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BOBSA EMAIL BLASTS BOBSA has over 3,200 members in the organization marketing email network. How it Works - Create your personalized email blast - Email a .PDF or .JPG format to Sam@bobsa.org - A proof will be sent directly to your email - Request changes or approve email
Your Email will be sent to over 3,200 people nationwide both at the beginning and end of the month.
Price for blast: US$200.00 Please contact Sam Ennon at (650) 863-3491 (Pacific Time) BOBSA can create personalized email blast for an additional $50.00. 
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Is Black History Month Relevant Today?
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Is Black History Month Relevant today? It is a topic that comes up in many conversations today. Many people, black and white, have questioned the validity of its relevance in our society where we have witnessed our first black president of the United States, along with many other gains by people of color. Truthfully, how different are the post-Obama years compared to the pre-Obama years?
They boast that we are no longer living in the '50s or '60s where dogs attacked civil rights protestors or we had to pay a pole tax in order to vote. Many neighborhoods are now open to people of color, providing they can afford to live there, more schools are integrated and job opportunities have greatly improved which can lead to upward mobility. We also see a larger representation of minorities on the silver screen, which should make us feel that we have finally arrived. And don't forget the entertainment and sports arena where the greatest number of black millionaires has been made.
Moreover, let us not forget that it is during President Obama's tenure as holder of the highest office in the free world where we have witnessed the constant berating of this president in spite of his many accomplishments; repeated police brutality throughout our nation; lead poisoning of an entire city with the majority of its citizens being black; the lack of diversity in the selection of actors in the movie and film industry; the disparage of double standard sentencing between people of color and whites; and etc.
However, all that being said, I choose to believe that as black people we have regressed and the fault is largely ours due to our failures to instill our history within our children. Therefore, yes, Black History Month is far more important for black people to remember so our history can be preserved and passed down from generation to generation like in other ethnicities. Unless we leave this beautiful (and often painful) legacy for our children, they will never understand the strength that was required to endure the hardships of slavery; why it is imperative that they continue to fight for their rights; that they should not quit at the first signs of struggles; know they have the intelligence to be creative; how they can accomplished anything by working in unison; that if "Black Lives Matter", then we must respect each other (stop the black-on-black killings); know that everyone has a purpose and is valued in society; and understand that education and voting are great equalizers.
Michelle Carter
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Joshua Esnard Inventor of "The Cut Buddy"
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 Joshua Esnard was born in a beautiful developing country by the name of St. Lucia. His two young parents moved to the United States seeking higher education which eventually landed them as professors for schools like Cornell University and University of North Carolina. The story of his parents influenced Joshua to be a self starter and to persevere. During his youth ages he often drew inventions, built models and broke apart machines to study them. He created his first hair grooming guide when he was 13 in snowy Ithaca, New York.
Joshua now has a degree in Finance from Florida State University and has gained expertise in patenting, professional development, and the music industry. Joshua Esnard has worked on Grammy nominated music teams and even worked on records for Cee-Lo Green. Besides music, Joshua appeared on Dwayne Johnson's hit TV show Ballers in 2015.
Combining all of his expertise led Joshua Esnard to patenting multiple designs of The Cut Buddy hair grooming tool in January 2015, at the age of 28. The Cut Buddy was quickly recognized by Black Enterprise magazine as one of the best start up pitches and ranked Joshua a finalist in the African American Festival at Ravens Stadium.
Joshua Esnard believes The Cut Buddy is more than just a tool. The tool is a symbol for motivation and confidence to strive for your dreams. Joshua often says 'When you look good, you have confidence, and when you have confidence, it drives success'. The Cut Buddy LLC will primarily aim to provide professional development workshops and resources for people who want to reach for their dreams. Go to
http://www.thecutbuddy.com/ for additional information.
Michelle Carter
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Anti-Beyonce's Protest Rally Super Bowl 50
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Joan Samadhi posted the comments below on BOBSA's Facebook page.
Eventbite is hosting a rally to protest Beyonce's performance at Superbowl 50. They are asking you to join in the demonstration on the block of the NFL Headquarters building. Are you offended as an American that Beyoncé pulled her race-baiting stunt at the Superbowl? Click
here for more information about the rally.
Beyonce attempted to make some type of revolutionary statement with this performance/stance. All Black women with natural afros are lined up behind her. I assume that's supposed to symbolize Black women empowerment. However, why is she in the front leading them with a blonde weave? Is that not contradictory and counterproductive? Now, that's not to say Black people don't come in all shades and aren't the originators of blonde hair, but is this picture not promoting Hollywood's standard of beauty? In my humble opinion, this is like Beyonce giving us the same message White America has always given us, you can only be in front if you look like THEM. I love Beyonce as an entertainer, but this makes no sense to me. This is not me bashing Beyoncé, this is not me picking her apart either. This is simply me making an observation & raising a valid question for all of you to consider.
Michelle Carter
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Upcoming Events and New Products
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Nuziri Hair Care
People all over the world would do anything to grow their natural hair and restore its beauty and health. Nzuri Hair Care & Wellness Products aid those who want to prompt hair growth from the INSIDE OUT with vitamins and nutrients. Nzuri also supplies products that promote overall health from fat burners to colon cleansers. No other brand has merged Hair Care & Wellness like Nzuri has!
Visit
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Afro Twist Line
Six new Afro and Twists Product Line No Flake Styling Gel Jar 6oz and Twisting Cream Jar 6oz, Moisturizer Conditioner 8oz and Cleaning Spray For Comb & Sponge 8oz. For more information click here .
Michelle Carter
Editor
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Featured Article
Jose LaCrosby - the Western Addition's
Hairstylist to the Stars
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Jose LaCrosby in his signature cape and derby hat.
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Mr. Jose LaCrosby, a renowned hairstylist and Western Addition resident, passed away on January 29th at the age of 89, according to his neighbor, Jay Majitov.
LaCrosby, who got his start in the 1950s, overcame stereotypes against black male stylists to do the hair of many of the biggest stars of the era, including James Brown, Nina Simone, and Little Richard. He was famous for his work with color and weaves, which regularly appeared in the pages of Ebony and Coiffure magazines.
An Army veteran who served in the Korean War (and received a medal from the Korean consulate just last month), LaCrosby had a long history in the Western Addition. Before redevelopment, when the neighborhood was known as "the Harlem of the West," he used to own a Victorian in the Fillmore. In an era when segregation denied black traveling performers the right to stay in many local hotels, he was known for hosting many artists who came through town.
In his later years, LaCrosby moved to the Midtown Park Apartments, where he resided for over two decades. He is survived by a son and daughter.
LaCrosby was known for cutting a stylish figure. He preferred to wear a matching suit and cape (which he owned in numerous colors), and was never seen without his trademark derby. "He set his own pace there in fashion," said Pat Smith, one of his neighbors. "For years he dressed like that, looking like Sherlock Holmes. He definitely had a flair."
With his stylist's knack for making conversation, he became a community mainstay. "I never saw him pass a neighbor and not speak," Smith said, citing his prodigious recall for facts and relationships. In all, LaCrosby spent 58 years in the hair industry, and was known for exclaiming, "I can't even remember the names of all the famous heads that I've done!"
Before he retired, LaCrosby had five beauty salons spread across San Francisco and the East Bay, all of which have since closed. (One of them, located directly across the street from his home at Midtown Park Apartments, was demolished as part of urban renewal.)
This Wednesday, residents of the Midtown Park Apartments will be holding a memorial protest in LaCrosby's honor. Though he died at the VA Hospital, several neighbors say he was vocal about wanting to die in his home in Midtown Park. However, the stairs to his apartment posed an issue, because the complex does not have elevators.
Residents, including Majitov, allege that Mercy Housing, which runs the Midtown Park Apartments, would not let LaCrosby switch to a ground-floor apartment unless he started paying market-rate rents. The alleged lack of accommodation for the elderly resident has further stirred tenants, who have already been protesting their treatment by the city and Mercy Housing.
Majitov also told us that a memorial service for LaCrosby will be held on March 6th at Third Baptist Church.
Mr. Jose LaCrosby was known as an Internationally and Award Winning Educator, Instructor, Master Sylist, Master Weaver and Consultant. and member of BOBSA. He died Friday morning at 5:30 AM January 29, 2016. Go to http://www.joselacrosby.com/index.html for additional information.
Michelle Carter
Editor
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