XI Fly Chicks and Fellas, we must practice better skincare because these numbers are shocking!  We have to stop believing that “black (and brown) don’t crack.”  We are even more susceptible than our white counterparts.

From StyleList: Having darker skin does not exclude you from getting skin cancer.

If you have a darker complexion, you actually have a greater risk of dying from skin cancer than your light-skinned counterparts.

That’s the shocking news from a recent study of 41,072 melanoma patients in Florida that found advanced cases in 12% of Caucasians, 18% of Hispanics, and 26% of African Americans.

The culprit? Minorities are less likely to be diagnosed and treated for skin cancer in its early detection stages.

“There is a fairly common misconception among African Americans and Hispanics that we do not get skin cancer. Nothing could be further from the truth,” says Dr. Marcy Street, the first African-American female MOHS surgeon in the United States.

“Because light-skinned individuals are mentioned constantly, minority groups often surmise that the information somehow doesn’t apply to us since we don’t commonly burn or have the warning signs of having had too much sun — redness, tingling, sun burning, peeling,” adds Dr. Street.

Individuals with deeper skin tones should look for changing moles, a skin growth that doesn’t heal, and a dry, patchy rash that refuses to heal with lotion.

“Melanoma may occur commonly on the hands, feet, mucosal surfaces and in other hidden places such as the eyes. These are all areas of the body that need to be checked regularly,” advises Dr. Street.

Naturally bronzed beauties should never assume that skin color means you can skimp on the sunscreen. Look for light spray-on formulas with an SPF of at least 30 that blend in more seamlessly than chunkier white creams that may leave skin ashy or gray.

Yes this post is serous…

The Grio – We have learned a lot about where we stand in terms of race relations and our collective memory since Governor Robert F. McDonnell issued a proclamation declaring April Confederate History Month in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The rush on the part of the nation’s leading editorial pages to condemn McDonnell’s edict as revisionist history shows that at least the elite media have reached a consensus that the southern states fought the Civil War to preserve the evils of slavery.

Since most of us who came of age in the twentieth century were often peddled the nonsense that the Civil War was about tariffs or some unspecified states’ rights during our K-12 education, this development represents a major shift in our public culture. The fact that Haley Barbour, the Republican governor of Mississippi, which has the largest black population in the United States, callously dismissed McDonnell’s critics as “trying to make a big deal out of something that doesn’t amount to diddly,” shows that we have much work to do to achieve a healthy collective memory of slavery and the Civil War.

There are two ways that the black community and their progressive allies can use this controversy to move the ball forward on this issue. First, we must apply what political scientists call the “politics of re-articulation” to the Confederate History Month.

Re-articulation is simply giving a political act or symbol a new meaning based on one’s own interests. Progressives can easily achieve this end by staging a remembrance ceremony in Richmond (and other state capitals where there are Confederate History Months) to honor the slaves whose toil provided the foundation for America’s rise to global supremacy.

Instead of the normal histrionics that accompany most modern political rallies in America, these ceremonies should be solemn affairs akin to the NAACP’s protests against lynching in the early twentieth century. Moreover, instead of speeches, these ceremonies should simply feature the testimonies provided to the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s by African-Americans who lived through the horrors of slavery. Imagine the moral and spiritual clarity that would fill Richmond as Americans of all races–rich, poor, famous, and unknown–took turns at the microphone reading the lived experiences of these survivors. Could men like Governor McDonnell or Governor Barbour deny the importance of slavery in the face of this testimony? Would they even continue to issue these proclamations if progressives showed up at the beginning or end of Confederate History Month to wreck their fantasies with the power of truth? The answer to both of these questions is likely a resounding no.

Bringing order to their own houses with regard to the celebration of Confederate symbols is another way that the black community and progressives can help the cause. One of the main arguments that Governor Barbour used to deflect criticism of Confederate History Month is the fact that Democrats also engage in this behavior. Consider, for example, the fact that at least four prominent black Americans–including the civil rights leaders Vernon Jordan and Andrew Young–are members of the Alfalfa Club, an elite Washington, DC social organization founded in 1913 to throw an annual dinner in honor of the birthday of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Because the club did not admit blacks until 1974, both President Jimmy Carter and President Bill Clinton refused the club’s invitations to address the annual gathering. President Obama broke with this boycott tradition when he addressed the group in January of 2009.

Of course, the black members of the Alfalfa Club and President Obama do not intend to glorify Confederate History. Indeed, President Obama acknowledged the tension surrounding his decision to break the boycott by telling a joke about how confused General Lee would be by the spectacle of a black president if he were in the room.

Despite their intentions, participation in such organizations definitely provides cover for men like Governor Barbour. It also shows that even our most enlightened leaders still do not guard the legacies of the slaves as jealously as they should. Can you imagine any respectable Jewish leader or mainstream politician attending a dinner or joining a club that organized initially to celebrate the birthday of General Erwin Rommel? Even 150 years from now, I suspect that such a gesture would be unthinkable. Until progressives begin to adopt similar standards, and stop whistling Dixie even when no one is watching, we will never stamp out Confederate History Month.

Source

It is February, and along with Valentine’s Day, President’s Day, and Ash Wednesday (14th, 15th, 17th) it’s Black History Month. And Exclusivity Magazine is recognizing those who have paved the way for us with our “Living History” series. Far too often our pioneers are honored posthumously or they are so well-known that every media outlet is covering them for Black History Month. Not saying we shouldn’t honor these people as well, but we rarely see African Americans honored who are currently living and who get very little publicity for their accomplishments. Since we are a publication that seeks out new and fresh faces, let’s honor those who are breaking ground and shattering glass ceilings today. Let’s honor those who we have experienced making history in our lifetime. XI is shedding light on blacks who are behind-the-scenes and opening doors for all of us and generations to come.

Marlin “The Magician” Briscoe was born on September 10, 1945 in Oakland, California.

“I attended a predominantly white school, the University of Omaha,” Briscoe said. “I never considered myself as a Black quarterback. I always considered myself as a quarterback. After making All-American, I just felt I had the ability to do the job. When I got drafted out of college, I was taken as a defensive back. I negotiated my own contract. In the contract, I requested a three-day trial at quarterback. They thought I was crazy a 14th-round draft choice demanding something like that. But they granted me the request. I knew that Denver was one of only few teams that held open practices. I figured I would get a chance to show what I could do. I knew it wasn’t going to be a fair shake. Nevertheless, that would give me a forum to display my skills.”

When Marlin Briscoe stepped on the field on October 6, 1968, it wasn’t really recognized at the time as a big event.

“It was 1968, a volatile time in our nation,” Briscoe said. “There was Vietnam, the assassinations of (Martin Luther) King and (Robert) Kennedy. There was a belief that blacks were not bright enough, that we didn’t have the ability to lead. Most of the players in the league were white, and most were from Southern schools where they never had a black teammate, let alone a quarterback. I knew that if I didn’t have success, it would be a long time before someone else got the chance. People would say, ‘I told you so.”

After many years of the black man struggling to get a chance to play quarterback, today that has all changed. Today’s quarterbacks remember Briscoe.

“I’m glad to hear a name like that come out,” said former New Orleans Saints quarterback Aaron Brooks, when asked if Briscoe’s name meant anything to him. “It brings a big smile to my face. He’s a pioneer. He helped me get to the point we are today. Without him, I don’t think (black quarterbacks) would be looked at the way we are right now.”

“We come to 2004 and a black quarterback is judged as a quarterback,” Briscoe said. “Not as a black quarterback, but as a quarterback. If he makes a good play, he gets cheered. If he makes a bad play, he gets booed. That’s all you can ask.”

Marlin Briscoe’s Magician Act

It was November 24, 1968 and the Denver Broncos were playing the Buffalo Bills. Thanks in large part to Briscoe; the Broncos led 14-0 in the second quarter, 21-7 at the half, and 28-14 at the end of the third quarter. It appeared that the Denver Broncos had victory in hand until a Floyd Little fumble set up a field goal to give Buffalo a 32-31 lead with just 26 seconds left to play. According to Little, Saban fired him when he went to the sidelines after the fumble, but he did not listen to his coach, instead returning to the huddle when the Broncos go the ball back. Floyd Little told quarterback Marlin Briscoe,

“You just have to do this for me. I wanted him to throw me the ball and I told him, ‘I’m going for the flag, just throw it.” Briscoe did and the 59-yard completion put the ball on the Buffalo 10 and a penalty moved it to the five, setting up the winning 12-yard field goal by Bob Howfield with seven seconds left. “I’ve seen a lot of them — close ones and all kinds,” Saban said, “but never anything like this.”

“Marlin did a good job against a good defensive team,” Saban said. “And that last throw and catch was just fantastic.” Johnson, the Bengals coach added his plaudits. “Briscoe has a strong arm for a little guy. The little guy really moves around and with guys like Denson and Crabtree who are fast and can move it’s tough to cover.”

For the game, Briscoe completed 12 of 29 passes for 335 yards and a franchise record four touchdown passes as the Broncos beat the Bills 34-32.

Briscoe was an innovator and a pioneer of his time.  His legacy and impact on the modern day black quarterback is still felt.  The Marlin Briscoe story is coming to the big screen soon, although a date has yet to be released.  The NFL produced a mini documentary of Marlin Briscoe’s entitled “The History of the Black NFL QB”  Check it out here

Source

XI Xhales is our our NEW advice column on all things Life, Love & Relationships.  Our resident Advice Columnist Mocha has been tapped by Exclusivity to answer your questions on any subject.  If you need advice or have a burning question you’ve been dying to get an answer to email XI at ximagonline@gmail.com and your questions will be answered in the following weeks issue.

Question #1: What do you feel are driving factors that prevent black men and black women from forming successful cohesive units? ~ M. Brady

Dear M. Brady:

Well, that is a very loaded question! However, one of the main reasons I feel black men and black women may have problems forming successful unions is the inability for them to communicate in an honest and compromisable manner. Now, I love my black women…however, we have this expectation of the black man based on societal standards of who a “man” should be and being a “man” and being a “BLACK MAN” are too different things. Now, I am not making excuses for black men, however many of them weren’t raised in what society considers to be a “functional” or “two parent” home, if you will. Therefore, a lot of them weren’t brought up knowing the true role of a man in society and therefore haven’t been able to realize how impactful their positive influence can be on the upcoming male generation. I think as black women, we also have a responsibility to make better choices with the men that we date. If we choose to have children with men that aren’t family oriented and don’t have high morals and values as it pertains to women, we can’t be surprised when we raise men who lack those same values. We can always teach our boys to do better than we have but children learn by what they see. Example is very powerful and although we can teach our young men how to be good men, they need that example so they have positive images to model their lives after. Now, I am aware that not all black women make bad choices in men, I will say that. Ladies, I know we can’t always control the outcome but I had to put that out there because many times WE CAN. Also, when you meet someone ladies and gents…don’t send out your representative, be yourself because that is the only role that you can play and play naturally! Men…you can’t meet a women and pretend to be this really sweet guy and choose to date her because her “body is banging” then decide to work everything else out AFTER you “beat”!!! You know once you sleep with her and continue to do it on a consistent basis, eventually she will get attached to you (if the sex is good of course) and that’s when you have a problem! Men tend to rush intimacy without really getting know the women they are getting involved with. Just as women tend to”give up the goods” too quickly! Men, don’t choose to date the women that will make great potential wives in the long-term, they date women who are great “wifey material” in the short-term. Well “wifey” may not make a great WIFE!!! Communication, is key when you meet someone. You have to know their past in order to have insight on what their future may hold. We have to get past the physical (not saying it isn’t important) but focus on the mental. Ask the right questions and don’t be afraid to say upfront what you want! Also…VERY VERY important…don’t expect a man or woman to assume the person you will be down the line. You have to work for the position you are trying to get, not for the position you are in! I know we have to guard our hearts but we can divulge certain specifics about our personality without completely letting our guard down. Also, open your eyes more and close your legs ladies! I know we all have needs but once that line has been crossed before really getting to know the individual you are involved with, both parties are now doing what it takes to “keep em CUMMIN back” instead of doing what it takes to really make it work!

Question #2: What do you do if you meet a man that you have an interest in getting to know and he’s married but he claims the only reason he’s married is because he is from the Caribbean and needed proper documentation or marriage papers to become legal?  ~ C. Jacobs

Dear C. Jacobs:

Well, being West Indian myself…I have definitely heard of these scenarios plenty of times. Look, marriage is marriage. If the man is married, leave him alone. I wouldn’t suggest you get involved in a situation like that, it may insight drama that I am sure you don’t really need or want in your life. You both can be friends, their is nothing wrong with a platonic relationship but I wouldn’t suggest you get intimately involved with him. Besides, you are only hearing his side of the story. It can be the truth but their are always two sides! And…a rule of thumb that I try to follow…if I have to ask the question, then I already knew the answer! If GOD is going to send you a man that’s or you, TRUST he will not send you a MARRIED MAN regardless as to why he’s married! Also, be honest with yourself.

Question #3: I met this man, we’ve been dating for awhile and recently he communicated to me that he’s celibate. Now I love sex, what do I do? ~ Anonymous

Dear Anonymous:

Respect the man’s wishes and invest in some great toys! Here’s a site that I will recommend to you Pure Romance by Tiana (it’s a girlfriend of mine…great stuff)! LOL. In the event you are more reserved and the first option isn’t for you, then pray on it. Not sure if you are spiritual but power of prayer can be amazing. Ask for your urge to be removed so you can get to know this man for he is and not what he can offer (between the sheets).  If you feel it is something you can’t deal with, talk to him and see what other things you both can do to that may still satisfy your urges without actual intercourse. You may have to get creative girl and develop a great imagination! Good luck!

Advice Columnist Khalila A.

Sometimes history has a way of slipping right past us.  And while we try to honor those who are still with us, we’d be remissed if we didn’t acknowledge the life and accomplishments of Eddie G. Robinson who is to be honored this weekend in Grambling, Louisiana as the unveiling of the Eddie G. Robinson Museum takes center stage.

Almost a decade after the Legislature authorized a state museum to honor former Grambling football coach Eddie G. Robinson, it will open on what would have been his 91st birthday.

Robinson was the head coach at Grambling for 56 years before retiring in 2007.  He finished his coaching career with 408 wins, 165 losses and 15 ties.

More than 200 of his players went on to play in the American Football League and in the NFL. Robinson coached three American Football League players who would later be inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame: the Kansas City Chiefs’ Buck Buchanan; the Oakland Raiders’ Willie Brown; and the Houston Oilers’ Charlie Joiner.

Robinson also coached James Harris, who with the AFL’s Buffalo Bills became the first black quarterback in modern Pro Football history to start at that position in a season opener.

He also coached Packers defensive end and Hall of Famer Willie Davis and the Super Bowl XXII MVP, Redskins quarterback Doug Williams, who would ultimately succeed Robinson as Grambling’s head coach in 1998.

Robinson compiled 45 winning seasons, including winning or sharing 17 Southwestern Athletic Conference championships and nine black college football national championships.

After his retirement, Robinson was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease; he died on April 3, 2007, at Lincoln General Hospital in Ruston, Louisiana, after being admitted earlier in the day.

New Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly will give the keynote address at Saturday’s dedication.

Friday evening, Pittsburgh Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin headlines a corporate fundraising banquet.

Many former Grambling players, including Pro Football Hall of Famer Willie Davis, Doug Williams and James “Shack” Harris, will join Secretary of State Jay Dardenne and local officials at the dedication.

Source

With it being Black History Month, I wanted to do a piece that spoke from my personal world…which is acting.  As many of you readers know by now, I am an actress, singer, songwriter,  journalist, a pending author (my novel should be done by spring, I hope…lol) and a loud mouth. I’m a straight up person and speak my mind. I do my best to be cognizant of others’ feelings, but I am going to tell it like it is and oh well to those that can’t handle that. But in all fairness, I expect the same and do my best to swallow whatever I’m dished out…even if it makes me gag and choke.

As an African-American actress, I know that the meaty, juicy, Oscar-worthy roles for us are very few and far between. And when you are an up-and-comer it’s even more difficult without a big name agent or a lengthy resume to back you and your talent up.  However, we have some women right now that are doing it and I’m so proud to say…they are my peers. I may not be nearly on their level, but we are in the same field and I’m on my way, so yes, I feel justified in saying peers!

My issue however, is that even with all of the great work being done by African-American actresses…are we THERE yet? And sadly, in the media and Holly-weird’s eyes…the answer is a resounding NO! They may speak yes, they may say to us, we’ve given you some main stream love…but the actions are loud and clear.

A prime example is Vanity Fair’s young Hollywood issue. They have been doing this issue since 1995 and would you believe that there have only been four African-American actresses included (Angela Bassett-1995, Jada Pinkett-Smith 1997, Kerry Washington & Rosario Dawson 2005) and the two honorable mentions Thandie Newton in their “New Kids On the Block” issue in 1999 and Zoë Kravitz in their “Hollywood’s Next Wave” piece in 2008. Now we all know that there have been many women deserving of the light in those issues. From 2009’s Gabby Sidibe who was up for a Golden Globe and a Sag Award for her role in “Precious,” to her Naturi Naughton who slayed as Lil Kim in “Notorious” and also did her thing in “Fame.” Then there is also Paula Patton (“Idle Wild,” “déjà vu,” and “Precious”) as well as Megan Good, Keke Palmer and a laundry list of others.

Where are their pics on the covers and in the articles? Why are we still living in an age of firsts? Tocarra being the first African American with a spread in Italian Vogue, Gabby being the first African American non-model plus-size woman on the cover of V (but the pic was only her face while Dakota Fannings was a full-body shot for the same issue). Halle Berry being the first African American woman to win an Oscar for Best Actress? Are you kidding me? Yes this is all great, but it’s 2010 and we are still celebrating these funny firsts?

We are also in 2010, still battling with the idea that people expect less of us and still see us as less than. Or that they continue to type us as the maids, the hoochies, the hood rats, side chicks, etc. We are the ghetto girls, the pregnant teens, the un-wed adults, the single mothers, the crack heads. If we play a successful or working class woman, then we are the bitches, the desperate to have a family women, the ‘I have work together but my personal life I can’t figure out at all’ ladies.

But I have chosen to not allow these injustices or false stereo-types to make me bitter…they will make me better. They make me fight for better roles and parts or create my own! They make me pray harder, they make me go deeper in the midst of my performances. It makes me learn more, study my craft harder and I am on a mission to do my thing, damn the rest! My peers are doing the same and vowing to be their own firsts if need be.

I just pray this attitude is contagious. We get this one month per year to really be loud and proud, but the other 11 are ours too, because we never stop working, striving and going for it…or at least we shouldn’t stop those things. Whether you have aspirations of acting or being a plumber or whatever it is…you better want to be the best *fill in the blank* that you can be so that you can know even without recognition on a magazine cover or feature story, you did what you knew you could do to the best of your ability. And then when you ask yourself “Are We There Yet” you can answer…’I don’t know if WE are…but I am!” And if each I is accountable for his or her self…WE will get there for sure.

It is February, and along with Valentine’s Day, President’s Day, and Ash Wednesday (14th, 15th, 17th) it’s Black History Month. And Exclusivity Magazine is recognizing those who have paved the way for us with our “Living History” series. Far too often our pioneers are honored posthumously or they are so well-known that every media outlet is covering them for Black History Month. Not saying we shouldn’t honor these people as well, but we rarely see African Americans honored who are currently living and who get very little publicity for their accomplishments. Since we are a publication that seeks out new and fresh faces, let’s honor those who are breaking ground and shattering glass ceilings today. Let’s honor those who we have experienced making history in our lifetime. XI is shedding light on blacks who are behind-the-scenes and opening doors for all of us and generations to come. With the Winter Olympic Games beginning next week, we are kicking off our “Living History” series with Olympians Vonetta Flowers and Cullen Jones. Vonetta Flowers: 1st person of African descent – male or female, from any country – to win a gold medal in the Winter Olympics. Vonetta Flowers always had a penchant for sports when she joined her elementary school’s track and field team with dreams of someday competing in the Summer Olympics. In 1992, Vonetta graduated from P.D. Jackson Olin High School, where she participated in track and field, volleyball and basketball. Vonetta accepted a track and field scholarship to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, becoming the 1st in her family to attend college. Vonetta soon became one of the university’s most decorated athletes and its 1st seven-time All-American, with 35 conference titles and victories in the Penn Relays and The Olympic Festival. In both 1996 and 2000, Vonetta qualified for the Summer Olympic Trials. At the 1996 trials, she competed in the 100 meter dash and the long jump but was unsuccessful in her quest to earn a spot on the team. Vonetta spent the next four years focusing all of her energy on training for an opportunity to compete at the 2000 Olympics in the long jump. She hoped to have an outstanding performance at the 2000 Olympic Trials, but just a few months before the trials began, Vonetta found herself getting ready for her 5th surgery in 8 years. Against all odds, she believed in herself and decided to lace up her spikes one last time, but it wasn’t meant to be. After a disappointing performance at the 2000 trials, Vonetta felt it was time to retire from track and field. Two days after the 2000 Olympic Trials, Vonetta’s husband, Johnny (quite the track and field athlete himself), spotted a flyer urging track and field athletes to tryout for the U.S. bobsled team. Not knowing much about bobsledding, her chances seemed slim and the idea of actually making the team became more amusing than reality. Thinking it over, she agreed to accompany Johnny as he tried out for the team, giving up on her lifelong dream of winning Olympic gold. Shortly after the competition started, Johnny pulled his hamstring. Vonetta decided to step in and complete the six-item test for a chance to compete. Her unselfish act quickly changed their lives. Less than 2 months after the trials, Vonetta was traveling to foreign countries for the U.S. in the bobsled category. Her track and field background was an advantage in bobsled, and Vonetta quickly became the #1 brake woman in the U.S. By the end of her rookie season, Vonetta and her former teammate, Bonny Warner, were ranked 2nd in the US and 3rd in the world. A year later, on February 19, 2002, Vonetta and her new partner, Jill Bakken, slid into history books winning the gold medal in the 2002 Winter Olympics. It was the inaugural Women’s Olympic bobsled event, and the 1st medal earned for a U.S. bobsled team in 46 years. In less than 1 minute 48 seconds, tears of joy flowed, because the young woman from Birmingham, Alabama who dared to try an untraditional sport had left her permanent foot prints in the snow by becoming the 1st person of African descent to win a gold medal in the Winter Olympics. In only 18 months after answering the ad, she earned Olympic gold and shattered the racial barrier in the process. Eight years after making history, Vonetta (who has since retired from the sport) will join Joe Biden’s delegation tomorrow as she travels to Vancouver for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games beginning February 12th. Cullen Jones: 1st African American to hold and share a world record (4×100 m freestyle relay) in swimming, 2nd African American in history to win an Olympic gold medal in swimming, and the 3rd African American to make the U.S. Olympic swimming team. Cullen Jones wanted to shatter stereotypes one lap at a time when he began seriously swimming after he nearly drowned in a splash pool when he was only 5 years old. He continued swimming throughout his years in high school and college. Bursting onto the national scene in 2005 at the World University Games, he easily won the gold medal in the 50 freestyle and became the 1st African American male to win gold. At the 2006 Pan Pacific Games, Cullen became the 1st African American to break a world record in swimming in an Olympic contested event as a part of the USA’s 4 X 100 Freestyle Relay Team. He also won the 50 meter freestyle swimming the fastest time in the world for 2006. Cullen was a 4-time ACC Champion and 2006 NCAA Champion from North Carolina State University.

Cullen proved that he is one of the swiftest swimmers on the planet in 2008 when he became the 2nd African American in history to win an Olympic gold medal in swimming. He accomplished that by helping the 4X100 freestyle men’s relay team (Michael Phelps, Jason Lezak and Garrett Weber-Gale) win the gold medal in a stunning comeback. In a race soaked with drama and subplots, the Americans shattered the world record they had set just hours earlier in the prelims, blistering through the water in 3 minutes, 8.24 seconds. Cullen also helped to secure Olympic gold for fellow teammate, Phelps, who became the only person to win 8 gold medals in a single Olympic Games. Cullen continues to dominate the 50 meter sprint event and has also become a threat in the 100 meter freestyle. In his spare time he gives back to the community through motivational speaking, youth clinics, and even private lessons. Working with USA Swimming Foundation’s Make a Splash Program, Cullen is dedicated to helping minorities learn how to swim and spreading his message that black kids can swim too! These two amazing individuals have encountered struggles but their determination to pursue life-long dreams of becoming Olympians should continue to inspire us all as they are living history.