The Black List (and Other Random Thoughts)
Sunday, February 7, 2010 at 11:59PM 
You get an actual blog post today instead of a long essay because for anyone who's been paying attention I'm co-hosting a Lock & Key Cocktail Party TONIGHT in NYC. Still don't have your tickets? Buy 'em HERE until NOON.
Anyway...
It's no secret that I've been spreading myself a little thin lately. I decided in December when I looked at all the unfulfilled resolutions on my 09 list that 2010 was going to be my year to get it done (uh... there's a lot more to the Belle World Order than a day job and a blog, or even a book deal.) I was going to sleep less, work "harder, better, faster stronger" than I ever had before like I was back on my Empire State of Mind grind, like I was Kanye writing "five beats a day for three summers." (...I deserve to do these numbers.)
So far. So good.
I've guested as an expert on a TV show, done the Tom Joyner Morning Show, sat on a panel at my alma mater, been invited to speak on countless panels, including another as an equal with women who made me want to be a writer (Joan Morgan, Michaela Angela Davis), hosted three fundraisers for Haiti in THREE different cities (raised over $35k thus far), joined the host committee for a Haiti fundraiser for the National Urban League, and oh, I'm hosting that Lock & Key Party tonight.*
Did I mention it's only February?
Part of what keeps me going is watching the intro for Oprah's 20th Anniversary DVD set where she talks about starting out and how she worked around the clock and took risks and then one day it just all worked out. I'm working for that day. I hope it "magically" appears at 10k hours (cue Outliers.)
I listen to Kanye on repeat, which for anyone who's a die-hard fan, knows nearly every song is about the struggle to make something out of nothing through a combination of sheer will and talent. I'm dying for the day when I've gone far enough to quote these lyrics:
They claim you never know what you got 'til it's GONE
I know I got it, I don't know what y'all on
I'ma open up a store for aspiring MC's
Won't sell 'em no dream, but the inspiration is free
— Kanye West, "Gone"
I also watch HBO's The Black List. I don't think I'm giving away some big secret by telling you that one of my top 10 professional goals in life is getting on that series. It's practically Empire State of Mind on HBO, you know?
I'd been sent the screener for Black List 3 last week and I watched it multiple times, then even went to the NYC screening anyway for kicks. I'm practicially obsesssed with the series. I have the book for Part I, both DVDs, and went to the gallery show when it was at the Brooklyn Musuem last summer.
What always strikes me about the series are the hurdles that everyone overcomes to get where they are. No ascent is easy and no success story comes without its share of WTF challenges, from Debra Lee having protesters outside her house (like really? she didn't see that coming?) or the uber talented Whoppi Goldberg being chided for not "combing her hair" or "wearing heels" or Beverly Johnson having to correct someone that she is not the "biggest Black model" but the "biggest model" period. Not that misery loves company ('cause that's like the very definition of a hater), but it's nice to be reminded that the bumps and hurdles along the way are normal and happen even to the best, which you have to be to get on the series (hence why I want to be there so bad.)
Anyway.
Today's inspiration actually is free. HBO was kind enough to send over a couple DVDs of Black List I & II.(I figure if I'm mentioning the show by request, I could at least get ya'll some free ish, right?)
I'll send a DVD to FOUR Belleionaires who tell me 1) who they are inspired by; and 2) what they're doing to inspire others. If it's ok, I'll post the answers so we can all get a little inspiration.
E-mail me: abelleinbrooklyn@gmail.com
BTW: The Black List debuts TONIGHT, Feb. 8 at 8.30pm ET/PT). If you're not at the Lock & Key Party with me, you should be on the sofa getting inspired.
*There's a list of seven things I can't mention because they're not final.
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Reader Comments (6)
Aww so wish I could be there but work calls, so proud of you Belle!!! I've been a "laid- backed" reader/commenter for close to 3 years now, and I do enjoy the site, the thought provoking discussions, please do another party soon!
OK, I love the Black List series and almost lost it when I found out BL3 is showing tonight * Excited dance/ scream* I have to add getting on or being considered to my 101 list as well. Thanks for the free inspiration Belle * wink*
Who am I inspired by? That's a pretty long list. I, for one, am inspired by you. The fact that you refuse to settle for less at anything, the way you let your work speak for itself, and the way you talk TO people, instead of AT them. That's the way I've always been. Or at least tried to be.
keep up the good work!!!!!
When I think about the people who inspire me, I realize I don't have to look far. For the most part, all the men and women who inspire me are people I know, mainly because I get to see the struggles they have had to face up close and personal. I am inspired by women in my family (and close family friends) who make just getting by look good, making sure they have enough to eat and keeping a roof over head by any means necessary. I am am inspired by people who come from humble beginnings- maybe they were the first in the family to go to and make it through college, maybe they got out of college and found out that (contrary to what they had been told) the world was not their oyster, and despite any craziness going on around them, still found a way to make it out and stand on their own two feet (even if that meant getting some help from time to time). I am inspired by people who are willing to sacrifice what they have (be it a little or a lot) to help someone reach a goal.
As I have just decided to start blogging (though I have wanted to for some time now) I am inspired by all the bloggers who are out here "speaking their minds", putting themselves out here for the world to see (and for the readers to judge).
In terms of who I inspire, the answer to that question is in my most recent post on my blog. :) www.whetheryoulikeitornot.wordpress.com
I am inspired by women who not only achieve success for the themselves, but who bring others along for the ride. The top three women who inspire me are our first lady, Michelle Obama. Michelle sacrificed a lot in order to support her husband's dreams, but she is no "pushover." She is strong, graceful and an excellent example of what I'd like to call "dependent independence." Harriet Tubman is always at the top of my list. Not only did she obtain freedom for herself, but she literally put a gun to the heads of others in order to force them to be free. She is the most powerful example of radical social responsibility and I hope that I can have that type of courage and strength. Finally, I am inspired by Mrs. Beyonce Knowles. She is a woman who works incredibly hard but plays just as hard. I also enjoy her her "alter ego Sasha," which encourages women to explore unchartered territory within ourselves. Sometimes we all have to step outside of our skin to develop the confidence to get it done and get it together.
I am a High School English teacher in a large urban district. Every day, I attempt to show my students how to critically think and how to manipulate language in order to reach their goals. I try to empower them to use their voices. I am also an activist and a personal assistant to hip hop artist Rhymefest. Through hip hop, we try to inspire people to think about life a bit differently and we inspire revolution - change, wherever we go. He is an independent artist and a black male entrepreneur and as his assistant I support him in all of his endeavors. Last but not least, I am also an entrepreneur. I own a proofreading/editing business called Red Ink, and I blog about my personal love life and my entrepreneurial adventures on my site, hoping to inspire women everywhere to pursue real love and to create career and financial independence.
Here is a link to my site: http://web.me.com/dnboyd/dnicole/Home.html