Our Movie Tradition with Dad

This picture is special. In years past, whenever I would come home for Christmas, my Dad, sister, Jewel, brother, Kwame and I would go to the movies. It was a tradition. Since Dad passed, I try to keep that tradition going - calling Kwame and Jewel and asking them what movie they want to see. Tonight, it was “Knives Out” (really good!). The Christmas trees lighting the streets of Birmingham, the Detroit suburb, glowing in the background, present as “Orbs” - and I can’t help but think...that is Dad surrounding his children with his love. And I’m sure he liked the movie, too.

Christmas Day

Merry Christmas! 🎁 So blessed to be back home and spending the holidays with family and friends. Whenever I am home in Detroit, I’m surrounded by the love and people I have known FOREVER! I hope your Christmas was wonderful and you felt the love of people who care about you. ❤️

(From left) Aunt Betty, me, Mom, Alison, Judge Craig Strong and my little niece, Sarah

My long-time girlfriend, Dee Dee who hosted Christmas dinner with her husband, Duane.

My sister/friends Alison and Lauren

Mommy and Me

My nephews (from left) Noah, Nicholas and Nigel

Sarah with Dee Dee’s Labradoodle, Zeus

Family love ❤️

Little Sarah

Mom and I (and Aunt Betty) started the day at church with Rev. Wendell Anthony giving a beautiful sermon.

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas from me and Mom!

Church with Mom

It’s been since Thanksgiving that I have seen Mom. I landed back in Detroit for the Christmas holiday and we went to church as we do every Sunday when I’m in town. Here we are, wearing our Christmas red and white. Hope that you are spending the holidays with those you love. ❤️

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing you lots of happiness and love! Mom and I safely traveled to Atlanta to stay with my sister-in-law, Carolyn. We had a wonderful dinner with family and friends. #Blessed

(On right: Mom; Center: Carolyn (my sister-in-law) and in the left, Yours Truly.

Girlfriend Time

Just finished a 3-hour lunch with one of my BFF’s Tracey Edmonds. As I embark on this “added” chapter in my career - that of executive producer - I have to remind myself that this woman produced one of the most iconic films in black cinema - Soul Food. I am getting a Master Class from one of the best in the business. Tracey, thank you for, not only being a friend, but, an incredible mentor - looking out for me and always having my back. I love you dearly and 2020 is going to be sooo much fun! (What do I mean by that? You’ll have to wait and see! 😉) #girlfriends 💕

My Dad, the Veteran

On this Veterans Day, I’m remembering you, Dad, and the stories you told me about joining the Army (after you “upped” your age on the application so you could enlist a year early!) and playing the trumpet in the Army band (second from left).

I love you and miss you every day.

Thank you to all the veterans for your service to our country. 🇺🇸

Detroit Gal Friendship

This is my neighbor. We grew up on the same block on Detroit’s Northwest side - right across the street from each other on Cherrylawn; same class at Cass Tech high school, same class at Spelman College. Roz Brewer is now the COO of Starbucks. It was so fun getting together with her the other day - catching up, talking about life and old times when we were kids. I love you, Roz, and I’m so proud of you! 💕 #Detroitgals

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween 🎃 from Lady Gaga and Captain Marvel aka Yours Truly and my girl Tracey Edmonds! 👻 So much fun at the CasaMigos Halloween party in Beverly Hills! Thank you Jackie Huerta for slaying the makeup! Have fun tonight and be safe!

Debra Lee's Celebration

Here’s one of my favorite pictures from Debra Lee’s History Makers Celebration.

From left to right: Yours Truly, Tracey Edmonds, Debra Lee, Debra Martin Chase and Connie Orlando.

Debra Lee

‪Celebrating the legacy of my phenomenal friend Debra Lee tonight. We were fascinated as she took us on the journey through her career. Here’s to many more years of breaking down barriers and writing new chapters!‬

Habitat for Humanity

Celebrating Habitat for Humanity’s LA Builders Ball with my friends Manuela Testolini, Marilyn Booker and Alvina Anderson.

Women Moving Millions Summit

Another Women Moving Millions summit has come to an end but, our fight for gender equality is just beginning. I had the honor of hosting this year’s summit as well as being a member. I joined this powerful group of female philanthropists who have each pledged to give, at least, one million dollars to charity benefiting women and girls, because I believe that when you invest in a girl, she can change the world! 

AmplifyHER

Thrilled to be a part of this project with Girl UP! Go to girlup.org/storytelling to learn more #AmplifyHER