Best Looks of Essence Magz Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon
Thursday, 28 February 2008
L-R: Rashida Jones, Gabrielle Union and Jada Pinkett
Last week, Essence Magazine began a new tradition of holding an Annual Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon in Beverly Hills attended by many gorgeous celebs.
I don't know how I feel about this. Whilst being Welsh I understand wanting to "honour" your own community, especially when you feel the "mainstream" under value or ignore many of your stars, but this also stinks of reverse racism to me. It's one of those "if it was a White Women in Hollywood Luncheon it anger many people so why is it ok for another race to do"? You know? While I am a very opinionated person, I'm on the fence with this as I can see both sides of the coin. What do you all think??
Well regardless of the politics and all that, there's no denying that some of the ladies who attended looked fab!
Gabrielle Union was very sexy in a flirty strapless LBD. The back on this dress just made it! It had one strap across the top and was then open - so hot!
Quincy's daughters Rashida and Kidada were both at the event, and Rashida looked stylish in a burgandy one shoulder dress with a black sash around the waist. The frills on the sleeve are so trendy right now!
But my favourite was Jada Pinkett who attended with doting hubby Will Smith and looked stunning in a vintage Nina Ricci maxi dress. The cream and red spotted halter neck looked so bright and summer, it was a lovely change. And the brown belt and gold bracelets added a cute bohemian vibe. Will sure loved it, he was all over her!
Pics Pics Pics
28 February 2008 22:10
As an African American woman, I think the event is only honoring black women who are doing big things in hollywood as they are in the minority. I do not see it as reverse racism, it is not threatening, it's embracing various cultures. I think very few Americans would be offended.
28 February 2008 22:57
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28 February 2008 22:59
First - Love your blog!
Second - In reference to your question, I would say, every other luncheon/awards show/event is a white luncheon/awards show/event (with the exception of music industry events). The truth of the matter is, contributions in African-American film/tv/etc. will very rarely be honored (especially in tv and movies) unless African-Americans choose to honor them.
It always makes me a little sad when someone asks the "reverse racism" question because (and I'm about to get really real with you) whites created racism and perpetuated the system; they were and are the oppressors in modern-day society. The truth in that may not be something most people are ready to accept but the legitimacy can be explained.
A little history (and I apologize, I know this is getting long):
If blacks and whites had identical historical backgrounds then I agree, there would be no need for these separate luncheons, and while I’m not condoning hating anyone on the basis of the color of their skin, Black folks in Hollywood can’t be considered to be engaging in reverse racism because of the history between blacks and whites.
White people used race as a claim to superiority over blacks and used it as a reason to enslave them and discriminate against them long after their emancipation; their hate grew from no valid reason. Blacks on the other hand were forced into a hostile role in order to protect themselves and try to gain equality. Hardly equal circumstances.
Not only does history lend it’s vote against the premise of reverse racism, contemporary common knowledge can just as easily refute the validity of any claims of such.
No one can argue against the overwhelming power of the white race. They are the elite, they are the policy makers, and their sheer numbers make them the deciding factor on almost all popular opinions. By simply being the majority, they hold enough of the power positions to deny loans, to deny access to country clubs, to charge more, and effectively oppress the minority.
In return, what can be done against them? The majority can’t be discriminated against; they can’t be oppressed, and any allegations of such is an obvious cry for pity that should be ignored. No minority has the power to limit or influence the opportunities of the white majority, and in actuality, most minorities barely have the power to influence their own opportunities.
Just something to think about...
28 February 2008 23:33
First of all, thank you both for your intelligent responses to my question. I was a little worried after writing the post that it could spark an immature argument amongst different races on this site - not at all what I want!
I guess maybe I chose my terms wrong when questioning whether it was "reverse rasicm". I understand that Katie Holmes was there with Jada and clearly no one was excluded from attending based on skin colour.
I guess my issue is one of frustration. I am frustrated that due to the inequality in the mainstream "white" world, minority groups are forced to create their own funds, events, award shows etc. Events like this just highlight the overal problem. It is true as a blogger who is constantly looking for new photos of celebrities that it is far easier to find pictures of white celebrities at major events.
I will never agree with segregation in any of its forms but I understand the need for it when non-white celebs are largely ignored by Hollywood. I guess I just wish that the mainstream events were more multi-cultural and equal so that there was no need for events like this. While I am white myself, I have been on the receiving end of prejudice attitudes from time to time for other reasons and while I wouldn't claim to understand how black people in American are discriminated against (living in the UK, I believe this country is much more equal and accepting and less segregated - though we still have a way to go to) the little discrimination I have experienced, for issues beyond my control, have been so upsetting at times that I do have some appreciation for the plight of African-Americans and other minorities.
No worries about the long comment! It was a veyr interesting and insightful read. But while I do agree that this luncheon itself is not "racism in action", I have to respectfully disagree with you saying that black people cannot engage in racism is I do believe individuals in all races can be guilty of racism against another race at times.
Thanks again anyway for visiting and leaving a comment, and please come back anytime!!
29 February 2008 02:44
HI LAURA JANE, I wanted to know how many AFRICAN AMERICAN shows ARE on tv this season? how many EMMYS were given to the few blacks that are on tv? HOW MANY GOLDEN GLOBE AWARD WERE GIVEN TO AFRICAN AMERICANS? HOW MANY AFRICAN AMERICAN WERE NOMINATED FOR AN OSCAR THIS YEAR?
HOW MANY AFRICAN AMERICAN WERE GIVEN OSCARS IN THE PAST 100 YEARS? YOU ONLY NEED ABOUT 3 HANDS TO SUM UP THE AMOUNT TO ALL OF MY QUESTIONS.......... NOW CAN'T YOU UNDERSTAND WHY WE NEED OUR OWN AWARD SHOWS SO THAT WE CAN CONGRATULATE THE ACTORS FOR ALL OF THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENTS.
29 February 2008 16:43
Thanks for the response - again, love your blog and keep doing great work!
-Anonymous (the first onee), lol