Starting Your Dreams Later In Life and Embracing the Detour

Jenee Darden speaking at Creative Mornings I know it's been a while since I've posted anything but that's because of my job. I'm working as a reporter covering Oakland and I host an arts segment on the radio where I get to interview amazing artists from around the Bay Area. Plus I'm publicizing my book  and building my speaking career!  You know what's funny? I thought this would all happen by the time I was 27-30.  Nope. That wasn't God's plan for me. I'm finally beginning to do the things I've wanted to do and I'm almost 40 years old. Some people reading this who are 40 will say 40 is still young. But some younger people reading may think 40 is nearly ancient. But I'm writing this post for those who like me, thought their career and personal dreams would come true much early in life. I'm here to tell you not to give up.  You know, death inspires life. A number of my relatives and friends have passed away, ranging in ...
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My Last Day Without You Starring Nicole Beharie Premieres in Atlanta and I Got My Party On

In my last post I told you that a certain blogger kept me out all night in Atlanta. Well, Swirling co-author and Beyond Black & White author Christelyn Karazin knows how to have a good time. She was also in Atlanta for Blogalicious. When she invited me to attend the premiere of "My Last Day Without You"in Atlanta,  I had no I idea I was in store for a fun, long and special night.

I wrote a review of the film a while ago. To refresh your memory, the movie stars "Sleepy Hollow's" Nicole Beharie and the gorgeous actor Ken Duken. Whew that man is fine! Anyway, Ken plays a German businessman named Niklas who is in New York City for one day. He meets a pretty, aspiring singer named Leticia and things get interesting.

Christelyn Karazin and I at the
 Atlanta premiere of "My Last
Day Without You." 
The film has been screened in various parts of the country including: DC, New Orleans, Seattle and Chicago. I would love for it to come the Bay Area (hint, hint to any of the filmmakers reading this).

There were some sistas sitting in the movie theater in front of Christelyn and I. During a scene where Niklas goes in for a kiss with Leticia one of them said, "Oh Lord." Then they giggled nervously, starting texting someone, and one of them turned around to look at me. I don't know why the woman turned to me for help. LOL  However, when Leticia's father embraced a Latina, they didn't react. I understand that I was in the South and maybe black women swirling isn't as common there as in cities like DC or New York. But I find it ironic and sad that many black women are still giving a pass to black men loving across colors lines. While it's still considered taboo when black women do it.

Check out Christelyn's interview with the film's director Stefan Schafer and screenwriter Christoph Silber. The film is inspired by Silber's own personal experience. He met his wife on the subway in Brooklyn.


After the film, Christelyn and I went to Vanquish Lounge for the VIP after party. We kicked it with the director, writer and met Nichole Beharie’s family. She was supposed to attend the screening but couldn’t make it. I’m a big fan of her acting, and one day I will meet her.

I had a lot of fun at Vanquish and everybody was really nice, down the earth. I partied until the bouncers told us to go home. When in Rome do what the Romans do. When in Atlanta do what T.I. said, “Live your life.”

Hanging out with screenwriter Christoph Silber at
the VIP after part to the screening. 
Support this film. Ask AMC to bring it to your city. It’s a really cute romantic comedy and I love cute rom coms. Nicole Beharie and Ken Duken have great chemistry. Maybe that’s why those black women almost died and cried out for the Lord when they were about to kiss. LOL

Follow the film’s Facebook page for updates and to find out if it’s coming to your area. 

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