The Sophisticate Chronicles

1843* Blacks participated in a national political convention for the first time at Liberty party convention in Buffalo. Samuel R. Ward led the convention in prayer; Henry Highland Garnet was a member of the nominating committee; and Charles R. Ray was one of the convention secretaries. 1854* John C. Fremont issued proclamation freeing slaves of Missouri rebels. Lincoln revoked the proclamation. 1881* Campbell, W. S. Self-setting animal trap Aug. 30, 1881 Patent No. 246,369 1901* Second Executive Director of the NAACP, Roy Wilkins was born on this day. 1931* Carrie Saxton Perry was born this day in Hartford, Connecticut. Perry was elected mayor of Hartford Connecticut in 1987. 1966* Constance Baker Motley confirmed as U.S. district judge and became the first Black woman on the federal bench. 1966* Race riot, Benton Harbor, Michigan. National Guard mobilized. 1969* National Guard mobilized to put down racial disturbances in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 1983* Lt. Col. G...

By: LaDawn Black Guys want genuine women in their lives. They want to know who you are and what you’re about right from the start. Women don’t want their guy to change mid-relationship, and guys want the same thing from a partner. Knowing this, I’ve compiled a list of the top nine things that my male listeners and readers feel should never, ever be fake about you:  1. Sharing your man’s interests Often, women will feign interest in activities that they would never normally do in order to get to the first date with a man and to keep things moving along once they’re seeing each other. Don’t go crazy for his favorite football team, develop a love of white water rafting or suddenly crave Ethiopian food if those things simply are not true to your character. He will eventually see through it or be greatly disappointed when he didn’t get the outdoorsy woman that he always dreamed of once you grow tired of it. A man would rather you admit early on that you’d try something new just for...

1755* Jean Baptiste Lislet-Geoffroy, distinguished French geographer, is born. 1786* Jean-Baptiste Lislet-Geoffrey was the first Black correspondent of the French Academy of Sciences. 1826* John Brown Russwurm is considered to be the first Black in America to graduate college. Two years after entering Bowdoin College, he received his baccalaureate degree on September 6,1826. A lesser known Black student, Edward Jones graduated just two weeks before on August 23,1826 from Amherst College. Both men received their Masters, John in 1829 and Edward in 1830. 1861* James Stone, a light skinned fugitive slave passing for white, enlisted in the First Fight Artillery of Ohio. His racial identity would not be known until his death nearly a year later. 1900* National Negro Business League founded. At the organizing meeting in Boston, Booker T. Washington was elected president. 1908* 52 nurses lead by Martha M. Franklin form the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses, to imp...

There are a million different ways to twist the sheets. Just check the Kama Sutra, but no one can try them all. That said, there are a few types of sex every woman should experience at least once. Ladies, LISTEN UP, because if you haven’t done the deed these nine ways, you’re totally missing out!! I’m Sorry Sex* Otherwise known as make up sex. It’s what happens when that thin line between anger and passion is crossed and the result is most often spontaneous and mind blowing. Vacation Sex* It’s not for everyone, but we’re here to tell you, sex in paradise with a gorgeous man you just met can often be the most thrilling kind. (As long as it’s safe sex, of course.) He’s mysterious and gorgeous and he makes you feel sexy – a recipe for vacation bliss. We Might Get Caught Sex* You know that moment when the sparks are flying between you but you just can’t sneak away. Toss those inhibitions and do it anyway. Go find your own little corner of heaven and steal a moment all your own....

1890* Alexander Clark a Journalist and Lawyer is named minister to Liberia. 1922* Author, Louis Lomax was Born 1938* Robert L. Johnson, blues singer, dies mysteriously 1958* Angela Bassett, Actress  was born in New York, New York . Angela has starred in the following films: The Jacksons: An American Dream Malcolm X What's Love Got To Do With It? (received Oscar nomination) Strange Days Vampire in Brooklyn, Waiting to Exhale, and most recently Jumping The Broom. 1963* On sale this day was a stamp designed to commemorate the one-hundredth anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. It was designed by George Olden which made him the first Black to design a U.S. postage stamp. 1970* Activist, Angela Davis was named in a federal warrant issued in connected with George Jackson's attempted escape from San Quentin prison, 1970 1972* Rev. Philip A. Potter, a Black Methodist minister from Dominica, named general secretary of the World Council of Churches, general sec...

As our Summer comes to a close we wanted to bring you something Smooth. .Lite. .and of course DELICIOUS to ease away the final days of summer blues. . You know we LOVE are southern roots and desserts but this one is a little West Coast.  Inspired by one of our favorite drinks "The Pina Colada" but with a twist. . Our August "Dessert of the Month" The Bacardi Pina Colada Cake Ingredients : Cake 1/3 cup Bacardi dark rum (80 proof) 1 package (4 serving size) Coconut Cream or vanilla instant pudding and pie filling mix 1 package white cake mix, (2 layer size) 4 eggs 1/2 cup water 1/4 cup oil 1 cup flaked coconut (see note) Frosting 1 can (8 ounce size) crushed pineapples (in juice) 1 package (4 serving size) coconut cream or vanilla instant pudding and pie filling 1/3 cup Bacardi dark rum 1 container (9 ounce size) Frozen Whipped Cream (thawed) Preparation: Blend all ingredients except coconut in large mixer bowl.  Beat 4 minutes at medium speed with electric ...

We're back for our 2nd "Soul Sunday" Artist Spotlight. ZO (aka Lorenzo Ferguson) featuring incomparable SOUL artist Eric Roberson, Darien Brockington, and rapper Big Pooh with this hit single "This Could Be The Night". We are committed to keeping you up to date on some of the HOTTest music out. For more information on Zo visit his Myspace page http://www.myspace.com/zo Enjoy this dose of Soul for your Sunday afternoon.

Here is a Dose of Soul for your Tuesday afternoon. . "Forever" by The Floacist feat Musiq Soulchild

1. Never mess with a friend’s ex without a heads up! When Royce took a business meeting with Jen’s soon-to-be ex husband Eric Williams and didn’t mention it she crossed a line. Whether Jen was happy about the news or not, she still deserved a heads up from her supposed friend. Speak up about things before they become awkward. 2. Stay out of the middle lane. Suzie wants to please everyone in her circle and avoid the drama at all costs. To keep everyone happy she often plays both sides of an argument hoping not to get caught in the middle. By passing messages between Meeka and Tami instead of encouraging them to sit down and talk it out amongst themselves Suzie only made matters worse. If she’s not careful she’ll be known as a trader and a loud mouth – neither of which quality make her a trustworthy friend. 3. Behave like ladies in public. While on vacation in Italy Meeka and Tami fought every chance they got. This meant participating in screaming matches in the middle of ...

1905* Robert N.C. Nix, first African American representative from Pennsylvania and 11 term congressman, born 1936* Jesse Owens wins four gold medals in the Berlin Olympics, 1936 1960* Race riot, Jacksonville, Fla., after ten days of sit-in demonstrations. Fifty reported injured. 1961* James B. Parsons became first Black appointed to Federal District Court in continental United States. 1963* Whitney Houston Actress & Singer born on this day  1975* Death of Julian ("Cannonball") Adderly (46), saxophonist and bandleader, in Gary, Indiana. 1987* Beatrice Foods is acquired by Reginald Lewis. It is the largest business acquisition ever by an African American. 1995* August 9th declared International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples 1995

1796* Boston African Society was established with forty-four members. 1805* The African Baptist Church is organized in Boston, Mass. 1865* Explorer and first to reach the North Pole, Matthew A Henson, born, 1865 1885* African-American inventor, William C. Carter, patented an umbrella stand (U.S. patent#323,397). 1907 * Benny Carter, saxophonist, born 1934* Julian Dixon, elected to Congress representing California's 28th District in 1978, born 1968* Riot, Miami, Florida. National Guard mobilized to put down rioting which erupted while Republicans were holding national convention in Miami Beach. 1989* Congressman George Thomas "Mickey" Leland, members of his congressional staff, and State Department officials die in a plane crash near Gambela, Ethiopia.

The Buzz for the last 24hours has been about the possible departure of one of our favorite characters on the new VH1 hit series Single Ladies.  Stacey Dash (character"Val" Stokes) is said to have had an altercation with her cast mate Lisa Raye McCoy (character Keisha Greene). During a taping for an episode the ladies were in cocktail attire and out of no where Stacey lashed out at Lisa. Before she stormed off the set she stated "No, I ain’t coming back unless that b*tch gets her as* kicked!” Sources say that Lisa Raye did or said nothing to provoke Stacey's behavior. VH1 has yet to make a comment on the matter or if there will be any cast changes for the upcoming Season 2. We hope there won't be any changes. This cast seems to have a great chemistry and the show is definitely a hit. Work IT out Ladies!! We shall keep you posted. .

It’s common knowledge that our non-verbal communication says a whole lot more than our verbal. But when you stay sitting pretty, have trouble sustaining a relationship, a look at the way you are presenting yourself verbally may be necessary. I’ve got it all, I have a great career, I’m attractive, intelligent, with a kind heart where is he at? Better yet, with all I have to offer why doesn’t he stick around? Reasons Women Should Slow Down When Dating One minute you may hit it off with someone and in the end you’re left wondering what you may have done to scare them off. It messes with your mind and by the time you’re ready to receive the feedback they are no longer in the picture so the pattern is recycled. 5 Most Predictable Moments From The “Single Ladies” Premiere [VIDEO] Well I did some groundwork, interrogated (with love of course) a few of my closest male friends and came up with five common verbal communication mistakes women make that may be scaring men off. And no, this...

1893* One hundred and eighteen Blacks were reported lynched in 1893. 1904* Born in this year and the First Black winner of Nobel Peace Prize was Ralph J Bunche, Diplomat 1930* James Cameron Founder/Director America's Black Holocaust Museum, Inc. Milwaukee, Wisconsin August 7, 1930. The night James Cameron's life changed forever. A day before, he and two other young Black men were arrested for the robbery, rape and assault of a White couple in Marion, Indiana. James is in a cell in the Grant County Jail. There is a lynch mob outside numbering into the thousands. James is sixteen years old. The mob comes into the jail and grabs one of men accused, with James, of the crime. He is beaten unconscious, dragged outside and lynched. The second man is then given the same treatment. The bodies of these two men, Tom Shipp, 18, and Abraham Smith, 19, hanging from a tree is depicted in a famous and disturbing photograph. The mob now comes for James. He is beaten and dragged out to t...

Here is some SOULmusic for your Sunday afternoon. One of the hottest Soul Music groups out, The Foreign Exchange with "Take Off The Blues". . The smooth Harmony, Trumpet, and beat lined with just enough bass puts you at ease and relaxes your mind. The Foreign Exchange Consisting of rapper/singer/songwriter Phonte and producer Nicolay, The Foreign Exchange came together via the online hip-hop community Okayplayer.com in 2002. After trading files through Instant Messenger for over a year, Nicolay (living in his native Holland at the time) and Phonte (a Raleigh, NC resident) completed their debut album before they ever met each other in person. The album, "Connected," was released in 2004 to positive reviews, and was praised by legendary DJ's such as Jazzy Jeff, King Britt, and DJ Spinna for its inventive mix of hip-hop, R&B, and electronica. Their sophomore album, "Leave It All Behind" (2008) found The Foreign Exchange much closer in geography...

Congrats to one of our favorite "SophistiKat's" New York Times Bestseller Toya Carter-Wright. We kept you up to date on the NOW #14 Bestseller "Priceless Inspirations".  Thanks to all of her fans and readers she has reached a new milestones and another one of her many dreams is now a reality.  In case you haven't picked up your copy visit  http://www.amazon.com/Priceless-Inspirations-Antonia-Carter/dp/0982702760 . "Priceless" is a collection of intimate journal entries that Toya kept over the years during her journey as a teenage mom. Support this sister and the message that her book is delivering. It has already changed many lives and helping to inspire our young ladies to stay the course to achieving their dreams, No matter what!!

The Summer has been Hot and most definitely Steamy!! This month we wanted to share with a refreshing drink from one of our FAVorite artist live radio show.  It was his "Drink of the Week" but we want to have a touch of the R&B Neo Soul Hippie RockSTAR. .none other than MR. Raheem DeVaughn ALL month long.  Here is the video with all instructions for creating your own "XoXo Summer Cooler". Enjoy!!

1795* Absalom Jones ordained a deacon in the Protestant Episcopal Church. 1861* The congressional confiscation bill freed slaves who were forced to fight against the United States government, or to work in support of the rebellion. 1870 * White conservatives suppressed Black vote and captured Tennessee legislative in election marred by assassinations and widespread violence. Campaign effectively ended Radical Reconstruction in North Carolina. The conservative legislature impeached Governor Holden on December 14. 1941* Black private and white military policeman shot to death on bus in North Carolina during fight between Black and white soldiers. This was the first of a series of serious racial incidents (between Black and white soldiers and Black soldiers and white civilians) which continued throughout the war. 1962* Jamaica proclaimed independent. 1965* President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Voting Rights Bill which authorized the suspension of literacy tests and the sending o...