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About Female Characters in Love's Troubadours - Karma: Book One
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| Photo of African American at Million Women March in 1997 |
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| Ensemble, a painting by Synthia St. James |
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| black womyn, a film about Black Lesbians by Tiona M |
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| Ms. Spelman College 2006 and her court with Spelman's President |
Blessings All,
The Women of Love's
Troubadours are an eclectic blend of womanhood. They have the capacity to wake you up with their humanity, humor, hostilities,
healing journeys, haute couture, and hurricane-like personas. Their energy, egos, expressions, ethnicities,
and extracurricular activities offer an inside look into the multidimensional lives of straight and lesbian women of color
with ancestral ties to Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe. Many are graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities
(HBCUS) such as Morgan State University, Howard University, and Spelman College. Some are actively involved in community service
organizations such as the Links, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
Inc.
Their professions are diverse and include artists, yoga teachers, waitresses, administrative assistants, community
activists, Reiki practitioners, massage therapists, ayurvedic practitioners, information technology senior managers, hair
salon owners, restaurateurs, interior designers, nonprofit organization leaders, art consultants, real estate agents, entrepreneurs,
bed and breakfast owners, security guards, psychologists, lawyers, doctors, social workers, therapists, reverends, museum
administrators, professors, poets, and spoken word performers.
These "femmes de coleur" (women of color) represent a collective of courageous, caring,
chic, complicated, caustic, confrontational, and creative beings. They walk Mother Earth as women who shape their worlds with
their thoughts, words, and actions. A couple of these fabulous females proudly wear the crowns of La Grande Dame,
Drama Queen, and BAP - Black American Princess.
Quite a
few live as urban fashionistas with a multitude of identities including wine and martini enthusiasts; Soul Food, Thai, Mexican,
Indian, and Haitian foodies; and Cake Love dessert lovers. Be careful! You might just fall in love with one of these sweet
and delicious Godiva Chocolate Goddesses because they are multifaceted and have numerous interests. For example, they enjoy
spending time with their financial advisors to make sure they are financially responsible; traveling to the Americas,
Caribbean, Europe, Africa, and Asia; shopping at Target, Ann Taylor Loft, Carol's Daughter, Eileen Fisher, Trade Secrets,
and stores and boutiques that carry designers like Stef 'n' Ty, Denise Goring, Moshood, Narciso Rodriguez, and Manolo
Blahnik; attending and participating in spoken word events; hosting dinner parties; listening to music; appreciating art;
visiting museums; playing bridge; reading and discussing Essence and O - The Oprah Magazine, Black literary
fiction, romance novels, erotica, and Chick Lit; watching films; going to the theatre to see plays; working on grassroots
issues such as campaigns that promote feminism-womanism, health and wellness, HIV/AIDS awareness, and the importance of healing
homophobia in the African American community; and sipping tea and drinking coffee with their friends at local cafes such as
Mocha Hut and Teaism.
As divine
divas, they rely on spiritual practices, positive affirmations, group prayer, yoga, reiki healing touch, meditation, chanting,
journaling, ayurveda, therapy, astrology, and Tarot card readings to connect with, honor, and heal their spirits, hearts,
minds, and bodies. Most are affiliated with Baptist, Catholic, Unitarian, Christ Universal, Agape International Spiritual
Center, and United Church of Religious Science churches; Buddhist organizations; Ausar Auset Societies; and Haitian Vodoun
and New Orleans Voodoo practices. Some have incorporated the teachings of Swami Satchidananda (Satchidananda Ashram) and Paramahansa
Yogananda (Self-Realization Fellowship) into their spiritual practices.
Several sistaloves struggle with their emotions, choices, experiences, and relationships on some
level. After all, they are human! Some choose to be lifelong learners who are committed to healing and accepting themselves
by any means necessary. Others are not aware of their power to choose peace over suffering. They end up deeply wounding themselves
and others. The great thing about many of these mujeres (women) is that they rely on the support of other women to
navigate the emotional, spiritual, and physical terrain of their existence. Their commitment to sisterhood is treasured as
a sacred bond.
When
it comes to love, some of these women ignore sisterhood bonds and seek to control both females and males. On the flip side,
there are a few who have given themselves the permission to love in healthy, life-affirming ways. They celebrate the beauty
and blessings they have found as spouses, life partners, girlfriends, and lovers of both men and women. They openly express
their sexual orientation and inherent right to enjoy sexual pleasure.
Enjoy!
Be love, love light, and live as the spirit of life,
Ananda Leeke
PS: Below are links for inquiring minds.
1) HBCUS
4) Books and Magazines
b. Online Black Literary Reviews and Magazines
5) Stores and Designers
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| Oprah's Legends' Ball |
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