Editor’s Edict~


What a thought to know that the holidays are here and that 2008 is knocking on our back screen door grinning with a steaming hot homemade apple pie. I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to letting her in with welcoming arms.

As we close out 2007 and in honor of the launch of the Brown Betties Gazette, I’ve chosen some of my favorite articles that have appeared here since we began this past spring.

I look forward to this next coming year where we will continue to bring you amazing Brown Betties who are out there doing their thing. We’ll also have fun and poignant articles from other Brown Bettie writers. Last but not least, we’ll continue to be represented by the Brown Betties of Harlem’s Night Cabaret as we perform our sultry, sassy, sophisticated bed time story. Catch us live January 4, February 1 and March 7 2008 at The Mint in LA. And, don't forget to purchase your Brown Betties Pinned UP 2008 Calendar at www.brownbetties.com!

Happy New Year!


xo
Peppur Chambers
The Hot One

P.S. As always, if you have any comments or would like to write for the Gazette, feel free to hit me up at brownbettiesgazette@yahoo.com.

A Brown Bettie with Moxie

By Peppur Chambers



Yasmine Richard
Multi-format Producer
On-Air Host
Voice Over Talent

A whip of a firecracker, Yasmine is a wonderful personality. I’m not just saying that to say it, nor am I saying it in terms of how the entertainment industry refers to talent…I’ll leave that up to agents, managers and Entertainment Tonight as Miss Richard is already skipping along the yellow-brick road towards being a Wonderful Personality.

With time short these days, we get things done the way that is quick and most convenient! Therefore, Yasmine and I conducted this month’s Brown Bettie interview via BlackBerry. For those of you perhaps unfamiliar, a “BlackBerry” is like a little typewriter that fits in the palm of your hand that is connected to the internet (more or less). You may see people tapping into them while walking, driving, standing in line at Starbucks, etc. The keys are small, as is the screen, so to communicate “effectively”, we often use abbreviations and stylized words to make up for the crunch. Below, I tried to keep true to what Yas wrote, only changing words that the general population may not be familiar with. It’s a fun interview and as Yas said, “Sorry I'm answering funky...I'm on my bberry.”

How many nicknames do you have?
A million. Yazzy, yazzo, yaz, jazzy, jaz, yas-mi-mine (pronounced yaas-me-meen...my fam is haitian), pimante, picante...The last 2 are a funny story. I got them as a kid. I was in Haiti with my fam and I went to the fridge and bit into what I thought was some fruit...turned out to be some pepper. OUCH! Recently, Myss Moxie. I gave it to myself. I like what the word "moxie" means.

Which one is your favorite, and why?
All of them are special to me. Probably the last few since they remind me of my fam.

I understand you helped break the Kanye West musical debut at MTV. What in your gut made you know you were right about him and/or his music?
His energy. Like pure raw talent. He loves music. And I do too. And quite frankly it would be an injustice to me to not have introduced him to whoever I can. I think that because of competition or whatevs people don't wanna put other people on. I always look at it this way. If that was at the beginning of my career, I can't wait to see how the rest shapes up!

How have you used that instinct to directly help yourself in your budding career as an on-camera broadcast journalist?
Great question. No...I haven't. My focus for several years has been behind the scenes. I figured the stronger I am as a producer/director, the better I can communicate when I'm on the other side of the camera. Its taking me a bit longer but I know the "Oprah 2.0" movement will go down!

How long have you been in LA and what are you doing now?
Been in LA about 3 years. I'm currently a producer with a huge emphasis on field producing. I'm really interested in development too. So I've been developing projects on the side that hopefully I'll pitch in the next few weeks or so.

Tell us about one of your favorite interviews/projects and why it was so special (or crazy).
Fave intvs/projects-well, 3 intvs stand out. 1.) Terrance Howard...he's very graceful and intense. Makes total sense why he's the great actor with range that he is. 2.) Gladys Knight! She was phenomenal. It was at some BET awards [event] and they asked us if we wanted to talk to her....(keep in mind, I work for MTV and why would MTV wanna talk to Gladys Knight!) So of course I said YES! How could I not!? She was everything you wanted her to be. And lastly/most recently, Common. Again, exactly who you want him to be. So humble and articulate.

For another interview on Yazzy and to see how phenomenal she is, check her out at Galrilla.net pg 82!!!!

You graduated from Brigham Young, correct?
Yup, BYU. I got a scholarship there for academics. My fam is Mormon. And I was recruited as part of a multi-cultural program designed to recruit...multi-cultural students. Did I just repeat myself?? Lol.

You mentioned an outstanding idea about Myspace. Do you care to talk about it here?
I would talk about my myspizzle idea but there are some swagger jackers out there and I wanna lock in the ownership before I put the call out! (Aarhaa aarhaa! That's my bird call. Lol)

Update: Yasmine is ready for the world! She has two projects going. See below for the rundown!

You recently visited the Peponi Spa, which is in Venice and Black-Owned. Do you happen to have a phone photo of your hottt nails? (What was the color?)
Peponi is dope on a rope! So relaxing!! Great energy. But yeah the nail colour (tryin’ to be fresh throwing the "u" in there). So, ok I knew I wanted pink but I couldn't decide what shade sooooo I put three different colors on 3 different nails to get some opinions and I realized that I liked all 3 so I decided to do all of them. It’s different but it works!

Do you like a Lady's Man (i.e. a man that adores a Lady) or a Bad Boy? Why?
I like a combination. A man that knows when to switch it up. You can be a lady's man when the time comes but when its time to whip out (that's awful! Lol) the thug passion. Handle ur biznass! Haha. (Sorry mom)

What ultimately makes you a Brown Bettie?
What makes me a Brown Bettie is my belief in integrity. I'm the oldest of 8 kids and it’s important to me that my family knows I WON the RIGHT way. Always, always move with INTEGRITY it’s [always] in the back of my mind. I'm in an industry where people will do WHATEVER it takes to win. I won't. I will do it my way.....with Moxie!

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

******"Myss Moxie Presents: Social Studies"******

Click here for the video!

#1) Have you ever exposed a guy/girl on Facebook/Myspace? Like found out that she/he was doing you wrong thanks to the magic of Facebook/Myspace? If so, Myss Moxie wants to hear about it. Email: thinktwice.ent@gmail.com

#2) Has ladies night at the club ever turned sour because of a bug a boo? You know, the dude or dudes (depending on your hotness level) that will NOT leave you alone. The one that insist that because you're wearing a certain outfit or looking a certain way, thinks it's the greenlight to harass you non-stop? Send an email or a 30s webcam with your story to: myssmoxie@gmail.com

For more on Yasmine and her projects, go to: www.myspace.com/myssmoxie. All photos by Steve Kay www.myspace.com/stevekay13

Two Sides

There are two sides to every love story. Hers and His. Here is one gritty story told through the immediacy and simplicity of emotional email. If you have a story you'd like to share, email brownbettiesgazette@yahoo.com and put TWO SIDES in the subject line.

Hers (June 16, 2006) )

I called him yesterday and we had a very trepidatious (word?) conversation and then I called him at the end of the day because I wanted to hear his voice. We were supposed to get together on Sunday to talk and stuff but when I called him he asked if I wanted to come over last night and I did. I was preparing myself for this to be the last time I was at his house but when he came downstairs and I saw him I just started grinning like a fool. I was so happy to see him. I did ask him if he had any more secrets and he said no. I asked him why he didn't tell me and he said that he was going to. Me "When?" Him "I was going to tell you." Repeat. Me "I thought you loved me?" Him "I do love you. I don't see what that has to do with it. I was going to tell you." I said some other stuff and I made a big deal of having him look me in the eye when he was talking to me. Me "The baby would be so pretty if it looked like my side of the family." Him "As long as it's good looking."

I told him that I want a partner and that is important to me and that I want a baby. He said he wants a partner but he doesn't want anymore kids because he'll be 67 when it's 20. Me "What about all the years in between?" I asked him if he had $10 million would he want a baby then and he said it isn't about the money.

I'm still all icky gooey in love with him. He showed me his movie that he's working on. He wants me to help him make it better. I want him to help me publish my book. Me "Did you miss me?" Him "Of course I did." He said that he thought I wasn't going to call him anymore and that this was going to be the end since we want different things. He also said that he figured that I'd call him from Brazil or something. I asked him if he thinks I'm going to just run off and he said yes. Ok, so there are some issues there and I can't be mad at him for that because as you are aware running away is my fantasy. I told him that I don't want to run away that I want to be with him. Me "I know you're done getting married and I don't need that." Him "That's not true I want to get married again and buy a house with someone." Well, it appears that we differ on one very important issue...so what to do? I think I'm going to stick with it and see where it goes.

This morning.....Him "Do you really want a baby?" Me "Yes." Him "No you don't." What? Anyway, I adore him and he makes me smile and I love him and being close to him. However, on the other hand I still feel kind of free and I don't know if that's about me feeling like he doesn't have anymore secrets from me or if I feel free to go out with other people and do whatever I want.

I guess time will tell. I feel more at ease than I have in a long time when it comes to our relationship. The break helped me out that's for sure. Do you think he'll budget on the baby thing? I don't want to lose him but I don't know what's it's like to be so absolute about something. I'm always willing to compromise.

His (September 26, 2006)

In your late and desperate quest to have a kid you
should run off to Atlanta or Braizl where it could
happen in less than six months or go back to dating
white boys.

I was all most there given my past this was the
best way for me I just need a little reasurance and
living together would have given me that. I read you
like a book if it's not your way then its all or
noting. Yeah it's better this way you are head for
singel parent hood because you are so desperate you
can't think about any thing else.

What about your book your movie looking for another
job they don't matter its just about a kid I hope you
don't end up a babies momma because you can barely can
take care of yourself. What do you do with your life
other than feel sorry for self and envey us of your
friends with families. YOU DO NOTHING but work out and
to to work which you hate and you only been on two job
intervies in the last year, and run behind your
firiends...the only one who has no one so lets all
feel sorry for her. You live vivariouly throuth your
fiends. LIVE YOUR LIFE TODAY My life is far from
perfect but I have always live it

Since I have known you thats all you talked about A
KID in sted of just letting it happen....We had
something good if you would have just stepped back
alittle you might have gotten what you wanted. Head
strong with get you nothing but along your fear of
becoming a an old maid is that much closer...looking
in the mirror what do you see? Do yo really
think at this age you have a shot...I mean really.
There is nothing funny about ending up along.

You need to start dating today remember you don't have
time you are 38 and time is running out...I heard
dating on line is good for women who want kids and
church is good.


We could have been happy with or with out a kid...

I'm the lucky one here...I was really starting to see
us as family and looking forward to living together me
and you 1st thats love and from comes a kid....I
wanted to move in with you get closer.

What you need is sprem donner...no man who gets wind
of 38 year women looking to get married and kid they
might fuck you. Marriage it could have but not in two
years, only if you put lid on desparate bit for kid.

Good Luck to you I just had to say this and get off of
my chest...you never hear from me again.

In My Solitude
Poetic offering from Carol Sims aka Bubblin B Suga dated May 10, 2002

AFRAID

I am afraid afraid to feel you
yet I feel you deep down
I am feeling your feelings

I am afraid to let my feelings flow
yet they flood your world

afraid that too much too soon
will be too much kissing and hugging and touching
and looking and oozing and boozing up on love feelings

I can hear you when I'm not listening
and I stop breathing just to listen....
then I shudder because
I can feel you and I am afraid

so afraid that when our eyes meet
I smile fearing that you will feel me too

i am afraid of knowing love again
afraid of the up and down of it all
afraid to be free and
let you catch up with me
and hold me closer than before

I am so afraid oflettingyou
that I've waited for you
all my life and now
you're here
and
I'm speechless at the thought of knowing
you are ready
to keep me

butterflies!!!

afraid to let you go when we part
afraid of those long tight embraces
that will eventually will squeeze

an
I love you

out of me

Unzipped

By Cars and Stars

After nearly an hour of resistance, begging, excuses, decency and negotiating, we pulled over to the darkest corner of the quiet tree-lined, residential street. There was a large bush that blocked the window on the passenger side. It filled the car with the smell of pine. He climbed over the front seat quickly and coaxed me into the back seat with him, seemingly lifting me above and between the driver and passenger seat headrests. “Lay back and put your leg over here”, he whispered.

In the backseat of a car, on the darkest street in one of the most upscale neighborhoods in the city is where he unzipped me.

Looking through the moon roof in the car, all I could see were the tips of trees, stars and a residual glow from the streetlight a half a block down. I didn’t feel scared, just tingly. His temperature was hot, his hands quick, his lips warm and soft. He worked himself into a frenzy, rapid and intense, heightening all the senses. I felt him smell, touch, taste, hear and see me everywhere. The driver’s side windows were steamed and I was blinded by stars and sensations and soon could not hear a thing.

When we came down from euphoria, he smiled as a Cheshire cat would. He looked at me, touched his favorite spot and slowly zipped me up. Then, almost regretfully, he said, “Let’s go.”

Signed,
Cars & Stars

Have you been Unzipped? Let us know how and where at brownbettiesgazette@yahoo.com. Be sure to use “UNZIPPED” in your subject heading!

I'm A Woman

In 1963, Peggy Lee let the world know why she was a woman with her song, "I'm A Woman". The Brown Betties of Harlem's Night Cabaret offer a little somethin' somethin' on what she feels makes her a woman today.


Danielle Lewis (plays "WANT"):

I know who I am. I know what I want and I know how to get it. I have a mind of my own- ask me what's on it and I'll tell you. I know the power of a woman and I know how to use it in all its glory. I know when to give and how to recieve. I live by the saying "It's better to ask for forgiveness than permission". Life waits on no one, and neither do I.

Christy Gamble (plays "LOVE")

I’m thorough;

I can get everything well done in one day’s time and still come home and just listen...

Keena Ferguson (plays "HATE")

...It's a matter of taking that moment where you don't feel so great and trying to make the best out of it and deciding to be happy and positive instead of focusing on all those other things that you want to still happen...

Peppur Chambers (plays "NEED"/"HARLEM")

I know I feel most like a woman when

I've fully tapped into my power.

Momma Said
by Vicki Rogers (Peppur's Momma)

There was a saying in our household that was passed down from Grandma Hamm to my mother and then down to my sisters and me. I’d actually call it a mantra that became ingrained into my being because I heard it so often. It was: "You can eat it fast or you can eat it slow, but when it's gone there ain't no mo'." Grandma Hamm, strong-willed and strong-boned, moved from rural Wright City, Missouri to live with relatives in Lawrence, Kansas when Grandpa went into the Army. She had seven children; worked as a housekeeper; and like everyone else, she knew hardship. For grandma and momma the bottom line was feeding their families. Momma never asked what we wanted to eat. You ate what was put on the table or you DIDN'T.

I didn’t like onions. When they were on my plate, I ate … SLOW. There was momma’s tuna casserole, tuna salad and potato salad that were full of them. It was like you had won the diced-onion lottery. I would spend what seemed like hours at the table picking diced onions out of my food before I could even eat it. I hated that crunch of the onion between my teeth, let alone the taste. How my three sisters laughed. Everyone else would be in their pajamas and I, the youngest, would still be dissecting my food one teaspoon at a time. Creamed onions, which were my mother's favorite and far too concealed in white sauce for any form of dissection, had to be swallowed whole with a Kool-Aid chaser. (I still cringe to this day.) Oddly enough, there were exceptions: fried potatoes and onions and fried liver and onions. Both were cooked so long that the onions kind of melted away or they were burnt to a crispy charcoal and were easy to detect.

Under the “Eat It Fast” category was fried chicken. My sisters say we ate a lot of my mother’s variety at home, but my favorite came from my Grandma Rogers' house on Sundays (pictured left). We'd walk to her house after Mass hungry with anticipation; maybe that had something to do with it because by both momma and Grandma Rogers (a Troy, Kansas native) were excellent at fried chicken. They always cut up their own whole chicken. The pieces were then shook in a brown paper bag with salt, pepper and flour and then fried in hot Crisco shortening with half a stick of Oleo margarine added in. We ate it all too: the backs and breast; liver and gizzard; heart and neck; and the legs and thighs. This was a meal during which you did not leave the table because after the blessing, it was every fork for themselves. Fifteen minutes later the dishes were hitting the sink.

I guess we all remember the foods we hated or loved. Today we still eat fast -- but it's usually at the drive-through. We still eat slow --but it's to avoid indigestion. However now, it's rarely NO MO' and I say, "Amen" to that!