Check out Teala Dunn’s dope InstaGLAM’s style!

Rising performer/playwright ERIC LOCKLEY is quickly becoming a leader among a new generation of artists, bringing stories about the African-American community to the stage. Lockley starred in the Denver Center Theatre Company’s world premiere of Marcus Gardley’s new play “BLACK ODYSSEY,” which ran through January 17 through February 16, 2014.  He is now teaming up with MPAACT Theater Company in Chicago for the premiere of his original play, “WITHOUT TRACE,” at the Greenhouse Theater which launched in April.

This Randallstown, Maryland native is a graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts with a BFA and a double major in Africana Studies. He is aperformer, playwright and producer within The Movement Theatre Company and the producing collective, Harlem 9. As a Performer his Stage credits include “CATO” (The Flea), “Holes” (Atlantic Thtr Co.), “The Winter’s Tale” (NYU), “Black Terror” (NYU), “SPUNK” (Penobscot) and “CHAINS,” performed in South Africa. Lockley also appeared on MTV’s television pilot “Failosophy,” a half-hour, studio-based panel show featuring the internet’s biggest fails.

Lockley’s talents have earned him the Theatre Hall of Fame Fellowship Grant 2012, National Theatre Conference Emerging Professional Award 2012, Harlem Stage Fund for New Work Grant 2011, Mabou Mines Resident Artist 2009-2010 and Poets & Writers Grant 2009.

Let’s get to know Eric a little better…

You’ve recently starred in the hit play “Black Odyssey” at the Denver Center Theatre, what motivated to step into the world of acting?

 Being an young actor you are constantly juggling responsibilities that can sometimes be a bit overwhelming. How do you regroup and motivate yourself when you’re feeling a little defeated?

We tend to pull characteristics from others in our lives or from people we admire, who inspires you and why?

We’re excited to see you continue to achieve all your goals! What projects can we expect from you in the near future?

In April, a play I’ve written entitled “Without Trace” will have its world premiere in Chicago as a part of MPAACT Theater’s season. The
play is a conspiracy theory drama that takes place in the future and follows an inner-city family in the midst of a crumbling America. When
a lost son returns home with a case of amnesia, his family is left to wonder, “What happened to Trace?”

If any readers live in the Chicago area please check the play out. For more info visit: www.mpaact.org And, to stay up to date with what I’m
doing readers can visit my website: www.ericlockley.com

What advice would you give teens who want to follow their dreams and passions?

I’d say don’t worry about fitting in with everyone. What makes you a “nerd” or “weirdo” or “different” today, may very well be the same thing that makes you a star in years to come. Embrace the things you love regardless of whether they’re popular. There is only one YOU in this world and if you waste your time trying to be like everyone else, the world will miss out on who you really are. And finally, I’d advise teens not to give up on their dreams and to commit to working hard. Some things take time so continue to pursue your passion and work to be the best.

 We are all about teen empowerment. What does EMPOWERMENT mean to you & what advice would you give teens to be comfortable in their skin?

Empowerment means trusting yourself and your abilities. I’d advise teens to be open to learning as much as possible about what they love, and then trying it for themselves. Learning is important, but trying, failing and trying again is the MOST important. Know that you can do whatever you put your mind, heart and focus into.

Time for the Faves! Celeb Crush? Artist? Food? Movie?

I can’t pick just 1, so my 2 favorite movies are “The Matrix” and “Do the Right Thing.” In their own unique way they are
both epic journeys that speak to the human condition on physical and metaphysical level. They both moved me to wonder what I can do to open
people’s eyes. Films and stories like these are a big reason why I am an actor.

Check out more Eric here

Eric Lockley

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We’ve all been there. Your BFF starts throwing shade at you for no apparent reason. You try to ask her what’s wrong, but she just replies with a nonchalant, “Nothing.”

“Nothing? Okay, whatever,” you say. You hate when she acts like this. Everything is cool between the two of you until she comes around. You know . . . the Beyonce- wannabe whose hair extensions should have been redone two weeks ago. She actually thinks that messy bun she’s put them in hides the tracks that are as fake as she is. They’re obviously trying to detach themselves from her over-inflated head.

You roll your eyes. Your best friend didn’t even like her last year. You reminisce on how the two of you used to clown on her and have your 13 year-old brother send her text messages, pretending to be Mr. All-Star Football player—the one she’s been eyeing all year long. The three of you would die laughing reading her “sext message”replies.

But things are different now. She somehow worked her witch-like magic on your friend and now they’re hanging out all the time. But you don’t care. Even if she would’ve invited you to her sweet 16 party, you wouldn’t have gone. Nope, not a chance. It didn’t matter that they guy you’ve been crushing on since freshman year was there . . . and word on the street is he just broke up with his girlfriend. It wouldn’t have mattered that his cute, heartbroken face would’ve been inches from yours when you pulled him on the dance floor. None of that would’ve mattered,because you wouldn’t have gone to that stupid party anyway!

Sound familiar?

So what do I do, Dana, when my friends act shady?

I’m so glad you asked! I say you ACT. And ACT now.

A- Acknowledge your feelings. Be honest with yourself first. How are you really feeling? Are you maybe just a wee bit jealous of the other girl? Why? Would you secretly want to be her friend if she would only acknowledge you? Are you afraid of losing your best friend to her? You’re going to have to be real with yourself and take note of what’s really going on with you. There’s no shame in the truth. Once you acknowledge how you feel, it’s time to . . .

C- Confront your friend. The important thing to remember is you’re not trying to back her into a corner. Think about it. When a person feels under attack, they usually strike back. Your goal is to share your feelings with your friend and let her know how her behavior is making you feel. It’s not the absence of conflict that makes a relationship strong, but in how you handle the conflict. If your friendship is legit and your friend really cares about you, she will appreciate you being honest with her, even if she seems hurt in the beginning. Remember, you’re telling her how you feel . . . you’re not attacking her character.

T- Trust. Oooh, I know this is a touchy word, and to be honest once trust is broken, it’s sometimes easier just to walk away than to try to rebuild. But this is your best friend. Once you’ve had a heart-to-heart with her and she’s acknowledged your feelings (hopefully), it’s to time bury the hatchet. Don’t bring it up again and don’t expect the worse. Don’t sell out either. You know what I mean . . . being fake around the other chick to try to appease your friend. If the other girl isn’t your cup of latte, don’t force a friendship. But if you do happen to become friends with her, please find a tactful way to educate her on proper weave touchups!

-Dana Che

Dana Che is an inspirational speaker and the author of The Choice That Changed Her Life, a young adult fiction book on one girl’s journey through an emotionally abusive relationship and teenage pregnancy. When she’s not inspiring or empowering others, she can be found catching up on her favorite TV shows on her DVR or hanging with her hubby Shaun and their four amazingly wonderful children.

Learn more about Dana at http://danache.com and connect with her up on your favorite social network.

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When most people think of health and beauty, they think of fitness gyms and facial creams. But there is so much more to being a healthy person. One aspect of a person that is often ignored, when considering a healthy lifestyle, is the spirit. Your spirit or inner self is what will guide you to your greatest destinies in life. It is important this part of you be kept healthy and happy. As crazy as it might sound, your spirit needs to be exercised and conditioned too.

Most often when we hear the word “spirit” we think religion. While most people identify with their spirit through religion or church, there are a number of ways to connect with and exercise your inner self; I personally recommend a daily meditation practice. The art of meditation does not necessarily mean sitting Indian style and chanting “Om” for several hours. This methodology is extremely effective and how I came to learn about mediation, however, meditation is a way of focusing on oneself and being able to connect with your inner spirit or conscious. Whether your “me” time be in front of your computer or laid out on the beach, it is important you allow yourself time throughout your day to be consumed with nothing but yourself.

I’ve practiced meditation for the last eight (8) years. It’s not a difficult concept, but you have to be willing to put in the effort. My meditation teacher was giving a lecture to a group of professional, career oriented women who just couldn’t find the time to focus on themselves. They all had excuses- children, meetings, travels- there just wasn’t enough time in the day for them to focus on what needed to be done within their own lives. My meditation teacher told us all in the calmest of voices one could imagine, “…just let go…” It took a while for his response to resonate with me, but I finally understood. There is always a moment in the day where you can let go of everything in your life and simply listen.

You might ask, “Listen to what?” Listen to yourself. Listen to your breath. When thoughts of your to-do list or ways of the world start to enter your mind, push them out and continue to focus on you. Whether it is after school when no one else is at home or right before a game when you are zoned out thinking about a winning play, take any moment you can to just be still and observe your spirit. Don’t allow the practice of meditation and self reflection to scare you. Unlike when you are in the gym working your muscles or at the makeup counter buying beauty products, there is no one else around but you and your God, which is perfect. The moments of solidarity allow you to be honest with yourself about who you are and the life you live. During meditation, the only person who can pass judgment on you is you. The practice is intended to create an inner calm and bring your life a sense of peace and well-being. Every part of you and your life can reflect a healthy lifestyle, but if your inner self is damaged and chaotic nothing else in life will make sense. The most impactful lifestyle changes are those that start from within. Here are a few tips to get you started with your daily meditation practice:

1. Choose a peaceful environment– Ideally, one should be able to practice meditation in the midst of pandemonium. However, to get to such a point takes practice and dedication. As a beginner, it is important you find a quiet, peaceful place where you can hear nothing but your breath. Turn off your TV, log off Facebook, and silence your cell phone.

2. Wear comfortable clothing– It is important you be comfortable during your meditation practice. It is hard enough to sit still and hone in on your inner self, the last thing you need is uncomfortable garments distracting your practice.

3. Decide how long you want to meditate– Set a timer for your meditation practice. The time limit does not have to be anything extreme, a solid 10 minutes a day is a good starting point. As you become more dedicated to your practice, increase your time in 5 minute increments.

4. Sit in a comfortable position and close your eyes– You don’t want to put your body in a position that is going to be uncomfortable and potentially distract you from your practice. Find a position that suits your body and doesn’t place too much strain on any particular body part. The purpose of closing your eyes is to help you maintain focus. If your eyes are open and wandering the room you are going to be less focused on the practice and more focused on outside variables.

5. Follow your breath– As you enter your meditation practice, focus on your breath and follow the breath as you inhale through your nose. Continue to follow your breath to the pit of your stomach. When you exhale, follow the breath from the pit of your stomach as you release through your mouth. You will follow and listen to your breath the entire time you are in practice. It sometimes helps you focus on your breath if you visualize a peaceful place.

The art and practice of meditation cannot be explained in a 1500 word article. It is truly something you have to learn and understand for yourself. Just as there are no two people who are identical, there are no two spirits or mediation practices which are the same. Each person’s practice is unique to them and their spirit. As with everything in life, you shouldn’t set your goals based on someone else’s lifestyle. Set your goals based on you and what you want to attain. Center your meditation practice on you and the well-being of your inner self.

True beauty is found within. You can be the most beautiful woman in the world with an ugly inner being and everything about you reflects the same. So, take a few moments everyday to get your inner beauty primed and perfect. No amount of make up or designer clothes can change who you are on the inside, only you can change that. Take your time, get comfortable, and breathe. A woman who is confident in her spirit is the most beautiful woman in the world. Until next time ladies, meditate, breathe, and self reflect. As always, I wish each of you a life of true health and beauty!

-Heidi Thomas

Hey ladies!

Time to check out our Throwback Thursday vid pick—-> Blaque-808

Good morning, beautiful girls!

Check out SZA’s chill new vid for ‘Warm Winds’——>

Happy Tuesday!

Get up out of bed and get your blood flowing with A Tribe Called Red —> Sisters ft Northern Voice