Well, it has been an interesting 15 year journey! The past 2 years have brought challenges, growth, transformation and most importantly a deep understanding of who I am as a Woman!

Learning how to give myself permission to be me and comfortable in my own skin – that is the greatest gift the Universe has given me.

Understanding that in order to grow, one must embrace all that life has to offer – the good, the bad and the ugly. For only in those moments can we say that we are fully alive and a real part of the process.

As I begin to re-create my life as Woman, Co-parent, Supporter & Supported of Family, Friends and Associates, I see ME in a totally different light. For the first time in my life I truly understand and embrace ALL that it means to be Saba, Ink!

I thank everyone for their love, patience and continued support – and look forward to many more years of us falling in Love with one another.

Peace & Prayers,

As parents, we have all talked about our concerns around proper nutrition and diet, child hood obesity and the need for more exercise for our kids. I am really excited to see our First Lady Michelle Obama take this to a whole new level!!!

Let’s Move! “Thanks For Championing This – Lady O”

For More On This Initiative:
http://www.letsmove.gov

Killa Hill: The Park Hill Documentary

New York, NY (October 13, 2009) —- After 16 years of making award-winning music videos, films and socially conscious documentaries, from “Liberia: The Love Of Liberty” to “Bloody Streetz” to “WU: The Story of The Wu-Tang Clan” — Gerald “Gee-Bee” Barclay returns with yet another compelling film, “Killa Hill: The Park Hill Documentary.”

Killa Hill addresses the issues of urban crime and violence caused by the crack cocaine epidemic of the late 1980’s. Killa Hilla is the nickname used to describe The Park Hill Apartments – located in a six block radius of the Clifton neighborhood in Staten Island. Park Hill, during this period, served as a refuge and home to thousands of Liberian immigrants. The movie centers on the police killing of 22-year old Liberian national Ernest Sayon. The documentary contains graphic reenactments and beautiful cinematography – delivered “Gee-Bee” Style.

As news cameras highlight teen gang beatings and death of honor student Derrion Albert in Chicago (home to President Obama), “Killa Hill delivers a timely and relevant message as it delves into the mind-set and conditions resulting from the drug epidemic and violence that plagues many urban neighborhoods across the United States,” says Barclay.

The 112 minute movie premieres; Friday, October 16, 2009 at Snug Harbor Cultural Center Music Hall, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island NY – 8:00 p.m. Tickets are currently on sale for the world premiere of Killa Hill: The Park Hill Documentary at http://www.killahillmovie.com. The event will be hosted by MEGATRON of BET Networks, with live event taping by RALPH McDaniels of Video Music Box.

View Killa Hill Trailer Here:

Harlem: November 10, 2009
Philadelphia: October 21, 2009
Brooklyn, NY: October 23, 2009

More Dates to Be Announced -

About Gerald “Gee-Bee Productions” Barclay:

Gerald K. Barclay, professionally known as Gee-Bee, is a veteran music video director, producer, writer and editor. His story begins after fleeing the devastating civil war in his native Liberia. He settled in New York City and graduated with a Communications degree from City University of New York. He gained early filmmaking experience in the early nineties on Abel Ferrara’s “King of New York”, Spike Lee’s “Jungle Fever” before enrolling into a mentorship under Emmy winning filmmaker Tony Lover at Liberty Studios. He then formed his own production company Gee-Bee Productions and went on to helmed over a hundred music video clips for artists such as Wu-Tang Clan, Master P., Snoop Dog, Bounty Kill, Mystical, Pig Pun, Ill & Al Scratch and The Gap Band.

Always one to reinvent himself, he sought new challenges, making a jump to the world of feature films. His first film, BLOODY STREETZ (originally entitled BLOODY CRISIS), was completed for a budget under a hundred thousand dollars and saw Gee-Bee take on the multiple hats of director, writer, producer, editor… even promoter. The gritty urban thriller won critical praise and a Vision Award at the 2002 Pan African Film Festival and was released through Artisan Home Entertainment.

In 2001, Gee-Bee returned to his African roots and produced & directed another visionary and critically acclaimed feature length documentary, “LIBERIA: THE LOVE OF LIBERTY BROUGHT US HERE”, A touching and powerfully emotional documentary on the tragic aftermath of the Liberian civil war.

His most recent work, “Wu: the Story Of The Wu-tang Clan”, is a thirteen-year intimate portrayal of the Wu-Tang Clan chronicling the rise and fall of one of hip-hop’s most notorious groups. His current film, Killa Hill- a Park Hill Documentary is described as a hip-hop action drama. http://www.geebeeproductions.com

###

As a self-employed mother of two children, I could not begin to tell you the stories I have heard, seen and personally experienced. I remember 14 years ago when I found out that I was pregnant with my daughter – At that time, I was still working in a corporate environment (as an employee) but was transitioning from one job to another. It was frightening to think that I might not get coverage because my pregnancy would be regarded as a “pre-existing condition” to the new employer and thus my new insurance company. All I can say is “thank goodness I was in the early stages of my pregnancy – and got support from others – because my story would have probably been a different one today.”

With two beautiful children and a growing business, I can certainly say that the time is right for Healthcare Reform! Not only because infant mortality rates are skyrocketing and the current system puts pressure on small business owners and the self-employed (like me).. it will save lives across the board. Reform is not only a moral obligation, it is something that professionals, families, businesses, etc need to stay alive.

Take for example the idea that 2000 people showed up at the Reliant Center in Texas this week-end just to get help they could not via FREE CLINICS sponsored by THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FREE CLINICS. To look at the amount of people showing up at these clinics across the country gives us a glimpse into the serious healthcare gaps intrinsic in our current system.

For more on this debate, check out what 450,000 Doctors Have To Say:

Join me and TEAM USA!

Michael Jackson @ Final Rehearsal

First and foremost, I have to once again reach out to the family and friends of the “King of Pop” with condolences. Your Michael will Truly be missed!

To Michael I say, Mission Accomplished!!!

For those that cry out, Michael passed away too soon, I remind you of a quote from my late Dad; “Man Plans, God Dis-plans.” In other words we can make all the plans in the world but the Universe is the ultimate planner.

With this in mind, we must seize every day, every moment and live our lives to the fullest! Put aside the excuses, BUT’s and NO’s and just GO FOR IT. Ask yourself, if you were to die today, would you have truly lived to your fullest potential? Would the world be able to say Mission Accomplished? Or would you be on your death bed saying ” I Wish I had?”

Finally, regardless of what we thought/think of Joe & Katherine Jackson – they have and continue to be the ultimate ENTREPRENEURIAL PARENTS -

Just some thoughts as we prepare to celebrate the life and times of Michael Jackson – July 7th, 2009 –

RIP – MJ. The world will forever be indebted to you – even THE HATERS!!!!!

Onward & Upward Always,

Permission to take the leap of faith,to go the extra mile, to risk it all and essentially DANCE – because in my mind, I knew it was time to DANCE into my season and cultivate my entrepreneurial vision.

BUT like most of us, life kept getting in the way-

Then, on Christmas 2002 – my fantabulous mother, who is a “shero” in her own right, gave me a book (Mark D. Sanders & Tia Sillers) complete with CD (Lee Ann Womack) offering the words I needed to hear –

“I HOPE YOU DANCE….Promise me you’ll give faith a fighting chance…”

Fast forward – 10 months later (2003)and a few conspiring “challenges” that would “catapult” and “inspire” me to leave that office, step into the world and become a full-time participant in my entrepreneurial life. In my decision,I did not know all the answers and was not sure of the entire plan but it all just “felt” right!

….”Because I want you to dance as you journey thru life’s good and bad times”are the words inscribed in my book from my MOM-and these are the words I offer each and everyone of you in this post…..

“I HOPE YOU DANCE” inspired by the song by LEE ANN WOMACK.

Until next time,…”I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance”
DANCE, DANCE, DANCE!

Alprentice David Emory Davis, grew up as a child of parents – considered social/community activists and entrepreneurs. Was their path to entrepreneurial parenting by default or by conscious choice? At a time when association with The Black Panther Party could mean life in jail or a death sentence, how does one raise politics, social ideology,enterprise and family all under one roof?

In his upcoming book, URCHIN SOCIETY:America’s Gift To Urban Society – Mr. Davis discusses his experiences and what it was like growing up; “Panther Cub”

Here’s a preview of the book, and an excerpt from our interview:

For more of our interview, visit me HERE!

Patience is something that only children – can teach us.

We all know that to reach our goals we need all the patience and focus in the world. Anger only distracts us from the issues at hand. Anger gives an opponent the over hand by giving them control of our actions. Anger centralizes the negative – energy of others.

Remember that as you watch: “The Rock” Obama…..

Stay focused and find healthy ways to deal with anger – it can only make you a better person….

Onward and upward ALWAYS!

I mean for the first time in decades – seems we are able to use technology to democratize institutionalized systems and networks. In this era, a musician, writer, broadcaster or aspiring entrepreneur can use the free tools available online to find,build or fill a niches. Just think that for the first time in ages, individuals can reach just about anyone DIRECTLY through social networks. We are meeting individuals we might not have met before via the internet and this is allowing us to do business locally, nationally and globally.

So, as we look at the traditional systems adjust, I really do feel that this is the best time for growth and expansion – because regardless of one’s class, gender, race, religion, nationality, etc – if you are innovative you can find success. In this climate, the notion of “leveling the playing field” seems to happening across segments daily!

So as tempting as it might be to fall into the negativity of the uncertain, I say AFFIRM you – and take ACTION to gain control of your own destiny and future.

This is a wonderful time to be Entrepreneurial and brand new.