but now there's a rising young adult population who are becoming single parents. I've noticed that over the years as well, but what ever happened to wanting to make life easier for yourself? Parenting is hard but it's especially hard when it's one person that has to shoulder the load.

I just want to understand why a lot of women are opting to go it alone with parenting. I've heard it all: "Men ain't shit," "Just cuz you married don't mean he'll stick around," "I don't need no man," "Fathers aren't that important," & the other nonsense. There has to be something more. Is there a void? Is this generational (i. e., "My mother and my grandmother didn't need a man to raise their children?")?

I have a friend that always argues with me over my life decisions with regards to parenting. You see, I'm not ready to have children. I'm not married nor am I ready to be married, therefore, I'm not ready to be a mother. It's like she's dying to be a mother and wants to prove to herself and maybe the world that she can do it all. That's her prerogative but I know that I can use all the help I need. A child is a life-long commitment --- not some project for work with a deadline.

This friend of mine thinks that I'm making a big deal out of parenthood and that I think too much. Mind you, she has no children so only God knows where this wisdom comes from. Every parent I know tells me how difficult it is to raise a child. Especially on your own. They also say that I should live my life now while it's still my own. I'll take their sound advice.

When my time comes to be a mother, I want to be able to provide the best that I can for my child. That would include a two-parent household, a college savings, a good neighborhood for them to be raised in, a good school for them to go to, and everything they need. This is something that a lot of single moms don't consider. For the record, I'm not lumping them all together.

I understand that some relationships don't work. The death of your child's father can definitely play a role. Maybe the contraceptive you used failed. If single parenthood is the circumstance that you're dealt due to something completely out of your control, that's one thing. I just don't understand women who irresponsibly prolong or create generational poverty.

Spontaneity can be wonderful but not with the life of a child.

The First Black President Notation, Toni Morrison Endorses Obama

The Cherry Picking of "The First Black President"

"African-American men seemed to understand it right away. Years ago, in the middle of the Whitewater investigation, one heard the first murmurs: white skin notwithstanding, this is our first black President. Blacker than any actual black person who could ever be elected in our children's lifetime. After all, Clinton displays almost every trope of blackness: single-parent household, born poor, working-class, saxophone-playing, McDonald's-and-junk-food-loving boy from Arkansas. And when virtually all the African-American Clinton appointees began, one by one, to disappear, when the President's body, his privacy, his unpoliced sexuality became the focus of the persecution, when he was metaphorically seized and bodysearched, who could gainsay these black men who knew whereof they spoke? The message was clear "No matter how smart you are, how hard you work, how much coin you earn for us, we will put you in your place or put you out of the place you have somehow, albeit with our permission, achieved. You will be fired from your job, sent away in disgrace, and--who knows?--maybe sentenced and jailed to boot. In short, unless you do as we say (i.e., assimilate at once), your expletives belong to us."

Toni Morrison Endorses Obama

From the AP:

Morrison, whose acclaimed novels usually concentrate on the lives of black women, said she has admired Clinton for years because of her knowledge and mastery of politics, but then dismissed that experience in favor of Obama's vision.

"In addition to keen intelligence, integrity and a rare authenticity, you exhibit something that has nothing to do with age, experience, race or gender and something I don't see in other candidates," Morrison wrote. "That something is a creative imagination which coupled with brilliance equals wisdom. It is too bad if we associate it only with gray hair and old age. Or if we call searing vision naivete. Or if we believe cunning is insight. Or if we settle for finessing cures tailored for each ravaged tree in the forest while ignoring the poisonous landscape that feeds and surrounds it.

"Wisdom is a gift; you can't train for it, inherit it, learn it in a class, or earn it in the workplace — that access can foster the acquisition of knowledge, but not wisdom," Morrison wrote.

Source: http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gNFNSBD7RqPWEFvrLgJVeNouekKgD8UF17LO0

Should I Vote With My Vagina or Melanin Content?

Just about everyday there's some news report or poll interested in the voting habits of Black women. The attention we're getting is attributed to our alleged race vs. gender paradox regarding voting as a woman or voting as a Black person. This alleged conflict has been covered in The New York Times and CNN.

I can always appreciate the attention we receive from the media. Too often does the media paint us pathetically as a group. If you don't believe me, NBC Nightly News ran a series a while back that substantiates my claim.

What bothers me about the attention Black women are receiving is that, per usual, the media depicts us as group thinkers. The only difference this time around is that we're not one-dimensional --- we are now Black and woman. We are two separate entities in the same body who are supposedly confused as to whether we should vote for the woman or the Black dude. We couldn't possibly be a complex group who determines the best candidate by his/her credentials, scruples, ideas, and voting record. We are a shallow group with equally shallow choices to make with regards to politics.

I have yet to meet one Black woman that is conflicted on choosing between Obama and Hillary on the grounds that they're sellouts no matter who they choose. Absolute nonsense. I know there are some people out there that want Black women to choose a candidate based on her race or gender but this situation is not as alarming as the media suggests.

Here are my suggestions for the media, HIllary supporters, and Obama supporters:
- Black women are adults who can decide what's best for them so stop telling us what to do. We can really do without the guilt trips levelled against us by your self-serving agenda.

- Message to the media: Quit blowing things out of proportion. You can't do your research at one hair salon and conclude that Black women are conflicted off of the strength of a few conflicted women. It just isn't a fair assessment to make and it looks like sloppy journalism. Give us the same respect that you give our racial counterparts. They're never depicted as anything other than diverse so why not afford us the same favor?

- NEWS FLASH: Black women go to work, houses of worship, college, the supermarket, and the mall. We are also members of organizations and can be found on the street heading somewhere. We don't only exchange ideas when we're at Ree Ree's Cut It Up getting our hair did y'know.