On August 5, 2000, I arrived on the campus of Florida A and M University a bright-eyed freshman from Little Rock, Arkansas. I adored my hometown but I needed culture, music, and a point of view outside of what I saw during my 18 years in the natural state. Amongst of sea of midwest attitude, east coast swagger, and west coast flavor, my sugar, sweet southern belle self found everything I needed. I quickly assimilated. I learned how to make a fly head wrap, stopped relaxing my hair, and dove heart first into all the music I wasn’t exposed to back home.

One day, while chatting with girlfriends in the dorm, I saw a woman that reflected the best parts of myself in a video. Her hair was wrapped like mine and she had confidence oozing from her pores while she boldly told another woman to stop getting in the way of her feelings.

And so began my kinship with the music of Jill Scott.

I tried to restrict this piece to a review of her new album, The Light of the Sun, and found it impossible. I cannot limit my appreciation for her work to one album. I must share with you how over 11 years in the business she has managed to meet me right where I am in life with music that brought me through to the next and inevitably amazing stage. Many of her songs are so dear to me that I can recall the exact feelings they evoked when they entered my life. Allow me to share with you the top five songs from Queen Jilly from Philly that have endeared me to her work forever.

Slowly, Surely – This is such a beautiful affirmation of how walking away, although painful, will result in happiness. I play this often when I wonder what could have been to remind myself of what will be.

The Fact Is (I Need You) – Ever the self-sufficient woman, I remember hearing this after falling in love and thinking, “He has to hear it!” It will always be the spirit in which I share my life with another, vulnerable and open.

The Real Thing – In my head this plays when I walk into a room. Cocky? Maybe. True? Absolutely!

Crown Royal – Jill never fails to remind us that women are raw, sexual beings and that our sensuality is one of our greatest assets. I play it often and never let myself get out of touch with desire.

When I Wake Up – I played this each day for a solid week. I needed the affirmation and still do! Ultimately, the power of Jill is that she reminds us of the beauty of life! This is another song I use in the morning to make sure I start my day thankful for what is ahead of me.

Since you’re here I will assume that you, like me, find a life- affirming quality in music. If you’re lucky, you have the kind of soul that feels lyrics and melodies so deeply that you need it to get through the day. Occasionally, an artist shares so much in their work that they are no longer a distant figure; they are an integral part of your life. I know you have one! Share with me the artists and songs that have become your life’s soundtrack! I’d love to hear it.

Shine Bright Loves,
CassandraDione

Musical inspiration for blog: Lando by H.I.S.D Download it at: hisd.peaceuvmine.com

“Get ya space up cuz swag is so old” © H.I.S.D

During the hours of 8-4 I educate teenagers. Let’s be honest, educators as a whole are not known for their sense of style. Compassionate? Yes! Dedicated? Yes! Fashion plate? Not so much. Since last August I’ve worn a t-shirt and jeans everyday unless an important meeting popped up on my Outlook tasks…this my friends…must stop. Allow me to explain why…

“My fashion sense intense/take a glimpse into my consciousness.” © Scottie Spitten

Our sense of style is one of the only things over which we have complete control. It has the ability to communicate who you are before you even speak a word. It is an external message of your internal self esteem quotient. It is…quite simply…you expressed in a physical form. In this definition of style our choices are more important because they literally have the opportunity to dictate how we feel. I posit that style is more than a choice of clothes; it is choosing to be creatively, individually, and brazenly you without apology from your choice of vernacular to career to shoes to hairstyle and beyond. All of these factors contribute to the genuine article of personal style that we observe in each other every day.

“So individual /it’s all immaterial/You did it for yourself or just imitating videos?” © EQuality

If my theory is true it makes me wonder what we seek to express when we get dressed. I think I’m screaming overwhelmed! I can admit that these days I’m so busy trying my best in the mornings to get to work on time with plans, grades, and sanity intact that I forget about style and go for ease. However, this is going to change. Two weeks outside of my 28th birthday I’ve decided it’s time to woman up. I’m not talking about fulfilling some societal belief of how a woman should dress; I’m speaking of showcasing on the outside the passionate and genuine woman that is inside. It’s as simple as paying attention because every morning I have the choice to blend or not to blend. I’m choosing to be unapologetically CassandraDione and that is something that will turn heads simply because I’m the only me on earth. So this is for those of you that feel like you’re on point; keep on expressing yourself in the way only you can. This is for those of you in a rut; know that you are beautifully made and it’s all a matter of choice. Wherever you find yourself ask this very important question, “Does my style authentically communicate who I am?” If yes, welcome to lando!

Make today count you sexy beasts you,

CassandraDione
“ThaRocksFinest “

“Renaissance style like she Zora Neale Now/Young girls need to woman up baby show ‘em how.” © EQuality (THANKS FOR MY NEW STYLE MANTRA E!)

Consider this my 2009 wrap-up and New Year’s resolution packaged in one blog. This year I decided to not wait until January 1st to initiate some changes, and so far it’s working for me. I am a resolution writer if you have ever seen one. This process often commences after I purchase a brand new notebook and pen. You see, a writer’s year doesn’t begin until a blank notebook is purchased and properly broken in. Although the opposite seems to benefit me, I see the benefit in using certain events as opportunities for reflection. Let’s face it–birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries are often the only times that many of us sit and reflect on our lives. So, while a little reflection is always a good thing, don’t sit too long. Maybe your new year, new you, or new goal should start now…right now…without hesitation. I’m talking about being courageous – the only resolution worth making.

I believe my greatest gift as a writer is transparency. I share more of myself through words than you will ever get out of me in conversation. I do this for a very good reason…in written word there is no immediate judgment. I can post whatever I choose in a blog and you are free to comment. I am also free to delete that comment. I don’t write to start a riot and although I recognize that many more people would read this if I would; I am simply not that woman. I write to encourage self love and honest reflection. I write to share personal experiences that others will benefit from. I write, because I want the best for other people. It is really that simple. Starting now, I plan to be more courageous in what I write for you. I believe that change cannot and will not happen from a place of complacency and that there is no better vehicle for change than writing. I will cover everything from politics to pop culture. No boxes. No fluff pieces. It’s a challenge that I feel will improve the both of us…I hope we’re ready!

When you think about the conclusion of 2009 and your plan for 2010 I ask you to ponder two questions–Did I boldly and courageously live a life of my choosing? Did I use that freedom of choice to help someone else along the way? No matter the answer the beauty of life is that each day presents both opportunities. We have an amazing opportunity to choose the path of our lives. I’ve found that at the end of the years I chose poorly, I had a list full of things to “change” in the new year. This year my list simply says: choose wisely without fear because everything – even our reactions to unforeseen circumstances – is a matter of choice. I hope that your end of 2009 and beginning of 2010 are filled with making choices that will make you better.

Make today count loves

CassandraDione

PS – Come back next month loves! Let’s begin 2010 with some power…I’ll share with you the 12 books I plan to tackle next year. I am seeking quality over quanity! I hope we can tackle these together I’ll also discuss revolution (or lack thereof) via the internet…I mean really…how am I supposed to believe that you’re going to be major force in the struggle when your manifesto is relayed through your Facebook status. We don’t believe you…you need more people. (c) Hova

One of my favorite pictures of myself as a young child was taken right after my hair was pressed. For the longest time I adored it because I felt that I looked pretty. It is that simple when you’re a child – to be pretty is to have it all. I remember our weekend – long process very vividly. Friday nights were for washing and braiding. On Saturday my sisters and I would have our turn in “the chair”. This is where the magic happened. After an hour of holding my ear, tilting my head to the side, and being popped with a comb for jumping when the hot comb heated up the grease on my scalp, I emerged. Finally. Pretty. While contemplating writing this I tried to track where I learned this concept that natural hair was unattractive. The answer has a great deal to do with the most important male figure in a lady’s life.

We waited anxiously for my father to see our hair on pressing weekends. He was the one person that I was sure would tell me I looked beautiful after the painful ritual. In many ways, it made the time in the chair so worthwhile when he would compliment us after our transformation. Don’t mistake me, he didn’t believe that his girls were unattractive in their natural state but his preference was evident. It was clear to me even then that I could garner the attention I wanted, that is the confirmation of my beauty, when my hair was done. Even now when I return to Little Rock he often mentions that although he loves me just the same, he wouldn’t mind if I returned to my former Dark and Lovely days. The problem is I haven’t looked that way for longer than a month in ten years and I don’t intend on going back.

I “went natural” for the first time at 18. As a freshman at Florida A & M University I was ripe with the worst kind of afrocentrism – the self righteous kind. I boldly denounced all that was European with a wrapped head and incense in hand. I walked around in my natural state looking down on all the sistas that used “creamy crack” to define their beauty. This all changed when I returned to Little Rock and my loving high school sweetheart literally could not look at me because of my natural state. At home, I was simply the girl that came back with the nappy hair, no longer worried about my queendom, I relaxed it. Both of these choices were made with the wrong intention – to impress or appease another person.

Since then I’ve done it all: braids, afros big and small, locs, wigs, weaves, and relaxers of the lye and no lye variety. Each time looking for that magical style that would give me the elusive acceptance I sought as a child. The goal was always to look pretty by someone else’s standards. Now at 27 my goal is to get acquainted with my core. It is a daily process to stop living with the assumption that I am only beautiful when I am not natural. I know there are women that will tell you they never have a day in which they want to go back. I can honestly say I’m not one of those women. This process has not been easy for me and that is because, for the first few years, my intention was to reach a standard of beauty that I would never achieve. It is impossible to feel beautiful when you don’t truly believe that you are beautiful and although that is a general statement it is no less true.

I am aware of the hazards of straightening my hair and they play a major part in my decision to remain natural. There are more important reasons for my choice. My hair is not necessarily a statement of my blackness. I don’t believe I have to declare that in any way for anyone. My pride in my heritage is evident. My hair is for me. It is a choice to actively break away from a standard of beauty that I may not have created but totally bought into. Every day I step out of my comfort zone and become more confident in who I am by choosing to go against what I’ve assumed my whole life makes me pretty. It radiates through my spirit making me more bold, self aware, and open to give to those around me. This is about choice. We have the choice to say, whether relaxed or natural, this is who I am and I believe in her wholeheartedly.

Make today count my loves

CassandraDione aka ThaRocksFinest

At a launch party for a dear friend and his business partner’s educational consulting firm, I signed a volunteer card for a summit to be held exactly a year later. I thought I knew what I was in for, envelope stuffing, maybe a meeting or two, and I’d support a friend in the process…I couldn’t have been more incorrect. Allow me to explain how two gentlemen, one volunteer card, and one slip of paper in the wallet of a visionary changed my life and the lives of hundreds of students.

Jackie Thomas Jr. is the man of vision behind the Foundation for Student Leadership and Success. Although becoming the Founder and CEO of his own organization at such a young age is impressive, what is most remarkable is his passion for education. In his wallet, Mr. Thomas carries a slip of paper with the following inscription, “Equality and access to higher education for everyone”. This statement is not simply a wish or even a goal; it is his life’s mission. His passion for his work is evident to anyone that engages in a conversation with him about the educational system. This organization is not a key to entrepreneurship, a hobby, or simply a “good idea” for him. If Mr. Thomas has his way, he will change the educational system as we know it.

The Foundation’s mission is to develop mature, college-ready student leaders who are prepared to effect positive change in their respective communities. Each year, the Foundation hosts the BLACKE Summit Weekend. This three-day event is open to high school students across the state of Texas and provides leadership training, mentorship, team building, and community service projects. The goal is for every high school to send five students with leadership potential, and the Summit will return them equipped to effect change in their schools.

Mr. Thomas believes in the power of teamwork. To that end, he surrounds himself with people that share his enthusiasm and belief in education and access for all. The Foundation’s Executive Director, Mr. Shon E. Dorsey, is one of these vital people. Mr. Dorsey has dedicated his talents for the past two years to the development of sustainable and effective programming for the organization. An educator at heart, much of his satisfaction stems from the success of the students he serves. Their partnership is an artful balance of knowledge, professionalism, and friendship; their synergy radiates through all of the organization’s ventures.

In a time when the news about the educational system is depressing at best, it is simple to overlook those who are simply doing the work. This work, identifying a problem, painstakingly researching its cause and effect, and devising a plan to solve it is not for everybody. It takes a sacrificial heart and a genuine belief in the goodness of people. In the case of these gentlemen, it also requires patience, compassion, and a pure heartfelt desire to see change happen in their lifetime. They are a constant source of inspiration for me because of their unyielding commitment. I have never witnessed anything like their ability to turn a vision into reality. At the risk of sounding biased, I believe wholeheartedly that this organization will be a catalyst for change for many years to come. For this and many other reasons I will always support the Foundation for Student Leadership and Success. I encourage you, that is, if you want to see our youth make a change for the better, to do the same.

The 2009 BLACKE Summit Weekend will be held at the University of Houston’s – Main Campus on October 2-4th. There is still time to sign up to volunteer or sponsor a student. For only $50, you can ensure that a Houston-area student is exposed to the tools that will help create a domino effect in our communities. Join these gentlemen in being a part of the solution.

For more information about the Foundation for Student Leadership and Success:
www.leadandsucceed.org

To volunteer or sponsor a student for the 2009 BLACKE Summit Weekend:
www.blackesummitweekend.com

Make Today COUNT! ,

CassandraDione

In my most selfish of moments I assume my daily life should be inundated with what I love. I reject the opinion that since I am an adult I have to wake up and spend a minimum of eight hours working at a job that does not fulfill my ultimate purpose. I feel that if the universe were fair and just everyone would be able to wake up and devote their day to work that is personally meaningful. On my best days, I return my bottom lip to its natural position, unclench my fists, restore the posture of an adult, and realize that with adulthood comes responsibility. However, I often wonder if we ever considered what that level of responsibility has to look like. I understand that financial obligations require adults to be gainfully employed however; I do not feel that my desire to turn my passion into profit is a mark of immaturity. In fact, it just may be the most responsible decision I have ever made.

When we are children we are encouraged to follow a very specific path; high school, college, well-paying job, marriage, and children. We set out on this path with a certain blind faith that it will result in success and happiness. The complete gut punch is that this is not everyone’s path. Purpose has a hand in the cards we’re dealt and often what is unconventional in the eyes of many is exactly what it had in mind for our success. This is the great cosmic tug o’ war we’ve played for centuries. We think of purpose as a game of hide and seek; the universe giving us a glimpse of our ideal life and snatching it back while we “search”. The search is as simple as a trip down memory lane. What sparked your imagination as a child?

This is my life. In elementary school I began singing in concert chorales and reading three novels a week. I gave my lunch money to friends that didn’t have anything to eat and staged a protest against my substitute teachers. At 13, I began writing poetry and articles for the school yearbook. I even went to college to study music education and by a twists and turns explained best over a glass of wine under dim light, I became an educator. This is not a decision I regret, there are days when my job is extremely fulfilling. I love my students with an unconditional quality many of my colleagues think is above and beyond my professional requirements. However, that love is simply a desire to see them grow into the person they were purposed to be. That very statement reveals my issue; my work for them is inhibiting me from accomplishing that very goal for myself. Now as I stare down the barrel of my last year in the classroom, I am filled with the same anxiety that I felt my first day of college. That feeling of embarking on something new…the fear is spectacular but the passion is all consuming. In 31 weeks, it’s me, not a safety net in sight.

I am not the only person is this type of predicament. How many people do you know have a deep desire to be something else, something different, something more and squelch that desire because an obligation to someone or something that requires their loyalty. I respect that decision. Trust me, I am very familiar with the act of sacrifice. However, I see that decision and raise you two words: educated risk. Maybe, the quality of the life we are meant to live will far exceed the life we’ve grown accustomed to sleepwalking through. Maybe our dreams are completely attainable with the proper research and preparation. I am not talking about a blind descent into the unknown; I am advocating a leap with a parachute to give us a soft landing on the lives of which we dream. Recall, discover, believe, and then…jump.

Make today count ,

CassandraDione
**Tharocksfinest**
“Representing Little Rock since 1982″