BHM: Constance Baker Motley

Constance Baker Motley (1921-2005, Civil Rights Activist, Lawyer, Judge, State Senator and President of Manhattan, New York City)


Constance Baker Motley was born in New Haven, Connecticut on September 14, 1921. Her parents emigrated from a the caribbean island, Nevis and she was the ninth of twelve children. Her mother was the founder of the local NAACP Chapter in New Haven Connecticut, Motley later joined it after she was denied entrance into a local skating rink as well as a public beach. She was able to attend college with some financial assistance of local philanthropist, Clarence Blakeslee. She attended Fisk University in Nashville, Tennesseee first before deciding to return up north to attend New York University where she eventually received her bachelor's degree in economics. in 1943. She then obtained her law degree from Columbia Law School in 1946.  She met and married Joel Wilson Motely who was a real estate and insurance broker in 1949.

She began her legal career as a law clerk in the fledgling NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. While at Columbia she became acquainted with Thurgood Marshall, helping file Brown v. Board of Education in 1954. She was the LDF’s first female attorney and became Associate Counsel to the LDF, making her the NAACP’s lead trial attorney. Baker became the first black woman to ever argue a case before the Supreme Court in Meredith v. Fair, which helped James Meredith become the first black student to attend the University of Mississippi in 1962.

More after the jump!!!

She's Baaaaack!

Beyonce stepped out last night to support her hubby Jay-Z at his benefit concert at the Carnegie Hall in NYC. She stepped out in a red ruched Alice by Temperley dress, Alexander McQueen clutch and Christian Louboutin Bollywood pumps. Her nails were also painted blue and matching blue Ofira & Lorraine Schwartz jewels adorned her finger. Her post baby body looks amazing. For all those naysayers about her birthing little Blue Ivy, the hips don't lie!

See more closeups up the outfit after the jump!

*taps mic twice* Is this thing on? Oh. Ok. Weeeeeeell, I just want to share this magical moment with yous guys. Today I received my FIRST ASOS purchase EVER (I know, I know I'm late) via the awesome boys who work in my schools mailroom....I got a guy.


Anywho, I made the purchase a week ago, and although I paid the extra twelve bucks for 4-day shipping I expected the delay, seeing that it was traveling for the UK. Now, for the magic...I ordered some bomb diggity pieces that are fashion forward and go with this seasons hottest trends (bold prints, bright colors, jumpsuits, ankle-length skirts/dresses,and anything that enhances them CAKES!) I took some pics to share with yous guys, BUT if I share you must keep this to yourself and apply appropriately. Cuz' we let em' look but we'on put em' on! Here are the pics and the website so yous can get your life! www.asos.com

New Video: Miguel - Adorn

Miguel has another smooth cut for us from his upcoming mixtape, Art Dealer Chic Vol. I, which is to be released on February 27th. Miguel's voice is like silk over the beat and I fell in love with it the instant I pressed play. He's such a talented singer, but he's so underrated! Give Miguel more recognition, but that's just my opinion. Check the video out after the jump and tell us how you feel!

BIG J -BEST SWAG

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New Video: M.I.A - Bad Girls

M.I.A is officially back with her new single "Bad Girls"! The video was shot in the deserts of Morocco and directed by Romain Gavras, the same person who directed her Born Free clip. The video features women driving fast and furious cars as well as some dope middle eastern fashions. What do you think about the new song?

Get into it after the jump!

BHM: Ernest Everett Just

Dr. Ernest Everett Just was born on August 14, 1883 in Charleston, South Carolina. His mother worked as a teacher to support their family after his father died when Just was four years old. When he was 17 years old, he left home to get a better education up north. He received a scholarship to Kimball Union Academy where he was the only black student in attendance. From there he went to Dartmouth College where he studied biology as well as history and he was the only black student to graduate from the school magna cum laude.

After he graduated, he accepted a teaching position at Howard University where he taught zoology and later on headed the whole department. In 1909 he began work as a research assistant during the summer to Dr. Frank Lillie, who was the director of the Marine Biological Laboratory, where he studied marine eggs.

On February 2, 1915 Dr. Just became the first recipient of the prestigious Spingarn Medal of the NAACP. He was recognized for his contributions and pioneering in cell division and fertilization. In 1916 the University of Chicago awarded him with a Ph.D. in experimental embryology. He continued to receive many accolades and published many scientific articles that garnered him recognition as one of the greatest African American scientists in his field. Despite all of the recognition and respect he gained for his accomplishments, he still felt held back and  humiliated by the limitations that were posed on him as a black man. So he took a 5 year grant that he received from the Rosenwald Foundation, left his teaching position at Howard and went to Italy to continue his research. When his health began to fail, he returned to teaching at Howard University in 1940. He died of pancreatic cancer in 1941.