Long before BET and MTV there was Don Cornelius and Soul Train

Don Cornelius -The Coolest Man in America

As we kickoff Black History Month, TBNM salutes Don Cornelius and pray for his soul to be at rest and in a better place.

Soul Train was the hippest spot in America – it was the ultimate place of expression; power, love, style, hair, dance, songs — all that is beautiful and Black.

Countless of entertainers have Don Cornelius to thank for real time exposure and showcasing their talents when the mainstream outlets would not touch them.

Thank you Mr. Cornelius for Soul Train, Soul Train Music Awards, Soul Train Lady of Soul and the Soul Train Christmas.

Yes, it was Don Cornelius who taught many of us the power of strategic branding long before corporate America invited the Hip Hop elite to the party.

Although our hearts are heavy for Mr. Cornelius and family, it was his ‘chosen’ time, all we can say is thank you and keep on pumping that fist!!

Follow me @thebrandnewmom

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Set your DVR! – Extraordinary Motivation

This is an event you don’t want to miss!

I had the pleasure of attending as a civilian and not a worker bee and my life was enriched at that moment.

Read more about the evening and why you don’t want to miss this amazing program on BET.

February 13th - Your Life will Change

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This Is What Family Looks Like! The Good, Empowering & Historical

My program and ticket

BET Honorees

@thebrandnewmom

This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending the BET Honors 2012 celebrating: Maya Angelou, Coach Beverly Kearney, Spike Lee, Tuskegee Airmen, Mariah Carey and Stevie Wonder.

The event was absolutely amazing and felt like family.

BET Honors 2012
was empowering, celebratory, inspiring and loving. The room was packed with power and grace, from icon to who’s got next. Where do you go and get a chance to rub Cicely Tyson’s back or hold hands with Aretha Franklin? Continue reading

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Blueprint for Success Having a winning ‘business’ game plan

Coach Beverly Kearney, BET Honors

My mentor, Coach Beverly Kearney, will be honored this Saturday at BET’s Honors (air date February 13). Here is an interview I conducted with Coach Bev and if this doesn’t motivate you, well, you are hopeless.

The days are adding up and we are well into the month of January, the kickoff month of a brand new year. January is the best time to dust off and prepare to win for 2012. Regardless of what was, it’s just that–WAS (wasting away sulking). Continue reading

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Game Time: How Did Brand #TheGame Measure Up?

The Game is back on BET!

Last night, BET’s The Game was exciting and delivered countless REAL moments in the Season 5 opener.

The show was fast paced and in 45 minutes tackled – race, abortion, single parenting, drugs, groupies, marriage, and brand reinvention. Yes, The Game delivered with the drama, familiar faces, comedy, over the top acting, fashion and a good time. Thank you, BET!! Continue reading

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She’s Got Game! Tia Mowry Pens Book on Motherhood

Tia Mowry (photo courtesy of Essence.com)

Work it!

Tia Mowry’s swag just got a little bit more swag-alicious.

The actress and (very) brand-new mommy has added author to her portfolio and will be offering mommy tips and sharing her pregnancy experience.

We love when sisters leverage their brand and empower us with information. Read more on the Root.com about her exclusive and fabulous book deal.

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Whimsical Wednesday! I was just thinking …

Welcome – you have landed at TheBrandNewMommy.com, a space all about you reinventing your brand coupled with some fun stuff.

So, here is what I was talking about this morning with mommies and daddies in my circle.

Push-up Bras
Abercrombie and Fitch received too much press about their “push up” bikini for girls. Well, I am not about to give them any additional love – except to say, with all the hormones in food (milk, chicken and burgers) these kids don’t need extra pads? Have you seen 7 years old at the mall lately? Let’s love and protect our babies, make certain they have an old school childhood (like we had) and wear age appropriate clothing.


Continue reading

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Is BETs Version of ‘The Game’ Working?

I must admit it — I am a little under-whelmed with this new slicker version of the show.

I loved it on the CW and then continued to watch each marathon on BET as if it was my first time over and over again (and, you know BET can pimp a show).

Now – I am in a quandary.

Do I continue to watch it because I want to support this brand or do I simply go back to watching ‘The Good Wife?’

I thought the ‘older’ version showcased smarter dialogue, the characters had chemistry, and, each episode had enough swag but not too over the top to make it unbelievable? Continue reading

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Are You Watching The Game Tonight?

I will be in front of the television tonight (Tuesday, January 11), wearing my jersey and watching Melanie, Derwin, Tasha, Malik, Jason and Kelly bring it L-I-V-E to BETThe Game offers witty and intelligent writing for grown folks and that’s refreshing.

Let’s see if BET can keep the production level at EXCELLENT!

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I’m Embarrassed … Please Indulge Me

The Comeback Man

Love Me Some El Debarge

I looooove me some El Debarge.

My crush goes back to being a teenager  … his voice hypnotized me the very first time I heard,“Time Will Reveal.”

Since I saw him perform on the BET Awards 2010, I re-opened my El Debarge fan club file.

I couldn’t believe his voice was (still) so … silky smooth, passionate and refreshing — he made me smile like no care in the world momma.

I indulged in a moment of El Debarge bliss.

It’s great to see some musicians still hungry and love the craft. Feel me?

Yesterday speaking to Stephanie Tavares Rance a childhood pal (Dominican Commercial High School shout out) and BNM, we reminisced about going to see the Debarge Family perform at Radio City Music Hall with Luther Vandross.

It’s great to know 26 years later I still love me some El Debarge and he has yet to disappoint (on the vocals).


Live your passion everyday and remember … you can always “comeback.”

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