The Virtues of BlackPlanet.com

 It all began several years ago while I was on a quest to find out more about a colleague (now former) of mine.  We would run into each other in the office kitchen and talk about life, hobbies, etc., etc.  I did then what I still do now…..I googled him.  Lo & behold, I came across a mention of him on BlackPlanet and I created a 'dummy' profile on the website, so that I could follow him more closely.  Aside from discovering that my colleague was a chubby chaser (a whole other story -- *side eye*), I discovered a whole other side of BlackPlanet that no one ever talks about.

 

I don't even remember signing up for it, but BlackPlanet comes out with a daily email blast that provides links to articles and videos about everything going on in black media, politics, health, spirituality, etc., etc.  This daily email is actually a one-stop shop where you can get all your celebrity gossip, find out the latest news on how politics are affecting the urban community (and ethnic people, in general), stay up-to-date on the latest fashion and health trends, listen to the latest gospel music and get a little inspirational message at the start of your day.

 

Today, like most days, I am focusing mainly on work, but trying to also read a couple of my personal emails on the side and delete some of my junk mail.  While reading today's BlackPlanet email, I came across an article about Denzel Washington and how he told his daughter that if she's going to pursue acting, she should model herself after someone like Viola Davis.  He explained that the only way she has a chance of succeeding in Hollywood as a dark-skinned African American woman is to truly be beyond talented at her craft, to the point where she cannot be denied.

 

Of course this one article sends me on a tailspin and I then watch the one-hour actor's roundtable video (Great video & great series to keep an eye on!!!!!), where he made this quote.  I also decide to look up details about his wife and children to get a better idea of what they were all working with.  Well…..in my search, I came across an article that, I believe, if internalized, will make me a better person and a better wife.  Enjoy an excerpt below!

 

Make It Last Forever: Denzel And Pauletta Washington

Feb 9, 2012

By HelloBeautifulStaff

 

Denzel didn't experience love at first sight when he met his wife Pauletta, but a year after the two met on the set of the 1977 film Wilma (in which they were co-starring)–Denzel knew she was something special.

 

Five years later they were married and built a beautiful family together which included four children who are all succeeding in their own right. Three are currently enrolled in college (Tisch, Yale and U.Penn) and one is a professional football player for the California Redwoods in the United Football League. A strong family unit speaks volumes of the family's foundation–the parents. Denzel and Pauletta have been able to take the strength of their own 28 year-old relationship and share it with their children. This couple does more than make it last, they endure and thrive.

 

Why She Loves Him: Pauletta has no problem dealing with the women that come after her man. She told Essence that it would be senseless to be upset with flirting women because Denzel comes home to her. She even takes the flirtation as a compliment. However, Pauletta knows that Denzel's appeal is more than his knee-weakening looks. He's amazing inside and out. Pauletta told Oprah, "I thought he was cute, but I fell in love with his spirit. And then I thought, 'Hmm, not a bad package.'"

 

Why He Loves Her: Pauletta's got the kind of confidence you can touch. When your man is voted by countless magazines, women and even some men as the sexiest man alive, you've got to be one of the most confident women alive. Pauletta is just that. Her confidence is as sexy as Denzel's demeanor and if it's one thing that Denzel loves, it's confidence. On an appearance at the Wendy Williams show, Pauletta explained, "I am so secure to who Pauletta is and my mother raised me in a way to know that who I am. She married me for who I am and I've always felt confident in who I am and it's by the grace of God."

 

Why They Work: Denzel says that love is a marathon and not a sprint. He prepared to put in the work and focus for a long-term love with Pauletta when the two were dating. These two also keep God at their relationship's center. Denzel said in an interview that spirituality is his life and it's reflected on his and his family's lives.  Denzel told The Washington Post that his family is the base that keeps him solid. He added, "Acting is just a way of making a living. Family is life. When you experience a child, you know that's life."

 

Why We Love Them: Denzel and Pauletta share a balanced relationship that boasts love, commitment and respect. They keep it simple. Denzel told Oprah, "When it comes to the kids, I give complete credit to my wife, Pauletta. Early on, we decided that we wouldn't drag them around to all the places I go. Pauletta was the consistent one who made breakfast every day and took them to school. She taught them their prayers." This consummate family unit totally makes us swoon.