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I have to admit I have DNC fever. I am an American of Native/and Mixed race origin who lives abroad in Europe. It has been a long time since I was really proud to be American. When you talk to Europeans American’s always stick out like a soar thumb abroad. We are known to be loud, a country that does not care about the health and well being of it’s citizens, and a people who have know desire to learn about the rest of the world.

As I have been watching the convention my American pride is growing. It may be because I have started reading “Dreams from my Father” by Barack Obama. As well as watching a mix of people who support Barack Obama at the convention, This is America. He speaks to me as an American of other; he is for all people because he can relate to many. That is what America is all about, a country where regardless of race, class or gender if you work hard you can follow and reach your dreams.

American still has a long way to go in regards to equality, but considering where people of other are in countries like France and Italy the US has shown the path to heroes that matter. Finally a new Hero for people of other thank you Mr. Obama for being my hero for the future! Hero to people of other around the world.

We have a long way to go but god willing we will see change in the world! I was also proud to see the First Americans for Barack Obama  get together and support Barack Obama.

tribes.barackobama.com

“ROCKY BOY, MT – The Obama campaign announced today that the Rocky Boy Tribal Council has endorsed Barack Obama for President. The Council, which is the governing body of the Rocky Boy Reservation, passed a resolution endorsing Obama during a meeting this week.

“Sen. Obama understands the many challenges facing Native Americans on reservations in the West, and it is time for a president who is committed to making real change in the lives of the people on the Rocky Boy reservation,” said Council Chairman John “Chance” Houle. “John McCain has been in Washington for twenty-six years, and has had a chance to be an advocate for Native Americans. But he hasn’t been. It’s time for new leadership in Washington D.C.”

In addition to passing the resolution unanimously, the Council noted Sen. Obama’s strong work in fighting the spread of meth on reservations. In a 2006 survey, 74% of tribal law enforcement officials cited meth as the leading threat to their tribes’ livelihood. Sen. Obama has been a strong supporter of funding for the fight against meth, including assistance to children affected by meth abuse and restrictions on the sale of ingredients used to make the drug. He has also called for funding for tribal police programs and tribal courts, and for resolving jurisdiction issues that will enable tribal authorities to deal with the causes of the problem on Indian land.”

Even though in many of the speeches my people where not mentioned, but they have a voice and need to be heard. I am speechless that in my lifetime that I would see a person of color have the opportunity to be the President of the United States. Keep Hope alive and I hope that all the people who still wished it where Hilary Clinton will put this all aside, unite, and help to change the world. Please support the vote for Change. Vote Barack Obama!!

It seems on the Internet and with many of my fellow bloggers the anticipation of the Italian Vogue all Black issue has caused quite a stir. Yet, I have not really heard from any Italians? Hmm I wish I could find some Italian blogger’s to hear what they think. If you know of any Italian bloggers please send me the link.

Well one of the best commentaries that I have read on the issues is the NYtimes blog

http://themoment.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/26/mens-fashion-the-new-black/

Even though the blog discusses Men’s fashion in Milan and Donatella Versace cast “two” black models in her runway show and called it “an reverence to Barack Obama”; a few days later DSquared collection with references to Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Mohammed Ali and references to various rappers portrayed by back-in-the-day photographer Jemel Shabazz. In Milan, from Etro to Gucci all followed suit, mixing prints, embroideries and skin colours from all over the world. Black is Back and it all went back to the Vogue Black Issue.

How do I feel about this a bit happy and a bit iffy? As a women of colour who works in Fashion, “it’s hard out there for a pimp” sometimes especially when you don’t see others like you, you have to be better then the rest! A lover of Fashion whom hardly ever see’s her reflection in the industry, is the drive to never give up on her dream.

Italian Vogue hmm. Is this just a PR stunt to detract from the skinny bitch issues? To get more press in a time when America might finally see a black President? Be the first to call Michelle Obama a style icon? Here in France there have been many articles comparing her to Jackie O, even a lay out comparing their style look for look. I too loved Michelle in that Purple number with the black belt, so SITC!

The book ‘To Be Young Gifted and Black’ by Lorraine Hansberry comes to mind. Have people of colour been given a wake up call by fashion again? Fashion has always been a reflection on what is going in the world. People of colour want to be heard. In response to the Italian Vogue what is the big deal! Another thing I don’t understand is Trace Magazine has run a Black Girls Rule issue every year and never got as much press. Is it because it was an urban mag? I think Vogue is late, as is the rest of the world. Black Girls Rule, Brown Girls Rule, Red Girls rule, and so do Yellow Girls I guess that’s what it means ‘To Be Young Gifted and Black’ patient.