Black Woman Walking

In 1998, 16-year old Adilah Gaither was shot and killed at a bus stop when she refused to give her number to a young man. In response, the documentary Black Woman Walking was created by Tracey Rose. The movie can be found at the following YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vp-Eq6QGSfI

MIMI Heart & Soul Link: Hey Baby!

ABC News: Senegal's Fashion Victims

In richer countries people are increasingly comfortable, and successful, regardless of their natural skin color, but in many African countries like Senegal, trying to change one's skin color is still seen as a way to get ahead. For the full story, take a look at: ABC News: Senegal's Fashion Victims

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Making Sweet Music

Born in Mogadishu Somalia, Siham and Iman Hashi are the first Somali artists to surface on the Atlanta music scene. Their family moved to Toronto, Canada when they were little girls. In their younger ages Iman and Siham displayed their musical talent at local talent shows, performing at school plays and around family and friends. Their talent didn't stop there either, also skilled in creative song writing, Iman and Siham penned the lyrics for their songs.

Iman and Siham were exposed to many producers that offered hallow promises always short of the truth. After countless run ins with studios that tried to tie the sisters down, they felt discouraged with every step closer being a prolonged false advertisement. The constant shot downs took a toll on the sisters causing them to second guess their future. The sisters recognized that they weren't ready to play the cards they were dealt, but rather take their life by the hands and pursue their singing career full throttle. After experiencing many dead ends, the girls felt it was time to take that step and paint their life with all the colors that would represent their vibrant and promising future. The young stars made their move to Atlanta, Georgia. With financial struggles they constantly tried to make a dollar from a dime. Yet with the support; emotionally and financially, of those they left back home, they began writing songs for major and up and coming artists.

Never doubting where destiny would lead them, Siham and Iman formed the eclectic duo SWEET RUSH and landed a record deal with Universal Motown. They are currently in the studio working on their first album. SWEET RUSH aspires to become an international pop duo that will generate interest for decades to come. You can hear SWEET RUSH on Akon's new album, Freedom on the track Troublemaker. Find out more about SWEET RUSH by visiting www.myspace.com/sweetrushworld

(Photo Credits: Zach Wolfe)

In Celebration of the Presidential Inauguration, White House Black Market Auctions Couture Gowns For Charity

In celebration of the Presidential Inauguration on January 20 and inspired by the style and grace of future First Lady Michelle Obama, White House Black Market has created The White House Inaugural Collection, four one-of-a-kind, handcrafted gowns available through a special charity auction in partnership with The Clothes Off Our Back Foundation. From January 5 to January 15, with the starting bid at $400, shoppers can vie for the couture gowns at ClothesOffOurBack.org, benefiting Clothes Off Our Back's charities including Feeding America(formerly named America's Second Harvest), The Art of Elysium, Hope Northand H.E.L.P. Malawi.

J Crew Gets Afri-Chic

J Crew's new arrivals for the spring season include a ringspun cotton painted graphic t-shirt with the Swahili words "Safari Njema," which translates to "Safe Travels" printed on the front. The t-shirt retails for $39.50 and comes in champagne (pictured on the left) and honey brown. Perhaps this means we'll be seeing more afri-chic designs for the spring season!

MIMI Style Link: Just Bee

Carl Ellis' Mother Africa At Sanlam South Africa Fashion Week 2008

Zambian designer Carl Ellis launched his first label, CDE Clothing by accident after staging an independent show in London where he is currently based. An accountant by profession, Carl went on to debut his accessories range at London Fashion Week in 2005. During a visit to Zambia, he was inspired to launch his second label, Mother Africa, which he describes as a signature of all African cultures. According to Carl, "This range is all about glitz and glam. Every piece will add elegance to any occasion. Rare silks feature prominently in a collection that includes wine coloured ball gowns, electric blue taffeta-pinned skirts and cocktail dresses crafted from fine satin with knotted, twisted and trimmed sections. High fashion, sensuous and luxurious."

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MIMI Features Link: The Hot 21: Carl Ellis and Rosemary Chileshe

MIMI Style Link: Designer Spotlight: Mother Africa Fashion

(Photo Credits: Ivan Naudé)