A Tribute to the Awkward Black Girls

It seems everyone can't get enough of Awkward Black Girl. (If you're reading this with a question mark etched across your face, get awkward and get with it!) The hit web series chronicles the everyday adventures of "J," the "awkward black girl," which is a personality type rarely seen on television, especially among women of color. Since the show's online debut in February, it has amassed more than 240,000 views on YouTube and created a solid group of fans who have even donated money to keep the show alive. Show supporters raised more than $56,000 in roughly a month! (Source: Kansas City Star)

Media heads are starting to take notice as well, as online news articles have been popping up left and right highlighting the show's success, which creator Issa Rae attributes to social media. Celebs are catching on too! Fellow funny girl Gabrielle Union tweeted a special shout out to the unexpected smash series, calling the show "genius." With the way things are going, it may not be long before "AWB" is popping up in your TV guide.

That said, I thought I'd pay tribute to AWB's predecessors. Here's a list of the awkward black girls who paved the way.

1. "Freddie" (A Different World)

Played by Cree Summer

Freddie was technically more of a free spirit than she was awkward; however, she was a nice break from the norm. Actually, A Different World is one of the few shows that had various depictions of black people. The show's focus on life at an HBCU created opportunities to show the diversity within the black community.

2. "Synclaire" (Living Single)

Played by Kim Coles

Synclaire was Khadijah's (Queen Latifah) good-natured cousin, Overton's leading lady, and an aspiring actress. She was often regarded as absent-minded and gullible, but she was no fool. She possessed a child-like innocence and strong sense of self that enabled her to avoid the relationship pitfalls faced by her friends.

3. "Myra" (Family Matters)

Played by Michelle Thomas

It's hard to imagine that any woman could love Steve Urkel, especially pre-Stefon; but Myra was the equally quirky, yet way more attractive beauty who was able to distract Steve's attention from Laura Winslow-for a while at least. She and Steve shared a bond that however annoying, was nothing less than authentic. She loved him for him, and we loved her for that.

4. "Joan" (Girlfriends)

Played by Tracee Ellis Ross

Sure. Joan was a successful lawyer and everyone's favorite Girlfriend, but she was not without her awkward and corny moments. We can't overlook her strange obsession with holidays, over-use of legal terms in casual conversation, and inventive ways to run men off. She was the corporate world's awkward black girl, who received a pass for balancing and often suppressing her inner-AWB.

FOUR? JUST FOUR?! Wow, That's pretty sad. Well...did I leave anyone off?

Who on television would you consider an awkward black girl?

Women I Admire: An Evening With Ms. Butterfield

It has been far too long since my last post. School, work, and the day-to-day have caused me to hit the blog pause button. But only the awe-inspiring Ms. Valeisha Butterfield could inspire me to hit play again.

Syracuse University's Black Communications Society (BCS) sponsored an event aptly titled, "An Evening with Ms. Butterfield." Though it was roaring wind and pouring rain, Ms. Butterfield managed to weather the storm, looking fabulous in an all black ensemble offset with a pointy-statement necklace and the latest trademark trend, a pair of Christian Louboutin booties, street name "red bottoms." Not to mention, the hair was whipped!

But, we obviously weren't there to talk fashion. We were there to talk business! And the staunch business woman was the perfect conversationalist.

As the appointed Deputy Director of Public Affairs for the International Trade Administration (ITA) in the United States Department of Commerce for the Obama Administration, Butterfield has a key role in supporting President Obama's national economic agenda to revive the global economy, create jobs and renew growth that benefits all people. (via weenonline.org)

She is also the Co-founder and Chair of the Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network (WEEN). According to their webpage, WEEN is a worldwide coalition of women, all ages and races, committed to supporting, promoting and defending the balanced, positive portrayal of women in entertainment and society. And let's face it, there has never been a more necessary time for such an organization to exist.

The image of women in the media is at an all time low and WEEN is one of the key players leading the crusade for change.

Part of WEEN's mission is to provide "personal advancement for young women nationwide." Butterfield held true to this mission, by setting time out to speak to a group of young and old hopefuls in entertainment.

The conversation was comfortable, candid, and constructive as Ms. Butterfield shared her wealth of knowledge and experience working in both the corporate and entertainment industries.

Valeisha Butterfield and I at BCS event

In paraphrases, Here's what I learned from Valeisha Butterfield.

On Interning...
Make sure you're filling a void. If you've completed and internship and they aren't missing you, you haven't done your job. Your presence should fill a void and make a strong impact.

On Working...
For companies, its about what you can produce. How much money can you produce for the company? Are you bringing in sponsorship money? Companies are looking for someone who can be an asset and bring in the dough. Makes sense right?

On Mentorship...
Don't just call when you need something. Keep in touch regularly to build mentorship and make sure its not a take-take relationship. Actually show that you care by sending cards on their birthday, etc. This doesn't mean be fake, but it does mean be thoughtful and smart.

On Climbing the Ladder...
Surround yourself with people you want to be your peers one day. Ms. Butterfield shared stories of waiting outside an execs office at a time when they might be showing up to work. Wow, that's dedication. Of course, you'll want to avoid being carried out sideways by security, so be forward...not awkward. The point is to place yourself in an environment convenient for potential opportunities to arise and to just familiarize yourself with what you one day hope to be doing.

On marketing...
Look at yourself as a brand in whatever field. Look at yourself now as the brand you want to become.

Sound advice from someone who knows. What more could you ask for?

If you want to learn more about Valeisha Butterfield and/or her work visit weenonline.org.

Women I Admire: Simmons Family

I haven't done a "Women I Admire" post in a while. When thinking about this one I thought, Oh, the Simmons sisters! But then I thought, there's Kimora and then there's Justine! So...I decided to do a family post (LOL).

I may have been the only one, but I was a big fan of Run's House. They didn't seem to be your average stuck up "celebu-spawn" with no sense of reality. Angela and Vanessa appeared to be young women with their heads on straight who, despite having loads of money, still had work ethic. So much so, that they launched their own sneaker line "Pastry" in 2007, which has grossed somewhere around 50 million dollars. Not to mention they are both just twenty-something.

Even though they got a little help from Dad and Uncle Russell, they are business powerhouses in their own right and make a conscious effort to be role models for young women. It's always refreshing to see young ambitious women making it happen for themselves without sacrificing their values. Gotta love Ang and Ness!

The two obviously took a page from their fab Aunt Kimora Lee Simmons, who at the ripe age of 13 began modeling for Chanel. After capturing the modeling world by storm, she went on to conquer fashion, launching Baby Phat in the late 90s. She nurtured the brand for nearly 10 years, but recently shed the Baby Phat in 2010.


I love Kimora because she didn't let such a huge blow defeat her. She let us know that Baby Phat is not her only claim to fame and reminded us that she made the brand and the brand did not make her. She's moved on to bigger and better things like her hit reality series "Life in the Fab Lane" as well as her multiple fragrances, jewelry line and new, mature clothing line, KLS. She's a true renaissance woman balancing family life with her husband and three kids, with her booming business in fashion and entertainment, and on top of it all, still manages to make it all look so fabulous! I love the "go-getter" in Kimora.

And then there's Justine, the loving matriarch of the Simmons clan. What I love about Justine is that she reminds me so much of my own mother. She married Joseph Simmons who had 3 children from a previous relationship and loved and supported the children as if they were her own. Justine never struck me as the typical "look-at-me" hip-hop wife. She was grounded and made sure to keep her family grounded in spiritual values. She's more concerned with the well-being of her family than being known in the industry. It's no wonder the children are so successful. They obviously have the best cheerleader in their corner. Go Jus!

Women I Admire: Raven Symone

Photo: necolebitchie.com

I have always loved Raven Symone. More compelling than her on-screen persona as adorable little Oliva on The Cosby Show and off kilter psychic on That's So Raven is her off-screen confidence and charisma. (Who didn't love her unashamed wig-shift in Good Hair?) While many child actors struggled through their childhoods, making a mess of their adult lives, Raven has always seemed to keep it together whether present or absent from the public eye. At 25 she is a multi-millionaire mogul transcending her TV roles into major endorsements in children merchandise and most importantly she is a role model. Well, let's face it. Most celebs are, but hers is an example we can actually follow.

Raven has made it a priority in her career to be a role model for young people, particularly women. She is one of the few African-American Disney stars and also one of the very few to make a respectable transition into more mature entertainment. I think its safe to say we're not expecting a sex tape anytime soon.

In addition, Raven has also held her own as a plus-size actress. Most recently, she shed some weight, but Raven isn't fooled by all the sudden attention she's getting. She says:

"Actually, now I wear bigger clothes because I don’t like the way people stare at me. I liked it before. Now, you’re just looking at me for the wrong reasons. Before, you were actually looking at me for a real reason.”

This is precisely why I love her. She is unabashedly sincere about who she is and unfazed by what others expect her to be.

Hats off Ms. Symone!

Women I Admire: Dr. Betty R. Price

Photo: michaelbaisden.com

I got an idea to start periodically posting about women who inspire me. I'm all about female empowerment and one way women can feel empowered is by being appreciated and appreciating others.

This is my way to pay homage and honor the women who have inspired me.

I'm kicking off the series with none other than my first lady Dr. Betty R. Price.

I attend Crenshaw Christian Center in Los Angeles, Ca founded by Apostle Frederick K.C. Price and Dr. Betty R. Price. Dr. Betty is such a woman after God's heart. She is always willing to give to others and has dedicated her life to helping others. Moreover, she is so kind, always greeting you with a warm smile. Sometimes, that can be all you need.

Like me, she truly has a heart for women and their best interests and has jump started many programs within the church geared toward helping women like Women Who Care, an evening gathering of women where they can share their stories and experiences and get advice from other wise women.


One day, (soon) I want to have my own program focused on the betterment and advancement of women who have overcome difficult trials in life.

I will definitely take a few pages out of Dr. Betty's playbook.

She is such a wise woman.