#TBT: Best of 2016

On December 29, 2016 By Melba V. PearsonIn Good Vibes2 Comments

voting 2016

Hi RLD Family,

As we bring 2016 to a close, I wanted to share the stories on the blog that were the most popular this year. I’ve put the link to the post in the title, so go ahead and click to read it again…or for the first time if you missed it.

Let’s begin the countdown!

#5. Don’t Leave America, Fight For It!

This Presidential election definitely brought out some strong feelings — and the outcome came as a surprise to many. I shared my thoughts as to “where from here” and my resolve to fight for what is rightfully mine as an American. My forefathers planted trees on this land, and I intend to stay and enjoy the fruit of their labor.

#4. An Open Letter to Bill O’Reilly on Slavery

My response to the crazy and factually incorrect comments regarding slavery made by Fox News host Bill O’Reilly appeared in the Huffington Post. It remains the most commented on and liked piece that I have done so far. We must be vigilant to make sure that those who wish to revise history, whitewashing it and trying to minimize the effect it had on this nation, are held to task.

#3. My Take on Police Shootings

This piece was published in the Huffington post as well. It was in response to some of the horrific shootings by police that we saw this year. Not every case merits an arrest; if an officer can articulate legitimate reasons for being in fear, then the shooting is justified. The focus must remain on deescalation tactics to reduce the number of fatal shootings, and shining a light on those shootings that are not justified to ensure that everyone is equal under the law — facing consequences when the law is broken.

#2. #LoveWins: Interracial Relationship Realities

An innocent and sweet Old Navy ad featuring an interracial family drew the ire of Internet trolls. As a result of the racist backlash, many families started to post pictures showing what love is. I was no different; not only did I post pictures of my husband and I, but I penned a piece to discuss some of the challenges that we face as a couple. At the end of the day, as long as you have a love and communication, you can overcome anything!

And the number one post of 2016 on the Resident Legal Diva is:

#1. Goodbye My Dear Friend…

This was one of the toughest pieces for me to write. Actually, writing it wasn’t that hard; reading and sharing it was the difficult part. My friend suddenly passed away earlier this year, and left a hole in my heart that can never be filled. This was a tough year for me with regards to friends and family transitioning to the next life. All we can do is cherish those we love while we have them, mourn those we have lost, and keep them alive in our hearts through our beautiful memories.

This year I also took a gander at vlogging! I did three videos — check out the links below.

So for 2017, what do you want to see on the blog? Do you want to see more articles? More Diva Talks videos? More Diva Reads where I discuss articles of interest that I have been reading? I’d love to hear from you, sound off in the comments below.

Wishing you a happy, healthy, prosperous, and amazing New Year. I’ll see you on the flipside!

createherstock-christmas167-isha-gaines — courtesy CreateHerStock

Don’t Leave America, Fight For It!

On November 9, 2016 By Melba V. PearsonIn Legal News, Pop Life1 Comment

the-white-house — photo credit Stephen Melkisethian

I am an African American woman in an interracial relationship.

I have never been so terrified about the state of affairs in our country.

Last night, we elected a new President, who has alienated a variety of groups with his rhetoric, and has given a voice to the white supremacist right.

I know what that hate looks like. I’ve endured the nasty looks with attempts to demean my relationship. I’ve endured attacks on my credibility and ability to perform as an African American attorney (subtle as well as blatant). I have seen the eyes of resentment of my success as a professional woman of color.

Read the rest in the Huffington Post.

My Take on Police Shootings in Huffington Post

On July 11, 2016July 11, 2016 By Melba V. PearsonIn Legal News2 Comments

Please see my latest article addressing the violence we have seen in recent weeks in the Huffington Post.

THE BLOG

Usually I Wait.

When there is a high-profile case, a police shooting, something that has tensions and emotions riled up. I wait. I wait until all the evidence comes in, I try not to rush to judgment, I wait in order to look at things as objectively as possible.
Then I saw the Falcon Heights shooting video.
And I cried.
I cried for a woman that I do not know and have no connection to. I cried, because I watch her come to the realization that her boyfriend has just been killed right in front of her. I felt her agony as a victim of crime.

See the rest here.

I’m in the Huffington Post!

On June 16, 2016 By Melba V. PearsonIn Good VibesLeave a comment

Check out my latest piece in Huffington Post “I’m Melba with the Good Hair”!

Hair: a woman’s crown and glory.

As a little girl, I could not wait until I got to the eighth grade. For my eighth-grade graduation, my mother finally straightened my hair. To me, that meant I was a big girl. I can now do all those fun styles, rather than wear my hair in a more conservative braided style.

For six years after that, I struggled with my straightened hair. I roller set it, I did an “S” Curl (cousin to the Jheri curl) and did a variety of styles, none of which made me happy. Finally, in my junior year of college, I found braids. The heavens opened up and angels sang — what liberation! Other than the 14 hours I spent in the salon getting the braids done, I felt so free! Finally, I could wash and go. No curling irons, no blowdryers, no horrible smell of chemicals burning my scalp in an effort to conform.

See the rest here.