What's a girl gotta do to get what she wants out of life? According to Ra'Keeyah Jackson, she'll do whatever it takes. Ra'Keeyah has million-dollar dreams. She's determined to come up, and she won't stop until she does. Nothing is going to stop her from getting the hottest clothes, the finest men, and money to burn. Easily influenced by her conniving girls Shayna and Quiana, Ra'Keeyah resorts to shoplifting, stealing married men's credit cards, and passing bad checks to get what she wants. Ra'Keeyah is struggling to stay on top, and she has sunk to an all-time low when she meets Brick. He's a savvy, street-smart hustler who will surely take her young heart for a ride and make her want to change. Will she be able to resist, though, when Shayna comes to her with an idea that is sure to keep their pockets on swole? This idea could cost the girls a little more than they bargained for, along with teaching them that not everyone is to be tricked!
When her brother is killed, Trouble, who has everything she could ever want because of her brother and his "complex occupation," embarks on a mission of revenge that involves seducing the enemy and then killing him. Original.
Kylee Hampton is no poor little rich girl. She's living the life—nicely furnished condo, decent ride, designer clothes, and a purse and shoe game to kill for—and she knows it. Mommy and Daddy foot the bills for their only child. In their eyes, she deserves it. Kylee's never given them problems. She graduated high school and is ready to start her freshman year of college. If her parents took time to look into her closet, they'd do the math and realize that not even the allowance they provide Kylee could afford her all the luxuries she has. Of course, Kylee would never allow them in her closet because she knows that beneath the red bottom shoes and Louis Vuitton bags, skeletons would be discovered. Kylee's secrets are safe with her girl Ja'Nay, a loyal friend who has tried to be the voice of reason when it comes to Kylee's lifestyle. Ja'Nay hasn't been able to get Kylee to see the ugliness of her ways, but she still prays that her friend will come to her senses. The last thing Ja'Nay wants is for Kylee to reap what she sows.
What do you do when you have to choose between true love and the love of money? Blu thinks she knows all there is to know about the dope game. She's watched her momma serve out of the same place they lay their heads since she was a little girl. Then her brother's best friend, Budz, steps up and shows her that there is more to the game than just selling drugs. With love, loyalty, and wealth on her side, what more could she want? Blu quickly finds out when she is introduced to Black, a mysterious, sexy Trinidadian who is every girl's dream. Blu is determined to make him her reality. Torn between two men who have secrets and motives of their own, Blu has no idea what she's gotten herself into, but she knows there is only one way out.
How can three women living three totally different lifestyles have so much in common? Alexis is a single mother of two, with an abusive baby daddy her girls keep pressing her to leave. Between her difficult man and her girls' constant nagging, Alexis is forced to live a double life. Watch as she tries to hold on to a secret that would definitely tear apart any friendship. Keaundra is constantly haunted by a troubled past and lives by the motto "Trust No Man!" This has left her lonely and with plenty of time on her hands. But what happens when she crosses paths with Mr. Right? Will Keaundra let him in, or will her past experiences force her to let him slip away? India is classy, intelligent, loyal, and used to having her way. Between her rich father and her boyfriend, Martell, she wants for nothing. But when her loyalty to her girls starts to affect her relationship, will India have to choose between her best friends and her man, or will he make the choice for her? When life and love get complicated, these three unlikely friends will have some very difficult choices to make.
Ke’yoko and Ka’yah are identical twins with two totally different personalities. As young girls they formed a bond that could not be broken. It isn’t until they become grown women that their loyalty is tested by secrets, deception, and lies. Growing up with a strict and controlling father and a weak and sniveling mother, Ke’yoko’s only goal is to get as far away from them as possible, even if it means leaving Ka’yah behind. Being rescued by Ja’Rel is like a dream come true. Ke’yoko thinks her world with Ja’Rel is perfect until she starts unraveling the truth behind it. To secure her future, Ke’yoko decides to get into the dope game with her best friend Nadia, who is the breath of fresh air Ke’yoko needs to escape the harsh reality of the fake life she’s been living. Ke’yoko puts together a crew, all while trying to keep her squeaky clean image. Ka’yah, the more laid back of the twins, always has her sister’s back, even if it means putting herself and her son last. Having her hands full raising her young son on her own, she always seems to be in Ke’yoko’s shadow. Just once she wants to come out ahead of her sister, to have something or someone for herself. How far is she willing to go to have that? In a chain of shocking events, Ke’yoko finds out the hard way that everyone is suspect. Family and friends mean nothing, and loyalty is just a word. However, Ke’yoko refuses to let ‘em see her sweat. She is determined to put on her game face and keep it moving, but that definitely doesn’t mean things will be business as usual.
From an ordinary hood life to an extraordinary good life... Featuring Black Expressions Bestselling author Karen Williams, along with Brandi Johnson and Iniko, this book will have readers consumed with emotion. But before it all even begins, National Bestselling author, Kiki Swinson, holds no punches in her introduction to what is sure to be the journey of a lifetime. Edited by award winning author E. N. Joy, Even Sinners Still Have Souls hits readers hard in the gut with its twisted, edge of the seat storylines and plots. The characters draw the readers into their, often times, strange and distorted worlds. With conflict and tension so high, the reader is almost forced to mentally endure the same daily struggles as some of the characters. Even Sinners Still Have Souls goes beyond the typical love, power and respect. It branches off into a new dimension as characters try to go from just living the hood life, to living the good life. It's one of those few books sure to leave an imprint in the reader's mind, footsteps on their soul and a message in their heart.
Where the Locals Eat: Raleigh-Durham spotlights the 100 best restaurants in the triangle region of North Carolina. Whether you are a local, a tourist, or passionate foodie, this comprehensive guide provides the ultimate culinary snapshot of the triangle, from home-style and barbecue to the finest steak houses, sushi bars and New American hot spots. Perfect for a briefcase, purse or backpack, this pocket-sized guide also showcases hundreds of great restaurants in America's largest cities.
Where the Locals Eat: Buffalo spotlights the 100 best restaurants in Buffalo, New York. Whether you are a local, a tourist, or passionate foodie, this comprehensive guide provides the ultimate culinary snapshot of Buffalo, from diners and delis to the finest steak houses, sushi bars and New American hot spots. Perfect for a briefcase, purse or backpack, this pocket-sized guide also showcases hundreds of great restaurants in America's largest cities.
How can three women living three totally different lifestyles have so much in common? Alexis is a single mother of two, with an abusive baby daddy her girls keep pressing her to leave. Between her difficult man and her girls' constant nagging, Alexis is forced to live a double life. Watch as she tries to hold on to a secret that would definitely tear apart any friendship. Keaundra is constantly haunted by a troubled past and lives by the motto "Trust No Man!" This has left her lonely and with plenty of time on her hands. But what happens when she crosses paths with Mr. Right? Will Keaundra let him in, or will her past experiences force her to let him slip away? India is classy, intelligent, loyal, and used to having her way. Between her rich father and her boyfriend, Martell, she wants for nothing. But when her loyalty to her girls starts to affect her relationship, will India have to choose between her best friends and her man, or will he make the choice for her? When life and love get complicated, these three unlikely friends will have some very difficult choices to make.
When her brother is killed, Trouble, who has everything she could ever want because of her brother and his "complex occupation," embarks on a mission of revenge that involves seducing the enemy and then killing him. Original.
Kylee Hampton is no poor little rich girl. She's living the life—nicely furnished condo, decent ride, designer clothes, and a purse and shoe game to kill for—and she knows it. Mommy and Daddy foot the bills for their only child. In their eyes, she deserves it. Kylee's never given them problems. She graduated high school and is ready to start her freshman year of college. If her parents took time to look into her closet, they'd do the math and realize that not even the allowance they provide Kylee could afford her all the luxuries she has. Of course, Kylee would never allow them in her closet because she knows that beneath the red bottom shoes and Louis Vuitton bags, skeletons would be discovered. Kylee's secrets are safe with her girl Ja'Nay, a loyal friend who has tried to be the voice of reason when it comes to Kylee's lifestyle. Ja'Nay hasn't been able to get Kylee to see the ugliness of her ways, but she still prays that her friend will come to her senses. The last thing Ja'Nay wants is for Kylee to reap what she sows.
Making Local Food Work is an ideal introduction to what local food means today and what it might be tomorrow. By listening to and working alongside people trying to build a local food system in Iowa, Brandi Janssen uncovers the complex realities of making it work. She asks how Iowa's small farmers and CSA owners deal with farmers' market regulations, neighbors who spray pesticides on crops or lawns, and sanitary regulations on meat processing and milk production. How can they meet the needs of large buyers like school districts? Is local food production benefitting rural communities as much as advocates claim? In answering these questions, Janssen displays the pragmatism and level-headedness one would expect of the heartland, much like the farmers and processors profiled here. It's doable, she states, but we're going to have to do more than shop at our local farmers' market to make it happen.
Twelve-year-old Faye never got to live a normal life. At the tender age of four, she was diagnosed with cancer. Faye spent most of her time in and out of the hospital. She was unable to do a lot of things that other kids her age were able to do because her health and strength was a constant battle for her. As if that is not enough for little Faye to deal with, she also has to deal with losing her hair from the cancer treatments. Faye constantly deals with bullies at school because of her illness, which leaves her hurt and insecure. A special opportunity presents itself for Faye, and it would be completely life changing for her. All she has to do is get up enough nerve to go after this once-in-a-lifetime chance. Come along and witness Faye's dream take flight as she becomes the first princess with no hair!
Ute Land Religion in the American West, 1879–2009 is a narrative of American religion and how it intersected with land in the American West. Prior to 1881, Utes lived on the largest reservation in North America—twelve million acres of western Colorado. Brandi Denison takes a broad look at the Ute land dispossession and resistance to disenfranchisement by tracing the shifting cultural meaning of dirt, a physical thing, into land, an abstract idea. This shift was made possible through the development and deployment of an idealized American religion based on Enlightenment ideals of individualism, Victorian sensibilities about the female body, and an emerging respect for diversity and commitment to religious pluralism that was wholly dependent on a separation of economics from religion. As the narrative unfolds, Denison shows how Utes and their Anglo-American allies worked together to systematize a religion out of existing ceremonial practices, anthropological observations, and Euro-American ideals of nature. A variety of societies then used religious beliefs and practices to give meaning to the land, which in turn shaped inhabitants’ perception of an exclusive American religion. Ultimately, this movement from the tangible to the abstract demonstrates the development of a normative American religion, one that excludes minorities even as they are the source of the idealized expression.
This text provides an analysis of European patent law and procedure (including practice under the PCT) and examines the provisions and case-law of the European Patent Convention, the Patent Law Treaty, and Community Patent.
A strong relationship between sport fans and teams is an essential component for the success of the sport brand. This book provides an in-depth examination of the use of Twitter as a tool to enhance and maintain the fan-team relationship. As social media platforms have expanded beyond purely personal use, brands have had to adjust their strategic communication and marketing efforts. Drawing on research and theory from advertising, marketing, mass communication, and public relations, this book uses a mixed methods approach to better understand how online fan engagement using Twitter can help strengthen the fan-team relationship. Findings from this research has implications for the continued scholarly work on online engagement and relationship building as well as practical applications for effective use of Twitter as a strategic communication tool.
Mississippi may be the best kept secret around. From spellbinding architecture to some of the best culinary experiences in the country, the Magnolia State truly has something for everyone. Adventures last a lifetime, so let 100 Things to Do in Mississippi Before You Die be your guidebook to explore what makes the Magnolia State a special place. Sink your teeth into the mouth-watering fried chicken that now has a worldwide following and experience Highway 61, the Blues Highway. Explore Mississippi’s literary heritage at the annual Mississippi Book Festival, where history has been made for more than 200 years. Hike the most beautiful waterfalls at Clark Creek Natural Area and enjoy some of the state’s outdoor adventures. Explore the birthplace of Elvis Presley and learn why Mississippi is the birthplace of American music. Find the unique gifts, antiques, and oddities at one of the most popular stores in the state and grab a hotdog from the Coney Island Café just down the street. Authors Dori Lowe and Brandi Perry invite you to hold on for an adventure unlike any other through the backroads and byways of Mississippi. The seasonal itineraries will take you through each region of the Magnolia State, where you will be greeted with a hospitality like no other. Find out what Mississippi has to offer around every corner.
Improvement Science in Education: A Primer provides a comprehensive overview of improvement science as a framework to guide continuous improvement and reconceptualizes improvement by centering equity and justice as the purpose of improvement. This Primer is designed to introduce improvement science, a methodology with origins in manufacturing, engineering and healthcare, to educational audiences. The book first explores the philosophical and methodological foundations of improvement science, juxtaposing it with traditional forms of research so that clear distinctions can be drawn. Chapters in the latter half of the book introduce the principles of improvement, give guidance and tools for operationalizing the principles in practice, and conclude with questions to ensure you are improving with equity in mind. Constantly reminding readers to think about who is involved and impacted, the Primer makes improvement science accessible to novices and adds critical dimensions for experienced practitioners to consider. Perfect for courses such as: Educational Research, School Improvement, and Program Evaluation
The intercultural communication classroom can be an emotionally and intellectually heavy place for many students and teachers. Sensitive topics arise and students must face complex issues with intellectual curiosity and collegial respect. To navigate the precarious waters of intercultural communications, teachers need an intentional approach to foster meaningful discussion and learning. This pedagogical guide presents conceptual overviews, student activities, and problem-solving strategies for teaching intercultural communication. The authors navigate eight categories of potential conflict, including: communicating power and privilege, community engagement in social justice, and assessing intercultural pedagogies for social justice. In addition to empirical studies and the authors’ own classroom experiences, the book features the personal narratives of junior and senior intercultural communication teacher-scholars whose journeys will encourage and instruct readers towards more fulfilling teaching experiences.
Upon starting her new job in the Amazon Rainforest, Ayanna is less than thrilled to find her study of plants to be uneventful. However, when she discovers a path leading to the heart of the jungle, she finds a specimen unlike any other-Dianthe, a rare 'spider-lily'-in a splendorous enclosure. This stunning flower leads Ayanna to two men-twins that each have alternative motives for wanting her trust. As the plot unfolds and she learns more about the reasons for the twins' strange behavior, she discovers that perhaps the plants being studied are no longer harmless creatures under glass, but rather vicious predators using beauty and innocence as a lure into their deadly trap. Written by young author Kristyn Brandi, Efflorescence is not only a fantastic tale of the interaction between prey and predator on a quest for survival. Rather, it is a look at the bonds formed in dire situations and how trust in others is needed in order to form the faith in oneself necessary to effloresce-to grow from a fragile seed and blossom into a stronger individual.
**A New York Times Editors' Choice Pick** **One of Kirkus Reviews' Best Nonfiction Books of 2022** "Political activist Collins-Dexter’s essay collection is timely as well as pointed. In it, she argues that Democrats have taken Black voters for granted, and that the consequences of this mistake have already begun — and will accelerate." —The New York Times,"15 Works of Nonfiction to Read This Fall" For fans of Bad Feminist and The Sum of Us, Black Skinhead sparks a radical conversation about Black America and political identity. In Black Skinhead, Brandi Collins-Dexter, former Senior Campaign Director for Color Of Change, explores the fragile alliance between Black voters and the Democratic party. Through sharp, timely essays that span the political, cultural, and personal, Collins-Dexter reveals decades of simmering disaffection in Black America, told as much through voter statistics as it is through music, film, sports, and the baffling mind of Kanye West. While Black Skinhead is an outward look at Black votership and electoral politics, it is also a funny, deeply personal, and introspective look at Black culture and identity, ultimately revealing a Black America that has become deeply disillusioned with the failed promises of its country. ---------------------------------------------------- We had been told that everything was fine, that America was working for everyone and that the American Dream was attainable for all. But for those who had been paying attention, there had been warning signs that the Obamas’ version of the American Dream wasn’t working for everyone. That it hadn’t been working for many white Americans was immediately and loudly discussed, but the truth—and what I set out to write this book about—was that it hadn’t been working for many Black Americans either. For many, Obama’s vision had been more illusion than reality all along. When someone tells you everything is fine, but around you, you see evidence that it’s not, where will the quest to find answers lead you? As I went on the journey of writing this book, I found a very different tale about Black politics and Black America, one that countered white America’s long-held assumption that Black voters will always vote Democrat—and even that the Democratic party is the best bet for Black Americans. My ultimate question was this: how are Black people being led away—not towards—each other, and what do we lose when we lose each other? What do we lose when, to quote Kanye West, we feel lost in the world.
Catanese's beautifully written and cogently argued book addresses one of the most persistent sociopolitical questions in contemporary culture. She suggests that it is performance and the difference it makes that complicates the terms by which we can even understand 'multicultural' and 'colorblind' concepts. A tremendously illuminating study that promises to break new ground in the fields of theatre and performance studies, African American studies, feminist theory, cultural studies, and film and television studies." ---Daphne Brooks, Princeton University "Adds immeasurably to the ways in which we can understand the contradictory aspects of racial discourse and performance as they have emerged during the last two decades. An ambitious, smart, and fascinating book." ---Jennifer DeVere Brody, Duke University Are we a multicultural nation, or a colorblind one? The Problem of the Color[blind] examines this vexed question in American culture by focusing on black performance in theater, film, and television. The practice of colorblind casting---choosing actors without regard to race---assumes a performing body that is somehow race neutral. But where, exactly, is race neutrality located---in the eyes of the spectator, in the body of the performer, in the medium of the performance? In analyzing and theorizing such questions, Brandi Wilkins Catanese explores a range of engaging and provocative subjects, including the infamous debate between playwright August Wilson and drama critic Robert Brustein, the film career of Denzel Washington, Suzan-Lori Parks's play Venus, the phenomenon of postblackness (as represented in the Studio Museum in Harlem's "Freestyle" exhibition), the performer Ice Cube's transformation from icon of gangsta rap to family movie star, and the controversial reality television series Black. White. Concluding that ideologies of transcendence are ahistorical and therefore unenforceable, Catanese advances the concept of racial transgression---a process of acknowledging rather than ignoring the racialized histories of performance---as her chapters move between readings of dramatic texts, films, popular culture, and debates in critical race theory and the culture wars.
While Washington, D.C., is still often referred to as "Chocolate City," it has undergone significant demographic, political, and economic change in the last decade. In D.C., no place represents this shift better than the H Street corridor. In this book, Brandi Thompson Summers documents D.C.'s shift to a "post-chocolate" cosmopolitan metropolis by charting H Street's economic and racial developments. In doing so, she offers a theoretical framework for understanding how blackness is aestheticized and deployed to organize landscapes and raise capital. Summers focuses on the continuing significance of blackness in a place like the nation's capital, how blackness contributes to our understanding of contemporary urbanization, and how it laid an important foundation for how Black people have been thought to exist in cities. Summers also analyzes how blackness—as a representation of diversity—is marketed to sell a progressive, "cool," and authentic experience of being in and moving through an urban center. Using a mix of participant observation, visual and media analysis, interviews, and archival research, Summers shows how blackness has become a prized and lucrative aesthetic that often excludes D.C.'s Black residents.
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