WEEN Launch Party

Last week, WEEN (Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network) hosted their official launch party at Bo Concept in New York City. Celebs and community figures came out to show their support of the organization whose mission is to create "a coalition of women committed to supporting, promoting, and defending the balanced, positive portrayal of women in entertainment and in society." WEEN plans to achieve their mission through corporate social responsibility, media impact and grass roots efforts. We also hear that Kimora Lee Simmons and Joss Stone are lending their celebrity to help the group achieve it's goals.

Valeisha Butterfield, Sylvia Rhone, Russell Simmons

WEEN Advisory Board, Valeisha Butterfield, Kristi Henderson, and Sabrina Thompson, Lauren Lake with Laurie Ann Gibson and Dr. Ben Chavis

Choreographer Laurie Ann Gibson from chatted with The B-Life about her challenges working in the business as a female. She referred to the latest and most-hyped incident with Diddy and Michael Bivins stating that "I was the bigger person by not bringing him to the courtroom". Although we, the public, will never truly know what happened, it's clear that Laurie Ann plans to use all her experiences (both positive and negative) to instill change and positivity. Laurie Ann intends to give back by hosting dance seminars that teach body confidence and creativity to young children.

We also spoke with Dr. Benjamin Chavis, CEO/President of The Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, about his goal is to "raise public awareness about the diversity and empowerment of hip-hop music." He feels that hip-hop is somewhat misunderstood and that our biggest challenge is to "become better advocates of hip-hop music...it transcends race, economics, and geography."

Valeisha Butterfield with Miss USA, Rachel Smith and Mya

The B-Life also sat down with Mya (who was super-sweet and glowing). She plans to collaborate with WEEN to lend her star power and support by spreading the word about this movement and coming together with women who believe that hip-hop music can be a positive. She hopes to work with the organization to fight the stigmas and negative stereotypes associated with the industry. Mya accepts her role model status and will continue to "celebrate sexuality & individuality." As a panelist, she'll focus on teaching young girls about the "many dimensions of women, positive body image, defining success, and self-esteem." (We always loved Mya, but The B-Life is officially sold!)

Terrence J, 106 & Park

Rocsi, 106 & Park

D-Nice & Mashonda

Advisory board member, Kristi Henderson wants to encourage women to log-on to their website to register...the goal is 1 million women. She also mentioned the organization's plans to release a pink list of artists who support WEEN.

To participate, head to www.WEENonline.org for more info.

A special thanks to Nat for helping The B-Life cover this special event.