RBW Spotlight : Sapphire


I don't know how I missed out on this great talent, but I have to highlight her to make sure none of my other RBW's are left in the dark. The buzz surrounding the movie PUSH that debuted at Sundance was based on a book she wrote of the same title and seeing how good the movie looks, I had to get some more info on this woman. I did some research and found out that she is a poet as well and ya'll know how I love my poets.

I couldn't find much information on her. She has no website or blog or anything, but if anyone ever hears of her doing a reading or appearance anywhere in the city, since this is where she lives, please let a sista know because I would love to attend.

I love her grit and grime, and how she is unapologetic about how blunt she is when discussing social issues that we deal with in our community. From this book to her poetry, she never sugar coats the issues, and was adamant about not just letting just anyone turn her novel into a movie, but wanted to make sure it was done right.

Check her out, as well as the cast of the movie including Monique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Lenny Kravitz, and the Director Lee Daniels talking about the film.



Other little tidbits I found interesting about her:

- She used to be an exotic dancer
- Her real name is Ramona Lofton
- She's bisexual

22 comments

The Jaded NYer February 6, 2009 at 9:16 PM

1- I'm SHOCKED that Mariah looks like she actually did a decent job here

2- that scene with Paula made me cry

3- I propose NYC Bloggers make this movie premiere an event when it comes out...

And now I have to go pay my library fine so I can borrow the book (yes- they've banned me again... it's like 1990 all over again... sigh!) and check out other works by this author/poet.

PS- I wonder if she's too big time to get on my show when we do the Poetry Month segment?? lol

Good lookin' out girl!

Mimi February 6, 2009 at 11:06 PM

Great spotlight! :)

I want to see this...this is an issue that our community fails to address.

blkbutterfly February 7, 2009 at 9:49 AM

I read the book in one night several years ago. it is dark, but it's real and a story that must be told. i'll be honest, when i heard Mo'nique was playing a lead role, my heart sank. but, i am liking what she brought to the role.

MICKEY February 7, 2009 at 11:30 AM

I read the book years ago too. It was dark but brutally honest. I cried so badly on certain parts because I knew that there were people where those situations was their reality.

I so happy to see that folks like Mariah and Monique are taking these dramatic parts. And real talk, that one clip of Monique...it looked like she's not going to be playing with this role.

I'm really looking forward to how this will manifest on screen.

Anonymous February 7, 2009 at 12:09 PM

I read the book in high school and it was so good. I had no idea they were doing a movie for this

Keith February 7, 2009 at 1:24 PM

I read the book several years ago..
(I beleive I own it)I'm glad to hear that it's a movie and that my homeboy, Lee Daniels is producing it. (He and I grew up in the same neighborhood...His family lived down the street from mine. )I would
love to know more about this sister. I had no clue what she even looked like before I read your post.She sounds like she's really lived a life. I like people like that...They always tend to be so raw and honest and they create the best art.

Great post E.B. You really do the damn thing over here.. RBW is one of my top 10 favorite blogs.

Eb the Celeb February 7, 2009 at 4:36 PM

@jaded - that would be hot!

@keith - dang top 10... not top 3? lol... I'm joking... thx for the love like always!

Anonymous February 7, 2009 at 4:38 PM

I plan on checking this book out at the library(already reached my 2 limit buying book for the month). I'm currently #1 on the waiting list. Can't wait to read it and see it on the big screen.

Dani B. February 7, 2009 at 6:13 PM

I read this book in junior high and it was very moving. I heard a movie was being made about it, but I didn't know if it would be in the silver screen or not. I hope so because I like what I've seen so far

clnmike February 7, 2009 at 9:13 PM

Very interesting I will have to check that out.

Amber-Alert February 7, 2009 at 10:40 PM

i had to read this book in undergrad (still have it lol) so when i found out about the movie i was like im def going to check it out...the book was very serious, real, and direct she doesnt sugar coat a thing...

Anonymous February 8, 2009 at 2:30 AM

hmmm, this was great!

Urban Thought February 8, 2009 at 12:14 PM

I'll have to catch this when it comes out. That book is still sitting on my shelf. I should re-read it prior to watching the movie.

Thx for the heads up.

ChpterReads February 9, 2009 at 1:10 AM

I read this book several years ago and I also own a copy cause I like it so much. The story line was gritty and the book made you feel so sorrowful for what the main character had to endure.

The book was really well written, it made you think about what else goes on in this world, and how people can be the way they are

I suggest you read this book if you haven't its a great one to add to your collection

Let me know how it goes.

Angel February 9, 2009 at 5:59 AM

I have not heard of the movie or the book over here yet so thanks for letting me know what to look out for :)

Myowne February 9, 2009 at 8:27 AM

Sapphire is a great writer/poet. As graphic as PUSH was, my 17 year old niece read it a year or so ago and it generated some interesting conversation. Her poetry is amazing as well. I am a bit surprised that she doesn't have a website or blog, though. I wish I could see the movie.

Rich Fitzgerald February 9, 2009 at 7:21 PM

Never heard of this artist or her work, but I'm going to change that real soon. Good looking out.

Joya February 9, 2009 at 9:22 PM

I can't wait to check this movie out!

suiteSTL February 10, 2009 at 1:16 PM

I remember meeting her on the plane about 8 years ago on a trip to VA to see...nevermind about that party. I was reading another book and we got into a convo about her being a writer and her asking me if I had ever read her book.

She was cool and I still have that book. Although the cover seems lame and boring the story was filled with sadness and wouldn't allow me to ever put it down. It was one those books you could read in one night

L. Denise February 10, 2009 at 7:42 PM

I LOVED this book & hope the movie comes to DC soon... I got wind of the Sundance Festival late :-(

So proud of her...

HerGoodyBag February 11, 2009 at 9:05 PM

I met Sapphire last week! She is soooo cool! I almost went into extra groupie mode lol

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