Haven't posted anything in my blog in a while and I will be changing that soon and posting more often. Today is 6/1/09 << MORE >>

We still live in a society where discrimination takes place based on skin color, especially within the African American race. Light skinned is considered more beautiful than dark skin. Black people saying they will only be with a light skinned person so that their kids will be light skinned and have "good hair." Dark skinned people feeling self conscious about their looks thinking they won't be considered beautiful.

 

When you turn on the television, do you see many dark skinned actors, actresses, singers, etc.? If a record label had a dark skinned singer and a light skinned singer both with similar styles, which do you think they will sign to a record label?

 

It's so sad that this form of racism is so prevalent in the Black community. I had this issue on my mind when I wrote my book  SearchingForUtopia. This story actually tackles this issue of racism within a single race as well as within the main character's home. She also dreams of a career in the music business, but wonders if her skin color will hold her back.

Just my opinion.

Last night I was the guest speaker at an event in Decatur, Illinois to talk to teenage girls who were participating in this mentoring program. The event was called G.I.R.L (Growing Into Responsible Leaders). I talked to them about my experiences, my book, my book publishing company, and encouraged them to follow their dreams and work hard. It was an amazing night and these girls were all amazing. The mentors for these girls were also amazing and blessings from God for taken time to help these girls.

I gave each of them a notebook and had them write what they want for their lives, why they want it, and how they plan to make it happen. I was expecting some to either not take it seriously or to have answers like I want to be rich, etc. But when they stood up with their mentors and said what they wanted to be, I was blown away. These girls were saying things like I want to be a psychiatrist, a lawyer, a doctor, an FBI agent. Out of 30 girls, about 3 of them said they want to be singers/dancers, and there is nothing wrong with that of course. But the fact that so many say they want to be doctors and lawyers, was amazing. I was so moved by this. I also met the president of the local chapter of the NAACP, Dr. Norman, and she and I plan to work together in the coming months.

I was also amazed at the response people gave me when they heard my speech and heard about my book. After the event I had a small table set up with copies of my book and people crowded around the table just to get copies of it, autographs, shake my hand, hug me, and take pictures with me. I felt like a celebrity!! 

There are kids out there who are living hard lives but are trying to do something positive with their lives. They just need caring people, like the mentors at this program, who are willing to take the time to guide these kids and give them a boost in the right direction. This is what it's all about for me. Trying do what I can to help others. Very life changing experience.

I haven't posted a blog in a while because I've been super busy, but I'm back!!

I had a book signing at African American Images bookstore in Chicago yesterday. It was cool. I had fun. Not as many people showed up as I expected, but it still was a great day because my family and friends came and supported me. It was a great experience. I had been on the radio the day before (WVON in Chicago) promoting the book and the signing. The host of the show was really cool and I was able to get my point across about the book and let people know where they can get it.

I've created a small buzz about the book, but not one as big as I'd like at this point, but this signing is a start. Everything takes time. It's been a long couple weeks. I put a lot into this book signing, promoting it, and working a full time job. Now that I've gotten the book signing out of the way, I can concentrate on a couple other writing projects including the screenplay version of Searching for Utopia. Everyone keeps asking if I'm making a sequel to the book. It's possible. We'll see.

1 luv

Shay

I held a book signing in my hometown over Memorial Day weekend. There was a write up about it in all the local newspapers. It was so cool how many people actually came out and bought books. I had high school counselors and teachers and other faculty members show up who I hadn't seen or heard from since high school. People from all over the community showed up and offered words of encouragement. I live in a very, very small town where everybody knows everybody. It's amazing how much support you get from people who really love seeing a young person doing something positive.

I wanted to share this with you guys because I was just so overwhelmed by all the love I got this past weekend. I just wanted to say that it's a blessing to have good people around you who support you and don't bring you down. Because all those people have made me work even harder to make my dreams reality. I have big dreams of doing big things and shining a light on the great people who had my back.

Just wanted to share that.

1 luv

Shay

Well, it's May, 15, 2006, and my new book Searching for Utopia is available for purchase. I've been ready for this day to come. I'm unsure as to what's gonna happen with the book. It's just a story I came up with that I wanted to share with people. So we'll see what happens with it. I can at least say I tried, regardless of what happens.

1 luv

Shay

Well, Searching for Utopia is finally done and ready to be released! I have always been proud of all of the written and recorded works that I have done, but I have to say that I am most proud of this book. I love this story so much and I hope to share it with as many people as possible. This isn't about financial gain. It's about me being so proud of my work and showing the world just how proud I am of my accomplishment. I hope that this book inspires people to go out and follow their dreams.

Thanks for everyone who has supported me and my many endeavors. I hope all my hard work pays off. I hope people will buy and read my book, but regardless of what happens with it, I am proud of myself and that's matters most. Life's about taking risks and believing in yourself. Let no one stop you from following your heart.

1 luv

Shay