For weeks, much hype has been centered on the release of George Lucas’ latest production Red Tails, based on the true story of the Tuskegee Airmen of World War II. Lucas’ previous work including a countless number of Star Wars flicks, have earned him tons of praise, not to mention money, over the years. But exactly how well did he do with a movie based on something so instrumental to the progression of African Americans?

For starters, there is much that can be said about the actors who took on such powerful roles. Terrence Howard did an outstanding job, nailing his role as “Colonel Bullard”. With a touch of arrogance mixed with an abundance of confidence, Howard’s character, along with Major Stance (played by Cuba Gooding, Jr., who did an equally great job as Howard), reflected how African American males were given authoritative positions in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Though true, the movie still showed how they had to go above and beyond to prove themselves and those associated with them worthy individuals for true combat.

As for the tone of the movie, it was overall a serious one. The blatant racism during these times was evident in the film as the “N” word was dropped a time or two in addition to some “awkward situations” that the men experienced as well. Aside from the rather serious moments, there were a number of humorous moments too, fueled by funnymen, “Smokey”, “Lightning” and “Joker”, allowing the audience to let out a few laughs. Even with that being said, neither of those things took the audience’s attention away from the main focus of the story.

As educating the audience was the mission, Red Tails can be summed up in one word…Action.

Nearly two hours of action packed footage is what one should be prepared for. This movie was filled with it from scene to scene, with the occasion down time. The dull moments were held to a minimum. Not harshly graphic in nature, Red Tails was typical of most war-based films, capturing full fledged combat and the fatalities that went along with it.

Red Tails was a solid, updated film of the legendary story behind the courageous African American aviators from now Tuskegee University. Focusing in on the general history was not all this film did. It zeroed in on the racial discrimination that the men faced as well as the comradery and the brotherhood that these men shared.

For those who knew little about the Tuskegee Experiment, they will most definitely walk away with more knowledge than they came in with.

Red Tails had a healthy mixture of battle, historical references and humor and it was a wonderful break from the stereotypical roles that Black men tend to play in Hollywood movies, making it a must see film.

So much can be said about the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His powerful speeches have been recited and replayed years after their deliveries, having the same impact on people that they had initially. And his extreme determination to create tranquility amongst people of all racial backgrounds, striving for equality for all mankind has never been overlooked. There is no doubt that Dr. King had a special gift that he continued to use up until his death in 1968.

Although he did not live a long life, the accomplishments of Dr. King were of such magnitude that we dedicate a day to him and what he did for our race.

MLK Day is used as a day to revisit the past and how Dr. King and other civil rights leaders came together to fight for a worthy cause, one that affected our well being tremendously.

As we celebrated MLK Day in various ways though, did you think to yourself: Can we really say that the dream that King had is now a reality?

“Dr. King was a visionary. He thought on levels that many of his peers did not, especially when it came to forming relationships with people of other races. To this day, some of us don’t necessarily believe in some of the things that he preached about but I feel as though what he was striving for was so positive and beneficial to our generation. As far as his dream actually coming true, I think we have made progress but we still have a long way to go”

Arianna B.
Age: 33
Boston, MA

“I believe that the dream is slowly becoming a reality. The election of President Obama led me to say that. What people need to keep in mind though is that his election didn’t 100% solidify progress for Black people as a whole. That’s why I used the word “slowly””

Troy W.
Age: 38
Portland, OR

“I don’t think the Dr. King’s vision has been fully brought to life for many reasons. Yes, we as African Americans have way more opportunities than we once had back in the day. We have better job opportunities now, we are able to receive higher forms of education and we are becoming president of the United States. But despite all those great things, we are still very much prejudged merely because of the color of our skin and are not granted the same things that other races are without having to work extra hard for them. As wonderful as his vision was, there will always be some things that we can’t change”

Maliyah D.
Age: 19
Milwaukee, WI

“Honestly, I think that Dr. King’s dream has been disrupted by the very ones that he was standing up for, African Americans. He wanted us all to live in peace and harmony, love one another. Are we doing that now though? Black on black crime continues to skyrocket and we don’t shy away from an opportunity to tear one another down. King spoke strongly on educational advancement for African Americans yet we are dropping out of high school left and right. Is it me or is something very wrong with this picture?”

Roderick R.
Age: 24
Atlanta, GA

Have we forgotten the struggle?

Or is King’s dream still in the process of being reached?

The life of an industry diva can be quite hectic at times. It’s almost unheard of for them, or any other star for that matter, to have one pathway that they are sticking to. Singers are not only going for Grammys anymore. They are striving for Academy Awards too as many of them have made their way into the acting game. When they choose to add to their resumes, it often leaves many of them with little free time on their hands for romance.

Singer Kelly Rowland admitted that her heart has been stolen but not by a handsome face and nice body. She has been swept off her feet by her career, which has kept her from settling down with a significant other.

“Most of the men find me too busy. Which is a real problem, because I like being busy,”

Droppin’ the mic for a man doesn’t seem to be something she is willing to do right now.

Rowland went on to say that she is quite content with devoting the majority of her time to her career.

“At the moment I'm in love with my job. But that doesn't bother me [because at least] my job doesn't nag.”

Rowland’s plate has been staying full here lately as her latest album “Here I Am” continues to get much airplay. She is also set to be one of the judges for the United Kingdom version of “The X Factor”.

Whenever she does have a chance to step back out on the dating scene, she knows exactly what she is looking for though.

“He has to be real and most of all he has to have confidence.”

2011 has come and gone with the quickness and a brand new year is now upon us. Way before it even arrived, many of us created these long, drawn out lists of resolutions, pinpointing things that we are going to do differently for the next 365. Our personal pledges to self-improvement include all sorts of things from losing massive amounts of weight to making drastic career changes.

We know hard work and dedication is much needed in order to meet any of these goals for success isn’t found overnight. Although these things are vital, the key to success doesn’t depend on those things alone. The key to you reaching your goals is God.

When we think of New Year’s Eve celebrations, a mixture of wild partying and large consumptions of alcohol comes to mind for many people. That is their way of ringing in the New Year. While the party goers are jam packed in a sweat box or on the streets of New York City, there are those who choose to bring in the New Year in a more spiritual way by attending watch night service at a local church. And what better way to bring in a year than in the house of the Lord.

Sound like a bash to those who don’t go to church on NYE?

It’s not because the very same people who went to a watch night service could not step foot in a church for the rest of the year. And a person who partied until the sun came up could be front and center for all of the remaining Sundays. Aside from the activities that people partake in on the eve of the New Year, some people eat certain things as a way to gain prosperity in the upcoming year.

A bowl of Mama’s black eyed peas and collards is all you need to make your pockets a little thicker or come up on some amazing string of good luck. The only thing that is doing is making your stomach thicker, not your wallet.

Whether we are the party crashers, the church-goers or the black eyed peas and collard greens eaters, the point is that in order to truly be fulfilled and prosperous in a new year, your life and all that you do has to be filled with God.

He is the one responsible for the “luck” that you have financially. He is the one that should be credited for the advancements that you make in your career. He is the one who provides you with the strength and willpower to reach your goals.

If you don’t start your year off with God, you should find a way to incorporate Him in the days that remain.

Your TRUE success and livelihood is counting on it.

Talented, educated and self-motivated…These are just a few words that describe our “Belle of the Month” Mrs. Ci Ci Foster. From writing her own books to dishing out relationship advice to those in need of it, Ci Ci has made her presence known in numerous areas and continues to take on more as her career progresses. Being the multi-talented person that she is, Ci Ci wears many hats and has told UBM about how she manages to balance all of them.

Urban Belle: Ci Ci, I see that you are a native of the Chicago area and you relocated to Los Angeles in the late 2000's to further pursue your career. How was that transition for you? Is Los Angeles like night and day compared to Chicago as far as the residents and living environment?

Ci Ci Foster: The transition was definitely a challenge. Moving the entire family across the country where we knew no one was a bit scary, but we were able to quickly acclimate ourselves into the LA lifestyle, and it’s so different from Chicago where I spent my entire life. LA has parties and events every night of the week, so there’s always something going on. In Chicago, people are more accustomed to working hard during the week and partying on the weekends. What I miss most about Chicago are the people. It’s one of those very friendly places where strangers will greet you as you pass them on the streets. That rarely happens in LA. I love both places in a different way.

Urban Belle: As a graduate of Chicago State University, you received your bachelor's degree in psychology. Was that always what you desired to get your degree in? Or had you considered majoring in theater, film or another related area?

Ci Ci Foster: Initially, I did want to get a BS in theater, but after giving it deep thought, I actually decided to take on theater as a minor to have something to fall back on. At the time, I was more of a person who always played it safe. If I had to do it all over again, I would have just went for it full speed ahead. If you don’t plan on failing, you wouldn’t need anything to fall back on.

Urban Belle: "Sunny Rain" was the debut novel that introduced Ci Ci Foster to world of published writers. How long did it take to complete it? What was that feeling like of having your very first book officially published?

Ci Ci Foster: It took me at least 5 years to complete Sunny Rain because I kept putting it down and then I’d pick it back up. Once I actually got serious about writing it though, things moved pretty quickly. I remember the first time I held my book in my hands, I cried. It was like all my hard work was finally starting to pay off. I’m still amazed at how great everything turned out.

Urban Belle: I know that was a wonderful feeling. In addition to being an author, you are also a relationship advice columnist. When giving your advice, do you ever feel like your own relationships (and even current marriage) were under close watch from your readers? Are people really looking to see if you follow your own advice?

Ci Ci Foster: I think anytime you offer people advice on relationships the first thing people are going to want to know is what is your marital status, and that’s a valid question. I mean, I won’t take relationship advice from anyone who doesn’t have their own house in order.

Urban Belle: That is so true; a lot of people feel that way. Giving relationship advice, even to a close friend or relative, can be challenging at times. Has there ever been a time when you were asked a question that you didn't quite know how to answer?

Ci Ci Foster: Not yet, but I’m sure as I do this long enough, someone will have a question that stumps me. I am fine with being honest and admitting when I don’t know something.

Urban Belle: In the entertainment industry, we see many husbands and wives working together like Beyonce' and Jay-Z and Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith. How has it been for you working with your husband with the production of "Digg Into Books"?

Ci Ci Foster: Working with my husband on Digg Into Books has definitely brought us closer together. I’d be lying though if I said every moment is bliss. LOL! There are times when we don’t see eye to eye on something and then go home and argue about it some more. But overall, working with him has been a great experience. We support each other 100% and challenge each other to produce the best work possible.

Urban Belle: Sound like you all are a great team. Now your documentary, "I Heart Hollywood", is about the struggles of 14 women that are attempting to break into the industry. What event or people inspired you to do this?

Ci Ci Foster: I became inspired to produce this documentary after moving to LA and seeing how hard it is to break into this industry. My production partner, Mashari Bain and I met through a mutual friend and discovered we had similar goals. The I Heart Hollywood project was our way of saying we don’t have to wait on Hollywood to hire us, we can create our own projects.

Urban Belle: Being a member of Cali Connect, you get the opportunity to interact with other authors, some of whom share your same passion for the craft of writing. Have you ever considered starting an organization of your own?

Ci Ci Foster: No, I’ve never considered starting my own group because I couldn’t commit the time needed to make it successful. I’ve met some really great people through the Cali-Connect group, and I’m looking forward to collaborating with them in the future.

Urban Belle: Working with at-risk teens, I'm sure you hear a lot of different stories about what these girls have gone through in their young lives. Other than giving educational advice, what is your overall message to these young girls?

Ci Ci Foster: I always try to open young girls’ eyes to the fact that they are more powerful than they know and that they can do anything they put their minds to. When young girls tell me they want to be a lawyer, I tell them to think about owning the law firm. It’s really important to teach kids to dream big and follow those dreams.

Urban Belle: I totally agree with you on that. Those who dream big are often the ones who find long term success. Back to your writing, the title of your upcoming book "Hollywoodn't" has me intrigued already. Can you give us a snippet of what to expect from this read?

Ci Ci Foster: Hollywoodn’t is about a rising actress named Nile who gets blackmailed by a scorned ex lover, Steve. He is fresh out of jail, armed with a sex tape of her, and things get really crazy when he stops taking his meds. Hollywoodn’t is so different from Sunny Rain, but it still has the “sexy drama” theme. I think the readers will enjoy it.

To learn more about Ci Ci and her upcoming projects, Click here.

Supermodel Tyra Banks has traveled down many different avenues in the fashion and entertainment industry. Posing in front of flashing cameras and taking trips down the Catwalk are things that Tyra knows ever so well and through America’s Next Top Model has strived to help aspiring models make a name for themselves in the competitive world of fashion. She has even held her ground well as a talk show host of a self-titled show. Her list keeps growing from year to year as she is constantly taking on new business ventures.

And now it is about to grow even more as it has been said that she is on the verge of launching a new wig line.

Banks’ inspiration came from her own personal encounters with her own hair. She has been said to be noticing changes in her hairline, which in turn is causing her to reveal her forehead more often:

“Tyra's hairline has been inching back over the last few years, showing more and more of her forehead,” -source to National Enquirer.

Perhaps a tad bit self conscious about pushing those bangs to the side, Tyra Banks still gives off the “I am woman hear me roar” vibe when speaking to her female audiences about their appearance, especially Black women.

“Kiss my fat ass” still ring a bell?

As an African American woman, Banks knows firsthand the negative comments that often come our way about our size, style of dress and our hair. Rockin’ your God-given mane was not an acceptable option for sisters. But now times are beginning to change as more and more Black women are saying no to the “creamy crack” in a bucket.

Her support for natural beauty is apparent as she has relieved her own hair from weaves. And with Banks’ upcoming wig line, it seems to be promoting doing less damage to your hair while still adding a little something extra to it.

The wig line release date is not set in stone at the moment.

The HBO series Sex And The City had women all over the globe glued to their TVs. Whether it was keeping up with the unpredictable relationship between Carrie and Mr. Big or hearing about the "friendly" yet stylish Samantha Jones’ sex tales, the show took hold of viewers’ attention and never let it go. It created such a buzz that a genius mind thought it would be an instant hit on the big screen and it was, so much that a sequel soon followed.

The fabulous four were not the only ones putting out a successful show as another group of women became some our favorite “friends”.

Since its very first airing back in 2000, Girlfriends has made a name for itself as the Sex And The City for the sisters. Picking up where the popular 90’s show Living Single left off, Girlfriends lasted for eight seasons making it one of the longest running sitcoms ever. Aside from the record-breaking numbers that it drew in, the one thing that many people applauded the show for was its realism; the realism behind the characters and the things that they went through.

As fanatics were not at all looking forward to its last episode, it still remains a topic of conversation, even amongst those who were once apart of the cast.

The former Joan Clayton, the motherly one of the bunch, has spoken out about her willingness to pursue Girlfriends beyond the sitcom arena.

On her recent appearance on The Wendy Williams Show, Actress Tracee Ellis Ross eluded to the fact that she wouldn’t mind taking the show a step further:

“I would love to do a 'Girlfriends' movie. I want to see Joan get married,”

She also longs to see Toni and Joan rekindle their damaged friendship too. It sounds like Joan is very much alive and well in Ross’ heart.

Be that as it may, Ross knows that the ultimate decision is not up to her:

“I think the fans have to ask for it,”

Could she be on to something here? Does Girlfriends have enough clout to make it to the big screen?

Reed Between The Lines may have her hands tied at the moment but I doubt that she would turn down the opportunity to do a movie like this.