Hi AALBC fam! I was watching this video on YouTube, Comedian Shuler King and Pharaoh Head Part 2. And while I was listening to him drop knowledge, I thought about how much I missed this forum. It is funny how you can go through life and acquire a bunch of skills, knowledge, and still not know how to use them until you add LOVE. I feel like that sometimes, like I ask What's the point?   Then, I remembered whenever I lost my balance, my family would fill me up with love, give me that pick-me-up, and I would get energized. But it hit me, there was still something missing. It was the part I felt while listening to Shuler. I remembered when I'd come right back here, get into some battle of wits, and then I'd remember who I am completely.

AALBC forum is like drinking from the chaotic and primordial waters of NUN. I'd come here to fight with @Pioneer1 - every time I do, I learn so much about myself, thank you! or see my whimsical self in my twin, @Del @Delanoadmire the wit of @Cynique @aka Contrarian,and I get energized to know how strong and brilliant women can be! I recently wondered if I'd recognize @ProfD if I heard him whispering in a library or lecturing in front of a class. You are such a mystery that I feel like I know you.  Just this morning, I sent energy to, @Chevdove so she will finish her book. She is the one who needs to tell the story of African Adam!. I am proud of my alumni @Troy. Dude, you are an inspiration to me! I'm enjoying watching you beat your dreams into submission. @richardmurray you make me crazy with your projects, but please know I enjoy your enthusiasm! @frankster we haven't engaged in debate, but I'm glad you're here. You echo many of my beliefs and remind me to uncover their origins. @harry brown 's commentary through prose and poetry is a great wake-up call... I could probably go on and name many more if I searched through my memory, but  I'm about to go skipping back into the world again. Thank you, thank you, each and every one of you, even the ones I missed and didn't list, thank you for sharing your Love! 
 

Sista @Mel Hopkins, it's always great whenever you decide to plop into your chair in the proverbial coffeehouse that is AALBC.  Always appreciate your contribution to the discussion.🤗

 

I don't work in academia or the ministry but if/whenever you run across a 6 foot, well dressed, nice watch wearing, bald-headed Black man pontificating about anything in a lecture hall or pulpit or playing the piano, that could be your brotha from another mutha.🤣😎

@Mel Hopkins  thank you 

I am glad you are well and happy and I hope you have more love in your near or far future than you dream

These are trying times Twin. Reaching deeply into the Magic Bag
@Mel Hopkins

@Mel Hopkins You are so beautiful inside and out!

You bring so much positive energy to this community and to the world!

 

Mel

Now here I was thinking this thread was dedicated to me personally, only to open it up and see a whole pack of OTHER names tagged in the OP...lol.

Always a pleasure when you drop by and kick it with the fam, young lady.

 

 

I'd come here to fight with @Pioneer1 - every time I do, I learn so much about myself,

Maybe you learn more about yourself, but clearly you aren't learning much about ME or you wouldn't waste so much time arguing with me...lol.

But hey.....lol....whatever it takes to get your attention.

love is all I bring cause that is all I have.....love

 

 

 

On 8/17/2025 at 7:35 AM, Pioneer1 said:

Maybe you learn more about yourself, but clearly you aren't learning much about ME or you wouldn't waste so much time arguing with me...lol.

This is why comprehension is so important. Mel is learning more about herself talking to (notice I didn't say with), hence it isn't a waste of her time.

You are a very kind and sweet person @Mel Hopkins with the ability to find the beauty in everyone. Thank YOU!

On 8/21/2025 at 4:35 AM, Troy said:

You are a very kind and sweet person @Mel Hopkins with the ability to find the beauty in everyone. Thank YOU!

That's so true. She always manages to  portray me so much nicer than I am .🥴 

Different facets for different faces

Hey Fam!  I shared my heartbreak with all of you; now here is my joy! 
 
Mom, my twin daughters' father, my oldest daughter, Cheyenne's (my daughter who passed away) childhood bestie, is in the family photo with us. I love her so much, and me sitting next to my oldest twin daughter!

My daughter married the love of her life in August, and we all got to share in their transformative weekend celebration.

😍 

 

Here's me getting ready for the wedding and checking my rearview🤭  . Yes, this is a very current photo!!

And that's my gorgeous mom!!! Yep, she's in her 80s!!! 

8 hours ago, Mel Hopkins said:

My daughter married the love of her life in August, and we all got to share in their transformative weekend celebration.

Sista @Mel Hopkins congrats to your daughter, son-in-law, you and your family on the milestone of a wedding. 

 

8 hours ago, Mel Hopkins said:

Here's me getting ready for the wedding and checking my rearview🤭  . Yes, this is a very current photo!!

And that's my gorgeous mom!!! Yep, she's in her 80s!!! 

Both you and your mom are living proof that Black doesn't crack.😁

 

I wish the newlyweds a great life together.😎

12 hours ago, ProfD said:

I wish the newlyweds a great life together.😎

Brotha @ProfD Thank you! 🫶🏽 I finally got a son!  💃🏽 And they're magical! I felt like singing "I never knew love like this before"  because it is inspiring to see them together.  They lift each other up! 

Ahhhh  man.....

Lol....
Mel why did you have to go ahead and post those lovely pictures????

You know how jealous "you know who" is, around here!

You know how "you know who" likes to be the center of my/male attention around here!

Now you're going to sit up there with a smile on your face and post some  pictures of yourself???

 

 

....with some silky soft shoulders????



Shiiiiiit, you MIGHT have just made yourself an enemy....lol.

Mel those were truly beautiful pictures.
I'm not just talking about you and your family but seeing all of those attractive well groomed Black folks dressed up and acting in concert for your daughter's wedding is phenomenal.

It's something that you don't see much in the AfroAmerican community now a days and it's very much welcomed.

I really mean that.

I'm also glad that your mixed daughter chose a handsome intelligent looking Black man.
Judging by how he's standing and looking....I'd say he either has his own business or WILL have one soon.
He has that determined look in his eyes.
 

 

....yes, nice pictures.

Your 80-something year old mother isn't bad looking either!


Hey Mel, I have an idea  


If she's not seeing anybody.....
Why don't you, me, ProfD, and Mama-Mel Hopkins....all meet up and go on a double date!

I'm sure Mama Mel  would find ProfD interesting!
I'm sure he's a GREAT conversationalist.....LOL.


PS....tell your White ex to take his hand off of her shoulder!
We don't play that around here.

@Mel HopkinsI apologize for not being more verbal in my response to your latest post. It really is gratifying to see you happy again and I wish you and the newyweds all the best! 

Everybody looks great! 🫶

Wait a minute......

 

6 hours ago, Mel Hopkins said:

I felt like singing "I never knew love like this before"

And the title of this thread is called "Missing You"

Either this is a coincidence or somebody is a Faith Evans fan....lol.

 

24 minutes ago, Pioneer1 said:

Faith Evans fan.

I was singing in "Stephanie Mills," but you are correct, I also like Faith Evans!

1 hour ago, aka Contrarian said:

It really is gratifying to see you happy again and I wish you and the newyweds all the best! 

Everybody looks great! 🫶

Happy Birthday @aka Contrarian 🎂 

Thank you! I'm much better. I'm glad they went ahead with the wedding; it had a way of allowing us a weekend filled with Joy! Of course, I'm missing my Cheyenne. So, when fall arrived,  I planted wildflowers. 🌻

5 minutes ago, Mel Hopkins said:

I was singing in "Stephanie Mills," but you are correct, I also like Faith Evans!

Man that woman is short...lol.

I've seen her in person on a few occasions.

Cute as a button and always smiling.
But short AF.
Smurf size.
 

4 hours ago, Pioneer1 said:

Mel those were truly beautiful pictures.
I'm not just talking about you and your family but seeing all of those attractive well groomed Black folks dressed up and acting in concert for your daughter's wedding is phenomenal.

Thank you!  The wedding party was so lovely! Both Chels and hubby have lifelong friends from college and before  -and these youngins' were just so beautiful! It's funny that you wrote "mama mel," for my mom, because that's exactly what they call me.

And yes, the groom's family has run several businesses, so running a business is a family tradition. However, he did step away to work in the West Wing of President Obama's Administration. My new in-laws are down-to-earth and successful. And I can tell they adore my daughter. But let me stop telling their business 😊

12 minutes ago, Mel Hopkins said:

Thank you!  The wedding party was so lovely! Both Chels and hubby have lifelong friends from college and before  -and these youngins' were just so beautiful! It's funny that you wrote "mama mel," for my mom, because that's exactly what they call me.

And yes, the groom's family has run several businesses, so running a business is a family tradition. However, he did step away to work in the West Wing of President Obama's Administration. My new in-laws are down-to-earth and successful. And I can tell they adore my daughter. But let me stop telling their business 😊

I honestly am glad to hear (read...lol) this.
This is what I call Black success.

I'll also repeat that I'm glad your daughter chose to marry and spend her life with a Black man, especially a successful one.

When people ask me do I consider mixed children "Black" or part of the AfroAmerican community, I say it often depends on who they choose to pro-create with or marry.
You may not be able to help who your parents were (some believe you chose them but...that's a different topic...lol), but you can choose who you decide to align yourself with.

I know you're from the New York area, not sure where you raised your daughters but was that downtown Chicago where that picture was taken?
That looks like the Sears Tower in the background.
 

33 minutes ago, Pioneer1 said:

I know you're from the New York area, not sure where you raised your daughters but was that downtown Chicago where that picture was taken?
That looks like the Sears Tower in the background.

Yes, that's Chicago; my daughter's new family is from old-school Chicago. In fact, her grandfather-in-law was a writer and journalist who was inducted into the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame. Frank London Brown - Wikipedia

Mel

Now wait a minute.....
Don't Cynique have a bunch of grand children running around the Chicago area around that age????

Be careful....

Your daughter just MIGHT have married your family into Cynique's family somewhere down the line....lol.

Don't be surprised if your new son-in-law invites you over to Chicago for Thanks Giving and you end up having dinner at a house with a big ass hornet's nest posted in the front yard!
 

Pioneer just can't control his compulsion to imagine silly scenarios. Wonder if there's a name for this psychosis.

Guess his need to be in control just makes him mentally unbalanced.

Thank you for sharing. Lovely photos, I really like the last one. You have a really naughty elf look, and your Moms has that no you didn't look.

 

8 hours ago, aka Contrarian said:

Pioneer just can't control his compulsion to imagine silly scenarios. Wonder if there's a name for this psychosis.

 

 

Hmmm, let me see if we can come up with a "name" for the ability to imagine different scenarios.......

I got it!

It's called:



 

I said you have a compulsion to "imagine", and "compulsion" is the operative word. Everbody has an imagination but yours is contaminated by your malevolence.

Furthermore your imagination is not aesthetic or creative, it's trite and crude. You're not a wit, you're a buffoon. Also a bore.

Fortunately for you, the world laughs at fools.

 

12 minutes ago, aka Contrarian said:

 

Fortunately for you, the world laughs at fools.

 

Which is why YOU missed your calling, as a stand-up comedian.


        CYNIQUE'S ONE NIGHT STAND



"Hey yall.....
Welcome to my 1 hour Comedy Special:
Bee Hive Bustin' Is A Dirty Job, But Somebody Gotta Do It."


You would have reached billionaire status the way they would have laughed at you....lol.

Bee hiving is not a dirty job, Dummy. Honey is clean and pure. Bees are an endangered species and are very important to the environment and the balance of nature..

Their hives should be left in tact. 

 

Btw. I'm  a fan of Lunelle. She ain't no billionaire, however.

On 10/4/2025 at 3:00 PM, aka Contrarian said:

@Mel HopkinsI apologize for not being more verbal in my response to your latest post.

I won't speak for Mel, but I'm sure an apology isn't necessary...
We know why you couldn't formulate an immediate congratulatory response when you first saw those pictures....lol.

 

 

We all know you, Cynique!

 

It probably took you a half a day just to cool down and CALM down and get your thoughts together before you could type out ANY half-way decent response to her....lol.
 

@Pioneer1Ooooh, pluleeze. Nobody knows or cares about "Cynique". She's a ficticious character who exists in your imagination. 

You're back to grasping at straws and conjuring up phony scenarios, trying a different tact to throw shade on "Cynique".  Who appointed you the "Seargent- of-Arms" on this board? And the foolish inappropriate things you had to say to Mel  were better left unsaid. You're such a lecher.

 

Mel and I have a special bond - on another level. That's why we were in perfect sync when it came to Serena and everything else. She knows I think she's a rare, special person. Not a phony busybody like you who wants to manage every situation he intrudes himself into.

 

 

aka Contrarian Contradiction

 

13 minutes ago, aka Contrarian said:

And the foolish inappropriate things you had to say to Mel  were better left unsaid.

But when Delano said she looked like a "naughty elf"....lol....I guess THAT was more appropriate huh???
You apparently thought THAT was funny and witty...lol.

Anyway.....

If you feel that yall have a "special bond"  together, then why did you feel the need to apologize for not actually posting more of a response, earlier?
 

Why aren't you calling out Troy and Chevdove and Richard and Harry and Frankster and Ubraquist for not responding to Mel's good news the way you imagine they should have?

 

You need apologize to Mel for injecting all of your far fetched silliness  into her celebratory  post.

aka Contradiction

 

Why arent you calling out Troy and Chevdove and Richard and Harry and Frankster and Uberquist for not responding to Mel's good news the way you imagine they should have?

Because I didn't have any expectations or imaginations about how they "should" have responded, in the first place.
Everybody reacts to good news and bad news differently, it's not up to ME to decide if their responses or lack there of were appropriate or not.....lol.

Personally, I think they all were happy to see those pictures regardless as to whether they posted anything or not, but that would be just a presumption on my part because I don't know what's in their heads.
I KNOW I was.

I only targeted YOU because you sounded guilty AF by apologizing for not saying more earlier....LMBAO.
 

 

 

 

You need apologize to Mel for injecting all of your far fetched silliness  into her celebratory  post.

If she actually took offense to it....and she didn't....I WOULD have apologize.
However:

1. Unlike you...I'm a MAN
She's not going to take offense at certain things I say because she knows I'm teasing her in a flirtatious and not offensive way.
But if YOU said the same things, YOU may have to end up apologizing though...lol
Which leads me to my next point....

2. Unlike you....I have common sense and instinctively know WHAT to joke and tease people about and WHAT NOT to joke and tease people about and I'm surgically careful to sometimes come close to the edge without crossing certain lines.

YOU haven't perfected that art yet....lol.

Which is also why I used to joke with and play rough with some of the other female posters like Sara and still maintain an amicable or neutral relationship with them while you ended up bitter enemies with them...lol.


*In actuality, the only thing we both COULD apologize for....if Mel takes offense to it....if bantering back and forth with eachother in this thread.
But me knowing the little bit I DO know about her, she probably finds it more amusing than annoying.....lol.

@Pioneer1Take it from a 92 year old whose been around the corner a coupla of times, you aint shit. Nothin but an ego-driven, lyin, jive-assed nigga, talkin a lot of smack, pattin yourself on the back for nothin, tryin to take a victory lap and fallin flat on your face. smh.

Common sense, hell.  I would tell you to "get real".  But you can't,  because you have a personality disorder. Get outta here.  I find nothing about you to admire. And never have. LMAO.

 

On 10/4/2025 at 5:46 PM, Pioneer1 said:

Now wait a minute.....
Don't Cynique have a bunch of grand children running around the Chicago area around that age????

Be careful....

Your daughter just MIGHT have married your family into Cynique's family somewhere down the line....lol.

Don't be surprised if your new son-in-law invites you over to Chicago for Thanks Giving and you end up having dinner at a house with a big ass hornet's nest posted in the front yard!

How beautiful that would have been!  I guess you don't know how I long for a big family!  @Cynique @aka Contrarian' has a big family that I could only envy!  🤗😊❤️

15 hours ago, aka Contrarian said:

You need apologize to Mel for injecting all of your far fetched silliness  into her celebratory  post.

OMG, this is bringing me so much joy! I'm so thankful! This exchange feels like you all are celebrating with me!  

 

Not that you all are wedding crashers, but it reminds me - do you know we had actual wedding crashers at the celebration? I didn't think folks really did that 😆

On 10/5/2025 at 8:11 AM, Delano said:

I really like the last one. You have a really naughty elf look, and your Moms has that no you didn't look.

Twin, that is me and my mom, BUT in reverse! My mom says what's on her mind, and I'm like, "OMG, please stop." I don't remember what we were chatting about, but I'm sure it was something that embarrassed me 😆

aka Contradiction
 

Take it from a 92 year old whose been around the corner a coupla of times

No thanks, I won't "take it" because I don't want it...lol.
 

Age aside...
I'm sure ANY woman who's been on the corner and around the block a few times has "something" to give a man...lol.
Probably something he doesn't want and may need a prescription to get rid of...lol.
 

Keep it.

 

 

 

 

Mel 

 

How beautiful that would have been!  I guess you don't know how I long for a big family!

🫣....yeah, but not with the ADAMS FAMILY.


 

((snap snap))

 

 

 

do you know we had actual wedding crashers at the celebration?

 

Gurl, SHUT THE F....front door!!!!

 

Say what???

 

Tell us all about the throw down over in Chi-town...lol.

On 10/3/2025 at 12:05 PM, Mel Hopkins said:

Here's me getting ready for the wedding and checking my rearview🤭  . Yes, this is a very current photo!!

And that's my gorgeous mom!!! Yep, she's in her 80s!!! 

 

BEAUTIFUL!!! 

You are so pretty. Your Mom is gorgeous and I can see the resemblance.

The wedding pictures are so lovely.

 

Well, pioneer (who can't beget a family)  has checked in and done his thing. The same ol, same ol. The usual comments with sexual  innuendo and, of course, the stock photos of people who have nothing to do with who he's talking about.

 

Sorry, but I only give his attempt one star.* He voided the scenario he came up with  in his first attempt at being funny. 

 

@Mel be sure to check out Chevdov's comments that were posted at the same time I posted this.

 

12 hours ago, Chevdove said:

BEAUTIFUL!!! 

You are so pretty. Your Mom is gorgeous and I can see the resemblance.

The wedding pictures are so lovely.

@Chevdove Thank you! How have you been? Let me share my secret! This look is one part personality and three parts @ruthdavisbeauty - you can find her on Instagram - she is a goddess! And goddess enchancer!  

Where is our fearless leader? Still waiting for Troy to show up?

Got this one last night! 
I forgot. The photographer owns this copyright. I removed it from my YouTube channel. 🫥

Edited October 13, 2025Oct 13 by Mel Hopkins
copyright

32 minutes ago, Mel Hopkins said:

Got this one last night! 

Sista @Mel Hopkins, thanks for sharing the video. 👏🏿

 

Beautiful couple and ceremony and display of Black excellence. 😎

 

 

That was beautiful and very professionally done.
Looked like something out of Hollywood.

Looks like something out of a Tyler Perry movie WITHOUT the alphabet agenda stirred into it...lol.



Mel

Are you sure that was a "white man" you got with?
But for real though.....

His skin is White but I was looking at his nose and lips.
Is he Jewish or Italian????

He ain't no WASP

2 hours ago, Pioneer1 said:

Mel

Are you sure that was a "white man" you got with?
But for real though.....

His skin is White but I was looking at his nose and lips.
Is he Jewish or Italian????

He ain't no WASP

How rude and insulting can you get?

9 minutes ago, aka Contrarian said:

How rude and insulting can you get?

Listen, why don't you shut the lid on that....garbage can of yours.

I wasn't insulting that man.
I simply asked what was his ethnicity.
He just doesn't look like the typical every day plaid shirt wearing White man.

....need to MYOB

18 minutes ago, Pioneer1 said:

Listen, why don't you shut the lid on that....garbage can of yours.

I wasn't insulting that man.
I simply asked what was his ethnicity.
He just doesn't look like the typical every day plaid shirt wearing White man.

....need to MYOB

You  are who needs to mind their own damned business!! You  have ZERO class.  You have no right to ask Mel those questions!

On 10/7/2025 at 9:44 AM, Mel Hopkins said:

This look is one part personality and three parts @ruthdavisbeauty - you can find her on Instagram - she is a goddess! And goddess enchancer!  

 

Thank you!

 

 

11 hours ago, Mel Hopkins said:

Got this one last night! 

 

That is one of the most classic and fabulous wedding celebrations that I have ever seen!

Oh My Gosh! I don't know how many times I have watched this.

@Mel Hopkins I can't imagine how happy you must feel!

Your daughter and her husband are so incredibly beautiful.

Again, you look amazing. 

 

2 hours ago, aka Contrarian said:

How rude and insulting can you get?

 

LOL!

Okay... @Pioneer1 Come on! 

But you are right on one count, that wedding look like a movie; As if it was straight out of Hollywood. 

 

 

15 hours ago, Pioneer1 said:

That was beautiful and very professionally done.
Looked like something out of Hollywood.

Thank you.
And that's funny! But nope, the ex is French/German.