Divabetic Salutes Shirley Brown

“You can go around all your life singing stuff that’s just basically a song,” Shirley Brown said. “But I think you are supposed to relate to what’s happening—inner feelings.”

Shirley Brown sang in church in West Memphis, Arkansas, until she was discovered at age 14 by Albert King, blues guitarist, and singer, singing at the Harlem Club in Brooklyn, Illinois. She worked with Albert for nine years (where he was her manager) and rubbed elbows with Soul luminaries such as Johnnie Taylor and Little Milton.

Blues legend Albert King persuaded Shirley Brown to sign with Stax Records and release her smash single “Woman To Woman.”

Soul Express Magazine describes Woman to Woman as a milestone in the history of Southern soul music. Starting with a dramatic rap, it tells of a woman determined to hold on to her man and tell it over the phone to her rival.

Hello, may I speak to Barbara. Barbara, this is Shirley. You might not know who I am, but the reason I’m calling you is because I was going through my old man’s pockets this morning and I just happened to find your name and number. So, woman to woman, I don’t think it’s being any more than fair than to call you and let you know where I’m coming from.”

Woman to Woman, lovingly referred to as the soul soap opera, was written by James Banks, Henderson Thigpen, and Eddie Marion. The songwriters offered the song first to Inez Foxx, who passed on it. “She didn’t want to do it. She felt like the rap part in the beginning of the song was for a male artist, and a song like that with a rap would be better for a person like Isaac Hayes,” James Banks told Soul Express.

The song’s recording took more than one session. But Bobby Manuel, who played guitar on the sessions, said, “The recording session (for Woman to Woman) was magical. We all knew it was a hit record. Everybody was really excited.”

Shirley was nominated for a Grammy for Best R&B Performance, Female, but Aretha Franklin and Ain’t Nothing like a Real Thing won that year.

Millie Jackson, who was also nominated in the same category that year, told QuestLove on his podcast that Aretha should have been excluded from being nominated in that category because her recording failed to meet the qualifications.

“Woman to Woman” reached No. 1 on the R&B charts and No. 22 on the pop charts. The song proved so popular that Country Music legend Barbara Mandrell covered it, and Lonnie Youngblood talked to Barbara and blew his horn on the mid-tempo answer song, Man to Woman. A year after the song’s success, Stax Records folded.

Shirley Jones chased her dreams to New York City, where Clive Davis signed her to his Arista Records label. . “I was one of the first soul singers he (Clive) signed. I was there before Whitney and Aretha. Clive said that if we could ever get the right material, we could have a hit. But he felt that the material was too Southern. He didn’t want that Southern soul sound.

Clive and Shirley Brown didn’t agree on the direction of her music. “Clive Davis wanted me to do a Bette Midler song or something like Barbra Streisand. I could probably sing those kinds of songs, but I didn’t feel them.”

In early 1977, Shirley’s first Arista single, a soul ballad called Blessed Is the Woman (With a Man like Mine) was released. “I’ve always been a great admirer of Aretha Franklin,” Shirley Brown admits. Some people feel that Shirley Brown and Aretha Franklin are similar to the Isaac Hayes/Barry White situation.”

Some speculate that Clive felt she sounded too much like Aretha Franklin, and he jeopardized her career to boost Aretha’s.

“Clive wanted to make Shirley like Whitney, “says Bobby Manuel. “He wanted to take somebody that had those chops, who could sing like that… and take them pop. The marriage really didn’t work. He was sending us pop songs, and she just wasn’t into them.”

Luther Vandross loved Shirley Brown. I would buy up all her albums in the UK for our tour bus and his dressing room.

After Shirley left Arista, she signed with several other labels. She continues to make beautiful music. Some wonderful songs in her catalog include “I Ain’t Gonna Tell”, “Love Is Built On A Strong Foundation,” and the soul ballad “I Need Somebody to Love Me.”

Join us for our Luther Vandross: Never Too Much birthday celebration featuring a Music Panel, Fashion Show, Luther Trivia Games, Live Performances, Style Vendors, and Live DJ on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.

Come dressed in your Big 80s Bling!

Luther Vandross was known for wearing rhinestones, silk tuxedos, and tailcoats on stage and Versace, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Tom Ford off-stage! He wasn’t afraid of bright colors, animal prints, geometric patterns, and fringe. His style and incredible showmanship brought him legions of fans worldwide.

We’re celebrating the Glitz, Glamour, and Romantic Elegance that made his concerts memorable and set him apart from other entertainers.

MUSIC PANEL: Luther’s Vocalist, Cindy Mizelle, Luther’s Choreographer, James Ervin, and Graffiti Glamour Makeup Artistry Founder Alicia Mitchell give us a closer look into the Shine of the Rhinestones, Big Luscious Hairstyles, Bold Makeup, Graceful Moves, and Tight Harmonies comprising Luther’s iconic stage shows. Hosted by Max Szadek.

FASHION SHOW: Designers showcase their gorgeous creations inspired by Luther Vandross’s romantic elegance. See the latest styles from Harlem’s Heaven and Modafleur, among others! Hosted by Catherine Schuller.

LIVE PERFORMANCE: Luther’s most iconic songs performed by Luther’s most iconic songs by vocalist Keith Anthony Fluitt.

STYLISH VENDORS: Shop for apparel, jewelry, and teas from a dazzling array of small entrepreneurs.

COCKTAILS & LITE BITES: Enjoy signature cocktails and delicious appetizers.

09/20/2023

Karyn White Spreads Joy At City Winery

Last night, I saw Karyn White at City Winery in New York.

For those too young to remember, there was a moment in the late 80s when Karyn White was right up there with the best of Janet Jackson, Jody Watley, and Miki Howard. She became the first female artist to have her first three solo releases hit #1.

Her iconic R&B singles: “Superwoman,” “Secret Rendezvous,” “The Way You Love Me,” and the Billboard Hot 100 number one single “Romantic” are part of the soundtrack of my life.

I was looking forward to the concert, but I was a bit hesitant. Karyn White disappeared from the music industry as quickly as she arrived.

Her career took off like a rocket after signing to Warner Bros. Records, where she was paired with Babyface and LA Reid on her debut album. Karyn White hit the jackpot.

Her platinum-selling debut made her a star right out of the gate, quickly becoming recognized as one of the best releases of the New Jack Swing era.

She worked with Jimmy Jam and future husband Terry Lewis on her sophomore album, Ritual of Love.

Sadly, lOL reports her absence from the industry was partly due to a terrible divorce from the love of her life and icon, Terry Lewis, and her mother’s death. On the upside, she started an acting career.

Back to seeing the show. I arrived at City Winery feeling a bit apprehensive. Recent lackluster Miki Howard and Regina Belle performances will do that to you.

However, I’m happy to say that from the moment Karyn White stepped on stage, she had me. She was so exuberant and enthusiastic about being in New York and performing. I couldn’t help but feel her joy even though I was sitting in the back row. Her voice was strong, vibrant, and full of emotion, And at 60, “The Queen of New Jack Swing” held her own with two much younger backup vocalists. New Jack music isn’t kind to the knees of people over 50, but she turned it out.

I yelled, “YASS, QUEEN!”

I’d love to restructure her setlist, add a few cover songs, let go of her dancers and dress her in a fabulous gown.

If Karyn. White’s in town, I recommend going to see her!

We’re celebrating Divabetic’s 12th Year Anniversary of Podcasting with musical inspiration from Babyface and music from his A Closer Look album courtesy of SONY Music. Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDCES, FADCES, Ivan Hampden Jr., and Collage Artist Tom Cocotos. Hosted by Max “Mr. Divabetic” Szadek.

Our musical inspiration, Kenneth Edmonds, known professionally as Babyface, has written over 250 top-10 R&B and pop hits, working with Beyoncé, Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion, Luther Vandross, and Whitney Houston.

“The blessing of being able to write music and let the music speak for itself is you let the melodies and the lyrics and the groove talk to people instead of me talking to people,” says Babyface.

What makes Babyface so great? His ability to craft a song that touches our emotions captivates our ears and perfectly harmonizes every word. It’s a rare gift that not many people have in music.

“I would say that I’ve been lucky. Being blessed and not really ever giving up,” says Babyface.

Thank you for allowing us to be part of your diabetes wellness journey! We’re looking forward to sharing more insight and advice on diabetes self-care from experts and peers, along with more great music in the next year!

09/18/2023

Patti LaBelle’s New Attiude About Living With Diabetes

I coined the phrase “Divabetic” watching Patti Labelle on stage during a Luther Vandross Tribute show in New York City in 2003. She said, “Diabetes doesn’t have me. I have diabetes.” Her bold, outspoken attitude about living with diabetes inspired me. I wish more people would adopt her approach and speak about living with diabetes. Informing your friends, co-workers, and family members about how to treat high and low blood sugar levels doesn’t just help you. It helps them, too.

Talking about diabetes isn’t always easy. But opening up could help you with coping with diabetes if you need it. If I had known more about my boss, Luther Vandross‘s type 2 diabetes, maybe I could have helped prevent his stroke from occurring.

Hopefully, Patti LaBelle’s iconic song, New Attitude, can inspire you to talk about your experience living with diabetes.

It can be hard to get started, or it’s just not the right moment. Maybe it’s easier to deal with your diabetes alone.

Help Us Light the Way During National Diabetes Awareness Month (November)

Approximately 96 million American adults—more than 1 in 3—have prediabetes. Did you know that over 80% don’t know they have it? Prediabetes increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

This November, join Divabetic’s Blue Candle initiative and encourage your friends, co-workers, and family members to be screened for pre-diabetes. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offers a quick, easy online Pre-Diabetes risk test.

Prediabetes Risk Test

Be by their side when they check, and share your experience of living well with diabetes so they can see that living well with diabetes is possible. Together, we can help others come out of the dark, address their diabetes health status, and start living their lives to the fullest.

Clarence Waldron talks about his stroke, recovery, working as Senior Editor and Writer of Jet Magazine, and his memories of Luther Vandross and Aretha Franklin.

Twenty years ago, Clarence interviewed Luther’s mother, Mrs. Mary Ida Vandross, for Jet Magazine after Luther suffered a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes.

Clarence’s story is an excellent reminder of why it’s essential to ACT F.A.S.T. if you or a loved one is experiencing a stroke. The acronym FAST (Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time) has been used by the National Stroke Association, American Heart Association, and others to educate the public on detecting stroke symptoms. Earlier treatment results in a greater chance of recovery, a reduced likelihood of permanent disability, and a lesser need for extensive rehabilitation.

You’ll quickly hear Clarence’s upbeat attitude and ferocious appetite for music and divas have served him well during his recovery. Throughout this podcast, we feature music from Aretha Franklin’s Get It Right album and Luther Vandross’s Live At Radio City Music Hall 2003 20th Anniversary Edition album courtesy of SONY Music.

We’re sharing excerpts of interviews from our favorite Divabetic podcasts over the years.

This excerpt is from our Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis Turnaround podcast with Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, CDCES, CHWC, FAND, and gospel singer Pat Lacy.

Jill Weisenberger is recognized internationally for her expertise in nutrition, diabetes, and prediabetes. She worked as a nutrition counselor, diabetes educator, and health coach in hospitals, research, and private practice settings. Jill helps leverage resources, recipes, and scientific insights to find better ways to improve eating and smart living, reduce the risk of mismanaged diabetes health-related complications, and support better health. Jill Weisenberger is the author of Prediabetes: A Complete Guide, 2nd edition, Diabetes Weight Loss Week By Week, 21 Things You Need to Know About Diabetes and Your Heart, and The Overworked Person’s Guide To Better Nutrition. Additionally, she offers the Prediabetes Meal Planning Crash Course, Prediabetes Turnaround, Type 2 Eating Guide, and a Stick With It Video Course. Gospel Singer

Pat Lacy, who has worked with The Sounds of Blackness and Luther Vandross, shares her experience living with type 2 diabetes and how she modified her lifestyle to take charge of her health. This podcast features music from Pat Lacy’s upcoming gospel album, I’m Taking You To Church.

Click this link for the full Prediabetes & Type 2 Diabetes Turnaround podcast.

07/24/202307/24/2023

A Little Respect by Lorraine Brooks

Enjoy this poem, A Little Respect, by Lorraine Brooks. Lorraine shared this poem on Divabetic’s podcast inspired by Aretha Franklin.

Over the years, Lorraine has shared poems shedding light on society’s shame and blame directed at people with diabetes’s size and shape. Aretha Franklin struggled with several undisclosed issues (pancreatic cancer, type diabetes, tobacco use) and fluctuating weight issues throughout her career. It’s been reported that at age 34, Aretha started yoyo dieting with alternating weight loss and gain.

A LITTLE RESPECT by Lorraine Brooks

Look at me.

Look at the pain

In my eyes.

All that you see

Is my

Overweight size.

Inside is a person

Who needs to

Be heard.

Needs to let go of

The hurt

I’ve incurred.

I’m not uninformed

And I’m not unaware.

I am not lazy

And yes, I DO care.

I haven’t abandoned

My health or my needs.

I’ve just redefined

What it means

To Succeed.

I am not here

To live up to your charts

Or conform to your standards

For my body parts.

It’s not called depression

It doesn’t need meds

I won’t go to blazes and

I won’t drop dead.

I don’t have the answer

To all of life’s queries,

I don’t want to hear about

All of your theories.

Just treat me with value

As part of the clan

And do not compare me to those

Smaller than.

Look at me

Look at the smile

I reflect

And treat me with love

And a little

Respect.

Enjoy this episode of Divabetic’s podcast with music from Aretha Franklin.

Aretha Franklin was considered the legend of legends, a groundbreaking singer with the fortitude to transcend race and genre, using voice as the bulldozer to break down every barrier set up in her way.

Aretha’s health journey sparks a discussion about the uncertain connection between pancreatic cancer and diabetes. Long-standing diabetes can be considered a risk factor for pancreatic cancer. It causes a modest increase in the risk of 1.5- to two-fold. Other risk factors for pancreatic cancer include smoking, chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), family history of pancreatic cancer, obesity, and specific genetic syndromes.

Guests include Poet Lorraine Brooks, Dr. Wendy Satin Rapaport, Diabetes Strong’s owner Christel Oerum, Beautyphonics CEO and “Beneath The Makeup” Author Suzanne Perez, Jessica Clark, and Trisha Artman.

This podcast features music from Aretha Franklin’s ‘Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics’ courtesy of SONY Music.

Diabetes Late Nite is a fast-paced, full-filled hour of diabetes education and wellness advice that encourages listeners to “laugh a little, learn a lot.”

06/14/2023

Easy, Grilled Asparagus Recipe

This is what happens when you serve Grilled Asparagus prepared on an Outdoor Grill – they’re gone within minutes!

I have an intense dislike of peas, but I love asparagus. It’s a good thing, too, because asparagus is rich in minerals and vitamins A, C, and folic acid. It’s a fibrous vegetable that may support a healthy gut, as well as help lower blood pressure.

So easy to make too. Clean, cut, and trim asparagus spears. I like to cut off the white ends – they’re dense and hard to chew. On some pencil-thine spears (harder to manage on the grill), the white woody ends may not tenderize once cooked. On larger stalks, those same ends never soften. However, it’s not necessary to trim asparagus.

The night before, tossed them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Then grill the asparagus for 8-10 minutes over medium flame until soft, and add lemon zest before serving. Delicious!

We’re sharing a few simple swaps to help you live your best life while managing your diabetes on this episode of Divabetic’s podcast. Guests include Catherine Schuller, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RD, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, MEd, NDTR, and Mama Rose Marie. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic.

This podcast features music from Aretha Franklin’s Get It Right and Who’s Zooming Who albums courtesy of SONY Music

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic stops by the 10th annual Big Apple Barbecue Block Party at Madison Square Park in New York City. Hear how everyday people stay on track with their health goals while indulging in summertime fun.

06/08/202306/08/2023

Alexander Zverev Battles French Open Officicals About Injecting Insulin in Public

Imagine competing for one of the tennis world’s biggest titles and being told you can’t take your life-saving medication during a match because it looks weird.

At this year’s French Open, tennis player Alexander Zverev, who has been living with type 1 diabetes since age three, has struggled with tournament officials’ lack of awareness regarding insulin therapy.

Repeatedly he has been told to either seek medical attention or leave the court during matches when administering his self-care.

Even though many people living with type 1 diabetes are accustomed to getting strange looks from strangers when they administer insulin out in public, it still seems shocking to hear what’s happening at the French Open.

An umpire told Alexander that it looks “weird” if he injects himself on court. As a result, the official said he could not take insulin on court and was required to take a bathroom break instead. However, the French Open has a strict limit to the number of bathroom breaks a player can take under the rules, which Alexander noted could compromise his health, ‘guys, I might have to walk off the court four or five times. Decide what you want me to do’.”

To hear that he’s still winning matches while dealing with these issues is incredibly inspiring. In a previous match against American tennis player Frances Tiafoe, Alexander said there was a “supervisor who didn’t know that I was diabetic,” adding: “I then gave myself an injection, and he panicked and said I had to call a doctor if I gave myself anything.”

I hope Alexander’s brave stance in the face of opposition inspires others to take their medicine or injections as prescribed, even if they have to do it in a public place.

Managing your blood sugars with medicine or injection shouldn’t come with shame. Your health is a top priority, no matter what anyone else thinks. Always remember that.

Delaying your injection isn’t always possible, so you must do what’s best to manage your diabetes. You can’t control how other people respond. However, you can kindly and respectfully explain what you’re doing and why it’s essential if asked.

Thankfully, Alexander shared that this lack of understanding doesn’t happen at every tennis tournament stating, “on the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) Tour, I do it on the court; here (French Open), they don’t allow me to do it,” Alexander told Eurosport Germany.

Let’s rally behind him as he heads into his Semi-Finals match tomorrow and do our part to raise awareness for insulin therapy.

Clarence Waldron talks about his stroke, recovery, working as Senior Editor and Writer of Jet Magazine, and his memories of Luther Vandross and Aretha Franklin.

Twenty years ago, Clarence interviewed Luther’s mother, Mrs. Mary Ida Vandross, for Jet Magazine after Luther suffered a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes. Clarence’s story is an excellent reminder of why it’s essential to ACT F.A.S.T. if you or a loved one is experiencing a stroke. The acronym FAST (Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time) has been used by the National Stroke Association, American Heart Association, and others to educate the public on detecting stroke symptoms.

Earlier treatment results in a greater chance of recovery, a reduced likelihood of permanent disability, and a lesser need for extensive rehabilitation. You’ll quickly hear Clarence’s upbeat attitude and ferocious appetite for music and divas have served him well during his recovery.

Throughout this podcast, we feature music from Aretha Franklin’s Get It Right album and Luther Vandross’s Live At Radio City Music Hall 2003 20th Anniversary Edition album courtesy of SONY Music.

06/07/202306/07/2023

The Boy Is Mine Spotlights Conflict Between People With Type 1 And Type 2 Diabetes

Twenty-five years ago, The Boy Is Mine by Brandy and Monica reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on June 6, 1998. The rivalry between the two divas on and off the record seems to parallel the tension between people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

“Initially, when I started Divabetic, many people with type 1 diabetes gave me grief about hosting diabetes support groups open to all types of people,” says Max Szadek. “They wanted the group to be for type 1 only. But I have a brother with type 1 diabetes and a family history of type 2 diabetes, so I refused. He adds, “I’m glad I did, too, because the people living with type 1 diabetes mentored those with type 2 diabetes about their daily self-care. They showed people it was possible to live well with the disease.”

The root of disdain between the two types of people living with diabetes stems from the general public’s inability to distinguish between them. We often hear stories about diabetes in the media, but it’s rarely mentioned what specific type they’re talking about. Diabetes is a complex health condition.

The two types may share the same name, but each has distinct characteristics, causes, symptoms, and management methods. By having a clearer understanding of these two major types of diabetes, we can help those living with the disease, promote awareness, foster community, and understand the role that research plays.

Type 1 is a form of diabetes where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.

Type 2 is a form where the body still produces insulin but cannot use it effectively. This is known as insulin resistance. Over time, the demand for insulin overpowers the pancreas’ ability to produce it, leading to an insulin deficiency.

The sheer number of people living with type 2 diabetes also makes people assume everyone has type 2 diabetes. The Centers for Disease Control states more than 37 million Americans have diabetes (about 1 in 10), and approximately 90-95% have type 2 diabetes. Just 5 percent of people have type 1.

Perhaps the fact that it’s not always clear what type of diabetes someone has is part of the problem.

For instance, the typical assumption is that people with type 2 diabetes will be overweight and not use insulin therapy, while people with type 1 diabetes will be, if anything, underweight.

But these perceptions just aren’t always accurate. Around 20% of people with type 2 diabetes are of a healthy weight when diagnosed, and many of them use insulin therapy.

The song was initially written as a solo track for Brandy by Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins. But ultimately, Brandy and Monica recorded the song as a duet to squash rumors of their rivalry. During the song production, Brandy and Rodney decided the song would work better as a duet and were inspired by Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson‘s The Girl Is Mine.

Brandy asked her label to approach Monica as a gesture of goodwill to combat rumors of a rivalry. With her label’s permission, Monica jumped on board, and the single was released in the spring of 1998, quickly dominating the airwaves and climbing to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The official music video of The Boy Is Mine by Brandy & Monica from the album Never Say Never was released in 1998.

Choosing Friendship Over Drama

Sadly the song’s success didn’t translate to love for each other in real life. In a 2012 radio interview, Monica said, “We were young. We could barely stay in the room with each other. By no means was it jealousy or envy. She and I are polar opposites, and instead of embracing that, we used our differences as reasons not to be amongst each other.”

Jet Magazine’s Senior Writer and Editor, Clarence Waldron, shares his experience living with stroke, its recovery, and memories of interviewing Luther Vandross and Aretha Franklin on this episode of Divabetic’s podcast.

Coincidentally, Aretha and Luther teamed up on the duet Doctor’s Orders. Luther and Aretha developed a dynamic musical partnership, leading to beautiful and triumphant music. Luther told Rolling Stone magazine, “Aretha was one of my key influences, as I used to walk to school carrying my school books along with her album!” As time progressed, hits progressed. Jump To: The tag-team duo’s signature classic gave Aretha her tenth #1 R&B album.

Their electrifying duet, Doctor’s Orders, appears on Aretha’s album What You See Is What You Sweat (1991). We are ever so grateful to have experienced the impeccable talents of two gifted, legendary artists.

05/29/202305/29/2023

Sugar-Free Red Velvet Cake Squares Recipe by The Diabetic Pastry Chef

Today, Red Velvet cake, cupcakes, and cookies seem everywhere. But do you ever wonder where the recipe comes from?

My research found that a popular cookbook, The Joy of Cooking, debuted a red velvet cake in 1943. Irma S Rombauer, the cookbook author, shared the recipe but admitted in the text that she doesn’t care for the cake!

However, many researchers argue that red velvet cake predates the cookbook. They believe red velvet cakes were first served during the Victorian Era. Cocoa was used to help break down the coarse flour. As a result, the flour was softer, and the cake was described as velvety. Some argue that the chemical reaction between the cocoa and acid gives the cake its red color. The velvety texture and scarlet coloring led to the creation of Red Velvet Cakes. But the traditional recipe was changed due to WWII food rations. Bakers scrambled for alternative ingredients to use in their recipes. As a result, some bakers chose to use beet juice in their cakes. Beets work as a filler that keeps the cake moist.

I’d also like to add my two cents about the origins of Red Velvet Cake. My research points to Red Velvet Cake having African American origins. The enslaved people believed that the red color represented Christ’s blood and that the cocoa powder would bring them good luck.

Below, our friend, Stacey Harris, known as The Diabetic Pastry Chef, shares her sugar-free version of a Red Velvet Cake. One of Stacey’s surefire secrets to successfully substituting artificial sweeteners in your recipes is using more than one kind. Using two types of artificial sugar substitutes tends to eliminate any bitter aftertaste.

Sugar-Free Red Velvet Cake Squares Recipe by The Diabetic Pastry Chef

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup white whole-wheat flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

3/4 tsp salt

2 Tbsp. cocoa powder

2 cups sugar-substitute of your choice

3/4 cup vegetable oil

2 eggs

1 cup buttermilk

2 tsp pure vanilla extract

2 tsps. red food coloring

1 tsp vinegar

1/2 cup hot coffee

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

Directions

Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl; set aside.

In the bowl with an electric mixer, combine sugar-substitute and vegetable oil. Add in the rest of the wet ingredients and mix well.

Add dry ingredients in thirds to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add batter to greased and floured 9×13″ pan. Bake for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until the cake pulls away from the sides of the pan and the center springs back when touched.

After cooling, sprinkle top with sugar-free confectioners sugar such as Swerve Confectioners. Serve cake cut into squares topped with whipped cream or whipped topping.

Although red velvet cake is generally linked with Valentine’s Day, it is also served at Juneteenth parties. For Juneteenth celebrations, the color red represents the struggle and bloodshed of the enslaved as well as the ultimate resilience of the people.

Clarence Waldron talks about his stroke, recovery, working as Senior Editor and Writer of Jet Magazine, and his memories of Luther Vandross and Aretha Franklin.

05/25/2023

Divabetic Podcast on Stroke

On Divabetic’s podcast, Clarence Waldron shares his stroke, recovery, working as Senior Writer and Editor from Jet Magazine, and his memories of legends Luther Vandross and Aretha Franklin.

Twenty years ago, Clarence interviewed Luther’s mother, Mrs. Mary Ida Vandross, for Jet Magazine after Luther suffered a stroke due to mismanaged type 2 diabetes.

When I was growing up Jet Magazine was everywhere — barbershops, salons, and waiting rooms. The digest-size magazine featured pop culture stories, What’s On TV, Wedding Announcements and Anniversaries, the (in)famous Jet Beauty of the Week, and Jet’s Top 20 Singles.

Clarence’s story is an excellent reminder of why it’s essential to ACT F.A.S.T. if you or a loved one is experiencing a stroke. The acronym FAST (Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time) has been used by the American Stroke Association, American Heart Association, and others to educate the public on detecting stroke symptoms.

Earlier treatment results in a greater chance of recovery, a reduced likelihood of permanent disability, and a lesser need for extensive rehabilitation.

You’ll quickly hear Clarence’s upbeat attitude and ferocious appetite for music and divas have served him well during his recovery.

Throughout this podcast, we feature music from Aretha Franklin’s Get It Right album and Luther Vandross’s Live At Radio City Music Hall 2003 20th Anniversary Edition album courtesy of SONY Music.

Get It Right is Aretha Franklin’s twenty-ninth studio album, released in 1983 by Arista Records. It was produced by Luther Vandross, following his successful teaming with the singer for the Gold-certified album, Jump to It. Album highlights include I Wish It Would Rain, I Got Your Love, and Every Girl Wants My Guy.

09/06/202209/06/2022

Mama’s Kitchen Table Makes For An Unforgettable Summer

Earlier this summer, the song Mama’s Kitchen Table by Ivan Hampden Jr. featuring Paulette McWilliams was a new entry on the UK Soul Chart debuting at #15.

Paulette and I co-wrote the lyrics and Ivan produced the track.

The three of us met while working for Luther Vandross. Ivan Hampden Jr. was Luther’s drummer, Paulette McWilliams was one of his backing vocalists, and I was his assistant.

Before working for Luther, Paulette was in The American Breed who later became Rufus, and she introduced Chaka Khan to them to take her place. She sang with Quincy Jones, featured on Michael Jackson’s “Off The Wall” and has toured with Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, and so many others. She was a guest on Richard Marzetti’s Solar Radio show on June 3, 2022. Click HERE to listen.

Ivan Hampden Jr. is a four-time Grammy winner and, as well as Luther’s albums, has appeared on albums by Ashford & Simpson, Diana Ross, Roberta Flack, The Temptations, Beyonce, Mavis Staple, and Ann Nesby to name some of the more famous ones.

After Luther’s stroke, related to mismanaged type 2 diabetes, I founded the nonprofit, Divabetic in 2003. Since then, I have reached thousands of at-risk people affected by and living with diabetes through live events, videos, and podcasts. I was thrilled to return to music with my friends, Ivan and Paulette. Seeing Mama’s Kitchen Table on the UK Soul Charts brought me so much joy. It was an unexpected but equally enchanting moment in an unforgettable Summer.

I’m also thrilled to announce the three of us teamed up again to write the new Christmas song, Pink Champagne, coming out in late Fall.

“Pink Champagne is dedicated to anyone experiencing a painful heartbreak during the holidays,” says Paulette McWilliams.

Breakups are hard. But the holidays seem to magnify the loneliness of heartache: parties with everyone coupled up, romantic Christmas music and movies, and those annual Christmas letters brimming with friends’ burgeoning families. The airwaves are filled with upbeat holiday classics leaving little room for sadness and contemplation.

Pink Champagne is a story of a woman’s journey from victim to victor at Christmastime. A mindset that Paulette believes can help someone with a broken heart find fulfillment.

“You can’t experience the joy of the holidays unless you let go of the painful emotions instead of holding them in,” she says. “I hope Pink Champagne helps people who are hurting be able to move on.”

Nancy Wilson’s Guess Who I Saw Today and Marlena Shaw’s Go Away Litte Boy inspired my lyrics and story.

A true classic, Guess Who I Saw Today was written by Murray Grand with lyrics by Elisse Boyd. The delicious, dignified, and elegant Nancy Wilson’s storytelling ability remains unsurpassed. Her timeless tone and delivery satisfy Jazz lovers of all generations.

For the first Lady of Blue Note, Marlena Shaw’s Go Away Little Boy lifted her career to new heights. Her dash of wit and attitude provide a virtual tour de force, a classic moment of 1970’s soul. Marlena’s recording is one part hilarious stand-up routine (a la Millie Jackson or Patti Labelle) and one part slow-jam mood music.