Sibrina Speaks

Let me be the first to say that I used to love me some MJ! When his album “Off the Wall” dropped in 1979, my mother purchased it for me and I wore it out on my record player. That is one of my favorite albums of all time. During that same year, I had a chance to see the Jackson’s perform live in concert along with my favorite cousins who loved MJ too. The opening act for the concert was the one and only Jeffery Osbourne and L.T.D. Trust me, Mr. Osbourne had a massive voice that seemed to “float” across the packed Cobo Arena in Detroit, Michigan. He really didn’t need a microphone. Eventually, the Jackson’s stepped out on stage with their bright silver suits and put on a show! I remember screaming at the top of my lungs hoping Michael would hear me. That was truly one of the best concerts I attended in my life. Like many others, I was shocked about his untimely death at the age of 50. It really didn’t seem real. The media is going absolutely crazy about his passing, and we all know t...

Last summer, I served as a chemistry instructor for a program specifically for high school kids entering the 12th grade. One of my students asked me to review an essay she was working on for an English class, and I gladly accepted this task. She was doing very well in my course, and I wanted to support my students as much as possible. As I recall, the essay focused on issues of race and politics and I thought it was reasonably good. During the next class period, I returned her essay with my comments and asked her if she was aware that the House of Representatives had passed a resolution apologizing for slavery, and that maybe she could mention this in her essay. Another student sitting close by politely asked me to repeat what I just said. I replied, “Well, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution yesterday apologizing for slavery.” The class became very quiet, and the student responded, “What is an apology going to do?” Now, at that moment I admit I was a little unc...

Recently, a friend and I decided to go to the movies and see “Pelham 123,” starring Denzel Washington and John Travolta. After buying the movie tickets and paying a ‘grip’ for popcorn and candy, we walked into the theatre to find some seats. The theatre was only about half-full at the time, so we had an opportunity to really get comfortable while waiting for the movie to begin. Shortly after, one of the ushers walked to the front of the theatre to welcome everyone, which I thought was nice. But then, she begins to ask us for donations for some program. I don’t recall what exactly the donation was for because quite frankly, I was annoyed that she was asking for money. I was really shocked by this because I have never been asked to give a donation right before seeing a movie. She then tells us to shut up. Well, ok, she ‘politely’ tells us to turn off our cell phones and refrain from unnecessary talking or we would be escorted out of the theatre. Subsequently, the theatre lights were turn...

Do you remember your first car? My first car was a burgundy-red 1979 Chevy Impala with a 350 engine. It was a big automobile and I literally had to sit on a pillow to see over the dashboard when I drove the car. My father purchased the car from a fire chief in Canton, Michigan for himself and later gave it to me when I was ready to drive. It was a little rusty and had faded yellow letters on the driver side door that read “Canton Michigan Fire Department.” Let me tell you, this car was a REAL “man magnet” for me because I received a lot of attention from some really cute young men as I drove around town. At that time, Seattle-based rapper Sir Mix-a-Lot had a hit song called “My Hooptie,” which was the appropriate song for that car! If I hit a bump, the entire car would vibrate because it badly needed a front-end alignment. Ah, yes I did love my hooptie. But, the point is when everyone thinks about their first car, it is a great time in our lives to reflect on our youth and new fou...

Well, now that the NBA Finals is currently in full swing, I am having a serious flash back! Remember the movie “Love and Basketball” starring Sanaa Latham and that absolutely handsome Omar Epps? Remember how you cheered when Sanaa finally got her man in the end? She never gave up and she kept on fighting for what she truly wanted—her true love and her desire to play professional basketball. The game of basketball is really about the trials and tribulations of everyday life dealing with friends, family, and yes our career. It doesn’t matter if you work in corporate America or a chemistry laboratory, if we want to win at anything—you have to play the game. Ideally, you shouldn’t have to play the game to be successful. Why can’t you just be a good team player, work hard, and be rewarded for your efforts? Maybe you don’t wish to be a starting point guard. Maybe you just want to come off the bench and score a few points and help your team win! As African American professional women you ...