MadameNoire Business continues its coverage of SXSW with our writer on the ground and on the scene — Mary Pryor, aka the Urban Socialista — who’s reporting on some of the hot panels, sights, and sounds. We’ll be posting her coverage from the conference over the coming days.

Photo: Bayyina Black

This year’s SXSW Interactive conference featured a panel on called “Digital Penetration: Love & Sex for Overachievers.”  One of the panelist, Arielle Loren, stuck out as a strong voice on these matters. As founder of a sensual magazine entitled, Corset, I connected with Arielle for some quick ways that we can be honest yet discreet with what it takes to approach your partner and others when it comes to bringing up what some might call “taboo” conversations.

MadameNoire: How can one dive into the mix of the even speaking about desire and all of the things that come with being freely expressive?
Arielle Loren: Participate in public conversations. Every day, Corset Magazine asks a question on our Facebook page to prompt our readers to share their stories with each other. So many of our fans have written us to say just how much they enjoy participating in our conversations and how much they benefit from others being open.

MN: What if you have apprehensions about putting all of that out there?
AH: Start a private Facebook group with your girlfriends. I was reading an amazing blog post by Ev’Yan Whitney [where she suggests you]…[c]heck in with your girlfriends… and create a private Facebook group where you can all share.

MN: Where can one start? Any recommended online portals or groups that I should visit?
AH: There are so many dynamic women of color who are organizing and advocating for our sexual empowerment. Some of my favorites are the Brown Girls Burlesque, Blue Butterfly Women, and the Women of Color Sexual Health Network. Support them.

MN: What about the brothas? How can I get my man into this type of thing?
AH: Join co-ed conversations and discuss pleasure with our men. Pangeas Garden celebrates afro-sensuality, empowering co-ed dialogue and sharing intimate photographs of us with each other and our men. They’re quite amazing.

MN: How can I kick it up a notch in the bedroom?
AH: Pay attention to companies invested in your pleasure. Kandi Burruss is trailblazing as a black female owner of Bedroom Kandi. Support her online and connect with her pleasure movement.

MN: What about safety, trust, and feeling comfortable health wise with your partner?
AH: Get answers to your questions and information related to sexual health. The Internet is bigger than Google, and there are plenty of women of color who want to empower you to express yourself safely. SuzyKnew is another one of my favorites.

MN: Any lastly tell me why should I read or recommend Corset Magazine to others?
AH: Use online to go offline. Corset Magazine has organized its readers online and I’m traveling to meet them in 20 cities across the world. This is just one example of how empowering online conversations can transcend into real life. And there are countless other opportunities to meet more black women who want to express and honor their sexual selves, just like you.

MadameNoire Business continues its coverage of SXSW with our writer on the ground and on the scene — Mary Pryor, aka the Urban Socialista — who’s reporting on some of the hot panels, sights, and sounds. We’ll be posting her coverage from the conference over the coming days.

Photo: Leslie Hassler Studio

One of the most interesting panels during this year’s SXSW Festival happened to be focused on how and what to do when racism and people who we affectionately call “haters” give their take on content produced for and by people of color. “Racism on YouTube”, a panel hosted by Blacks in Tech in association with the South by Southwest programming committee, featured stand out comedienne and popular YouTube vlogger, Franchesca Ramsey. We sat down the next day to discuss her thoughts and she shared a list of lessons learned when it comes to battling online “trolling.”

If you are a Web video star in training or looking to launch your Web series, the Internet can be a wonderful place, but it definitely fosters a space where expression is limitless. Do not be discouraged, keep producing great things but learn when and how to fight what battles so you do not end up damaging your brand.

Madame Noire: What is the number one thing a person should note when it comes to fighting online negativity?
Franchesca Ramsey: Do not feed the trolls! Racist commenters usually troll the Internet looking for people of color to harass online. If you avoid responding, oftentimes they will get bored and move on.

MN: What is the emotional make-up of a “troll?” How do you define a “troll” in the first place?
FR: People that are not happy in their offline life tend to turn to trolling to fill the void. Oftentimes, the people saying racist things do not even necessarily believe in what they are saying. They are just looking for attention they do not get in real life. When you keep that in mind, it is easier to avoid indulging those people all together.

MN: How do you maintain focus when you have to battle hate while producing content for an audience that respects your engagement with them?
FR: That is the bonus of it all. Focus on the positive. For every negative comment, respond to five positive ones instead. At the end of the day, responding to online negativity takes you away from your audience. Try not to be too hard on yourself. You are human and it is not easy to be the bigger person online. You are not a bad person if you defend yourself and you are not a weak person if your feelings are occasionally hurt.

MN: When it comes to a relentless online commenter, what can one do if the hate does not stop?
FR: If you just cannot avoid responding to racist comments (trust me, I know it’s hard) come up with a strategy ahead of time that will save you time and energy. Decide what types of things you are willing to comment on and try to find a balance between blowing off steam and keeping a level head. “Trolls” thrive on attention, so the goal is to respond with a witty comeback all while keeping your cool.

MN: Sometimes you have to take the boxing gloves off and fight back! What kind of tools are out there for that?
FR: Blocking. Do not be afraid to block. You might need to block someone to drive home the message that you are not going to give him or her that kind of attention.

MN: Would it be better to just be rid of the drama and set up your social platform of choice to block or hide negative feedback? What is the best way to do that?
FR: If you are like me and don’t want to see [negative] comments at all, set up email filters for certain keywords so those messages skip your inbox all together. Here’s how to set up filters in Gmail.

MN: One can assume fighting ignorance with laughter is one’s best bet.
FR: Most definitely! Just laugh! The best of the worst comments are always filled with misspellings and grammatical errors. For whatever reason, illiteracy continues to plague the racist troll community. Instead of getting upset, laugh at their stupidity.

MadameNoire Business continues its coverage of SXSW with our writer on the ground and on the scene — Mary Pryor, aka the Urban Socialista — who’s reporting on some of the hot panels, sights, and sounds. We’ll be posting her coverage from the conference over the coming days.

Photo: Denver Louis

SXSW provided the opportunity to catch up with astronaut and the first African-American woman in outer space, Dr. Mae Jemison.  Her presence leaves everyone in awe of her beautiful mind. Today, she has the responsibility of leading the 100 Year Starship project. This might sound like something from a science fiction novel: Dr. Jemison’s role in the 100 Year Starship project is to help change the world by leading an effort to send and sustain humans in interstellar space travel within the next 100 years.

On a deeper level, Dr. Jemison wants to help humans be better people and make an impact against the stereotypical images of African-American women. The goal in that effort is to uplift and encourage our community to take responsibility for our media perception. It is time to create and share images that display our dreams versus what we see on television. “You know what’s really amazing about kids is that they keep trying despite what adults tell them. How do you get other images in front of them? What can you point them toward that can get them to see other possibilities?”

“Were making choices as to what kind of worlds we are leaving our children. The media is also making choices as the what kind of images we are leaving for our children to see,” she added.

In December 2011, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) selected a team led by Dr. Jemison as the winner of a $500,000 grant. Dr. Jemison, whose partners included the Icarus Foundation and the Foundation for Enterprise Development, won with a proposal called “An Inclusive, Audacious Journey Transforms Life Here on Earth and Beyond.”

“I felt I could do this and the reason to do it was because space had to more than something we read about,” she said. Many of the major advancements in technology have been developed from products that were meant for space exploration. From the global positioning satellites (GPS) and the satellites that help cellular phones operate to new materials used in modern fashion. “The challenge of traveling to another star system could generate transformative activities, knowledge, and technologies that would dramatically benefit every nation on Earth in the near term and years to come,” Dr. Jemison added.

Dr. Jemison’s overall purpose for leading projects such as the 100 Year Starship is to how people see the world through increased inclusion. She strongly feels that images make a difference. “The media gets to choose what type of images that are placed in front of us. Is it valuable to put to other images in front of us? In front of little girls? In front of grown men? People use to ask me what difference did it make that I was the first African-American woman to get into space. And I have to tell them it is impactful for older white males to see someone like me. They may be making a decision about scholarships or jobs and they need to see that other images are possible.”

How can you get involved with this project? Visit 100yss.org and sign up for news alerts. The project is also hosting a symposium in Austin, TX in September. Thought leaders, experts, trendsetters, and anyone who believes in the overall mission of 100 Year Starship are invited to join in a discussion that will lead to new advancements that will shape the organization’s work for years to come.

“I want to see everyone talk about 100 Year Starship. I want this to get as much love and support as something that you would see on a Real Housewives or the latest celebrity. We have to show that other things are possible. If we don’t we start truncate dreams and imagination.”

With so many people converging on Austin, TX, the city probably could use as many hotel rooms as it can produce. The Syfy channel is here to help.

The network has created a pop-up hotel in an Austin parking lot to promote its upcoming show Defiance. According to info we received, the hotel provides modest rooms, but round-the-clock concierge, twice daily maid service, a communal lounge, an interactive bar (in case you were wanting more than just a cocktail), and the chance to play games and otherwise get the Defiance experience.

The show, which debuts on April 15, is about an Earth of the future (the year 2046), where aliens are now members of the population. Defiance used to be St. Louis, and after two newbies come to town, things start to happen. Cast member Jesse Rath is in the photo above.

Unless you plan on spending a lot of time in the room, I’ve never really understood the point of having a large or expensive hotel room. All you need is a clean bed, a shower, and a safe place to store your stuff right? Or are you into more luxe accommodations?

Mayor Booker talking about his healthy eating efforts alongside First Lady Michelle Obama just last week. AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

Newark’s Mayor Cory Booker has used social media as a major tool for reaching out to his constituents. With his run for New Jersey Senator, he’ll likely continue to rule the Twitterverse.

“Mayor Booker’s message was clear, focus the future of government about modernizing systems and making it look much more like the 2.0 world that we live in today,” Mike Street writes for Black Enterprise.

In addition to his political work, Mayor Booker is also the founder of Waywire, a social network focused on video.

For more about the Mayor’s social media activity, and why he does it, click through to BlackEnterprise.com.

MadameNoire Business continues its coverage of SXSW with our writer on the ground and on the scene — Mary Pryor, aka the Urban Socialista — who’s reporting on some of the hot panels. We’ll be posting her coverage from the conference over the coming days. 

Photo: Mary Pryor

Say what you want, but ABC’s Scandal and its plot twists and turns corner the social TV market at 10 p.m. on Thursday nights. While Twitter serves as the most active social platform, online personas such as Kimberly Ellis (@DrGoddess), Franchesca Ramsey (@chescaleigh), Luvvie Ajayi (@luvvie) are driving a good deal of buzz and conversation within the “Black Twitterati” space and beyond based on their social engagement activities.

Their panel during South by Southwest introduced the main player behind Scandal’s social strategy success, Allison Peters (@_missallison_). Noted for getting Kerry Washington to take the leap on Twitter along with fellow cast mates, Allison’s genius has changed the game and is causing a few waves in the casting and television development industry.  Actors for future shows are being assessed by their social engagement activity and are encouraged to be ready and available to speak to fans when it comes to promoting and discussing their involvement in a series.

When it comes to reaping the social success of online conversations, panelists said they are using audience reach and impression measurement tools as ways to amplify their brand online.  Platforms such as Vizify, Tweetreach, and Crowdbooster were recommended as the best ways to gauge if, when, and how best to jump into conversation mode online. The rewards of social engagement can dramatically impact future reach for a budding Twitter influencer, such as Franchesca Ramsey, who noted that she has seen gains of 100 to 200 followers each time she shares her thoughts about the show during episode airtime.

Tech by Superwomen founder Cat Posey (@catpoetry) asked Peters how this influencer movement will change social TV strategy.  “Is this a model that can scale? As second-screen commenters, how can a brand interact with what you are doing online?”

“This is definitely a game changer. Companies such as Nielsen, a known television ratings and engagement firm, are making upgrades on their platform to monitor online viewership and social TV reach. Casting actors directors are checking your social platform reach,” Peters replied.

Ajayi commented on how brands can reach out to online influencers and drive conversation around product placement as part of strategy plans while fans interact online.

“Product placement is a big part of Scandal and advertisers need to infuse engagement into their social commentary as part of a way to share the conversation. No one is talking to us from this industry and I feel like it is a missed opportunity,” she said.

For every “ratchet” or controversial moment that happens during this show, keep in mind that someone out there is watching, and it is rewarding to see how voices of color are driving the change in media industries. Hopefully this will bring diversity to television programming across the board.

Read more coverage of SXSW on MadameNoire Business here and here. And you can follow  Mary Pryor, the Urban Socialista, on Twitter.

As we mentioned this morning, SXSW has taken over Austin, TX and the news is already breaking. (It’s trending on Twitter right now.) MadameNoire Business is lucky enough to have a writer on the ground and on the scene — Mary Pryor, aka the Urban Socialista — to report on some of the hot panels. We’ll be posting her coverage from the conference over the coming days.

The Naturally Social panel. Photo: Mary Pryor

The natural hair care movement has grown rapidly within the past ten years.  As African-American hair care products evolve from servicing just one type of hair texture or consumer, there are several opportunities in the marketplace for individuals to find their own ways to educate each other about what is tried and true, catered to a variety of hair types and personalities.

At this year’s South By Southwest Conference, Franchesca Ramsey (YouTube beauty vlogger and comedienne), Myleik Teele (Curlbox), Jamala Johns (Le Coil), Kristen Braswell (Carol’s Daughter), and Patrice Yursik (Afrobella) led a panel called, “Naturally Social” and shared several ways that a dedicated person can jump into this niche, yet profitable space.

How to go natural, the social way:

• Join Tumblr – Tumblr has a large and dedicated audience of users and readers who share and post content focused on beauty, hair, fitness, and fashion.  Post photos and links to some of your favorite styles and products. Try to be mindful of using original content and not stock photography. Share your story and drive authenticity when discussing certain brands and products to your audience.

• Tweet Away – Twitter is a major platform that bloggers are using in order to tell their natural hair triumphs and tribulations. Keep in mind that Twitter growth potential takes time and every exchange online should be viewed as a chance to engage.

• Be Unique – Curlbox’s Teele doesn’t just post pics. The site posts pics of fans showing off their curls and locs. Learn how to develop an overall community for your brand. Creating a community of loyal followers who consistently engage with your content and buy your products will turn into a goldmine.
• Be Authentic – “Being authentic works,” said Teele. The more authentic your voice the more you will be able to be seen as a resource for your target demo. “Reaching out to bloggers that have engagement, trust and influence. Engagement means everything!” Teele added.
• Always Measure – As mentioned by panelist Francesca Ramsey, “If you see a mass grouping of awareness around one product, don’t be scared to question that.” Think to yourself, “Is this an authentic opinion of what you use or a massive campaign spend by an advertiser.”
• Pay Attention to Emerging Tech Platforms – Instagram and Vine are some of the top favorites by many of the panelists. Instagram’s functionality and scale provides exposure to vast audiences. Vine, although still new to the social platform scene, could be utilized as a way to display quick hair tutorials to your audience.

View this niche market with open eyes. As the need for natural hair care products and awareness rises within the African-American community there is ripe opportunity to jump in and create a name for yourself by creating content that stands outside the box.  Brands are watching but be choosy. The wrong spin can go the wrong way if you are looking at this market for just money-making potential.

You can check out Mary Pryor, the Urban Socialista on Twitter.

Africa, Tech & Women: The New Faces of Development" panelists (left to right) TMS Ruge and Liz Ngonzi discuss the role of women in Africa's tech space (Image: Winston Ford)

Many people’s view of Africa is outdated, and, quite frankly, inaccurate. The Western world continues to be shown images of poor, uneducated women in villages with no access to the modern world.

Where are the progressive images of young women using social media to share their stories, or women heading technology companies in places like Nigeria and Kenya? These questions were asked at Monday’s panel “Africa, Tech & Women: The New Faces of Development” at this year’s South by Southwest Interactive Festival. Led by Project Diaspora co-founder TMS Ruge, the hour-long discussion shed a different light on the role of women on the continent. The panel featured such notable figures as Vice President of InMobi AfricaIsis Nyong’o and Ebele Okobi of Yahoo!.

Read the rest at BlackEnterprise.com

(Black Enterprise) – South by Southwest (SXSW), Austin, Texas’s annual music, film and technology conference which just wrapped this past Sunday, is known as the birthplace for some of the most innovative ideas in the world. The interactive portion of the conference is where Foursquare was founded and where Twitter took off.  Aside from acting as the jump off point for some of the world’s most popular tech companies, SXSW does in about five days what all of Silicon Valley can’t do in a year. They attract a crowd of web developers, software engineers, bloggers, and budding entrepreneurs that are relatively diverse in terms of race and gender and the conference  provides a platform where others can take their work and opinions seriously.  Before you sing their praises too soon, they still have a long way to go. The overwhelming majority of the attendees, speakers, panelists and company owners at SXSW are white and male. But this year, black men and women made it a point to network with one another, participate in sessions, and some even pooled their resources to form a company, design a website, develop backend code, and seek venture capital in less than 48 hours while at the conference. That was the case for Wayne Sutton.

Read More…

by R. Asmerom

In the past year, the lack of African-Americans in Silicon Valley has been well-documented. But no one needs a report or study to really understand how much Blacks are lacking in the behind-the-scenes action of the tech space.  It’s a deficiency of sorts that doesn’t make sense considering our capacities to tap into the market.

The experience of Kiratiana Freelon, editor for BlackAtlas.com and author of “Kiratiana’s Travel Guide to Black Paris,” may very well reflect the perceptions that deter greater African-American involvement.   “Even though I had gone to Harvard, attended the same colleges as these tech superstars [like] Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerberg, I never in my life thought that I could apply my ideas to technology and create something until last year.”

The life changing moment for Freelon came at the SXSW 2010 festival, where she witnessed a pitch event involving a myriad of enterpreneurs who had built web apps and tech companies.

“It made me [ask myself] ‘why am I not considering starting a tech company as well?” she said. “I was always thinking of myself as a blogger, a video blogger or a social media enthusiast. It made me realize that all that tech people were doing were solving problems. Although I didn’t have the tech abilities to code a problem, I still could partner with a tech person to develop an idea that solves a problem and helps people.”

Not only did the experience change Freelon’s approach to her own media career but also ignited her passion to encourage more African-American to pursue tech entrepreneurship as she witnessed the dearth of Black figures representing in tech. With that,  her “100% Viable, 1% Visible” project was born.  She presented her findings about the lack of African-American participation in Silicon Valley and the opportunities for improving participation at the most recent SXSW festival.

She extrapolated on a 2010 study conducted by MIT MBA student Allen T. Lamb which researched why African-American led companies were so far behind that of its white and Asian-led counterparts. Among other things, the study showed that African-American headed companies are underfunded from the start and many African-American entrepreneurs live outside of tech centers.

“There’s not enough minorities in the Slicon Valley ecosystem – the people who are funding the companies don’t get to know African-Americans personally,” said Freelon. “If you are going to play with the big dogs, you gotta live there, be [amongst] them.”