“Unbreak My Heart” an e-short by Tamika Newhouse #PassionateSpot

Mar 8, 2016

My eyes seemed heavier today than it did on yesterday. Perhaps all the tears I could muster up had dried out and the swelling had begun. I was tired of crying. Hell I was tired of this pain in my chest. A broken heart.

Fuck!

How the hell did I end up with a broken heart? I thought I was safe this go round. But with a name like Alonzo I should had known.  I cursed under my breath and finally roll over to the side of the bed and Wince in pain.

I eyed my pipe and lighter and thought about taking another hit. But I shook my head and opted to get out of the house instead.

“I love you. I’ve never loved anyone like you before.” Alonzo’s voice echoed in my head and it forced more weight on my heart. I lean forward and breathed in and out.  Rapidly trying to catch my breath.

“My heart Hurts Lord. This shit just isn’t fair.” I didn’t care about cussing in my quest to question God about why I was suffering right now. On why I chose to love a man who did nothing but lie and waste my time.

As I began to walk towards my bathroom the buzzing of my phone halted my steps. I grabbed it and went to my text alerts. Alonzo!

Leave it to this ass hole to speak sweet bull shit until  his lies hits the fan and splattered all over my now broken heart. My eyes just studied his texts. His lyrical I’m sorrys waving like a rescue flag in the sky screaming “belive me. Feed into my bullshit so that I can waste more of your time!”

I’m not going to lie. Deep inside I just want him to take it all back. I want him to unbreak my heart. I still cared. I still loved him. And rolled my eyes and took my thumb to write back some ugly message. I just wanted him to feel my pain. To understand that now I was alone.

But my finger was stuck.  The beginning of my text read, “I gave you everything…” and then I thought.  He doesn’t even deserve to know that he had me. That I was completely and absolutely loyal to him. That I lived and breathed him. That I made plans for us.

I threw my phone on to the bed. “Fuck that nigga!”

With my heavy heart and with my swollen eyes I took four huge steps to my bathroom and studied my reflection. I was beautiful but in this moment I was dark, colorless, aged, sad. Look at what love did to me.

Was this love ? Was love this incomplete feeling that resulted in unimaginable pain?  I closed my eyes and squeezed them real tight as if I were Dorothy from the wizard of Oz wishing to go back to Kansas.

“Get it together Roslyn. You are a good woman who just loved the wrong man.”

I opened my eyes and starred at myself again.  Step 1 go ghost on that nigga. Step 2 wash your ass and your face.  Step 3 put on that dress that makes your ass look like a stallion. Step 4 pull out that rolodex and call up Timmy or John, that cute guy from the bar, Eric, Jerome, or shit call Tyrone and get you a drink, some food, and a smile. And if you want to get a nut while you’re at it; by all means do you!

I laughed at myself as my thoughts went into overload. I couldn’t believe I was faced with dating again. But at least I had options. Does he think I’m going to just sit around? He didn’t know Roslyn like he  thought he did.

I walked into my room grabbed my cell erased the words,  “I gave you everything.” And replaced it with,  “You good Alonzo.  Xo” I scrolled through my contacts and stopped on Eric.  “Hmmmmm I wonder.”

I clicked his name and texted, “hey!”. I fell back onto my sheets and smirked as I waited on a text back.  “The best way to get over one is to get under a new one.”

The buzz of my phone broke my thoughts. Eric”s text read,  “hey beautiful.” I laughed out as I started write back.

Now where was that dress…….

WGN AMERICA HOSTED ADVANCED SCREENING of #Underground on #PassionateSpot

Feb 14, 2016

WGN AMERICA HOSTED ADVANCED SCREENING FOLLOWED BY Q&A WITH JURNEE SMOLLETT-BELL, ALDIS HODGE AND SURPRISE VISIT FROM JUSSIE SMOLLETT AT CHICAGO’s DUSABLE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY

Los Angeles, February 10, 2016 – WGN America hosted an advanced screening of the first episode to their original series Underground premiering Wednesday, March 9 at 10pm. The screening was held in the “windy city” at Chicago’s landmark, the DuSable Museum of African American History.

Following the screening, Aisha Harris of Xfinity.com moderated a Q&A panel with Underground stars Jurnee Smollett-Bell and Aldis Hodge. As a surprise audience visit, Smollett-Bell’s brother Jussie Smollett attended the well received event in support of his sister.

From creators and executive producers Misha Green and Joe Pokaski, and executive producer and Academy Award-winner John Legend, the 10-episode, hour-long program follows a group of courageous men and women who use their ingenuity, power and perseverance to attempt the greatest escape in history and break free, despite the dire consequences that awaited them on the other side.

 

In WGN America’s “Underground,” a courageous blacksmith Noah (Aldis Hodge) covertly organizes a small group of his fellow slaves and pieces together a daring plan of escape across hundreds of miles to freedom.  The odds of success are razor-thin for those who make it off the plantation, while the risks, dangers and obstacles multiply each step of the way.

 

“Underground” features an acclaimed cast, including Jurnee Smollett-Bell (“True Blood,” “Friday Night Lights”), Aldis Hodge (“Straight Outta Compton”), Christopher Meloni (“Sin City: A Dame to Kill For”), Alano Miller (“Jane The Virgin”), ‎Jessica de Gouw (“Arrow,” “Dracula”), Marc Blucas (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”), ‎Adina Porter (“The 100”), Mykelti Williamson (“Justified,” “24”), ‎Amirah Vann (“Girls,” “And So It Goes”), Johnny Ray Gill (“Rectify”), Chris Chalk (“Gotham”), Reed Diamond (“Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”), Theodus Crane (“The Walking Dead”), Renwick Scott (“Treme”) and Jussie Smollett (“Empire”).

 

“Underground” is created by Misha Green (“Sons Of Anarchy,” “Heroes”) and Joe Pokaski (“Daredevil,” “Heroes,”) who executive produce alongside Academy Award-winner Akiva Goldsman (“A Beautiful Mind,” “I Am Legend”) of Weed Road Pictures; and Joby Harold (“King Arthur,” “Edge of Tomorrow”) and Tory Tunnell (“King Arthur,” “Holy Rollers”) of Safehouse Pictures.  Visionary artist and producer John Legend, an Academy Award, Golden Globe^® and multi-Grammy Award winner, and his Get Lifted partnersMike Jackson and Ty Stiklorius executive produce.  Additionally, Get Lifted oversees all elements of the show’s music.  Anthony Hemingway (“The Wire,” “Treme”) directs and serves as executive producer for the first four episodes.

 

The “Underground” full-length trailer can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nOEUogI7pQ.

 

MC Lyte, Jazmine Sullivan, Christina Milian And More Attend the ESSENCE 7th Annual Black Women in Music Celebration #PassionateSpot

Feb 13, 2016

MC Lyte, Jazmine Sullivan, Christina Milian And More Attend the ESSENCE 7th Annual Black Women in Music Celebration Powered by African Pride During the 58th Annual GRAMMY® Weekend Last evening, MC Lyte, Christina Milian, Vanessa Williams and more celebrated the 2016 GRAMMY®-nominated Black women in music with performances by vocal powerhouses Andra Day, Jazmine Sullivan and more. Tahira Joy (Co-Creator of The Cut Life) reported live from the red carpet sharing hair and style tips from the celebrity guests. Attendees enjoyed an interactive”Be the DJ” area where guests were able to mix and record their own song with assistance from DJ Rashida and were privy to a special unveiling of new products added to the African Pride Shea Miracle Collection now available at Walgreens. The Shea Miracle collection now features four new products:   Co Wash Conditioner: Use this creamy cleanser to cleanse curls without drying out your hair’s natural oils. This unique formula is sulfate-free and nourishes hair while prepping for easy detangling. Curl Definer Jelly: For incredibly defined curls, try this lightweight jelly that helps slick frizzy hair into smooth and defined curls. Silky Curls Moisturizer:  Use this hydrating moisturizer on severely dry hair in need of moisture. It is petroleum and mineral free, perfect for sensitive scalps. Twist & Loc Smoothie: This defining smoothie is perfect for maintaining and styling locs, two-strand twists and other natural styles. Visit your local Walgreens to try the new Shea Miracle collection and receive one free product when you purchase two beginning February 28th until April 2nd. For more information on African Pride Shea Miracle or to find a  Walgreens retailer near you, visit www.African-Pride.com. Continue to the Conversation: Twitter/ IG: @MyAfricanPride & @EssenceMag #HaveYourShea & #BlackWomenInMusic Photo Credit: Steve Baffo More Photos Are Available: http://s112.photobucket.com/user/thegarnercircle/library/African%20Pride%20Essence%20Black%20Women%20in%20Music *Courtesy of The Garner Circle PR*   Charlene Dance (Global Marketing Director of Strength of Nature) MC Lyte Corinne Bailey Rae (R&B Recording Artist) V. Bozeman (FOX’s “Empire” & R&B Recording Artist) Christina Milian (E!’s “Christina Milian Turned Up” & R&B Recording Artist) Tahira Joy (African Pride Red Carpet Correspondent & Co-Creator of The Cut Life)   African Pride Shea Miracle “Be the DJ” area where guests were able to mix and record their own song. African Pride Shea Miracle “Be the DJ” area where guests were able to mix and record their own song. African Pride Shea Miracle Collection now Available at Walgreens. Attendees enjoy performances by Jazmine Sullivan, Andra Day and more. African Pride x ESSENCE Black Women in Music

TV ONE CELEBRATES “THE NEXT :15” PREMIERE AT VIEWING PARTY IN ATLANTA #PassinateSpot

Feb 12, 2016

TV ONE CELEBRATES “THE NEXT :15” PREMIERE AT VIEWING PARTY IN ATLANTA The cast of “The Next :15” celebrate the premiere of their new show at Suite Food Lounge in Atlanta. (l-r: Benzino, Claudia Jordan, Karamo Brown, Laura Govan and Jennifer Williams) Download photos here: http://bit.ly/1SiWgGI (ATLANTA) – February 11, 2016 – Last night, TV One, Hip Hop Weekly, Hot 107.9 and Jack Daniel’s hosted a viewing party in Atlanta for the new docu-series “The Next :15.” Over 400 local VIPs packed Suite Food Lounge to get a glimpse of attending cast members Claudia Jordan, Karamo Brown, Laura Govan, Benzino, and Jennifer Williams before the live broadcast. DJ Bomshell Boogie kept the energy high while Jack Daniels cocktails flowed throughout the crowd. Prior to the broadcast, Hot 107.9 personality, DJ Traci Steele, welcomed the guests. Then, TV One SVP of Marketing, Lori Hall, plugged the network’s new “Represent” re-branding, followed by remarks from “The Next :15” creator Carlos King. Additional attendees included Trina Braxton (“Braxton Family Values”), Ed Lover (“The Ed Lover Radio Show”), Demetria McKinney (singer/actress), Palmer Williams (“Love Thy Neighbor”), Gocha Hawkins (“LA Hair”), Ebony Steele (“Coffee With America”), Charmin Lee (actress), Brandi Williams (R&B group Blaque), Jamal Woolard (Notorious), Althea Heart (“Marriage Boot Camp: Reality Stars”), DJ Fadelf (author, Single Man, Married Man), Derek J (“Fashion Queens”), Momma Dee (“Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta”), Ashley “Minnie” Ross (“Little Women: Atlanta”), Pastor Troy (rapper) and many more. “The Next :15” airs Wednesdays at 9PM/ET on TV One. For more information about TV One’s original programming, visit www.tvone.tv.  Join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@tvonetv) using the hashtag #TheNext15. Photo Credit: Marcus Ingram/TV One l-r: Jennifer Williams, Karamo Brown, Carlos King, Claudia Jordan, Benzino and Lori Hall left: Claudia Jordan; right: Jennifer Williams left: Carlos King; right: Benzino left: Karamo Brown; right: Laura Govan A packed viewing party! left: Trina Braxton; right: Momma Dee left: Gocha Hawkins; right: Ebony Steele left: Brandi Williams; right: Jamal Woolard DJ Bomshell Boogie left: Palmer Willams; right: Drea Kelly left: A’lana Banks; right: Beautii J left: Johnica “Blu” Booth; right: Bobby V Carlos King, Claudia Jordan and Benzino left: Pastor Troy; right: Althea Heart left: Charmin Lee; right: Chrishena Stanley left: Demetria McKinney; right: Dave Mays Guests enjoying the live broadcast! left: Nyla Vamp; right: Reese Odum left: DJ Fadelf; right: Renae Barber left: Robin Dyke; right: DJ Traci Steele Jennifer Williams, Karamo Brown, Claudia Jordan and Benzino Red carpet action! Jack Daniels ladies! The cast of “The Next :15” gives remarks prior to the show premiere The show begins and the cast is all in! Reacting to the episode. Benzino and Althea Heart interview in the Hip Hop Weekly Lounge

WGN America Hosted “UNDERGROUND” Panel & Party with the Blackhouse Foundation at Sundance #PassionateSpot

Jan 30, 2016

WGN America, in partnership with the Blackhouse Foundation during the 2016 Sundance Film Festival, hosted a panel session with the cast and producer team of the upcoming series UNDERGROUND.

Stars including Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Aldis Hodge, Alano Miller, Jessica De Gouw, director Anthony Hemingway, and creators Misha Green and Joe Pokaski, as well as producers John Legend, Mike Jackson and Akiva Goldsman.

Check out the photos and mark your calendars for the premier of “Underground”

PARK CITY, UT – JANUARY 23: Actors Jessica De Gouw, Aldis Hodge, Jurnee Smollett-Bell and Alano Miller attend the WGN America celebration of “Underground” with John Legend At The VIDA TEQUILA Lounge on January 23, 2016 in Park City, Utah. (Photo by Alison Buck/Getty Images for WGN America)

PARK CITY, UT – JANUARY 23: President and chief executive officer of Tribune Media Company Peter Liguori (L) and director Ava DuVernay (R) attend the WGN America celebration of “Underground” with John Legend At The VIDA TEQUILA Lounge on January 23, 2016 in Park City, Utah. (Photo by Alison Buck/Getty Images for WGN America)

PARK CITY, UT – JANUARY 23: (L-R) Actors Alano Miller, Jessica De Gouw, executive President and chief executive officer of Tribune Media Company Peter Liguori, Jurnee Smollett-Bell and Aldis Hodge attend the WGN America celebration of “Underground” with John Legend At The VIDA TEQUILA Lounge on January 23, 2016 in Park City, Utah. (Photo by Alison Buck/Getty Images for WGN America)

 

Lifetime Drops ‘Toni Braxton: The Movie’ Event Trailer #PassionateSpot

Jan 24, 2016

 

UPDATE: 1/11/16: Lifetime has dropped a full trailer for its next Original Movie, “Toni Braxton: Unbreak My Heart” (it looks like the title has been changed to “Toni Braxton: The Movie”) starring newcomer Lex Scott Davis (“The Exes”), which will premiere on Saturday, January 23 at 8pm ET/PT. Check it out below, followed by all the previous updates on the film, including a bunch of stills:

 

#FromtheBottomUp premiere and social held in #Atlanta on the #PassionateSpot

Jan 16, 2016

About the Show

From The Bottom Up

From The Bottom Up is a six-episode docu-series following the journey of five women striving to change their lives, rebuild their families and live their dreams after falling from grace.

Last night in Atlanta was amazing as some of the city’s elite came out to support the ladies of From the Bottom Up. What I appreciated most about the ladies and the concept of the show is facing their past head on. Of course TV is for entertainment purposes but not many programs that feature African American women have positive programming. These ladies made their mistakes, they also did their time, and now they are allowing America to learn through them. I had the pleasure of working with cast mate Kimberly Smedley and will also have a guest featured spot on the show, and the experience itself was humbling. It took a lot for these ladies to even produce the content from late hours, allowing themselves to be vulnerable, and being candidly honest to a camera where millions will judge them.

I for one can not wait to see the show and support these ladies. And you all should too. Tune into Centric TV, Saturday January 16 at 10p EST