Oh The Places You'll Go...With Sass on the Go : Macy's Celebrates Black History Month

So a few weeks ago I got a chance to attend Macy's Annual " Macy's Celebrates Black History Month: In Conversation".  Macy's holds this annual event in different cities (NYC, Chicago, D.C., and LA) during Black History month featuring different hosts for their panel type discussion that also includes a meet and greet. The conversation takes an in dept look at today's black culture.

Our panelists were none other than Actress Jurnee Smollett- Bell known for her roles on Friday Night Lights, Tyler Perry's Temptation not to mention she's also the little sister to Jussie Smollett from Empire. Next we have Grammy award winner R&B singer Monica, she has been singing since the age of 16 with hits like: The Boy Is Mine, For You I Will. Last but not least Mr. Terrence Jenkins, you may know him from his roles in the Think Like A Man movies and ex-co host of E! News.
 

The panel was moderated by Essence Magazine's Fashion Editor Joiee Thorpe. She asked some questions and then opened the floor for the audience to ask questions.

Featured Lft-Rt ( Joiee Thorpe, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Terrence J, and Monica)

 

She started off the conversation by asking each panelist, "What is a saying/aphorism you live by?"

Monica: "Walk by Faith" - She explains how she's been through so much in her life and when things got tough she relied on God to help her see her way through the darkest times.
 

Terrence J: "Go Hard or Go Home"- He Explains how you have to work hard for what you want and nothing can stop you.
 

Jurnee: "You can't believe them when they say you're great, because you'll believe them when they say you're not. Go by God's standard." -  She says know your worth and what you stand for and take responsibility for yourself, don't leave your life in someone else's hands.

An audience member asked, "What point in your career were you at your lowest? Nothing but two pieces of bread and nothing in the middle."
 

Terrence spoke about his challenge with Vitiligo- (Vitiligo occurs when pigment-producing cells die or stop functioning. Loss of skin color can affect any part of the body, including the mouth, hair, and eyes. It may be more noticeable in people with darker skin). This skin disease has no cure, but can be medically treated. He was very insecure about the disease and how he would wear makeup outside of work ( he wore make up daily for his TV job). It wasn't until he saw Model Winnie Harlow embrace her vitiligo and use it to her advantage. He then gained the confidence needed to be able to go out in public without wearing makeup and embracing his own skin.

 

Monica said some things that really stood out to me, she goes on to say "You can have everything you want between your two pieces of bread and still be at your lowest." It doesn't matter what you have or don't have materialistically, you can still be miserable. She shared about when she lost her grandmother and when she witnessed her boyfriend's suicide at the height of her career.
 (Below is a small clip of her speaking about her experiences)

When asked what's next?
 

Terrence J: Perfect Match- movie in theaters March 11, 2016

 Perfect Match is a romantic comedy about an agent (Terrence) who meets a girl who breaks his heart. Terrence states how there's not enough black love stories. "We have to make and produce what we want to see." Perfect Match is a real love story from our (black) perspective.  The film is directed by Billie Woodruff and executive produced by Queen Latifah. The film features:
Terrence J, Cassie, Paula Patton, Donald Faison and Dascha Polanco to name a few and others.

Monica: Code Red  album out now...purchase on Itunes or Google Play
 

On her new album Monica says she is speaking for a genre of music she loves (old school R&B).  She states how songs had meaning back in the day. Code Red got it's name because she feels like this album is a state of emergency to pay attention to the message you're sending to the listeners and younger generation. It is also here to help people going through tough experiences and also to teach everyone that it is okay to be loved and how to accept it.
 (Below is the audio of one of my favorite songs off the album called "Alone In Your Heart")

Jurnee: Is starring in a new series called Underground
 

Underground is a new slave drama series about the Underground Railroad executive produced by John Legend set to air on WGN March 9th, 2016. Underground is a series that follows a group of slaves and abolitionists trying to make their escape to freedom from a Georgia plantation. It really celebrates the kings and queens from which we came from and the sacrifices they had to make along the way to freedom. Be sure to check it out!! 
(Below is a preview for the new drama series)

 

When asked what advice would you give to others getting started in their careers, here's what the panelists had to say.

 

Terrence J- "Don't take no for an answer. Don't let fear stop you, use this time we have here on earth to make a positive impact."
 

Jurnee- "Make sure you read your contracts and be responsible for yourself."
 

Monica- "You have to do for ourselves what we do for others." In regards to supporting other artist and cultural appropriation."

My free Underground shirt with my meet and greet ticket

Complimentary drinks from one of the sponsors Ciroc

My friend Tory and I got a picture with Jurnee's husband musician Josiah Bell